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100+ Europe Travel Tips for First Timers & Must-Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: November 6, 2023

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Headed to Europe for the first time and trying not to cry?

I get it. You’re probably a hot mess of emotion right now. Between the excitement of ticking off bucket list moments and the anxiety of getting pickpocketed or (possibly worse) getting side-eyed by cool European youths, there’s a lot of potential for stress carbs and sheer overwhelm.

Don’t worry though – I have all the Europe tips you need in this post to keep those first time jitters at bay, and ensure you’re fully prepared for your big European adventure.

So, what are some must-knows before you travel to Europe for the first time? Read on for a full of my best Europe travel tips, after over a decade of travelling around/living on this gorgeous and delicious continent.

NOTE: As an aggressively apologetic Canadian, I must first clarify that these European travel tips are written from a North American perspective, and there are some culture shocks that (while seemingly basic) can really confuse a 1st time visitor, so… yes, this is just me covering all the bases. Enjoy!

Save this list of Europe Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

Europe Travel Planning Tips

Let’s start with some planning-related Europe tips to help you with flights, booking hotels in Europe, choosing dates, the best times to visit Europe, etc. to get you from armchair travel to your real-life dream trip.

Steal my step by step guide to planning a trip to Europe from scratch

This post is full of random Europe travel tips, but if you are looking more for step by step guidance, be sure to check out my step by step guide to planning a Europe trip.

Also be sure to check out my free Europe trip planner book , as well as my free International Travel Checklist for a list of things to do before you travel abroad.

Avoid peak travel times

If you have the luxury of flexibility, I’d avoid visiting Europe between mid-June to the end of August.

Simply put, this is when prices and crowds are at their highest, and (depending on where you go) temperatures during this season can reach a point of salty, sweaty discomfort.

Instead, consider going in the Spring , Fall or Winter!

Avoid European holidays

In addition to avoiding North American holiday periods, be sure to also consider popular European school holidays too.

Generally, speaking longer European school holidays will take place during Easter/Christmas, a very popular time for European families to travel around the continent too.

Yes, Europeans can be avid tourists too. Don’t forget that!

Go for Christmas markets!

Okay, this may be a direct contradiction to what I said above, but one exception I’d make for “peak season travel” in Europe is going to Christmas markets.

This is one of the most magical times to visit Europe, and if you plan your visit for earlier in the season (late November, rather than close to Christmas), you’ll usually be able to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Here are my top must-knows for visiting Christmas markets in Europe if you want to learn more.

Consider getting a travel credit card

I’m going to level with you: no matter how you plan it, even if you stay in hostels and subsist solely on hummus and bread scraps, you will end up spending a lot of money on your Europe trip.

… so you might as well try to reap as many rewards from it as possible!

Getting a travel rewards credit card before booking all your hotels and flights is one of my favourite underrated Europe travel tips.

There’s a million options out there, so I’ll leave the research/choice up to you, but just make sure you’re booking everything on a card that maximizes the amount of benefits you get.

For me personally, I have the Amex Platinum , which yes has a really high fee but at least for the first year it’s super worth it because you get travel credits, travel insurance, lounge access, and most importantly, enough bonus sign-up points to get you a roundtrip flight to Europe from North America! It’s not for everyone, but definitely worth looking into.

Bonus sneaky point hoarding tip: Travelling with friends? Especially if they don’t collect points of their own, offer to book for everyone, then have them pay you back. Whee – free points without needing to spend all the money!

Get a Wise card

If you’re not interested in getting a travel credit card, a handy and free alternative I can highly recommend is a Wise card.

Having a Wise card allows you to “send and spend money around the world at the real exchange rate”, avoiding hidden fees in the process.

It is SO handy for travel, because you can use it for over 150 currencies around the world, and you even get 2 free ATM withdrawals per month with it overseas.

And because your card is linked to your Wise account, you can simply load it up with a minimal amount of money so you don’t have to risk your normal credit/debit cards while walking around.

You can use my referral link here to transfer your first $500 fee-free.

NOTE: I’ve also had a good experience with Revolut when I lived in Germany, but they don’t offer services for Canadians so I can no longer use them.

Focus on one or two countries for shorter trips

Unless you have a lot of time to work with, I would recommend getting to know one or two countries well rather than trying to visit too many countries in one go just for the sake of checking them off your list.

While travelling between European countries can be affordable and quick, hopping around too much can be a sure recipe for burnout and time lost commuting.

Plus, the more you see of one country, the more you’re able to get more off-the-beaten path and find spots you hadn’t heard of before!

Check out my list of 1 week itineraries for Europe if you need inspiration.

Learn all about the Schengen Area

An important must-know for all first time visitors to Europe is that border-free travel doesn’t exist across the continent (as is commonly believed).

Rather, border-free travel apples only between countries in the Schengen Area, this group of 27 countries (accurate as of 2023):

• Liechtenstein
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland 

When crossing borders outside of these countries, you will need to clear passport control as normal.

Understanding this distinction will help you plan how long you can stay in different countries, as well as Europe in general, and give you some insight into logistics like when you’ll need to clear passport control, and which visas you might need for where.

Use your understanding of the Schengen Zone to legally stay in Europe longer

For most tourists, the maximum amount of time you can spend in the Schengen Zone is 90 days out of 180 days .

Simply put, if by the time you leave, you can look back on the past 180 days and say you stayed less than 90 days total, you’re good.

BUT if you want to stay in Europe for longer than that amount of time, you can utilize your Schengen Area understanding to stay longer, simply by including travel to non-Schengen countries.

For example: Let’s say you can only spend 90 days in the Schengen Zone, but you’re allowed to spend 180 total in the UK. You can easily make your European trip longer than 90 days by adding time in the UK, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania or any other non-Schengen country.

Consider more off-the-beaten path destinations

Another benefit of visiting non-Schengen countries is they’re often lesser visited, and filled with some truly amazing hidden gems.

For example, I’m a HUGE fan of Bulgaria. (Here are some of the coolest things to do in Bulgaria that you probably haven’t heard of.)

While I totally understand the desire to see the most popular and best-known destinations on your trip, sometimes visiting these lesser known spots can bring amazing surprises that end up being the highlight of your vacation!

Of course, there’s a middle ground too – you can easily get the ‘best of both worlds’ by combining a hugely popular destination with some side trips to other lesser known places in the same country. These posts might help with that:

• The Best Places to Visit in England (Besides London)
• The Best Places to Visit in France (Besides Paris)

Offset pricey destinations with more budget-friendly ones

If you’re hoping to visit Europe on a budget, but still have some pricier destinations on your bucket list (e.g. Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, UK, Germany, etc.), then a great way to cut costs is to round out your itinerary with more affordable stops (e.g. Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Montenegro, Lithuania, etc.)

This of course makes more sense on longer trips where you’ll be covering a lot of ground, but just remember than some European destinations are MUCH rougher on the budget than others, so mix it up if you’re looking to give your wallet a break.

Alternate between busy and chill destinations

On a similar note, you should make sure your Europe trip itinerary also includes a mix of busy and relaxed places.

One of the biggest mistakes I made during my first backpacking trip was I crammed SO many huge cities into my itinerary, one after another.

But when your itinerary is nothing but European heavyweights like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Rome and Florence… yikes, you’ll be sightseeing your eyeballs off daily with zero chance for breaks.

So, here’s a very important Europe travel tip when planning your itinerary: try to space out the “big” cities with chiller destinations, maybe nature or beach breaks so you have time to rest up before sightseeing like the Energizer bunny once more.

Learn the tricks to getting cheap flights TO Europe

Not sure how to get the best flight deals for your big Europe trip? Be sure to check out my guide on how to get the cheapest flights to Europe .

I promise it’ll save you hundreds of dollars, if not more.

Take advantage of free stopovers

Certain airlines have a free stopover program where you can have a long layover for no extra cost, meaning you get two destinations for the price of one plane ticket!

Here are some Europe-based airlines that offer this:

• IcelandAir: Free stopovers in Reykjavik for 1-7 days
• Iberia: Free stopovers in Madrid for 1-6 nights
• TAP Portugal: Free stopovers in Lisbon and Porto for 1-5 nights

Steal my step by step process for finding the best hotels

If you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of booking all your own places to stay, I have just the resource for you.

Here’s how to find the best accommodation in Europe every time.

Book hotels far in advance

And if you don’t have time to check out my whole step by step process, then here’s the #1 piece of Europe accommodation wisdom I can give you: book your hotels as soon as possible.

In many of Europe’s most popular destinations, good value accommodation books out quickly, so your biggest defense against outrageous prices and poor quality hotels is booking early.

Even if you’re not going in peak season, you never know when an unexpected event (e.g. a big concert, sports game or conference) will send hotel prices soaring, so the sooner you book, the better.

I know that committing to a hotel early can feel scary, but if you use  Booking.com , you can find hundreds of hotels that offer free reservations and free cancellations up until a certain point.

I’ll often hop on Booking.com to make a placeholder / “just in case” reservation in the early stages of my planning just to ensure I have a Plan B in case prices skyrocket.

The European hotel star system is different to North America

I grew up with a North American hotel system where 5* meant opulent luxury and 1* meant run for the hills, unless you want to lose your kidneys.

The star ratings in Europe are a bit different. Instead of stars coinciding to quality on a scale of 1-5, the stars actually correspond to a checklist of amenities/requirements.

SO, you can get some amazing 2* properties that are simply smaller and don’t really have things like a spa or pool, while also finding crappy 4 or 5* properties that have that rating just because they’re big and have amenities like fitness centers and valets (i.e. many chains).

Learn more about the criteria for star ratings here.

Avoid airport hotels unless flying in or out

Tempted by a cheap hotel deal near the airport? Run.

Unless you are flying into your destination late and need a place to crash or are flying out early in the morning, do NOT book a stay at any airport hotels.

With Europe travel, you want to ideally be close to the sights or at least in a scenic neighbourhood, not next to a motorway. Adding in the time and cost of commuting to/from the city centre, it’s rarely worth it so keep that in mind the next time you’re tempted by the siren’s call of an airport Ibis.

Learn the options for free accommodation in Europe

Hoping to find places to stay for free in Europe? There are indeed options for that!

Here are a few ways you can potentially find accommodation for free:

• Couchsurfing:   Crashing with someone within a community of travellers where people offer to host each other in their homes free of charge
• House Swap: Trading homes with someone (like in The Holiday). Many sites facilitate these exchanges, including  HomeExchange  and  Kindred
• House and Pet Sitting:  Looking after someone’s house/pets in exchange for free accommodation. One of the most popular platforms for this is  Trusted Housesitters
• Workaway:  Volunteering your time/services in exchange for accommodation

Don’t forget travel insurance

I personally believe that travel insurance is a must for every trip. Trust me, the peace of mind is worth the cost!

Click here to check rates with WorldNomads.

Make sure you’ll have Internet access

This tip goes without saying, but if you’re old school and prefer to travel without Internet, don’t.

Really, as romantic as it is to disconnect during your travels, having an Internet plan for your phone is crucial. It allows you to navigate with Google Maps, use translation apps, do research on the go, etc.

Without it, your trip will be infinitely harder. No joke – some places these days even require you to have data to scan menus!

Luckily, roaming within the EU is free, and it’s wayyyy cheaper than what we have in Canada.

Download helpful apps before you go

On that note, once you have a data plan set up, you can take advantage of all the helpful apps for Europe travel available.

Some of my favourites include…

• Omio : Great for comparing and booking transport options (including buses, trains, and flights) from Point A to Point B.
• Google Translate : A must for translating signs and menus if you are in a country where English isn’t the main language
• Splitwise : Helpful for tracking expenses split between friends, great for minimizing awkwardness when dealing with trip finances
• Too Good to Go : Perfect for buying discounted meals at the end of the day to save food from going to waste

Download TripIt to keep track of all your travel bookings

Speaking of helpful Europe travel apps, another one I can recommend is TripIt.

This app works like magic to organize your hotel bookings, flights, tickets and all in one place… the best thing is, it does it automatically through scanning your inbox for confirmation emails.

If you’re planning a long trip with multiple stops, hotels, modes of transport, etc. to worry about, then TripIt is a great tool for organizing everything in one neat place.

Ensure you have proof of onward travel

“Proof of onward travel”  is a very important consideration that many first-time travellers forget about.

In sum, it’s proof that you’re leaving your destination before your visa or allowance expires.

Usually this proof is provided in the form of a ticket back home, or a ticket elsewhere to prove that you’ll be leaving at some point.

A lot of people dismiss this requirement as a myth, but trust me: it’s not.

I was once almost barred from boarding a flight to Germany because my return flight was after the 90 day Schengen Zone allowance, and I didn’t have proof I would be leaving the Schengen Zone before the 90 days was over. I intended to spend some time out of the Schengen Zone to ensure I never overstayed, but they demanded proof… so yes, they do check!

Want to learn more?  I have a full article if you want to read more about  proof of onward travel  and my experience lawyer-ing myself out of that (very awkward) situation.

Steal my pre-made itineraries

Lastly Europe travel planning tip: I know that making itineraries can be exhausting, but luckily there are Type A laptop gremlins like me who adore doing it.

So, here are some itineraries for you to steal in case you need them:

• My 1.5 month Western Europe backpacking itinerary
• My 40+ one week in Europe itineraries

Europe Travel Tips for Transport & Getting Around

Getting around Europe can be really daunting for a first-time visitor, so here are all my best Europe tips related to transport and getting from one place to another.

Public transport is abundant and amazing

Don’t be afraid of using it!

I’m always shocked when I hear travellers who think that they’ll need to rent a car for their Europe trip.

Oftentimes, you really won’t need to, especially if you’re mainly visiting big cities.

On that note…

Avoid renting a car

Unless you are doing a trip that focuses heavily on natural sights or smaller remote villages, odds are you won’t need a car.

Public transport (as I mentioned above) is a solid option, and involves a fraction of the stress often unleashed by car rentals.

… But beware of hidden costs if you do rent a car

When it comes to car rentals in Europe, often the first price you see isn’t indicative of what you’ll have to pay in the end.

Some hidden/additional costs might include…

• Age or nationality based surcharges
• Additional driver fees
• Multiple country fees
• Extra miles
• Extra insurance
• One way fees
• Tolls/vignettes

So if you still want to rent a car, here is a post to help you figure out how much renting a car in Europe really costs .

Renting a car? You might need a vignette 

One of the pains of car rentals is the additional fees. In many European countries, you need to pay for a vignette (a sticker you put on your car) to use their motorways.

In Switzerland for instance, this costs 40 francs… and yes, you need to make sure you have the vignette BEFORE you drive into the country, as there are automatic scanners at the border that can pick up your details and send you a ticket later (which we learned the hard way).

Do a lot of research before committing to a Eurail pass 

Many first time visitors to Europe think of a rail pass as the cheapest option, but very often, booking your train tickets in advance will work out to be cheaper than a Eurail pass, especially if you aren’t taking that many trains and don’t need full flexibility (i.e. you are okay to book the trains advance).

Eurail passes can be great value, but not always. If you need help figuring out whether they’d make sense for you, read my full Eurail review for more details.

Look into scenic European train rides

I’ve already made my allegiance to European public transport pretty clear, but one of the main reasons is simply how beautiful it can be.

Sure, trains aren’t always the cheapest way to to travel Europe , but they’re often the most scenic and beautiful.

So if you’re into the idea of travel as an experience, then be sure to read my post on the best scenic train rides in Europe , and the best scenic train rides in Switzerland .

Familiarize yourself with Europe’s most famous budget airlines 

One of the cheapest ways to get around Europe is hopping around on budget airlines… where sometimes an international flight is cheaper than a 6 pack of nuggets.

Of course, the epic prices come with their own set of drawbacks, usually in terms of the flight experience, customer support, and additional add-ons (which always come at an extra fee).

You can learn more specifics about Europe’s top budget airlines through my reviews here:

• Honest RyanAir Review
• Honest easyJet Review
• Honest WizzAir Review

Consider bus/coach travel if you’re on a budget

In addition to planes and trains, Europe is very well connected by an extensive bus (AKA coach) network.

One of the main contenders in this space is Flixbus, but depending on the country you’re visiting, there’s often local companies offering affordable bus travel between cities as well.

Again, I’d recommend using Omio so you can quickly compare buses, trains, and flights at the same time, but just know that bus travel in Europe can be a really cheap, safe, and easy way to get around.

Although there are of course some downisdes as well. You can read my full Flixbus review for more details.

Book an airport transfer for minimal stress

I love navigating Europe with public transport but if you’re travelling with a lot of luggage or as a big group, one of the more cost effective ways might actually be to just book a private transfer or taxi.

Of course, depending on where you go, taxi scams can be a real possibility, so for the least stressful option, consider booking a Welcome Pickups transfer, which is a set price, includes an English speaking driver who monitors your flight arrival time, and offers free cancellations up until 24 hours before.

This saves you the hassle of trying to get a taxi/navigate the language barriers to do so.

… Plus they pick you up with a cute little sign that has your name on it!

Do research on how trains work in your destination

I have to say, one of the most overwhelming things for me in Europe was getting used to how trains work. I come from West Coast Canada, where passenger rail from city to city is very limited.

SO if you’re new to train travel, it might be helpful to do some research on how the train system works in your destinations, paying attention to particularities like…

• Where to find the right platform for your train
• Where to stand in order to find the right section of your train
• Whether you need to buy and validate tickets before you get on board

Train stations are chaotic and stressful places, so you’ll ideally want to know these main things before you get there, otherwise you may have a lil mental breakdown on-site.

Use train station lockers

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to explore a city for the day, or if you need a place to dump your bags before check-in or after check-out, a convenient solution can often be found at your destination’s train station.

At larger train stations in Europe, there will usually be paid lockers or a ‘left luggage’ office for you to leave your bags for a small fee. Be sure to take advantage of these so you can explore without hauling all your lively possessions with you.

Order taxis or rides through apps whenever possible

Of course, this isn’t possible everywhere, but taxi scams are so widespread in certain European countries that you should definitely use an app when you’re able to.

The most popular ones in Europe include Uber, or FreeNow which is like Uber except you’re ordering an official licensed taxi.

Ordering through an app helps ensure you get a fair rate, and is also (in most cases) more convenient than waiting at a taxi stand or trying to wave one down in the street.

Always look for deals with public transport

If you’re relying on public transportation to get around during your trip (which I highly recommend), then doing a bit of research on ticket types and discounts can really save you a lot of money.

Most major European cities offer some kind of discount for day tickets, group tickets, or multiple trip bundles, so be sure to look into those rather than buying single tickets every time.

Always validate and hold onto your ticket

When it comes to navigating public transportation in Europe, most times it’s not enough to simply buy a ticket – you must usually a) validate it properly and b) keep it on you in case of inspection.

Who’s checking you ask? Well, most major European cities have random ticket controllers who periodically go around to make sure you’ve paid for and validated your fare correctly.

Sometimes (like in Paris) they’ll even ask to see your ticket after you’ve left the train platform, so be sure to hold onto your ticket until you’ve left the station.

Avoid public transport during rush hour… and during big events like sports games

When you’re a care-free tourist, it can be easy to forget the woes of mundane daily life like trying to get home during rush hour. Well, don’t forget: no matter where you go, they have a rush hour too, so be sure to avoid it whenever possible.

Ideally, you should aim to avoid public transport during times that locals are commuting to/from work. Pay special attention as well to big events like huge concerts or sport games, which can also make public transport a nightmare.

Easily rent bikes or scooters

Most major European cities now have e-bikes and e-scooters that you can easily rent on-the-go through an app. This can be a fun way to quickly and cheaply get around the city.

Options will depend on your destination, but keep an eye out upon arrival! If they are available, odds are you will see them everywhere.

Europe Tips for Attractions

Odds are, if you’re visiting Europe, your plans involve a lot of sightseeing. So, here are some of my best Europe travel tips related to attractions and itinerary planning.

Prepare yourself for scaffolding and restorations

Europe is an amazing destination thanks to its history.

… But the flip side of that is that it is old and so are many of its most famous monuments.

So, mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that the amazing church or landmark you’ve seen a million times on social media is covered in scaffolding, or doesn’t look as you hoped due to restorations.

For example, the first time I went to Rome, I was devastated to see the Trevi Fountain completely covered with scaffolding, and drained of water.

And most travelers have similar stories. There’s no way around it, but just keep in mind that it’s possible!

Look into age-based discounts

Oftentimes, whether you’re looking at train tickets or attraction tickets, there will be enticing discounts available based on your age, so be sure to look into those for additional savings, especially if you’re considered a child, youth (often this goes up to age 27!) or senior.

Get an ISIC Card if you’re a student

Here’s a very important Europe travel tip for students: if you are a student, the good news is you’re eligible for a wealth of additional discounts and offers.

The bad news is, often European institutions won’t recognize or accept student IDs from abroad, since they’re all so different.

An easy way to get around this though is by getting an  ISIC Card , which is an internationally recognized student ID that costs about twenty dollars, but will save you at least that much in discounts. 

I’d recommend getting one if you plan to travel around Europe for a longer time.

On a budget? Prioritize free museums and sights

This is one of my top Europe backpacking tips – do not sleep on the many free things to see and do in Europe.

Everywhere you go in Europe, there will be free things to do and see, ranging from free museums to beautiful architecture and street art.

So, be sure to research beforehand and see what free things there are to do at your destination.

NOTE:  A lot of museums across Europe offer free admission on particular days of the month. Take advantage of these offers!

Book tickets for attractions in advance whenever possible

This is usually cheaper, and can save you a lot of time on the day of your visit because at major attractions, there’s usually a separate line for people who already have tickets.

Skip the line tickets are usually worth it

If you’re visiting a busy destination, then I’d highly recommend looking into Skip the Line tickets for major attractions, which will allow you to get in quicker.

Remember, during your trip, time is money, so paying a bit extra to skip the line is definitely a good use of funds.

Visit attractions shortly before closing time

While most guides advise that you visit the main sights early, another sneaky hack that works quite well is visiting right before it closes.

I did this once with the Vatican Museums, entering about 1.5 hours before closing time and it I practically had the place all to myself!

In contrast, one time I did an early morning tour of the Vatican and it was already quite busy because other tour groups were starting at the same time. 

Book special tours that are before or after public opening hours 

Many busier destinations will offer this now, and it’s a magical way to experience the top sights with a fraction of the crowds.

I once did a sunrise tour around Venice and it was incredible to see all the main sights and feel like I had them mainly to myself.

Seek out fun and unique tours in general

Gone are the days that destinations offer just your old standard tours that cover everything generally.

These days, in most major European destinations, there are special tours you can book based on interest, with tours focusing on everything from history and food to street art and photography.

I usually like to have a quick search on GetYourGuide to see what’s available.

For touristy cities, research on local blogs 

In big cities like Paris or London, sure there’s a lot of tourists, but there are even more locals, who live there and call it home.

This means there’s a whole other side to the city that many tourists miss out on, from cool pop-ups and restaurants to special cultural events. I always try to look up fun events/updates on local blogs before every trip, and have gotten some really fun travel memories out of it.

You might find my guide on  How to Find Cool Stuff to Do Near You  helpful.

Seek alternate viewpoints to main landmarks

If you ever find yourself in a place wanting to get THE photo of a major landmark (e.g. the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Coliseum in Rome, etc.) then a great way to get an amazing photo away from the crowds is by seeking out alternative angles and perspectives.

Remember, landmarks are big, so odds are you can find some cool places to get your photos without having to cram with everyone else. Simply walk a few blocks away and try to find unique views!

Always search for information on the official websites of attractions (even in the local language)

These days, hours/entry requirements can change quickly and third party guides (yes, even Google Maps!) may be inaccurate. 

So, if you’re trying to find information on how to book tickets or what opening times are, make sure you always go straight to the source rather than other sites or blogs (even mine!)

For example, on my most recent visit to Rome, the Pantheon had changed its policy to be open only for reserved time slots on weekends, which would have been really unlucky because I saw no information about this anywhere else.

Don’t spread yourself too thin

An ideal itinerary should have a mix of sights, experiences & relaxing. Don’t burn out by forcing yourself to see everything. I personally always ensure that there’s a relaxing or chill activity on each day, whether that be a picnic or just a relaxed coffee/cake afternoon.

If you’re not interested, don’t force yourself just because it’s a must do

I think too often, first-time visitors in Europe get caught in this trap of needing to see all THE most famous things, but remember: at the end of the day, this is your vacation, so don’t force yourself to see something just because a random person on the Internet told you to.

I personally love museums but they’re not for everyone, so just remember it’s your vacation and there’s no need to do something just because it’s famous.

… but psst – if you ARE into museums, don’t wait until your trip to go! There are tons of really cool virtual museums you can check out when you’re bored. Pro tip from one hopeless nerd to another.

Safety Tips for Europe (And How to Not Get Scammed!)

Is Europe dangerous to travel? This is one of the most common questions that first-time visitors ask. Honestly, so long as you keep the following Europe safety tips in mind, you will be fine.

Be wary of petty theft and scams when you visit Europe

Certainly in more touristy cities like Paris and Barcelona, opportunistic crime is abundant.

You can learn the most common pickpocket techniques and how to avoid them in my post about how to avoid pickpockets in Europe , but overall, the key is to always be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings.

Pickpockets thrive on distraction, and tend to operate in high-traffic areas that have a lot of people/tourists (e.g. train stations), so be especially careful to not let anyone get too close.

