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100+ Europe Travel Tips for First Timers & Must-Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: November 6, 2023

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Headed to Europe for the first time and trying not to cry?

I get it. You’re probably a hot mess of emotion right now. Between the excitement of ticking off bucket list moments and the anxiety of getting pickpocketed or (possibly worse) getting side-eyed by cool European youths, there’s a lot of potential for stress carbs and sheer overwhelm.

Don’t worry though – I have all the Europe tips you need in this post to keep those first time jitters at bay, and ensure you’re fully prepared for your big European adventure.

So, what are some must-knows before you travel to Europe for the first time? Read on for a full of my best Europe travel tips, after over a decade of travelling around/living on this gorgeous and delicious continent.

NOTE: As an aggressively apologetic Canadian, I must first clarify that these European travel tips are written from a North American perspective, and there are some culture shocks that (while seemingly basic) can really confuse a 1st time visitor, so… yes, this is just me covering all the bases. Enjoy!

Save this list of Europe Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

Europe Travel Planning Tips

Let’s start with some planning-related Europe tips to help you with flights, booking hotels in Europe, choosing dates, the best times to visit Europe, etc. to get you from armchair travel to your real-life dream trip.

Steal my step by step guide to planning a trip to Europe from scratch

This post is full of random Europe travel tips, but if you are looking more for step by step guidance, be sure to check out my step by step guide to planning a Europe trip.

Also be sure to check out my free Europe trip planner book , as well as my free International Travel Checklist for a list of things to do before you travel abroad.

Avoid peak travel times

If you have the luxury of flexibility, I’d avoid visiting Europe between mid-June to the end of August.

Simply put, this is when prices and crowds are at their highest, and (depending on where you go) temperatures during this season can reach a point of salty, sweaty discomfort.

Instead, consider going in the Spring , Fall or Winter!

Avoid European holidays

In addition to avoiding North American holiday periods, be sure to also consider popular European school holidays too.

Generally, speaking longer European school holidays will take place during Easter/Christmas, a very popular time for European families to travel around the continent too.

Yes, Europeans can be avid tourists too. Don’t forget that!

Go for Christmas markets!

Okay, this may be a direct contradiction to what I said above, but one exception I’d make for “peak season travel” in Europe is going to Christmas markets.

This is one of the most magical times to visit Europe, and if you plan your visit for earlier in the season (late November, rather than close to Christmas), you’ll usually be able to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Here are my top must-knows for visiting Christmas markets in Europe if you want to learn more.

Consider getting a travel credit card

I’m going to level with you: no matter how you plan it, even if you stay in hostels and subsist solely on hummus and bread scraps, you will end up spending a lot of money on your Europe trip.

… so you might as well try to reap as many rewards from it as possible!

Getting a travel rewards credit card before booking all your hotels and flights is one of my favourite underrated Europe travel tips.

There’s a million options out there, so I’ll leave the research/choice up to you, but just make sure you’re booking everything on a card that maximizes the amount of benefits you get.

For me personally, I have the Amex Platinum , which yes has a really high fee but at least for the first year it’s super worth it because you get travel credits, travel insurance, lounge access, and most importantly, enough bonus sign-up points to get you a roundtrip flight to Europe from North America! It’s not for everyone, but definitely worth looking into.

Bonus sneaky point hoarding tip: Travelling with friends? Especially if they don’t collect points of their own, offer to book for everyone, then have them pay you back. Whee – free points without needing to spend all the money!

Get a Wise card

If you’re not interested in getting a travel credit card, a handy and free alternative I can highly recommend is a Wise card.

Having a Wise card allows you to “send and spend money around the world at the real exchange rate”, avoiding hidden fees in the process.

It is SO handy for travel, because you can use it for over 150 currencies around the world, and you even get 2 free ATM withdrawals per month with it overseas.

And because your card is linked to your Wise account, you can simply load it up with a minimal amount of money so you don’t have to risk your normal credit/debit cards while walking around.

You can use my referral link here to transfer your first $500 fee-free.

NOTE: I’ve also had a good experience with Revolut when I lived in Germany, but they don’t offer services for Canadians so I can no longer use them.

Focus on one or two countries for shorter trips

Unless you have a lot of time to work with, I would recommend getting to know one or two countries well rather than trying to visit too many countries in one go just for the sake of checking them off your list.

While travelling between European countries can be affordable and quick, hopping around too much can be a sure recipe for burnout and time lost commuting.

Plus, the more you see of one country, the more you’re able to get more off-the-beaten path and find spots you hadn’t heard of before!

Check out my list of 1 week itineraries for Europe if you need inspiration.

Learn all about the Schengen Area

An important must-know for all first time visitors to Europe is that border-free travel doesn’t exist across the continent (as is commonly believed).

Rather, border-free travel apples only between countries in the Schengen Area, this group of 27 countries (accurate as of 2023):

• Liechtenstein
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland 

When crossing borders outside of these countries, you will need to clear passport control as normal.

Understanding this distinction will help you plan how long you can stay in different countries, as well as Europe in general, and give you some insight into logistics like when you’ll need to clear passport control, and which visas you might need for where.

Use your understanding of the Schengen Zone to legally stay in Europe longer

For most tourists, the maximum amount of time you can spend in the Schengen Zone is 90 days out of 180 days .

Simply put, if by the time you leave, you can look back on the past 180 days and say you stayed less than 90 days total, you’re good.

BUT if you want to stay in Europe for longer than that amount of time, you can utilize your Schengen Area understanding to stay longer, simply by including travel to non-Schengen countries.

For example: Let’s say you can only spend 90 days in the Schengen Zone, but you’re allowed to spend 180 total in the UK. You can easily make your European trip longer than 90 days by adding time in the UK, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania or any other non-Schengen country.

Consider more off-the-beaten path destinations

Another benefit of visiting non-Schengen countries is they’re often lesser visited, and filled with some truly amazing hidden gems.

For example, I’m a HUGE fan of Bulgaria. (Here are some of the coolest things to do in Bulgaria that you probably haven’t heard of.)

While I totally understand the desire to see the most popular and best-known destinations on your trip, sometimes visiting these lesser known spots can bring amazing surprises that end up being the highlight of your vacation!

Of course, there’s a middle ground too – you can easily get the ‘best of both worlds’ by combining a hugely popular destination with some side trips to other lesser known places in the same country. These posts might help with that:

• The Best Places to Visit in England (Besides London)
• The Best Places to Visit in France (Besides Paris)

Offset pricey destinations with more budget-friendly ones

If you’re hoping to visit Europe on a budget, but still have some pricier destinations on your bucket list (e.g. Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, UK, Germany, etc.), then a great way to cut costs is to round out your itinerary with more affordable stops (e.g. Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Montenegro, Lithuania, etc.)

This of course makes more sense on longer trips where you’ll be covering a lot of ground, but just remember than some European destinations are MUCH rougher on the budget than others, so mix it up if you’re looking to give your wallet a break.

Alternate between busy and chill destinations

On a similar note, you should make sure your Europe trip itinerary also includes a mix of busy and relaxed places.

One of the biggest mistakes I made during my first backpacking trip was I crammed SO many huge cities into my itinerary, one after another.

But when your itinerary is nothing but European heavyweights like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Rome and Florence… yikes, you’ll be sightseeing your eyeballs off daily with zero chance for breaks.

So, here’s a very important Europe travel tip when planning your itinerary: try to space out the “big” cities with chiller destinations, maybe nature or beach breaks so you have time to rest up before sightseeing like the Energizer bunny once more.

Learn the tricks to getting cheap flights TO Europe

Not sure how to get the best flight deals for your big Europe trip? Be sure to check out my guide on how to get the cheapest flights to Europe .

I promise it’ll save you hundreds of dollars, if not more.

Take advantage of free stopovers

Certain airlines have a free stopover program where you can have a long layover for no extra cost, meaning you get two destinations for the price of one plane ticket!

Here are some Europe-based airlines that offer this:

• IcelandAir: Free stopovers in Reykjavik for 1-7 days
• Iberia: Free stopovers in Madrid for 1-6 nights
• TAP Portugal: Free stopovers in Lisbon and Porto for 1-5 nights

Steal my step by step process for finding the best hotels

If you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of booking all your own places to stay, I have just the resource for you.

Here’s how to find the best accommodation in Europe every time.

Book hotels far in advance

And if you don’t have time to check out my whole step by step process, then here’s the #1 piece of Europe accommodation wisdom I can give you: book your hotels as soon as possible.

In many of Europe’s most popular destinations, good value accommodation books out quickly, so your biggest defense against outrageous prices and poor quality hotels is booking early.

Even if you’re not going in peak season, you never know when an unexpected event (e.g. a big concert, sports game or conference) will send hotel prices soaring, so the sooner you book, the better.

I know that committing to a hotel early can feel scary, but if you use  Booking.com , you can find hundreds of hotels that offer free reservations and free cancellations up until a certain point.

I’ll often hop on Booking.com to make a placeholder / “just in case” reservation in the early stages of my planning just to ensure I have a Plan B in case prices skyrocket.

The European hotel star system is different to North America

I grew up with a North American hotel system where 5* meant opulent luxury and 1* meant run for the hills, unless you want to lose your kidneys.

The star ratings in Europe are a bit different. Instead of stars coinciding to quality on a scale of 1-5, the stars actually correspond to a checklist of amenities/requirements.

SO, you can get some amazing 2* properties that are simply smaller and don’t really have things like a spa or pool, while also finding crappy 4 or 5* properties that have that rating just because they’re big and have amenities like fitness centers and valets (i.e. many chains).

Learn more about the criteria for star ratings here.

Avoid airport hotels unless flying in or out

Tempted by a cheap hotel deal near the airport? Run.

Unless you are flying into your destination late and need a place to crash or are flying out early in the morning, do NOT book a stay at any airport hotels.

With Europe travel, you want to ideally be close to the sights or at least in a scenic neighbourhood, not next to a motorway. Adding in the time and cost of commuting to/from the city centre, it’s rarely worth it so keep that in mind the next time you’re tempted by the siren’s call of an airport Ibis.

Learn the options for free accommodation in Europe

Hoping to find places to stay for free in Europe? There are indeed options for that!

Here are a few ways you can potentially find accommodation for free:

• Couchsurfing:   Crashing with someone within a community of travellers where people offer to host each other in their homes free of charge
• House Swap: Trading homes with someone (like in The Holiday). Many sites facilitate these exchanges, including  HomeExchange  and  Kindred
• House and Pet Sitting:  Looking after someone’s house/pets in exchange for free accommodation. One of the most popular platforms for this is  Trusted Housesitters
• Workaway:  Volunteering your time/services in exchange for accommodation

Don’t forget travel insurance

I personally believe that travel insurance is a must for every trip. Trust me, the peace of mind is worth the cost!

Click here to check rates with WorldNomads.

Make sure you’ll have Internet access

This tip goes without saying, but if you’re old school and prefer to travel without Internet, don’t.

Really, as romantic as it is to disconnect during your travels, having an Internet plan for your phone is crucial. It allows you to navigate with Google Maps, use translation apps, do research on the go, etc.

Without it, your trip will be infinitely harder. No joke – some places these days even require you to have data to scan menus!

Luckily, roaming within the EU is free, and it’s wayyyy cheaper than what we have in Canada.

Download helpful apps before you go

On that note, once you have a data plan set up, you can take advantage of all the helpful apps for Europe travel available.

Some of my favourites include…

• Omio : Great for comparing and booking transport options (including buses, trains, and flights) from Point A to Point B.
• Google Translate : A must for translating signs and menus if you are in a country where English isn’t the main language
• Splitwise : Helpful for tracking expenses split between friends, great for minimizing awkwardness when dealing with trip finances
• Too Good to Go : Perfect for buying discounted meals at the end of the day to save food from going to waste

Download TripIt to keep track of all your travel bookings

Speaking of helpful Europe travel apps, another one I can recommend is TripIt.

This app works like magic to organize your hotel bookings, flights, tickets and all in one place… the best thing is, it does it automatically through scanning your inbox for confirmation emails.

If you’re planning a long trip with multiple stops, hotels, modes of transport, etc. to worry about, then TripIt is a great tool for organizing everything in one neat place.

Ensure you have proof of onward travel

“Proof of onward travel”  is a very important consideration that many first-time travellers forget about.

In sum, it’s proof that you’re leaving your destination before your visa or allowance expires.

Usually this proof is provided in the form of a ticket back home, or a ticket elsewhere to prove that you’ll be leaving at some point.

A lot of people dismiss this requirement as a myth, but trust me: it’s not.

I was once almost barred from boarding a flight to Germany because my return flight was after the 90 day Schengen Zone allowance, and I didn’t have proof I would be leaving the Schengen Zone before the 90 days was over. I intended to spend some time out of the Schengen Zone to ensure I never overstayed, but they demanded proof… so yes, they do check!

Want to learn more?  I have a full article if you want to read more about  proof of onward travel  and my experience lawyer-ing myself out of that (very awkward) situation.

Steal my pre-made itineraries

Lastly Europe travel planning tip: I know that making itineraries can be exhausting, but luckily there are Type A laptop gremlins like me who adore doing it.

So, here are some itineraries for you to steal in case you need them:

• My 1.5 month Western Europe backpacking itinerary
• My 40+ one week in Europe itineraries

Europe Travel Tips for Transport & Getting Around

Getting around Europe can be really daunting for a first-time visitor, so here are all my best Europe tips related to transport and getting from one place to another.

Public transport is abundant and amazing

Don’t be afraid of using it!

I’m always shocked when I hear travellers who think that they’ll need to rent a car for their Europe trip.

Oftentimes, you really won’t need to, especially if you’re mainly visiting big cities.

On that note…

Avoid renting a car

Unless you are doing a trip that focuses heavily on natural sights or smaller remote villages, odds are you won’t need a car.

Public transport (as I mentioned above) is a solid option, and involves a fraction of the stress often unleashed by car rentals.

… But beware of hidden costs if you do rent a car

When it comes to car rentals in Europe, often the first price you see isn’t indicative of what you’ll have to pay in the end.

Some hidden/additional costs might include…

• Age or nationality based surcharges
• Additional driver fees
• Multiple country fees
• Extra miles
• Extra insurance
• One way fees
• Tolls/vignettes

So if you still want to rent a car, here is a post to help you figure out how much renting a car in Europe really costs .

Renting a car? You might need a vignette 

One of the pains of car rentals is the additional fees. In many European countries, you need to pay for a vignette (a sticker you put on your car) to use their motorways.

In Switzerland for instance, this costs 40 francs… and yes, you need to make sure you have the vignette BEFORE you drive into the country, as there are automatic scanners at the border that can pick up your details and send you a ticket later (which we learned the hard way).

Do a lot of research before committing to a Eurail pass 

Many first time visitors to Europe think of a rail pass as the cheapest option, but very often, booking your train tickets in advance will work out to be cheaper than a Eurail pass, especially if you aren’t taking that many trains and don’t need full flexibility (i.e. you are okay to book the trains advance).

Eurail passes can be great value, but not always. If you need help figuring out whether they’d make sense for you, read my full Eurail review for more details.

Look into scenic European train rides

I’ve already made my allegiance to European public transport pretty clear, but one of the main reasons is simply how beautiful it can be.

Sure, trains aren’t always the cheapest way to to travel Europe , but they’re often the most scenic and beautiful.

So if you’re into the idea of travel as an experience, then be sure to read my post on the best scenic train rides in Europe , and the best scenic train rides in Switzerland .

Familiarize yourself with Europe’s most famous budget airlines 

One of the cheapest ways to get around Europe is hopping around on budget airlines… where sometimes an international flight is cheaper than a 6 pack of nuggets.

Of course, the epic prices come with their own set of drawbacks, usually in terms of the flight experience, customer support, and additional add-ons (which always come at an extra fee).

You can learn more specifics about Europe’s top budget airlines through my reviews here:

• Honest RyanAir Review
• Honest easyJet Review
• Honest WizzAir Review

Consider bus/coach travel if you’re on a budget

In addition to planes and trains, Europe is very well connected by an extensive bus (AKA coach) network.

One of the main contenders in this space is Flixbus, but depending on the country you’re visiting, there’s often local companies offering affordable bus travel between cities as well.

Again, I’d recommend using Omio so you can quickly compare buses, trains, and flights at the same time, but just know that bus travel in Europe can be a really cheap, safe, and easy way to get around.

Although there are of course some downisdes as well. You can read my full Flixbus review for more details.

Book an airport transfer for minimal stress

I love navigating Europe with public transport but if you’re travelling with a lot of luggage or as a big group, one of the more cost effective ways might actually be to just book a private transfer or taxi.

Of course, depending on where you go, taxi scams can be a real possibility, so for the least stressful option, consider booking a Welcome Pickups transfer, which is a set price, includes an English speaking driver who monitors your flight arrival time, and offers free cancellations up until 24 hours before.

This saves you the hassle of trying to get a taxi/navigate the language barriers to do so.

… Plus they pick you up with a cute little sign that has your name on it!

Do research on how trains work in your destination

I have to say, one of the most overwhelming things for me in Europe was getting used to how trains work. I come from West Coast Canada, where passenger rail from city to city is very limited.

SO if you’re new to train travel, it might be helpful to do some research on how the train system works in your destinations, paying attention to particularities like…

• Where to find the right platform for your train
• Where to stand in order to find the right section of your train
• Whether you need to buy and validate tickets before you get on board

Train stations are chaotic and stressful places, so you’ll ideally want to know these main things before you get there, otherwise you may have a lil mental breakdown on-site.

Use train station lockers

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to explore a city for the day, or if you need a place to dump your bags before check-in or after check-out, a convenient solution can often be found at your destination’s train station.

At larger train stations in Europe, there will usually be paid lockers or a ‘left luggage’ office for you to leave your bags for a small fee. Be sure to take advantage of these so you can explore without hauling all your lively possessions with you.

Order taxis or rides through apps whenever possible

Of course, this isn’t possible everywhere, but taxi scams are so widespread in certain European countries that you should definitely use an app when you’re able to.

The most popular ones in Europe include Uber, or FreeNow which is like Uber except you’re ordering an official licensed taxi.

Ordering through an app helps ensure you get a fair rate, and is also (in most cases) more convenient than waiting at a taxi stand or trying to wave one down in the street.

Always look for deals with public transport

If you’re relying on public transportation to get around during your trip (which I highly recommend), then doing a bit of research on ticket types and discounts can really save you a lot of money.

Most major European cities offer some kind of discount for day tickets, group tickets, or multiple trip bundles, so be sure to look into those rather than buying single tickets every time.

Always validate and hold onto your ticket

When it comes to navigating public transportation in Europe, most times it’s not enough to simply buy a ticket – you must usually a) validate it properly and b) keep it on you in case of inspection.

Who’s checking you ask? Well, most major European cities have random ticket controllers who periodically go around to make sure you’ve paid for and validated your fare correctly.

Sometimes (like in Paris) they’ll even ask to see your ticket after you’ve left the train platform, so be sure to hold onto your ticket until you’ve left the station.

