BEST Places to Visit in Europe | 12 MUST-Visit European Destinations

Need some inspiration for your next trip? Enchanting fairytale villages, thriving metropolises, scenic getaways...these are some of the best places to visit in Europe!

Jake and I often ask each other which European destinations would be on our personal TOP 10 list/the best places to visit in Europe. It’s an ever-evolving list that changes based on new discoveries or recent trips.

If you’ve been following my blog/travels, it’s quite obvious that Europe is my favorite place and where I travel to the most. The history, culture, safety, food, and people draw me to this continent again and again.

I’m always able to find affordable flights/hotel deals and can put together an itinerary in a hurry if needed.

One of the most common questions I get is "what are the best cities to visit in Europe?"...especially by people traveling overseas for the first time. It’s a tough question because it really depends on what type of trip you want.

Do you like big cities or small towns? Royal palaces and grandeur or quaint squares and quiet streets?

I believe the best way to lead people in the right direction is to list the spots I think are the best places to visit in Europe and highlight why they make the list. You’ll find a mix of everything here, from major capitals to quaint towns. 

While I would have loved to narrow this down to a TOP 10 list, I ended up with 12. This should give you plenty of options and ideas for your next trip to Europe.

Best places to visit in Europe - 12 must-visit European destinations

1. Florence, Italy

One of the best places to visit in Europe for art and food

Hands down, one of my favorite places in the world and easily one of the most beautiful cities in Europe! Florence is one of my most revisited places in Europe. I've returned 10+ times since my study abroad days.

This Renaissance city is filled with art, wine, gorgeous views, and the best gelato you will ever taste. 

I love this city because it’s small enough to be entirely walkable yet has enough to keep a visitor busy for days on end. Art junkies have their pick of museums. Foodies could spend a month in Florence and still not hit all the best restaurants. Nature and wine lovers can venture into the Tuscan countryside.  

Florence also makes for a perfect home base for exploring other cities in Italy. Bologna is 30 minutes by train, Siena is 1 hour by bus, and Venice is a mere 2 hours by train. Join a tour and visit the colorful string of villages called Cinque Terre (private option).

If you rent a car, you can visit medieval towns like San Gimignano and Montepulciano. Those not comfortable driving can find plenty of tour options. This tour visits both Siena and San Gimignano. This one combines Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano.

Recommended Tuscany wine region tours - pair rolling hills, medieval towns, quaint tasting rooms, and incredible wine into one memorable day. Join a tour to fully enjoy the experience...and the wine. 

• Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside - 4-hour tour visiting two wineries + olive oil tasting and snacks.
• Taste of Chianti: Tuscan Cheese, Wine and Lunch from Florence - full-day wine and food tour. Travel through the Tuscan hills by a 4x4 off-road vehicle, stopping to visit a wine estate and historic villa, and a cellar specializing in bottles of Chianti Classico, and finish with a 3-course meal.
• Full Day Tuscany Wine Tour - made with 18 - 39-year-olds in mind.
• Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence - see it all with this tour: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and lunch at a Chianti wine estate.

Squeeze in a day or two of wine tours, and you could easily fill a 10-day itinerary and not have to switch hotels.  

You will notice that Rome is not listed on my list of the 10 best places to visit in Europe. It’s definitely a city that everyone should visit, but there are other cities that I hold nearer and dearer to my heart. Thankfully, Rome is just a 1.5-hour train away from Florence and is an easy add-on during your stay in Italy.

I will close with this thought if you still aren’t sold on Florence. If job opportunities and citizenship were not an issue, I would sell all my possessions and move here without a second thought.

See Also:

BEST GELATO IN FLORENCE – TOP 5 FLORENCE GELATO SPOTS

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR VISIT TO FLORENCE – TRAVEL GUIDE

BEST TIME TO VISIT FLORENCE ITALY

A WEEK IN ITALY – 5 ITALY ITINERARY IDEAS

2. Seville, Spain

One of the best cities to visit in Europe for affordability

The more touristy Florence becomes (let's be honest, almost any European city worth visiting is becoming more touristy these days), the higher Seville ranks on the list of my favorite cities in the world. It actually might be my #1 pick as of 2025. 