Look into theft-proof bags and accessories

There are a lot of amazing theft-proof travel accessories out there these days. The bad news is they’re not always the cheapest.

If you’re willing to splurge a bit on something high-quality and designed to thwart pickpockets, here are some options:

• PacSafe’s  products are all made to be theft-proof, including their signature backpack  here  and day bag  here
• Secret passport scarves  like these  are a great way to stash THE most important things in a subtle and discreet way 

Research the pickpocket hot zones for your destination

Most major cities have certain areas that are particularly well-known as pickpocket destinations.

In Rome for example, there’s Termini Train Station where I got pickpocketed, and Bus 64 AKA the Pickpocket Express.

Knowing where pickpockets tend to operate can help provide some ease of mind, and help you figure out when to be on guard.

Keep valuables out of sight

Leaving your phone on a terrace table, or your purse hanging on your chair are both easy ways to get your valuables stolen!

Sure, it’s easy to let your guard down when you’re trying to relax, but remember that keeping your valuables out like that can be an easy way for them to get snatched.

Whenever I’m dining anywhere, I always keep my bag between my feet so they’re hard to access, and make sure to not leave my phone out on the table (on my lap, under a big napkin is often a safer bet!)

Don’t take “free stuff”

A very common scam in touristy European places is people will offer you something for free “as a gift”, but then demand you (or one of your travel buddies) pay for it.

Some examples include…

• Friendship bracelets

Generally, they will set up shop in busy, touristy areas, so remember to be especially cautious in these areas.

Don’t sign any petitions

Another common scam is the petition scam, usually run by groups of young women.

They’ll come ask you to sign a petition (often first breaking the ice by asking if you speak English) and then either demand a donation from you, or distract you as someone else picks your pockets.

… So if someone asks you to sign a petition, just ignore and walk away. Better safe than sorry!

Rudeness is the way to get rid of scammers

On that note, if you find yourself in a situation where you are being followed or confronted by one of the aforementioned scammers, the best thing to do is ignore them and walk away.

They can be very persistent, but will give up eventually when you ignore them.

Limit the amount of cash you bring out with you

I always say to plan for ‘worst case scenario’, so another one of my top Europe safety tips is to not bring around more cash than you’d stand to lose.

Once upon a time, my friend was carrying around hundreds of euros in her bag (at the start of her trip) and was pickpocketed in Nice on her very first day! Pickpockets work quickly and unexpectedly, so don’t bring out more than you’d be okay losing.

Store your cards separately

On a similar note, make sure to not carry all your cards in one wallet, so that (in case you are pickpocketed), you have a back-up.

I would recommend keeping one card in your suitcase, or in a separate bag.

Don’t make yourself appear to be a good target for robbery

Sometimes when I’m travelling I’ll see people doing photoshoots posing with their designer shopping bags, completely oblivious to the fact that they’re making themselves targets.

Worse, sometimes they just leave the bags on a bench or on the stairs while they’re occupied on their phone.

If I were to write a “how to get robbed in Europe” article, these are the types of behaviours that would make the list, so make sure you’re not making yourself a clear target, and don’t wear unnecessarily flashy outfits or accessories which might catch a thief’s eye.

Keep your phone out of reach

Phone snatchings are becoming a really common crime, especially in big cities like London, so avoid having your phone haphazardly out, or at least be sure to pay more attention when you do, especially…

• If you’re standing close to doors on public transport
• If you’re walking along a bike lane or road

Be careful of bike lanes

Speaking of bike lanes, here’s another important (physical) Europe safety tip: be mindful of them.

If you’re like me and come from somewhere that they’re not overly common, it’s way too easy to accidentally walk onto them and potentially get yourself run over (or more likely, make yourself an annoyance to a cyclist just trying to get home).

Beware of strangers asking you to go for drinks randomly

This is a scam that’s more prevalent in famous party cities, but if a random person (usually an unreasonably attractive woman) comes up to you off the street and asks you to grab a drink, odds are rather good that they’re not just a friendly local looking to grab drinks with a stranger.

This is a common scam where people (again, usually beautiful women, but not always) will bring targeted tourists into bars they’re working with to get a few drinks, only for these tourists to get charged extortionate rates for these drinks, because you never question how much stuff costs when you’re trying to flirt.

Extreme stories even say that bar staff will block the door until the tourists pay up.

Moral of the story: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

And beware of children

A general rule of thumb is this: if a kid is confidently coming up to you and/or getting close unannounced, keep your valuables close and watch your pockets. This is often a distraction tactic used by pickpockets, and sadly some kids are also trained to steal from a young age too.

I almost lost my wallet in Bratislava this way, when a woman asked me to take her photo and her kid started running around me as a distraction.

I realized pretty quickly what was happening and caught my pickpocket literally with her hand in my purse. Luckily, I was able to swat her hand away just in time.

Buy some small locks to put around your zippers

Another great travel hack I’ve picked up over the years is simply buying a set of small cable locks  like these  and keeping one in each bag.

That way, you can quickly lock your zippers together in crowded situations and prevent anyone from randomly opening your bag.

Simple, but effective.

Look up common taxi rates and scams before arriving

While I’m a firm believer that public transport is the way to go, sometimes you might need to take a taxi, whether it’s because you’re arriving late, running late, or just want to splurge a little.

While this varies depending on the country, taxis are often prime scam zones! I’ve personally been scammed by taxis in  Prague  and also in  Sofia.

Particularly if you are leaving from busy areas like airports or train stations, some opportunistic drivers will take advantage. This is how I got charged 4x the usual fare in Sofia, mainly because I didn’t know better.

So, if you plan on taking a taxi, make sure you search up how much that route should generally cost, and also familiarize yourself with common scams.

Know the emergency numbers

In North America, 911 is the go-to when you have any kind of emergency, but the numbers are different in Europe.

Within the EU (and a handful of other countries), the general emergency number is 112, and most countries will have other numbers for more specific emergency services as well.

So, be sure to take note of what these are before your trip, although I’ve heard anecdotally that 911 should reroute to emergency services as well.

Avoid sketchy EuroNet ATMs

If you’re going to an ATM, try your best to find one that’s connected to an actual bank.

There are a lot of ATMs (especially around tourist areas) that charge huge fees, or make currency conversion more confusing than it needs to be so you can get charged more.

As a general rule, don’t use any of those Euronet ATMs – they’re the worst!

Have a plan in case of a worst case scenario

This isn’t just a good Europe travel tip, but a good tip for travelling anywhere – make a plan for the worst case scenario.

Imagine your bags get stolen with your passports and all your cash/cards – what would be your backup plan? What would you do if you lost your phone?

Having a plan in place can minimize stress in the event that anything does happen, and having that peace of mind is very important for any vacation!

Get a good VPN

If you plan to be travelling longer-term, getting a reliable VPN is a must.

In short, VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) mask your IP address and encrypt your data so that you can protect your identity online, browse anonymously, and even change the geographical location you’re browsing from.

This can be helpful in a lot of backpacking situations. In the past, I’ve used a VPN to…

• Access streaming for my favourite TV shows that weren’t available in the country I was travelling in
• Visit sites that were blocked in the country I was travelling in
• Access important sites (e.g. banking portals) that flagged my visit as suspicious because I was in a new country
• Securely browse the Internet with public WiFi knowing my data/identity was protected

As a real cheapskate (especially in my earlier travel days), I’ve tried every free VPN under the sun, and always found them to be unreliable or buggy.

After doing lots of research, I decided to splurge on  Private Internet Access , which I’ve been using for the past few years, and I’ve been loving it. It’s super easy to use, very reliable, and actually (when you break it down) not expensive it all.

Subscribe via  this link  and you can get it for under 3 bucks a month.

Food & Drink Tips for Europe

When in Europe, eating and drinking well is a must! Here are some of my best tips for making the most of Europe’s varied food culture.

Visit grocery stores to save big

Not only is visiting supermarkets abroad just a fun cultural activity in general, you can save a great deal of money by buying snacks/drinks there vs. from vendors as you’re out and about.

If you have cooking facilities at your accommodation, making some of your own meals can also be a huge money-saver, even if you’re just swapping out a sit-down lunch for a picnic one.

Beware that you might need to weigh your own produce

Of course, visiting supermarkets abroad can come with its own healthy dose of culture shocks, one of the main ones being that most countries have their own different method of handling produce.

Should you weigh it? Print a sticker? Just bring it as-is?

The answer will depend, so observe what others are doing before you get caught awkwardly at the cashier with a woman shouting at you in Bulgarian because you didn’t weigh your tomatoes (true story).

Have a quick search of regional specialties before you go

European cuisine is SO diverse, and even within one country, you’ll have all kinds of different regional dishes to try, so I’d recommend doing some research beforehand about the top must-tries, so you can keep an eye out for them.

For example, you might think you know what Italian food is but when you go to actual Italy, you’ll realize that every region has their own special dishes, so be sure to look into what those are before just getting pizza everywhere.

Dine far away from tourist attractions

A general rule of thumb is that any restaurants right next to major tourist attractions are probably gonna have a poor price to quality ratio, since they cater more to tourists who are flush with cash and unlikely to return.

My tip? Just walk a few blocks over before starting your food hunt, or d some research beforehand to find well-rated restaurants near you.

Learn how to spot a tourist trap restaurant

Tourist trappy restaurants are a dime a dozen in Europe’s more popular destinations, so make sure you work on your tourist trap radar.

A few red flags include…

• Big pictures
• The menu being translated into a million languages
• The words “TOURIST MENU” over it
• A really persistent person out front beckoning you to come inside

Double check that places have prices on display before ordering

This may be the oldest scam in Europe’s “let’s extort tourists” playbook, but any restaurant with fair pricing will be transparent with their pricing.

If you come across a restaurant that doesn’t list prices upfront, then run for the hills.

Never assume “it can’t be that bad” because odds are they’ve omitted their prices for a reason and plan to charge you an extortionate amount, like  this place  which went viral for a 500 euro lunch bill.

A quick check of reviews is a must

While I don’t believe reviews are accurate 100% of the time, I do think they’re very helpful for establishing patterns, especially when there’s a bunch of reviews all saying the same thing.

A quick search of the restaurant (even on Google Maps Reviews) can help prevent you from getting scammed or being subject to mediocre food/service.

Lunch specials are usually cheaper

If you’re gonna splurge and treat yourself, lunch might be the time to do it. Many places will offer special deals for lunch, so keep an eye out for those!

Usually the bill won’t come until you ask for it

Generally speaking, the ultra-friendly and proactive customer service you get in North America doesn’t really exist in European countries.

Very rarely will you have servers come up to constantly check on you and ask how you’re doing, so if you’re wondering why nobody has brought the bill around, just get their attention because they don’t tend to drop it off until you ask (doing so without asking is actually considered a bit rude in itself).

Don’t shy away from food tours

If you’re running on limited stomach space but want to try as many local specialties as possible, then food tours are a really fun and delicious option.

Most big destinations in Europe have them these days, and they’re a great way to sample a lot of local foods while also getting a local guide’s perspective and expertise.

Context is key and learning about food (while eating it!) is the best.

Take a cooking class 

Another foodie activity that’s now offered in most European destinations these days is cooking classes.

There’s no better souvenir than learning how to prep your favourite foods once you get home, so definitely consider adding one to your itinerary.

Get used to sparkling water

Sparkling water is a lot more common in certain European countries than in North America, to the point where sometimes it’s the default if you ask for water.

If you’re not a fan of spicy H20, then make sure to specify Still when you order water.

Don’t pay extra for hotel breakfast

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good hotel breakfast when it’s included in the room rate, but if you’re given a choice, you can save a lot of money by going out to get breakfast at a bakery, which is also more fun in my opinion.

When weather permits, picnics are a much better option

I love picnics. They’re such a romantic and affordable way to enjoy a meal, especially when you have a great backdrop.

Make sure you picnic at least once during your trip – I promise you’ll love it! And your wallet will too.

Generally speaking, Europeans eat later than North Americans

After living in Germany for a few years, making dinner plans with friends at home almost put me in a coma. Dinner at 5:30 or 6pm? Wayyyy earlier than most European countries, especially Spain where dinner time is often after 9pm.

Of course, you can take advantage of this cultural difference by getting a table at popular restaurants simply through booking as soon as they open.

Be openminded with trying new foods

I hated beer until I had it in Belgium. I hated cheese until I tried smoked cheese in the Netherlands.

I don’t know how to explain it, but certain food and drink items just taste different, and frankly, better in Europe than they do in North America.

So before you write something off as a food you don’t like, give it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised, especially if it’s the regional specialty.

Get takeout for super cheap with Too Good to Go

One of my favourite (little-known) Europe travel apps is called  Too Good to Go.

They service many major European cities, and basically, it’s a free app that restaurants use to sell their leftover food at the end of the day (sometimes at lunch too).

This helps minimize food waste, and means you can pick up an entire take out meal for less than 5 euros.

Sure, you don’t get to choose what you get, but it’s an excellent way to eat cheap and help reduce waste at the same time.

Culture & Etiquette Tips for Europe

Tourists can often have a reputation for being rude… but not you! Not on my watch. Here are some culture and etiquette tips to keep in mind for your trip to Europe.

Culturally, Europe is a million different entities

One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to Europe travel advice is when books or sites tell you “In Europe, tipping is like…”, “In Europe, locals are…”

… Which I know is kind of ironic in an article simply called “Europe Travel Tips” but shhh just go with it.

Long story short: Europe is composed of dozens of countries, each with their unique cultural nuances and norms, so be sure to research culture tips specifically for where you’re going, because things like tipping, queuing, meal times, etc. can vary considerably across the continent.

Learn at least hello and thank you 

While visitors can often survive just fine without learning the local language, i’s generally good manners to know basics such as hello and thank you for every country you visit.

… So be sure to practice that a bit before you go!

Do not tip by North American standards

As I previously mentioned, tipping in Europe does vary from country to country, but never would a 20% tip be considered the bare minimum like in North America sometimes.

So, be sure to research tipping culture in your destination before you go. In many countries, tipping involves simply rounding up.

Try to not speak too loud

In Europe, North Americans generally have a reputation for being… loud. Sometimes obnoxiously so.

So if you’re out in public, try to lower the volume of your voice to closer match what’s around you (easier said than done, I know, but something to be mindful of).

When in doubt, mimic the locals 

Cultural norms can vary widely from place to place, so your best bet is to just observe the status quo and try to imitate that.

If nobody is chatting on the train, it’s probably a good sign that you shouldn’t either. If everybody is lining up in an orderly queue, maybe you should join that queue instead of barging in the front.

Remember, tourists can have a reputation for being disrespectful and annoying, so try your best to shatter that stereotype wherever you go.

Look into festivals and folk events to attend 

One of the most amazing things about Europe as a continent is that it is so deeply rooted in heritage and tradition, with some cultural traditions dating back thousands of years.

For a truly unforgettable experience, I’d recommend looking up some fun festivals or events to enjoy. 

Here are some of my favourites I’ve been to:

• September: Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt (the world’s largest wine festival)
• September/October: Oktoberfest in Munich (the world’s largest beer festival)
• February: Crazy Days at Cologne Carnival
• March – April: Starkbierfest in Munich (unique strong beer festival)
• March – May: Keukenhof (the world’s largest flower garden)

Packing Tips for Europe

Not sure what to wear and what to pack for Europe? Here are my top Europe packing tips.

Steal my pre-made packing lists

If you’re overwhelmed with what to pack, I’ve already made some packing lists that you can use as a starting point!

Download them, print them, mail them to all your friends and exes! I hope you get tons of use out of them:

• My Europe winter packing list
• My Europe summer packing list
• My versatile minimalist packing list
• My toiletries packing list

Don’t bring any suitcases you can’t carry

I’ve always been an advocate for packing light, but a good rule of thumb is to not bring any suitcases you aren’t physically capable of carrying yourself.

There’s a million and one scenarios where you might have to end up carrying your suitcase in Europe, like…

• Your hotel or accommodation unexpectedly has no elevator
• The elevator you were counting on at the train station is out of order
• You need to carry your bag up some ancient staircase to get to your accommodation
• You need to lift your suitcase on/off the train you’re taking

So yes, whatever bag or suitcase you bring, make sure you’re able to carry it yourself.

Good walking shoes are a must

I cannot explain to you how much walking you’ll end up doing, so comfortable shoes are much more important than cute stylish ones.

That said, if you’re able to find comfortable walking shoes that are a bit dressier, opt for those over beat up runners.

Generally speaking, casual wear in Europe is more dressed up than what we’re used to in North America, so packing a nice pair of white sneakers or comfy leather boots would definitely be a more versatile choice over hole-filled running shoes.

Buy AirTags to track your suitcases

With airlines losing baggage all the time these days, I’ve finally caved and bought an AirTag to track my checked bag.

And honestly? I regret nothing! I love the ease of mind it provides, and should a thief ever nab my bag one day, I feel very smug knowing I’ll be able to track them down.

Pack an emergency outfit in your carry-on

On a similar note, one Europe packing tip I live by is always having an emergency set of clothes in your carry-on bag.

Checked bags get lost all the time, so having extra clothes with you is key for ease of mind. I usually bring all the top essentials with me in my carry-on. Better safe than sorry!

Pack clothes with hidden inner pockets rather than a money belt

While many travel experts tout the the benefits of money belts, I’ve honestly never been able to get on board with them. They’re awkward, sweaty, and reaching under your clothes to get change for an ice cream is just… not my idea of fun.

Instead of a money belt, I always have either:

• A backpack with a zippered pocket in the back, which makes it inaccessible to anyone else when worn
• A crossbody purse with a pocket on the backside, again making it inaccessible to anyone so long as I hold it close to me 
• A jacket with inner pockets so it’s impossible to reach in without getting super super close

These anti-theft methods are a LOT more comfortable to me than a money belt… so remember: a money belt isn’t the only way!

Bring a universal adapter

Power sockets in most European countries have two round holes and if you’re visiting from overseas, odds are you’ll need an adapter for your plugs to fit.

I’d strongly recommend buying a universal adapter  like this one  if you don’t have one already. Not only is it good for the standard round hole outlets, but it can also work for the three prong plugs in the UK, Malta, and Cyprus.

It’s cheap, can be re-used for every trip, and covers you in all situations. Definitely some of the best money I’ve ever spent!

Use packing cubes to organize and compress your clothes

I am such a packing cubes fangirl.

These beauties are a magical way to keep all your goods organized, while saving space in your bag as well. Gone are the days that you rummage through your entire pack for a particular t-shirt!

Not all packing cubes have to be expensive either. There’s plenty of affordable options on Amazon, like this blue set from  Amazon Basics , but you definitely get what you pay for.

PS: I’m a total packing cube nerd and once bought a bunch of different brands to compare. See my full  packing cube showdown  for more.

Pack a re-usable bag for purchases

Single use bags are slowly getting phased out in Europe, so I find it’s always a good idea to bring an extra bag or two whenever I travel, whether to stash my souvenir haul for the day or to carry around snacks.

So, when in doubt, pack a tote or two! They can be such lifesavers.

DIY your own travel sized toiletries

This is a very basic  packing tip  I always recommend, but rather than buy the bottles of toiletries which give you like, three good squeezes of shampoo, I find it’s easier (and more eco-friendly) these days to buy small reusable bottles that you can fill with your own toiletries of choice.

This allows you to bring your favourite products with you, and saves needless one-use toiletries from ending up in the landfill.

Need help picking the right one?  Read my guide to  reusable toiletry bottles  for more info.

Final Europe Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

Alright, before I let you get back to… your real life, friends, and family, here are some final random Europe travel tips to keep in mind.

Having cash is important

With the exception of Northern Europe and some parts of the UK, cash is still important to carry around, whether for small purchases or for essentials like using the washroom. Keeping coins is also a good idea.

So, don’t forget that cash is still king in many parts of Europe!

Claim VAT refunds at the airport

Taxes are generally built into the price in Europe, so many travellers don’t realize they are paying up to to 20% in VAT (Value Added Tax) for everything they purchase.

The good news is, when it comes to goods that you are buying and taking home (e.g. clothes, gifts, etc.), non-residents of Europe are eligible for a refund on this VAT that you pay.

VAT refund rules vary from country to country, but usually there’s a minimum spend amount in one single location (around 175 EUR in most cases).

So, keep this in mind and you can get a good chunk of change back. To get the step by step process, Google your destination + VAT refund, as the process does differ country to country.

Floors start at zero so don’t get confused 

If you’ve seen Emily in Paris you’ll already know this one.

The floor system in European buildings tends to differ from North America.

Whereas in North America, the ground floor is often the 1st floor, the ground floor is considered its own separate entity in most countries (i.e. Floor 0) and then the next one above that would be the 1st floor.

Prepare for beds to be different

Bed sizes in Europe tend to be smaller, and doubles can often just be two single beds pushed together (so romantic, I know).

Depending on where you go, the pillows and comforters can be different as well, like in Germany where they’ve randomly decided that the optimal shape for a pillow is square. *shudder*

Beware of words you know that may mean a different thing in other languages

For example, a menu for North Americans is a list of dishes you can order, but a menu in France means a set meal or combo.

Similarly, entrées in North America are the main course, when in France, it means appetizer.

Use Google Maps to save spots you want to see

Google Maps is an amazing resource not just for navigating a new city, but also for saving spots you might want to visit in the future.

One of my favourite  travel hacks  is starring every location I deem interesting on Google Maps. You can do this by pressing the Save button when you search up that spot.

This allows you to have a visual map of all the cool cafes, street art murals, attractions, restaurants, etc. that you’ve saved during your research, which means you can easily organize your itinerary/sightseeing.

I love doing this because I’ll often end up in new areas during my explorations, and I can just look at my map to see if anything interesting I read about happens to be nearby. Saves a lot of planning!

Need customer support? Hop on Twitter

Don’t ask me why this is, but if you need to get ahold of customer support during your trip (e.g. an airline, a train company, etc.), usually the quickest response time will be through Twitter.

The best way to tell if you’ll get a reply on Twitter is by checking the official accounts’ replies – if there are recent replies to Tweets, odds are good that there’s a dedicated staff member monitoring the account.

This of course works in non-travel settings as well!

Get crowdless photos by using this cool photo hack

For iPhone users, there’s a super easy way to get cool photos in crowded places without getting a bunch of people in the shot.

Simply follow these steps:

• Turn on Live photo
• Pose for your photo, making sure to stand still
• Get your photographer to snap a few photos of you standing still
• Edit the photo by going in the upper left corner, click on the LIVE button with the downwards arrow, and turn on Long Exposure
• The crowds walking around you should now be blurry, with you still in focus

Binge on movies set in your destination before your visit

You know, I could binge travel quotes all day but nothing will put me in more of a wanderlusty mood that a good movie set somewhere beautiful.

So, if you binge travel movies set in your destination, I promise your trip will be 1000000x times more enjoyable when you recognize the sights that you’re seeing. Trust me.

Consider learning the Cyrillic alphabet

If you are travelling somewhere that uses the Cyrillic alphabet, it can be very beneficial to learn how to read it.

This is because sometimes destination names at train/bus stations are written only in the local alphabet, which can lead to a lot of confusion if you’re unfamiliar with it.

European countries that use the Cyrillic alphabet include…

• North Macedonia

Remember: Europe is more about the experience than it is about seeing a million sights

Last but not least, I have to say… Europe is beautiful, yes. It’s packed to the brim with gorgeous museums, architecture, natural beauty, etc. BUT at the end of the day, what you need to focus more is on the experience of just being present and enjoying every moment.

Don’t stress yourself out too much with a heavy itinerary and trying to cram as much as possible in.

Enjoy it! Because your trip will go by far quicker than you think.

I hope this list of Europe travel tips was helpful!

If you’ve made it this far, wow. I applaud the stamina. And patience! This ha admittedly been a VERY long list of tips for Europe, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments… and be sure to read my list of unconventional travel hacks if you’re eager for more.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

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The 17 Best Countries to Visit in Europe

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

It’s no secret Europe is an appealing continent for country-hopping. Once you’re there, cycle-friendly streets, extensive train systems, and relatively cheap inter-country flights make it highly accessible. Scenery wise, Europe has everything from snowy mountains, lush forests, and glittering beaches to ultra-modern cities, medieval villages, and Neolithic structures. Wherever you go, you can just as easily spend your time immersed in local history, art, and architecture as you can lingering over a four-hour meal, wandering cobblestone streets, or dancing the night (or day) away.

Perhaps the biggest challenge in planning a trip to Europe is deciding where to go. To make it a little easier, we’ve put together a guide to our favorite places. The first nine are the obvious contenders; there’s a reason why these countries are frequently talked about—they’re easily reachable, they’re well-adjusted to tourists, and they feature a wide range of activities, experiences, and landscapes. The remaining eight countries represent equally great options for something similar but slightly more off the beaten path (for non-European tourists, at least). Whichever you choose, you'll find something for every type of traveler.

United Kingdom

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With four separate countries—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland— the U.K . offers a taste of European diversity. From mountains, lakes, and valleys (like the Mourne Mountains , Snowdonia National Park , and the Scottish Highlands ) to rocky coastlines, rolling hills, and pebble-strewn beaches (like Seven Sisters , the Lake District , and the Pembrokeshire Coast ), it’s a hiker’s paradise. Beyond its natural wonders, the U.K. also boasts lots of lively, inclusive cities packed with bustling literary and expat scenes, LGBTQIA+ history, some of Europe’s best comedy, music, and drag festivals, and a culture centered around food and drink.