Avoid public transport during rush hour… and during big events like sports games

When you’re a care-free tourist, it can be easy to forget the woes of mundane daily life like trying to get home during rush hour. Well, don’t forget: no matter where you go, they have a rush hour too, so be sure to avoid it whenever possible.

Ideally, you should aim to avoid public transport during times that locals are commuting to/from work. Pay special attention as well to big events like huge concerts or sport games, which can also make public transport a nightmare.

Easily rent bikes or scooters

Most major European cities now have e-bikes and e-scooters that you can easily rent on-the-go through an app. This can be a fun way to quickly and cheaply get around the city.

Options will depend on your destination, but keep an eye out upon arrival! If they are available, odds are you will see them everywhere.

Europe Tips for Attractions

Odds are, if you’re visiting Europe, your plans involve a lot of sightseeing. So, here are some of my best Europe travel tips related to attractions and itinerary planning.

Prepare yourself for scaffolding and restorations

Europe is an amazing destination thanks to its history.

… But the flip side of that is that it is old and so are many of its most famous monuments.

So, mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that the amazing church or landmark you’ve seen a million times on social media is covered in scaffolding, or doesn’t look as you hoped due to restorations.

For example, the first time I went to Rome, I was devastated to see the Trevi Fountain completely covered with scaffolding, and drained of water.

And most travelers have similar stories. There’s no way around it, but just keep in mind that it’s possible!

Look into age-based discounts

Oftentimes, whether you’re looking at train tickets or attraction tickets, there will be enticing discounts available based on your age, so be sure to look into those for additional savings, especially if you’re considered a child, youth (often this goes up to age 27!) or senior.

Get an ISIC Card if you’re a student

Here’s a very important Europe travel tip for students: if you are a student, the good news is you’re eligible for a wealth of additional discounts and offers.

The bad news is, often European institutions won’t recognize or accept student IDs from abroad, since they’re all so different.

An easy way to get around this though is by getting an  ISIC Card , which is an internationally recognized student ID that costs about twenty dollars, but will save you at least that much in discounts. 

I’d recommend getting one if you plan to travel around Europe for a longer time.

On a budget? Prioritize free museums and sights

This is one of my top Europe backpacking tips – do not sleep on the many free things to see and do in Europe.

Everywhere you go in Europe, there will be free things to do and see, ranging from free museums to beautiful architecture and street art.

So, be sure to research beforehand and see what free things there are to do at your destination.

NOTE:  A lot of museums across Europe offer free admission on particular days of the month. Take advantage of these offers!

Book tickets for attractions in advance whenever possible

This is usually cheaper, and can save you a lot of time on the day of your visit because at major attractions, there’s usually a separate line for people who already have tickets.

Skip the line tickets are usually worth it

If you’re visiting a busy destination, then I’d highly recommend looking into Skip the Line tickets for major attractions, which will allow you to get in quicker.

Remember, during your trip, time is money, so paying a bit extra to skip the line is definitely a good use of funds.

Visit attractions shortly before closing time

While most guides advise that you visit the main sights early, another sneaky hack that works quite well is visiting right before it closes.

I did this once with the Vatican Museums, entering about 1.5 hours before closing time and it I practically had the place all to myself!

In contrast, one time I did an early morning tour of the Vatican and it was already quite busy because other tour groups were starting at the same time. 

Book special tours that are before or after public opening hours 

Many busier destinations will offer this now, and it’s a magical way to experience the top sights with a fraction of the crowds.

I once did a sunrise tour around Venice and it was incredible to see all the main sights and feel like I had them mainly to myself.

Seek out fun and unique tours in general

Gone are the days that destinations offer just your old standard tours that cover everything generally.

These days, in most major European destinations, there are special tours you can book based on interest, with tours focusing on everything from history and food to street art and photography.

I usually like to have a quick search on GetYourGuide to see what’s available.

For touristy cities, research on local blogs 

In big cities like Paris or London, sure there’s a lot of tourists, but there are even more locals, who live there and call it home.

This means there’s a whole other side to the city that many tourists miss out on, from cool pop-ups and restaurants to special cultural events. I always try to look up fun events/updates on local blogs before every trip, and have gotten some really fun travel memories out of it.

You might find my guide on  How to Find Cool Stuff to Do Near You  helpful.

Seek alternate viewpoints to main landmarks

If you ever find yourself in a place wanting to get THE photo of a major landmark (e.g. the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Coliseum in Rome, etc.) then a great way to get an amazing photo away from the crowds is by seeking out alternative angles and perspectives.

Remember, landmarks are big, so odds are you can find some cool places to get your photos without having to cram with everyone else. Simply walk a few blocks away and try to find unique views!

Always search for information on the official websites of attractions (even in the local language)

These days, hours/entry requirements can change quickly and third party guides (yes, even Google Maps!) may be inaccurate. 

So, if you’re trying to find information on how to book tickets or what opening times are, make sure you always go straight to the source rather than other sites or blogs (even mine!)

For example, on my most recent visit to Rome, the Pantheon had changed its policy to be open only for reserved time slots on weekends, which would have been really unlucky because I saw no information about this anywhere else.

Don’t spread yourself too thin

An ideal itinerary should have a mix of sights, experiences & relaxing. Don’t burn out by forcing yourself to see everything. I personally always ensure that there’s a relaxing or chill activity on each day, whether that be a picnic or just a relaxed coffee/cake afternoon.

If you’re not interested, don’t force yourself just because it’s a must do

I think too often, first-time visitors in Europe get caught in this trap of needing to see all THE most famous things, but remember: at the end of the day, this is your vacation, so don’t force yourself to see something just because a random person on the Internet told you to.

I personally love museums but they’re not for everyone, so just remember it’s your vacation and there’s no need to do something just because it’s famous.

… but psst – if you ARE into museums, don’t wait until your trip to go! There are tons of really cool virtual museums you can check out when you’re bored. Pro tip from one hopeless nerd to another.

Safety Tips for Europe (And How to Not Get Scammed!)

Is Europe dangerous to travel? This is one of the most common questions that first-time visitors ask. Honestly, so long as you keep the following Europe safety tips in mind, you will be fine.

Be wary of petty theft and scams when you visit Europe

Certainly in more touristy cities like Paris and Barcelona, opportunistic crime is abundant.

You can learn the most common pickpocket techniques and how to avoid them in my post about how to avoid pickpockets in Europe , but overall, the key is to always be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings.

Pickpockets thrive on distraction, and tend to operate in high-traffic areas that have a lot of people/tourists (e.g. train stations), so be especially careful to not let anyone get too close.

Look into theft-proof bags and accessories

There are a lot of amazing theft-proof travel accessories out there these days. The bad news is they’re not always the cheapest.

If you’re willing to splurge a bit on something high-quality and designed to thwart pickpockets, here are some options:

• PacSafe’s  products are all made to be theft-proof, including their signature backpack  here  and day bag  here
• Secret passport scarves  like these  are a great way to stash THE most important things in a subtle and discreet way 

Research the pickpocket hot zones for your destination

Most major cities have certain areas that are particularly well-known as pickpocket destinations.

In Rome for example, there’s Termini Train Station where I got pickpocketed, and Bus 64 AKA the Pickpocket Express.

Knowing where pickpockets tend to operate can help provide some ease of mind, and help you figure out when to be on guard.

Keep valuables out of sight

Leaving your phone on a terrace table, or your purse hanging on your chair are both easy ways to get your valuables stolen!

Sure, it’s easy to let your guard down when you’re trying to relax, but remember that keeping your valuables out like that can be an easy way for them to get snatched.

Whenever I’m dining anywhere, I always keep my bag between my feet so they’re hard to access, and make sure to not leave my phone out on the table (on my lap, under a big napkin is often a safer bet!)

Don’t take “free stuff”

A very common scam in touristy European places is people will offer you something for free “as a gift”, but then demand you (or one of your travel buddies) pay for it.

Some examples include…

• Friendship bracelets

Generally, they will set up shop in busy, touristy areas, so remember to be especially cautious in these areas.

Don’t sign any petitions

Another common scam is the petition scam, usually run by groups of young women.

They’ll come ask you to sign a petition (often first breaking the ice by asking if you speak English) and then either demand a donation from you, or distract you as someone else picks your pockets.

… So if someone asks you to sign a petition, just ignore and walk away. Better safe than sorry!

Rudeness is the way to get rid of scammers

On that note, if you find yourself in a situation where you are being followed or confronted by one of the aforementioned scammers, the best thing to do is ignore them and walk away.

They can be very persistent, but will give up eventually when you ignore them.

Limit the amount of cash you bring out with you

I always say to plan for ‘worst case scenario’, so another one of my top Europe safety tips is to not bring around more cash than you’d stand to lose.

Once upon a time, my friend was carrying around hundreds of euros in her bag (at the start of her trip) and was pickpocketed in Nice on her very first day! Pickpockets work quickly and unexpectedly, so don’t bring out more than you’d be okay losing.

Store your cards separately

On a similar note, make sure to not carry all your cards in one wallet, so that (in case you are pickpocketed), you have a back-up.

I would recommend keeping one card in your suitcase, or in a separate bag.

Don’t make yourself appear to be a good target for robbery

Sometimes when I’m travelling I’ll see people doing photoshoots posing with their designer shopping bags, completely oblivious to the fact that they’re making themselves targets.

Worse, sometimes they just leave the bags on a bench or on the stairs while they’re occupied on their phone.

If I were to write a “how to get robbed in Europe” article, these are the types of behaviours that would make the list, so make sure you’re not making yourself a clear target, and don’t wear unnecessarily flashy outfits or accessories which might catch a thief’s eye.

Keep your phone out of reach

Phone snatchings are becoming a really common crime, especially in big cities like London, so avoid having your phone haphazardly out, or at least be sure to pay more attention when you do, especially…

• If you’re standing close to doors on public transport
• If you’re walking along a bike lane or road

Be careful of bike lanes

Speaking of bike lanes, here’s another important (physical) Europe safety tip: be mindful of them.

If you’re like me and come from somewhere that they’re not overly common, it’s way too easy to accidentally walk onto them and potentially get yourself run over (or more likely, make yourself an annoyance to a cyclist just trying to get home).

Beware of strangers asking you to go for drinks randomly

This is a scam that’s more prevalent in famous party cities, but if a random person (usually an unreasonably attractive woman) comes up to you off the street and asks you to grab a drink, odds are rather good that they’re not just a friendly local looking to grab drinks with a stranger.

This is a common scam where people (again, usually beautiful women, but not always) will bring targeted tourists into bars they’re working with to get a few drinks, only for these tourists to get charged extortionate rates for these drinks, because you never question how much stuff costs when you’re trying to flirt.

Extreme stories even say that bar staff will block the door until the tourists pay up.

Moral of the story: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

And beware of children

A general rule of thumb is this: if a kid is confidently coming up to you and/or getting close unannounced, keep your valuables close and watch your pockets. This is often a distraction tactic used by pickpockets, and sadly some kids are also trained to steal from a young age too.

I almost lost my wallet in Bratislava this way, when a woman asked me to take her photo and her kid started running around me as a distraction.

I realized pretty quickly what was happening and caught my pickpocket literally with her hand in my purse. Luckily, I was able to swat her hand away just in time.

Buy some small locks to put around your zippers

Another great travel hack I’ve picked up over the years is simply buying a set of small cable locks  like these  and keeping one in each bag.

That way, you can quickly lock your zippers together in crowded situations and prevent anyone from randomly opening your bag.

Simple, but effective.

Look up common taxi rates and scams before arriving

While I’m a firm believer that public transport is the way to go, sometimes you might need to take a taxi, whether it’s because you’re arriving late, running late, or just want to splurge a little.

While this varies depending on the country, taxis are often prime scam zones! I’ve personally been scammed by taxis in  Prague  and also in  Sofia.

Particularly if you are leaving from busy areas like airports or train stations, some opportunistic drivers will take advantage. This is how I got charged 4x the usual fare in Sofia, mainly because I didn’t know better.

So, if you plan on taking a taxi, make sure you search up how much that route should generally cost, and also familiarize yourself with common scams.

Know the emergency numbers

In North America, 911 is the go-to when you have any kind of emergency, but the numbers are different in Europe.

Within the EU (and a handful of other countries), the general emergency number is 112, and most countries will have other numbers for more specific emergency services as well.

So, be sure to take note of what these are before your trip, although I’ve heard anecdotally that 911 should reroute to emergency services as well.

Avoid sketchy EuroNet ATMs

If you’re going to an ATM, try your best to find one that’s connected to an actual bank.

There are a lot of ATMs (especially around tourist areas) that charge huge fees, or make currency conversion more confusing than it needs to be so you can get charged more.

As a general rule, don’t use any of those Euronet ATMs – they’re the worst!

Have a plan in case of a worst case scenario

This isn’t just a good Europe travel tip, but a good tip for travelling anywhere – make a plan for the worst case scenario.

Imagine your bags get stolen with your passports and all your cash/cards – what would be your backup plan? What would you do if you lost your phone?

Having a plan in place can minimize stress in the event that anything does happen, and having that peace of mind is very important for any vacation!

Get a good VPN

If you plan to be travelling longer-term, getting a reliable VPN is a must.

In short, VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) mask your IP address and encrypt your data so that you can protect your identity online, browse anonymously, and even change the geographical location you’re browsing from.

This can be helpful in a lot of backpacking situations. In the past, I’ve used a VPN to…

• Access streaming for my favourite TV shows that weren’t available in the country I was travelling in
• Visit sites that were blocked in the country I was travelling in
• Access important sites (e.g. banking portals) that flagged my visit as suspicious because I was in a new country
• Securely browse the Internet with public WiFi knowing my data/identity was protected

As a real cheapskate (especially in my earlier travel days), I’ve tried every free VPN under the sun, and always found them to be unreliable or buggy.

After doing lots of research, I decided to splurge on  Private Internet Access , which I’ve been using for the past few years, and I’ve been loving it. It’s super easy to use, very reliable, and actually (when you break it down) not expensive it all.

Subscribe via  this link  and you can get it for under 3 bucks a month.

Food & Drink Tips for Europe

When in Europe, eating and drinking well is a must! Here are some of my best tips for making the most of Europe’s varied food culture.

Visit grocery stores to save big

Not only is visiting supermarkets abroad just a fun cultural activity in general, you can save a great deal of money by buying snacks/drinks there vs. from vendors as you’re out and about.

If you have cooking facilities at your accommodation, making some of your own meals can also be a huge money-saver, even if you’re just swapping out a sit-down lunch for a picnic one.

Beware that you might need to weigh your own produce

Of course, visiting supermarkets abroad can come with its own healthy dose of culture shocks, one of the main ones being that most countries have their own different method of handling produce.

Should you weigh it? Print a sticker? Just bring it as-is?

The answer will depend, so observe what others are doing before you get caught awkwardly at the cashier with a woman shouting at you in Bulgarian because you didn’t weigh your tomatoes (true story).

Have a quick search of regional specialties before you go

European cuisine is SO diverse, and even within one country, you’ll have all kinds of different regional dishes to try, so I’d recommend doing some research beforehand about the top must-tries, so you can keep an eye out for them.

For example, you might think you know what Italian food is but when you go to actual Italy, you’ll realize that every region has their own special dishes, so be sure to look into what those are before just getting pizza everywhere.

Dine far away from tourist attractions

A general rule of thumb is that any restaurants right next to major tourist attractions are probably gonna have a poor price to quality ratio, since they cater more to tourists who are flush with cash and unlikely to return.

My tip? Just walk a few blocks over before starting your food hunt, or d some research beforehand to find well-rated restaurants near you.

Learn how to spot a tourist trap restaurant

Tourist trappy restaurants are a dime a dozen in Europe’s more popular destinations, so make sure you work on your tourist trap radar.

A few red flags include…

• Big pictures
• The menu being translated into a million languages
• The words “TOURIST MENU” over it
• A really persistent person out front beckoning you to come inside

Double check that places have prices on display before ordering

This may be the oldest scam in Europe’s “let’s extort tourists” playbook, but any restaurant with fair pricing will be transparent with their pricing.

If you come across a restaurant that doesn’t list prices upfront, then run for the hills.

Never assume “it can’t be that bad” because odds are they’ve omitted their prices for a reason and plan to charge you an extortionate amount, like  this place  which went viral for a 500 euro lunch bill.

A quick check of reviews is a must

While I don’t believe reviews are accurate 100% of the time, I do think they’re very helpful for establishing patterns, especially when there’s a bunch of reviews all saying the same thing.

A quick search of the restaurant (even on Google Maps Reviews) can help prevent you from getting scammed or being subject to mediocre food/service.

Lunch specials are usually cheaper

If you’re gonna splurge and treat yourself, lunch might be the time to do it. Many places will offer special deals for lunch, so keep an eye out for those!

Usually the bill won’t come until you ask for it

Generally speaking, the ultra-friendly and proactive customer service you get in North America doesn’t really exist in European countries.

Very rarely will you have servers come up to constantly check on you and ask how you’re doing, so if you’re wondering why nobody has brought the bill around, just get their attention because they don’t tend to drop it off until you ask (doing so without asking is actually considered a bit rude in itself).

Don’t shy away from food tours

If you’re running on limited stomach space but want to try as many local specialties as possible, then food tours are a really fun and delicious option.

Most big destinations in Europe have them these days, and they’re a great way to sample a lot of local foods while also getting a local guide’s perspective and expertise.

Context is key and learning about food (while eating it!) is the best.

Take a cooking class 

Another foodie activity that’s now offered in most European destinations these days is cooking classes.

There’s no better souvenir than learning how to prep your favourite foods once you get home, so definitely consider adding one to your itinerary.

Get used to sparkling water

Sparkling water is a lot more common in certain European countries than in North America, to the point where sometimes it’s the default if you ask for water.

If you’re not a fan of spicy H20, then make sure to specify Still when you order water.

Don’t pay extra for hotel breakfast

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good hotel breakfast when it’s included in the room rate, but if you’re given a choice, you can save a lot of money by going out to get breakfast at a bakery, which is also more fun in my opinion.

When weather permits, picnics are a much better option

I love picnics. They’re such a romantic and affordable way to enjoy a meal, especially when you have a great backdrop.

Make sure you picnic at least once during your trip – I promise you’ll love it! And your wallet will too.

Generally speaking, Europeans eat later than North Americans

After living in Germany for a few years, making dinner plans with friends at home almost put me in a coma. Dinner at 5:30 or 6pm? Wayyyy earlier than most European countries, especially Spain where dinner time is often after 9pm.

Of course, you can take advantage of this cultural difference by getting a table at popular restaurants simply through booking as soon as they open.

Be openminded with trying new foods

I hated beer until I had it in Belgium. I hated cheese until I tried smoked cheese in the Netherlands.

I don’t know how to explain it, but certain food and drink items just taste different, and frankly, better in Europe than they do in North America.

So before you write something off as a food you don’t like, give it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised, especially if it’s the regional specialty.

