Best Places to Visit in Europe

Trouble deciding on the best holiday destinations in Europe? Check out our hand-picked list.

Why we picked it: Epic natural wonders, uncrowded popular destinations, stunning scenery

Drive the famous 250-km Golden Circle route to visit geysers and waterfalls, try Icelandic delicacies in Rekjavik, or marvel at the glaciers, black beaches, and volcanic soil of the South Coast. Natural wonders reign supreme in Iceland, but the capital, Reykjavik, will charm you too, with its cafe culture, churches like Hallgrímskirkja (the country’s largest), and the city’s coolest shopping street, Laugavegur.

Known for its low crime rate, Iceland is one of the safest destinations worldwide—the perfect choice for solo and novice travelers. While accommodation and dining can lean towards the pricey side, budget options like hostels and grocery stores are available in abundance.

The northern lights are one of the best attractions on an Iceland trip, but annual festivals like Reykjavik Pride and Iceland Airwaves are also worth checking out.

Ideal duration: We recommend a full week to get into the wonder of Iceland, but in a short stay, you can explore Reykjavik and attractions nearby like the Golden Circle's Thingvellir National Park. Read our guide on how long to stay in Iceland for more insight.

Best time to visit Iceland: The summer months of June, July and August are marked by long, warm days and glorious weather, certainly by Iceland’s cold standards. However, summer in Iceland is also the peak season for travelers, so expect higher costs and more crowds.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Iceland. Also, don’t forget to go through our Iceland travel guide for more information on travel-related topics like things to do in Iceland and the best places to visit in Iceland.

Highlights:

• See icebergs and glaciers floating into the ocean at Jökulsárlón, a striking glacier lagoon.
• Dip into a soothing hot spring at the Blue Lagoon in southwestern Iceland.
• Go whale watching in Snæfellsjökull National Park, where cliffs loom over the coast.
• Try ice caving in the country’s largest ice cap—Vatnajökull.
• Drive down the famous 250-km Golden Circle route, with its geysers and waterfalls.
• Enjoy hiking in the beautiful valley of Elliðaárdalur near Reykjavík.
• Try snorkeling at Silfra, a fissure between two continental tectonic plates.

Why we picked it: Rich culture, picturesque landscapes, world-famous art and architecture

With large swathes of the country reclaimed from water, you’re never far from a scenic canal or a pretty harbor in the Netherlands. Some of the biggest names in the history of art like Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer were born here, and you can explore their splendid works in the world-class Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, one of the top places to go in Europe.

Outside the capital, discover the fairytale village of Giethoorn with its canal trails, cycle in the 500-acre grassland Bossche Broek, and admire the post-war modernist architecture of the port city of Rotterdam. With fields of tulips blooming in the spring to magnificent hiking trails and wildlife excursions, affordable prices and festivals like King’s Day—this country is always worth a visit.

Ideal duration: In 3–4 days, you can explore Amsterdam and enjoy a canal cruise. Choose a week or 10-day itinerary to also explore The Hague, Rotterdam, smaller villages, and the countryside.

Best time to visit the Netherlands: The months September to October is great for culture and fewer crowds, spring (May and June) if you want to see the famed tulips blooming, but June to August is the best time for a trip to the Netherlands, marked by comfortably warm days, lots of sunshine and plenty of outdoor activities.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Holland. If you need help planning a customized trip to the Netherlands, you can always reach out to our local travel experts.

Highlights:

• Go beer hopping in the fabulous breweries of Amsterdam.
• Climb the 112-meter-tall Dom Tower, the symbol of Utrecht and Holland's tallest church spire.
• Bike in the 6,000-hectare Drents-Friese Wold National Park, passing herds of Sayaguesa cattle.
• Explore the ramparts, towers, moats and drawbridges of De Haar, the country’s largest moated castle.
• Admire the architecture of the 17th-century Maastricht city hall and the Basilica of St. Servaaskerk in the beautiful town of Maastricht.