Whether you’re exploring some of the world’s best cocktail bars or restaurants in Barcelona and Madrid , lounging in the turquoise waters of the Costa Brava or Tenerife , browsing the art of Bilbao , or marveling at the medieval architecture of Seville or Toledo, one thing unites all of Spain —its warm, welcoming people. Known for closing shops to eat lunch with loved ones and later chatting for hours over pintxos and wine at dinner, Spaniards make time to appreciate life and its simple pleasures, and that energy is delightfully contagious. Solo travelers especially will never feel alone here.

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Contrary to Hollywood portrayals, France is more than high-end fashion, delicious pastries, and top-quality wine—though of course those are prevalent. While you can easily live out your ritzy cinematic montage via shopping on the Champs-Élysées , sunbathing on wind-swept piers in the French Riviera , or touring chateaux in wine country, the affordable ways of experiencing French culture are what make it special. Most museums offer free or discounted hours, cabarets often have cheaper performance nights, some of the best meals come from Paris street vendors or Aix-en-Provence markets, and five euro grocery store wine is better than most table wines.

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Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, with a partner, or with family, Italy has something for everyone. You can have a city break filled with art and shopping in Milan or Florence or immerse yourself in harrowing history in Pompeii . You can relax on white sand beaches in Sardinia or the Amalfi Coast . You can have an action-packed skiing trip or hiking trip. Whatever you choose to do, there is one thing you can and should explore everywhere, at every opportunity: the country's food and wine scene. Local cooking classes from the village nonna are especially fun.

Although Iceland is slightly harder to reach and could get overcrowded at popular spots like The Blue Lagoon , once you’re here, any hassle is forgotten. There are so many jaw-dropping waterfalls , glaciers , mountains , caves , and hot springs everywhere you look that you’ll forget you’re still on Earth. If you road trip (or travel by horse ) around the Ring Road that circles Iceland’s perimeter, you can also branch off to lesser travelled lava rock fields, fjords, and potential Northern Lights viewing spots. For an extra dose of Icelandic magic scenery, keep an eye out for elf walks .

Stefan Cristian Cioata/Getty Images

An excellent choice for nature lovers, history buffs, and partiers alike is Greece . Islands like Santorini , Crete , and Mykonos attract the most visitors and press, but there are literally hundreds of inhabited islands made for hiking, snorkeling, and dancing in the sun. If you prefer city life on the mainland, Athens is the heart of Ancient Greek history with modern levels of fine-dining and nightlife, and Thessaloniki is rich in Byzantine art and international festivals. To combine history and art all in one experience, visit during the brief public opening times of Ancient Greek theaters to catch a play. 

Jakob Radlgruber / EyeEm / Getty Images

With long, dark winter nights and long, bright summer days, Sweden is prime territory for Northern Lights viewing and Midsummer celebrations, but its friendly locals, buzzy student population, and inviting bakeries make it entertaining year-round. Stockholm is a great gateway city, as it has everything you’d want from an urban hub—museums, restaurants, nightclubs, and a distinct mix of architectural styles—plus easy access to day trips , farther afield Swedish cities, and the equally appealing neighboring countries of Norway and Finland. Always make time to enjoy fika , a daily social hour with friends over coffee and pastries like kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns).

Known for its breweries , meat-heavy meals, exclusive nightclubs and festivals , and eclectic art scene, Germany is often seen as a hipster’s paradise or the perfect backdrop to a rowdy night out. While it is both of those things—especially Cologne with its university life and Berlin with its extensive street food, street art, and prevalence of eerie abandoned spaces—it’s also a country with impressive architecture, meandering scenic drives , an appreciation for literature , kid-friendly attractions, some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, and a strong commitment to remembering its darker history . 

The Netherlands

Most people associate the Netherlands with three Ws: windmills, waterways, and weed. While it’s difficult to go anywhere without encountering at least one of those—and you should wander canals and frolic in tulip-covered fields—it’s home to more than just natural and “herbal” beauty. The first country to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption, the Netherlands is a welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ visitors and hosts queer-celebratory festivals, performances, and events throughout the year. It’s also edam gouda destination for cheese aficionados, with dedicated cheese museums in Amsterdam and traditional medieval cheese markets easily accessible from the capital city.

Evan Schiller/Courtesy of Ballybunion Golf Club

If dramatic scenery and its culturally-ingrained love of alcohol attract you to the U.K., Ireland has both—plus even greener landscapes and even kinder locals. You’ll pay steeply in Dublin, especially for attractions like the Guinness Storehouse , but its unique architecture , literary heritage, and theater scene are worth the coin. The best way to see the country, though, is to drive along the western coastline via the Wild Atlantic Way . Accommodation ranges from homestays to full-on castles , and you can traipse woodland waterfalls , befriend Connemara horses, hike the Cliffs of Moher , and hear live music in Galway along the way.

Take everything great about Spain while subtracting the heftier crowds and costs, and you'll get Portugal . In addition to wine and sangria, you can sip on local drinks like port, ginjinha (sour cherry liquor), and vinho verde (green wine) for a few euros a glass, plus intercity train travel and rideshare apps are often cheaper than the bus. Approachability is a big plus, but the highlights are river tours around Porto and the Douro Valley , sampling pastel de nata (egg custard tarts) and pão de deus (coconut bread) in Lisbon , exploring fairytale castles of Sintra , and hopping beaches and coves along the Algarve .

Switzerland

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As with France, people often associate Switzerland with elaborate indulgences, like fancy ski resorts , the wealthy city of Geneva , and internationally acclaimed dining . While no trip to Switzerland would be complete without a surplus of fondue and chocolate, some of the best experiences in the country are found outside its cities. Hiking and skiing around its lakes , mountains, and parks will give you the chance to get up close and personal with its natural charm, but you don’t even have to be an active traveler to partake: there are also many ways to catch the views by train .

This central European country shares more than just a border with Italy: it also shares a passion for local wines, truffle-laden pastas, mountaintop skiing, and lakeside castles and hiking—and all at a fraction of the price. Capital city, vegetarian-friendly Ljubljana, is completely walkable, with lots of meandering canals and small farmers’ and flea markets even on the coldest of days. If you head to Slovenia’s most popular lake—Lake Bled—during the off season, you can avoid touristy beach parties and instead enjoy a virtually uninterrupted view of crisp, turquoise water shimmering beneath the mountains.

Faroe Islands

It’s hard to find unspoiled nature, but the Faroe Islands get pretty close. Located between Iceland and Norway, this remote sovereign nation offers the same rugged, otherworldly landscapes as its neighbors, but with significantly less foot, car, and boat traffic. If you’re more of an indoor cat, you may want to give this trip a skip, but otherwise suit up with layers and waterproof gear and get ready to fall in love with puffins. Stay with a local if you can—it’s more traditional, more affordable, and you’ll learn more about respecting the ecosystems around you.

Much like Greece, Croatia can impress steadfast city-breakers as much as die-hard nature-chasers. From summer festivals in Split and Dubrovnik to dedicated booze-cruise boats that take you to islands like Hvar and Brač, it has plenty of opportunities to indulge hedonistic tendencies. Equally prominent, though, are chances to rejuvenate on more remote islands , plan a leisurely food crawl , or hike through forest, mountains, and waterfalls at national parks like Krka or Plitvice Lakes .

Czech Republic

If Germany’s castles, scenic road trips, and literary appreciation are as appealing as its vast quantities of alcohol, the Czech Republic offers all of the above but with smaller crowds and, especially outside its capital, significantly lower costs. With its Franz Kafka museum, striking Jewish quarter, and black light theater performances as well as its thriving restaurant , nightlife , and absinthe scenes, Prague is definitely worth a visit, but make sure to take advantage of the extensive domestic train system to take day trips or spend time elsewhere to see some of its best architecture, World War II history, and wine and beer producers.

If you can’t decide whether to go to France, Germany, or the Netherlands, Belgium has elements of all three. It has the excellent chocolate of France, the impressive range of architecture like Germany, and the walkable, canal-filled cities like the Netherlands. Plus, the Belgians are the inventor of frites . The bilingual capital of Brussels is an ideal gateway to other cities and neighboring countries, and with its diplomatic ties, it also offers a great cultural melting pot. Eat at least one meal in Matongé, its African quarter, before traveling out to other cities like Antwerp or Bruges .

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7 Europe Itineraries: Inspiration for an Epic Trip

Get ready to take a trip around Europe with these seven European itineraries – stacked with culture, history, fine food and sights around every corner.

Welcome to the grand tour of Europe – a continent steeped in history, bursting with culture and natural wonders. 

Whether Europe is on your doorstep or on the other side of the world, crafting the perfect Europe itinerary can be a challenge. Should you focus on one or two countries or pack your time seeing as many places as possible? How long should you spend in each place? 

Whether you’ve got a long weekend or an entire month to spare, I’ve picked out some of the best European itineraries so you can experience the best the continent offers. 

We’re hitting up must-visit destinations and hidden gems – complete with top tips to help you plan an epic trip. 

So, all aboard, strap in and let’s press on with my guide to the best European travel itineraries.

Europe Itineraries

One month europe itinerary, route summary.

Paris >> Bruges >> Amsterdam >> Berlin >> Prague >> Salzburg >> Venice >> Florence >> Rome >> Nice >> Barcelona

Distance: 2668 miles / 4294 km

How to Do It: By Train

This superb 1-month European travel itinerary takes in some of Western and Central Europe’s most beautiful, historical and cultural highlights and is best enjoyed by train. 

Taking in stops in eight countries is one of the best ways of enjoying Europe’s rich cultural diversity in one fell swoop.

Buy a Eurail Pass (if you’re a non-EU resident) or an Interrail Pass (if you’re an EU Resident) to save money on your train travel. The passes also give you tonnes of flexibility to explore Europe by train. 

Highlights of the Trip

This European itinerary bursts with places of artistic, cultural and historical significance and Paris really gets you off to a flyer. Cruise along the Seine, enjoy an evening at the Cabaret and wander around Luxembourg Gardens.

The Louvre and d’Orsay are ripe for a bit of art and history, while Notre Dame never fails to wow with its spectacular facade and interior.

SO Paris Hotel

Heading across the border to Bruges , a few days is enough to see what this Belgian gem offers. 

I’ve spent a good chunk of time in Bruges and it’s just as charming as they say – no sooner have you turned a corner, you’re staring at another picture-perfect view – there’s a reason they call it the Venice of the North you know. 

Cruise along the gorgeous canals, marvel at the stunning medieval architecture in the Old Town and why not indulge yourself with one of the city’s fantastic Beer and Chocolate tours?

Dukes’ Academie Brugge

A 3-hour hop across the border will take you to Amsterdam , where checking out their famed canals is a must. 

I recommend using a bike to explore this super cycling-friendly city while exploring the city’s rich artistic past at Rembrandt House and Van Gogh Museum.

And if you’re so inclined, why not take a peek around the red light district after dark before heading to one of the city’s fabulous coffee shops for a nightcap?

Apollofirst Boutique Hotel

The next stop is one of my favourite locations on this European tour. It’s a city that both acknowledges its horrific past but which has its feet firmly in the present. The Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and Holocaust Memorial are must-visits.

After dark, head into the city’s dark underbelly and famed nightlife for Bier, Schnapps und Tanzen!

Max Brown Hotel Ku’damm

Venture from Berlin and take the short five-hour hop to the Czech capital, Prague . The view across the city from Prague Castle is unmissable – see if you can count the hundred church spires dotted around the skyline.

Meanwhile, the Prague City Card is your golden ticket to unlocking dozens of the city’s finest tourist treasures.

Perla Hotel

Whether you’re a fan of the Sound of Music like me or more into Baroque architecture and Mozart, Salzburg is an underrated gem on this Europe trip itinerary.

As well as the famed Sound of Music Tour, the views across the city from the Hohensalzburg fortress are unparalleled.

Hotel der Pflegebrucke

Venice is probably the best of the lot in a tour bursting with romantic stops. 

You cannot visit this stunning city without riding through the world-famous canals. And if you’re looking for something less cliched, head out to some outer islands like Burano , Lido or Murano.

Al Mascaron Ridente

Nice by name, very nice by nature. Take in the unmatched glory of the French Riviera and the crystal clear blue water of the Mediterranean in Nice. Laze on the beach and explore the stunning old town. 

While you’re there, why not detour to nearby movie hotspot Cannes or have a little flutter at one of Monte Carlo’s famous casinos?

Hotel Le Saint Paul

Journey’s end brings this stunning European itinerary to a close at the beautiful city of Barcelona . I spent three months in Barcelona earlier this year and there’s no doubt about it, I love the city. 

Be enchanted by the street performers in Las Ramblas, become captivated by the Gothic glory of Gaudi’s designs and why not go out on a high by trying out one of the city’s stellar restaurants ? 

The Hoxton Barcelona

London and Paris

London >> Paris

Distance: 301 miles / 484.5 km

How to Do It: By train

The Eurostar made it so easy to breeze between London and Paris (in three hours). Simply hop on in London’s St Pancras Station, whizz through the Garden of England and the beautiful Northern French landscape before landing in the heart of Paris.

This low-key, simple one-week European itinerary is perfect for travellers seeking an introduction to touring around Europe, with both cities offering plenty for the discerning tourist to enjoy.

Regular readers of this site will know that I have enormous fondness for my hometown and once again, I’m only too happy to extol its virtues.

Of course, as well as all of the famous tourist trappings London ’s well known for, heading off the beaten track will open up London’s many off-piste charms. 

I’m always grabbing food at Maltby Street Market, trying out one of the city’s many street food vendors and love to explore London’s many rooftop bars after dark.

Megaro Hotel

Hop onto the Eurostar from London St Pancras International and arrive in Paris hours later. 

Head to the Eiffel Tower, stroll around Montmartre’s incredible artistic community and enjoy a lazy afternoon drinking wine and eating the city’s magical cuisine at one of the streetside cafes while watching the world go by.

If you’re a history buff, heading out to the Palace of Versailles and immersing yourself in its rich regal history is well worth a few hours.

Scandinavian Tour

Copenhagen >> Stavanger >> Bergen >> Oslo >> Stockholm

Distance: 1215 miles /  1955 km

How to Do It: By Plane / Car

This 10-day European itinerary takes in stunning vistas across Scandinavia, one of my favourite European locations. 

Beginning in Denmark’s beautiful capital, Copenhagen, I suggest flying the first leg of the tour to Stavanger before hiring a car to drive across Norway and Sweden and fully drink in the incredible Nordic scenery.

This tour is best enjoyed between late April and September when temperatures are higher and you’re less likely to get stranded by bad weather.

Frank Loesser wrote “Wonderful Copenhagen” for the 1952 film Hans Christian Andersenand; even though he’d never visited the city, he nailed it. 

Grab yourself a City Pass upon arrival to make getting around Copenhagen nice and easy. 

Wander around the Tivoli Gardens at your leisure and visit one of the many royal palaces dotted around the city. If you’re a water baby, you’ll love seeing the city via a canal cruise from Nyhavn.

Grand Joanne

Flying into Stavanger gives you your first glimpse of the incredible Norwegian landscape. This city on the southwestern coast of Norway makes an excellent base for hikers to explore Pulpit Rock, Kjeragbolten and the Flørli 4444 steps.

If you’re not into hiking, you can take in the craggy, rocky coastline on the Lysefjord cruise. 

Hotel Victoria

One of the rainiest spots in Europe, don’t visit Bergen without a waterproof and robust brolly. Luckily, this gorgeous city has plenty of extraordinary museums to see when it inevitably chucks it down.

The Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf is a UNESCO World Heritage site with its picture book-coloured wooden dwellings. The Fløibanen funicular takes you to the top of Mount Fløyen, where the view has to be seen to be believed.

Die Hanseatiske Hotel

You’ll probably need a day for the drive across from Bergen to Oslo as you’ll want to stop several times to drink in the incredible scenery. 

Once you arrive in Norway’s capital, visit Vigeland Park, which contains over 200 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland.

No trip to Oslo is complete without a visit to the Viking Ship Museum, while night owls will find plenty to do in the vibrant Aker Brygge area.

Hotel Bristol

The Swedish Capital, Stockholm , is the final stop on this Nordic itinerary and makes for a stunning endpoint for our journey across Scandinavia. Gamla Stan, the city’s Old Town, is wonderfully preserved, with incredible golden facades. 

Meanwhile, Drottningholm Palace is an unmissable site next to the Old Town. As you navigate the city, art fans will be seduced by the incredible Stockholm Subway art. 

Best of Italy

Rome >> Florence >> Cinque Terre >> Venice

Distance: 536 miles / 862 km

This stunning Italian tour takes you through some of Italy’s golden areas, with amazing sights, scenery and, of course, cuisine. 

Head north from Rome into the heart of the stunning region of Tuscany and Florence before enjoying the Cinque Terre area and then beading across Italy’s thigh to the city of romance, Venice.

Route Highlights

Rome , La citta eterna , the beating heart of Italy and historical colossus. There’s plenty to see, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and a Vatican tour. 

For dinner options, I can’t recommend the Trastevere area of the city and its breathtaking selection of boutique restaurants highly enough.

Crosti Hotel

In a nation of art lovers, Florence stands head and shoulders above everywhere else. 

This Tuscan gem includes must-visits such as the Galleria dell’Accademia to learn about Florence’s part in the Italian Renaissance and climb the Duomo di Firenze for incredible views across the city with rolling Tuscan hills as the backdrop.

While in town, why not learn from the best with an authentic Italian cookery class? 

If you have more time, spend at least a few days exploring more Tuscan towns and villages – there’s so much to see in the region, but I’d very much recommend the towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano in the Val D’Orcia, or Greve in Chianti, which is quite close to Florence. 

Fiorenza B&B

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre comprises five towns, the main one being La Spezia, where your train will arrive.

These five towns on the Mediterranean coastline provide the perfect mix of crystal-clear blue seas and picture-perfect craggy cliffs topped with colourful, beautiful towns. A heavenly oasis away from the din of the big cities.

Hotel Villa Belvedere

A train journey from the Mediterranean coast to the edge of the Aegean takes in some spectacular views before arrival in Venice . 

If you want to remain away from the tourist hotspots, I suggest exploring the Jewish ghetto and taking a cruise to Murano to visit the incredible Glass Museum.

Exploring the Balkans

Ljubljana >> Zagreb >> Dubrovnik >> Kotor >> Sarajevo

Distance: 610 miles / 981 km

Taking in three nations of the former Yugoslavia, this Balkan tour is an ideal way to explore the underrated charms of the Balkans. 

Taking in former Ottoman strongholds such as Bosnia, with a sprinkling of former Communist architecture in Slovenia and Croatia and some stunning scenery, This 10-day tour is one of Europe’s finest hidden gems.

I suggest driving this itinerary to fully appreciate the many charms of this fantastic region.

The Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, is the perfect spot to start this Central European itinerary. Explore the Triple Bridge that connects the historical old town with the modern city, the 18th Century Robba Fountain, made of limestone and marble.

If you’re looking for waterside relaxation, visit Lake Bled and let the lapping waters relax as you recharge your batteries.

Affittacamere Casa Dane

Head through the stunning Slovenian and Croatian borderlands before arriving in Zagreb . Take in the Old Town, which contains the Cathedral, Lotrscak Tower and beautifully maintained Medieval Stone Gate.

I loved exploring Dolac Market with its vibrantly coloured flower and food stalls. 

Into Game of Thrones? You’ll find plenty of familiar sites as you wander around Dubrovnik .

The city is also home to one of Europe’s most beautiful monasteries, with the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery containing an incredible library and historic pharmaceutical displays.

After dark, the Stradun is the best place to head for food, drink and a little party atmosphere.

Grand Hotel Park

Steeped in history, Sarajevo is the perfect place for this itinerary to end. 

Allow two or three days to take everything in, from the Ottoman-era Latini Bridge, near the site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination in 1914, to the eerie surroundings of the abandoned bobsleigh track built for the 1984 Winter Olympics.

The Tunnel of Hope is a must-visit, serving as a reminder of the appalling horrors of the Bosnian War in the 1990s.

Diamond Rain Boutique Hotel

Loire Valley

Orleans >> Blois >> Amboise >> Chinon

Distance: 150 mile / 240 km

The Loire Valley is an area South of Paris in the middle of a stretch of the Loire River. This easy-drive 5-day itinerary is ideal for anyone wanting to experience the real France outside of what Paris offers.

Châteaus, vineyards, staggering scenery and eye-catching architecture from the ages make up this beautiful, relaxing road trip, ideal for history buffs.

The City of Joan of Arc, Orleans, has recently spent millions of Euros on significant conservation projects to return to its former glory.

Orleans has an essential place in French history as Joan of Arc led French troops to victory against the occupying English armies in a turning point in the 100-year war. Explore the banks of the Loire and the Cathedral of Sainte-Croix.

Urban Jungle Hotel Orleans

Between Orleans and Blois, stop at the Château de Chambord. Sat right on the bank of the Loire, this impressive structure still has its original double-spiral staircase as designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Once you arrive in Blois, wander around the Old Town on foot and drink in the incredible architecture. 

Experience more of France’s royal history at the Chateau de Blois, home to no fewer than seven French Kings! Fans of architecture will have a field day with the fusion of styles.

Le Plessis BBB

Amboise is a small town on the banks of the Loire, best known for the 15th-century Royal Chateau. Explore the wonderful garden with sensational river views and the eerie, if exciting, underground passageways.

With the car safely parked in the evening, why not test your palette with wine tasting at Les Caves Ambacia?

Hotel Le Blason

Chinon is your final stop on this beautiful, castle-dominated itinerary. On the way from Amboise, stop in at the Chateau de Villandry and explore the unparalleled gardens before arriving at Chinon.

Cimb to the medieval Royal Fortress of Chinon to see incredible views across the town and the Vienne River. 

Au Relais Saint Maurice

Iceland Ring Road

Blue Lagoon >> South Coast >> East Coast >> North Iceland >> Reykjavik

Distance: 828 miles / 1332 km

Speak to anyone with the travel bug and the likelihood is that if they haven’t already been to Iceland , it’s sitting in the top five of their bucket list. And rightly so. There is nowhere on earth like this forbidding wintery paradise that sparkles all year round.

Volcanoes, lagoons, glaciers, rocky outposts, Northern Lights and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. You can experience it all with this comprehensive Iceland Ring Road itinerary.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions and is an unmissable visit. Alongside treatments, there is a swim-up bar in the main lagoon and you can eat so long as you pre-book your time slot.

Game of Thrones fans will enjoy visiting the nearby Thingvellir National Park, where several scenes of the hit show were filmed.

Northern Light Inn

South Coast

Along Iceland’s south coast is Geysir, a geothermal park where steam and scorching hot water (beware!) regularly erupt into the air. 

Nearby Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, which, given the number of incredible falls on the island, is quite a claim. Meanwhile, the Lava Centre is a great stop to learn more about Iceland’s volcanic activity.

Hali Country Hotel

Once you head onto the East Coast, I thoroughly recommend stopping at Gardagafoss and walking the 45 minutes or so up to the town. This gorgeous, colourful town has a stunning rainbow-painted high street leading to the church, a fine addition to any Instagram feed.

The east coast is also the best spot in Iceland to participate in a reindeer safari. Trust me, this is unmissable.

Hotel Framtid

North Iceland

Dentifoss, in North Iceland, is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, spanning 100 metres wide and 45 metres high, making for a spectacular sight!

Meanwhile, Husavik – the Will Ferrel movie Eurovision location – is the best place for whale watching in Iceland. Plenty of volcanic action is going on, including several lava fields that you’ll pass on your drive.

Hotel Myvatn

Your final destination is the Icelandic capital Reykjavik , a nice dose of civilisation after a week in the wilderness. Take a puffin-watching tour and watch these gorgeous birds in their natural habitat and if you want more lagoon action, head to the Sky Lagoon to quench your cravings.

22 Hill Hotel

Europe Itinerary: Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip 

When planning for your European tour, there are several things to consider. 

• Book your tickets early to take advantage of the best prices if you’re travelling by train. Monitor your bookings to ensure timings remain unchanged, and see if your tickets are refundable or transferable if your plans change.
• If travelling by car, research your itinerary to ensure you have the right vehicle. While a Fiat 500 might be perfect for your cruise through the Loire Valley, you probably need something more robust for exploring Iceland.
• Many cities have special passes that allow entry into some of their most prominent attractions. This is an excellent way of saving money while taking advantage of these European hotspots’ best attractions. 

Europe Travel Itineraries: Map 

Now You’ve Planned Your Europe Itinerary: Read These

• The Ultimate Europe Travel Bucket List – 100 Adventures in Europe
• 26 Dreamy City Breaks in Europe
• The Best Hikes in Europe for Epic Adventures
• Europe in Winter: 25 Stunning Places to Visit

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Europe travel advice, including top 10 European travel tips, map of Europe, guide to European city breaks, rail journeys in Europe and where to stay in Europe

From the classical rubble of Athens and Rome to the castles of southern Spain, the pomp of Victorian London to the vineyards of Champagne, the ideas and institutions of Europe have spread to every corner of the world.

Nowhere has such a density of iconic, art-and-architecture-packed cities. Barcelona, Granada, Venice, Palermo, Paris, Avignon… between them Spain, France and Italy could easily fill a year of weekend breaks. And for longer stays, there are numerous historic regions to explore at leisure: the Moorish towns of Andalucia in Spain; the Renaissance cities of northern Italy; the Loire Valley chateaux in France.