Get takeout for super cheap with Too Good to Go

One of my favourite (little-known) Europe travel apps is called  Too Good to Go.

They service many major European cities, and basically, it’s a free app that restaurants use to sell their leftover food at the end of the day (sometimes at lunch too).

This helps minimize food waste, and means you can pick up an entire take out meal for less than 5 euros.

Sure, you don’t get to choose what you get, but it’s an excellent way to eat cheap and help reduce waste at the same time.

Culture & Etiquette Tips for Europe

Tourists can often have a reputation for being rude… but not you! Not on my watch. Here are some culture and etiquette tips to keep in mind for your trip to Europe.

Culturally, Europe is a million different entities

One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to Europe travel advice is when books or sites tell you “In Europe, tipping is like…”, “In Europe, locals are…”

… Which I know is kind of ironic in an article simply called “Europe Travel Tips” but shhh just go with it.

Long story short: Europe is composed of dozens of countries, each with their unique cultural nuances and norms, so be sure to research culture tips specifically for where you’re going, because things like tipping, queuing, meal times, etc. can vary considerably across the continent.

Learn at least hello and thank you 

While visitors can often survive just fine without learning the local language, i’s generally good manners to know basics such as hello and thank you for every country you visit.

… So be sure to practice that a bit before you go!

Do not tip by North American standards

As I previously mentioned, tipping in Europe does vary from country to country, but never would a 20% tip be considered the bare minimum like in North America sometimes.

So, be sure to research tipping culture in your destination before you go. In many countries, tipping involves simply rounding up.

Try to not speak too loud

In Europe, North Americans generally have a reputation for being… loud. Sometimes obnoxiously so.

So if you’re out in public, try to lower the volume of your voice to closer match what’s around you (easier said than done, I know, but something to be mindful of).

When in doubt, mimic the locals 

Cultural norms can vary widely from place to place, so your best bet is to just observe the status quo and try to imitate that.

If nobody is chatting on the train, it’s probably a good sign that you shouldn’t either. If everybody is lining up in an orderly queue, maybe you should join that queue instead of barging in the front.

Remember, tourists can have a reputation for being disrespectful and annoying, so try your best to shatter that stereotype wherever you go.

Look into festivals and folk events to attend 

One of the most amazing things about Europe as a continent is that it is so deeply rooted in heritage and tradition, with some cultural traditions dating back thousands of years.

For a truly unforgettable experience, I’d recommend looking up some fun festivals or events to enjoy. 

Here are some of my favourites I’ve been to:

• September: Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt (the world’s largest wine festival)
• September/October: Oktoberfest in Munich (the world’s largest beer festival)
• February: Crazy Days at Cologne Carnival
• March – April: Starkbierfest in Munich (unique strong beer festival)
• March – May: Keukenhof (the world’s largest flower garden)

Packing Tips for Europe

Not sure what to wear and what to pack for Europe? Here are my top Europe packing tips.

Steal my pre-made packing lists

If you’re overwhelmed with what to pack, I’ve already made some packing lists that you can use as a starting point!

Download them, print them, mail them to all your friends and exes! I hope you get tons of use out of them:

• My Europe winter packing list
• My Europe summer packing list
• My versatile minimalist packing list
• My toiletries packing list

Don’t bring any suitcases you can’t carry

I’ve always been an advocate for packing light, but a good rule of thumb is to not bring any suitcases you aren’t physically capable of carrying yourself.

There’s a million and one scenarios where you might have to end up carrying your suitcase in Europe, like…

• Your hotel or accommodation unexpectedly has no elevator
• The elevator you were counting on at the train station is out of order
• You need to carry your bag up some ancient staircase to get to your accommodation
• You need to lift your suitcase on/off the train you’re taking

So yes, whatever bag or suitcase you bring, make sure you’re able to carry it yourself.

Good walking shoes are a must

I cannot explain to you how much walking you’ll end up doing, so comfortable shoes are much more important than cute stylish ones.

That said, if you’re able to find comfortable walking shoes that are a bit dressier, opt for those over beat up runners.

Generally speaking, casual wear in Europe is more dressed up than what we’re used to in North America, so packing a nice pair of white sneakers or comfy leather boots would definitely be a more versatile choice over hole-filled running shoes.

Buy AirTags to track your suitcases

With airlines losing baggage all the time these days, I’ve finally caved and bought an AirTag to track my checked bag.

And honestly? I regret nothing! I love the ease of mind it provides, and should a thief ever nab my bag one day, I feel very smug knowing I’ll be able to track them down.

Pack an emergency outfit in your carry-on

On a similar note, one Europe packing tip I live by is always having an emergency set of clothes in your carry-on bag.

Checked bags get lost all the time, so having extra clothes with you is key for ease of mind. I usually bring all the top essentials with me in my carry-on. Better safe than sorry!

Pack clothes with hidden inner pockets rather than a money belt

While many travel experts tout the the benefits of money belts, I’ve honestly never been able to get on board with them. They’re awkward, sweaty, and reaching under your clothes to get change for an ice cream is just… not my idea of fun.

Instead of a money belt, I always have either:

• A backpack with a zippered pocket in the back, which makes it inaccessible to anyone else when worn
• A crossbody purse with a pocket on the backside, again making it inaccessible to anyone so long as I hold it close to me 
• A jacket with inner pockets so it’s impossible to reach in without getting super super close

These anti-theft methods are a LOT more comfortable to me than a money belt… so remember: a money belt isn’t the only way!

Bring a universal adapter

Power sockets in most European countries have two round holes and if you’re visiting from overseas, odds are you’ll need an adapter for your plugs to fit.

I’d strongly recommend buying a universal adapter  like this one  if you don’t have one already. Not only is it good for the standard round hole outlets, but it can also work for the three prong plugs in the UK, Malta, and Cyprus.

It’s cheap, can be re-used for every trip, and covers you in all situations. Definitely some of the best money I’ve ever spent!

Use packing cubes to organize and compress your clothes

I am such a packing cubes fangirl.

These beauties are a magical way to keep all your goods organized, while saving space in your bag as well. Gone are the days that you rummage through your entire pack for a particular t-shirt!

Not all packing cubes have to be expensive either. There’s plenty of affordable options on Amazon, like this blue set from  Amazon Basics , but you definitely get what you pay for.

PS: I’m a total packing cube nerd and once bought a bunch of different brands to compare. See my full  packing cube showdown  for more.

Pack a re-usable bag for purchases

Single use bags are slowly getting phased out in Europe, so I find it’s always a good idea to bring an extra bag or two whenever I travel, whether to stash my souvenir haul for the day or to carry around snacks.

So, when in doubt, pack a tote or two! They can be such lifesavers.

DIY your own travel sized toiletries

This is a very basic  packing tip  I always recommend, but rather than buy the bottles of toiletries which give you like, three good squeezes of shampoo, I find it’s easier (and more eco-friendly) these days to buy small reusable bottles that you can fill with your own toiletries of choice.

This allows you to bring your favourite products with you, and saves needless one-use toiletries from ending up in the landfill.

Need help picking the right one?  Read my guide to  reusable toiletry bottles  for more info.

Final Europe Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

Alright, before I let you get back to… your real life, friends, and family, here are some final random Europe travel tips to keep in mind.

Having cash is important

With the exception of Northern Europe and some parts of the UK, cash is still important to carry around, whether for small purchases or for essentials like using the washroom. Keeping coins is also a good idea.

So, don’t forget that cash is still king in many parts of Europe!

Claim VAT refunds at the airport

Taxes are generally built into the price in Europe, so many travellers don’t realize they are paying up to to 20% in VAT (Value Added Tax) for everything they purchase.

The good news is, when it comes to goods that you are buying and taking home (e.g. clothes, gifts, etc.), non-residents of Europe are eligible for a refund on this VAT that you pay.

VAT refund rules vary from country to country, but usually there’s a minimum spend amount in one single location (around 175 EUR in most cases).

So, keep this in mind and you can get a good chunk of change back. To get the step by step process, Google your destination + VAT refund, as the process does differ country to country.

Floors start at zero so don’t get confused 

If you’ve seen Emily in Paris you’ll already know this one.

The floor system in European buildings tends to differ from North America.

Whereas in North America, the ground floor is often the 1st floor, the ground floor is considered its own separate entity in most countries (i.e. Floor 0) and then the next one above that would be the 1st floor.

Prepare for beds to be different

Bed sizes in Europe tend to be smaller, and doubles can often just be two single beds pushed together (so romantic, I know).

Depending on where you go, the pillows and comforters can be different as well, like in Germany where they’ve randomly decided that the optimal shape for a pillow is square. *shudder*

Beware of words you know that may mean a different thing in other languages

For example, a menu for North Americans is a list of dishes you can order, but a menu in France means a set meal or combo.

Similarly, entrées in North America are the main course, when in France, it means appetizer.

Use Google Maps to save spots you want to see

Google Maps is an amazing resource not just for navigating a new city, but also for saving spots you might want to visit in the future.

One of my favourite  travel hacks  is starring every location I deem interesting on Google Maps. You can do this by pressing the Save button when you search up that spot.

This allows you to have a visual map of all the cool cafes, street art murals, attractions, restaurants, etc. that you’ve saved during your research, which means you can easily organize your itinerary/sightseeing.

I love doing this because I’ll often end up in new areas during my explorations, and I can just look at my map to see if anything interesting I read about happens to be nearby. Saves a lot of planning!

Need customer support? Hop on Twitter

Don’t ask me why this is, but if you need to get ahold of customer support during your trip (e.g. an airline, a train company, etc.), usually the quickest response time will be through Twitter.

The best way to tell if you’ll get a reply on Twitter is by checking the official accounts’ replies – if there are recent replies to Tweets, odds are good that there’s a dedicated staff member monitoring the account.

This of course works in non-travel settings as well!

Get crowdless photos by using this cool photo hack

For iPhone users, there’s a super easy way to get cool photos in crowded places without getting a bunch of people in the shot.

Simply follow these steps:

• Turn on Live photo
• Pose for your photo, making sure to stand still
• Get your photographer to snap a few photos of you standing still
• Edit the photo by going in the upper left corner, click on the LIVE button with the downwards arrow, and turn on Long Exposure
• The crowds walking around you should now be blurry, with you still in focus

Binge on movies set in your destination before your visit

You know, I could binge travel quotes all day but nothing will put me in more of a wanderlusty mood that a good movie set somewhere beautiful.

So, if you binge travel movies set in your destination, I promise your trip will be 1000000x times more enjoyable when you recognize the sights that you’re seeing. Trust me.

Consider learning the Cyrillic alphabet

If you are travelling somewhere that uses the Cyrillic alphabet, it can be very beneficial to learn how to read it.

This is because sometimes destination names at train/bus stations are written only in the local alphabet, which can lead to a lot of confusion if you’re unfamiliar with it.

European countries that use the Cyrillic alphabet include…

• North Macedonia

Remember: Europe is more about the experience than it is about seeing a million sights

Last but not least, I have to say… Europe is beautiful, yes. It’s packed to the brim with gorgeous museums, architecture, natural beauty, etc. BUT at the end of the day, what you need to focus more is on the experience of just being present and enjoying every moment.

Don’t stress yourself out too much with a heavy itinerary and trying to cram as much as possible in.

Enjoy it! Because your trip will go by far quicker than you think.

I hope this list of Europe travel tips was helpful!

If you’ve made it this far, wow. I applaud the stamina. And patience! This ha admittedly been a VERY long list of tips for Europe, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments… and be sure to read my list of unconventional travel hacks if you’re eager for more.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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A Country-by-Country Guide to Reopened Europe

Members of the European Union are welcoming Americans. But there are still rules and restrictions to abide by. Here’s how to navigate them and what to expect.

New destinations are no longer being added to this list , as many European countries are now open to American travelers. See an up-to-date list of countries open to U.S. travelers here .

On June 18, the European Union recommended lifting the ban on nonessential travel for visitors from the United States just in time for the summer season, which is crucial to the E.U.’s economy.

While the bloc aims to take a coordinated approach to travel this summer, the recommendation is nonbinding and member states are allowed to set their own requirements for travelers from individual countries based on their own epidemiological criteria.

Visitors from outside the bloc who can show documentation of having received E.U.-approved vaccines — including those from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — will, for many E.U. countries, be allowed to enter without having to take a test or quarantine upon arrival. The bloc will also allow people to travel from countries it considers epidemiologically safe, regardless of their vaccination status. (Any passengers transiting through some areas where there has been a spike in cases involving the highly contagious Delta variant , including Britain, on their way to other European countries should check with the authorities in their final destination to determine whether they may be subject to additional rules.)

The European Union’s “safe list” also applies to Europe ’s border-free Schengen Zone, which includes non-E.U. countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Here is a guide to some of the continent’s most popular tourist destinations, explaining what is required for entry and what to expect if you do visit. Ceylan Yeginsu

Jump to : Croatia , Denmark, France , Germany , Greece , Iceland , Italy , Netherlands , Portugal , Spain , Switzerland , Turkey and the United Kingdom .

State of the virus

Like other countries in Europe, Croatia has seen daily cases on a constant decline after it experienced a third wave that appears to have peaked in April. According to World Health Organization data, daily deaths are now in the single digit range. Almost 30 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

Entry requirements

Unlike some other European countries, Croatia makes no distinction between tourists and other travelers, applying the same conditions for leisure travel, essential family and business. Visitors from the European countries on the E.C.D.C.’s so-called green list (which varies constantly) can travel without restrictions . Those coming from European countries not on the green list must provide one of the following: a negative Covid test, proof of vaccination, or a certificate of recovery. Finally, visitors from outside Europe must provide the same evidence (either a negative Covid test, a vaccination certificate or a certificate of recovery), along with evidence of accommodations paid in advance or proof that they own property in Croatia, according to the government website . Travelers are advised to fill out the Enter Croatia form to speed up the process.

On June 1, Croatia and six other E.U. states began issuing vaccination certificate s to citizens to better streamline travel within the bloc. The free certificate, featuring a QR code, is available in digital or paper form, and indicates if a traveler is fully vaccinated against Covid-19, recovered from the disease or has received a negative virus test result. The rollout of the certificate program for the entire bloc (27 countries) was July 1. It is not yet available to travelers from the United States.

Currently, no direct flights operate between Croatia and the United States, but United Airlines and Delta Air Lines will launch seasonal direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport and Kennedy International Airport in July, said Ina Rodin, an official with the Croatian National Tourist Office.

Medical facilities

Croatia has universal health care and the quality of medical facilities are in line with European standards. Rapid antigen and PCR tests are widely available, with contact information listed on Croatia’s Institute of Public Health website. Those who develop symptoms of Covid-19 while in Croatia should contact a Covid-dedicated call center by dialing 113 or one of the designated medical facilities .

Bars and cafes can operate, but customers must be seated outside. Indoor and outdoor dining is allowed in restaurants and hotels. While beaches, thermal spas, parks, zoos and most museums are open, nightclubs are closed.

The general mood seems relaxed, and people seem eager to return to quasi-normal life and welcome tourists. Croatia’s economy heavily relies on tourism, accounting for almost 20 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, according to 2018 data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

“Most people have a normal social life,” said Kresimira Kruslin, 30, a lawyer in Zagreb. “The general feeling is very optimistic. Young people feel comfortable going out for drinks and things like that,” she said. “Some people are more cautious than others, but I don’t know anyone who is scared.” Anna Momigliano

This country of 5.8 million was averaging 659 virus cases per day as of June 10, down from just over 1,000 per day in mid-May and well below last year’s peak of around 3,500. Testing is widespread and the positivity rate is holding steady at below 1 percent. Vaccinations are also picking up, with nearly half of the population having received at least one dose as of June 8.

Since June 5, fully vaccinated travelers from the United States, Canada and several other countries have been allowed to enter Denmark , including for tourism, with no requirements for testing or quarantine. Fourteen days must have passed since your last shot before entry. Any visitors who transit through Britain will need to comply with Denmark’s entry rules for Britain. More information (in English) is available from the Danish government, as well as on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Denmark. Travelers who cannot find the information they need online can call Denmark’s official arrivals hotline, +45 7020 6044.

Denmark’s hospitals are under little strain because of the pandemic. Testing is widespread and, at many testing centers, visitors can obtain a test free of charge. Check this list provided by the government to find the testing sites that serve foreigners.

Covid-related restrictions in Denmark have eased considerably over the past two months. Museums, amusement parks, movie theaters, stores, bars and restaurants are now open, although guests may be asked to provide either proof of vaccination or a recent negative test to gain entry. Restaurants and bars are now allowed to remain open until midnight, but clubs and other nightlife will remain shut until Sept. 1. Mask requirements are also being phased out: As of June 14, masks are required only while standing up on public transportation. Check here for the latest English-language updates on Denmark’s Covid-related regulations.

Karen Nedergaard, general manager of the Absalon Hotel and the Andersen Hotel , both in Copenhagen, said that she was happy to read the recent news about Denmark’s opening to vaccinated tourists from the United States and elsewhere. Normally, both of her hotels would be full for most of the summer, she said, but their current occupancy is around 35 percent. “I think we are going to see a pickup over the summer,” she said.

Anyone who makes the trip will have plenty of attractions to choose from. An immersive museum dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen — author of “The Little Mermaid” and “The Princess and the Pea,” among many other fairy tales and other works — opened on June 30 in the writer’s hometown, Odense. The capital city’s Tivoli Gardens amusement park will host Michelin-star pop-up restaurants throughout the summer. And in August, Copenhagen and nearby Malmo, Sweden, will co-host WorldPride and EuroGames , an LGBTI inclusive sporting event. Paige McClanahan

France’s positivity rate and case numbers have dropped steadily, thanks to the country’s accelerating vaccination campaign and a national lockdown that was announced at the end of March. As of July 7, 52 percent of the French population had received at least one dose of vaccine, and about 34 percent were fully vaccinated. Universal adult eligibility for vaccination opened up on May 31.

As of June 9, France is once again welcoming visitors from outside Europe. Passengers arriving from the United States and other countries on France’s “ green list ” are required to show either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or antigen test performed within 72 hours of entering France. Americans wishing to travel to France can check the website of the U.S. embassy for more information.

Pressure on France’s health system has eased considerably, with the number of patients in the country’s intensive care units dropping from a high of more than 6,000 on April 26 to just over 1,100 on July 2. Covid-19 tests are now available to foreign visitors at a cost of 49 euros for a PCR test or 29 euros for an antigen test. Anyone who tests positive should isolate and call a local doctor’s office if needed; for medical emergencies, dial 15.

Nonessential stores are open, indoor and outdoor dining has resumed, masks are no longer required in most outdoor settings, and the monthslong national curfew has been done away with. Museums like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay have reopened their doors, as have theaters, movie theaters and cultural sites across the country, including the Château de Versailles and the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey . Disneyland Paris reopened on June 17. Nightclubs are reopening in July. But visitors to France should still expect to encounter mask requirements and social distancing measures, including limited capacity at museums, restaurants, stores and other establishments.

