Summer is here! Through analysing our data and search trends, KAYAK reveals three lists of European destinations that you want to check out for your 2018 travel to over summer. Here, you will find the trending destinations in Europe, 10 Wallet-Friendly European Destinations For Your 2018 Winter Holiday and also learn about where Europeans themselves are travelling to over the summer.
Here, we’ve uncovered the top 10 trending destinations in Europe for Hong Kongers along with some essential travel information.
Top 10 Trending Destinations In Europe For Hong Kongers
10. Geneva, Switzerland
The home of the Red Cross and one of the UN’s global headquarters, Geneva is a great place to sample Swiss culture, from dipping toasted bread into a bubbling pot of melted fondue to touring the city’s many chocolatiers or shopping for luxury watches at world-famous brands like Patek Philippe.
It has a beautiful old city, which was one of the birthplaces of the Protestant Reformation. You can visit the home of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, walk hand in hand through the Jardin Anglais, or take boat trips on Lake Geneva. And, when the snows come, ski resorts like Chamonix are a short drive away.
Whether you are a history fan, a foodie, or an outdoor lover, Geneva is simply a wonderful vacation destination.
9. Rome, Italy
Rome is one of the most exciting destinations in the world. The Italian capital has it all, nightlife, shopping, fine dining and entertainment, whilst being world renowned for its array of historic landmarks. It’s also an incredibly friendly city. Whether you want to chat over coffee in the piazza or need directions to the Spanish Steps, the locals are more than happy to help. Known as the ‘Eternal City’, Rome was once the stronghold of the mighty Roman Empire. Its timeless charm captivates visitors who flock to the city for romantic breaks, family vacations, and shopping sprees. Built on seven hills and the banks of the River Tiber, the city is a fabulous blend of elegantly crumbling ruins, magnificent palaces and bustling piazzas, ancient cobbled alleyways and glorious open spaces.
8. Athens, Greece
There aren’t many places in the world that can claim as much historical importance as Athens. The cradle of democracy. Home to the first theater. A center of philosophy. Athens has a lot to live up to, and it does so brilliantly. While you shouldn’t miss historical sights like the Agora or the Acropolis, modern Athens has much to offer vacationers, too. After taking a walking tour of the ancient ruins, you can dive into markets like Monastiraki, window shop at boutiques in Kolonaki, hop between galleries in Metaxourgeio, and dine out on healthy Greek dishes at wonderful neighborhood tavernas. Throw the vibrant nightlife and the chance to sunbathe at nearby resorts like Glyfada into the mix, and the result is a fascinating, dynamic, and hard-to-resist vacation destination.
7. London, United Kingdom
London is welcoming, full of history, and constantly changing, making it an exciting place for young couples, families, and solo travelers alike. Stroll along the Thames, take in the book markets on the South Bank, cross over Waterloo Bridge and head across Trafalgar Square. Book tickets to West End plays, climb Big Ben, and enjoy gourmet meals in Soho restaurants like Chotto Matte (Frith Street) or Ember Yard (60 Berwick St). Join the crowds of Londoners as they cheer on soccer teams like Arsenal (in Islington) or Tottenham Hotspur (Edmonton), or buy some English cheese, bread, pickles, and beer and head to beautiful parks, like Hampstead Heath or Hyde Park, for a picnic.
6. Paris, France
Paris is the capital of fashion, art, and instantly recognizable landmarks. There is nothing quite like seeing the city lit up at night viewed from the Eiffel Tower, or watching the can-can dancers at the Moulin Rouge. Known throughout the world as the City of Light, Paris is renowned for its architecture, bridges, cathedrals and parks. With its quaint quartiers (quarters) and small village districts within the city, Paris is charming yet intimate. It is one of the world’s most vibrant cities and a firm favorite with honeymooners. Newlyweds enjoy walking romantically together along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees or the Place de la Concorde. Paris has a real sense of community with its local shops, markets, restaurants, and cafes. The Parisians are very friendly and proud of their city. Shopaholics love to visit Paris, and the city has many international stores like L’Eclaireur, Printemps, or the Galeries Lafayette. Whether you’re jetting off to Paris for a two-week vacation or a long weekend, there are plenty of exciting things to do and see.
5. Milan, Italy
Italy’s second-largest city is a delight for tourists. This elegant, efficient city has an excellent public transportation system, stunning architecture, world-famous works of art, and more designer boutiques than almost any city on earth. Milan offers an endless array of experiences. Attend February’s Milan Fashion Week to see the year’s new trends and watch the world’s elite designers in action. Visit a soccer match at San Siro Stadium, gaze at da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and statues by Michelangelo, or stroll arm in arm along the canals of Navigli, checking out the antique stands, before choosing a welcoming trattoria for your evening meal. With a unique blend of art, fashion, great museums, sporting attractions, food, and street life, Milan has it all, and it’s a wonderful vacation spot.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
There are so many great reasons to visit Amsterdam and it really is a city with something for everyone. The capital of the Netherlands may be compact in comparison with other major European cities, but it packs a lot into a relatively small space. The Old Center and the Canal Ring are a must for history lovers, as are the world-class museums and galleries. Music fans flock to the city for its clubs and nightlife while its unique coffee shop culture is known all over the world. If cafes, coffee shops, and bars are of limited appeal, the city also boasts spacious parks, like Vondelpark in the center of the city, and Ooosterpark close to the Eastern Docklands. Amsterdam is popular with shoppers and fashion fans as well as with visitors who come for historic attractions like Anne Frank’s House and the scenic canals.
3. Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland’s most dynamic city may be compact, but it doesn’t feel that way. Brimming with old world charm, full of luxury stores, Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class art galleries, and nightlife venues, Zurich has everything vacationers could ask for. Art lovers can spend whole days absorbed by the masterpieces on display in the Kunsthaus. Skiers can shop for luxury timepieces in the city center and be on the slopes in the afternoon. In the summer, you can rent a boat and explore Lake Zurich during the day, before taking your seat at the Opera House, and trying gourmet restaurants like Mesa in the evening. Zurich allows travelers to experience the beauty and sporting attractions of the Alps along with the attractions of an upscale, safe, and efficient world city. Not many cities can offer that kind of versatility, which is why so many people fall in love with this beautiful Swiss destination.
2. Manchester, United Kingdom
It’s hardly surprising that Manchester finds itself listed among the world’s top 10 destinations. It’s the UK’s most visited city for overseas tourists after London. It’s also England’s “second city” and the unofficial “capital of the North”. Its vibrant arts scene, its stellar shopping and fine dining, its celebrity appeal, and its LGBT scene are all part of the city’s charm. Manchester is also a favorite with soccer fans, who come to see its two premier league teams in action. And of course, there’s the music and nightlife scene, cultural highlights like the Whitworth Art Gallery and the HOME Arts Centre, the bars and cafes, and the festivals and events that have shaped the modern face of one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
1. Moscow, Russia
Moscow is sometimes known as “The Third Rome” and it doesn’t disappoint. With the amazing architecture and history behind some of the buildings, it’s the perfect combination of contemporary mixed with historic. Everywhere from the Moscow Business District to the Red Square will have some beautiful building or park and a plethora of delicious Russian food options. You’ll be immersed in history everywhere you go, but you’ll also see the signs of modern-day tsars. The people of Moscow are welcoming and kind and can’t wait to show you everything their city has to offer.
*Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.com.hk on 3 May, 2018. The prices are quoted in HKD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
