Even though Europe isn’t the largest continent, it’s often referred to as the “oldest continent”. In other words, it’s the cradle of Western civilization with a long history, rich tradition, and incredible culture. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of places you can visit.
Picking some of the best destinations isn’t an easy task. That’s why we took the time to create a list and help you make your decision. This post won’t focus only on specific cities or countries, but also on some of the loveliest natural wonders that can satisfy the cravings of any traveller.
Let’s start with our list of the best places to visit in Europe.
READ MORE: If you love travelling by train, check our list of the best train rides
Venice – Veneto Region, Italy
Venice is a city built on the sea – literally. It’s a one-of-a-kind city that sits on the Adriatic sea. It has a fascinating culture and architecture as it was once one of the most influential cities of the Republic of Venice. Taking a gondola ride through the canals of Venice is an experience in itself.
It’s a romantic and epic place with St. Mark’s Square at the centre. Check out the Clock Tower, the Bell Tower, Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica. If you’re into art, make sure to check the Gallerie dell’Accademia and at night, drop by the main square to enjoy some music and fine wine.
The Alps – Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Slovenia
The Alps are the largest mountain range in Europe. Chances are you’ve seen videos and photos on social media of magical mountain scenery with green grasslands, trees, flowers, and snow on top of the mountain. Yes, you guessed it right, those are the Alps.
You can visit the Alps in many countries, but we recommend the Swiss Alps. The scenery is fantastic – there are all kinds of bungalows and cottages to stay at. The Zermatt is a huge ski centre that gives you all the excitement you need, and there are several trails.
You can go on hiking trips to enjoy the fantastic view, meet the Alpine villagers, and taste authentic food. If you are a bit more adventurous, consider climbing some of the peaks.
The French Riviera – France
The French Riviera spreads to the south of France, including Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, with some of the most captivating beaches and landscapes. Filled with luxurious travel holiday destinations and charming French countryside, this is one of the best places to travel in Europe.
St-Tropez is the home of the iconic Club 55, a bohemian bar that was the favourite place of Holiday actors during the 50s and 60s. One of the best locations you can check out is the Monte Carlo Casino that has a long tradition of being the place for high-rollers.
You can come across breathtaking architecture along the whole Riviera, and if you want to get a taste of glamour, make sure to drop by the Cannes Film Festival. It’s really one of the best places to see in Europe, and you will need weeks to check it all.
The Northern Lights – Finland, Norway, Scotland, Iceland, Sweden
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is an amazing light show created by mother nature. It’s visible across the whole northern hemisphere, and it happens because the sun’s particles enter the atmosphere and react with gasses in the air.
It’s a spectacular display of light and colours with violet, pink, green, and blue variations colliding in the night sky. You can see it in:
- Lapland, Finland
- Tromso, Norway
- Orkney, Scotland
- Jukkasjarvi, Sweden
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Overall, you can see Aurora Borealis from August to May. We recommend seeing it in Iceland because the air needs to be clean to get the best possible view.
Lake Bled – Slovenia
Some of the best places in Europe are the sites of immense natural beauty. Lake Bled is located in Slovenia, a country in easter Europe. This lake is surrounded by the Julian Alps, amazingly clear forests, and its water is crystal blue.
To make things even better, Lake Bled has an island at the centre with a mediaeval castle. The whole place is secluded with several camping sites around. You can take a dip in the lake’s clear water, visit the Triglav National Park, or check out the Blejski Grad, a medieval city located near the lake.
Bosphorus – Turkey, Istanbul
Want to see the place where two continents meet? Bosphorus is the right place for you. It’s a natural waterway that cuts through the middle of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey with over 14 million residents.
Not only does this natural waterway cut the city in half, but it’s also the natural border between Europe and Asia. It is visible in the city itself, which is filled with Islamic architecture and cultural sites, but also Christian and Byzantine heritage.
Istanbul has a lot of monuments, galleries, museums, restaurants, and marketplaces you can check out. Make sure to eat some fish food at Bosphorus and sail along the waterway to see the city’s skyline – it’s definitely one of the best places to go in Europe.
Conclusion
This was our list of best places to visit in Europe. We hope you decide to check out one or several of these locations because you won’t regret it.