Why we picked it: Lush valleys, iconic fjords, majestic mountains

The dramatic and scenic fjords are an instant draw for any tourist on a trip to Norway. Explore the untamed tundra, see the snow-covered peaks of central Norway, hike several stunning mountainous trails of Fløyen, and go whitewater rafting at Voss. For a calmer vibe, learn about the country’s traditional architecture at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in the capital Oslo, or wander the UNESCO village of Bryggen.

Norway lands a bit on the expensive side. Travelers can budget their travels by camping and choosing tours that offer activities within the itinerary, without extra costs. Crowds flock to witness its natural wonders, however, you can find quieter moments off-season.

Ideal duration: A 3–4 days trip to Norway allows time to explore Oslo, but with 7–8 days, you can add a trip to Bergen. To make the most of your visit to Norway, we recommend 10–12 days to explore Norway’s stunning fjords such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, the beautiful Lofoten Islands, and cities like Trondheim and Stavanger. Check out our guide on how long to stay in Norway to learn more.

Best time to visit Norway: Late spring (May) and early summer (June) have pleasant temperatures and longer daylight hours. Autumn (September and October) is also ideal for a golden time with colorful leaves, pristine air, and fields full of berries.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Norway. Traveling to Norway? Head to our Norway travel guide for detailed insights, blogs and travel tips!

Highlights:

• Learn about Norway’s Viking heritage at Lofoten, home to the Lofotr Viking Museum and many quaint fishing villages.
• Stroll in Oslo’s Frogner Park, which has many art installations and the Oslo City Museum.
• Enjoy the views from the North Cape, a stunning cliff that gives you the feeling of being on the edge of northern Europe.
• Soak in the beauty of the Geirangerfjord, with its cliffs and waterfalls, on a cruise that includes Geiranger town.
• Take a guided tour of Trondheim, a picturesque 10th-century town with several historical buildings and one of the world’s largest sundials.

Why we picked it: Natural beauty, great food, unique culture

The Emerald Isle is small and its weather is famously unpredictable. But an Ireland tour punches far above its weight and is one of the nicest places to visit in Europe. The coast is never far and the landscape is dotted with cliffs, coves, peninsulas, and smaller islands.

Explore the rugged coastline, beautiful trails, and hidden bays of Connemara, an area that offers endless opportunities for hiking, horse riding and fishing. Ireland offers plenty of pre-history too. County Meath is the site of fascinating megalithic passage tombs such as Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth, some older than the Pyramids of Giza.

Ideal duration: Seven days is ideal for exploring Ireland’s must-see sites like Dublin, Trinity College, the Book of Kells, and the Guinness Storehouse. Spend a day driving in the Ring of Kerry and then head to Cork to see the historic Blarney Castle. Conclude with a day trip to the Rock of Cashel. Our guide on how long to stay in Ireland can also help you decide.

Best time to visit Ireland: June to August is the peak summer season in Ireland with long warm days but also larger crowds. Overall Ireland is fairly mild and the months March to May and September to November are also good bets for fewer crowds.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Ireland. Has a trip to Ireland piqued your interest? Our detailed Ireland travel guide has all travel-related information for your trip.

Highlights:

• Do the epic 180 kilometers Ring of Kerry road trip; you’ll see scenic mountains, untamed coasts and monastic settlements along the way.
• If the sun is out, do as the Irish do and rush to the nearest beach. Top picks include Curracloe and Inch Beach.
• Go kayaking in the waters of Umfin Island in County Donegal.
• Visit the splendid 15th-century Blarney Castle and its Stone of Eloquence.
• Learn about the 250-year-old history of Dublin’s famous Guinness Storehouse.
• Check out the impressive collection of Irish and European art by masters such as Caravaggio, Goya, Monet and Picasso at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin.