The prospect of travel is as important to the national economy as it is to the French spirit. The tourism industry accounts for nearly 8 percent of France’s gross domestic product and supports some two million jobs. “We need, we want, in good health conditions, to remain the top tourist destination in Europe and the world,” said Clément Beaune, France’s minister of state for European affairs. “This is an economic issue for us.” Paige McClanahan

After a scary third wave that peaked in mid-April, infections in Germany have been plummeting. In Berlin — a city of 3.6 million people — there were only a couple of dozen new infections recorded on the July 4 weekend. Across the country, about 500 Covid patients were occupying I.C.U . beds. But there are clouds on the horizon: The Delta variant is thought to account for half of the new infections, and authorities say it’s not a matter of if the more contagious variant eventually dominates new infections, but when .

As of early July, nearly 60 percent of the population had received at least one vaccination shot, and nearly 40 percent were fully vaccinated. Within the European Union, Germany has one of the highest rates of vaccination.

Germany opened its border to U.S. tourists on June 20. Passengers arriving by plane must present a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination before boarding. Once on German ground, no quarantine is required. If you are not flying in directly, check the website of the Robert Koch Institute , the German version of the C.D.C., for arrivals from “at risk countries.”

During the pandemic a lot of resources were put into expanding coronavirus wards, so care is efficient and professional in Germany’s mostly state-of-the-art hospitals. Finding a good doctor who speaks English should not be a problem. However, currently, private doctor’s offices are inundated with people looking to get vaccinated, so if you have any kind of emergency, it is best to go to the emergency department of the local hospital. The phone number for medical emergencies is 112, or to find a doctor, call 116-117.

Covid-related restrictions are set by Germany’s 16 individual states, so rules will be a bit different in Berlin (which is its own state) and Munich (which is the capital of Bavaria). Expect to see plenty of outdoor dining, beer gardens, outdoor events and no curfews (unless infections in a particular district flare up). For certain activities, like museum visits or cultural events, you may need to make a reservation. The biggest asset in making your stay in Germany comfortable is your proof of vaccination (which you’ll want to keep with you at all times), because it allows you to skip any tests that might be required. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, you’ll have to make use of Germany’s network of quick test centers. Certain activities, like dining indoors may require a negative test result for those without proof of vaccination.

Germany’s international tourist board runs a handy website in English that provides an up-to-date overview of local rules in individual states.

Medical masks or even FFP2 (similar to N95) masks are generally required on all public transport, national train lines, stores and indoor public spaces. Children under 6 generally don’t require masks.

After what seemed like endless months of lockdowns, Germans are ready to get out and enjoy social and cultural life again. This could be one of the great seasons for travel in Germany. Christopher F. Schuetze

Greece recovered from its spring wave of Covid infections, but case numbers were on the rise again in early July. As of July 4, the average daily case count was just over 700, up from a low of around 360 a week earlier. Similarly, the share of coronavirus tests that are positive has remained low, at around 1.3 percent.

About 47 percent of the Greek population had received at least one dose of vaccine as of July 7, while about 38 percent were fully vaccinated. Those who work in the country’s tourism industry have been prioritized in the vaccine rollout, as have a number of the islands. The country’s health minister announced in May that residents of tourist-heavy islands such as Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu were next in line to receive their doses.

On arrival in Athens, travelers will need to present a certificate of vaccination, a negative coronavirus test no more than 72 hours old, or proof of recovery from Covid-19 within the past nine months. Passengers may also be subject to random rapid testing at the airport; anyone who tests positive will be put up at a local hotel for at least 10 days, along with their traveling companions, at the expense of the Greek government. Details on the rules of entry can be found here . Anyone planning to fly within the country will be subject to the same requirements as those arriving from abroad.

Greece, like Croatia and five other members of the European Union , began offering vaccination certificates to its citizens on June 1. The certificate program is not yet available to travelers from the United States.

Greece’s medical facilities, which have struggled from years of underfunding, were severely strained during the recent spring Covid-19 wave, but the pressures have eased. Any visitor who tests positive while in Greece should self isolate and contact a local doctor’s office if needed; in a medical emergency, dial 166.

Life in Greece is feeling closer to normal as the government has done away with many of the restrictions imposed during the country’s monthslong lockdown. Outdoor archaeological sites reopened in early spring, while restaurants and cafes once again began offering outdoor service (with a maximum of six people per table) on May 3. Greece’s museums have been open to all — with masks required and social distancing measures in place — since May 14. Open-air cinemas, spas, wellness centers and outdoor theaters are all welcoming guests, while ferry services to the islands are up and running, with limited capacity and mask requirements.

Greece jumped ahead of many of its European neighbors in opening up to vaccinated or Covid-negative tourists from the United States and a handful of other countries. The tourism industry accounts for roughly a quarter of total employment and more than a fifth of Greece’s gross domestic product, so restarting the industry is critical to helping the country recover from 2020, when the economy shrank by 8.2 percent.

“Unfortunately, after more than 10 years of economic hardship, tourism and food is our only industry,” Kostas Tzilialis, who works at a cafe and bookshop in central Athens, said recently . “We don’t produce cars or machines. So we have to open our industry right now. Let’s hope that people will be careful and the vaccines will protect us.” Paige McClanahan

Since January, Iceland has had only several hundred confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The daily count is currently in the single digits, after a relatively sharp rise in mid-April (peaking at 27 cases). As of July 6, about 75 percent of adult Icelanders had been fully vaccinated. Unlike some of its Nordic neighbors, Iceland has not suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, putting its efforts ahead of the European curve.

People with documentation of vaccination or previous infection do not have to undergo a test upon, or before, arrival. They just need to show their vaccine “passport” and 14 days have to have passed from the second dose (or 14 days from a Janssen/Johnson & Johnson dose) for a certificate to be valid.

Tourists who are not vaccinated need to quarantine for five days at a government-provided quarantine hotel (the stay is free of charge). Before arrival, they need to register and provide a negative PCR test that is no more than 72 hours old. More details on the rules of entry can be found here .

With one of the highest life expectancies in Europe, Iceland has an advanced health care system. As of July 6, the country’s hospital had no Covid patients.

In case of symptoms, visitors can call 1700 (on an Icelandic line) or +354 544 4113 (from any phone) to get tested. The local emergency number is 112.

Iceland has weathered the pandemic without ever resorting to the near-total social and economic shutdowns enforced in many other European countries. The success is partly a testament to its tiny population — about 360,000 people — but is also the result of decisive action by authorities, with rapid testing available early in the crisis. The country’s strict requirements still make it hard for everyone but vaccinated people to visit.

Gyms, pubs, restaurants, museums — just about everything — remain open. Tourism is the island’s largest job sector and the economic pain has been felt particularly by the thousands of migrants who came to Iceland during the previous boom years. While the unemployment rate is expected to remain high this year, local business leaders claim traffic is improving by the week.

On a chilly morning in the northern town of Husavik, two American tourists, Kevin Campbell and Susan Montgomery, from Oregon, were on their sixth — “or seventh” — trip to Iceland. “Locals value the presence of tourists these days,” Mr. Campbell, 69, said. Earlier that morning they had tried to enter Husavik’s iconic wooden church, but the door was locked. “Then a lady from a nearby store came running with a key this big,” Mr. Campbell said — indicating with his hands something that was the size of a milk carton — “and showed us inside.”

On Husavik’s harbor — made famous when the town was featured in the Netflix film “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” — two rival whale-watching companies were competing for business. Nearby, restaurants offered multiple versions of fish, with one chalkboard highlighting the word “fresh.” Egill Bjarnason

In Italy the pandemic has been in steady remission for months, after the country exited a third wave that peaked in March. New cases and deaths have been in decline. In this country of almost 60 million, daily deaths are in the two-digit range according to W.H.O. data. Hospitalizations have also gone down, according to the Italian research foundation, Gimbe. More than 55 percent of Italians are at least partially vaccinated.

Visitors from the United States and other non-European countries that are considered low risk (Japan, Canada, Australia and Singapore) need both a coronavirus test and a 10-day-quarantine. But Americans can avoid the quarantine if they take special “ Covid-tested flights ” that require taking a test both before and after the flight, and submit an E.U. digital passenger locator form . These Covid-tested flights are already available from New York and Atlanta to Milan and Rome, and will soon be offered to Venice and Naples. From countries considered high risk , only travel for essential reasons (such as business, study or medical care) is allowed, and no travel is allowed from India and Brazil.

Italy has one of Europe’s best health care systems. When northern Italy was severely hit in March and April 2020, hospitals were overwhelmed, but that is no longer the case. The percentage of intensive care units taken over by Covid patients is declining and is now at 23 percent, according to statistics compiled by Gimbe , the research foundation.

Italy regulates restrictions with a system that places each of its 20 regions on a white-yellow-orange-red scale, which can at times result in significant differences across the country. Currently most of Italy is listed as “yellow,” with minor restrictions. Bars and restaurants are open for indoor and outdoor service. Museums and theaters are open, but at a reduced capacity.

The mood is mixed with optimism, pandemic fatigue and excitement. On May 4 Prime Minister Mario Draghi gave a speech that energized the climate: “It’s time to book your vacations in Italy, we can’t wait to welcome you again,” he said, referring to international tourists.

Those working in the tourism industry say it worked. “Draghi’s announcement energized the bookings, we saw an increase just the day after,” said Giuseppe Artolli, 62, who manages COMO Castello del Nero, a castle-turned-hotel in Chianti.

Carlo Dalla Chiesa, 43, manages Milan’s youth hostel Ostello Bello, a popular destination for young international travelers, but also a place where locals go for their aperitif. Even though the hostel lost 97 percent of revenue during the pandemic, he said the owners feel very optimistic and now are expanding their business in Rome, Florence, Genoa and Palermo. He is convinced that youth tourism is going to boom more than “adult” tourism.

“It feels like 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell and suddenly all the young folks from East Berlin started to travel,” he said. “Just think of the kids who are 20 right now, and have spent two years in lockdowns, now they’re going to want to travel a lot, and on a budget.” Anna Momigliano

Netherlands

Although infections are diminishing, they remain relatively high in the Netherlands when compared to its neighbors. The weekly infection rate is nearly 50 per 100,000 people, a slight uptick from previous weeks. While the worst is over for now, more than half of the country’s 25 regions, including the regions of Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam, are rated as having a “concerning’ risk level.” As of July 5, about 60 percent of the population had received at least one vaccine dose; 36 percent are fully vaccinated.

On June 24, restrictions for visitors coming from the United States were lifted. Whether vaccinated or not, anyone coming from the United States can enter without a test. Once in the Netherlands, testing is unlikely to be required, but the Dutch have set up a good national PCR testing network if it should be required.

Like the rest of the country’s infrastructure, Dutch hospitals are modern and professional. Finding English-speaking doctors in the Netherlands, especially in the major cities, is not difficult. The phone number for medical emergencies is 112.

The country has begun reopening, with evening curfew, mask and crowd-size rules relaxing. Restaurants, bars, theaters, cinemas and museums are all open again, even though distancing rules will continue to be in force. Masks will still be required on public transportation, national train lines, train stations and other places, so keep one handy in your bag. Like much of the rest of Europe, the Netherlands suffered badly during the pandemic. But despite some areas of concern, the news that the country will finally shed most of its pandemic rules will make the Netherlands a joyous place to visit. Christopher F. Schuetze

In this country of 10 million people, the Covid-19 situation has fluctuated dramatically this year, forcing the authorities to adjust lockdown restrictions on a monthly, if not weekly, basis. As of July 7, 133 patients were being treated for Covid-19 in intensive care units, almost double the amount in mid-June. In a sign of how quickly things can change, a recent surge of new cases around Lisbon resulted in authorities ordering a weekend lockdown on June 18. Nighttime curfews have also been reintroduced in Lisbon, Porto and many other parts of the country. The health authorities said in early July that almost 90 percent of the new Covid-19 cases in Portugal were of the Delta variant, which is considered more contagious.

As of July 7, over half of Portugal’s population had received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine — that includes 3.5 million residents who had already been fully vaccinated. The rollout was accelerated in June in Lisbon to counter another increase in the infection rate in the capital region. People from the age of 40 started getting shots on June 6, and those aged 30 on June 20.

Americans may now travel to Portugal with proof of a negative Covid-19 test, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Portugal. The tests, also mandatory for visitors from almost all other countries, must be done before landing in Portugal. But people who drive across the land border between Spain and Portugal, which was reopened in May, are not required to have undergone a test, independent of their nationality.

Quarantine obligations only remain in place for visitors from countries that have an infection rate of more than 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Portugal has a modern public health-care system, including good access to emergency services. Still, hospitals in Lisbon were overwhelmed in early 2021 by a sudden wave of Covid-19 that was much stronger than what Portugal had experienced the previous year. German military doctors flew to Portugal to help overcome staff shortages, while some patients were also flown from Lisbon to Austria to reduce the burden on local hospitals. The website of the Portuguese health ministry can help visitors locate the nearest Covid-19 testing center. For any medical emergency, dial 112, a toll-free number.

Portugal has gradually been lifting its lockdown restrictions since mid-March, when schools reopened. But with the emergence of infections traced to the Delta variant, some areas are imposing new restrictions. As of July 2, a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. in Lisbon, Porto and other popular tourism spots will be in place.

In May, Portugal became one of the first European countries to reopen to British tourists, which form its largest set of foreign visitors. On May 29, the northern city of Porto welcomed thousands of English fans for the final of the European Champions League, without any quarantine requirement — even as Germany, France and some other European countries reintroduced quarantine for British visitors amid concerns that they could also spread the highly contagious Delta variant of the disease. But in early June, the British government made a U-turn and reintroduced a quarantine for people returning from Portugal, creating chaos for British tourists who had hoped to stay longer on vacation in the country. Raphael Minder

Spain’s virus numbers have been worsening since June, despite an acceleration of its vaccination program. As of July 7, almost 20 million residents had been fully vaccinated, equivalent to 41 percent of Spain’s population of 47 million. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently forecast that 70 percent of Spaniards would be vaccinated by Aug. 17.

Spain reopened to vaccinated American tourists — as well as visitors from other countries deemed to have a low risk of Covid-19 infection — on June 7. Travelers on a list of countries with a higher risk will have to show the negative results of an antigen test before flying to Spain. But visitors who drive across the land border between Portugal and Spain, which reopened in May, are not required to have undergone a test.

Spain prides itself on having one of Europe’s most extensive and modern public health care systems, and access to emergency services is very efficient. But the system was seriously strained in the spring of 2020, particularly in Madrid, where hospitals overflowed with Covid-19 patients. In recent months, the situation has improved significantly, albeit with some important differences between the regions.

For any medical emergency, visitors can dial 112, a toll-free number that works 24/7 across the country and can connect callers to the nearest hospital or health facility. Specific information about health services in the Madrid capital region is also readily available.

Travel across Spain has resumed since the government lifted a national state of emergency on May 9. While wearing a face mask in public spaces continues to be a nationwide obligation, whatever other restrictions remain in place are in the hands of regional administrations. These restrictions have been tweaked almost on a weekly basis, which means that Spain has turned into a mosaic of regulations that visitors should review carefully. On June 8, Valencia became the last region of Spain to remove its nighttime curfew. Some regions, however, continue to maintain other specific restrictions, and have, for instance, adopted different closing hours for restaurants and bars.

For many months, Madrid has been one of Europe’s most bustling cities, with bars and shops kept open, as well as art museums, cinemas, theaters and an opera house that was one of the few in the world to stage a full season, including a new production in May of Benjamin Britten’s “Peter Grimes.” Already, the restaurant scene and cultural life of Madrid is attracting tourists from Paris and many other places that had imposed far stricter lockdown restrictions. In fact, “Freedom” was the campaign slogan that is believed to have helped Madrid region’s leader, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, win a landslide re-election victory in early May.

But since the start of July, several regions in Spain have made U-turns and reintroduced lockdown restrictions, particularly to discourage young people from partying at night. As of July 9, all indoor nightclubs will close again in Catalonia, the northeastern region whose capital is Barcelona. The central government is also reviewing demands from some regional politicians to reimpose rules such as the compulsory wearing of face masks outdoors, which stopped being mandatory on June 26. Raphael Minder

Switzerland

Infections have dropped steadily since mid-April, while vaccinations are also picking up pace, with about 52 percent of the population having received at least one dose as of July 7.

As of June 26, travelers arriving from the United States and other countries that are no longer deemed “high risk” are allowed to enter Switzerland provided that they can show proof of full vaccination, proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection, or a recent negative virus test. More information on the entry requirements is available from the Swiss government .

Switzerland’s superb health care system is currently under little strain because of the pandemic. The Swiss government has a list of testing centers that travelers can consult. Anyone who tests positive while in the country should follow the government’s instructions for isolation . In a medical emergency, dial 144.

Switzerland’s latest round of lockdown easing took effect on May 31, when indoor dining was once again permitted with a limit of four people per table. (Outdoor dining has been allowed since April.) Thermal baths, indoor swimming pools and spas were also given a May 31 reopening date, while limits on attendance at public spectator events were raised to 100 people indoors and 300 people outdoors. Large-scale events are now permitted, though still with some upper limits on attendance. That leaves open the possibility that the Swiss summer festival season could go ahead, though on a smaller scale than normal, in some cases. The two-week Montreux Jazz Festival kicked off on July 2, while the Locarno Film Festival will run from Aug. 4 to 14, and the Zurich Food Festival is scheduled for Sept. 16 to 26. For the latest information on what’s open in Switzerland, the MySwitzerland website has all of the details .

The Swiss tourism industry is hoping that the country’s image as a stable and hygienic destination will help it to win back visitors. “Before the pandemic, you would have said, ‘Well, this is absolutely not sexy and not a huge asset in tourism promotion — that you are clean, that you are safe, that you are well organized,’” said Mr. Aschwanden, the Switzerland Tourism spokesman. “But now we realize that this is one of the best images that you can have.” Paige McClanahan

Infections and deaths in Turkey from the coronavirus have been declining steadily. Turkey so far has fully vaccinated about 19 percent of its population of 83 million people; about 44 percent have received their first dose.

Turkey has remained open to tourists, including Americans, throughout the pandemic. Most international arrivals are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

Passengers arriving from Brazil, South Africa, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are required to quarantine in government-assigned accommodations and will be released if they test negative for the virus after day 10.

Turkey offers health insurance packages starting at as little as $15 that cover foreign visitors for Covid-19 treatment and hospitalization for up to 30 days. The country treats coronavirus patients in both public and private hospitals and opened 17 new hospitals last year to provide more intensive-care capacity for Covid treatment.

Turkey’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, and its response to the pandemic has been defined, in large part, by not cutting off its flow. The country has had a two-tiered system in place throughout the pandemic that exempts visitors from the strictest lockdown measures, including a curfew at night and on weekends that requires residents to stay at home.

Tourists are free to visit museums, beaches and other sites across the country. Hotels and resorts are open with capacity restrictions, and Turkey is prioritizing vaccinations for tourism workers.