Seville is very similar to Florence in the fact that it’s small enough to be walkable and offers some of the best food and culture.

I also love Seville because it’s CHEAP. A glass of sangria will only set you back about €3 to €5. An espresso is usually a meager €1. A scrumptious dinner of tapas will cost around €20, depending on how fancy you go and how much you can eat. 

The passion in this city is mesmerizing. A night watching Flamenco dancers and guitarists will stir up emotions from even the most reserved people.

Enjoy piping hot churros con chocolate, take an evening paseo along the river, shop the markets, step into a Game of Thrones filming site at the Alcazar palace, and discover the almost hidden Plaza de Espana in Maria Luisa Park.

See Also:

3 DAYS IN SEVILLE – A COMPLETE GUIDE OF THINGS TO DO IN SEVILLE

BEST TIME TO VISIT SEVILLE | IDEAL MONTHS AND SEASONS

HOW MANY DAYS IN SEVILLE, SPAIN DO YOU REALLY NEED?

BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN SEVILLE FOR INCREDIBLE VIEWS | TOP 5

WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE | BEST HOTELS + NEIGHBORHOODS

3. Edinburgh, Scotland

One of the top European destinations for Harry Potter lovers

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Then Edinburgh is a must and should be at the top of your list of the best cities to visit in Europe.

J.K. Rowling wrote the majority of the series while living in Edinburgh and confirmed that this city inspired many aspects of the series.

You will immediately begin to see similarities to the fictional world of Harry Potter the moment you arrive.

An almost magical connection to Harry Potter isn’t the only thing Edinburgh offers. Charming cobblestoned streets, a hilltop castle complex overlooking the city, a history filled with royal scandals, underground vaults with looming ghosts and spirits, and cozy bed and breakfasts.

Edinburgh is also a great starting point to explore the Scottish Highlands. The rugged and mountainous region of northwest Scotland. Hike the trails around Glencoe, wander the streets of charming Inverness, look for Nessie in Loch Ness, and visit romantic castles that take you back in time.

See Also:

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EDINBURGH VIEWPOINTS AND INSTAGRAM PHOTO SPOTS | TOP 5

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ONE DAY IN EDINBURGH | ITINERARY + MUST-VISIT SIGHTS

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4. Mykonos, Greece

One of the most Instagrammable European destinations

5. Jungfrau, Switzerland OR Chamonix, France

One of the best destinations in Europe for a mountain escape, hiking, and epic views

Chamonix and Jungfrau are neck to neck when it comes to one of the best mountain getaways in Europe.

Let's start with Jungfrau. Since Jungfrau is a region, it has more to offer given its size. Take your pick from several villages to base yourself and explore the region. Grindelwald, Murren, Wengen, and Lauterbrunnen and the most popular.

We stayed at Hotel Fiescherblick in Grindelwald and loved it. When we return, I would stay there again or try Hotel Mürren Palace...I've had my eye on this new hotel - it looks incredible!

Jungfrau offers more hikes than you could fit into a week-long itinerary, scenic gondola rides, and adorable towns to explore. One of my favorite things was the tinkling bells we would hear from the gondola or during our hikes. When you heard this sound, you knew there were Swiss cows nearby as their collars were donned with bells. We loved seeing (and petting) cows each day during our trip.

Getting around is a breeze with the Jungfrau Travel Pass. This is a must since several towns are car-free. Pick how many days you need, and you'll have unlimited rides on Jungfrau's network of trains, buses, and gondolas.

Moving on to Chamonix. This French mountain town is right below Mont Blanc. The views and hikes are incredible. You may prefer Chamonix if you're looking for something less touristy than Jungfrau (which is VERY touristy and popular with Asian and Indian tourists), more affordable, and offers better cuisine.

Switzerland is very expensive. It's one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Unfortunately, even though you're paying a pretty penny for each meal, the food isn't great. Yes, the Swiss make great cheese and chocolate, but overall, the food isn't amazing.

