Knowing the best places to travel in Europe is an absolute must before booking your holidays. Europe is massive and has so many different countries to visit, with many different cultures and various religions.
We’ve all been there, asking ourselves “Where should I spend my vacation” We all want and all deserve holidays, but what if everything goes wrong because we chose the wrong destination?
In the past few years, I was lucky enough to have visited most of the European countries and I consider myself qualified to talk about the old continent.
Of course, there are thousands of places to visit in Europe, just like the magnificent Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland, and that couldn’t be listed here. However, these are the best places to travel in Europe if that’s your first time and if you want to see the most popular sites in the old continent.
Read until the end to know what these European countries have to offer, the most popular cities, and why I think they’re the best to have the time of your life.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I recommended. This commission will help to maintain the website, create awesome content, and pay for delicious coffee around the world!
1. Italy
Italy is known worldwide for its food and history, and for a good reason! From its fantastic food to the rich history and culture, you’re in for a treat.
Sure, Italy might be overrated to some for being so touristy and packed with the tourists the whole year. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be one of the best places to travel in Europe.
When in Italy, you can do the unimaginable, from skiing on beautiful mountains in the wintertime to swimming in warm waters during the summertime, while enjoying a good plate of pasta with an Aperol Spritz.
Rome
Rome might be full of tourists and overrated to some, but it’s literally an open-air museum! There is more than the typical tourist attractions and you should definitely stay more than a long weekend to get to know this city to the fullest.
Rome is relatively cheap compared to other European capitals and you can enjoy good Italian homemade food drinking well-made cocktails before heading to the Colosseum and the Trevi fountain!
Don’t forget to visit Pizza Navona, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and of course, the Vatican. We really recommend booking a tour in advance, since they can get sold out pretty quickly.
Lastly, Rome is a great place to start your trip in Italy as it’s centrally located. You can easily get from Rome to Pompeii, head south to hike Mount Etna, or north to Tuscany and enjoy the iconic rolling hills.
The best tours in my honest opinion are the ones below:
Best Tours In Rome, Italy
Also, while in Rome, I recommend going to Naples – from eating delicious pizzas to visiting Pompeii and much more, Naples is worth visiting when in Central Italy!
Where do the locals eat?
Food is quite important when traveling, and you don’t want to end up in a tourist trap that will ruin your experience, so these are the places to eat.
Salumeria Roscioli, Spaghetteria L’Archetto, Angelina Restaurant, and Dar Poeta are the must go’s for us, please treat yourself and eat some proper food before leaving Rome.
I would recommend visiting Rome every first Sunday of the month since you can visit all the museums for free!
My last tip for Rome would be to be careful of the tourist menus. Usually, restaurants won’t specify the price of the wine and the service costs, which will ruin your experience.
If you want to visit further in Southern Italy, make sure to consider a yoga retreat in Sicily, some of the best in Europe!
Florence (Best place to travel in Europe for history)
The wonderful Florence is definitely a place that you shouldn’t be missing in Italy. Florence is such a beautiful and interesting place. Spend some in this city full of charm, enjoying so much history, museums, and endless handmade creations.
Firstly, you should definitely go and check the Piazza del Duomo. It is one of the most popular and beautiful spots in the city and you’re definitely going to love it.
Second of all, wander around the city and visit The Uffizi Gallery, The Academy Gallery, The Ponte Vecchio, and ultimately, The Palazzo Vecchio.
The great thing about the city is that you can easily reach Florence by bus from pretty much anywhere in Italy, which is a massive advantage.
I personally recommend booking a tour to make sure to see as much as possible of Florence. The city is usually full of tourists and waiting for the last moment to book a tour might cost you a lot of money. To make it easier for you, I found the best tours in the city that I list here below.
The last tip for Florence, go check out the Panoramic View from Piazzale Michelangelo, I guarantee that it’s going to be one of the most beautiful and emotional views you’ve ever seen!
Venice
An article about Italy without talking about Venice would be blasphemy.
Of course, when talking about Venice, the first image that comes to our mind is St. Mark’s Square and the Gondola rides, and fairly enough I must say!