On June 1, restaurants and cafes reopened for indoor and outdoor dining. All the restrictions are expected to be lifted at the start of the all-important tourist season in July. Ceylan Yeginsu

The United Kingdom

More than 68 percent of Britain’s population has received one dose of a coronavirus vaccine and the government aims to offer the rest of the adult population its first shot by the end of July. So far, 50 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

Entry Requirements

England has devised a “traffic light” system for foreign visitors, which determines quarantine and testing requirements depending on case numbers and the prevalence of coronavirus variants in their home countries.

Only British and Irish nationals and those with residence rights in the United Kingdom are permitted to enter England from destinations on the red list , which includes India and Brazil. Anyone who has visited or passed through a red country within 10 days of arrival is required to get a coronavirus test 72 hours before their departure and must quarantine for 10 days in a government-designated hotel, which costs about $2,400 per person traveling alone.

The United States and most European countries are currently on England’s amber list , which requires travelers to show proof of a negative virus test taken 72 hours before departure and then self-isolate at home or at a suitable hotel for 10 days after arriving in the United Kingdom.

On day two and day eight of quarantining, travelers must take PCR tests, which cost about $300 and must be purchased in advance from British authorities. Those who want to be released from self-isolation early can take an additional test through a private provider on Day 5, at a cost of about $200, but they still must take the final test on Day 8. (The cost of tests may vary when entering Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.)

Visitors from countries or territories on England’s green list — there are currently 27, including Australia and New Zealand — are exempt from quarantine but are required to take a PCR test before departure and two days after arrival. (Some of the listed destinations are on a “green watchlist,” meaning they could abruptly switch to amber.)

The National Health Service contact tracing department carries out regular spot checks by phone and in person to ensure that passengers are complying with quarantine rules. Those found breaking them could face fines of up to $14,000 and jail time.

The traffic light system will be reviewed every three weeks with the possibility for countries to move up or down depending on how well they are containing the pandemic.

Medical Facilities

Foreign citizens visiting Britain have free access to National Health Service coronavirus testing and treatment, including hospitalization if it is required.

Pubs, restaurants, theaters, museums, stores and hotels have reopened, although capacity restrictions and social distancing measures still apply. While outside, most people do not wear masks, but indoors they are still expected to do so unless eating or drinking in a restaurant.

Across major cities such as London, Manchester, Brighton and Edinburgh, restaurants and bars are buzzing with people reuniting with friends and family and enjoying their newfound freedom after months of lockdown. Demand in coastal destinations like Cornwall and Dorset has soared in recent weeks as the weather warms and Britons book domestic beach vacations.

The government planned to lift remaining coronavirus restrictions by June 21, including those on nightclubs and large events such as festivals, but a spike in cases of a highly transmissible new variant pushed the date back to July 19 . Ceylan Yeginsu

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

An earlier version of this article misstated Clément Beaune's role in the French government. He is the European affairs minister, not the foreign minister.

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The entire experience was smooth starting from the initial selection and pre-travel preparation. Anytime I had a question, Tourradar was available to assist. I enjoyed my travels and would highly recommend Tourradar.

Europe Jewel

The Europe Jewel was so well planned and packed with exciting adventures, the tour guide and bus driver did an amazing job of keeping us safe and informed. We made some amazing friends from all around the world which made this tour even better. We had a blast!!

Genuine Europe

I think a meeting on the first day around 5pm that you meet the group and find out where day from and how long they stay with the tour would be helpful,and that they tell us the rules like no food on the bus,before we all go for dinner. The staff was great and the bus drivers were excellent everyone was friendly and helpful. My family and I will do it again.

Baltic Experience

We loved the whole itinerary except for the long Vilnius to Warsaw bus ride. No other way it seems ..at this point.

European Cavalcade (End Paris, 18 Days)

Mimi was great. Only thing I would change is a better break about half way through. The older people were exhausted by the end.

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

Very exiting trip, we visited many beautiful places. End of May / beginning of June is the perfect time, because it's not so hot and not so full yet. However, I found the group to big (42 people), we spent quite some time on administrative tasks like check-in and out, toilet breaks, etc.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Balkan Kaleidoscope

Excellent . My Balkan trip experiences I only can summarise in one word, and that is excellent. The places are full of long histories, vey beautiful sceneries, people are friendly. Our tour leader was very knowledgeable and helpful. The bus driver has best ever driving skills. The local guides also tried their best to show us round and told us the history within the very short time available. Hotels are good and breakfast had ample choices. Our travel companions are also .very friendly and free of prejudices. I shall recommend this trip to all my friends and relatives. I should look forward to another trip like this.

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

This trip was overall in one word... amazing. The destinations covered were amazing & beautiful. It was handy to have everything sorted out : the accommodation (mix of hostels & hotels), the transportation and many of the activities. Most of the places stayed did not have breakfast, but it was stated clearly that they wouldn't. Some of the places that had breakfast included a selection of breads, cereals and coffee - everything that you need. Croatia blew my mind.. The Croatia part of the tour was very in depth and I have a great idea of what the country is all about now & I also want to go back to see more in the future - The tour goes to cities, lakes, medieval villages, islands, beaches and has stops along the way to each usually. Note that on occasion there are stops along the way & the activity isn't always included in the tour.. I found that out the hard way in Albania. The transportation was a mix of using local transportation, personal buses and ferries. Note that in Albania MOST places do not accept credit card & we had troubles using the bank machines to take out cash.. Albania accepts the Euro as currency so make sure you have lots before you go (I also found out the hard way and didn't have any Euros as i Spent them in Montenegro) The groups for the tour are really what made the trip amazing.. Both groups were super friendly & alot of fun.. being a smaller tour and with the age restrictions it did make for a better trip because we were all around the same age, so had more in common! It was great having a smaller group too because we all became closer & spent even the "free time/Free days" together doing the activities. Our guide Marco was with us for both parts of the tour and overall he did a great job covering the information needed and I felt like we could always go to him if we had questions about anything. That was a part of the tour that I liked: knowing that I had someone to ask questions to who knows the area..Overall, HIGHLY recommend doing BOTH parts of this tour, as Many who didn't do the 2nd leg of the trip were super jealous and wishing they did! You won't regret doing this tour!!

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

We had an awesome experience, made possible by our tour director Damian and driver Dave. Damian’s knowledge was exceptional and Dave was an amazing driver.

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

I went on this trip in mid October and surprisingly the weather was great enough for swimming. Simon was my guide with Chris as our bus driver. Simon was very informative and extremely nice throughout the whole trip. I really felt like I received a great introduction to the land and its people. Chris made sure we took comfort breaks every couple to few hours so that everyone had a chance to regroup. The first couple of days were short as it required some long hours of driving, but it was all worth it. Also, I had the pleasure of meeting wonderful travelers from university students to grandparents, though the group skewed to the former. Pay for all the extra excursions, especially the nature ones!

Rome to London Quest (Summer, 10 Days)

The contiki service was outstanding from Greg as our tour guide, he was extremely welcoming and made all people on trip feel comfortable. He has amazing people skills which enabled the group to have a really really good time. He has an unbelievable knowledge of the places that we visited throughout the journey and was impressive to watch him relay the information to a group of people who come from all different walks of life

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Essential Britain & Ireland

Hello, We have just returned from the UK, we thoroughly enjoyed our tour and excursions, except for the last day in Edinburgh were on the morning of 24th Aug we went to the dinning room with our tour group to find no breakfast, and no porter to help with our luggage, we were drop off at the train station were our tour guide left us at the top of the train station and we were told to make our own way to the platform with all our luggage and no assistance. After fining the correct train there was no assistance what so ever to board the train, and being a bank holiday in the UK the trains were absolutely jam packed a very uncomfortable ride and very disappointed and very hot. Once arriving back into London, we need to unload our own luggage, and had find the Cosmos tour guide ourselves, she was un certain of where to go and what to do due to the public holiday as the pickup point had changed, we had to drag our luggage down some stairs in 32 degree heat, a homeless man luckily assisted us to get down the stairs, there were a couple of elderly gents who were very distressed as you can understand, very unprofessionally organised. We had a wonderful trip but the last day spoiled our vacation, and the 14 other passengers on the tour who were also on the train agreed this should have been better organised knowing it was a public holiday in the UK

What people love about Europe Tours

Thank for MARYSOL AND SE BASTIANO a great deal I finally seen Europe a great deal, I enjoyed Interlaken Switzerland Casino as I invested £10.00 and won £300.00 Swizz Francs . I love Switzerland and France. I think it's quite too much walking for me . You should try to incorporate renting some of GOLF CARTS TOur Like me Rosita did in Florence we rented a Cart tour Cart ride and was able to a lots around Florence. I glad to made a lot of new friends specially from South Africa they are all wonderful and sweet and other countries.

Eva and Rene were amazing tour guides. Disappointed that we didn't see the Eiffel Tower at night. Several times we were dropped in town at night with not enough time to get a meal before being taken to the hotel. Some hotels were out of town with nothing within walking distance. Thank you to Rene for arranging for a group of us to go to the Moulin Rouge.

To be honest, part of what made the trip fantastic was our group of 12- could not have had a better group to travel with- which is clearly luck, but a piece of our group being so cohesive was Nejca, our guide. She was perfect! Available but not pushy. Laid back, but willing to assert herself to make our experience the best. She made each person in the group feel special and appreciated. Thank you, Nejca! The itinerary was quite good as well. Although there were places I could have stayed for a day longer, I think it’s important to not stay too long and feel like time is wasted on a certain place on the tour. Transportation was efficient and Nejca did a great job getting us to our destinations easily and without rushing. Accommodations were very good- with the exception of Prague. Although our apartment was nice, it was clear that the residents of Prague feel that their space is being taken over by tourists- which is clearly true. I would have preferred to have stayed in a hotel in Prague-honestly, I would have paid more for it. Other than that, cannot day enough good things about the trip! Thank you!!

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How to travel europe like a pro: 50 europe travel tips you need to know before you go.

Before you go to leave, be sure to read these 50 essential tips for traveling to Europe that you help you travel Europe like a pro!

Europe travel tips: 50 things you should know before going to europe.

Europe is my favorite place to travel. Despite having traveled extensively around the world, it’s still the place I return to again and again. We travel Europe at least once a year, and even lived there for an entire year!

But you don’t have to stay for an entire year to get a feel for this amazing continent. Even just one week in Europe  at any of these incredible destinations is enough to make you fall in love!

There are so many incredible places to go in Europe with so many different countries and cultures to explore without actually traveling very far! Traveling through Europe can seem a little overwhelming if you’ve never been before, so I wanted to share a few things you should know before going to Europe. This will make your first visit much more enjoyable.

If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to read these 10 tips for taking kids to Europe. 

1. Budget for Your Trip

Before you even purchase tickets to Europe, sit down, like a responsible adult, and plan a budget for your trip to Europe. Make sure it’s realistic and make sure it’s something that you can afford right now. While I love to rack up credit card points by using them on travel, it’s important to be reasonable. The good news is that Europe can be done fairly inexpensively, in fact, we actually spent less money traveling Europe for a year than we did staying home!

How much does it cost to travel Europe?

That answer really depends on how many people are in your party, what style of travel you like, and how budget you’re willing to go. You can travel Europe cheap if you’re smart about it, but I would plan on $1,000/person for each week just to be safe.

The cheapest way to explore Europe is to plan ahead and shop around for the best deals on accommodation, transportation, and airfare because there are tons of Europe travel deals out there on the internet! If you want to know how to travel Europe cheap, you can read about how we actually spend less money living there for a year than we did at home. 

Be sure to read my guide to planning financially for a vacation,   which includes a Europe travel budget calculator so that you can find out just how much your trip will cost.

2. Save for Your Trip

Now that you have your budget set in place for visiting Europe you can start saving! These are some easy ways that I save money for travel.  You don’t need to turn over your whole paycheck, but you’ll need to make saving for travel a priority so you don’t go into crazy debt to be able to afford it. Credit cards definitely have their place and can be useful for earning points, but be sure you pay it off each month! If you can’t afford to do so, maybe don’t spend it. This is why having a travel fund is so important. When those travel deals pop up you’ll be ready to jump with your special savings!

3. Check Europe Travel Visa Requirements

Americans traveling to Europe won’t need a Visa to travel to most countries on the continent. Europe travel visas are a little complicated, but you can learn more about them here.   If you’re looking to stay in Europe for more than 90 days, read this.

Beginning in 2023, US citizens and citizens of other previously non-visa countries coming to the EU will now need a ETIAS Visa. Read here for what that means for you.

4. Buy Flights Early

You can usually get the best deals to Europe by booking early. Start keeping an eye out for cheap flights as early as possible. Read my guide to finding cheap flights to be sure you’re getting the best deals!

5. Read Books About your Destinations

Once you decide where you’re going in Europe, find books to read about it. I don’t mean guide books, although those can be great. I love these ones. I mean books, both fiction and nonfiction, that tell a story set in Europe. It can make your trip so much more meaningful when you have some connections.

You can read this awesome list of 100+ books organized by continent that will inspire you to travel.

6. Pack Light

Pack light, especially if you’ll be traveling around Europe and taking public transportation. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to haul heavy luggage around on trains! I promise!

Make a packing list, then take less than you think you’ll need. If you’re going to Europe for more than one week, pack for one week, then plan on washing and/or re-wearing what you’ve brought. There’s nothing shameful about washing your laundry in a tub or sink or even spending some time with the locals at the laundromat! It could be an adventure!

If you want to wash your own clothes more efficiently, consider getting one of these awesome laundry wash bags that make laundry day way easier and more fun!

7. Bring Melatonin to Beat Jetlag

Consult your doctor before taking any medication. I am not a doctor, but this is what works for me. I buy the gummy melatonin (because I have kids) and take it with me every time I travel. Sleeping in a new bed is hard enough, but add a 6 hour time difference once you’re in Europe and it’s all over! When you’re ready for bed, take about 3-10 mg of melatonin which will help you shift your internal clock. Melatonin is an over the counter sleep aid and can be purchased at any drug store or grocery store. I really like this one because it tastes delicious and is 5mg (a good amount for adults) and this one for kids or smaller people since it’s only 2.5 mg (which is hard to find in stores).

Be sure to pull down the shades and make it as dark as possible. I like to use this amazing eye mask to achieve complete darkness! I love that it leaves space for your eyelashes, which is a huge selling point for me! And yes, it does look like a bra for your eyes! 

8. Don’t Try to See it All!

This is probably one of my best Europe travel tips! T raveling to Europe for the first time will be so exciting and you’re going to want to see as much as you can.  Europe is filled with so many bucket list destinations screaming to be visited! Unless you’re staying in Europe for a year, don’t try to see it all in one trip! Europe is huge and each country is so different. Just one city could honestly keep you busy for a lifetime!

Even though it’s so easy to travel around Europe, don’t spend all of your time on a train, plane or car! Plus, just more reasons to come back right?! I would stick to 2-3 cities in one visit depending on the length of your trip. The best way to travel Europe is slowly! Take your time, you can always come back.

If you only have one week, these 20 One-Week Europe Trip Itinerary Ideas will help you decide which cities to visit.

9. Book Your Accommodations as Early as Possible

Once you know where you’re going in Europe you can book your accommodation. The sooner you book your accommodation in Europe the better! You’ll have more options and lower prices.

We like to use this website to easily search for our desired accommodations. I like it because you can enter specific parameters like hotels with pools, good for kids, a certain number of beds, etc. 

Also, consider using VRBO instead of staying in a hotel. It can significantly increase your savings! Staying in a VRBO also allows you to see your destination as the locals do. 

10. Learn How to Travel Around Europe

Before arriving in any city, be sure to do some research and learn how to get around using public transportation or a rental car. Each city has its own rules that can be complicated to say the least. Using public transportation in a foreign country can be a great way to experience cities like a local but can also be intimidating. Be sure to do your research ahead of time so you know how to use each public transportation system. If you’re going to London, read my guide to getting around London here and my guide to train travel in Italy here . 

11. Travel Europe by Train

I think the train is the best way to travel Europe!

Train travel in Europe is an efficient and inexpensive way to get around within the countries and between them. You may want to consider getting a Rail Pass train tickets .  When you travel Europe by train, be sure you know the rules for each country.

If you’re going to Italy, read about how to use the train system in Italy here.

12. Get an International Drivers License

Be careful when renting cars in Europe that you check to see if an international drivers license is required. Obtaining one is quick and easy. You can make an appointment at any AAA. You’ll need 2 pictures of yourself and your drivers’ license. Read this to learn more.

13. Call Your Credit Card Company

Before leaving for your trip to Europe, call your bank and/or credit card company and tell then where and when you’re traveling. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had my card put on hold from forgetting to do this!14 . Take a Credit Card, Debit Card, and Cash

In Europe they have this thing called “Chip and Pin” that the US hasn’t seemed to catch onto for some reason. Because of this, your credit card might not work sometimes, so be sure you have a debit card and/or cash on hand.

15 . Have Cash with You

I recommend using an ATM to withdrawal the local currency as it will use your bank’s exchange rate, which will most likely be lower than the foreign transaction fees of the currency exchange booths at the airport.

You’ll also want to have cash as some places may not accept cards. This is especially true for many gelaterias in Europe! You want to be sure to have cash for those important things like gelato!!! Some small towns in Europe may not even accept cards at restaurants, so you’ll want to have a decent chunk of cash hidden away.

16. Know About the Currency of Each Country

When I went to Europe as a little girl, before the EU was formed, every country had a different currency. It was really fun to collect the coins, but a nightmare when you were road tripping through Europe!

Now, most countries in Europe use the Euro, but some countries still use their own currency. Here is a list of countries who use the Euro:

• Netherlands

All other European countries that don’t use the Euro use a local currency. You can see a complete list here. 

17. Leave the Majority of Your Cash in the Hotel

While it’s important to have cash available during your trip to Europe, you don’t want to be carrying around hundreds of Euros/Pounds/Franks/etc. every day. Leave the majority of your cash in your hotel room or Airbnb. Be sure to put it away so it’s not visible.

18. Wear Your Cash

I like to carry cash close to me in one of these carriers or in my favorite travel accessory ever… a fanny pack (bum bag for non-Americans). How did I ever live from age 10-30 without one of these?! Why did I stop wearing them? They’re literally the best invention!

I own several, including this beautiful one from Fawn Design , but I love these ones as well, and they come in 12 different colors. They are a perfect size to put your phone and wallet in. I even have this larger fanny pack that actually holds my Sony camera! I like it because you can turn it into a purse if you feel so inclined, but honestly, why would you want to?! Everyone get on the fanny pack train with me ok?! Please!

19. Spend Your Coins

I’m not used to pulling out coins to pay for things in the US unless I’m buying gum! But in Europe you’ll be getting a lot of 2 Euro coins that add up quickly. Be sure you spend your coins as well as your cash. Also, if you’re exchanging any leftover currency at the airport before you go home, they do not accept coins! I usually give my kids all my leftover coins to go to town at the airport gift shops!