That's where Chamonix comes in. France is more affordable than Jungfrau, and the food is considerably better.

Take the cable car to the peak of Aiguille du Midi for an epic panorama. With an elevation of 12,600, you'll have impressive views of the city below and be able to see the top of Mont Blanc. I loved this experience so much, I went twice in four days!

Board the Montenvers train to Mer de Glace glacier. Learn all about glaciers and walk through the tunnels while listening to the ice crackle above you.

Ride the Brevent Cable Car for access to several hiking trails and views of Mont Blanc. 

While Chamonix may be smaller than Jungfrau, it packs a big punch. The town is as cute as can be and has a wonderful selection of restaurants.

We stayed at Héliopic Hôtel & Spa and will stay there again in the future.

6. Barcelona, Spain

One of the best places to visit in Europe for unique architecture and scrumptious tapas

Barcelona seems to have it all. Ocean, mountains, bustling streets and quiet squares, parks, art, food, wine…no wonder this gem makes the list of the best places to visit in Europe.

See the quirky flair of Antoni Gaudi’s style at the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell, people watch as you stroll down the Las Ramblas, try jambon and manchego at Mercado de la Boqueria, take a walking tour of the medieval Gothic Quarter, dip your toes in the sand at Barceloneta Beach, and work your way through the best restaurants on a tapas crawl.

See Also:

HOW MANY DAYS IN BARCELONA DO YOU REALLY NEED?

SHOULD YOU VISIT BARCELONA OR MADRID | CITY COMPARISON

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7. Venice, Italy

One of the most photogenic (and one-of-a-kind) cities - perfect for those who love to wander

I fall more in love with this floating city each time I visit. Yes, Venice is one of the most touristy European destinations, but the moment you learn how to work Venice, you’ll find yourself returning again and again.

Once I discovered the reward of waking up early…and I mean early, as in 6:00 am…it was a game changer. Wandering the city as the sun rose and the usually packed sights like St. Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge were empty is an unforgettable experience. 

It doesn’t take long to realize the big attractions draw the crowds, and as long as you steer clear of said attractions, you can easily find peaceful bliss in the never-ending paths, bridges, and squares all over the island.

Take a day trip to nearby islands like Murano or Burano when the afternoon cruise ship crowds are the worst. 

See Also:

A DAY IN VENICE | DETAILED ITINERARY FOR THE TOP SIGHTS

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8. Dubrovnik, Croatia

One of the best European destinations for turquoise waters and stunning views

Croatia's popularity exploded during and after Game of Thrones. Many know Dubrovnik as the filming location for King’s Landing.

The red-tiled rooftops, turquoise ocean waters, high city walls, and narrow cobblestoned streets made Dubrovnik the perfect backdrop for the Game of Thrones series. Very little CGI was added, so the moment you set foot in Old Town, you will immediately recognize scenes like the Walk of Shame and the Battle of Blackwater Bay.

Even if you aren’t into Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik is a special city to visit. Walking the intact city walls and viewing Old Town below is a highlight.

Strolling down the Stradun (the main promenade) in the glow of early morning light is a memory you won’t easily forget.

View the city walls from below on a sea kayak tour, take a day trip to Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina, sip wine around the Peljesac Peninsula, Dubrovnik’s wine region, or slurp fresh oysters at an oyster farm. There's plenty to keep any traveler busy for days on end.

Dubrovnik also makes the list of the best places to visit in Europe because of how far your dollar will go. While Dubrovnik is the most expensive city in Croatia, it's still a steal considering the views and location, and a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere in Europe.

See Also:

BUZA BAR DUBROVNIK – CLIFF JUMPING & SUNSET VIEWS

THE BEST DAY TRIP FROM DUBROVNIK

A GUIDE TO WALKING THE WALLS OF DUBROVNIK

7 DAYS IN CROATIA | ITINERARY | 3 OPTIONS

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9. Bruges, Belgium

One of the best places to visit in Europe for romantics

Bruges seems to have been plucked straight out of a fairytale and is one of the best European destinations for romantics. The Flemish architecture, paired with endless water canals, will win your heart.