Going to Venice is like going back in the past centuries ago, and Venice is even considered the most romantic city in the world by many!
Enough for the description, let’s jump into what to do in Venice.
- Saint Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) – Free
- The very authentic Jewish quarter (Ghetto Ebraico) – Free
- Rialto Bridge (Ponte Rialto) – Free
- Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) – Free
- Doge’s palace (Palazzo Ducale) – 25EUR
Being one of the most visited cities in Italy and possibly Europe, there are obviously many tours in Venice, and here are the best ones.
Best Tours in Venice, Italy
Riding a Gondola is one of the nicest things to do in Venice with your Romeo or Juliet, but bear in mind that the price is 80EUR (90USD) for a 40-minute ride. For this exact reason, you will get much more for your money by buying a tour.
Italy is an amazing country and is one of the best places to travel in Europe for the reasons listed above and many more, and you should definitely go if you’re in Europe!
Like in Rome, watch out for the touristic menus and hidden service and wine costs, as you might get a bad surprise with your bill. Obviously, it’s worth considering all the costs when traveling to Italy.
2. Spain
When you think about Spain you automatically think about caliente weather, buenas tapas, and amazing cities, well you’re not far from the truth!
Spain is an amazing country to travel for a few days or a few months and it is the second most visited country in Europe for a reason. Check out the most popular tourist destinations below.
Seville
Cheap and good food, beautiful cities, and economical accommodations to sleep at, what else?
Did I mention good food? When we were in Seville, we ate tapas for 2EUR each, and they were so big that 2 of them were enough for lunch. 4EUR lunch, how amazing is that?!
You can reach Seville flying to Malaga and take a 5.50EUR bus to Seville, or a 33EUR train.
Talking about attractions, you have so many nice places to see and visit, hence why it is one of the best places to travel in Europe. These are the must do’s that you can’t miss:
- Get lost at the Gardens of the Real Alcazar de Sevilla – 13EUR
- Spend your afternoon at The Plaza de España – Free
- Visit the Cathedral of Sevilla – 10EUR / Free on Monday from 4.30 PM to 6.00 PM
- End your day by assisting to a Flamenco show
- Visit the authentic village of Ronda
Best Tours in Seville, Spain
Unlike in Italy, don’t be afraid of going for the tourist menus. You can usually have a tourist menu for 7/8eur and eat 2 tapas, a paella and a coffee (nice uh?)
While in Seville, take the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful parts of Spain, Andalucia, going to the neighbour city Cordoba, the historical Granada to visit the famous Alhambra, and Gibraltar.
Since Spain is close to Africa, you will also have the chance to do a day tour to Tangier-Morocco. Other than that, Spain is one of the best countries to travel in Europe and I’ll prove it once more with Barcelona.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, located on the beach and not too far from the French border. In addition, it is fairly close to Andorra which definitely deserved to be visited during your trip to Barcelona.
But why is Barcelona so popular with tourists? What are the things to do in Barcelona?
Why is it one of the unique places to travel in Europe? These are only of the few things to do in Barcelona:
- Visit La Sagrada Familia (skip the line tickets recommended) – 20EUR
- Spend your morning at the Park Güell – 10EUR
- Don’t miss out on the best market in the world, Market La Boqueria – Free
- Have a walk in Las Ramblas (paying attention to pickpockets) – Free
- Go to La Pedrera/Casa Milà, the last project from Gaudi before his death – 24EUR
- Have a Sangria at Plaça del Rei, right in the Barri Gotic (Gothic quarter)
- Go to Camp Nou and watch a real time Football match! Check the schedule
Best Tours in Barcelona, Spain
Apart from visiting this super cool city, we would also recommend keeping one day to do some tours like the 3 countries tour, a Girona & Costa Brava tour or a wine tasting tour.
Be careful, Barcelona can be very pricey if you don’t pay attention to where you eat or sleep, and you should always book your hotel in advance, other than checking the restaurants nearby before going out.