But Europe has its wild side too. The great mountain chain of the Alps is the birthplace of world climbing, and Switzerland and Austria lay claim to breathtaking scenery criss-crossed by hiking trails. Norway’s fjords are truly epic and (outside the peak summer cruising season) remarkably quiet. North of the Artic Circle, Lapland offers husky sledding, Sami culture and the much-imitated Ice Hotel. Scotland’s Highlands and Islands has vast sweeps of moor, forest and crag; Iceland and southern Italy are dominated by volcanoes; Almeria in southern Spain even has a desert.

Southern Europe is defined by the balmy Mediterranean Sea, and its coastal towns and islands are where package tourism made some of its biggest mistakes – and started to learn from them. Islands like Tenerife, Malta, Ibiza, Mallorca, Corfu and Cyprus all have interesting hinterlands away from the resort strips, and reward exploration.

The former Soviet countries of Eastern Europe are catching up fast with the neighbours – and, outside the Euro currency, benefiting from lower prices. With its plethora of Adriatic islands, Croatia is already well-established as an alternative to Greece. Romania, Poland, Belarus and Ukraine harbour bears, wolves and untrammelled rural landscapes; the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have historic cities (and great saunas). On the Soviet front line, Germany’s capital Berlin has now been reunited for 20 years, and repeatedly tops ‘favourite city’ lists.

Perhaps the best way to explore Europe is by rail. This is a continent of relatively small countries, and you can whisk from big city to mountain to coast – and on to a whole new country – in a few hours. Inter-rail (for European citizens only) and Eurail passes (for others) give access to 30 countries, and have kick-started many great travelling lives. For UK residents, Rail Europe has fares, routes and passes.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your European adventure today…

Further Reading

Top 10 europe travel experiences.

From mountain ranges to turquoise seas, from really old ruins to throbbing modern cities, Europe has enough to keep every traveller entertained for a lifetime

• Explore volcanic landscapes, Iceland – Iceland is a hotbed of geothermal activity: geysers spew, volcanoes erupt, hot pools steam. You can see a lot from capital Reykjavik – take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, then a day trip to Geysir and Gulfoss. Longer treks will unearth innumerable volcanic treasures.
• Marvel at the Alhambra, Granada, Spain – the Moorish palace and fortress complex that dominates the Andalucian city is a delight of courtyards, pools and ornate chambers. It gets busy though – a good guide will steer you away from the crowds.
• Cruise Norway’s fjords – the Unesco-listed inlets of the Norwegian coast are as dramatic as they are far-reaching, stretching way up into the Arctic Circle. Board the Hurtigruten ferry, which runs from north to south and back again year round, to see the lot.
• Island hop, Greece – there are over 6,000 Greek islands, which is a lot of hopping. Try Santorini for romance, Crete for ruins and gorges, the Ionian Islands for learning to sail, and all of them for breezy taverna lounging.
• Roaming the Highlands, Scotland – head to the UK's far north for the country's wildest wilderness and profuse wildlife: take binoculars to look out for puffins (try the Stacks of Duncansby), golden eagles, otters in the rivers, dolphins offshore (head to Moray Firth) and red squirrels in the woods.
• Cycling in France – the perfect place for pedalers of all abilities: pros can tackle stretches of the Tour de France (the slog up Mont Ventoux, perhaps) while more casual cyclists can ride along the Loire or Brittany's coast, stopping off for plenty of vin rouge en route.
• Meet bears and wolves, Romania – the Carpathian Mountains are one of the best spots for big mammals on the continent. Trek across this little-populated region with a local guide to maximise your chances of a sighting.
• Hike round the Eiger, Switzerland – you don't need to summit this mighty mountain; for the best views of all its faces, walk around it instead, stopping in Heidi-cute hamlets and wildflower meadows. The excellent and efficient Swiss transport system makes access a doddle.
• See Old Europe, Sicily, Italy – combine an active volcano, craggy coves, sunny beaches, top nosh and a surplus of ancient ruins on this Italian island, which has a distinctly differently feel to the mainland. Just avoid August, when all of Italy goes on holiday.
• Walk the South West Coast Path, England – 1,000km of undulating, sea-hugging, seal-dotted, pasty-serving loveliness: England's longest walking trail is a beauty. In summer look out for basking sharks passing by.

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The Best Places to Go in Europe in 2024

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024 – find more travel inspiration here .

At the end of each year, we look ahead to what’s coming next in the travel world as we pick out the top destinations we’d recommend to our fellow globetrotters for the following 12 months. Our expert contributors nominate the destinations that are on the up right now, because of a flock of hotel openings, perhaps, murmurings of Michelin arrivals, shiny new museums or a concerted conservation effort taking root. These nominations make up the Best Places To Go In 2024, in which we shine a light on the destinations that are due their moment in the sun.

This year, as well as turning our gaze to global destinations in the Best Places to Go in the World in 2024, we’re also looking to the spots that are making waves on each continent right now. This list is an edit of Europe's countries, regions, cities and neighbourhoods that are worthy of your time and attention next year.

All 12 destinations are places we’re keeping a keen eye on right now: from first-time sports events in Italy to astonishing nature in Scandinavia and a curious surf scene in France. Happy travels.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Places to Go in Europe

Mallorca in spain.

Go for: an outpouring of exciting new hotels across the island

Cocktails at Ikos Porto Petro

The pool and gardens at Ikos Porto Petro

The grande dame of the Mediterranean remains unrivalled thanks to its pitch-perfect brand of low-key luxury, exceptional service and focus on sustainability. But in recent months, the Balearic island has added even more jewels to its crown; among them is Son Bunyola , Richard Branson’s latest hotel, in the Tramuntana Mountains. Not far from there, in the town of Puigpunyent, the team behind Andalucia’s stellar Finca Cortesin has opened Grand Hotel Son Net in a 17th-century manor house. Also adding to the excitement for 2024 is the slick styling of Ikos Porto Petro , farm turned boutique stay The Lodge and Zel Mallorca – the first Zel hotel is a collaboration between Rafael Nadal and another homegrown big hitter, Meliá. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also the Four Seasons , which takes over the much-loved Hotel Formentor, Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, beachfront Aethos and Marugal, which has unveiled its second project on the island after Cap Rocat. Meanwhile, S’Arracer del Dimoni hotel will open in Santa Margalida, and Belmond La Residencia will continue its artists-in-residence programme and the third edition of art installation Mitico, in collaboration with Galleria Continua. – María Casbas

Biarritz in France

Go for: a sweet surf scene in a lesser-known stretch of the Basque Country

Interiors at Villa Magnan, a charming indie hotel in the region

The roof terrace at Regina Biarritz, the new opening from the Parisian-born Experimental Group

Just over the border from San Sebastián , the French resort town of Biarritz is prepped to step out of the shade of its Michelin-star-studded Spanish Basque counterpart and welcome a new generation of sophisticate. They are booking into its artfully resuscitated belle époque hotels, including Experimental’s brand new Regina Biarritz , Unbound’s Hôtel du Palais and enigmatic indie Villa Magnan (book a table at De Puta Madre and dine with local interior designers and filmmakers). The late 20th century was not kind to this beautiful town on France’s southwestern coast, its dwindling fortunes and faded grandeur standing in stark contrast to its late-19th-century and early-20th-century heyday, when Emperor Napoleon III had his summer palace here, and his Spanish wife Eugénie promoted Biarritz as a health resort. Happily, in-the-know Spanish and French urbanites have rediscovered this belle époque delight, lapping up a hip surf scene (Biarritz is one of Europe’s oldest surf destinations, thanks to a bunch of American filmmakers who visited in the 1950s) and fuelling a youthful Basque culinary scene, from the thrilling Les Halles covered market to neo-bistro Epoq and Michelin-starred favourites such as L’Impertinent . – Anna Hart

The Cyclades in Greece

Go for: salty-air island-hopping made easier than ever

The Cyclades is a cluster of Greek islands, scattered southeast of the mainland in the Aegean Sea

Is there anywhere more popular than the Greek islands right now? This past summer, the Cyclades – an island group that includes Mykonos , Santorini , Paros , Milos and Ios – dominated social-media feeds with beautiful blue and white backdrops, thrilling beach clubs and nightclubs, and unparalleled shopping. With more smart stays being unveiled in 2024, as well as new flights, next summer is the time to make a Cyclades trip happen. Etihad, British Airways and Saudia added new routes to various Greek islands in 2023, plus the 2022 launch of Cycladic, the first inter-island airline, means it’s easier than ever to get there. Hotel business is booming. Santo Pure in Oia on Santorini has just added 20 new suites, and next year it will be joined by sister hotel Santo Mine, a 37-suite luxury resort. Slick boutique hotel Kalesma on Mykonos will launch its spa for the 2024 season, including a hammam and cryotherapy area. Five-star, 80-acre Gundari Resort will open on Folegandros next May, while a new One&Only property will come to Kea in April. Such plush hotels are rare on these islands, expanding the options for luxury stays in the Cyclades. – Ali Wunderman

Northern Italy

Go for: next-level cycling, need-for-speed motorsports and a slower take on travel with the advent of a new train line

No longer second-fiddle to France, cycling holidays in Italy are taking off

For the first time ever, the first three stages of the Tour de France will take place in Italy in 2024, a historic moment for the country, the sport and the prestigious race. Competitors will saddle up in Florence , head east towards Rimini on the Adriatic Coast, follow the Apennines north through Emilia-Romagna and complete stage three in Turin . With their truffles and terroirs, Italy’s northern regions are best known for their gastronomic heritage, but two-wheeled pursuits have long been part of the landscape. The 1998 Tour de France champion Marco Pantani was born here, while professional racer Davide Cassani was instrumental in developing the Via Romagna, a 462km network of cycling routes throughout the region. Now, tour operators have upped their game in time for the event: Tourissimo’s week-long cycle holiday is designed to provide guests with live-action access to the tour itself, plus the chance to conquer the hills and thrills of Emilia-Romagna. Ride International Tours and Ride Holidays have released new routes to reflect growing interest in the region, while the looping, leisurely route between Parma and Modena by Inn Travel leaves more time for sampling local delicacies along the way. Those more comfortable on four wheels will find the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and the annual Motor Valley Fest , both in May, irresistible – this is the birthplace of Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini after all – while those who prefer life in the slow lane can board new railway routes between Turin and Canelli with Fondazione FS’s 1930s carriages or take Nightjet’s overnighter from Verona to Liguria (via Milan and Genoa). Make a final pit stop in Pesaro to find out why it’s been crowned Italian Capital of Culture for 2024. – Anna Prendergast

Yorkshire in the UK

Go for: star chefs leading a foodie revolution

The Abbey Inn is the latest Yorkshire opening from local hero Tommy Banks, who, in 2014, became the youngest chef to head up a kitchen receiving a Michelin star for The Black Swan – at just 24 years old

For a bewitching break in 2024, go north. Yorkshire-born sculptor Henry Moore once said: “The observation of nature is part of an artist’s life.” And Yorkshire has some of the most seductive nature: sweeping landscapes like living oil paintings; undulating dales and peaks; deep-forested moors with big skies; heady lavender fields; lofty woodlands filled with birdsong; and golden sandy sweeps skirting the peppermint-blue sea. The Brontës’ romanticism is not lost. In 2024, go stargazing in Yorkshire’s national parks at the magical Dark Skies Festival . The Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta will return to its new home at Castle Howard in 2024, with rainbow-bright, early-morning mass balloon flights and night glows. There were plenty of Michelin mentions for the county in 2023, with keen eyes on the 2024 list, so restaurants with rooms are ramping up. Just up the road from The Black Swan in Oldstead, Michelin-lauded chef Tommy Banks’ latest outpost, The Abbey Inn , opened in May and its three luxurious bedrooms, care of Tommy’s mother, were launched in July. For the ultimate culinary sleepover, stay two nights and eat at both restaurants. Newbie Mýse , helmed by chef-and-sommelier couple Joshua and Victoria Overington, is a petite restaurant with rooms set among caramel-coloured cottages in the sleepy village of Hovingham. Book in for its creative tasting menu, then retire upstairs to one of the cosy-cool rooms. In June, Middleton Lodge , a sustainable luxury retreat bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park, launched the Forest Spa in the heart of a serenely wooded estate. Don’t pass by honeycomb-hued Helmsley, with its emerging culinary scene and the recent opening of Pignut – a restaurant with a sustainable focus and impressive casual and tasting-menu options. Expect plenty more magic in 2024. – Rachel Everett

Bodǿ in Norway

Go for: epic stargazing, spectacular nature and a programme of cultural events that's not to be missed

The aurora borealis are one of the biggest draws for those visiting the Nordic countries during winter

Bodø’s position on the pristine shores of northern Norway affords it endless days in the glow of the midnight summer sun and shocks of fluorescent light come winter, when the aurora borealis erupt onto the night sky. This small Arctic fishing town is a European Capital of Culture for 2024, which will result in the area’s largest-ever arts programme, including about 1,000 events and an influx of people interested in creativity in all its forms. The region’s unique Sami heritage is championed here, while striking modern expansion is seen in buildings such as the world-class, harbour-fronting Stormen Concert Hall , which can hold 900 people and will form a crucial centrepoint for the celebrations.

Beyond its cultural accolades, Bodø is also the gateway to the ethereal Lofoten Islands . The dramatic landscape of fjords and jagged peaks makes it a perfect playground for adventurers and photographers alike, offering unforgettable, dramatic views. Adding to Bodø’s appeal is its burgeoning food and drinks scene (try Lystpå for dinner and Brødrene Berbusmel Bakery for breakfast) as well as exciting new places to stay. The Wood Hotel will open in 2024, offering the town’s most luxurious lodgings yet, with pared-back Scandi design and floor-to-ceiling windows. For something a little more in tune with nature, try GlampNord . – Rosie Conroy

Go for: new hiking and biking trails across the beautiful countryside – and to mark a quarter-century since the Kosovan war

Kosovo's untouched valleys and craggy peaks are just one of the reasons tourism to the country is increasing

Tiny Kosovo lacks the stunning beaches of Albania and luxury resorts of Montenegro , but Europe’s newest country has sky-scraping peaks, pastoral countryside and heart-warming hospitality, a combination ideal for multi-day hiking and biking trips. 2024 will mark the 25th anniversary since the end of the Kosovo war, and there's much to discover in the region now. Following in the footsteps of cross-border adventure trails such as the Peaks of the Balkans and High Scardus, the Trans Dinarica cycling route opens in 2024, making its way past the minarets framing Prizren’s eponymous river, through the Ottoman market town of Gjakova and on to Peja. Perched on the edge of the Rugova Gorge, Peja serves as base camp for the country’s many outdoor adventures, including via ferratas and spelunking. A new pavestone path will soon connect the Lumbardhi River Promenade with the popular Health Trail that is the beginning of the south-to-west route through the inaptly named Accursed Mountains. Two additional forthcoming routes connect trails in the Rugova Mountains to the gushing White Drin waterfall and Radac cave. Steps from the waterfall, the sleek, modern Ujëvara e Drinit Resort specialises in rooms with a view and fresh trout dinners. Through-hikers can rest weary bones and fill hungry bellies further from town along the trails at rural guesthouses such as Ariu , where traditional Kosovar dishes include flija, made with dairy produced on-site. – Naomi Tomky

Asturias in Spain

Go for: eco-focussed tourism that doesn't scrimp on luxury

Interiors at Solo Palacio

Asturias is a lesser-trammelled slice of Spain

While the pandemic generated a new type of traveller – nature-loving and environmentally conscious – Asturias did not have to reinvent itself to attract them. The tagline “Asturias, natural paradise”, created almost 40 years ago, represents everything we look for in a getaway. Perhaps that is why this autonomous community is the most dynamic destination in northern Spain; it welcomed more than 2.4 million visitors last year, with more international travellers than ever. The climate also helps: heatwaves are barely noticeable. This is the year to discover its natural spaces, many of them UNESCO Biosphere Reserves , via rejuvenated routes such as the Camino Primitivo, a calmer branch of the popular Camino de Santiago, through some of the country’s least-known regions. Spain’s first rural hotel, La Rectoral de Taramundi , opened here, and other noteworthy addresses include PuebloAstur Eco-Resort in the Picos de Europa mountain range, Ecoboutique’s Solo Palacio and Las Caldas Villa Termal . Alternatively, book into new arrivals Palacio de Figueras from the Vestige Collection or CoolRooms’ Palacio de Luces . The food scene also makes Asturias unmissable. Its “landscape cuisine” rivals that of the Basque Country . There are 11 Michelin stars peppered around the region as well as an emerging culinary movement in the Caudal and Nalón valleys, while chefs such as Natalia Menéndez (Casa Chuchu), Diego García (El Pintu), Paula Lamas and Jairo Rodríguez (Roble) and Xune Andrade (Mont) are on the rise. Regional capital Oviedo has been declared as the country's Gastronomic Capital for 2024, bringing together more than 200 chefs at the Euro-Toques conference in April. – Clara Laguna

Carlsberg City District in Denmark

Go for: new-new-wave eateries in the city's district of the moment

Petit fours at Studio by Christoffer Sørensen

Studio by Christoffer Sørensen a Michelin Best Young Chef

For 161 years, Copenhagen ’s sprawling Carlsberg brewery held its secrets behind closed gates. When Carlsberg moved away in 2008, a plan was hatched to transform the old site, with its patinaed spires and life-size elephant statues, into a showcase neighbourhood. What attracts residents to the emergent Carlsberg District also charms visitors: copious green space, easy public transit and an evocative mash-up of contemporary and repurposed architecture, anchored by cherry-picked restaurants and shops. At the light-flooded Coffee Collective , they like to serve two roasts at once to contrast the beans’ terroirs. Aamanns , the pioneer of modernised smørrebrød, is also here, along with Neopolitan pizzeria Surt ; Kona , a destination izakaya from former Noma chef Philipp Inreiter; and Studio , by Christoffer Sørensen, a Michelin Best Young Chef. Home designers Carl Hansen and Søn, by Adelborg and PP Møbler have arrived. Fashion’s Henrik Vibskov has also moved in, packing his atelier with kaleidoscopic garments, in contrast with the classic suits of Deerest nearby. In December 2023, the brewery itself springs back to life, with a state-of-the-art, interactive visitors’ centre and the revival of its 1847 bar-room. Also to come are Friday summer parties in the courtyard and the unveiling of namesake Carl Jacobsen’s lavish gardens, open to the public for the first time since their 1890 groundbreaking. Afterwards, retire to the windowseat of your room at Hotel Ottilia overlooking the construction cranes. In a city that believes in liveable density, you’re witnessing smart urban planning unfold. – Betsy Andrews

Budapest in Hungary

Go for: a fresh take after 150 years of the city

Nightingale by Beefbar at the W Budapest, which was formerly a palace in the city

Renowned for its architecture, the Hungarian capital spans everything from art nouveau and neoclassical to gothic and baroque, with the Blue Danube connecting it all like a ribbon. And then there are the mineral-rich thermal baths, featuring ornate design flourishes. The city also buzzes with creativity, which spills over into the vibrant nightlife; the ruin bars district is a tangible example of crafting opportunity from the ashes of adversity following the brutality of Communist rule. November 2023 marks 150 years since the previously divided cities of Buda, Pest and Obuda were unified and, as well as a series of cultural events, the Chain Bridge – the city’s oldest and a “symbol of togetherness”, according to Mayor Gergely Karácsony – has fully reopened after a two-year restoration, granting excellent views of Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building. New builds such as the spectacular House of Music Hungary and the National Athletics Centre (the central stadium for 2023’s World Athletics Championships) are testament to a city with optimism for its next 150 years, as is Tui’s new route from Manchester, launching in summer 2024. The art deco W Budapest – formerly a palace and on a UNESCO World Heritage-listed street – opened in July 2023 opposite the Hungarian State Opera. Also in the Marriott portfolio is the Dorothea Hotel , with its 216 rooms and glamorous rooftop restaurant. In keeping with the musical events celebrating the 150th anniversary, the 2022 opening of the Hard Rock Hotel – Eastern Europe’s first – combines musical memorabilia (Prince’s faux-fur coat in a shade of, unsurprisingly, purple) with an in-thick-of-it location on Nagymező Street, Budapest ’s legendary louche entertainment strip. – Sarah Rodrigues

Costa de Prata in Portugal

Go for: boho openings in an unsung corner of the country

Areias de Seixo is one of the smartest hotels in the region

A bedroom at Areias de Seixo

Not as show-offy as Comporta , much less known than the Algarve and with more surfer vibes than the Costa Vicentina , Costa de Prata (Silver Coast) is the strip of Portugal’s Atlantic seaboard we are most excited about right now. Start a south-to-north road trip in Ericeira, where Aethos Hotels opened an outpost in which smart design is combined with laid-back coastal cool at the end of 2022. It was hot on the heels of Immerso , a hotel full of local crafts and the same truly Portuguese personality as new restaurant and beach club Balagan. Heading north, Areias do Seixo continues to be a benchmark for luxury stays on the Costa de Prata, while in Nazaré, where German surfer Sebastian Steudtner rode a world record wave of 26.21 metres, Ohai Nazaré has family-friendly glamping. A visit to Obidos, one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal, is the perfect excuse to stay at the bohemian Literary Man or, if golf is more your thing, check in at Marriott’s Praia D’El Rey . Along the coast, surfing hub Peniche has standout beaches, including Consolação and is a great jumping-off point for the Berlengas islands, an increasingly less secret paradise. The road trip ends in Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal, where MS Collection Palacete de Valdemouro has just opened under the Small Luxury Hotels banner. There’s no doubt that the Silver Coast is on track to take gold. – David Moralejo

Antwerp in Belgium

Go for: intriguing new architecture and a clutch of sharp hotel openings

Cocktails at August, a former convent turned hotel

Details at August

So often overlooked in favour of its Dutch neighbour Amsterdam – or mistakenly written off as being as staid as Brussels – Antwerp is easily Belgium's most underrated city. In fact, the diamond capital of the world is somewhat of an undiscovered gem, with plenty of cool and culture for a weekend romp – and it's now easier than ever to visit thanks to the Eurostar from London (or hop on a direct flight and you can be in the city within an hour). There’s an impressive concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants to rival major European capitals. Perhaps best known is two-star The Jane , which was ranked number 39 in this year's World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024. If the exquisite 14-course tasting menu here is out of budget, the restaurant’s sleek new bar, untitled, which opened earlier this year, offers rustic dishes at a more accessible price point, all lovingly plated before your eyes by chef Joeri Timmermans. After dinner, roll yourself next door to bag a bed at August (a former Augustinian convent turned supremely serene sanctuary), or for a sleepover in the heart of town, sister property Hotel Julien is a design-led favourite. Once you’ve eaten your way through the city’s culinary offerings, walk it all off Zuidpark , an ambitious development set for completion by spring 2024. Pinned to be one of Antwerp’s leafiest havens, the seven-hectare park will have 30,000 plants and several smart water features – all part of the city’s continual effort to be greener. – Gina Jackson

It just takes a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Old Town to fall in love with Europe! The second smallest continent in the world is huge when it comes to variety. With over 50 gorgeous countries, Europe offers tons of opportunities to explore. Between the bustling and touristy cities like Rome and Paris, you’ll find hundreds of charming and offbeat little towns and villages. Whether you take a road trip or board a scenic train journey or hop on a bus – Whatever way you explore, Europe is sure to charm you!

© 2024 Travel Melodies. All Rights Reserved.

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Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Europe , Bucket list travel · February 27, 2023

27 Europe holiday ideas to inspire your next trip

Are you planning an upcoming Europe trip but you don’t know where to start? Here are ten Europe holiday ideas to give you some travel inspiration for your European adventure.

Europe is one of those destinations where it can be what you want it to be. My favourite kind of place!

Food-lovers and wine drinkers can eat and sip their way around the continent, party animals can revel night and day in island paradises or buzzing city nightclubs, history buffs have ancient ruins and renowned museums to visit, while art enthusiasts have a never-ending list of masterpieces to see in person.

The scenery is varied but equally striking whether you’re in the Dolomites mountains, on a Portuguese beach or visiting Scandinavian fjords, the melting pot of cultures and languages gives a brilliant opportunity to open your mind to new ways of thinking and living, and there are adventures for all ages and skill levels.

Add all that to border-free travel through much of the continent, decent rail infrastructure in many countries and cost-effective public transport in most places without rail, and you have the makings of a fantastic holiday.

Yes, I’m a Europe fangirl. Can you tell?

As a full-time traveller I try to squeeze in 3/4 months in Europe each year, often with a mix of exploring new places as well as returning to old favourites. I could give you a hundred different ideas of epic things to do in Europe (in fact that blog is on my to do list!) but for the moment, to make your initial travel inspo a little less daunting, I wanted to share ten easy themes for your upcoming Europe trip.

Here are 27 Europe holiday ideas to help you get started on planning your Europe adventure.

Foodie adventure

Europe is a culinary paradise, with brilliantly diverse gastronomic experiences on offer from east to west and north to south. There are so many incredible foodie cities in Europe that the topic really deserves a blog post of its own, but here are three delicious destinations to consider if your main focus is getting amongst the local food scene.

All over Italy

Pizza, pasta, pesto, prosciutto, Parmesan, Italy literally invented all of my favourite foods! Spend anywhere from a weekend through to three months in Italy and you’re guaranteed to have some of the best food of your life.