This small city, nicknamed the Venice of the North, was a successful port town in years past. Bruges, or Brugge, is tiny and can easily be explored in one day. It deserves far more than that and is a place you will want to slow down and learn the art of strolling.

Take your pick from charming and quaint hotels, sample some of the best Belgian chocolate you will ever taste, scarf down melt-in-your-mouth Liege waffles (I think Jake and I averaged 3 a day), and take a boat ride along the canals.

Foodies likely already have Bruges on their list as it hosts a long list of Michelin-star restaurants. 

Bruges is compact, which means it’s easy to feel the squeeze of tourists during busy season. Try to visit during the shoulder season and avoid July and August. 

See Also:

BRUGES AT CHRISTMAS TIME | CHRISTMAS MARKETS, HOT COCOA, CANAL WALKS & MORE!

TOP 5 BRUGES COFFEE SHOPS AND CAFES | CITY CENTER LOCATIONS

BEST WAFFLES IN BRUGES, BELGIUM | TOP 5

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10. Vienna, Austria

One of the best places to visit in Europe for opulence and grandeur

The glory days of the Habsburg Empire can be glimpsed in Vienna. The buildings are grandiose and the entire city is impeccably clean…probably one of the cleanest European destinations you will visit.

The cafe culture in Vienna is almost worth the trip alone. Duck into one of the many elaborate cafes (like Demel) for a slice of decadent cake paired with a strong espresso. 

Getting around Vienna is a breeze with the walkable city center and cheap bike share program.

Summers are filled with outdoor activities and events, while winters bring some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Tour the Schonbrunn Palace, catch an opera performance, and eat schnitzel in a wine garden.

Once you’ve had your fill of the city, take a train to popular cities nearby like Budapest, Prague, Munich, and Salzburg. 

See Also:

ONE DAY IN VIENNA | WHAT TO DO IN VIENNA IN 24 HOURS

11. London, United Kingdom

One of the top European destinations for history buffs

London is a place you can’t help but feel alive in with its bustling energy. The diversity of people, culture, and food make this such a fun city to explore.

I’m also a nerd when it comes to royal history and a sucker for the Philippa Gregory book series detailing the fascinating stories of King Henry VIII, the Tudors, and the Plantagenets. Touring London brings that fascinating era to life.

London will cater to any taste. Sample street food at one of the many markets, lift your pinky finger high during a fancy afternoon tea, or grab a meal to go and eat in one of the many parks.

Tour palaces that are still inhabited by the royal family, take a ghost tour to learn of London’s gory past, be the typical tourist on a Big Red Bus tour, watch the spectacle of the changing of the guard, and become a master at navigating the Tube.

London is a great base for endless day trips. Visit the charming villages of the Cotswolds, feel like a scholar at Oxford or Cambridge, tour the Queen’s favorite residence in Windsor, or discover for yourself if Stonehenge is as mystical and mysterious as they say.

See Also:

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12. Colmar/Strasbourg, France

One of the best places to visit in Europe for fairytale settings

Charming and picturesque to the core, the Alsace region seems like a faraway land in some Disney film. In fact, Colmar and Strasbourg served as Walt Disney’s inspiration for the villages in Beauty and the Beast.

Half-timbered houses sporting every color of the rainbow, water canals, and explosions of flowers hanging from balconies and bridges make this region worthy of every ooooh and ahhhh it gets.

Strasbourg is the bigger city and a good base offering more hotel options. Colmar has the “wow” factor and is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Europe...but it's tiny.

Both are must-visit European destinations and are only 30 minutes apart by train. Be sure to take a walking tour to learn the history of the region. Fun fact: because of this region's location, it has switched between being German and French multiple times.

See Also:

IS COLMAR FRANCE WORTH VISITING + PHOTO DIARY

In Summary

These are my absolute favorite destinations in Europe and the ones I find myself recommending the most. Whether you're looking for a bustling city filled with sights and museums, charming villages, or mountain scenery, one of these spots is sure to fit the bill!

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BEST Places to Visit in Europe | 12 MUST-Visit European Destinations

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