Step Into Amsterdam's Wartime Past
Amsterdam is rightly known as a land of art, flowers, and exuberant nightlife. But no trip to the live-and-let-live capital of Europe would be complete without dipping into the history of the city. A perfect place to start is the Anne Frankhuis--the house where Anne Frank and seven other Jewish refugees hid for more than two years during World War II. The tiny secret annex has been preserved exactly as it was in the desperate days when Anne was scribbling the last entries in her famous diary. In addition to the hideaway, visitors can also view a small exhibit on the history of the Holocaust.

An Unfinished Masterpiece
Some of the most gratifying things to do in Barcelona lie in the simplest of pleasures--a stroll through the streets or a leisurely sip of coffee at a cafe. But you mustn't return home without having seen the city's most identifying landmark, Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia. Still under construction, the magnificent cathedral was originally designed by the architect Francesco de Paula del Villar. Gaudí took over the daunting project in 1911 and worked on it full-time for 15 years, until his untimely death in 1926. He was killed in a tram accident, leaving the work unfinished. As it now stands, Sagrada Familia features three enormous facades representing Faith, Hope, and Charity, each supporting four towers dedicated to the 12 apostles. Whatever your reaction to this incredible structure, you'll want to prolong your visit with a trip to the top of the east towers for a stunning view. Also, take time to explore the small museum, where original drawings, models, and photographs tell the story of the architect and his creation.

Cold-War Relic
There isn't much of the Berlin Wall left, but that doesn't mean you should skip it. In fact, no trip to the once-divided city of Berlin would be complete without visiting this symbol of the Cold War. At the time the wall came down in 1989, most Berliners wanted to put the past behind them, and as a result, most of the wall was destroyed (and sold to souvenir collectors in tiny spray-painted chunks). The longest remaining section of the old wall is at the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer, or Berlin Wall Memorial Site. Here you'll find a 70-meter long section of the wall, complete with the accompanying inner wall and no-man's land once patrolled by soldiers and fierce dogs. An information pavilion adjoins the site.

Europe's Largest Synagogue
European skylines tend to be dominated by the spires of spectacular gothic cathedrals. An exception to this rule is Budapest, which boasts the largest synagogue in Europe. With room to seat 3,000, Nagy Zsinagóga, the Great Synagogue, is a masterpiece of Byzantine-Moorish style constructed between 1844 and 1859. The building was desecrated by Nazis during World War II, but was lovingly restored, in a process that took almost 40 years, with funds donated by groups from around the world. The Great Synagogue is so large that the building is not used for services during the dead of winter--it's nearly impossible to sufficiently heat the cavernous interior. There are visiting hours year-round, however. A small memorial in the courtyard commemorates victims of the Holocaust. Students of history may also want to pay a visit to the Zsidó Múzeum (Jewish Museum) around the corner.

The Heart of London
If your European vacation lands you in the sprawling metropolis of London, put down your tea and crumpets, jump on the nearest double-decker bus, and head to the Houses of Parliament for a real taste of British life. Officially dubbed the Palace of Westminster, the complex serves as the seat of English administrative power, and is often thought to be the city's most photogenic sight. It's possible for visitors to stop by the House of Commons to view heated debates or the always-lively Prime Minister's Question Time (though for that you'll have to book tickets in advance). A picture-perfect view of the neo-Gothic buildings can be enjoyed from the Westminster Bridge, where you might also hear Big Ben chiming away. The view is even more romantic at night, when the towers and spires are illuminated in shimmering shades of gold and green.

Picasso's Personal Collection
Visitors to Paris can be easily overwhelmed by the sheer number of museums. Lesser known (and much smaller) than the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée Picasso is a must-see for the modern-art lover. The building itself, which began its existence as the spectacular 17th-century Hôtel Salé, is worth a trip on its own. But the pièce de résistance is the Picasso collection that resides within its walls. It includes a staggering number of the artist's works--230 paintings, 1,500 drawings, and 1,700 prints, covering every period of his long-lived career. The works displayed here were those left to Picasso's heirs upon his death in 1973. There are no major masterpieces here; just the pieces Picasso himself cared enough about to keep. The collection also includes works by Cézanne, Miró, Renoir, Braque, Degas, and Matisse.

The Most Beautiful Bridge in the World
Quintessential Prague can best be viewed from its most popular tourist attraction, the Karluv Most, or Charles Bridge. Make your way through the cramped cobblestone lanes of Malá Strana (Lesser Quarter) to this 1,770-foot-long beauty, bustling with street vendors, performers, and visitors alike. Started in 1357 by 27-year-old Peter Parler, master architect of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, the graceful stone bridge served as the only link between the city's two parts for its first 400 years. Its once-simple design was later adorned with 30 ornate statues (one of Charles IV himself), built from 1600 to 1800. Today, some 75 statues (most of which are skillful copies) stand guard on the bridge. It's a wonderful place to snap photos, enjoy a sunset, and take in stunning views of the Prague Castle.

Get the Royal Treatment
Modern Copenhagen is a lively, vibrant city, but it hasn't forgotten its ancient roots. Copenhagen abounds with atmospheric castles and catacombs. One not to miss is the Christiansborg Slot, or Christiansborg Castle. Originally built in 1441 (and extensively renovated since then), the castle still hosts living monarchs from time to time. The Queen greets visitors in a receiving room so opulent you will be asked to remove your shoes to avoid damaging the floor. Even if she is not in attendance, the rest of the baroque castle will keep you occupied for hours. Other attractions on the grounds include the Folketinget (Parliament House) and the Højesteret (Supreme Court). For a more gothic experience, check out the ruins of the castle's first incarnation immediately below the current structure. The nearby remains of the castle of the 12th-century Bishop Absalon will satisfy any remaining cravings for ancient Scandinavian lore.

A Stirring Symbol of Switzerland's History
A trip to cosmopolitan Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and the country's financial center, wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Grossmünster church, which sits on the banks of the Limmat River. Founded in the ninth century, from where the Reformation was first preached in Switzerland, the austere Grossmünster features characteristic twin spires (each three stories tall) and stands proudly as the symbol of this beautiful city. The church, according to legend, was founded by Charlemagne, whose horse is said to have bowed down on the spot marking the graves of three early Christian martyrs. Its crypts, the oldest remaining part of the structure, date from the late 11th and early 12th centuries. Don't miss a chance to climb the Karlsturm, one of the twin towers, for an unforgettable view.

A Model of Heroic Courage
Florence can boggle the average visitor's mind with its wealth of priceless art and historic architecture from the golden age of the Renaissance. But to miss seeing Michelangelo's David would be a grave mistake. Housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia (Accademia Gallery), the stupendous marble sculpture stands over 13 feet in height, eliciting awe-struck expressions from all who view it. His casual stance, anxious gaze, and meticulously carved form have been discussed throughout the ages, and are sure to keep you and your travel companions comparing notes, as well. It took the young Michelangelo three years to complete the piece, which was then placed on the square that fronts city hall. It was later brought to the Galleria dell'Accademia, where it now resides along with the unfinished Slaves, as well as a host of other impressive works of art.•