Madrid
Finally, Madrid comes in the most popular city to visit in Spain. Madrid is actually a very big city where you should spend a few days at least. Although it tends to be more expensive and definitely more crowded than Seville, you will still enjoy it a lot.
Other than that, you’re going to take many memories home back from Madrid, and all of them are very nice and unforgettable!
- Feel Royal at the Royal Palace of Madrid – 10EUR
- Be adventurous and go for a Segway ride passing by La Plaza Mayor – $30
- Visit the Prado Museum and its collection of paintings and drawings – 15EUR
- Give a look to the free exhibitions in La Casa Encendida – Free
- Eat at the only 3***Michelin restaurant of Madrid
- After the Michelin restaurant, save some $$ and eat at the Mercado de Vallehermoso
- Go to Toledo for a day, you won’t regret it!
The Best Tours in Madrid, Spain
Madrid is a fantastic city, and a great option to start your tour of Spain before heading to Seville or Barcelona. Here you can eat cheap, meet nice locals, discover the history of Spain and most importantly, shopping all day long!
3. United Kingdom
Don’t be scared by the typical British weather, the United Kingdom has so many beautiful places to explore, this is why it comes 3rd at the European countries to visit.
Many people stopped their plan to travel to the UK just because of the Brexit situation, but they shouldn’t. We visited Cambridge a short while ago and literally nothing, in terms of entering the UK, has changed, so don’t wait any longer!
And before we dive in, let’s not forget that the UK is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world, which is definitely a plus when visiting.
London
You have not less than 5 airports to fly to London, so you have no excuse not to visit it!
It’s still one of the best places to travel in Europe and for so many reasons.
The weather is probably not one of them, but the historic attractions, the incredible architecture and, above all, the politeness certainly are.
London has so much to offer and a lifetime isn’t enough to see it all, but regardless, these are the best things to do in London.
- Say hi to Big Ben! And don’t forget the London Eye nearby – London Eye Price: $34
- Tower of London -Good deal here – at the gate: $35.70
- The view from The Shard – $39.50
- St. Paul Cathedral – $24.70
- Hop On Hop Off Bus (recommended, London is huge!) – Best deal here – $44
- Buckingham Palace and The Changing of the Guard (daily at 11.00AM and 10.00AM on Sundays) – Free
- Get lost in the National Gallery – Free
- Don’t forget the British Museum – Free
- Have lunch at Borough Market, next to London Bridge – Free
Best Tours in London, UK
Important: If you’re planning to visit as many attractions as possible, then you should buy the London Pass which allows you to visit over 80 attractions paying only the card instead of each attraction one by one.
When in London, choose to eat cheap and head to chain restaurants like “Pizza Express“, “Cote Brasserie“, “Zizzi’s“, or even “Strada” which all offer Set menus for an affordable price and sometimes discounts on their website. To clarify, make sure to go check any potential discount on their website before going.
Our last tip for London is about hotels. Hotels in London are not inexpensive, however, you have to be careful when booking them. Always book accommodation with a 7+ review score. That’s a general rule for us but especially in London where hotels can sometimes be a big let down.
Travel to Bath and Bristol
I’m listing Bath and Bristol together since both cities are close to each other but offer 2 different experiences.
When I visited Bath, I was impressed by how beautiful and preserved it was. It’s important to know that Bath is the only city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Bath you can enjoy many activities, for instance:
- The Roman Baths – from $20.50
- Relax in the UK’s only naturally warm Bath Spa water – from $44.50
- Have lunch at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House – NOT Expensive
- Drink Prosecco on a River Cruise
- Wander around the city – Free
Best Tours in Bath, UK
Exploring Bath is lovely, however, we wouldn’t recommend staying for more than 2 days. You can even do and see everything in a full day if you’re an early bird, and after that, take advantage of the night to enjoy Bristol’s nightlife!
On the other hand, Bristol is a vibrant city that you can’t miss. Walking around the city center, doing window shopping, and above all, partying all night long if you’re that kind of person.
MUST DO in BRISTOL:
- Pay a visit to the Clifton Suspended Bridge – Beautiful photos guaranteed!