20. Know How to Stay Safe

This is probably one of the most important travel tips for Europe.

Europe is pretty safe in general. But just like anywhere in the world, it is best to be on your guard and be away of risks and threats around you. Be especially careful in highly touristy areas where there are large crowds in small spaces. I highly recommend wearing a fanny pack instead of a backpack. And if you have a backpack, don’t keep your wallet in the front pocket where it’s accessible to pickpockets.

Don’t walk alone at night down dark alleys. Basically, take the same types of precautions that you’d take at home.

Also beware of scammers asking for you to sign a petition, mothers with children asking you for money, or people posing as train company employees offering to help you buy tickets. These are pretty well-known scams around Europe, so just keep an eye out and know what you’re up against.

21. Travel Insurance Europe

It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance when you travel to Europe. I think the best travel insurance for Europe is World Nomads. They are a reputable company that has been around for a long time. You can check their rates here.  I also really like Allianz    because kids are free! You can check their rates here. 

22. Register with the State Department

For safety reasons, it’s a good idea to register your location and dates with the State Department.  Especially if you’re travelling alone in Europe. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes. If anything were to happen, the Embassy would know to find and help you! You’ll see why I feel so strongly about this in my next tip…

23. Always Carry Your Passport

I feel like this is a highly debated topic, but I’m just giving you my personal opinion. We keep our passports with us at all times in Europe. We were in Paris on the day of the attacks a few years ago. If anything had happened to us it would have been essential for us to have our passports, especially if we couldn’t get back to our Airbnb. You just never know what could happen and it’s always better to be prepared for anything.

24. Book Attraction Tickets in Advance

With travel becoming more and more popular and overtourism becoming a real problem, popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Vatican, London Eye, and Colosseum require advanced booking or you risk not being able to visit them. This happened to us on one of our visits to Paris with the kids and it was a total bummer. You can book almost any attraction in Europe here , including skip-the-line tours.

25. Don’t Over-Plan

While it’s important to plan out your trip, especially for major attractions, be sure to leave some unscheduled time in your European itinerary for downtime and also for wandering aimlessly, which is one of my very favorite European vacation pastimes!

26. Get Off the Beaten Path

Definitely visit those top sites that you’ve been dreaming of seeing (there’s really no comparison to the Eiffel Tower), but don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path a bit and explore some alternative destinations and sites around Europe.  With over 15 million tourists each year, Europe can get crowded, especially during peak season. Don’t be afraid to leave the tourists’ path and try something new and different.

27. Stay Connected Abroad

I don’t know about you, but I literally cannot live without my phone. It’s not because I’m addicted to technology (ok maybe I am) But seriously, maps, UBER, etc…so hard to live without those things, especially when traveling! Stay connected by either getting a local SIM Card (most airports will have kiosks where you can rent or buy one, or you can just buy one online here ) or use a Portable WiFi device like Skyroam.

Also use Express VPN. Learn more about why you need a VPN here. 

28. Learn a few words of the local language

Knowing just a few words in the local language can be hugely helpful. Just knowing how to say please, thank you, yes, no, and excuse me can be crucial. Lucky for us language-lacking Americans, most people in Europe’s city centers will speak passing English and be able to understand what you’re saying at least. The farther out from the cities you get, the more difficult this becomes. You’ll also want to be sure you have the Google Translate app installed on your phone with the languages of the European countries you’re traveling to. 

29. Wake Up Early

This may seem basic, but it’s probably one of my best Europe travel tips! Make use of those early morning hours and wander the streets before the rest of the tourists descend. This is especially true for Venice, Paris, and Rome, which can be magical places in the morning light. It’s the only time you’ll be able to experience these cities without the hoards.

I like to wake up around 5:30 or 6 and walk out the door right around the time the sun comes up, which will vary depending on the season you visit. Then we usually have an early lunch and go back to our Airbnb or hotel for a rest during the hottest and busiest hours of the day so we can recharge, and go out again around 3 or 4 for more exploring. Then we have dinner after the sun goes down to take advantage of all the daylight hours.

30. Shop at the Grocery Stores

One of my favorite things to do when visiting Europe is to shop at the grocery stores! I know it seems really silly, and non-vacation-like, but I get pretty sick of eating out and I love to discover the different products in foreign countries.

If you visit Paris, Monoprix is my favorite store. In London, I love Marks & Spencer. At these stores, you can also usually find premade salads, sandwiches, and pre-cut and packaged fruits and vegetables which make for really convenient picnic food or just a meal on the go. It’s also a great way to save money while traveling in Europe.

Pay attention to the opening hours because some shops close in the afternoon for lunch and a nap!

31. Shop at the Markets

Be sure to spend some time shopping at the local markets around Europe. You never know what you’ll find. Most markets are not just a touristy thing to do, but places that locals come to get their weekly or daily groceries. Try something you’ve never tried before. You never know what you might fall in love with. Some of my favorite European foods are ones that I’ve tried at a market. Check out the best European markets here.

32. Know How to Find Authentic Restaurants

When you’re looking for a great authentic and affordable place to eat in Europe, get AWAY from the main tourist attractions at least several blocks before considering anything.

Avoid places with pictures of food and a million things on the menu and no prices. Good restaurants will have only a small selection of food and no pictures!

Look for locals! If you don’t see a lot of tourists eating there, but it’s packed with locals, then you’re good!

33. Be Aware of the Coperto

Be aware of the coperto , which is basically a charge for sitting down to eat. Some people in Venice have recently been scammed and charged several hundred dollars for the coperto! It’s rare, but just beware and don’t be afraid to ask. Most menus will have the coperto price listed in really small print somewhere.

When eating out in Europe you may have to be a little more forthright with your waiter. Only in America do the waitstaff check on you every 5 minutes! Since tipping is not as expected in Europe as it is in the US so you won’t receive the level of butt-kissing that you may be used to. Don’t be afraid to signal them for attention if you need something and you’ll probably need to ask for the check when you’re done.

If you’re visiting a pub in the UK, you’ll need to order your food at the bar, then find a seat. We’ve learned these lessons the hard and embarrassing way, so please take my advice!

34. Know About Tipping in Europe

Tipping is pretty expected in Europe, but not the 15-20% like in the US. It’s hard for me to let this one go, but the customary tip is usually the small change if you’re paying cash. I’ll be honest I still leave a pretty good tip, especially if I had a great waiter who was patient with me and walked me through the menu and made suggestions. If you can afford it, I think it would make someone’s day to give a good tip, especially if they’re deserving, however, it’s not required or expected.

If you’re paying for dinner with a card, you’ll most likely need to bring cash for a tip! The card machines in most restaurants in Europe do not allow for you to leave a tip on your card.

Also, when paying with a card, your waiter will bring the card machine to the table. This is something I wish they’d do in the US as well. I don’t like the idea of someone walking off with my card!

35. It’s OK to Drink the Water

Most of the water in Europe is safe to drink from the tap. In most restaurants, you will not be given tap water without asking for it, especially if you’re American, but don’t be afraid to ask!

If you’re skeptical about drinking the tap water you can always order bottled water or use a filtered water bottle or life straw.

36. Eat at McDonald’s

I know…this seems like the most ridiculous bad-tourist thing to do! But eating at McDonald’s in Europe is a really fun experience. Every country has its own spin on the fast food chain. France has Croque Monsieur, Italy has mozzarella sticks, etc. Plus, my kids tell me that the toys in a Happy Meals are better in Europe…in case you were wondering!

37. Take a Bus Tour

Take a bus tour. Taking the HOHO bus (hop on hop off) on your first day in a new city can be really helpful. It allows you to get a good overview of the major European cities quickly so you’ll be prepared to take it on by foot!

38. Take an UBER Tour

Many cities in Europe offer UBER tours where you can book a driver for an hour and they will take you around the city. It’s great to have a local who drives the city for a living taking you to all their favorite spots. We did this in Rome and it was one of our favorite experiences!

39. Take Free Walking Tours

Many European cities offer free walking tours, which can be a great way to learn about a city. We like to use Guru Walk . Be sure to tip your guide well since your tour was free!

40. Rent a Bike

Renting a bike is a great way to see areas of Europe. I love biking in Paris especially. You can also book bike tours that provide a guide.

41. Book Airbnb Experiences

In an effort to be a more sustainable traveler, we’ve started doing more and more Airbnb Experiences that benefit the locals rather than larger tour companies.  If you’re looking for a really authentic experience with a local, book a tour or class through Airbnb. We have done cooking classes, food tours, and photography tours through Airbnb and they’ve all been great! It’s a great way to connect with a local and really enrich your trip.

42. Visit Museums

No one does museums better than Europe! Maybe because there is so much history there, they seem to be masters at preserving and displaying artifacts and also making it really fun and educational at the same time.

Take advantage of the many museums in Europe. If you’re traveling to Europe with kids, they will especially benefit from this as they are free in most museums. Don’t be afraid to try the smaller lesser-known museums, as well, as these can be real hidden gems. Check out the awesome museums just in London here.

43. Attend Theater or Concerts

Take advantage of all the culture and talent in Europe. It can really enrich your experience to see a show or a concert. We love seeing shows in the west end in London, ballets in Paris, operas in Vienna, and orchestra concerts in Venice!

44. Take Advantage of Free Activities and Sites

Keep an eye out for free things to do in Europe. Many of the sites are free and looking for activities that don’t cost you a thing can help you branch out and try new things!

45. Know How to Use the Restrooms

Many European bathrooms will charge you to use them. Some cities, like Paris, have little toilet huts (I don’t know what else to call them) in the city center that require some coins to enter. Other bathrooms will have turnstiles to enter the bathrooms, others will have a bathroom attendant who collects your money and keeps the bathroom tidy.

There are all sorts of restroom situations in Europe, so just be prepared for anything and always have coins on you. I’d say the average bathroom fee is 50 Euro cents.

46. Keep a Travel Journal

When I was little and taking my first trip to Europe, my grandma made me keep a travel journal. I hated it! But now, of course, I look back on that journal and love reading it! Keep a small, simple journal with you and write about each day. I love this travel journal because it has writing prompts included.

47. Talk to the Locals

The best way to get to know a destination is to get to know its people. Don’t be afraid to talk with the locals. Learn their stories. They have probably lived in the area for a long time and can tell you the best places to eat and spend time. We’ve made some lifelong friends that we still keep in touch with this way.

48. Be a Responsible Tourist

Overtourism is becoming a real problem in Europe. With so many tourists visiting each year, cities are getting more and more crowded and more and more polluted. When you travel to Europe, be responsible. Remember that you are a guest in another country. Please behave as if you were visiting a distant relative. Don’t litter, don’t be too loud or obnoxious, and respect their rules.

Also, be mindful of the environment. Limit plastic usage by bringing a reusable water bottle from home and avoiding plastic straws. You can learn more about sustainable travel here. 

49. Volunteer

If you find an opportunity to volunteer when you travel through Europe, this can be a great way to make an impact and a memorable way to spend your trip. Check out JustServe.org for volunteer opportunities around the globe.

50. Expect Problems and Roll with the Punches

Expect problems on your first trip to Europe. It’s only natural that not everything will go to plan. For as many times as I’ve been to Europe, I have yet to have one trip go smoothly. One time I almost got robbed, another time a Taxi driver drove off with ALL my bags, once my husband missed a train while I had 4 little kids and all the luggage.

Traveling is just like life. There will always be hiccups along the way, but this makes travel exciting and memorable! The hiccups are all part of the experience. The trick is to enjoy the ride and make the most of any situation. Don’t let the setbacks ruin your trip.

BONUS 51. Have Fun!

I hope this one is a given. It’s nearly impossible not to have fun while traveling in Europe. Now that you’re armed with all these tips, I hope you’re ready to book your flights!

Do you have any other tips for visiting Europe? I’d love to hear them! You can get in touch with me via Instagram of Facebook.

Practical Tips for Booking your Trip

Book Your Flight s and Car Find a budget airlines by using  Skyscanner . This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here. For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO . I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use  Booking , as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz . Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel? Check out my  resource page  for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

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Wait, do you need a visa to go to Europe now? The new ETIAS requirements, explained

Emily Olson

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements Andrea Pattaro/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements

Already thinking about next summer's vacation plans? If Europe is on your short list, there could be one extra step to take before boarding that plane.

Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Though it may sound complicated, the ETIAS and the reasoning behind it are quite similar to existing travel requirements and reflect increasing fear of terrorism in the U.S., Europe and around the world.

Here's what you need to know.

What is ETIAS? Is it a visa?

While some media outlets are taking a cue from the European Union's travel site and calling this a visa, in truth, ETIAS is more like a travel authorization form.

Summer air travel could be expensive and chaotic. Here's how to avoid trouble

"It's definitely not a visa," said Dan Hamilton, a senior non-resident fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. "It's an electronic entry-point, an authorization for countries that are currently visa-free."

Even the European Commission has said as much (and in bold letters) , writing this is "not a visa" but rather an "automated IT system" in a press release on the discussions around it back in 2018.

Whatever you want to call it, the ETIAS form is not what you'd seek if you're trying to work or live in Europe, but rather what you'll need for short-term trips — up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Why is it being implemented?

These new requirements have been years in the making, stemming back to a rise in terrorism fears following 9/11. It's very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization — or ESTA — program that the U.S. implemented in 2008 .

At the heart of ETIAS is an electronic database system to better track who's coming and going. According to the EU's latest report on terrorism data , EU law enforcement authorities arrested about 388 suspects for terror-related offenses in 2021, more than half of whom were accused of being associated with Jihadist groups based abroad.

The European Commission says ETIAS may have the added impact of cutting down on "irregular migration" (i.e. illegal immigration), but one thing the form is definitely not aimed to do is deter tourism in general.

'Revenge travel' is surging. Here's what you need to know

Crowded cities, inflated airfare and extreme heat disasters may all be making headlines this summer, but many of these European countries are still depending on tourism revenue to help them bounce back from pandemic slumps, Hamilton said.

And the pandemic is another one of the many reasons this new requirement has been delayed by decades — there was no need for ETIAS when countries closed their borders to all travel amid fears of spreading COVID-19.

"Another part of it is simply the pace of the way this parliament and European commission works," Hamilton explained in an interview with NPR. "They're ending their term and pushing through a lot of these directives because parliamentary elections happen next June."

"And getting 30 countries to agree on anything takes a long time," he added.

When does it take effect?

The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024 but hasn't clarified a specific date. A press spokesperson for the union's travel arm did not respond to NPR's request for information.

And, similarly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR that the U.S. government website for international travel (travel.state.gov) would be updated "once the regulation goes into effect," but didn't specify when that would be.

"Frankly, I'd be surprised if this starts on time," Hamilton said. The rollout of ETIAS has already been delayed at least once.

But it couldn't hurt to plan ahead for any 2024 travel just to be safe.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS approval?

Basically, all passport holders from 60 countries who can currently travel to most European destinations without a visa — and that includes American passport holders — will now need to get ETIAS authorization for the same trip. That's about 1.4 billion people, by the European Union's estimation.

There are 30 European countries in total on the impacted destination list , including those in the "Schengen Area" — 27 European countries, many that are part of the European Union, that agreed to ease border restrictions to facilitate the movement of people within Europe.

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Those Schengen countries include top vacation spots like France, Italy and Spain.

The other three countries on the list are Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, which are all trying to become a part of the Schengen Area soon.

You can check the full list of both impacted passport holders and affected European destinations here.

How can you apply for ETIAS approval (and does it cost money)?

The application isn't open yet, but the European Union says that when it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via a web portal or mobile phone application.

You'll be asked to share personal information such as your date of birth, parents' names and details about your current occupation and previous criminal convictions. You'll also need to share a passport that is not set to expire in less than three months.

Oh, and you'll have to pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8).

When is the right time to apply?

If you want to play it safe, apply well in advance of your trip — no later than a month out.

ETIAS says most applications "are processed within minutes" and decisions are delivered within four days. But that wait could take up to 14 days if you are requested to supply additional information and up to 30 days if you're invited to interview.

It's Been a Minute

Presenting 'life kit': making the most of travel and your time off.

Those denied an application can appeal, but that process could be even lengthier.

The European Union says ETIAS approval will stay valid for three years or until the passport you used in your application expires.

Naturally, you'll also need to follow the ETIAS rules to stay in good standing.

Those with ETIAS approval can stay in the European countries on the list for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. So you can leave and come back, but you can't stay in the confines of the countries on the list for 91 days or more non-stop.

What happens if I don't apply for this and try to travel to Europe?

Your ETIAS approval will be linked to your passport. So without it, airport security (or cruise, bus or train line staff) won't let you board.

In other words, you can kiss that dream vacation goodbye.

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Explore all the places we go in Europe

THIS IS WHAT AWAITS IN EUROPE

Towering castles. Untamed natural beauty. Captivating history. Can’t-miss cuisine. This is your time, your moment, your chance to discover Europe.

Destination Must-Sees

The capital and largest city of Andalusian Spain is Seville. Approximately 2,200 years old, the early origins of the city date back to the year 712. It is situated along the Guadalquivir River, which splits the city into two halves. Seville is famous for being the birthplace of the Flamenco dance. It is also known for its culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage.

The Costa del Sol:

This “Sunny Coast” is the southernmost part of Spain, stretching along the Mediterranean Sea. Its major province is Málaga, the home of Picasso. To the far west part of the Costa del Sol is the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates the Mediterranean from the Atlantic. The sunny provinces of the Costa del Sol are known for their golden sandy beaches, fresh Mediterranean seafood and relaxing atmosphere.

Irish countryside:

Take in the atmosphere of quaint seaside villages, see awe inspiring views of the Lakes of Killarney and explore the picturesque town of Kinsale. Wherever you travel in the countryside, you’ll find that the rolling hills and friendly people you encounter will become a part of your fabric.

Ancient cities of Italy:

Italy is positively brimming with the world’s most famous Roman ruins like the Colosseum, Pompeii and many other relics from the ancient past. In fact, many cities in Italy still hold evidence of what once was. You can find an aqueduct, city gate, Roman theater or the ruins of an entire city there.

Destination Must-Dos

La Sagrada Familia:

Meaning the Holy Family, this modern structure is known as the church of the people, built by the people, with the money of the people. While it is not the cathedral of Barcelona, it is widely known due to its unique architecture and phenomenal design initiated by architect Antoni Gaudí. Work on the exploratory church began in 1882 and continues to this day, but with modern technology and the rising number of visitors and donations, the church’s completion date has rapidly become closer. The facades of the church are breathtaking in their intricate and artistic details, all of which were inspired by Gaudí.

The Palace of Versailles

The iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO) and its gardens reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." Alongside a local guide, learn the history and admire the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Be sure to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete and include intricate architecture, elaborate fountains, and gorgeous statues.

Drift down a canal:

While canals are found across Europe, nothing beats a romantic gondola ride in Venice. Locals like to say the best way to explore the city is to ‘get lost.’ So take a ride along these waterways, step off and then wind your way through the intricate blend of bridges, narrow streets and grand squares.

