Best places in Europe to visit this year (2023)


Explore the best places in Europe from Paris to Rome, Barcelona to Berlin, and beyond. Discover your next adventure!

There’s something captivating about Europe that draws millions of visitors from around the globe each year.

Whether it’s the quaint towns that seem straight out of a storybook, the breath-taking landscapes, the diverse cultures, or the plethora of historical sites, there’s a certain charm to this continent that you simply can’t ignore.

Why visit Europe?

Europe is a unique blend of cultures and experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

From the romantic streets of Paris to the historic ruins of Rome, from the sun-drenched beaches of Spain to the towering castles of Germany, Europe offers a travel experience like no other.

With a variety of climates and landscapes to explore, there is always a new place waiting to be discovered.

Best places in Europe

France

Paris: Famed for its romantic allure, Paris offers enchanting sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

best places in europe france

French Riviera: Experience the glamour and allure of the Côte d’Azur, with its luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and charming towns like Nice and Saint-Tropez.

French Alps: Ski down some of the best slopes in the world or hike scenic trails during summer.

Brittany: Enjoy the stunning coastal landscapes, historic towns, and distinct Breton culture.

Ardeche: A hiker’s paradise with dramatic gorges, lush forests, and prehistoric caves.

Loire: Tour the stunning castles of the Loire Valley, each a masterpiece of French Renaissance.

Strasbourg: Experience the blend of French and German cultures in its gothic architecture and charming canals.

Riquewihr: Visit this beautifully preserved medieval town known for its historical architecture and fine wines.

Italy

Rome: Walk the ancient roads of Rome, visiting iconic sights like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon.

Venice: Glide through the canals of Venice in a gondola, exploring the city’s unique architecture and stunning sights.

best places in europe venice italy

Sicily: Immerse yourself in rich history, stunning beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine.

Pisa: Don’t miss the iconic leaning tower and explore the city’s rich art and architectural history.

Milan: Experience the fashion capital’s chic lifestyle, Gothic cathedral, and Last Supper mural.

Dolomites: Marvel at the breathtaking mountain peaks and enjoy world-class skiing and hiking.

Verona: Step into the romantic city of Romeo and Juliet with its beautiful Roman Arena.

Amalfi: Discover the stunning coastal towns with colourful homes and sapphire-blue sea.

Pompeii: Walk through the preserved ruins of this ancient city, frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius.

Lake Como: Relax by this mesmerizing lake surrounded by mountains and beautiful villas.

Puglia: Explore the captivating charm of Puglia, a region in southern Italy, where picturesque towns, ancient architecture, delicious cuisine, and stunning coastlines await.

Spain

Madrid: Immerse yourself in Spanish culture in Madrid, with its grand plazas, vibrant nightlife, and world-renowned museums like the Prado.

Barcelona: Marvel at the unique blend of gothic and modernist architecture, including the impressive Sagrada Familia.

Granada: Visit the stunning Alhambra palace and enjoy the city’s rich Moorish heritage.

Sevilla: Explore the city’s Gothic cathedral, beautiful palaces, and vibrant flamenco culture.

best places in europe seville spain

Majorca: Soak up the sun on stunning beaches, visit charming villages, and hike the Serra de Tramuntana.

Germany

Berlin: Visit the historic sites of Berlin, including the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and the Holocaust Memorial.

Munich: Experience traditional Bavarian culture in Munich, exploring the Old Town, the Nymphenburg Palace, and the famous Hofbräuhaus.

best places in europe bavaria germany

Frankfurt: Experience this global hub for commerce, culture, education, and tourism with its unique skyline.

Hamburg: Enjoy the maritime charm of this city with its bustling port, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife.

UK

London: Explore the diverse culture of London, visiting iconic sights like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum.

best places in europe london uk

Wales: Immerse yourself in the land of castles, rugged coastlines, and beautiful national parks.

Switzerland

Zurich: Visit the vibrant city of Zurich, with its impressive art scene, stunning Lake Zurich, and picturesque Old Town.

Zermatt: Visit this car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn, offering world-class skiing and climbing.

best places in europe matterhorn swizerland

Interlaken: Enjoy outdoor adventures in the Swiss Alps with breathtaking views of lakes Thun and Brienz.

Lucerne: Explore the beautiful city of Lucerne, visiting the Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and the impressive Swiss Museum of Transport.

Norway

Bergen: Explore this city’s Hanseatic heritage, beautiful fjords, and seven surrounding mountains.

Lofoten: Be awed by the dramatic landscapes, northern lights, and traditional fishing villages.

best places in europe hamnoy norway

Oslo: Experience the vibrant culture, cutting-edge architecture, and outdoor activities of Norway’s capital.

