With its rich past, many cultures, breathtaking scenery, and famous sites, Europe presents some of the most remarkable travel opportunities.
From the balmy Mediterranean beaches to the snow-capped mountains of the Alps to the little cobblestone lanes of medieval cities, Europe really has something for every type of visitor.
Whether your passion is history, art, natural exploration, or cuisine, you will find many of fantastic locations to satiate your restlessness.
Covering top sites, hidden treasures, and useful advice to help you arrange your European trip, this extensive guide will investigate the greatest places to visit in Europe.
1. Paris, France – The City of Light
One of the most famous cities on Earth, Paris makes no journey to Europe complete without seeing it.
Renowned for its art, history, and culture, Paris boasts world-class sites including Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, and Eiffel Tower.
Wander around Le Marais or Montmartre’s quaint districts and indulge in mouthwatering pastries at a neighborhood café.
- Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Coeur, Champs-Élysées, Musée d’Orsay top attractions
- Best times to visit are spring (April through June) and fall (September through November).
2. Rome, Italy – A Journey Through Ancient History
Rome is a timeless place that deftly combines vivid current culture with historic ruins.
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a veritable gold mine of historical sites including Vatican City, Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Colossi.
See Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling in the Sistine Chapel or stroll through the cobblestone lanes dotted with real Italian eateries.
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain—top attractions
- Perfect times to visit are spring (April to June) and fall (September to October).
3. Barcelona, Spain – A Blend of Architecture and Beaches
Barcelona is a city of amazing contrasts where modernist art coexists with Gothic building.
Although Antoni Gaudí created the most identifiable monument in the city, the Sagrada Familia is only one of many more to discover.
Wander the Barri Gòtic’s little streets, tan on Barceloneta Beach, or savor the active nightlife and mouthwatering tapas.
- Top Attractions: Casa Batlló, Gothic Quarter, La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Barceloneta Beach
- Best times to visit are spring (May and June) and fall (September through October).
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands – The Venice of the North
Amsterdam is among the most beautiful towns in Europe with its lovely canals, little bridges, and old buildings.
Discover the world-class Rijksmuseum, take a boat trip on the canals, or tour the house Anne Frank used during World War II.
The city is also well-known for its relaxed vibe, coffee shops, and bike culture.
- Top Attractions: Vondelpark, Canal Cruise, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House
- For the tulip season, best times to visit spring (April to May); for fall (September to November)
5. Santorini, Greece – A Picture-Perfect Paradise
Santorini is the perfect place for anyone looking for leisure, culture, and beauty together.
Known for its whitewashed homes with blue domes, steep cliffs, and glistening clean waters, this magnificent Greek island presents amazing vistas and opulent lodging.
Don’t miss a sunset in Oia or a trip to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, an old Minoan community wrecked by a volcanic eruption.
- Top Attractions: Oia, Red Beach, Fira, Ancient Thira, Akrotiri Archaeological Site
- Late Spring (May through June) and Early Fall (September through October) are the best times to visit.
6. Prague, Czech Republic – The Fairytale City
Known for its medieval charm and stunning architecture, Prague is often called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
The city is home to the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square, which boasts colorful buildings and the iconic Astronomical Clock.
Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town and enjoy a delicious Czech beer at a traditional pub.
- Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Wenceslas Square—top attractions
- Visit in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November).
7. Vienna, Austria – A Symphony of Culture
Vienna, the cultural center of Europe, is known for its royal buildings, classical music, and rich past.
Among the city’s must-see sites are the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Vienna State Opera.
Wander around the great St. Stephen’s Cathedral, sip coffee at one of the well-known coffee shops in the city, or stop by the Kunsthistorisches Museum for world-class works.
- Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna State Opera, Kunsthistorisches Museum top attractions
- Perfect times to visit are spring (April to June) and fall (September to October).
8. Budapest, Hungary – The Pearl of the Danube
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is sometimes referred to as the Pearl of the Danube because of its breathtaking architecture and idyllic riverfront location.
Discover the great Buda Castle, relax in the old Széchenyi Thermal Baths, and enjoy views of the Parliament Building and Chain Bridge by means of a Danube River cruise.
Remember to stop at the energetic Jewish Quarter ruin bars.
- Leading attractions are Buda Castle, Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, Fisherman’s Bastion.
- Best times to visit are spring (April through June) and fall (September through November).
9. Lake Geneva, Switzerland – Scenic Beauty and Tranquility
One of Europe’s most picturesque locations, Lake Geneva lies tucked between the French and Swiss Alps.
Beautiful views of the lake and the Alps abound from the nearby towns of Geneva and Montreux.
See the Lavaux Vineyards, visit the Chillon Castle on the shoreline, or take advantage of the surrounding mountains’ recreational pursuits including skiing, sailing, and hiking.
- Top attractions: Parc des Bastions, Chillon Castle, Lavaux Vineyards, jet d’Eau, Montreux Jazz Festival
- For outdoor pursuits, best times to visit spring and summer (April through September).
10. The Swiss Alps, Switzerland – A Paradise for Nature Lovers
Offering stunning scenery, skiing resorts, and little mountain towns, the Swiss Alps are a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Swiss Alps offer unmatched natural beauty whether your activities are skiing in Zermatt, trekking the Matterhorn, or appreciating the unspoiled splendor of Jungfrau.
Don’t miss Lucerne for a gorgeous lakefront scene or Interlaken for breathtaking mountain views.
- Top Drawers: Matterhorn, Jungfrau, Zermatt, Lucerne, Interlaken
- Winter (December to March) for skiing; summer (June to August) for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
11. Edinburgh, Scotland – A Blend of History and Natural Beauty
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is a remarkable fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Wander along the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse from the Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the skyline.
Climb Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano providing panoramic views of the surrounding area, for an amazing perspective of the city.
- Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, Palace of Holyroodhouse, National Museum of Scotland are top attractions.
- Summer, from June to August, is the ideal time to visit for celebrations and warm temperature.
Conclusion: Planning Your European Adventure
From seeing historic sites and great palaces to lounging on sun-kissed beaches and mountain hikes, Europe has a vast range of vacation experiences.
Though each of the locations highlighted in this book has special appeal, they are only the tip of the iceberg.
Plan your European trip keeping in mind your travel tastes, the activities you are interested in, and the ideal time to visit.
Europe promises to be a place you will never forget whether your tastes are for the historical capitals of Central Europe, the cultural hotspots of Western Europe, or the stunning scenery of Eastern Europe.
So get ready to start an amazing trip to the top locations to visit in Europe and pack!