This was the first capital of Spain located about 43 miles south of Madrid. The history of Toledo dates back to the Roman occupation circa 192 B.C. The old city of Toledo sits atop of a small mountain surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, and medieval walls on the fourth. From the top of the mountain you can get a 180 degree view of the surrounding landscape.

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Featured Tours to Europe

See our travelers on tour, brochures that feature our europe tours, destinations in europe.

Magnificent landscapes combined with the country’s charming traditions and customs offer new experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Famous for bullfighting, Spain allows you to grab life by the horns and dive into adventure. Whether it’s the eye-catching architecture of Madrid, the bold Spanish wines, or the shimmering Costa del Sol, this country remains a delight to the senses. Once you experience Spain, you’ll never want to leave and when you do, you’ll always be craving more.

A gem of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a paradise. On the coasts, sun-soaked beaches meet breathtaking hillside towns all down the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. In the cities, ancient structures rise up shoulder-to-shoulder with modern living. Everywhere you turn, you can find mouth-watering food paired with delicious local wines, medieval architecture paired with Moorish artistic influence, and friendly locals paired with charming attitudes. No matter what you seek, when you go, where you look, or how long you stay, Portugal offers something for every traveler.

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

At the heart of Europe, monumental contemporary and historic events shape today’s Germany. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of the Beatles in Hamburg, the culture of the country is marked by its influential past and present. Imagine yourself exploring postcard-worthy castles such as Neuschwanstein or wandering through medieval cities such as Regensburg. From the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine Gorge to the plains of the north, the range of Germany’s landscapes will capture your heart. Perhaps you’ll also indulge your taste buds as you sample the delicious Marzipan sweet treats of the Hanseatic port of Lubeck, which have been produced there for over 200 years. Whether on a journey on the ‘Romantic Road’ or cruising along the Rhine, know that a stein of German beer or a glass of wine from the Rhine vineyards are both a worthy compliment to a destination that offers far more than the average traveler anticipates.

Switzerland

Incredible skiing on the Swiss Alps and delectable Swiss chocolate are only two reasons for visiting Switzerland. Located between Austria, France, Germany and Italy, you can get quite a diverse European cultural experience depending on which region of Switzerland you choose. And though the food, music, art and people themselves are very much influenced by their European neighbors, they are all still uniquely Swiss. You will leave with plenty of memories to savor for a lifetime.

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Europe tours

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We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one of our group tours when you sign up for AutoPay . Plus, you can pay in interest-free, monthly installments.

While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about .

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What our travelers say about their trips to Europe

Travel guides for your next trip to europe.

Travel tips for our Europe tours

There are plenty of options when it comes to exploring the continent. Some of the most popular destinations to visit on a tour of Europe include Italy, Greece, Spain, and Ireland.

On our travel packages to Europe, you can choose to explore a particular location in depth, such as on a week-long Paris City Stay or a two-week Grand Tour of Italy .

If you're looking for a multi-country trip, you can join our Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome , for a taste of several destinations. Our team of regional experts is available to help you find the adventure that aligns with your interests.

Discover six things to experience your first time traveling to Europe →

Europe is a year-round destination with varying climates across its many countries and regions. The best time to visit Europe depends on what type of experience you’d like to have and which destinations you’ll be visiting.

• Summer. A popular time to travel to Europe is summer because warm, sunny days lend themselves to exploring the outdoors. In July, the average high temperature in London, England, is in the 70s Fahrenheit—while in Rome, Italy, the average high is in the 80s.
• Spring and Fall. Some travelers prefer to travel on our Europe tour packages during the spring and fall because temperatures are more comfortable and popular sites are less crowded.
• Winter. A wonderful time to take a European tour is the winter. During this time of year, travelers can stroll through festive holiday markets, visit excellent museums, and settle in for tasty meals of seasonal specialties. To take the stress out of planning a winter trip, we even offer Europe trip packages specifically designed for visiting  Christmas markets .

One of the main benefits of joining our guided tours of Europe is having the opportunity to visit must-see sites with an expert leading the way. When you go guided with Go Ahead we’ll help you skip the long lines at popular landmarks. Here are some attractions you’ll get the opportunity to see on our group tours of Europe:

• The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
• The National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy
• St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy
• The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
• The Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain
• La Sagrada Família church in Barcelona, Spain
• The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
• The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland
• The Titanic Museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland
• The Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest, Hungary
• Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria
• The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway
• Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark

We recommend you spend at least six days in Europe. While our most popular Europe tours run from 10–14 days, you can enjoy a shorter trip if you limit your tour to one country or visit a handful of cities in neighboring countries.

Looking for ideas on where to spend a week in Europe? Check out our recommendations for Europe trips →

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and fantastic food, Italy is a popular destination for your first European trip. But plenty of other countries are worth visiting depending on your interests and concerns about international travel. For example, if the language barrier makes you nervous, Ireland, Scotland, or England make great first-time trips for visiting Europe.

Learn about the best international trips for first-time travelers  →

Yes! On our Europe tours, you’ll get the chance to explore multiple countries. Europe’s compact size and efficient transportation network make it easier—and more enticing—to take in numerous countries on one trip.

Some of our popular multi-country trips to Europe are Italy & Greece ; England & France ; Portugal & Spain ; Scotland & Ireland ; Germany, Switzerland & Austria ; and Norway, Sweden, Finland & Denmark .

Check out the best multi-country trips to book now →

Experiencing Europe—for the first time or your 10th time—should be all about taking in the culture, the food, the history, and the sheer joy of new discoveries. Imagine doing all that without researching or booking any of these travel essentials. That’s the advantage of our all-in-one tour packages. Every Go Ahead tour includes an expert Tour Director and talented local guides to lead the way, so you can sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty, history, and culture of Europe. No figuring out transportation, researching hotels, or booking flights is required.

Read about the 10 big benefits of seeing Europe on a guided tour →

The typical timeframe to book a trip to Europe is about six months or more. However, there are plenty of benefits to planning even further in advance. On our European tours, you can set up an automatic payment plan, work out what you want to see and do in your free time, and even connect with fellow travelers on our free EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app .

Looking to travel to Europe soon? Shop our Last-Minute Specials →

Yes! The holidays are an exciting time to travel on our Europe trips because they offer an exceptional opportunity to visit Europe’s Christmas Markets  and to experience countries’ unique holiday traditions. The holidays are a magical time in many European countries, allowing you to soak in the seasonal ambiance, enjoy festive food, and pick up unique gifts.

Thankfully, that’s a tough question to answer, as so many European countries offer delicious food. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference, so you’re sure to find something you love no matter which country you visit. One strong contender for the top spot, however, is Italy.

Best known for its pasta, pizza, cheeses, and gelato, Italy is a foodie’s delight. That’s because the purest expression of Italian cooking relies on farm-fresh ingredients, and the cuisine changes from region to region. Fresh, delicious, and unlike anything you’ve tried outside the country, Italian food never disappoints the palate.

Wondering what to eat in Italy? Check out these regional dishes →

Another foodie's favorite destination in Europe is France. From its boeuf bourguignon to its pain au chocolat, France is known for its world-class culinary scene and timeless favorite dishes. While you’re guaranteed to taste delicious dishes no matter where you travel to France , the type of French food you’ll find depends on the region and season. The north of France features heavier dishes; the south features fresh fish, lean meat, and grilled vegetables.

Wondering what to eat in France? Check out these delicious dishes →

While individual countries take pride in their languages, English is widely spoken in Europe.

For tips on using the euro while on a trip to Europe, check out our blog post about currency exchange →

We recommend packing light for your trip to Europe. One suitcase and one carry-on per person is a good guideline to follow; you should feel comfortable managing your baggage at the airport. After you’ve reserved one of our Europe tour packages, we’ll give you information about how to prepare for your particular trip and even share a packing list in our mobile app.

• Sun protection. For all our trips, especially during the summer months in Europe, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
• Layers. For tours of Europe, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• Comfortable walking shoes. Because you’ll be exploring new destinations with local guides while on your trip, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential. Whether hitting the landmarks of London or on a walking tour of Amsterdam, you’ll be glad you brought your most comfortable footwear.
• Dressier attire. You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance on any of our Europe trips.
• Full-coverage layers for religious sites. In Europe, it is preferable not to visit churches, temples, or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders, and entrance may be denied on this basis.
• Other must-bring items. A camera to take photos during your journey, and a notebook for jotting down notes or recommendations your Tour Director shares.

Welcome to the official ETIAS website

• ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are collected at this point.

The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting in mid-2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.

Find out which European countries require an ETIAS travel authorisation, who needs to apply and who is exempt.

Learn about when to request an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity and what implications it has for your travel.

Find out what travel documents can be used to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Learn about what information needs to be included in the application form and how much it costs to apply.

Learn how to authorise someone to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation on your behalf and what to be careful about.

Find out how to appeal against a decision related to your ETIAS travel authorisation or data protection rights.

Be aware of possible abusive and fraudulent practices by commercial intermediaries and learn how to report them.

Find answers to the most common questions about ETIAS including how to apply, how much it costs and how long it will be valid for.

Find the latest updates and facts about ETIAS.

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New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

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Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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100 Best Places to Visit in Europe – The Ultimate Bucket List

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With so many great options, choosing the best places to visit in Europe can be difficult, from city breaks filled with fascinating history and culture, getaways in nature among breathtaking landscapes and unique natural parks, or the best holiday destinations for a relaxing beach holiday with the whole family.

Venice, Paris and Verona are some of the most beautiful cities for a romantic holiday; Ibiza, Belgrade and Amsterdam promise the best parties and liveliest nightlife, while Riga, Florence and Vienna delight with history and art.

Iceland and the Faroe Islands dazzle outdoor enthusiasts with the most beautiful sceneries, while Croatia and the Greek Islands stand out for their pristine beaches and crystal clear water.

Manchester and Barcelona are some of the best cities to watch a football game in Europe, and for those who want to practice sports, consider Andorra for winter sports, the Azores for watersports and Norway for scenic hikes.

From the Spanish paella and the Italian pasta to the Ukrainian borsch, Europe is also a paradise for the foodies, with extraordinary and diverse gastronomy.

Ready to start planning your next trip?

1 – Venice, Italy

Venice is definitely one of the best places in Europe for a Romantic getaway, with lovely canals, hundreds of bridges and charming alleys, mixed with fascinating history, stunning architecture and a unique lifestyle.

Explore St. Mark’s Square, where the famous Doge’s Palace is located, one of the most visited landmarks in Venice and an impressive Gothic architecture masterpiece.

Next to the Palace, stop by one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe and the most important religious site in Venice, the Basilica of San Marco; and for a glimpse of the whole Venetian lagoon, climb to the St. Mark’s Campanile observation deck.

Cross the Paglia Bridge to admire the iconic Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge – the oldest and most famous in Venice – for an overview of the Grand Canal. And, of course, take a boat tour or gondola ride, for a unique viewpoint of the canals!

Don’t miss a chance to explore the lovely islands of Murano, the perfect place to grab a souvenir, or watch a glass-making demonstration; and Burano, famous for its colorful houses.

• Venice tours

See also: Things to do in Venice , Doge’s Palace tickets , Best Venice boat tours , Tourist attractions in Venice , Best places to visit in Italy

2 – Paris, France

Speaking of romantic cities, Paris is a must on every couple’s bucket list. But there’s much more to do beyond an idyllic Seine River cruise, or watching the Eiffel Tower lit up!

From the prestigious Louvre to the acclaimed d’Orsay, Paris has more museums and monuments than one can count. The city itself is a work of art, and a free walking tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour are the best ways to explore the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame, the Sacré Coeur, and all that Paris has to offer.

For those looking for some unusual things to do in Paris, the Catacombs are worth a visit, and for the football lovers, don’t miss the PSG Experience stadium tour!

With plenty of day trips available, the hardest part is choosing among a delicious tasting in the Champagne region, touring the beautiful châteaux of the ​​Loire Valley, or feeling the magic at Disneyland.

At nightfall, the city gets as exciting as during the day, with vibrant nightlife and many night tours to explore. Stroll through Montmartre or The Latin Quarter, grab a drink at the city’s best bars or attend a show at ​Lido de Paris or Moulin Rouge!

• Paris tours

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3 – Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of the best places in Europe for those seeking good weather, good food, and exciting history, mixed with lively nightlife – especially at Bairro Alto.

Get lost in the narrow streets and charming alleys of the district of Alfama, the oldest in the city, stop by the Sé Cathedral and admire the views from the S. Jorge Castle.

For the architecture lovers, the Belém district is full of wonders, such as the Belém Tower or Jerónimos Monastery, the most magnificent examples of Manueline style – also known as the Portuguese late Gothic.

While in Lisbon, there are plenty of incredible day trips, such as the university town of Coimbra ; Aveiro, frequently labeled as the Portuguese Venice; or Fátima, the leading pilgrimage site.

However, no trip to Lisbon would be complete without visiting Sintra, the fairy tale city. With enchanting woods and a charming medieval village to explore, the cherry on top is the colorful Pena Palace, one of Portugal’s most renowned tourist attractions.

• Lisbon tours

See also: Things to do in Lisbon , Best tourist attractions in Lisbon , dBest  day trips from Lisbon , Pena Palace Sintra tickets

4 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Among the most bicycle-friendly cities in Europe, the charming capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is famous for its canals, a fascinating architecture mixture, and great coffee shops.

Immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture with a visit to Anne Frank’s House in the Jewish Quarter and browse through the city’s best museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum.

Taking a day trip is always a good idea, especially in a beautiful country like the Netherlands. Visit the medieval town center of Utrecht, the modern metropolis of Rotterdam, or stop by Keukenhof during the spring for a magical glimpse of the tulips fields.

For a unique experience, sail through the picturesque canals on a canal cruise and marvel at the city’s landmarks.

• Amsterdam tours

See also: Things to do in Amsterdam , Best day trips from Amsterdam , Best tourist attractions in Amsterdam , Best museums in Amsterdam , Van Gogh Museum last minute tickets , Best Amsterdam canal cruises , Rijksmuseum tickets price

5 – Rome, Italy

The capital of the Roman Empire, Rome, has thousands of years of history and culture. It is famous for its stunning architecture, with the main attractions being the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.

Walking around the Eternal City is like visiting an open-air museum, and to check all of the best sites, take a city tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

But there’s also plenty to see indoors, such as the Borghese Gallery, one of the most prestigious museums in the world. For those seeking unusual activities, check the Catacombs of Rome, the underground galleries used as a cemetery for centuries.

Once the sun sets, there’s still fun guaranteed in Rome, with exciting nightlife. Choose from the night tours available to explore the main attractions, embrace the culture and meet locals.

Due to its location, Rome is a perfect city to establish a base and explore the rest of Italy. Before the trip is over, take a day trip to Naples and the sunny Amalfi Coast, marvel at the Renaissance heritage in Florence, or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hadrian’s Villa or Villa d’Este in Tivoli.

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6 – Tromsø, Norway

Where else in the world can combine the magic of the northern lights with the spectacle of city life? Tromsø, located in Norway, is one of the most unique cities in Europe and is known as the “Paris of the North” for good reason.

From reindeer sledding to restaurant excursions, you can enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure and urban living. During winter, the skies are illuminated with the aurora borealis. You can hit the slopes and go skiing or head indoors for some excellent shopping and dining. Between November and January is also an ideal window for whale watching.

Come summer, you can stay up all night with the Midnight Sun and explore the city, go hiking or join a cruise on the fjords to catch sight of the Arctic wildlife.

During your visit, don’t forget to soak up the culture. Plenty of festivals run throughout the year, including the Tromsø International Film Festival. You can even dine over a traditional meal with Sami reindeer herders and gain an appreciation for indigenous heritage.

• Tromsø tours

See also: Things to do in Tromsø , Best Places to See the Northern Lights Around the Globe

7 – Vatican City

The smallest country in the world and located inside of Rome, Vatican City is one of the best European destinations for Catholics or those seeking religious and cultural experiences.

Tour the city’s top-rated attractions, such as the Vatican Museums, with one of the world’s largest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel, to admire Michelangelo’s beautiful frescoes, or the St. Peter’s Basilica, to explore one of the holiest and most important pilgrimage sites.

Wander around St. Peter’s Square, a popular gathering point for tourists and book a seat at the weekly Papal Audience, held every Wednesday, because no trip to the Vatican is complete without seeing the Pope.

See also: Vatican Museum tickets , Vatican Museum early access tickets , Vatican Museum last minute tickets , Best Vatican tours , Papal audience tickets , Sistine Chapel early access tickets , St Peter’s Basilica skip the line tickets

8 – Dubrovnik, Croatia

Also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, the sunkissed Dubrovnik welcomes thousands of tourists every year and marvels them with a unique seafront location and a pleasant Old Town.

Stroll through Cersei’s walk of shame and the Old City Walls on a Game of Thrones tour, that takes the fans across the many filming locations in Dubrovnik, one of the best European cities for TV shows fans.

Visit the top of Mount Srd and soak in the views from the Dubrovnik Cable Car; party at Banje Beach and enjoy many water activities, such as a kayak and snorkeling adventure!

To make the most out of the trip, go on a day trip to explore paradise islands, such as the Elaphiti Islands or Hvar, and pristine beaches in Budva or Makarska.

• Dubrovnik tours

See also: Things to do in Dubrovnik , Best day trips from Dubrovnik , Game of Thrones tours in Dubrovnik

9 – Canary Islands, Spain

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean along the African coast, with 8 unique islands to explore. A true gem for outdoor enthusiasts, with mild temperatures, sunny weather, and unspoiled natural attractions.

With plenty of exciting experiences available, Tenerife is the biggest island of the archipelago, home to Spain’s highest peak (also one of the highest volcanoes in the world). Go for a hike at Teide National Park (or take a stargazing tour), meet the animals at Loro Park, and swim with turtles.

Continue the trip with a visit to Fuerteventura, declared by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, highlighting the dazzling landscapes of Timanfaya National Park. Discover volcanic tunnels at Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes, and taste wine at the volcanic vineyards of La Geria.

Stop by Gran Canaria to stroll around Vegueta’s old town and relax at the best golden sand beaches. But the other islands are also worth a visit, at least on a day trip – La Gomera, with the unique Garajonay National Park; El Hierro with more than 40 diving points;

Save some time for La Palma, with the breathtaking La Caldera de Taburiente National Park; Fuerteventura with pristine beaches and La Graciosa with unique underwater flora and fauna.

• Canary Islands tours

See also: Things to do in Lanzarote , Things to do in Gran Canaria , Things to do in Tenerife , Things to do in Fuerteventura

10 – London, United Kingdom

London is at the top of the bucket list for most travelers, and it’s not hard to figure out why: one of the world’s most acclaimed and cosmopolitan cities, with over two millennia of history, rich in arts, science, architecture, politics, and lively nightlife.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with so many great things to do in London, to ensure the best sites such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and London Eye are visited, take a free walking tour or hop on a bus tour.