- Visit the FREE Museum and Art Gallery
- Fly a Hot Air Balloon, drinking Champagne and getting a certificate!
- Become an expert on animals at the Bristol Zoo
- Get surprised for 75mn at the Magician’s Comedy Magic Show
- Eat naughty and drink even more at Small Bar
We were in Bristol and we enjoyed this city so much that couldn’t recommend it enough. We bought our ticket for the touristic bus and it was really worth it since it will take you around the city and give clear explanations about the history, as well as taking you on top of the city to more remote areas!
Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland has to be in the European cities to visit during your trip. Edinburgh is so authentic, beautiful, full of charm! But also very cold so make sure to bring warm clothes with you when visiting.
In addition, Scotland is stunning and you should spend at least one or 2 days outside the city to explore the countryside.
Let’s see what to do in this lovely Scottish city!
- Visit the Edinburgh Castle (You can’t miss it) – $21.60
- For the Harry Potter fans, do the Jacobite Steam Train ride – $150.40
- Save some cash doing all the free tours
- Enjoy the amazing nightlife all around the city
Wales
Wales is one part of the UK which is often overlooked in favour of neighboring England, but there are plenty of things to do.
Wales is known as the castle capital of Europe with more castles per square kilometer than any other country. The best castles in Wales can be found in the north of the country including several that are UNESCO listed.
An area of the south is known as Waterfall Country due to an unusually high number of waterfalls as its rivers cut through the deep gorges of its national park.
Like Scotland, Welsh weather can be cold and unpredictable so I advise that you pack plenty of layers.
4. Greece
Greece is considered the best place for long and cheap holidays by many, reason why it should also be in your European countries bucket list. With its endless list of gorgeous islands, there are so many things to do in Greece that will make you have the time of your life.
Why should you go to Greece, and why is it one of the best places to travel in Europe?
These are 3 of the cities and islands that will make you want to go and above all, that will make your trip pleasant.
Discover Athens
Athens, the capital of Greece, the last resort before the end of Europe, the capital of Greek history, the place of birth of Democracy!
I wouldn’t certainly know where to stop complimenting Athens, really, but I know for sure where to start this attractions list!
- Make your way to the Acropolis – From November to March: $10.70 – From April to October: $21.50
- Visit the Theatre of Dionysus, built at the foot of the Acropolis. It’s known to be the world’s first theatre. – $32.30
- Spend some time at the Parthenon, the former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena – $21.50
- Make sure not to miss the Museum of Cycladic Art, full of Greek and Cypriot art pieces- $7.50
- Take the boat to one of the numerous Greek islands. We recommend heading to Spetses and Hydra, as you can reach them in less than 2 hours.
- Go to eat amazing Greek food! Greek cuisine is one of the best in Europe, full of healthy ingredients and recipes. Eat a Gyros at O Kostas or a Moussaka with a view at Orizontes
Best Tours in Athens, Greece
Other tips from us are to do a free tour with a local (you only pay the tips to the guide) and to visit the Anafiotika (authentic little village) and Plaka (oldest neighborhood) neighborhoods, located right next to the Acropolis.
Athens, being one of the best places to travel in Europe, has so many charming streets that you can wander around in, friendly locals and amazing food. In addition to the beautiful capital, Greece is famous for its islands, and you should take some time to visit some of them.
Check out the best day trips from Athens here.
Mykonos Old Town
Mykonos is one of the most famous islands in Greece, and definitely the one with the most tourists! But the fact not to be the only tourist shouldn’t stop you from visiting this paradise.
- Get lost in Mykonos Town, the most well-preserved historic towns in Greece. – Free
- Head to the windmills to take panoramic photos of Mykonos town. – Free
- Book a Full Day Ship Cruise, including lunch. How could you miss that? – $102.30
- Reach Little Venice before sunset, and chill there until the sun’s gone. – Free
- Discover ancient Greece visiting the Ancient Delos – $44.00
- Do something different, and go for a Jeep Safari – $89.43
To sum up, there are free things to do in Mykonos, such as visiting the Folklore museum and the Rarity Gallery. Most importantly, you can simply get tanned at the beach.