Why we picked it: Holidays (Oktoberfest and Christmas markets), river cruises, historical castles

A powerhouse of Europe, a trip to Germany is full of big-ticket sights—beautiful Alpine scenery, artsy cities like Berlin, splendid baroque palaces in Bavaria, and mighty rivers like the Rhine. Hamburg impresses with its striking port installations and inner-city lakes. Indeed, Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich are some of the best cities to visit in Europe.

Germany also has excellent cycle routes like the Iron Curtain Trail, which once divided the East and West. If you’re looking for a day of rest, head to the seaside resorts around the Baltic Sea and admire the area’s red-brick architecture.

Ideal duration: An 8–10 days’ stay is ideal for a Germany tour. In 3–4 days, you can explore Berlin’s highlights, with a possible day trip to Potsdam. With 7–8 days, add visits to Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle, and explore the Rhine Valley’s picturesque villages and castles. Within 10–12 days you can include highlights of Heidelberg and Frankfurt. Read our guide on how long to stay in Germany to plan your perfect holiday.

Best time to visit Germany: May to October is generally the best time to visit Germany, but plan a trip between late November and December 25th if your goal is to visit the Christmas markets the country is famous for. July and August are peak summer months and the best for outdoor activities.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Germany. To learn more about planning a trip to Germany, make sure to read our Germany travel guide.

Highlights:

• Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle, which is believed to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle.
• Tour the holiday markets in November and December: famous ones held in Augsburg, Dresden, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Stuttgart.
• Take a hiking trip in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, known for its tabletop mountains and sandstone pinnacles.
• Reflect on Berlin’s turbulent 20th-century history from the Reichstag dome, which also offers excellent views of the capital.
• Go freshwater paddling in Königssee Lake, circled by mountains, in Bavaria’s Berchtesgadener Land.
• Learn about the history of chocolate at Germany’s largest chocolate museum in Cologne.

Why we picked it: Rugged landscapes, scenic rivers, culture and history

For a country this size—barely one-fourth the area of Germany—Scotland has everything from enchanting cities to gorgeous landscapes. It’s a land of raw, rugged beauty, apparent when you visit Perthshire, a region known for its mountains, scenic rivers, and lush forests. Or if you check out the hiking trails and charming lakes of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Take a whisky tour in Edinburgh or admire the Scottish Gothic architecture of the 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral in Glasgow, the country’s largest city. Scotland also offers incredible road trips, like North Coast 500, which starts and ends in Inverness. Tourist hotspots can be bustling during peak season, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Ideal duration: We recommend a stay of 7 to 10 days to include Edinburgh and a trip to the Scottish Highlands, visiting Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Isle of Skye. Extend to 10 days to include the Cairngorms National Park, Stirling Castle, and Speyside whisky distilleries. Check out our guide on how long to stay in Scotland for better insights.

Best time to visit Scotland: May – June (spring) and September – October (autumn) are the best seasons to explore the natural beauty of Scotland.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Scotland. Planning a trip to Scotland? Read our travel guide for more information.

Highlights:

• Admire paintings by masters like Monet and Rembrandt at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, housed in a magnificent red sandstone building.
• Enjoy the views of the famous Loch Ness from the top of Urquhart Castle.
• Explore the Isle of Skye, one of the Inner Hebrides archipelagos, known for its glens, rock pools and deep valleys.
• Take a tour of a distillery in Islay, a windswept island that is home to some of the finest whiskies in the world.
• Go shopping at Edinburgh’s historic Victoria Street, a haven for independent and trendy boutiques.

Why we picked it: Sea caves, beaches, scuba diving

The archipelago of Malta is one of the world’s smallest countries but easily among the top 10 holiday destinations in Europe. This island nation has records of settlements dating back 7,000 years and some of the most ancient free-standing structures in the world, such as the Ġgantija temple complex in Gozo.

While festivals like the Malta International Arts Festival add a touch of cultural flair, Sliema waterfront and Peter’s Pool offer dreamy spots to swim. A lovely way to explore the country is by cycling on biking routes that crisscross the islands, such as the path from Marfa Ridge to Golden Bay. Don’t miss the 16th-century St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, a triumph of the baroque style. Another charming place is Popeye Village, a coastal village that served as a movie set for the 1980 film Popeye.