Learn about pizza’s history in Naples, make your own pasta at a cooking class in Florence , eat your way through Rome’s buzzing Trastevere neighbourhood, sip limoncello in Sorrento or enjoy aperitivo in Milan.

But if you had to choose a single city for an Italian foodie holiday, you can’t go past Bologna, the capital of the food-focused Emilia-Romagna region which is known for its pasta sauces, cured meats, balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano cheese. Bologna is best explored with a food tour so you can experience both the highlights and the hidden gems, and local legend Mattia’s Delicious Bologna tours are the best-rated in town (including a five star review from yours truly).

San Sebastian, Spain

Always coming in high on the list of the most Michelin stars per capita (currently third behind Luxembourg and Kyoto), San Sebastian is the ideal destination for the fine diners among us. Be sure to book your dream restaurant well in advance, particularly during August when many Europeans flock to the city and September when the San Sebastian Film Festival is held.

If you’re visiting San Sebastian on a budget don’t stress, you can still experience the city’s incredible gastronomic scene without breaking the bank. Pintxos are bite-sized snacks similar to tapas, typically eaten in bars in the Basque country (where San Sebastian is located) and offer fantastic value for money.

Berlin, Germany

While many travellers head to Berlin for its significance to Europe’s recent history, and many more visit to take part in one of Europe’s best clubbing scenes, it’s also well worth a visit just for the variety of cuisine it offers.

Berlin is a cosmopolitan city where cultures collide and the food represents this beautifully. Street food vendors serve up cheap dishes from all over the globe, pop-up restaurants offer innovative and immersive dining experiences, and exquisite fine dining restaurants sit next to understated currywurst stalls.

Cheap and cheerful city break

While the prices in places like London, Paris and Amsterdam might be slightly off-putting, Europe truly doesn’t have to break the bank. Thanks to low cost airlines, cheap train journeys and favourable exchange rates, there are plenty of affordable cities in Europe to visit on a budget. Head east to find the best value for money.

Quick note: 2022 and 2023 have brought severe cost of living increases and higher inflation for many countries around the world, especially those in eastern Europe. Prices will still be much cheaper than what you’re probably used to at home but may be higher than what you expect. Please keep in mind that travel is a privilege and that if you’re feeling the pinch of Budapest, Prague or Sofia’s price increases when you’re being paid in euros, pounds or dollars, imagine how badly the locals are impacted.

Budapest, Hungary

Budget travellers could easily keep their Budapest budget to less than €35 per day including dorm accommodation, two meals at home and one meal at a cafe, a beer, and entrance to a museum. If you can extend that to €60 per day per person and are travelling with a partner or friend you’d be able to include a decent hotel room and perhaps a visit to the Budapest Baths in that price. Be sure to visit Fisherman’s Bastion (free unless you want to access the towers), do a city cruise (cheap), do a free walking tour (tips expected) and visit the ruin bars (super cheap).

Even if you only spend two days in Budapest you’ll still have a fantastic little getaway.

Budget travel tip: Flow Spaces is my favourite hostel in Budapest, perfect for digital nomads! They have a dedicated workspace, loads of natural light, great common areas to meet other travellers without it being too rowdy. I stayed in a comfortable, minimalist private room but their dorm rooms look great too.

Poland in general

Poland has a number of cities easily connected to London and other European travel hubs thanks to budget airlines, so it’s not uncommon to see flight deals for €15-€20 return. Crazy! Krakow offers a medieval old town, UNESCO-listed landmarks and charming cafes, Warsaw is more cosmopolitan with a busy arts and entertainment calendar and a buzzing digital nomad scene, or Gdansk is a lesser-known coastal city with colourful buildings lining the waterfront.

Sofia, Bulgaria

An absolutely underrated hidden gem, my Sofia city break impressed me enough to firmly secure its spot as one of my personal go-tos for a cheap Europe getaway. The city has a fascinating and tumultuous history which you can learn about on a free walking tour (tips expected), the food scene is absolutely on fire and offers incredible bang for your buck, and the Vitosha Mountains are just outside the city with stunning scenery and free hiking trails.

Europe train trip

If you’ve got a week or more to spend exploring, a Europe train trip is the perfect way to enjoy incredible views, use your time efficiently, avoid stress and minimise your environmental impact. Europe’s train network is very well connected, particularly in western and central Europe, and for most itineraries you’ll end up saving loads of time and money compared to flying every few days.

I recently spent three months travelling through Europe by train, ticking off more than 20 cities in 11 different countries. You can see my actual Eurail itinerary but it was very messy due to some work commitments I had to fit in, so for actual itinerary inspiration check out my ultimate two month Europe itinerary instead.

Eurail/Interrail adventure

A Eurail/Interrail Pass is a rail pass which covers the cost of your train tickets, meaning you can save money and stay flexible while travelling. I have a detailed blog post on how to use a Eurail Pass as well as a budget breakdown to answer the question ‘ is a Eurail Pass worth it? ‘.

Eurail Passes range from short in-depth passes in one country through to three month passes all over Europe (called Global Passes), so there’s a pass that will fit any sort of itinerary.

You could get a Eurail Italy Pass for a two week adventure through Italy’s hot spots, a short Global Pass to tick off icons like London, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin, or an extended Global Pass for a 60 day jaunt throughout many of Europe’s must-visit cities.

Switzerland panorama trains

If you’re keen to experience Europe’s train system but don’t have that much time, I’d recommend looking into the Swiss panorama trains using a Swiss Rail Pass or a Eurail Pass .

Switzerland boasts some of Europe’s most breathtaking natural scenery, so almost every train trip in the country is impressive in terms of views. But the panorama trains are a specific collection of train journeys focused on offering tourists the ultimate Swiss scenic experience, with panoramic windows to maximise sightseeing.

The GoldenPass Express runs from Montreux to Lucerne, the Gotthard Panorama Express runs from Lucerne to Lugano, you can catch a bus connection to Tirano (Italy) where the Bernina Express departs from to get to Chur or St Moritz (Switzerland), then the Glacier Express runs from Chur or St Moritz to Zermatt. Four stunning train journeys which will make this one of the most beautiful holidays you’ll ever have.

Hit the road

Europe is home to some of the most scenic roads in the world, from captivating coastal drives to windy mountain roads and everything in between. Hiring a car or campervan gives you the ultimate flexibility to see, do and explore at your own pace, with the option to switch up your plans as you go.

Portugal road trip

Beach bums, this one’s for you. Rent a zippy little car and do a one way trip from Faro in southern Portugal through to Porto in the north, past the Algarve beaches, colourful fishing villages, grand palace complexes and buzzing cities.

This five day Portugal road trip gives you a whirlwind taste of the Algarve, Lisbon, Pena and Porto, but you could easily spend weeks exploring Portugal’s cities and countryside and still wouldn’t get bored.

Southern Italy road trip

Italy may not be the easiest country to drive in, but if you can handle Southern Italy’s narrow roads, lack of rules and *ahem* animated fellow road-users, then you’ll be treated to superb views, charming villages and some of the best food Europe has on offer.

Pick up a car in Naples and hit the Amalfi Coast, Bari, Lecce, Matera, Tropea and Maratea to see some of Southern Italy’s highlights, and consider extending your trip to allow you to spend a week or more exploring Sicily.

Iceland road trip

Iceland’s public transport network is minimal and irregular, so aside from splurging on pricey tours, a road trip is by far the best way to see the country.

This 4 day South Iceland itinerary is ideal for a short visit, or if you’re hanging around longer and want to get a bit off the tourist trail then you could add on this three day West Iceland itinerary .

Sun and sand

Whether your idea of a summer holiday is a luxe all-inclusive retreat with a private beach, island hopping between quaint fishing villages and hidden coves, or combining culture, relaxation and food all into one, Europe’s got a summer destination to keep you happy.

Mediterranean sailing

Not a destination as such but more a mode of transport, a Mediterranean sailing trip is hands down the most incredible way to experience Europe during the summer. If you’ve got a big enough group you can charter your own self-drive boat (if you have the skills) or book one with a skipper, or for a more affordable option there are many companies that offer small group island hopping tours.

I spent a week sailing through Croatia with Medsailors in 2019, and I loved it so much that I immediately booked Greece for the following year. Obviously a little something starting with ‘c’ and ending with ‘ovid’ ruined that, but I’ve rebooked for summer 2023 and am now counting down the days till I’m back on a catamaran sipping breakfast mojitos while floating on an inflatable unicorn. Total bliss.

Greek Islands

If you’d prefer to stay in one place, or maybe tick two islands off the list, Greece is guaranteed to impress. Beach all day and party all night in Mykonos, sip local wine while watching the sunset in Santorini, explore enchanting fishing villages in Naxos or road trip around some of the world’s best beaches in Crete.

For the perfect mix of history, culture, food and scenery, Sicily takes the proverbial cake. Get lost in the maze of alleyways in the island’s old towns, learn about ancient ruins at Agrigento, take a dip in the sparkling waters of Spiaggia dei Conigli, or experience Sicilian cuisine with a food tour.

Outdoor adventures

While Europe’s history, culture and landscapes tend to dominate as the main reasons to visit the continent, it would be remiss to not mention that Europe actually offers a range of outdoor adventures to challenge even the most active explorers.

Dolomites, Italy

Northern Italy’s Dolomites are a mecca for hikers, climbers, skiers and bikers, with countless trails and tracks to choose from depending on the level of adventure you’re looking for.

From short walks circling alpine lakes to day hikes to multi-day treks from mountain hut to mountain hut, you’ll want to bring comfy walking shoes or hiking boots to experience the Dolomites by foot.

If you’re keen for a more daring way to see the mountains then consider trying a via ferrata or “iron path”, a cable climb where iron rungs are attached to rock and you connect to a safety cable as you ascend. There are beginner via ferrata which aren’t too daunting or taxing on the body, right through to expert via ferrata which require serious strength and technical skills. Book a guided via ferrata tour and tick this epic experience off your Italy bucket list .

Travel tip: The Dolomites are best explored by car, so I’d recommend booking one place to stay as a base and then get a rental car to take day trips from there. I stayed in Bolzano and stayed at a gorgeous boutique hotel called Loom Hotel , which has some of the most unique interior design I’ve ever seen. If you end up in Bolzano I also highly recommend visiting PastaLab, some of the best pasta I’ve ever had in my life!

West Highland Way, Scotland

If a long-distance hike is what you’re looking for, the 154km trail from Milngavie to Fort William in Scotland’s Southern and Western Highlands is one of Europe’s most popular treks, and for good reason. On this 6-8 day adventure you’ll traverse rocky terrain to reach epic viewpoints, spot waterfalls flowing into fast-flowing rivers, and enjoy panoramic views of ancient glacial lakes from hill summits.

Europe’s scuba diving scene isn’t as renowned as other parts of the world like Southeast Asia, Australia or the Caribbean, but if underwater adventures are your thing, Malta is your best bet for an epic scuba diving holiday in Europe.

With almost 200km of Mediterranean coastline and typically fantastic visibility, the dive sites in Malta are worth a visit for PADI-certified divers or for those wanting to get their certification. Underwater life isn’t as impressive as other parts of the world but there are some incredible shipwrecks/plane wrecks to explore, the famous Blue Hole of Gozo (a 15m deep underwater sinkhole) and even underwater statues to see.

Treat yourself

Reckon you deserve something special on your next trip? Whether you’re celebrating a certain milestone or achievement, or you simply enjoy the finer things in life, there’s no shortage of luxurious holiday locations in Europe.

Paris, France

The luxury getaway of choice for high flyers from decades past, Paris truly puts on a show for those who can afford to experience the luxurious side of the city. Book yourself a five star hotel, see a cabaret show (I loved Paradis Latin ), cruise down the River Seine, shop till you drop down Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, or reserve a coveted table at one of the city’s many Michelin-starred eateries.

Zermatt, Switzerland

This dreamy resort town in the Swiss Alps is the ideal spot for a lush winter retreat, thanks to cosy eateries, stylish hotels and loads to see and do in both winter and summer. It’s car-free which adds to the peacefulness, easy to reach by train. I’d recommend arriving or departing by the Glacier Express , a world-class panoramic train route which connects Zermatt with another fancy resort, St Moritz.

My top pick for where to stay in Zermatt is a boutique hotel called Hotel ZERMAMA , which boasts incredibly comfortable rooms, gorgeous interior design, an in-room fondue set for the ultimate Swiss experience, and some rooms have Matterhorn views, even from the bed and bathtub!

Istanbul, Turkey

Offering better value than many other destinations in Europe, Istanbul provides a unique blend of east and west while ensuring your tourist dollars (or lira) go far. The city’s best hotels are certainly not cheap, but the brand names like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Raffles and JW Marriott tend to be 30-50% cheaper than the same chains in other cities like Dubai, Paris, Singapore and San Francisco. You can also find independent, locally-owned luxury hotels for significantly cheaper.

Relax and rejuvenate with a visit to an authentic Turkish spa, learn about the city’s history and culture with visits to Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and soak up expansive views over the city and Bosphorus Strait with breakfast, lunch or dinner at a rooftop restaurant.

Channel your inner child

If you need Europe holiday ideas for the young or young-at-heart, there are a bunch of highly-rated theme parks and attractions located around the continent, from thrilling adventure parks through to interactive movie studios.

Disneyland Paris

Whether you’re travelling with kiddos, you love thrill rides or you just love everything Disney, Disneyland Paris is an obvious must-visit for any Europe amusement park holiday.

Unsurprisingly, Disneyland Paris is less American-ised than the Orlando and California Disney parks . The food quality is better in my opinion, with healthier choices and smaller portion sizes which is ideal for a solo traveller. The park isn’t impossibly big either, which means that it’s possible to do the whole thing in just a day (if you visit on a weekday) or two if it’s during busy times with longer lines.

Even if you do just choose to spend a day at Disneyland Paris, I’d recommend staying either the night before or night after in the area to avoid an early morning and/or late night trip back to the city. I love Eklo Hotel for a budget-friendly stay near Disney, they have single rooms for solo travellers or family rooms if you’re travelling with a group. Or for a more luxurious stay, consider booking in at the dreamy Hotel L’Elysée Val D’Europe , my go-to for a comfortable, safe, lush hotel after a long day of walking and waiting in lines.

Tivoli, Copenhagen

Did you know that Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens theme park was actually visited by Walt Disney when he was planning Disneyland? He took notes on everything from the gardens to the park layout to the type of rides, then used these for inspiration before opening Disneyland in California four years later.

Tivoli is the world’s second-oldest theme park, it opened in 1843 and has been surprising and delighting millions of visitors since. It’s totally different to Disneyland, you pay a small fee for entry and then pay per ride or purchase an unlimited ride pass. The rides are actually super impressive, much far shorter lines and less wait time than you’d ever find at a Disney park!

The park is open from mid-April to mid-September for its summer season, then it reopens in October for Halloween and mid-November through December for Christmas. It’s a worthwhile addition to any Copenhagen itinerary, and if you’re particularly interested in Christmas lights and festive vibes then it’s worth considering as a standalone trip during the Christmas period.

TRAVEL TIP: If you’re visiting Copenhagen on a budget, you have to check out Next House hostel ! This is one of the best hostels in Europe for sure, it has pod-style dorm rooms and affordable private rooms, a shared kitchen, a sun-soaked rooftop, an indoor sports arena, loads of game tables and board games, and even a well-equipped gym!

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour + filming locations, UK

HP fans, I haven’t forgotten about you! Step into the wizarding world with your trip to the UK, where you can go behind the scenes with a studio tour, try to find your way to Hogwarts through Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross, or search for harder-to-find filming locations like certain alleyways, churches and markets across London, Oxford, the Scottish Highlands and more.

Winter getaway

Finally, to wrap up this list of Europe holiday ideas, here are some suggestions for epic winter getaways to make the most of Europe in the cooler months.

Europe basically invented alpine tourism in the 19th century, throwing a curve ball into upper society’s social calendar which used to be solely focused on summer events, using winter as somewhat of a hibernation period.

Switzerland’s St Moritz was the first ski resort to really take off, with many more opening up in the following decades across the rest of the Swiss Alps as well as in France, northern Italy, Austria, Germany and more. These days you can also find more affordable ski locations in eastern Europe, like Bansko in Bulgaria, Gudauri in Georgia and Jasna in Slovakia.

TRAVEL TIP: I recently found one of the cheapest places to ski in Switzerland , it’s called Ski Hostel in Liddes. You can get ski packages that include accommodation, two meals a day, airport transfer, mountain transport and your ski pass for less than €115 per day, which is almost unheard of in Switzerland. Highly recommend!

Christmas Markets

There’s no winter experience more magical than sipping Glühwein (mulled wine) out of Santa boot cups, marvelling at the dazzling light installations and getting amongst the festive vibes at one of the traditional Christmas markets.

Some of the most authentic and impressive markets are Strasbourg and Colmar in France, Innsbruck and Salzburg in Austria, and Cologne and Nuremberg in Germany.

For a more affordable Christmas market experience consider heading to Prague, or if you don’t mind a splurge and just want the ultimate in festive feelings then Tivoli in Copenhagen is absolutely enchanting.

And if you want to see all the best markets at once, check out my Europe Christmas market itinerary by train .

TRAVEL TIP: During my Christmas Market Europe itinerary I stayed in MEININGER hotels a few times (in Salzburg , Amsterdam and Frankfurt ) and loved them, they offer budget-friendly dorm rooms and affordable private rooms with access to shared kitchens, laundry facilities, buffet breakfasts and work-friendly spaces. Ideal for a whirlwind trip where I wanted to save money on food and needed to get a bunch of work done!

Northern Lights

Alright I take that last bit back, maybe this is more magical! The Northern Lights (a.k.a. the aurora borealis) are a natural phenomenon where solar storm activity causes electrically-charged particles to enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, which results in swirling rays of green and purple light dancing across our night sky. They’re best viewed on dark, clear nights in destinations close to the North Pole.

I’ve seen the Northern Lights in Iceland and Norway , but you can also see them in Sweden, Finland and even northern Scotland if you’re lucky.

These suggestions for Europe holiday ideas are by no means an exhaustive list, there’s an endless choice of destinations to choose from when planning your European adventure! But hopefully the trips I’ve recommended here give you some trip ideas for Europe and make your planning just a little bit easier.

MORE EUROPE BLOGS:

• How to use a Eurail Pass: The ultimate Eurail guide
• Is a Eurail Pass worth it?
• The ultimate Italy bucket list
• 2 days in Milan
• 2 days in Porto
• 2 days in Budapest

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We're Not In Kansas Anymore!

travel inspiration!

Find your European Travel inspiration here!

There are 44 independent countries on the European continent, so there is no shortage of places for you to find your inspiration. Europe is a very old place. It’s history is so far away, yet at the same time so close that you can actually feel the history that surrounds you here. On this page, you will find inspiration for planning your next epic trip to Europe.

(We love to add UNESCO World Heritage sites to our itinerary whenever possible.)

Click on the photos for a tour around Europe!

The 15 Best Cities to Visit in Europe in 2024

By Soren Rivero

Taking a European vacation is an exhilarating prospect, with a multitude of captivating cities vying for your attention. From the timeless charm of historic capitals to the avant-garde energy of cultural hubs, Europe offers a diverse tapestry of experiences.

This guide will be your passport to the best european cities awaiting exploration in the coming year, so join us as we share the top 15 cities in europe to visit in 2024..

Park Guell, Barcelona – the best cities in Europe to visit in 2024

Barcelona, Spain

Located on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula is the vibrant city of Barcelona , which seamlessly blends tradition and modernity into one unique creation. You can see the city’s unique architectural identity by visiting Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, two of Spanish artist Antoni Gaudí's most famous masterpieces. Aside from the architecture, you can’t miss out on the inviting people, bustling streets, and delicious cuisine like sizzling seafood paella. To top it off, the beautiful beaches add a laid-back charm that makes Barcelona one of the best cities to visit in Europe this year.

Prague – the best European cities to visit

Prague, Czech Republic

A trip to Prague feels similar to entering into a fairytale. The city’s history is evident throughout each of its cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, castles, and overall magical ambiance. Prague also boasts some of the most iconic landmarks in all of Central Europe including Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, and Old Town Square. While in Prague, you must indulge in hearty Czech cuisine, as you truly can’t experience the richness of the city without tasting the unique food options.

Dubrovnik – the best European cities to visit

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is often synonymous with two things: medieval walls and the Old Town. These are two features that make the city so unique. Located on the Adriatic Coast, Dubrovnik is a dazzling coastal city encircled by medieval walls, hosting an Old Town that has been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll along the city walls for stunning views of the sea, explore charming streets, visit Game of Thrones filming locations , and take a tour of the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of Dubrovnik’s Old Town!

Amsterdam – the best cities in Europe to visit in 2024

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam's picturesque canals and historic architecture make it a perennial favorite. In recent years, Amsterdam has become a popular destination for tourists all around the world, for different reasons. For starters, you can’t deny that Amsterdam is filled with opportunities to learn. The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and Rijksmuseum are cultural landmarks that enrich the city's allure. You can experience the rest of this Dutch treasure by exploring the narrow streets of the Jordaan District, taking a canal cruise , and visiting the vibrant flower markets.

Nice, France

Nice stands out as one of the best destinations in Europe, captivating visitors with its irresistible charm and diverse offerings. Nestled along the azure shores of the French Riviera, Nice seamlessly blends historic grandeur with a vibrant modern atmosphere. The city boasts an enchanting Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets lead to bustling markets and charming cafes. The iconic Promenade des Anglais invites leisurely strolls along the Mediterranean, while the vibrant flower market, Marché aux Fleurs, adds a burst of color and fragrance to the experience. With a rich cultural heritage, a delectable culinary scene, serene beaches, and a mild Mediterranean climate, Nice captures the essence of an ideal Europe vacation.

Vienna – the best cities in Europe to visit in 2024

Vienna, Austria

Treat your ears to the musical legacy of Austria’s capital city of Vienna! Trace the steps of legendary musicians, including Beethoven and Mozart, all in this grand city. Explore the majestic Schönbrunn Palace and the artistic treasures of the Belvedere Palace, relive musical history at the Vienna State Opera, and wander through the historic Innere Stadt. When you’re not soaking in the city's elegance, Vienna's coffeehouse culture invites you to savor aromatic blends while contemplating the city's artistic legacy. Plus, indulge in local Austrian cuisine like traditional Wiener Schnitzel and delicate Sachertorte.

Inverness – the best European cities to visit

Inverness, Scotland

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is one of the best cities in Europe to visit for travelers who want an enchanting destination. The city, cradled by the River Ness, provides the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls along its scenic banks. Also present – plenty of history! Learn about the intricacies of Inverness Castle, the mysteries of Loch Ness, and the haunting battles at the Culloden Battlefield. Beyond its historic gems, Inverness reveals a vibrant cultural heartbeat, echoing through its lively streets, diverse culinary delights, and the warm embrace of Scottish hospitality.

Santorini – the best cities in Europe to visit in 2024

Santorini, Greece

Become captivated by one of the Aegean Sea’s jewels: Santorini ! A city boasting a unique charm you can’t find elsewhere, Santorini is most well-known for its white-washed buildings and blue-domed roofs perched on dramatic cliffs. Simply walking through the famous Oia district is a magical experience of its own accord, yet you can’t miss seeing it during sunset hours. With delectable cuisine choices, beautiful scenery, and some of Greece’s most pristine beaches, Santorini is a must-visit destination in Europe.

Budapest – the best cities in Europe to visit in 2024

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Danube," is a city divided by the Danube River, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. This Hungarian capital captivates visitors with its stunning architecture, including the iconic Buda Castle and the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament Building, illuminated along the Danube River at night. Budapest's thermal baths , such as the renowned Széchenyi and Gellért Baths, offer a unique relaxation experience. The city's vibrant culinary scene introduces palates to traditional Hungarian flavors and innovative gastronomy. As you traverse the historic streets and bridges, like the famous Chain Bridge, the city's rich history unfolds, with remnants of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires. From the lively ruin bars to the tranquil Margaret Island, Budapest seamlessly marries the old and the new, creating an unforgettable tapestry of experiences.

Ponte Vecchio

Florence, Italy

Florence , renowned as the cradle of the Renaissance, exudes a captivating blend of art and history. The cultural significance of this city is beautifully showcased through iconic landmarks such as the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Florence Cathedral. Wander through the enchanting Piazza della Signoria, delight in the flavors of Tuscan cuisine, and relish the artistic marvels that grace every corner of this Italian gem. Take a day trip out into the Tuscan countryside to learn why Florence is one of the best cities to visit in Italy.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik , Iceland's capital, distinguishes itself as a crowd-favorite travel destination thanks to its unique mix of cosmopolitan allure and natural wonders. Set against breathtaking landscapes, the city offers the rare chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights , setting it apart from many of its European counterparts. Reykjavik's modern architecture, vibrant street art, and thriving cultural scene enhance its appeal, complemented by a rich history showcased in landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja. The warm hospitality of its residents, coupled with renowned geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon, creates a perfect harmony of urban sophistication and natural splendor, making Reykjavik one of the best cities to visit in Europe.

Munich – the best European cities to visit

Munich, Germany

Set within the heart of Bavaria is a city that combines traces of tradition with a vibrant contemporary lifestyle – and that city is, of course, Munich ! What you’ll see in Munich is incomparable to anywhere else that you’ll visit in Germany. The Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the English Garden are iconic landmarks that showcase Munich's architectural prowess and natural beauty. Embrace the lively atmosphere of the beer gardens, immerse yourself in Bavarian traditions, and experience the world-famous Oktoberfest (if your visit coincides with the fall festivities).

