The Ultimate Europe Travel Bucket List – 100 Incredible Places to Visit in Europe
Planning a trip to Europe? Get ready to adventure with the ultimate Europe bucket list. Your go-to guide to the top 100 things to do,...
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Europe Travel Guide
World-class architecture, inspiring cuisine and an intricate mosaic of cultures… Europe beckons with the promise of unforgettable adventures. Explore with this Europe travel guide.
From the sun-kissed coasts of the Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, the vibrant boulevards of Paris to the ancient ruins of Rome, Europe is brimming with stories for you to explore… if you have the time and the know-how.
Setting your sights on a European escapade? Think of this Europe travel guide as your passport to the best experiences.
I’m going to walk you through how to plan your Europe trip, top sights, suggested itineraries and hidden finds – as well as providing the practical know-how that really makes your trip sing.
Ready to start planning your travels to Europe? Let’s get started.
How to Plan a Trip
Best time to visit
Wondering how to book a trip to Europe at the perfect time? Good news – there’s no bad time to visit.
But May and June or September and October are typically the best months to travel to Europe. Here are a few other favourites:
Handy Resources
- Skyscanner for Flights
- Compare Rental Car Prices with Holiday Autos
- Flixbus Offers Modern, Eco-Friendly Buses for Europe Travel
- Omio for an All-Encompassing App for Trains, Buses, and Flights
- RailEurope for Train Tickets Across Europe
- Airport Transfers via Booking.com
- G Adventures for Multi-Day Guided Trips
- Google Translate is Helpful When Visiting Multiple Countries With Different Languages
- PackPoint for Packing Lists Curated to Locations and Specific Times of Year
Where to Stay
London
I might be slightly biased as it is my hometown, but no travel in Europe is complete without a stop in London. The museums, history, open spaces, and nightlife are all reasons to visit.
Stay at The Henrietta for a stylish boutique property in the heart of theatreland.
Rome
Most European travel guides put Rome at the top of the list thanks to incredible food, world-class museums, and ancient ruins in the centre of the city. Rightly so.
Stay at Palazzo Nainer for luxury accommodation near some of the most iconic landmarks in Rome.
Dubrovnik
Visit Dubrovnik to see many of the GoT King’s Landing locations, walk the city walls, and ride the cable car to view Old Town from above.
St Joseph’s offers unique and friendly accommodations in the heart of Old Town.
Douro Valley
You can see just how special the Douro Valley is from O Carrascalinho Lookout before checking into the Wine House Hotel located directly on a winery near the Museu do Douro.
Packing For Your Trip
Packing for your Europe trip? Don’t forget…
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- Allbirds – Comfortable shoes for walking around city streets, you’ll need a pair like these.
- Carry-On Suitcase – Fill it with Europe travel essentials and packing cubes for efficiency.
- Tech Gadgets for Travel – Bring an international travel adapter, power bank, and electronics organiser.
- Swimwear – Beach Towels, swimsuits, and sandals.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is important anywhere, but I highly recommend it if you’re planning on visiting more than one country via train, car, or plane.
Check out AXA Travel Insurance for a well-rounded balance of medical care, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss coverage.
Suggested Guidebooks
- Moon Travel Guides – Wide range of European guide books.
- Lonely Planet – Spot-on collection of unmissable landmarks and locations.
- Unforgettable Journeys Europe – Slow-travel guide to visiting Europe.
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Europe Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Europe Trip
Top Things to Do
Explore London’s Historic Sites
London is full of history, Visiting the Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum is a must before booking a Tour of Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Schedule a National Gallery highlights guided tour for a comprehensive collection of paintings or head to the British Library to explore the literary history of England.
Take a Jaunt to Paris
With more visitors than any other country in the world, France is a must-visit, Paris is a big reason why. Museums like Musee d’Orsay and the Louvre, landmarks like Sacre Coeur and the Eiffel Tower, and incredible cuisine at gems like Bouillon Pigalle make Paris a must-visit if you haven’t been.
Spend Time on the Beaches in Menorca
Menorca boasts some of the finest beaches in Europe. Which beaches should you hit? Cala Cavalleria, Cala Pregonda, Cala Mitjana and Mitjaneta will keep you plenty busy. But Menorca also has a delightful capital city, Maó, with baroque architecture, excellent cuisine, and cocktail bars using the special Xoriguer gin.
Beer Tasting in Brussels
Brussels is home to some of the best breweries and beer bars in the world. Don’t believe me? Stop by Delirium Café, Cantillon, and Moeder Lambic Fontainas. When you’re ready to eat, hit up Nüetnigenough for an authentic Belgian meal at a laid-back brasserie.