Stavanger: Discover the charm of this city with its historic old town and proximity to the stunning Pulpit Rock.

Trondheim: Experience the city’s vibrant cultural life, historic architecture, and Nidaros Cathedral.

Iceland

Reykjavik: Explore the vibrant capital, known for its nightlife, unique architecture like Hallgrímskirkja church, and the fascinating National and Saga museums.

Northern Lights: Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness the magical aurora borealis, a truly unforgettable experience.

best places in europe northern lights iceland

Golden Circle Route: Discover the stunning natural beauty of Iceland on this popular route, including the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park.

South Coast: Marvel at the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, the beautiful waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and the stunning glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers, lava fields, and beautiful cliffs and beaches in this diverse region often called ‘Iceland in miniature’.

Sweden

Stockholm: Explore the archipelago city’s rich culture, historic sites, and modern Scandinavian design.

Denmark

Copenhagen: Visit the city’s iconic Little Mermaid statue, colorful Nyhavn harbor, and Tivoli Gardens.

Poland

Warsaw: Discover Poland’s capital, a city reborn from ashes with a restored old town and vibrant culture.

Gdansk: Experience the maritime charm of this Baltic port city with its beautiful old town.

Hungary

Budapest: Visit the city of baths, stunning Danube views, and historic sites like Buda Castle.

Czechia

Prague: Wander through the city of a hundred spires, with its stunning old town and Prague Castle.

Romania

Bucharest: Discover the city’s vibrant culture, historic buildings, and the enormous Parliament Palace.

Transylvania: Explore the land of Dracula with its stunning castles, fortified churches, and medieval towns.

Bulgaria

Sofia: Visit the city’s beautiful Orthodox churches, parks, and Roman ruins.

North Macedonia

Skopje: Experience the city’s unique blend of the old and new with its fortress, old bazaar, and modern monuments.

Lake Ohrid: Discover one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, with beautiful beaches and historic sites.

Albania

Tirana: Explore the lively capital with its colorful buildings, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife.

Montenegro

Kotor: Visit the stunning bay, medieval old town, and hike up to the Fortress for breathtaking views.

Belgium

Brussels: Enjoy the city’s beautiful Grand Place, Atomium, and indulge in waffles and chocolates.

Bruges: Wander through the fairytale city with its cobbled streets, canals, and medieval buildings.

Netherlands

Amsterdam: Explore the city’s iconic canals, historic houses, and world-class museums.

FAQs about the best places in Europe

How do I handle money in different European countries?

Euros are accepted in most European countries but carry both cash and cards.

What are the must-visit cities in Europe?

Cities like Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and London are some of the most popular destinations.

What is the best time to visit Europe?

Generally, spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are considered the best times to visit Europe due to milder weather and fewer tourists.

What should I pack for a European trip?

Pack layers to accommodate varying weather, comfortable shoes for walking, a good-quality camera, travel adapters for European plugs, and any necessary personal items. Don’t forget your passport and travel documents!

What is the most visited country in Europe?

France is the most visited country in Europe, with Paris being one of the top destinations. The country offers a diverse range of attractions from beautiful landscapes, historical monuments, to unique cultural experiences.

Is traveling in Europe expensive?

The cost of traveling in Europe can vary significantly depending on the countries you visit, your accommodation choices, and your personal spending habits. Eastern Europe tends to be less expensive than Western Europe.

How many days do I need to explore Europe?

This largely depends on the number of countries and cities you plan to visit. For a single country, a week can give a good introduction. For a multi-country trip, consider at least two weeks or more.

What are the visa requirements for travelling to Europe?

This depends on your nationality. Many countries can visit Europe for up to 90 days without a visa under the Schengen agreement. However, always check visa requirements before you travel.

Is it safe to travel in Europe?

Generally, Europe is considered safe for travelers. However, like anywhere, it’s important to take usual travel precautions, such as securing your belongings and staying vigilant in crowded tourist areas.

How to plan your visit to Europe

Planning your European adventure can be as exciting as the trip itself.

  • Establish your budget considering costs like flights, accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and other personal expenses.
  • Consider to visit Europe in June – spring and fall usually offer mild weather and fewer tourists.
  • Make sure to check the ETIAS Visa Information for visa requirements.
  • Get familiar with the local language and customs of the countries you plan to visit to enrich your travel experience.
  • Pre-book tickets for popular sites to avoid long lines, but leave room for spontaneous activities.

Enjoy your visit to the best places in Europe

A trip to Europe is more than just a vacation; it’s a journey through history, culture, cuisine, and more.

From the moment you set foot in one of Europe’s bustling cities to the moment you bid farewell to its stunning landscapes, your European adventure promises to be an unforgettable journey.

So, start planning your trip today and discover the very best that Europe has to offer!