Ideal duration: A stay of 5–7 days is sufficient to get the best of Malta. In 3–4 days, you can explore the historic city of Valletta. With 5-6 days, add trips to Mdina, the ancient capital, and the Blue Grotto for its stunning sea caves. Extend your stay to 7 days to visit the ancient temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, and enjoy the beaches of Gozo and Comino.

Best time to visit Malta: June to October are the best months to visit Malta. You’ll dodge the November rain, but likely hit summer crowds from June to August, although the sunshine these months may be a trade-off!

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Malta.

Highlights:

• See the underground megalithic burial temple, Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum, which dates back over 5,000 years.
• Go diving at Gozo’s Ramla Bay, one of Malta’s finest beaches known for its red sand and a wide walking area.
• Explore the medieval alleys, narrow streets and well-preserved architecture of Medina’s Old City.
• Shop for traditional handicrafts, including intricate lacework and filigree jewelry.
• Visit hidden gems like the Ghar Lapsi caves and Blue Grotto by hopping onto a colored luzzu (fishing boat).

Why we picked it: Underrated gem, snow-coated peaks, scenic coastline

Still largely under the radar after it emerged from decades of Communist rule, Albania is full of delights, minus the massive crowds that one sees elsewhere in Europe. If you’re a water sports fan, you’ll find plenty of places to test your skills, such as Lake Shkodër and Lake Ohrid. Much of this country is mountainous, so hikes are plentiful. Top routes include the Valbona to Theth day hike through the Accursed Mountains (or the Albanian Alps).

Albania also has many charming towns like the UNESCO-protected Gjirokaster, famous for its beautiful Ottoman architecture and cobblestoned streets. If you want to hit the road, drive down the picturesque 120-kilometer stretch known as the Albanian Riviera along the coast from Vlorë to Sarandë. Look out for white-sand beaches and quaint Mediterranean villages along the way.

Albania is an emerging destination, with authentic experiences awaiting travelers. Furthermore, crowds are minimal, allowing for intimate encounters with its natural beauty.

Ideal duration: We recommend staying 7–10 days. This duration allows time to visit Tirana and add trips to the coastal city of Vlorë, Berat ancient city, the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, Gjirokastër, and the archaeological wonders of Butrint. For better insight on the ideal duration, read our article on how long to stay in Albania.

Best time to visit Albania: April to June (spring) and September to October (fall) are the best seasons for a trip to Albania. The weather is pleasant and the shoulder seasons mean fewer crowds.

For an in-depth insight on traveling to Albania, check out our guide on the best time to visit Albania and how long to stay in Albania.

Highlights:

• Drive the picturesque 120-kilometer stretch known as the Albanian Riviera along the coast from Vlorë to Sarandë. Look out for white-sand beaches and quaint Mediterranean villages.
• Take part in the Kala Festival to witness Albania’s burgeoning cultural scene.
• Visit the splendid 18th-century Et'hem Bey Mosque, the National History Museum and the communist-era Opera House in the capital Tirana.
• Discover the 13th-century citadel and the sparkling glass panes of Berat, known as the city of a thousand windows.
• Explore the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins at the sprawling Butrint Archaeological Park.

Why we picked it: Spectacular historical cities, museums, beaches, and cuisine (of course!)

Italy is not just one of the best places to visit in Europe but among the greatest destinations worldwide. The markers of Western civilization originated here, and Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan are some of the best European cities to visit for first-timers and experts alike.

In Venice, try making it past the sea of travelers at Piazza San Marco into the stunning Basilica di San Marco, and in Rome, you can’t miss visiting the grand Colosseum. For a less crowded but not less captivating experience, take a boat ride on Lake Como, surrounded by green hills.

