Discover top European destinations to tour and find inspiration among European destinations perfect for a city break, a sunny vacation, a romantic getaway, shopping, culture, or immersion in nature.
Want more inspiration? Unveil the best European cities to visit, the Most wonderful Islands in Greece, the Most Incredible Castles in Germany, Best Secret Destinations in Italy, the Most Amazing Nature Wonders in Austria, and the Most Beautiful Beaches in Spain or Portugal. Book your flights, accommodation, tours, and activities and discover the very best of Europe.
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital and the enormous city is one of Europe’s greenest and most liveable capitals, the leafy banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city’s heart are free for pedestrians and cyclists. In summer, cafes set up terrace seating along the river; it almost feels like a nightly street party.
There is a lot to see in Ljubljana. There are beautiful bridges and buildings, as well as pillars and pyramids, that all exist for the sole purpose of making the city even more stunning. Attractive cities are often illustrated as ‘jewel boxes, and here the name really fits. Some 50,000 students support an active clubbing scene, and Ljubljana’s museums and restaurants are among the best in the country.
2. Marbella, Spain
For more than 60 years, Marbella has remained incomparable in Spain as the go-to destination for the wealthy set. There is plenty for the rich and famous to do in Marbella, from frolicking on postcard-perfect beaches to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and partying in the early hours of the morning at exclusive nightclubs.
Thanks to its mild microclimate and all-year-round sunshine, Marbella is the perfect place for outdoor sports. This sunny destination is also first indexed among the most prestigious & exclusive destinations in Europe.
3. Amiens, France
One of France’s greatest Gothic cathedrals is reason enough to stop by Amiens, the former capital of Picardy. Beautiful green spaces bordering the Somme River complement the pedestrianized centre of the city. Jules Verne spent 34 years here. His former home is now a museum.
The town is enriched by the 30,000 students of the Universite de Picardie Jules Verne. It is a great place to enjoy local specialties like “Ficelle Picarde” or to relax on one of the many balconies that line the Somme.
4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
With an easy grace, Plovdiv mingles energizing nightlife among millennia-old ruins. Like Rome, Plovdiv straddles seven hills; but as Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, it’s far more historical. Old Town in the city is well-known for its colorful Victorian mansions that are now turned into museums, galleries, and guesthouses.
The story is not limited to cobblestoned lanes and nostalgia for the National Revival era. The city has gained more confidence as a result of renovations in the Kapana creative district and Tsar Simeon Gardens, where music and art festivals draw crowds.
Once an amiable waystation between Bulgaria and Greece or Turkey, the city has blossomed into a destination in its own right – and one that should be on any itinerary through central Bulgaria.
5. Leuven, Belgium
Lively Leuven (Louvain in French) is an ancient capital, a well-known brewing centre and Flanders’ oldest university town. In term time, and even during the holidays, some 25,000 students give the city an upbeat, creative air.
There isn’t much to see in this picturesque town on a short day trip, but you could spend weeks observing the characterful pubs and tasty dining. It’s without a doubt the capital of beer. Experience the local breweries in action and enjoy an incredible beer after your tour. I suggest you visit Brussels when you are in Belgium. Explore some of Brussel’s hidden gems that are not known to many.
6. Oradea, Romania
Located in Romania’s picturesque Transylvanian region, Oradea is one of Romania’s largest cities. It is charming, historical, and fairly undiscovered. With baroque architecture, Hungarian influences, and a gorgeous riverside, the city is excellent for those looking for an idyllic stay in Romania. Oradea is the ideal starting point for adventures in Romania because it is close to attractions like Apuseni National Park.
7. London, United Kingdom
Now’s the perfect time to discover another side of Britain. Discover new perspectives on our diverse cities while discovering modern twists on our historic icons and delighting in the unexpected in our green spaces.
Whether it’s kayaking under Tower Bridge by moonlight, getting the inside scoop on Manchester’s foodie scene, or laughing along at the 75th anniversary of the Edinburgh Fringe, Britain is spurting with opportunities to explore contrarily every day.
Reconnect with friends over an eccentric take on afternoon tea. See how chefs are transforming traditional Welsh delicacies on Cardiff’s south coast, or explore Brighton’s south coast for new heights.