Manchester – the best cities in Europe to visit in 2024

Manchester, England

Specifically popular for its industrial heritage, Manchester has transformed into a modern metropolis while still retaining its unique “old-time” character. The city's architecture, from the historic Manchester Cathedral to the iconic Beetham Tower, reflects its diverse past. Manchester's cultural scene is electric, to say the least, with world-class museums such as the Manchester Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry offering engaging experiences. The city is also a haven for football enthusiasts, home to the legendary Old Trafford stadium. Overall, Manchester’s welcoming spirit, friendly locals, and the perfect balance of tradition and innovation make Manchester an incredible city to visit in Europe, or more specifically, the UK !

Glendalough in Wicklow – the best European cities to visit

Wicklow, Ireland

Nestled on Ireland's east coast, Wicklow is known as the "Garden of Ireland" and is one of Europe's best destinations. Though not quite a city, it is the capital town of County Wicklow. Renowned for its ethereal landscapes, Wicklow boasts the Wicklow Mountains National Park , a sprawling haven of rugged peaks, serene lakes, and lush forests. The captivating Glendalough, with its ancient monastic settlement and scenic lakes, adds a historic charm. Wicklow's dramatic coastline, featuring the iconic Sally Gap and Powerscourt Waterfall, offers breathtaking vistas. Visitors can explore quaint villages, indulge in local hospitality, and experience the warmth of Irish culture. Wicklow seamlessly blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination in Europe.

Lisbon – the best European cities to visit

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon invites visitors to experience a harmonious blend of history and contemporary energy. Its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and lively neighborhoods create a vibrant city that unfolds along the Tagus River. Lisbon’s legendary viewpoints, such as the panoramic Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, provide stunning views of terracotta rooftops and picturesque landscapes around every corner. Lisbon's warm-hearted locals, the soulful notes of Fado music, and its proximity to beautiful beaches make it one of the best cities in Europe to visit for the perfect fusion of history, culture, and coastal allure.

In conclusion, the allure of Europe's top cities beckons with promises of unforgettable experiences in 2024. From the timeless elegance of Vienna to the cutting-edge creativity of Amsterdam, each city on this curated list opens a doorway to a unique adventure. As you contemplate your travel plans for the coming year, consider the rich history, cultural vibrancy, and breathtaking landscapes that await you in these top 15 cities in Europe to visit.

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Europe 675 Austria 24 Croatia 21 Czech Republic 14 England 62 France 89 Germany 38 Greece 66 Hungary 11 Iceland 55 Ireland 92 Italy 103 Netherlands 18 Portugal 32 Scotland 40 Spain 66 Amsterdam 12 Barcelona 13 Budapest 9 Dubrovnik 6 Florence 12 Inverness 6 Lisbon 13 Manchester 1 Munich 4 Nice 11 Prague 10 Reykjavik 17 Santorini 15 Vienna 11 Wicklow 2 Guides 27 Travel Tips 319

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20 Best Summer Destinations in Europe (2024)

Summer and Europe! Nothing goes better together than perhaps pizza and cheese…?

Europe is filled with gorgeous outdoor eateries, amazing ice cream shops, stunning beaches, more islands than you could ever dream and is the perfect place to visit for summer.

Some of the best summer destinations in Europe include, Italy, Greece, France, Montenegro and …. well, you’ll have to keep reading to find out more!

Even though I lived in Scotland for 5 years I had spent mostly the winter exploring Europe.

After a summer weekend trip to Belgium, I had to see more of Europe in the summer.

One of my favourite places in Europe to visit in the summer is Italy. Gelati and gorgeous beaches do I need to say more?

I have teamed up with some amazing travel bloggers to bring you an incredible list of the best European summer destinations.

Hey There……there is a very good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Best European Summer Destinations

1. capri, italy.

Capri one of the best summer vacations in Europe because it is one of the best beach destinations in Europe .

We visited Capri on a day trip on a day trip from Sorrento. Whilst this gorgeous town deserves so much more than 24 hours, it is possible to see the best of Capri and the top things to do in Capri in a day.

One of the easiest ways to get to Capri is to fly. The closest airport to Capri is Capodichino/Naples International Airport in Naples, Italy (NAP) and then take a boat to Marina Grande, Capri.

One of the best things to do in Capri is to take a boat trip around the island and visit the blue grotto . You also need to take in the views of Capri from either Belvedere of Punta Cannone or Augustus Gardens.

If you choose to spend more than one day in Capri, Hotel La Minerva is a lovely place to stay it features beautiful decor, views to die for and an excellent buffet to start your door. The summer pool is a delight and the views of the sea are amazing.

2. Bruges, Belgium

Paulina, Paulina on the road

Bruges is one of the preserved destinations in Europe and one of the best medieval cities in the world. The capital of the province of West Flanders is the most visited town in the country. What makes it special is that it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2020. The town was founded in the eleventh century and was one of the wealthiest towns in the country by the fifteenth century. However, by the early twentieth century, it was poverty-stricken. But it quickly recovered and became an attractive tourist destination.

Although you can rent a car to reach Bruges, it is more preferable to go by train. Take a train from any of the train stations in Brussels to Bruges which takes approximately one hour to reach. The ticket costs €14.30. Or, you can even take a guided tour at a cheap price that includes transport and an English-speaking guide.

Bruges offers a lot of walking tours. One of the best trails to take is walking to the little town of Damme, which is a 5Km walk along the canal. It is a refreshing trail and is not difficult at all. If you want to go further, there are some nice trails like Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez.

Do not forget to bring your camera along because the town has some impressive picturesque spots like Mine water park and popular castles.

The best time to visit Bruges is from May until August to enjoy the warm summer sun. It is the  best day trip from Brussel.  For a longer vacation, you can stay at Hotel Van Cleef.

3. Paris, France

Elisa, World in Paris

Paris is one of the best summer holiday destinations in Europe. After a long and cold winter, the city wakes up, the parks and gardens are in full bloom, and you can have great sunny days with blue sky perfect for sightseeing.

I recommend a minimum of  4 days in Paris  to visit the main attractions, one day more if you want to take a day trip to Versailles or somewhere else.

If you are lucky with the weather, explore the city on foot. Stroll through the Champs Elysées and the Tuileries Gardens, walk along the Seine River banks, and get lost in the Marais or Montmartre, perhaps with a coffee break in a quintessential Parisian café.

On a beautiful summers evening it is highly recommended to night hop on a boat cruise , with or without dinner , to see the main monuments lit up.

From Europe, it is possible to reach Paris by train or car while visitors from overseas will fly to Paris Orly or Paris Charles de Gaulle.

We like the hotel  Handsome Hotel by Elegancia  in Paris 1. Located just 800 meters from the Louvre , this hotel offers its guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews.

4. Strasbourg, France

Mark,  Wyld Family Travel

Strasbourg is one of the best European cities to visit in summer. It is a little bit of German and a lot of French. Over the years Strasbourg has belonged to both Germany and France and the influence of both countries runs deep in the capital of the Alsace Region of France .

Strasbourg makes a great destination for summer for its own attractions and its located close to both Germany and Switzerland. Strasbourg is a green city with plenty of parks and miles of bike paths.

Summer wine festivals amazing foods and old-world charm. Don’t forget to try the local Alsacian specialties such as knuckle of pork with sauerkraut, Flamkussen and wash it down with a glass of the regional Gewurztraminer wine. 

The Strasbourg Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world. A walk to the La Petite France district is a must with its old-world timber houses shining in there bright colours.

A cruise on the canals of Strasbourg brings this charming city into view from a whole another angle.   Day trips from Strasbourg  can easily visit the Alsace Wine Route, Europa Park, Colmar, Freiburg, the Black Forest and Basel.

Strasbourg is easily reached from Paris by the TGV in under 2 hours. Strasbourg has its own international airport for visitors. You will find plenty of boutique hotels in the old town city centre,

5. Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Samantha, Sam Sees World

Traveling around Europe in the summer is one of the best things you can do. Europe is filled with so much diversity and amazing towns and villages to explore and discover.

However, during the summer months, Europe gets increasingly busy, which is why finding a summer hidden gem destination is important.

The undiscovered nature along with the breathtaking beauty of Herceg Novi, Montenegro is what makes it one of the places to visit in Europe in summer.

Herceg Novi is a small coastal town located along the coast of the Bay of Kotor. It can be reached by flying to Dubrovnik, Croatia, or to Tivat or Podgorica in Montenegro and driving to Herceg Novi from there.

Once there you will be welcomed by an authentic Montenegrin town that is relatively untouched by tourism.

The summer months are when Herceg Novi thrives! The whole coast is packed with beaches that are always full of people, the water is a vivid blue, the weather is always sunny and hot, and the town is waiting to be explored.

In addition to enjoying the water and pastel-colored old town, one of the best things to do in Herceg Novi is to take a boat tour. Boat tours around the Bay of Kotor will bring you to some of Montenegro’s best places like Kotor, Our Lady of the Rocks and more!

Plus the scenery of the mountains is unreal and really is one of the best summer places in Europe.

6. Sardinia, Italy

Lotte, Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog 

Located in the Mediterranean Sea and the second-largest Italian island, Sardinia a wonderful place to visit and one of the best places in Europe for summer.

This beautiful island packs a whole lot of things to do and, as with the whole of Italy, is a foodie’s heaven (think pasta, pizza, coffee, gelato, and more).  

As Sardinia is an island, you either have to fly there (Alghero and Cagliari have international airports) or take a ferry from the mainland of Italy (or from neighbor island Corsica which belongs to France).

Things you can’t miss on your  Sardinia itinerary  are the cities Alghero, Oristano, Cagliari, and the beautiful village of Bosa.  

Natural highlights are the Grotto di Nettuno, Tiscali Mountain and the stunning Maddalena archipelago. Are you looking for beautiful beaches? Sardinia has plenty of those but I can highly recommend spending a day at Spiaggia La Pelosa (near Stintino) and Spiaggia di Is Arutas (near Oristano).  

There is plenty of interesting history on Sardinia as well, such as the impressive Nuraghi Losa, an ancient fortification built from large boulders, the mysterious Nuragic village of Tiscali, and the Ruins of Tharros.

Altogether you won’t run out of things to see on Sardinia so be sure to spend at least a week there! 

7. Ibiza, Spain

James, Team J Travels

It is a decades long summer tradition for the world’s most high profile DJs to flock to the Spanish island every year to take up residencies in some of the biggest and best super clubs on the planet. 

There is a suite of world-class talent on offer every night of the week, with the most popular parties taking place from Monday to Thursday – while the rest of Europe go about their work week. 

The majority of party goers will stay in the following towns in Ibiza : 

• Playa D’en Bossa – Best beaches on offer and home to the most big name clubs like Hi, Ushuaia Hotel, and the Bora Bora Beach bar. 
• Ibiza Town – Good mix of nice hotels, restaurants and shopping areas. Light on clubs though with Pacha being the only big name in town. 
• San Antonio – Most popular with the Brits, and famous for the sunsets on the western side of the island, followed by more public drunkenness than you will encounter elsewhere. 

My best advice is to stay somewhere quiet on the fringe of these areas. The Taxi situation is far better than it was ten years ago and the peace and quiet during the day will make your trip far more enjoyable. 

The Hotel Cenit is also by far the best hotel I have stayed in. The water views are amazing, there is a good atmosphere, and it is within walking distance to Ibiza Town and nearby beaches. 

If looking for more wholesome activities here are some highlights to check out: 

• Walk the streets of the old Spanish town of Dalt Vila. A two thousand year old city that has a unique mix of traditional buildings mixed with modern, high-end commercial stores. If you are up for it you can walk up to Ibiza Castle. It is a challenging walk but offers unrivaled views of Ibiza Town and the harbor. 
• Cala Tarida and Cala Llonga are both worth a day trip, and if you headed further south you could catch a glimpse of the beautiful rock formation of Es Vedra. 
• You can also just hire a car and explore some of the hidden corners of the island. There are plenty of quiet beaches that are equally stunning, but more laid back.

8. Porto, Portugal

Vanda, The Yogi Wanderer

Portugal’s second-largest city is one of the best summer destinations in Europe for history buffs and beach bums alike, not to mention a food and wine lovers’ paradise.

From a vibrant art and cultural scene to uncrowded surf spots, from beautiful architecture to the stunning Douro River, the birthplace of Port Wine really has it all.

Located in the north of the country, Porto has an international airport and is easily reached by plane, train, or bus.

I recommend staying at least a couple of days, more if possible, to enjoy everything the city has to offer. And it’s a lot!

Start by exploring Porto’s downtown, where you’ll find many of the city’s most famous landmarks, like Lello Bookstore, Clérigos Tower, São Bento Train Station, and Porto’s Cathedral.

Then head to the picturesque Ribeira district and soak in its unique charm and beauty. Make sure to climb to the upper deck of the iconic Dom Luis Bridge, for some spectacular panoramic views of the city.

For the modern and cultural side of Porto, have a peek at the incredible architecture of Casa da Música, visit the impressive Serralves contemporary art museum, and stroll along the Foz do Douro waterfront.

If you have the time, I highly recommend doing a cruise along the Douro River. The classic route from Porto to Régua, takes you through the amazing scenery of the Alto Douro wine region, one of the oldest wine regions in the world and a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Check out my  Porto itinerary  for more things to do and local travel tips.

Jamie, Travel Addict

Croatia is swiftly rising in popularity as a summer destination spot – with it’s charming cities, rich history, and pristine beaches it’s easy to see why.

The most popular destinations to visit in Croatia revolve around the ocean, and range from Zadar in the north, to Split in the center, and Dubrovnik in the south. Each city has it’s own unique draw – the ancient walls of Dubrovnik that served as a backdrop for many episodes of Game of Thrones (and you can walk along them for amazing views), the ancient Roman palace beneath the charming streets of Split, or the gorgeous Venetian influences on the amazing Zadar. Each city has something tremendous to offer, and plenty of great food.

The easiest ways to get to any of those cities is to fly, each one has their own sizable airport with daily flights to a variety of destinations throughout Europe.

The best way to get from city to city is by boat – sailboat or the junkers are a fantastic way to travel the coast of Croatia in summer . There are various companies that offer group tours of the islands, or will provide boat and skipper to travel at your leisure, but it is one of the most fun ways to get around. There’s the added bonus of having your mode of transport also as your accommodation, which floats with you to each gorgeous island along the way.

It also gives you easier access to some of Croatia’s true Adriatic gems. For the adventurous and nature lovers you can’t miss the island of Mjlet with it’s amazing National Park. For incredible food and culture the charming island of Hvar is a popular destination. But the most beautiful of all is Korcula, with it’s winding streets, charming town and fantastic atmosphere.

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

Linn, Brainy Backpackers

Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful places in Europe in summer. The city is full of things to do and is best seen by foot or by bike. You can rent bikes by the train station or you can go on a guided bike tour around the city. Make sure you go to Nyhavn and soak in the iconic, colorful buildings at the famous port. While you’re there, it’s perfect to go for a boat trip too.

Make sure you see the Little Mermaid and take a stroll along Langelinie. The quay there is an extension of Copenhagen harbor and deep enough for large ships. There are beautiful fountains and a green park to explore and maybe even have a little picnic on a warm summer day.

If shopping is your thing, make sure you get time for some shopping at Stroget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets with it’s 1,1 kilometers.

Finally, whether you have  one day in Copenhagen  or one week, you should not miss out on a visit to Freetown Christiania. Though it used to have a bad reputation, this neighborhood has become a safe place to go. You should keep in mind that even though cannabis is sold in Freetown Christiania, the locals don’t want any drugs or drug tourism there. And cannabis is illegal in Denmark just like other drugs. So be respectful and just enjoy the little markets, natural smoothies, street art, and chilled vibe.

Copenhagen airport is well connected to the rest of Europe and a fair bit of destinations in the rest of the world. There is both metro and train that goes straight into the city center.

Generator Copenhagen is a budget friendly and great hostel with shared and private rooms. If you are looking for a hotel, Citizenm Copenhagen Radhuspladsen is a good alternative.

Or, My Path in the World

Malta is not your usual European summer destination but it is one of the best European countries to visit in summer. Beyond its dreamy bays and natural pools, it’s home to cities that were built by knights, historical landmarks and archeological sites, enchanting villages, and an intriguing culture that was influenced by the Arabs, Italians, and Brits.

Your  Malta itinerary  can certainly be all about relaxation and soaking up some sun, and places like Għadira Bay, Riviera Bay, and St. Peter’s Pool are perfect for doing exactly that. But if you feel like seeing more of this fascinating destination, you have to visit places like the cave complex of the Blue Grotto, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, cities like Valletta and Mdina that will make you feel like stepping back in time, and even a film set turned into an attraction park called Popeye Village.

You should also head to Malta’s two other islands – Gozo and Comino (which is uninhabited). You can either visit them independently by taking a ferry, book a full-day cruise, or take a guided day tour.

As for accommodation, I recommend staying at the Slimiza Suites hotel in the city of Sliema, which is a fantastic base for exploring the island. You can also look for hotels in the capital city of Valletta, which is also very well connected to other parts of the island.

12. Durmitor National Park, Montenegro 

Erin, Curiously Erin

The absolute highlight during my European summer trip was Montenegro and particularly Durmitor National Park. Durmitor NP is located in the northwest corner of the small country and is the perfect destination for adventure lovers and thrill-seekers.

Not only is it one of the most picturesque locations but compared with other European parks it’s relatively undiscovered. The highest tourism season is winter which means you’ll have almost 80,000 acres to yourself and travel buddies.

A few must do’s include:

– Visiting the Tara Canyon bridge. This bridge is what I believe to be the most iconic symbol of Durmitor and connects the two sides of the Tara Canyon by a 172m high arched wonder. A great activity to do here is zipline across the canyon. You’ll find a few operators all charging around €10.

– Take a self-guided audio tour. A lot of the national park surrounds a great panoramic ring road. Download the free  izi.travel  app and the Durmitor audio guide to make available offline. The tour starts and concludes in Zabljak and is your companion for the 76km loop. You’ll hear lots of interesting facts, interviews with locals, and ideas for photo stops and short walks.

– Go hiking. The  Durmitor National Park hiking  trails range from short loops around the Black Lake to full-day and overnight adventures. Whatever your hiking style summer is the best time to get out and hopefully catch a glimpse of a chamois or mountain goat.

13. Sicily , Italy

Emily, Wander-Lush

Nothing says summer in Europe like an ice cream cone on the beach. Where better to soak up the season than the birthplace of gelato, sunny Sicily.

The largest of  Italy’s islands , Sicily on of the best summer destinations in Europe. Summer is definitely high season so you may have to contend with crowds when exploring the island’s historic old towns, but you can find relative solitude in the smaller villages and outlying islands.

Summer is the best time for hiking in Sicily, including the Mount Etna summit. Hire a boat and get out on the water to explore the beaches, coastal rock formations and volcanic islands, or join a walking tour in any of the bigger cities to learn about Sicily’s unique history and culture.

Aside from gelato and Aperol Spritzes, you can taste Sicily’s fresh, varied cuisine at traditional trattorias across the island.Spend a few days in Sicily’s biggest city, Palermo, staying at a boutique hotel such as Palazzo Natoli (which is conveniently located near the cathedral) before exploring the island’s interior and 1,400-plus kilometres of coastline.

If possible, hire a car so you can travel at your own pace. Seven to 10 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Sicily.

14. Gaeta, Italy

Lisa, Planning Away

Have you ever heard of Gaeta, Italy?  If you are an international traveler probably not. It is not listed in any guidebooks and there are no train stations nearby. It is a local treasure! 

Gaeta is the best European summer holiday destination in Europe. It is one of the most southern cities in the Lazio region of Italy.  Located about two hours from Rome or Naples.  Renting a car is the only way to get there

There are seven beaches in Gaeta .  These beaches are very popular amongst the locals.(especially in August) There are beautiful cliffs and grottoes to explore. It is also a great place to snorkel and scuba dive.  One of the beaches is only accessible by row boat.  Be sure to rent a boat, a bike, or hit the hiking trails in this area.  

There are many stunning accommodation options in Gaeta. Beautiful resorts are located along the coast which make for amazing views of the ocean.  We stayed at the Grand Hotel Le Rocce.  The grounds are absolutely beautiful.  The private beach and pool were incredible. This may be one of the most romantic places in Italy!   

Gaeta is worth checking out on your next trip to Italy!

15. Hallstatt, Austria

Jürgen & Martina, PlacesofJuma

Hallstatt, the picturesque little village in the Salzkammergut, is certainly one of the best summer destinations in Europe. Situated in a breathtaking setting on the shores of the black Lake Hallstatt and with the imposing mountains in the background, this small village of 800 inhabitants is a real visitor magnet.

In summer, a picture-book atmosphere awaits you here – no wonder that this place is probably the most photographed in Austria.

Although the  Austrian village Hallstatt   is relatively small, there are many sights worth seeing, such as the historic marketplace with the beautiful Trinity Column. Especially beautiful are the many colorful houses with the many blooming flowers.

Also interesting in Hallstatt is the Bone-House, where a collection of 600 colorfully painted skull bones has been kept. Those who love to take amazing pictures should in any case also visit the Hallstatt-Aussichtspunkt – the viewpoint of Hallstatt where the best pictures are taken.

But also in the surroundings of Hallstatt, especially nature lovers, sports and outdoor enthusiasts will have their fun. The summer highlights to do are a hike on the Dachstein-Krippenstein Mountain towards the 5-Fingers Skywalk and also a visit to the beautiful Gosau with its magnificent Lake is absolutely recommended.

16. Prague, Czech Republic

Veronika, Travel Geekery

Prague as a destination is amazing any time of year and on of the best summer in Europe. For the best  Prague summer  experience, don’t dedicate too much time to the touristy sights in the historical city center, and instead enjoy Prague like locals do.

Hang out at Prague’s parks, stroll by the river or sit down with a bottle of wine, hop on a bike and ride as far as you can.. Join locals at outdoor swimming pools, hike the forests surrounding Prague – the list goes on and on! Prague cultural life is alive and kicking in summer too. Opt for a summer cinema or just chat with locals at any beer garden, since the city is full of them anyway.

There are many tours specializing in getting you out of the busy city center on a bike or e.g. a boat. Guided tours also include hikes to nature on Prague’s outskirts.

Prague is easy to reach from anywhere in the world – you can fly to the Vaclav Havel Airport or use the dense train and bus network, which covers Central Europe.

When choosing a place to stay in Prague, I can highly recommend the Mosaic Hotel – it offers various types of accommodation from basic dorms to luxury rooms and is conveniently located in the New Town area, from where you can walk easily to the city center or hop on a tram to the outer neighborhoods.

17. GDAŃSK , Poland

Agnes, The Van Escape  

Situated by the Bay of Gdańsk and the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk is an ideal place for summer holidays. The proximity of the sea ensures perfect relaxation on the sandy beach outside. But the attractions of the city will not let you get bored when you get off the deckchair. Gdańsk is a city where over 1000 years of history intertwined with modernity. It was here on September 1, 1939, on the Westerplatte Peninsula, where the Second World War started. Moreover, it was in Gdańsk in 1980 that Solidarity was born.

How to get to Gdańsk?

Gdańsk has excellent flight connections all over Europe. Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport is close to the city; there are public transport and private transport to the center. Furthermore, the railway network provides quick connections with other cities in Poland. You can quickly get to Gdańsk from Warsaw or Kraków. Finally, if you like to travel by ferry, you can go to Denmark or Sweden from the port of Gdańsk.

Where to stay?

Depending on your budget and needs, you can find cheap but cozy hostels or exclusive and modern apartments and hotels in Gdańsk. In the heart of the city there are excellent hotels such as Hilton Gdańsk, Radisson Hotel & Suites, IBB Hotel Długi Targ, or Radisson Blu Hotel. If you are looking for beachfront accommodation, a great beach view offers Novotel Gdańsk Marina.

Things to do in Gdańsk?

Gdańsk is the city of freedom and solidarity. In the European Solidarity Center can learn the history of the “Solidarity” movement. Lech Wałęsa, the first chairman of NSZZ “Solidarity,” former president of Poland and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, has his office here.

From the European Solidarity Center is close to the Museum of the Second World War , which tells about the most significant armed conflict with a broad international context.

One of the most representative places in the city is Długa Street, with many Renaissance tenement houses. Long Embankment is a water promenade and an ideal place for walks to observe the passing ships and the city’s architecture. You will also find great restaurants and bars. There is also the Crane, the largest and the oldest of the surviving port cranes of medieval Europe. Through the St. Mary’s Gate, you enter the most delightful St. Mary’s Street with shops with amber jewelry.

Finally, if you want to take a break from the city, it is worth going to the beaches in Jelitkowo, Stogi, or Brzeźno.

Tour recommendations

It’s worth considering a guided city tour to learn about its stories. An Interesting option is a boat trip on the Bay of Gdańsk. It’s also great to visit Sopot and Gdynia from Gdańsk.

18. Belgrade, Serbia

Ellis, Backpack Adventures

Belgrade in Serbia is one of the top summer destinations in Europe and for good reasons. It is cheap, does not have the tourist crowds yet that other European capitals have and has lots to offer to its visitors. You can even go to the beach in Belgrade.