Ideal duration: A 3–4 day tour to Italy is great for exploring the iconic landmarks of Rome, we recommend spending two weeks in Italy for the best experience. You can include Florence, Venice—with its romantic canals and historic palaces—the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and the Italian Lakes region on your itinerary. Check out our guide on how long to stay in Italy to plan your holiday.

Best time to visit Italy: April to June (mid-spring to early summer) and September – October (fall) are the best seasons to visit Italy. The weather is pleasant for the most part, and you’ll avoid the summer tourist surge. In spring, the coast is dry and ideal for a swim.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Italy. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, make sure to read our Italy travel guide.

Highlights:

• Feast your eyes on Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces, such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Caravaggio’s Medusa at the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery.
• Stroll through Sorrento’s Old Town, explore its charming piazzas and watch the cliffs swallow the sun at dusk.
• Discover the tragic history of Pompeii and Herculaneum, frozen in time after a volcanic eruption in AD 79.
• Enjoy the beautiful views and discover scenic villages on the Sentiero Azzurro hike from Monterosso to Riomaggiore.
• See an opera in Verona’s 3rd-century Roman Arena, a very well-preserved Roman amphitheater.
• Relax on some of Italy’s best beaches on Costa Verde and Costa Smeralda on Sardinia’s west coast.

Why we picked it: Northern lights, beautiful forests and lakes, breathtaking islands

Straddling the Arctic Circle, Finland is a land of striking natural beauty, with 75% of the country covered by forest and one-tenth of the land covered with lakes. The sun never sets in the summer in the stunning Finnish Lapland, offering excellent opportunities for biking. In winter, activities like dog-sledding and Northern Lights chasing abound. The 20-kilometer Espoo coastal route is one of Europe’s most scenic, taking you from the capital Helsinki to Kivenlahti.

Visit Finland’s cities like the capital Helsinki, with a host of unique cathedrals and cozy cafés, and the oldest city Turku. Finland is truly one of the most unique places to travel in Europe.

Ideal duration: We suggest staying 7–10 days to explore Finland’s diverse attractions from its modern urban centers (Helsinki) to its pristine natural landscapes in both southern and northern regions. A 10-day trip allows you to include a visit to Lapland.

Best time to visit Finland: The best time to visit Finland depends on what you want to do. Winter from December through April is ideal for dog sledding and winter sports (February and March are best for daylight). The summer months of June to August are perfect for exploring the snow-free outdoors and experiencing the long daylight hours.

For a seasonal insight, check out our guide on the best time to visit Finland. Also make sure to read our travel guide before planning your trip to Finland.

Highlights:

• Visit the Moomin Museum in Tampere, an experiential art museum for fans of the iconic Finnish comic strip and series.
• Enjoy a cruise or rent a cottage by the lake in the eastern Lakeland region bordering Russia.
• Hunt for the Northern Lights and go dog sledding or snowshoeing in the stunning wilderness of Finnish Lapland.
• Check out the collection at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, which focuses on Finnish and other Scandinavian artists.
• Explore the wooden buildings, quaint shops and artisan workshops of Old Rauma, a medieval-era UNESCO World Heritage town.
• Take the lovely Mäkrän Kierto trail, a day-long hike to the top of Ukko-Koli Hill.
• Visit Finland’s oldest city Turku, home to a medieval castle and an art museum, and a gateway to hundreds of islands.

So there you have it—the 10 best places to visit in Europe! From exploring the magical lakes and fjords of the Nordic lands and soaking in the rugged charms of Scotland and Ireland to admiring the incredible art and architecture in Italy’s towns and cities and beer hopping in Amsterdam and Berlin, a trip to Europe is sure to dazzle you.

Our experienced travel experts will help you choose an itinerary that covers the best places to visit in Europe, in tune with your interests and budget requirements.

More information:
11 best places to visit in Europe in Summer
Europe's best Christmas markets

Make sure to check out our video on 10 best places to visit in Europe.