Best Tours in Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is also known for being full of cats and kittens everywhere, so be aware of that if you’re allergic.
Lastly, can you spot Petros the pelican? Petros is Mykonos’ mascot, who was actually hurt in a storm and rescued by a fisherman in 1958. Let us know if you did!
Zakynthos (Best places in Greece to have a relaxing holiday)
I was Zakynthos (Zante in English), and this island stole my heart. Zante is the perfect island to both parties and relax. From clubs on the beach to peaceful residences, it has it all!
Just like the other islands in Greece, it is pleasant to visit and you’ll find good weather most of the year.
When I went there, I rented a car as it was more practical and quite cheap. However, if you decide to take public transportation, you might wait a long time for the bus as they’re not really reliable and are often late.
In short, what are the things to do in Zante?
- Spend your day in Zakynthos town, full of locals shops, good restaurants, good ambiance, and also bars with ocean view, what else do you need in life?
- Visit Kefalonia, a neighbor island that will leave you open mouth for its nature and its caves. – $71.12
- Visit Navaggio, the Shipwreck beach. There will be plenty of people, but the blue water and the majestic beach really makes it worth going.
- If you have spare time, you can then take the opportunity to go to the Askos Stone Park to play with the animals and enjoy the view from there. – $9.70
- Wanna party? Then your place is in Laganas, where all the clubs are. If you only want to relax, make sure not to book your hotel too close to the beach.
Best Tours in Zakynthos, Greece
You can also buy tours directly on the island, but we personally recommend buying them online using our links, as it will be more organized and also cheaper.
Talking about food, we went to eat many times at Avanti Restaurant, where they cook fresh fish, meat, and salad every single day and the owners are fantastic!
5. France
Of course, France has to be on this list! France is famous for its good food, amazing landscapes and…accent…
It’s certainly quite a big country with many places to think of, so let’s make it easy for you and choose the best of the best!
Get Romantic in Paris
How many people think about Paris when mentioning Europe? Well, so many! Paris is a humongous city and you will need days to visit the main attractions and districts.
Of course, other than the popular spots, France has a lot of amazing food known all around the world and that you shouldn’t miss.
Most importantly for many, the city has so many Instagram-worthy places that you should check out!
There are some areas in Paris that you shouldn’t go to, but nothing will happen to you if you follow our recommendations. For instance, Barbes, Saint-Ouen, Belleville, and Clignacourt are some of the areas you should stay away from.
Best things to do in Paris, apart from visiting the Eiffel Tower:
- Visit Le famous Louvres
- Go back in time in Versailles, visiting the Versailles Palace, its Hall of Mirrors, and its garden
- Shop at the Champs-Élysées and finish the avenue by climbing up to the Arc de Triomphe
- Wander around Montmartre, not missing the Sacré-Cœur
- Assist to the one and only Moulin Rouge show, you can’t miss that, can you?
- Younger or older, it doesn’t matter, go to Disneyland Paris!
I would have certainly added Notre Dame de Paris, however, it is currently closed due to a fire in April 2019. The reopening date is yet to be announced.
Best Tours in Paris, France
Bear in mind that there will be a lot of people queuing to visit the attractions at pretty much any time of the day.
Paris is the number 1 visited city in the world, and certainly one of the best places to travel in Europe for history, nightlife, and to enjoy your honeymoon.
Moreover, if you’re planning to go to Disneyland, be prepared to queue at least 30mn in each attraction.
What Not to Do in Paris:
- Leave your handbag unattended, Paris is full of pickpockets! Remember these words.
- Avoid taking the metro late at night. Instead, call a taxi or a Uber (more expensive but safer)
- Avoid visiting the museums during the weekends, as you might be ending with hundreds of people around you inside.
- Do not be constantly scared of walking around. A bit of awareness and nothing will happen to you!
Nice
If you’re not a big fan of big crowded cities like Paris and prefer instead of spending your day at the beach, then Nice is a good option.
Nice is a very nice city to visit, especially during the summer with good hot days, and it’s coming here is one of the best things to do on the French Riviera!