Belgrade has a scenic location where the Sava and Danube rivers meet. They offer a nice respite from the summer heat. Most locals head to the island of Ada Ciganlija to relax on the beach or for activities like water skiing and beach volleyball.

You can also go walking or cycling along the boulevard that runs along the shores of the Sava and Danube rivers. However, the most beautiful way to see the rivers is from the ancient Kalemegdan fort. From here you have a beautiful view on the city.

Belgrade is a very young and dynamic city with lots of cafes and restaurants and an active nightlife. Summer is perfect to spend the day on one of the restaurant terraces in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija or in Zemun.

Its center with the pedestrian street Knez Mihailova and the Zeleni Venac market is also a great place to explore on a nice summer day. In the rare case that the weather is not in your favor, Belgrade has lots of interesting museums too.

19. London, England

Pauline, Beeloved City

If you are visiting Europe in summer, going to London should be on your bucket list! 

As you may know, England is known for its rain which is why summer is the best time to visit. You will maximise your chances of having nice weather and will get to enjoy some of the best activities in the city! 

First, head to the famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge and Tower of London. If you want to learn more about the history of London, make sure to hop on one of the many walking tours in the city. 

Once that’s done, you can stroll along the Thames banks and stop in one of the bars with a terrace overlooking the river. The Old Thameside Inn, located near London Bridge, is a great place to grab a drink if you want to discover what an authentic British pub is like.

If you are a Potterhead, you can also go on a walking tour and discover the best Harry Potter sites in London. 

Alternatively, you can also opt for a Jack the Ripper tour. You will learn plenty about England’s most famous serial killer and discover East London!

The British capital is also known for its street art and markets. Head to Shoreditch or Brixton to see wonderful murals and grab some delicious street food.

With a total of 6 airports, you can fly to London from almost anywhere in the world. You can then either take a bus or a train to London Victoria. There are also 2 international train stations (King’s Cross and St Pancras) with direct trains to/from Paris and Brussels.

In terms of accommodation, you will be spoilt for choice. The best neighbourhoods to stay in are Westminster, city of London, Shoreditch, Kensington and Hammersmith.

20. The Netherlands

Maartje, The Orange Backpack

The Netherlands is a great destination in Europe all year round, but nothing beats a summer trip to this small country. It’s the time the flower fields are blooming, the locals sit down at terraces with a Dutch beet and the sunny weather makes the country look at its best.

The Netherlands is a small country you could easily visit in about a week, though you might want to opt for more time to fully enjoy all highlights. Most travelers stick to the famous capital of Amsterdam, but there’s much more to see and do around the country. Public transport is an easy way to get around and explore more than just Amsterdam.

Head north of Amsterdam to see some authentic old villages and windmills like at Volendam or the Zaanse Schans. Enjoy the finest modern architecture in the bustling city of Rotterdam and  unwind at the beaches of Texel island  or the forests of the Veluwe National Park.

The Netherlands is home to the most beautiful European castles; Castle De Haar close to the historical city Utrecht is our absolute favorite.

Did you know Amsterdam also hides a stunning palace in the plain side at one of its main square?

Where are you favourite summer destinations in Europe? Let me know in the comments below

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I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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5 Europe Itineraries to Check Off While You’re Young — Perfect for First-Time Solo Travellers

All the fun Europe has to offer — without the hassle of planning.

A Europe vacation is the bucket list trip. It’s such a vast continent with so many incredible countries, each with their own unique personalities.

But everyday commitments ( urgh , work) make it tough to coordinate holiday dates with friends — I’ve had trips that haven’t made it out of the group chat after two years. 😞 At this rate, I might be visiting Greece in a wheelchair.

In this case, why not just pack up and travel solo? You can even meet new friends and form lasting memories along the way.

Last year, we travelled across England and Scotland with Contiki , and it was a nice change from having to plan everything on a trip! We could make the most of every moment — from sharing meals with fellow travellers to trying a new sport (Curling, anyone?).

And Contiki’s trips are catered to young people (age 18 – 35), so it’s easier to connect with one another.

Trip are also reasonably priced — a 12-day Europe itinerary covering eight countries starts from S$2,647 (excl. flights)! This includes cities like Rome, Paris and London and covers all accommodation and transport, plus most meals and activities.

Intrigued? Here are five epic European adventures that are ideal for solo travellers who are sick of travel plans being forgotten in group chats 🙌

Europe Itineraries Overview

1) Spain Itinerary (12 days, from S$1.6k) 2) England and Scotland Itinerary (9 days, from S$1.9k) 3) Greece Itinerary (11 days, from S$2.5k) 4) Norway Itinerary (8 days, from S$3k) 5) Europe Itinerary (12 days, from S$2.5k)

Click to jump to each section.

Contiki’s itineraries are customisable too, so there are optional add-on activities including those focusing on sustainability. These activities are labelled [MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience] — but more on that at the end.

1) Best of Spain — 12-Day Spain Itinerary from S$ 1.6k

Get ready to immerse in the land of Gaudí, tapas and music. This Spain itinerary features big cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Ibiza, as well as lesser-known towns like Bilbao and Pamplona.

Madrid – Burgos – Pamplona – Bilbao – San Sebastián – Zaragoza – Barcelona – Ibiza – Valencia – Granada – Toledo – Madrid

Photo credit: @jorgefdezsalas via Unsplash

This Spain itinerary starts in the lively capital of Madrid ! Visit some of Madrid’s biggest landmarks like Puerta del Sol (the main square) and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (home of Real Madrid), before meeting up with your new Contiki squad.

Photo credit: @davidvives via Unsplash

From Madrid, travel north to the charming towns of Burgos and Pamplona . Burgos is best known for its French Gothic cathedral which was constructed in the 13th century.

Pamplona might sound a little familiar — one of the new characters in season five of Money Heist was named after the town! Explore the old town and gothic-style Pamplona Cathedral, then end the day with a regional specialty — fresh trout.

For some cultural immersion, take a day trip to Bilbao — home to the famous Museo Guggenheim . The building itself is a masterpiece, designed by American architect   Frank Gehry — the same man behind the Dancing House in Prague and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Photo credit: @zoom_en_vadrouille via Instagram

Next up is the seaside resort town of San Sebastián . It’s known for world-class Basque (a Southwestern European ethnic group) cuisine and has the third-most Michelin stars per capita! So of course, you’ve got to try pintxos (appetisers similar to tapas ) while there.

Optional add-on: Go on an authentic pintxos bar hopping tour and discover where the locals hang out.

Stop by Zaragoza for churros and to see its lovely old town, before arriving at the bustling city of Barcelona . Take some time to wander the streets of the Gothic Quarter (one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods) and La Rambla (Barcelona’s Orchard Road).

Fun fact: The Gothic Quarter is where Picasso held one of his first exhibitions and is also home to Barcelona’s oldest restaurant,  Can Culleretes  (established in 1786).

[MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience]: Enjoy a local dinner at Mescladis cafe — a non-profit that’s all about social cohesion!

One of the best things to do in Barcelona is marvel at the incredible work of Antoni Gaudí. His resume includes La Sagrada Família , Park Güell , and Casa Batlló . Trust me, you’ll want some time to admire these one-of-a-kind buildings.

Optional add-on: Explore Barcelona via a guided bike tour for an immersive local experience and uncover hidden alleys most tourists miss.

Read also: 16 Best Things to Do in Barcelona Besides the La Sagrada Familia

Photo credit: @michaeljamescreates via Unsplash

The next stop on our Spain itinerary needs no introduction — Ibiza , the world’s number one party destination. You’ll be glad to have company to make the most of Ibiza’s legendary nightlife with! For those who prefer to chill, the island has beautiful beaches perfect for snorkelling and local markets to explore.

Optional add-on: Hop on an Ibiza party boat and cruise around the Balearic Islands with your new Contiki mates 🥳

Photo credit: @17_wei via Unsplash

After two nights in Ibiza, it’s time to return to the mainland and straight to the port city of Valencia .

Optional add-on: Paella cooking class, anyone? Valencia is where the tasty dish was invented — so there’s no better place to learn how to make it!

Photo credit: @dimitry_b via Unsplash

Next up, Granada . This Spanish city is unlike any other — it was a Muslim kingdom for 800 years and its mix of Arab and Spanish cultures is still seen today. Visit the Muslim quarter of Albaicín and try some Arab pastries and coffee.

Granada is also home to Spain’s second-most visited attraction, Alhambra Palace . It’s a Moorish palace complex that sits atop Sabika Hill — meaning you’ll get the best views of the city from here!

Photo credit: Contiki

Optional add-on: Flamenco is a traditional dance accompanied by live music. It originated in southern Spain, and Granada is one of the best places to catch a performance!

Before heading back to Madrid (the start and end point of this Spain itinerary), make a stop at the hill town of Toledo . Its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; take your time to admire the well-preserved medieval layout.

Check out Contiki’s 12-Day Best of Spain trip itinerary .

2) England & Scotland — 9-Day England and Scotland Itinerary from S$ 1.9k

Welcome to the United Kingdom, or more specifically, England and Scotland ! These countries offer an incredible mix of history and modern-day culture — you’ll need at least a week to get a sense of it all.

London – Liverpool – York – Lake District National Park – Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Scottish Highlands – Loch Ness – Glenfinnan Viaduct – West Highlands –  Stirling – Glasgow – London

First stop, London ! This city is filled with famous landmarks you’ve probably seen in numerous blockbusters — we’re talking Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace.

Next on the England leg is Liverpool — birthplace of The Beatles and home to Liverpool Football Club. For fans of The Beatles, there’s a “ Magical Mystery Tour ” that showcases some of the band’s favourite spots including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

York is a town boasting 2,000 years of history — catch glimpses of it at Minster, the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower.

Optional add-on: This may intrigue or spook you, but York is the  most haunted city in the world . For the brave souls, sign up for a guided ghost walk to visit creepy alleyways and haunted buildings.

With endless green pastures and sparkling lakes, Lake District National Park is something straight out of a fairytale. It’s England’s largest national park, home to Scafell Pike (England’s tallest mountain!).

Optional add-on: Sail along England’s largest lake by going on a Windermere Lake cruise.

Journey north from England to Edinburgh , Scotland’s historic capital. It’s the perfect place to dig into your first Scottish meal of the trip.

Optional add-on: Try haggis — the national dish of Scotland — while being serenaded by a bagpiper! For those who’ve never heard of haggis , it’s a pudding composed of sheep’s liver, heart and lungs. Now’s a good time as any to try something new 😉

Photo credit: @mzm0203 via Unsplash

Spend the next day exploring everything Edinburgh has to offer, starting with Edinburgh Castle — one of Europe’s oldest fortified palaces. After that, go shopping along Princes Street (the city’s main shopping street!).

Optional add-on: Scotland is the world’s largest whisky producer, so it’s no surprise that whisky is the country’s national drink! Grab some drinking buddies and go on a guided tour to indulge in the finest local whiskies. 🥃

Stop by St. Andrews en route to the Scottish Highlands; it’s the birthplace of golf!

After that, it’s the main attraction of the day — the Scottish Highlands , a mountainous region known for dramatic landscapes and top-tier whisky. Here you’ll find Loch Ness lake , where the legend of the Loch Ness Monster was born.

Read also: 9D UK Itinerary Under S$3k — From London to Scotland

Photo credit: @jack_anstey via Unsplash

Potterheads will surely recognise this next stop — Glenfinnan Viaduct . It’s the famous railway crossed by the Hogwarts Express!

Photo credit: @charlieurban_ via Instagram

After that, head to Glasgow . This city is known for friendly locals and an incredible music scene — so much so that it was named a UNESCO City of Music in 2008! On average, there are 130 music events each week, so you’ve got a high chance of catching one while visiting.

Glasgow is the last stop of this England and Scotland itinerary. Continue exploring Scotland, or take the Contiki bus back to London.

Check out Contiki’s 9-Day England and Scotland trip itinerary .

3) Greek Island Hopping — 11-Day Greece Itinerary from S$ 2.5k

Get ready for beautiful islands, rich history and fresh Greek cuisine — this Greece itinerary covers all the must-sees on your first trip to the land of the Gods ⚡.

Athens – Mykonos – Paros – Santorini – Ios – Athens  

Your Greek adventure kicks off in Athens — the heart of the ancient Greek empire. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, you’ll love exploring the Acropolis (above) and the Temple of Poseidon.

Greece is made of 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Greek Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited! So of course, island hopping is a must — starting with two nights on the stunning island of Mykonos .

Optional add-on: Mykonos offers more than island hopping. Go on a guided walking tour to discover little shops and alleyways in town!

Mykonos is also known for its lively beach clubs and bars — the perfect place to dance till the wee hours of the morning!🕺

Photo credit: @axpphotography via Unsplash

Next stop, Paros . This island in the Aegean Sea is known for its top-quality white marble, lovely Byzantine church and traditional villages.

Optional add-on [MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience]: For a more local experience, sign up for a trip to a local organic farm! Learn about Mediterranean produce like olives, grapes and herbs — while enjoying home-cooked goodies. This tour includes a visit to the quaint fishing village of Naoussa.

You’ve probably heard of this next Greek island , Santorini .

There’s plenty of free time to explore in Santorini, so it’s really up to you what to include in your itinerary. Work on your tan at Perissa Beach (a black sand beach), try local cuisine like domatokeftedes (Santorini-style tomato fritters) or go on a cruise tour!

Photo credit: @kodyg via Unsplash

Optional add-on: The Oia Visit Plus Volcano Cruise includes a trip to Oia, Santorini’s most famous village. It’s known for striking blue dome roofs and stunning sunset views. The tour also features stops at volcanic islands, where you’ll get to hike up a dormant volcano and swim in sulphur springs!

Photo credit: @johnnyafrica via Unsplash

Moving on to Ios — a Cycladic island with pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Optional add-on: Zip across the gorgeous coastline of Ios via a speed boat tour! You’ll make stops to explore underwater caves, go reef-snorkelling and visit secluded beaches.

After over a week of visiting Greece’s dreamy islands, it’s time to return to Athens for your flight home.

Check out Contiki’s 11-Day Greece Island Hopping trip itinerary .

4) Norway Fjords and Northern Lights — 8-Day Norway Itinerary from S$3k

Vivid Northern lights, snowy adventures and vast landscapes that easily pass for movie backdrops — this Norway itinerary covers it all.

Oslo – Tromso – Honningsvag – Overnight Hurtigruten Cruise – Kirkenes – Oslo

Begin your Norway adventure in Oslo , the stunning Norwegian capital! Catch the daily changing of guard at the Royal Palace at 1:30PM, visit Oslo’s harbourside Opera House and try some local seafood.

Next, take a 2hr flight to Tromso — the world’s northernmost university town. It’s decorated with centuries-old wooden houses and a beautiful Arctic Cathedral with stained glass windows.

There’s plenty to do in Tromso, so we’ll be spending two nights here!

Another reason to visit Tromso? Low light pollution and its prime location in the aurora zone make it one of the best places in the world to catch the magical Northern Lights. On this trip, you’ll have a chance to witness this phenomenon alongside new friends.

If you haven’t got a clue what Norwegian cuisine entails, Tromso is a good place to learn. Dig into local dishes like grilled stockfish, reindeer sirloin or seagull eggs!

Optional add-on [MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience]: Spend an evening with the Sámi reindeer herders — the indigenous people of the Arctic. Learn about their culture and way of life, while enjoying a traditional dinner!

On the third day in Tromso, enjoy epic views of the city from the top of the 421m-high Mount Storsteinen. There are two ways to get there — via Fjellheisen cable car or by hiking up the 1200-step Sherpa staircase.

For a uniquely Arctic experience, rise early and opt for a snowshoe or snowmobile tour!

Photo credit: @elwindewitte via Unsplash

Time for an epic adventure on the seas — this Norway itinerary features two nights on a rugged Hurtigruten ship. Sail along the coastline towards Skjervøy (a small town), chasing the elusive Northern Lights.

Photo credit: @dyviknilsen via Unsplash

We’ll journey through Magerøysund Sound and stop by Hammerfest, before arriving in Honningsvåg — the gateway to North Cape . It’s Europe’s northernmost point, with a 307m-high cliff and home to colonies of puffins and gannets.

Photo credit: @sergey_lupkin via Instagram

The final port of the overnight Hurtigruten cruise is Kirkenes . It’s located close to the Russian border and is home to the world’s first snow hotel , Snowhotel Kirkenes! This hotel features 20 unique rooms carved by renowned ice sculptors, and the rooms are kept at a chilly -4°C.

Spend the day exploring Kirkenes and see landmarks like the Wartime Mothers monument.

Photo credit: @darya_tryfanava via Unsplash

Wrap up the trip with a night of drinks and live music back in Oslo — the same city you arrived in!

Check out Contiki’s 8-Day Norway Fjords & Northern Lights trip itinerary .

5) European Discovery – 12-Day Europe Itinerary Incl. 8 Countries from S$ 2.5k

It’s tough to pick just one country in Europe to visit — that’s what the European Discovery trip is for! From feasting in a German beer hall to romantic gondola rides down Venice’s canals, this Europe itinerary has plenty of iconic sights and experiences packed into 12 days.

London – Amsterdam – Munich – Innsbruck – Venice – Vatican – Rome – Florence – Lucerne – Paris

Photo credit: @pmason303 via Unsplash

Your grand tour of Europe begins in London! Sail along the White Cliffs of Dover — a dramatic stretch of English coastline — before arriving in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is known for her canals, and a great way to take it in is by going on an evening canal cruise with your new Contiki pals! This city is also famous for her art and history, with top attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House .

Next, stay a night in the German town of Sankt Goar . It’s a great base to explore Rhine Valley, but not before a cosy night of wine-tasting in an underground candle-lit cellar.

You can’t visit Germany without seeing Munich — Germany’s unofficial beer capital (home to Oktoberfest!). Go on a guided walk of the city to see landmarks like the Rathaus-Glockenspiel (Munich’s famous Gothic clock), then tuck into pork knuckle in a traditional beer hall.

Goodbye Germany, hello Austria ! Head to Innsbruck , Austria’s very own adventure hub surrounded by snowcapped mountains and ski resorts.

Spend a night at Contiki Haus Schöneck — an Austrian ski chalet reserved exclusively for Contiki guests! Enjoy a hearty dinner prepared on-site (included with Contiki trip), then unwind with your travel companions at the cosy lounge.

For the best postcard view of Innsbruck, head to the River Inn where you’ll find these colourful houses along Mariahilferstraße Street.

Optional add-on: Innsbruck offers more than just winter sports — try white water rafting down the River Inn!

This Europe itinerary also includes a trip to Venice — the city of love, scenic canals and bridges. Spend a day wandering the winding streets and soaking in the beauty of the city. Plus it’s a perfect setting to get better acquainted with your travel mates!

Optional add-on: Gondolas have been a means of transportation in Venice since the 11th century. Put yourself in the shoes (read: boat) of past Venetians by going on a gondola ride!

Photo credit: @spencerdavis via Unsplash

Next up is Rome — and when in Rome, do as the Romans do. That means plenty of creamy gelato and appreciating the amazing architecture! The Vatican and Colosseum are just a few examples of Roman craftsmanship at its finest.

Optional add-on: Rome holds a rich history, so going on a tour with a local guide will definitely offer insight into places like the Vatican and Colosseum.

Photo credit: @ackley5 via Unsplash

For a la dolce vita (sweet life), venture to Florence . During your free time, visit the Duomo Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio (medieval arch bridge turned shopping street) and Uffizi Gallery.

Optional add-on: Celebrate your night in Florence by opting for a Tuscan dinner of local Chianti wine and food — accompanied by live local music.

On to the land of chocolate, watches and snow-capped mountains — Switzerland ! Explore Lucerne , home to Europe’s oldest wood-covered bridge of  Kapellbrücke , and the nine fortified towers of  Musegg Wall .

Optional add-on: Take a cable car up to Mount Pilatus  for magical views of the Swiss Alps. At the top, there are many hiking trails available but our favourite is the 40-minute Tomlishorn hike because it’s low effort, high reward.

Is it a complete Europe itinerary if we didn’t include Paris ? We’ll be spending two nights here so there’s plenty of time to see the Eiffel Tower light up at night, try uniquely French cuisine (like ratatouille and crepes ) and get inspired by art at the Louvre .

Optional add-on: End the trip on a high by going for a Nouvelle Eve Cabaret dinner and show with your Contiki squad.

Choose between a complimentary transfer to Paris Airport or stay onboard and journey back to London.

Check out Contiki’s 12-Day European Discovery trip itinerary .

Affordable Social Travel for 18 to 35-year-olds

Everyone loves to travel. But not everyone enjoys planning a trip. You’ve got to decide which attractions to include, and what accommodations to book — which sometimes makes a vacation feel like work.

Of course, none of that even matters if you can’t coordinate leave dates with your friends.

The great thing about Contiki is that they offer ready-to-go itineraries where everything is planned out. There’s no need to worry about researching or booking transport, hotels or anything! So you get to be more present during your trip — no distracting thoughts on what comes next.

Contiki trips are catered to young people (aged 18 – 35) from all over the world — so you get to meet new friends of various nationalities. It’s definitely a highlight of their trips.

Activities are also curated for young people — so there’s a nice mix of bar-hopping, walking tours, cooking classes, thrilling activities and more!

Plus, you’ll have a few hours of free time in each city, meaning you’re free to explore solo or sign up for optional add-ons with your newfound friends. Contiki also makes it a point to feature socially and environmentally responsible local businesses — like those labelled [MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience] above.

What sets Contiki trips apart from traditional tours is that they’re modular! You’re able to mix and match different trip segments to create the itinerary you want. For example, our UK trip consisted of three segments from London all the way to Ireland ( England and Scotland ,  Scotland , and  Scotland and Ireland ). And you can hop on and off the trip at any point in time!

No planning and new friends? It’s kinda perfect for those who want a fuss-free vacation. 🍹

Check out other Europe itineraries on Contiki.

Which Europe itinerary are you most interested in? Share with us in the comments below!

This post is brought to you by  Contiki .

Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram  for more travel inspiration!

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Thank you so much for sharing these ideas. My personal favorites are England, Greece, and Spain. Will love to visit Iceland and Scandinavia some day to see the Northern Lights.

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Pop Culture

Here’s which Taylor song you should boogie to at every European destination

By Charlie Fabre

Writer and editor for Contiki, Charlie is French-American, obsessed with travel, art, food, and reading in the New Hampshire forests.

Published on Oct 16, 2023

Guys, it’s finally happening, the Eras Tour is hitting Europe in less than a month and we couldn’t be more excited! Picture this: you’re on your merry way to your concert city, you’re travelling through Europe, perhaps for the first time , and it feels like you’re in wonderland. Paris under the Eiffel Tower (munching on a croissant), Berlin’s best underground clubs, or London walking Camden Market in the afternoon. 

And though you’re there for the concert, you need some tunes to hold you over – a tune to mark the occasion and complete this beautiful travel moment. Luckily for you, we’re here to help. So grab a pen and an old napkin and let’s find out which terrific Taylor track best matches the Eras Tour cities!  

Feeling inspired?

QUIZ! Which Era are you?

1. fall head over heels for paris with love story.

How could the city of love not be graced with Taylor’s iconic Love Story ? Spend a romantic day visiting the underrated yet stunning Musée de L’Orangerie for somewhere you can be alone. Then grab a pain au chocolat to snack on while you walk down the Seine and up at the Champs de Mars. Don’t forget to check out one of Paris ’s iconic street-side bistros for an early dinner. Then close your eyes and let those beautiful flashbacks start…

Paris dates: 9-12th of May

Image source: Contiki

2. Don’t Blame Me if I end up moving to Stockholm

Colourful buildings, amazing pastries you’ll be craving, art museums, and idyllic docks; Stockholm is a perfect destination and it might just make you crazy. It’s got just the right amount of cool that matches Don’t Blame Me ’s vibe to a T, so bopping down the street to this is only right.

Stockholm dates: 17-19th of May

Stockholm for the weekend: how to spend the perfect 48 hours

3. it’s a cruel summer in lisbon.

Oh did we say cruel? We meant totally cool. As far as Eras Tour cities go, Lisbon is bright and sunny and the life of the party! Head to the beach for a swim, hit the highstreet for some shopping, and bask in that warm ever-present light. Plus, admire some of Lisbon’s most colourful architecture along the way. It’s a vibe, it’s high energy, so what better song to accompany your Lisbon escapade than the fun and flirty Cruel Summer !

Lisbon dates: 24-25th of May

4. Edinburgh deserves a cosy tune like Betty

Book lovers, history buffs, and fans of charming cities gather: Edinburgh is absolutely the perfect place for you – especially if you decided to visit in the crisp but magical autumn or winter season. Listen to Betty , a tune off one of Taylor’s most Scotland-coded albums, and read in the window of the Waterstones on Prince Street which offers the most beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle. 

Edinburgh dates: 7-9th of June

Scotland and Ireland

5. london boy for, you guessed it, london.

I mean, Taylor did all the work for us here by providing a detailed list of all the must-see areas in London! So make sure you’re bopping around to this tune while you visit the West End and Mayfair, and sing it out loud with your new British pub mates as you watch rugby with their school friends. London is one of the most vibrant Eras Tour cities, so much so that she’s performing here twice!