From enjoying a royal party 70 years in the making to cheering on world-class sport in the West Midlands and championing creativity across Britain with Unboxed, we welcome you to join us for an unmissable year of celebration. London is also the most visited city in the UK and is my favourite European destination.
8. Nijmegen, Netherlands
From a Roman camp to a Catholic university town of 13,000 students, Nijmegen buzzes with energy and is a vibrant place to spend a couple of days.
This town is the oldest in the Netherlands. It has a small medieval centre but all the urban cool of an urban city. It is home to historic cafes, specialty coffee shops, and a few museums and monuments.
The streets wind gently between the Lower Town (built in 163) and the Upper Town (built in the 18th century). During summer, Dutch party lovers descend upon the town to attend its annual hiking festival and Zomerfeesten music festival.
9. Lahti Region, Finland
Idyllically positioned around a bay on Lake Vesijärvi, Lahti is a vibrant town 100km north of Helsinki. A popular travel destination, Lahti has outstanding skiing facilities at Messilä Ski Resort and the famous ski jumps by the Salpausselkä Ridges and is the only city to have hosted the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 6 times.
It is also home to Lahti Symphony Orchestra and hosts the Lahti Sibelius Festival. Other sites of note are the Church of the Cross, Messilä Manor, and its Musical Fountains.
Lahti is a vibrant city of almost 100,000 inhabitants just an hour from Helsinki. It is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region and was first mentioned in documents in 1445, originally being a village in the parish of Hollola, on the medieval trade route of Ylinen Viipurintie which linked the towns of Hämeenlinna and Vyborg.
10. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul City Tour proposes various day tours such as day tours in Istanbul, day tours from Istanbul, and private guided tours, Istanbul tours offer Bosphorus cruise tours, Istanbul city tours, Swimming tours, Sahaba tours, and Turkish Night Show with dinner.
Day trips from Istanbul offer Cappadocia day tours, Ephesus day tours, Pamukkale day tours, Gallipoli tour, Bursa tour, Sapanca and Masukiye tour. Private guide tours offer you to explore beautiful sites with your private guide and enjoy the trips at your own pace. It is also among one of the best places to travel with kids.
11. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Visitors have been drawn to the craggy and vertiginous Amalfi Coast since ancient Roman times, and its three island outposts, Capri, Ischia, and Procida have remained popular ever since.
Hemmed in by high mountains, the coastal towns on the Amalfi Coast are physically unspoiled, and they retain an evergreen appeal despite the inevitable tour groups. Avoid high summer, when visitors arrive in peak numbers, and a trip here will be a scenic, artistic and culinary delight.
Rightly contemplated a jewel of Italy, the Amalfi Coast is a legendary European destination, a mythical vacation spot that has turned the heads of illustrious heroes such as Ulysses bewitched by the sirens. Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, and colourful villages await you during your stay on the Amalfi Coast.
12. Prague, Czech Republic
A prosperous and bustling city, Prague now attracts more tourists than ever. But its picturesque downtown veils both a dark legacy and a resilient past. Dating back to about A.D. 870, Prague has withstood numerous overthrows, invasions, fires, and floods. It’s this reputation for survival and perseverance that has made the Czech capital so fascinating.
Today, its storied churches, narrow streets, daunting hilltop castle, and statue-lined bridges create the scene of an urban fairy tale. No matter how jaded a traveller may be, he or she cannot resist the appeal of this city.
Formerly, Prague was considered a hidden gem, since its flashier neighbours to the west dominated the spotlight. But the city’s marvels couldn’t be hidden for much longer – now it is a sought-after destination for travellers in search of awe-inspiring experiences at a price they can afford. Many hotels offer rooms for a fraction of what they would cost in other European cities.
Top attractions, such as the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, are still free. However, this bargain-hunting tradition has a clock so if your goal is to find a great deal, now is the time.
13. Rome, Italy
What to visit in Rome, Italy? With over 900 churches, no other city in the world is so representative of the Catholic faith. Rome has four papal basilicas and seven pilgrimage churches. Each church is more beautifully elaborate than the last, with works by the great masters such as Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo.
As an art lover, you will feel right at home in the Galleria Borghese. All these Roman sights and excavations, the beautiful churches, the Vatican, the entertainment neighbourhoods like Trastevere, gorgeous fountains – comprising the famous Trevi Fountain) – tasty trattorias, a picture on the romantic Spanish Steps, and trendy fashion shops make Rome a chaotic and bustling metropolis where you can easily keep yourself entertained for at least a week.
14. Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria, Germany’s hugest state, lies in the southeast corner of the country and is bordered by Austria and the Czech Republic. One of Germany’s most prominent tourist destinations, Bavaria is filled with attractions and offers some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, including spectacular mountain peaks, rolling hills, and lovely lakes.
The Danube winds scenically through its centre. Some of the most gorgeous towns in Germany are in Bavaria, and the entire area is steeped in history. Although Bavaria is one of the most conventional parts of Germany and is filled with romantic castles, grand imperial palaces, and endearing old-world customs, you’ll find a lot more variation among its attractions, including a lively contemporary art scene, cutting-edge architecture, and design, and state-of-the-art interactive museums.
You could easily spend an entire vacation here.
15. Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece’s capital city, is often used as a pit stop on a trip to the wonderful Greek Islands and the country’s best beaches, but the sprawling city is loaded with incredible historical sites, marvellous tours, luxury hotels, and great restaurants. When it’s time to move on, the city’s major ferry port is well connected by the Greek ferry system to Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and all of the islands of the Aegean Sea.
Athen is the top city to visit in Europe and is my favourite destination considering its rich culture and ancient history.
17. Clonakilty, Ireland
The West Cork coast commences the slow build-up of magnificence that culminates in counties further west and north, but what you find here is already gorgeous. Picturesque villages, ancient stone circles and some excellent sandy beaches mark the meandering coastal route from Kinsale to Clonakilty and on to Skibbereen and Baltimore. Instead of taking the N71 all the way to the coast, take the R600 and take a stroll along the various minor roads.
18. Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria’s capital, is rich in history and architecture. Vienna, which is located on the River Danube in Austria, dates back to a Roman-era settlement. Many of Vienna’s Baroque buildings were built under Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Maria Theresa. Today, they contrast with modern steel and glass structures.
Vienna is a great vacation spot because of its beautiful buildings, walking streets, delicious food, and many activities indoors and out. Vienna is voted one of the most liveable cities in the globe. Its boundaries include parks, vineyards, and the Vienna Woods, which are a protected natural environment. Vienna is a dog-friendly city. It allows dogs to travel on public transport and in shops and restaurants.
Viennese life is dominated by the “coffee culture”, and coffee houses are places where you can relax, socialize and enjoy the famous desserts. Vienna’s history is both literal and figuratively at its core.
The narrow streets of Innere Stadt (Inner City), wind through old buildings and furnish an atmosphere so unique that you almost expect a Vienna native-like composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, or psychologist Sigmund Freud, to greet you with “Guten Tag.” Baroque palaces from the Habsburg Monarchy tower over the city just like Mozart’s classic arias flow from modern cafes. You will find the culture you are looking for here. There’s much more to Vienna than music and monarchs.
Vienna is also a great place to spend money, with independent bookstores competing with haute couture. A surprising number of attractions are available for children, including a top-notch amusement park and an excellent zoo. Even though much Viennese leave early at night, it doesn’t mean that you should. You can sneak out to one of the bars along the Bermuda Triangle or stop by one of the wine taverns in the Vienna Woods.
19. Graz, Austria
Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and was named European Capital of Culture in 2003 and City of Design in 2009. It is one of the best-preserved historical cities in Europe and is full of outstanding institutions and exciting cultural attractions.
Austria is a very fashionable destination for history buffs, culture, and shopping. It is also a premier destination for those seeking sustainable tourism destinations like Landlust and Mostviertel. It also persuades travelers looking for the most beautiful Christmas markets in Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, or Salzburg.
20. Crete, Greece
The island of Crete has an extensive, important history. It was once home to the ancient Minoan civilization, a Bronze Age civilization that predated even the Greeks. Growing up, you will be fascinated by the Minoans. Visiting Crete will always hold a special place in your heart. When you finally got to Crete, it exceeded all your expectations. Because there’s a lot to love about Crete beyond its ancient ruins: a gorgeous variety of extraordinary beaches, excellent hiking, quaint historic towns, and incredible food and wine.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about the Best European Destinations, and I assure you would enjoy them more when you visit them.
Read about Best Things to do in Cannes, if you are planning to visit south of France.