Take a Step Back in Time in Rome
Oh hi Rome! Of course, you’ll need to add the Colosseum, Catacombs, and Vatican City to your Europe travel plans. But the ancient walls and mosaics at Santo Stefano Rotondo and the Baths of Caracalla are two must-visits you won’t find in every European travel blog about Rome.
Explore Sun-Drenched Sicily
Nature, history, and gorgeous weather make Sicily a perfect entry for Europe travel guides. You’ve likely heard of Palermo, Valley of the Temples, and Mount Etna. But what about Zingaro Reserve and Isola Bella in Taormina? They offer some of the most pristine beaches in Europe.
Island Hopping in Croatia
Croatia also has plenty of history and sightseeing along the water, and you’ll find the best island hopping from Dubrovnik or Split. Visit Hvar for nightlife and culture, Korčula for the iconic Old Town (and the birthplace of Marco Polo), or Vis to swim in the iconic Blue Cave and Green Cave.
Wine Tasting in Porto and the Douro Valley
Want my advice for things to do in Porto? Hire a car (or, better yet, a driver) and explore the iconic Douro Valley. Return to Porto, where you can enjoy a port tasting on this guided tour. Go winery hopping in the oldest wine region in the world at gems like Quinta do Noval and Quinta do Seixo.
Suggested Europe Itineraries
The Grand Tour
6 weeks
London – Paris – Brussels – Amsterdam – Cologne – Berlin – Prague – Vienna – Budapest – Krakow – Riga – Talinn – Belgrade – Zagreb – Venice – Rome – Florence – Barcelona – Madrid
You’re never going to see ALL of Europe in one trip, but you can have a really good try.
Deep Dive in Spain
2 Weeks
Madrid – Cordoba – Seville – Ronda – Malaga – Granada – Valencia – Barcelona
Kick off in Madrid and explore the sun-drenched charms of Spain.
Slow Portugal: Lisbon to the Douro Valley
2 weeks
Lisbon – Nazaré Beach – Coimbra – Porto – Douro Valley
Take things slow during your time in Portugal seeing Lisbon and Porto along the way.
Eastern Charms: Slovenia to Dubrovnik
10 days
Lake Bled – Zagreb – Split – Hvar – Korčula – Dubrovnik – Mijet National Park
See the stunning Lake Bled before moving into Croatia for a spot of city and island hopping.
Bella Italia: Rome to Venice
2 weeks
Rome – Parco Nazionale del Circeo – Naples – Amalfi Coast.
Hidden Europe: Off the Beaten Path
Hiking in the Slovenian Alps
Switzerland gets most of the credit, but hiking in the Slovenian Alps is bucket list material, with fewer hikers, clearly marked trails, and gorgeous accommodations near the most strenuous treks. Learn more here.
Wine Tasting in Priorat
Many European tourist guides leave out a tour of Priorat in Spain as a top wine tasting destination. Big mistake. There are a dozen picturesque villages in the Catalonian wine region, but I love Clos de L’Obac and Devinssi Wines in Gratallops.
Hiking the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland
The Laugavegur Trail showcases the dramatic landscapes of Iceland in true fashion with black sands, beautiful lakes, and natural hot springs. The hike takes 3 – 4 days, but there’s no better way to see the Northern Lights and experience the beauty of Iceland.
Take Time Out in Umbria
Want to discover a hidden gem in the middle of Italy? Umbria has everything you dream of a holiday in the Italian countryside without the swarming crowds of tourists. Truffle hunting in Assisi and seeing the Marmore Waterfalls are two unforgettable experiences.
How to See the Best of Europe for Free
Is your Europe trip budget running low? There are plenty of things to do in most locations without spending a dime.
If you’re looking for a guided tour, consider Free Tours by Foot. The Rome Forum Walk allows you to learn about the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum at no cost (but you’ll need to pay for entry if you choose).
Or you can check out street art in Barcelona on foot or bicycle for another great (and free) way to see Europe.
Dishes to Try in Europe
Pastel de Nata – Sweet and savoury Portuguese egg custard tart.
Orecchiette – Ear-shaped pasta served in Puglia, often with rapini.
Afternoon Tea – Traditional British afternoon snack of hot tea, bite-sized sandwiches, and cookies.
Jota – A hearty Slovenian soup made with pork, cabbage, beans, and vegetables.
Top Drinks in Europe
Grk – Croatian white wine with unique terroir from its coastal location.
Map of Europe
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