London dates: 21-23rd of June and 15-20th of August 

6. Escape to Dublin to live out your Wildest Dreams

The Irish countryside is handsome as hell and you’d be doing yourself a massive favour by booking a little weekend escape there! Stroll along the coasts and the cliffs, feel the wind in your hair, and then settle back into vibrant Dublin for one of the best live music scenes in Europe. The cobblestone streets, the green and orange bunting, the Guinness! Wildest Dreams is the tune that should define your best Irish life while you visit this Eras Tour city.

Dublin dates: 28-30th of June

What to do with 2 days in Dublin

7. loving amsterdam was red.

No, this choice has nothing to do with the Red Light District (though what a great coincidence). Instead, it has everything to do with the fact that Red is a party-country tune, the best of both-worlds, and if you know Amsterdam, you know it’s just that. Amsterdam puts on a cosy and charming front with its canal, endless cyclists with adorable wicker baskets, and of course the tulips. But it’s also home to a wicked nightlife. Once you’ve been, forgetting Amsterdam is like trying to remember a destination you’ve never been to before!

Amsterdam dates: 4-6th of July

8. Become a Suburban Legend in Zürich

Light and dreamy, this song perfectly captures the vibe of Zürich. This Swiss city is beautiful and idyllic – you’ll feel like you’re floating on air as you discover the colourful Scandi-inspired architecture of the pre-medieval Old Town. Tick-tock, time’s running out for you to explore this national treasure before other avid travellers take over, so enjoy the mountain air by the docks of Lake Zürich in peace while you can.

Zürich dates: 9-10th of July

9. Hit up Milan in Style

One of Europe’s (and the world’s) biggest fashion capitals, how can you NOT listen to Taylor’s iconic tune Style when you’re there? Don your boldest red lip as you traipse through the pretty streets of Milan, window-shopping and imagining yourself in the most stunning of outfits, indulging in the finest of things. You can also zoom over to famous Lake Como for a weekend of luxury with a James Dean-type travel companion. Lush!

Milan dates: 13-14th of July

Image source: Cristina Gottardi / unsplash

10. I Know Places in Munich 

Munich is looked to in the fall for Oktoberfest, but it seems relatively forgotten about the rest of the year. And what a mistake that is! Of all the German Eras Tour cities, Munich is one of country’s best hidden gems, and that’s why Taylor’s I Know Places is the perfect anthem to represent it. Get lost staring up at the timeless Bavarian architecture (all colourful walls and exposed beams), and enjoy an apple strudel as a light snack before a hearty German meal.

Munich dates: 27-28th of July

3 nature spots to visit on a day trip from Munich

11. follow your invisible string to the immortal vienna.

Sweet and classic, infused with a majestic cultural scene complete with prestigious ballet and dressage schools as well as impressive art museums, Vienna is the city for lovers of all things pretty. Play Invisible String, a gentle ballad, as you check out the museum quarter or even pop into a stunning opera. These two go hand in hand, trust us.

Vienna dates: 8-10th of August

Image source: Dan V / unsplash

Other European cities fans will love

1. party in prague to 22.

You may not know much about Prague but we’ll bet you want to. A trip to the Czech Republic’s capital spells only one thing: a few nights you won’t be sleeping. It’s young, it’s a little bit hipster, and it’s cool; it’s one of the best cities to visit if you’re a fan of history and culture by day and party and celebration by night. It’s a shame Prague isn’t one of the Eras Tour cities because it’s less miserable and more magical, and you’d be partying the night away! 

10 Best Things to do in Prague at Night

2. live carefree with i knew you were trouble in berlin.

Stockholm’s older sister, Berlin is just as cool as the Swedish capital, but it’s also got a fun edge to it. The place where all cultures and styles collide, you’re guaranteed to have an exhilarating time here, and maybe make a few questionable choices along the way… But it’s all for the plot and this is why I Knew You Were Trouble is the perfect anthem for Berlin!

Image source: Michael Heise / unsplash

3. Make Rome your ultimate End Game

I mean, all roads lead to Rome, right? So it’s the perfect End Game to your European odyssey (and this would have been a PERFECT Eras Tour city to end the tour). Rome’s got a big reputation for being one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, and it certainly lives up to the expectation. A perfect mash up of past and present influence, there’s a little bit for everyone in timeless Rome.

Simply Italy

4. become one of the new romantics in florence.

Classic and flirty, Florence is Italy’s answer to Paris, with its storied cobblestones and sunkissed buildings. New Romantics’ lively beat is paired perfectly while skipping down the streets of Florence in a true ‘main character’ moment. It’s the home of some of Italy’s most famous and enchanting contributions to art and architecture, and many of Florence’s most pristine art galleries and attractions are free, such as the Uffuzi Gallery, the Basilica de Santa Maria Novella, and the famed Duomo. After all, the best places in life are free…

5. Become Fearless on your trip to Dubrovnik

We really don’t know how it gets better than this: azure water, pinky-white beaches, a historic city, beautiful hikes to enjoy the sights. Dubrovnik has gained in popularity lately, but it’s still kind of on the quiet side of tourism even though it deserves all the love! This is definitely a dark horse amongst all the non-Eras Tour cities. So, we challenge you to go out to prove how Fearless you can be and listen to this iconic tune as you go out and explore this soon to be iconic destination.

Croatia Island Sail

6. shine and glitter in the bejeweled budapest .

Budapest, one of the crowning jewels of eastern Europe, is a city of many gems. From heated public baths which steam right into the open air, to ruin bars which give your nightlife a new quirky spin; it’s a unique and dazzling city. It only makes sense for you to blast Taylor’s feel good bop Bejeweled as you catch the golden reflection of the houses of parliament making the whole Danube shimmer. 

Image source: Keszthelyi Timi / unsplash

Other Eras Tour cities

Taylor is also hitting up these fantastic European locations :

• Madrid, Spain – 29-30th of May
• Lyon, France – 2-3rd of June
• Liverpool, England – 13-15th of June
• Cardiff, Wales – 18th of June
• Gelsenkirchen, Germany – 17-19th of July
• Hamburg, Germany – 23-24th of July
• Warsaw, Poland – 1-3rd of August

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Lithuania & Latvia: Vilnius to Riga with Country Walkers

If last summer is any indication—and bookings for 2024 suggest that it is—parts of Europe will be as inundated with crowds as they were in 2023. The best way to avoid the hordes is to go somewhere off the beaten path, seeking out corners of Europe free of mass tourism. Here are five European trips for those seeking a respite from the madding crowd.

Lithuania & Latvia: Vilnius to Riga

Country Walkers pairs two of the Baltics’ most desirable destinations on this eight-day trip, blending rural traditions and history. Rated Easy/Moderate includes visiting castles and historic palaces and exploring some of the scenic trails into the national parks of Trakai, Curonian Spit, Žemaitija, Gauja, and Kemeri. A visit to an amber museum and a tour of one of Europe’s largest markets, guided by a Latvian chef. There is availability in June, July and August and the cost is $4,545 (prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, land-only).

Albania with Hinoki Travels.

Hinoki Travels chose Albania for its farm-to-table splendor, lesser-explored mountain trails, and warm-natured hospitality. It has put together a small group trip to Southern Albania with a theme of Provenance. Celebrating the region’s varied cultures, food & agriculture, and vast landscapes, this nine-day trip focuses on being hosted by local farmers, food producers, shepherds, local guides & small business owners. Accommodation is in guest houses in villages, and a highlight is sampling local food & wine. The adventures include hikes of five to six hours a day on rough, uneven terrain with varying elevations. There is also a rafting trip on the wild Vjosa River. The trip supports the efforts of EcoAlbania and Albanian citizens dedicated to protecting this river, one of Europe’s last wild-flowing rivers. There is one departure, September 14-22, 2024, and the cost is $3,250.

Exploring Zagoria with Wilderness Travel.

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Hidden Villages of Northern Greece

The crowds may flock to the Greek Islands, but you’ll encounter far fewer tourists if you head north. Traditional Greece can still be seen in Zagoria, where stone villages sit above the Vikos Gorge. On this 12-day Wilderness Travel trip, there are hikes along shepherds' paths and across arched stone bridges that span the gorge. The itinerary includes the monasteries of Meteora, which date as far back as the 13th century. The trip concludes with a hike up Mt. Olympus, the home of the gods for the ancient Greeks. Rated Level 4+, Moderate to Strenuous, this trip features daily hikes, with accommodation in hotels and simple pensions. Hikes are mainly on old mule trails and vary from 3-5 hours daily at 3,000 to 9,403 feet. There is an October 2024 departure, and the price is $4,595.

Hiker in Tatra Mountains, Poland.

Poland & Slovakia Walking & Hiking Tour

Backroads has organized this six-day national parks adventure from Kraków to the Tatra Mountains, the dramatic natural border between Slovakia and Poland. Rated levels 1-4 (out of 5), it’s a hike through mountain passes and lakes in a region dominated by the 25 peaks of the Tatras that reach more than 8,000 feet. Traverse from Poland to Slovakia on foot while exploring the Pieninys range dramatic scenery, explore the region known as Lesser Poland, and hike among the mountain lakes, waterfalls, and fields of sheep in Slovakia's High Tatras. The journey concludes in Kraków, a World Heritage site city. There are departures in August and September, and the price is $4,499.

Bran Castle, associated with the Dracula legend and Bram Stoker.

Romania: Transylvania & Beyond

This trip from Wild Frontiers begins in Bucharest, Romania’s capital, and goes into the heart of the great ranges of the Carpathian Mountains. Cultural crossroads of Central, Eastern, and South-eastern Europe for centuries, Romania has an abundance of well-preserved medieval towns, castles, and churches. The trip crosses the Transalpina, visits the World Heritage setting of Horezu Monastery, and goes through the old Saxon heartlands of Transylvania. It includes visiting the well-preserved town of Sibiu and the rural villages of Maramureş before crossing the Carpathians again to see the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. In Moldavia, guests hear the legends and vampire myths of Sighişoara and Bran, the latter of which is associated with Bram Stoker and the Dracula legend. There is also time to explore the UNESCO sight of Viscri and the medieval heart of Brasov. This 15-day trip has a departure in September and is rated Low/Moderate for fitness, with a cost of $4,138.

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Why The Megalithic Standing Stones Of Carnac Is One Of The Best Places To Learn European Prehistory

The Stones of Carnac in France are even older than Stonehenge and are arguably even more impressive. Learn more about prehistoric Europe on a visit.

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Why france's carnac stones is one of the greatest megalithic sites today, carnac stones in france: thousands of menhirs lined up for as far as the eye can see, the tumuli or burial mounds of the carnac stones site, what to know about visiting the stones of carnac today.

Stonehenge of England may be the most famous megalithic monument still standing today, but it is far from the only one - or even the oldest. Scotland is home to many neolithic sites - including the oldest village in Europe at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney . One of Europe's other remarkable megalithic sites is the Carnac Stones near the south coast of Brittany in France.

The site stretches for 4km (2.5 miles) along the coast and is the largest gathering of such stones in the world. Europe is full of Neolithic ruins that seem to make the Roman ruins look recent. Few people are even aware that northern Scotland is even home to Iron-age 'skyscrapers' .

The Carnac Stones (called Alignements de Carnac in French) is a site of very dense megalithic structures made up of stone alignments, dolmens, tumuli, and menhirs. Carnac Stones boast a phenomenal 3,000 or more prehistoric standing stones; these were hewn from granite in prehistoric times. They date from the Neolithic period at around 3,300 BC - some of which may even stretch back to around 4,500 BC.

Features found at Carnac Stones site.

• Stone Alignments: Rows
• Dolmens: Stone Tombs - Some Predate the Menhirs
• Tumuli: Burial Mounds - Including the largest in continental Europe
• Single Menhirs: Standing Stones - 3,000 of them

Like Stonehenge, the site continues to baffle historians, and there remain plenty of unanswered questions. Why the ancients built them and what they were used for remains shrouded in mystery and lost to history. One thing is not disputed, the Carnaco Stones make up one of the most important prehistory archeological sites in Europe.

Over the years, the site has changed. In the past, the sea would have been future away, and there weren't the trees growing there dividing and flanking the site. Some of the stones of the Alignments were used by later Neolithic dolmens hundreds of years later.

Related: Prague Is Home To An Ancient Structure - Older Than Stonehenge

Unsurprisingly, Carnac Stones represent the largest collection of its kind in the world. And perhaps one of the most confusing things about the site is why the collection of 3,000 perfectly aligned Neolithic Stones is not more famous. The stones have been roughly hewn and divided into symmetrical and evenly spaced columns. The smallest of the stones is around half a meter, while the largest gets up to 6 meters (they weigh on average between five and ten tons). They stretch out for as far as the eye can see.

Naturally, there is no shortage of legends about the stones as well as contemporary theories about the Carnac Stones purpose. One of the more amusing legends is that they were formed from a Roman army turned into stone. But still, their purpose is a matter of debate. It is amazing. Some of the granite menhirs were set in place around 6,000 years ago. That's around 1,000 years older than Stonehenge and much older than the pyramids of Egypt (although not nearly as old as the fascistic site, Göbekli Tepe in Eastern Turkey ).

There are three main groups of stone rows - Ménec , Kermario, and Kerlescan . Originally, they likely formed an impressive single group.

Related: The Neolithic Knap Of Howar Is Thought To Be The Oldest House Of Scotland

The site has several tumuli (i.e., earthen mounds built up over a grave). They have passages leading to the central chamber. The three largest tumuli are Saint-Michel, Tumiac, and Mane-er-Hroek. Each one has a megalithic burial chamber for only one individual.

The site is truly a Neolthic marvel. It is also home to the largest grave mound in continental Europe - the tumulus of Saint-Michel. It is also around 6,700 years old. The mound is closed to the public, but there are cramped passages and chambers within it. A range of polished stone axes, stone chests, and relics from Italy and Spain were found in it. It is 125 x 60 meters or 410 x 197 feet at its base and rises 12 meters or 39 feet high. See the relics of the mound in the Museum of Prehistory of Carnac. The funerary mound has a chapel built on top of it.

These days, there are efforts to protect the Stones of Carnac site . Free access is only permitted during the winter. It is also open during the summer, but with a paid tour with a guide.

Carnac Stones Admission

• October to March: Free & Self Guided
• April to September: Only Via Paid Tour

The sites at Ménec and Kermario have car parks.

Go to Spain during a severe drought, and visitors can see an ancient Spanish Neolithic site, The Dolmen of Guadalperal, emerge from the waters .

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The ‘Miami of Europe’ is the sunniest city on the continent — and flights are just £37

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For many of us, when we book a holiday we opt for a sunny destination , in hopes of getting a good dose of vitamin D.

There’s nothing better than coming back from seven days away with a gorgeous tan, and we’ve got the scoop on the sunniest destination in Europe – Malaga in Spain.

Flights start at just £26 for a one way ticket from a London airport, and you’ll spend less than three hours in the air.

Dubbed the ‘ Miami of Europe’ by travellers, it turns out that the Andalusian city gets the most sun out of anywhere on the continent.

Holidu , the holiday rental portal, analysed data from World Weather Online to find the European cities where the sun shines the most and Malaga ranked number one, while six other Spanish cities also made the top 10.

The coastal city was crowned sunniest in Europe because of its 280 hours of sunshine a month, and its pleasant average temperature of 18.8 degrees.

Top 10 sunniest cities in Europe revealed

• Malaga, Spain
• Alicante, Spain
• Murcia, Spain
• Catania, Italy
• Seville, Spain
• Cordoba, Spain
• Marseille, France
• Madrid, Spain
• Zaragoza, Spain
• Athens, Greece

Alicante and Murcia followed close behind, with nearly the same sunshine score, although they experienced slightly lower temperatures on average, at 18.5 and 18.4 degrees respectively.

Malaga’s top attractions

If you’re a history buff, Malaga will be a slice of heaven for you. The Andalusian port city is one of the oldest in the world.

Founded way back in the eighth century by the Phoenicians, who were brilliant sailors and sly merchants.

To commemorate all these years of history, the city has more than 30 museums and historical sites.

@senses_of_spain One of the top things to do in Málaga! #malaga #alcazaba #planesenmalaga #planesmalaga #andalucia #traveltiktok #andaluciatiktok #learnontiktok #aprendeentiktok #sensesofspain #españa #visitmalaga #turismoespaña ♬ In The Forest (Acoustic Indie No Copyright) – Instrumental – Lesfm & Olexy

Visits Alcazaba, in the neighbourhood of Centro. It’s an important military fortification remaining from the Hispanic-Arabic period, built between 1057 and 1063.

You can get a guided tour of it for as little as £9 per person and Tripadvisor reviews branded it a ‘great visit’, with the cafe being suggested as a great place to sit and soak in the views on the hillside.

Right nearby is Malaga Cathedral, which opens in the afternoons, and was branded a ‘definite visit’ by tourists because of its ornate architecture and rooftop tour views.

@brookeinespana Did you know you could climb up to the roof of the Cathedral in Málaga (Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga)? They’re set to start work on the roof to repair the cracks after Easter this year, so make sure to buy tickets to go and see it first! Who knows how long the roof will be closed due to construction. #malaga #málaga #travel #traveltiktok #fyp #expat #americanabroad #españa #spain #expatlife ♬ golden hour – JVKE

The Museo Picasso Malaga is also a must-visit, considering Picasso was born in Malaga. Soak in the history of his work and lean all there is to know about the iconic artist.

If you’re an art fan there are plenty of artsy murals dotted around the city for you to enjoy for free too.

Another free attraction is the ‘beautifully maintained’ Parque de Malaga, a small park with parakeets and endless varieties of trees and plants.

For foodies the Mercado Central de Atarazanas – the biggest indoor market in Malaga – is full of food stalls offering tapas and fresh produce, surrounded by beautiful architecture.

@travelwithemandaus The central market in Málaga is so good! Easy to get too, and not too over crowded if you go slightly earlier in the day (just before midday). #traveltiktok #europeansummer #aussiesineurope #traveltips #eurosummer #málaga #malagaspain #spaintravel #andalusia #andalusiatravel #spain ♬ original sound – 𝑛𝑒̀𝑙𝑙𝑎ଓ

Things to do in Malaga

Dubbed the ‘Miami of Europe’ by Tripadvisor reviewers , Malaga has the best of both worlds – city and beach.

You can wander past the fountains in Paseo de Malaga or book yourself on to a wine and tapas tour, of which there are plenty.

With more than 12 beaches to choose from, there’s no shortage of opportunities to sun yourself with a good book before taking a dip in the Mediterranean sea.

Bajondillo Beach, Torremolinos, is a great family-friendly beach with powdery soft sand, backed by a promenade of restaurants and shops.

Calahonda Beach is located in La Cala de Mijas. It’s two and a half miles long, with opportunities to hop on a boat trip to go and spot dolphins.

Burriana, Nerja’s largest beach, is a bit of a day trip, given that it’s a 45-minute drive from Malaga, but it’s water sport offerings make it worth it – as do the beautiful views.

If you’re looking to party in the evenings, Malaga has you covered. The bars and clubs on the quaint streets on Centro Histórico are well-worth a wild night out.

Average cost of a trip to Malaga

According to Expedia , flights from London to Malaga start at £37 for one-way flights and £52 for round trip, from April to May.

Budget hotels in Malaga start at as little as £66 per night, while hotels in the five star range average about £200 per night.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will set you back about £10 per person, while a three course meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you about £42 per person.

The good news is, on a night out, a beer will cost you about £2.40, while local transport to get you back to your hotel at the end of the night will cost you about £1.40.

Of course, if you go during peak tourist months, which are June, July and August, things like hotels and flights are bound to be a bit more pricey, so bear that in mind.

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The Best Time to Travel? The Off Season

By Gianluca Longo

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

In 2021, I spent a blissful year traveling solo across Italy. Not just because I didn’t have a companion, but because, with international travel still largely blocked due to COVID, my country felt empty. Can you imagine Venice without the crowds? I don’t have to. I lived it. So exhilarating was my time training through the boot that when travel opened back up, and the hot spots became flooded with travelers, I said to myself: never again. From now on, I would rearrange my travels to avoid the crowds—and the headaches that come with them. I will be an off-season traveler, for life.

The waters at Borgo Santandrea on the Amalfi are warm enough for swimming in April

Aperitivo at Borgo Santandrea

The benefits of off-season travel can feel endless. Yes, of course there are fewer crowds to interrupt your flow, and steal your tables at the restaurants you want to eat at. I went to the Amalfi in April—April!—and found it heavenly. The weather was glorious—not too hot, but warm enough to swim. The staff at the then-new Borgo Santandrea were friendlier and upgrades more likely due to the time of year. And my room was spectacular. I still remember the scent of lemon flowers and fresh herbs in the terraced gardens. The views over the sky-merging sea were pure, with no yacht or boat to interrupt them. I even enjoyed a walk through the Amalfi’s narrow streets, devoid of the hundreds of clueless tourists, especially from cruise ships which populate the sea in High Summer.

Local engagement is always higher outside peak season, and for me, that is why we travel. Last year, I chose June for Patmos in Greece, which is never as crowded as it is in July or August. The island was greener and the heat more bearable. The crowds? Still tolerable. I arrived with a last-minute booked cabin on the BlueStar from Athens , all much more relaxing. I met with some of the home owners of the Chora, there to ‘open’ the houses, after long cold months, piling cushions and mattresses outside on the terraces to let them breathe in the sun. I swam every morning, and had lovely conversations with restaurant owners and locals. I loved the place so much I went back in August. Guess what? I regretted it.

Traveling in lesser expected times of year also help you to see a place in an entirely different way. Is it weird that I didn’t realize that St Moritz is not just a winter destination? With a major heat wave hitting central Europe and the UK I made my way to the Engadin Valley at the beginning of August. I checked in at the old-fashioned Suvretta House , at a reasonable price, where I was welcomed by name. Long walks through the valley, skinny dips in the clear waters of the alpine lakes, visits to interesting museums and art galleries kept me very busy. And I wore cashmere in the evenings, for the outdoor cinema. For the rest of August I was in London . And it wasn't that bad. I found it fairly easy to book my favorite restaurants , I went to see ballets at the Royal Opera House and a couple of plays at the theater. And reconnected with some good friends. A trick about cities and seasons? They are amazing in the summer, when the people who live there or normally visit, flock to the outdoors.

Eden Rock on St. Barts is open well into shoulder season.

But of course, that means that the sea is best outside of summer, too. I went to one of my lifelong loves, Capri , in September, because, yes, July and August are just too popular, too expensive, too hot. And I fell in love with it again. I stayed at La Palma, the new hotel, chic in every single detail, and I did all the things I love: early morning hikes, swimming by the Faraglioni, with no fear of being decapitated by the hundred of speed boats of High Summer, sunset spritzes at Bar Tiberio in the piazzetta, without having to queue (or beg) for a table. One October, I did St Barts . I stayed at the wonderful Eden Rock (upgraded again) and loved it. The island was not full, a paradise. One day I found myself swimming alone at Colombier Beach, with the whitest sand and the most intense turquoise sea.

As I write this in tail end of winter, I am sitting in my hotel room in Venice , the newly opened Violino d’Oro . Out of the window, the cold and misty lagoon meets my gaze. It’s marvelous. Venice in winter is magical: the fresh air, the cozy small restaurants with dimmed lights, the noise of the boats crossing. With not so many tourists, you really own the city. The joy of the off season.

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Spain travel rules for Brits explained as tourists warned of latest £97 border requirement

Spain travel rules for Brits have changed since Brexit but UK holidaymakers are fuming after realising a £97 rule could see them turned away at the border

• 10:39, 15 Apr 2024

UK holidaymakers may be turned away at the airport thanks to a travel rule in force in Spain .

British tourists are being faced with a requirement that is likely to impact those with less money. The Spanish authorities now require UK visitors to show they can sustain themselves financially during their stay, whether it's on the mainland or the popular islands of the Canaries and Balearics.

The regulation requires that travellers must have €113.40 (£97) available for each day of their visit to the sun-drenched country. Spain is far from the only country to enforce such rules - which are designed to ensure tourists have enough money for their trip and to return to their country of origin at the end of their stay.

Reacting to the financial stipulation online, one disgruntled Brit suggested what is actually a very common requirement was enough to put them off the country for good. They said: "If the country would stand together and boycott Spain in favour of other Mediterranean countries, within three months they would be begging us to come back. 17 million visitors is a lot of money to the Spanish economy."

The good news is that very few people are asked to prove that they have the required amount of money when visiting Spain, with the vast majority of tourists waved through without their paperwork being scrutinised too closely. Many countries do not require proof of sufficient funds but may ask travelled if they have a return plane, ferry or train ticket, in a bid to ensure that visitors plan to return to their home country.

Countries which you can enter without proof of booked plane ticket include Canada, United States, United Kingdom , Germany and France. Generally, the documents you need to submit depend on the country you come from and the purpose of your visit. It is always wise to check the official website of the country you are visiting or consult the embassy or consulate of the country before you travel you can be sure you've got all of the right paperwork.

While Spain puts an exact figure on how much money visitors must prove they have when visiting the country, other nations have slightly more vague rules. France, for example, requires holidaymakers to have 'means of subsistence'.

"You need to provide an acceptable proof of funds that shows your financial ability to travel and bear expenditures during your stay in the Schengen area," France Visas writes. Acceptable proof includes personal bank statements for the last three months, the last three pay slips, credit/debit cards statements and travellers cheques.

When it comes to Italy - another popular destination among British travellers - there isn't a fixed amount that applicants need to have, but it should cover your accommodation, meals, internal travel, and emergencies. Holidaymakers may be asked for bank statements stretching back six months.

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