Nice is one of the cities you should visit in France and it’s certainly one of the best places to travel in Europe.
The Nice area is also great, so these are the things you shouldn’t miss out on:
- Walk the whole Promenade des Anglais
- Discover the old city, its Rossetti Square and eat a delicious homemade ice cream
- Go to the market on Cours Saleya, where the locals go
- Enjoy the view from the Castle
- Have dinner at Les Garcons, one of the best restaurants in Nice, and too expensive.
- Do yourself a favour and choose this tour, the best we can recommend. It covers Monaco and the highlights of the Nice area.
I mentioned the tour here above, and you should really give it a go. If not, take a train to Monaco, Cannes, or Menton, the highlights of the French Riviera.
Best Tours in Nice, France
In the same vein, you should also go and check out the popular city of St. Tropez, which isn’t unfortunately accessible by train but only by bus and by car.
Explore the Gorgeous Strasbourg
Strasbourg is known for its Christmas market, authentic architecture, and its wines.
I would recommend traveling to Strasbourg as a weekend away to then pursue your trip to the rest of France or Germany.
Strasbourg is some of the best places in Europe to visit. It is stunning, peaceful, and different from other cities in France. Its location also makes it perfect to reach Germany quickly.
What to do in Strasbourg?
- The Cathedral of Strasbourg, the oldest Gothic cathedral in the world
- Walk to and around La Petite France area, that most tourists come for!
- Discover the UNESCO Grande-Île area, very beautiful and worth your time.
- Eat a local CHOUCROUTE (Sauerkraut) at Le Tire Bouchon, the best local restaurant.
- THIS is the best tour you can do. Come back home telling hundreds of stories of Alsace.
- Take the chance to do a Wine Tasting Tour, but make sure to come back sober enough!
Best Tours in Strasbourg, France
In addition, I would recommend coming during the Christmas Market from the 22nd of November till the 24th of December. It’ll be cold, maybe rainy, however, the Christmas market is really worth it. Last but not least, there are many beautiful and authentic back alleys that you should get lost in.
To sum up, these were the reason why France is one of the best countries to travel to in Europe (even though they don’t have the best reputation).
These were the absolute best places to travel in Europe. Thanks for reading until the end, and please don’t forget to like us on our social media and to subscribe to the mailing list.
More Unique Places to Visit in Europe
Europe is such a massive continent with endless places to visit, and here are some more countries you should consider for a short or longer trip:
- Portugal
From delicious food, Portuguese wine, and great attractions to amazing things to do at night and a cheap lifestyle, Portugal, and particulary Lisbon is a great escape in Europe for a few days and more!
- Poland
Poland offers a rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine. Must-see attractions include the historic city of Krakow, the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Don’t miss trying pierogi, a traditional Polish dumpling dish too.
- Belgium
Belgium is famous for its chocolate, waffles, and beer. Explore the scenic canals of Bruges and other things to do, visit the iconic Atomium in Brussels and indulge in a variety of delicious Belgian chocolates. Don’t forget to try a traditional Belgian waffle, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Europe is home to a myriad of unique and unforgettable destinations waiting to be explored. While many travelers flock to popular destinations such as Paris or Rome, there are many off-the-beaten-path locations that offer equally stunning experiences.
In Spain, the architectural wonder of Gaudi’s Park Guell in Barcelona offers a unique and whimsical experience. The park features stunning mosaic sculptures and structures, with panoramic views of the city below. Another unique location in Spain is the town of Ronda, located on a mountaintop and famous for its historic bridge and picturesque views.
For wine lovers, Portugal’s Douro Valley is a must-visit destination. This scenic wine region offers breathtaking landscapes dotted with vineyards, as well as delicious local wines and cuisine.
For those seeking adventure, Switzerland’s Jungfrau region offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and stunning hiking and outdoor activities during the summer.
These are just a few examples of the many unique destinations that Europe has to offer. When planning your next European adventure, consider exploring some of these off-the-beaten-path locations for a truly unforgettable experience. Happy travels!