To relax from the fast pace of the city, stop by the Kew Gardens, meet the animals at London Zoo, visit one of the city’s many museums or catch a musical show.

Consider also taking a day trip to the prehistoric Stonehenge, the spa town of Bath, or the charming town of Windsor – with the main attraction being the Windsor Castle.

And of course, one cannot mention London without a Harry Potter tour and the chance to experience the magic Harry Potter Studio.

• London tours

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11 – Barcelona, Spain

Artistic, festive, and fun, Barcelona combines a rich cultural heritage with golden sand beaches and vibrant nightlife.

With the Sagrada Familia attracting visitors worldwide, Park Güell and Casa Batlló are also among the city’s highlights. Still, with so much to discover, it might be worth checking the Barcelona attractions passes to ensure the best deals and visit as many monuments as possible.

A walking tour and a hop-on hop-off bus tour are among the best ways to explore Barcelona, but the cherry on top is the helicopter tour for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view.

Stop by La Boqueria to taste some of Barcelona’s finest treats, and for the football fans touring the Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona, is a must.

After checking all of the best tours Barcelona has to offer, it’s always a great idea to explore the surroundings on a day trip. Whether snorkeling on Costa Brava or skiing in Andorra, there’s something for every tourist!

• Barcelona tours

See also: Things to do in Barcelona , Best tourist attractions in Barcelona , Best day trips from Barcelona , Sagrada Familia tickets price , Best Barcelona free walking tours , Best places to visit in Spain

12 – Munich, Germany

With some of the best breweries and Biergartens in Germany, famous for the annual Oktoberfest celebrations, but also with a rich history, architecture, and delicious cuisine, Munich is a major European destination.

Grab a drink at Englischer Garten; explore the Old Town and see the Marienplatz or take a food tour at Viktualienmarkt; visit Nymphenburg Palace, the largest Bavarian palace, check all of Kunstareal District museums and cheer on Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena.

The whole Bavaria region is also worth exploring, so save time for a day trip to visit the magical Neuschwanstein Castle, the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, or ski at Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze.

• Munich tours

See also: Things to do in Munich , Best day trips from Munich

13 – Monaco

The sophisticated and glamorous city-state along the French Riviera, with mild temperatures and home to more millionaires than any other region in the world, Monaco is an excellent destination during the entire year and has plenty of fun things to do.

See the sharks at the Oceanographic Museum, stroll through Palais du Prince, take a walking tour around the charming Old Town, or catch a world-class performance at Opéra de Monte-Carlo.

For car enthusiasts, try a luxury car driving experience and get behind the wheel of a Lamborghini or a Ferrari.

Considering booking the trip during the F1 Grand Prix to catch one of the most thrilling and top-rated races in the world and, of course, try your luck at the best casinos – especially the Monte-Carlo.

• Monaco tours

See also: Things to do in Monaco

14 – Oxford, United Kingdom

Home to England’s oldest university, Oxford is a historical wonderland to explore, and the highlights include the Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Natural History.

Oxford is one of the best European destinations for scholars and literature, and cinema enthusiasts, with places like Alice’s shop and Alice’s Window at Christ Church to explore.

Plenty of famous authors held academic positions at Oxford University, such as Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), J. R. R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings) and C. S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), and only one hour drive away, it’s possible to explore Shakespeare’s birthplace at Stratford-upon-Avon.

Discover the most fabulous filming locations on a Harry Potter or Downton Abbey tour, from the Divinity School and Bodleian Library to the Cogges Manor Farm and St Mary’s Church.

• Oxford tours

See also: Things to do in Oxford

15 – Amalfi Coast, Italy

One of the most beautiful places in the world , attracting thousands of tourists every year, Amalfi Coast is the perfect spring/summer getaway, with a stunning coastline, breathtaking scenic drives and lovely villages to explore.

Start the trip in the port city of Salerno and climb to the top of Castello di Arechi to admire the unique views 270 meters above the gulf. Continue with Vietri sul Mare to appreciate as much art as possible and the typical colorful ceramics.

Stop by the small fishing village of Cetara and taste the delicious seafood before continuing to Maiori and soaking up some local culture and cuisine, or exploring the hidden gem of Tramonti.

Try Minori’s pasta factories, visit the 18th century Church of Santa Trofimena and walk along the Path of Lemons. For some jaw-dropping views, stop by Terrazza dell’Infinito in Ravello.

Head to the hills and check the oldest town in Amalfi Coast, the incredible medieval-style village of Scala, and proceed to the photogenic Atrani, before reaching the famous and energetic Amalfi.

Marvel at the magical Emerald Grotto in Conca dei Marini, before heading to Furore and crossing Fjord of Furore off the bucket list. Continue to Praiano and Positano, the perfect villages to relax by the superb white sand beaches, without forgetting the famous Path of the Gods hike.

• Amalfi Coast tours

See also: Things to do on the Amalfi Coast , Best Amalfi Coast boat tours

16 – Dublin, Ireland

Capital of Ireland, the famous Emerald Isle, thousands of tourists are attracted to Dublin for the legendary Guinness Storehouse, the Irish beer and lively pubs, but the city has much more to offer and has inspired so many artists with its unique beauty.

From James Joyce’s “Ulysses” to the filming location of “Braveheart”, also visit the deers at Phoenix Park, and tour the renowned landmarks, such as the Dublin Castle and the Trinity College.

When in Dublin, make sure to save time for a day trip and explore the stunning surroundings – any Game of Thrones fans out here? There are plenty of  Game of Thrones tours from Dublin available, stopping by the prominent filming locations in the area.

• Dublin tours

See also: Things to do in Dublin , Best day trips from Dublin , Guinness Storehouse tickets price

17 – Florence, Italy

Florence is easily among the best European destinations for art and history lovers. Birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the wealthiest cities during the medieval era, Florence became a top-tier artistic, commercial and political center.

Stroll through the massive Piazza del Duomo, which feels like an open-air museum, and climb to the Duomo’s dome for the most impressive view of Florence.

Discover the home of the Medici Royal Family at Pitti Palace and head to the gothic masterpiece of Palazzo Vecchio.

Florence houses some of the best and most visited museums in Italy, and to make the most out of it, consider grabbing a combined ticket to the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery.

Besides Florence, the whole Tuscany region deserves to be explored (make sure to not miss our list of things to do in Tuscany ). Take a day trip to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the medieval towers of San Gimignano or relax at the spa town of Saturnia.

• Florence tours

See also: Things to do in Florence , Best day trips from Florence , Florence Duomo tickets price , Florence Duomo tours , Palazzo Vecchio tickets price , Pitti Palace tickets price , Accademia Gallery tickets price , Uffizzi Gallery tickets price , Best museums in Florence

18 – Santa Claus Village, Finland

This amusement park located in Rovaniemi, in the Lapland region, is one of the best places to visit in Europe with children, but grants a whole lot of fun for the whole family.

The main attractions at the Santa Claus Village are the Arctic Circle, a white line painted across the park letting visitors know when they’ve officially entered the Arctic region.

In the heart of the village, the Santa Claus Office can be found, open since 1992 with the world’s nicest man welcoming thousands of visitors from all over the world in his office.

Due to its latitude, this charming village and its surroundings are perfect for some northern lights hunting. This stunning natural phenomenon will make the Santa Claus Village even more magical.

• Rovaniemi tours

See also: Things to do in Rovaniemi

19 – Milan, Italy

Busy and cosmopolitan, Milan is home to the major Italian fashion brands and offers a perfect mix of art and historical architecture, with impressive modern skyscrapers.

One cannot go to Milan without visiting one of the most sacred landmarks and among the most prominent Christian sites globally, the Duomo. Next to it, there’s the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the perfect place for window shopping across some high fashion boutiques.

Book a ticket to Santa Maria Delle Grazie, for the unique opportunity to admire Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, one of the most acclaimed works from the creative genius.

Milan is considerably quick to visit, making the perfect opportunity to combine it with a day trip to one of the nearby stunning lakes, such as Lake Como and Lake Garda; or a mountain adventure at the Swiss Alps or the Dolomites.

• Milan tours

See also: Things to do in Milan , Best day trips from Milan , Duomo Milan skip the line tickets , Santa Maria Delle Grazie tickets price , Last Supper Milan last minute tickets

20 – Meteora, Greece

Literally meaning “suspended in the air”, Meteora is an impressive area in Greece with unique rock formations shaped by the rain, wind and other natural phenomenons for millions of years.

But the most astonishing thing about the area is the Orthodox monasteries housed on top of the rocks, assembling one of the world’s largest and most important Orthodox monasteries complexes.

Before the monasteries were built, there were caves – such as the Theopetra Cave – inhabited for over 50.000 years and occupied by monks seeking refuge during the Turkish occupation.

During the 19th century, steps were carved into the rocks, but back in the days, the top was only accessible by ropes and retractable ladders, making it even more mind-blowing and worth a visit.

• Meteora tours

21 – Krka National Park, Croatia

Just one hour away from Split, along the Krka River, is one of Croatia’s best natural wonders, the Krka National Park.

Intended for scientific, cultural, and educational purposes, recreational and touristic activities quickly gained popularity among the visitors.

Visit one of the most preserved and unaltered ecosystems, with exceptionally rich flora. Even though it’s no longer possible to swim there, it’s still worth a visit to the Skradinski Buk, an incredible natural pool with a set of waterfalls.

Set aside one full day to explore the park and the footpaths, and consider taking either a sightseeing or boat tour.

• Krka (town) tours

22 – Bologna, Italy

The capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and world-famous for some of the most delicious pasta dishes, Bologna is one of the best places to visit in Europe for the foodies.

Try as many Tagliatelle al Ragù Bolognese as possible, and consider a food tour to taste the best cured meats, sausages, and cheeses across the city’s popular markets, such as the Quadrilatero Old Market and Mercato Delle Erbe.

Between food tastings, climb the Bologna Towers, once used by the wealthy families for defensive purposes. Wander around Bologna’s main square, Piazza Maggiore, and find the hidden canals at Finestrella di Via Piella.

• Bologna tours

See also: Things to do in Bologna

23 – Brussels, Belgium

Home to the European Parliament and known as the capital of Europe, along with world-class beer, delicious chocolate and waffles, mixed with rich history, architecture and museums, make Brussels a traveler’s dream.

Start exploring at the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the center of Brussels, and don’t forget a visit to the Atomium.

To check all of the iconic landmarks like the Parc du Cinquantenaire and the Palais Royal, consider either a bike or a bus tour, and stop by the world’s largest parliamentary visitor center, the Parlamentarium.

• Brussels tours

See also: Things to do in Brussels

24 – Berlin, Germany

Famous for its world-class museums and for being one of the most iconic European cities, Berlin combines turbulent history, high technology, and culture with authentic German pubs and Biergartens.

For the most breathtaking views of the city, visit the TV Tower and the German Parliament Building, also known as the Reichstag, and climb to its dome.

Consider a walking tour to learn about history at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and what’s left of the Berlin wall; walk across the Brandenburg Gate, and stroll through the main landmarks, such as the Alexanderplatz.

• Berlin tours

See also: Things to do in Berlin , Best free walking tours in Berlin , Reichstag Dome tickets , Berlin TV Tower tickets price

25 – Pompeii, Italy

Speaking of turbulent history, just 30 minutes away from Naples is a major UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited archeological sites in the world, the city of Pompeii is one of the best places to visit in Europe for history lovers.

Destroyed by Mount Vesuvius’s eruption, the quick burial of the Roman city allowed its preservation for centuries and its excavation provided unique information about life in the ancient world.

The Archaeological Park of Pompeii is definitely worth visiting and there are plenty of tours departing from nearby locations, such as the Amalfi Coast villages. There’s also the possibility to combine it with a climb to Mount Vesuvius.

Among the unmissable places to check are the Basilica, the Forum, the House of Faun and one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters, the Amphitheatre of Pompeii. Get a skip-the-line ticket and start exploring right away!

• Pompeii tours

See also: Pompeii tickets price , Best Pompeii tours

26 – Andorra

This small country, located by the eastern Pyrenees, between Spain and France, is one of the best winter destinations in Europe when it becomes a ski and snowboard paradise.

Among the fun things to do in Andorra are plenty of ski areas, such as Pas de la Casa, Vallnord, and Grandvalira.

Andorra la Vella – the capital – is also worth checking, with the largest spa center in Europe, the magnificent Caldea, fed by mineral-rich thermal waters.

This is also an excellent destination for beautiful hikes and mountain biking experiences throughout the entire year. Enjoy a getaway in nature, amid lakes and mountains, with trails for all levels – such as the Tristaina Lake Trail.

• Andorra tours

27 – Manchester, United Kingdom

Manchester is one of the UK’s major creative hubs, with outstanding nightlife, lovely Victorian-era architecture, and a renowned sporting industry.

An excellent destination for sports lovers, start the trip with a tour of the two main stadiums, the Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, and Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City; and check out the National Football Museum.

With a thriving arts scene, there’s plenty to explore indoors – at the Manchester Art Gallery or The Whitworth – but also outdoors, on a memorable street art tour.

And the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Catch a performance at Manchester Opera House, which has hosted major musicals like the Phantom of the Opera; or see a show at one of Europe’s largest indoor arenas, AO Arena.

• Manchester tours

See also: Things to do in Manchester

28 – Madrid, Spain

Welcoming millions of visitors every year, the stunning capital of Spain, Madrid, promises a trip full of exciting things to do and unforgettable memories.

Start with a glimpse of the Spanish Royal Family life at the Royal Palace of Madrid and check the Almudena Cathedral nearby. Consider joining a free walking tour and exploring the unique districts, such as Barrio de las Letras or La Latina ​- and even a Money Heist’s filming locations tour.

With some of the finest European museums housed in Madrid, marvel at the greatest masterpieces from Goya, Reubens, or El Greco at Prado Museum, and Pablo Picasso’s Guernica at Reina Sofia Museum.

Due to its central location, Madrid is the perfect base for exploring other Spanish gems, such as the impressive medieval castle in Segovia, the wine region of Ribera del Duero, or the lively university city of Salamanca.

• Madrid tours

See also: Things to do in Madrid , Best day trips from Madrid , Best tourist attractions in Madrid , Royal Palace of Madrid tickets price , Reina Sofia Museum tickets price , Prado Museum tickets price , Madrid free walking tours

29 – Azores, Portugal

One of Europe’s best-kept secrets and often compared to Hawaii, the subtropical archipelago of Azores is a hidden gem in the Atlantic ocean. With nine inhabited islands, this is one of the best destinations for outdoor lovers and those seeking a nature retreat.

With mild temperatures and incredible coastline, Azores are a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. Step away from the shore and embark on some diving adventure or whale and dolphin watching.

Explore the beautiful trails and soak in the views of the Sete Cidades Caldera or Boca do Inferno viewpoint in São Miguel island; hike Mount Pico in Pico Island, Monte Brasil in Terceira, or Fajã Grande in Flores and spot many lakes, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes.

Also, in São Miguel, stop by Furnas Valley to check the geothermal wonder of Lagoa das Furnas, immerse in the hot springs of Terra Nostra Garden, and taste the unique Cozido das Furnas, a local stew made from meat and vegetable, slowly cooked underground with the hot springs steam.

• Azores tours

See also: Things to do in the Azores

30 – Loire Castles, France

Once the extravagant retreats of the French kings, designed for entertainment and enjoyment purposes, today, the fairy tale castles of the Loire Valley are one of the most fascinating European destinations.

With tours for all kinds of budgets, this dreamy multi-day trip easily reached from Paris must be on everyone’s list – the most challenging part is choosing which ones to visit, among so many great options.

The glorious and beautiful decorated Château of Chambord is one of France’s most famous castles; originally a fortified tower, Château de Villandry stands out for the marvelous Renaissance gardens.

With stunning views of the Loire River, Château d’Amboise might be small but equally worth visiting; Château du Clos Lucé, the official residence of Leonardo da Vinci between 1516 and 1519; and the list of the best Loire Valley Castles goes on!

• Loire Valley tours

See also: Best Loire Valley Castles to Visit from Paris

31 – Lake Bled, Slovenia

One of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions, with clear turquoise waters and a stunning tiny island with a church in the middle, Lake Bled is perfect for a summer getaway.

Easily reached from Ljubljana, the visit to Lake Bled can also be combined with Vintgar Gorge, another of Bled’s natural wonders.

Adventure on the lake on a boat ride, kayaking, or take a dip in the swimming area. For some land activities, hike the Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica loop trail.

The medieval Bled Castle is also worth visiting, sitting atop a cliff 130 meters above the lake, with stunning views – especially at sunset – and even a unique dining experience. Tasting the typical Bled Cream Cake called Kremšnita is a must for those with a sweet tooth.

32 – Mallorca, Spain

The sunny jewel of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is one of the best European summer destinations and among the most popular Mediterranean islands.

Explore its spectacular coastline and relax at the most pristine white sand beaches of Cala Vella and Es Trenc Beach, or adventure on a snorkeling tour and explore the underwater wonders.

Wander around Palma de Mallorca Old Town, stop by the magnificent Palma Cathedral and delight yourself on a tapas tour.

Mallorca offers breathtaking landscapes, and hiking Serra de Tramuntana mountain is a must. However, don’t overlook the stunning underworld of Cuevas del Drach and Caves of Hams.

• Mallorca tours

See also: Things to do in Mallorca

33 – Cinque Terre, Italy

A popular Italian tourist destination, the coastal villages of Cinque Terre offer stunning beaches, photogenic colorful houses, thrilling hikes and superb cuisine.

Monterosso al Mare is the biggest of the five villages and the ultimate beach destination. Vernazza is famous for the colorful houses along the small harbor, with the castle on top of the hill, quickly becoming the most photographed spot in the region.

Riomaggiore, famous for delicious wine and olive oil, is connected to Manarola through Via dell’Amore, the most romantic footpath with incredible sea views.

Last but not least, stop by the oldest and smallest villa, Corniglia. Surrounded by lovely vineyards, stop by Saint Mary’s Terrace and soak in the views.

• Cinque Terre tours

See also: Best Cinque Terre boat tours , Fun things to do in Cinque Terre

34 – Faroe Islands

Tucked between Iceland and Norway, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Faroe Islands offer one of the best and most unique sceneries in Europe, and its popularity is quickly rising.

Explore Lake Sorvagsvatn and its optical illusion, with an angle where it looks like the river is floating above the ocean; marvel at the beautiful Mulafossur Waterfall in the village of Gasadalur and snap a picture of the iconic Drangarnir.

Home to thousands of Puffins, visit the Mykines island to meet these adorable birds. With more sheep than humans, you’re most likely to encounter these fluffy inhabitants during the trip.

Despite the remote locations, exploring the Faroe Islands on a road trip is very easy, especially with the underwater tunnels connecting them.

35 – Krakow, Poland

One of Poland’s oldest cities and the second-largest one, there are several reasons to visit the historical Krakow.

Start by wandering around the charming old town and let this UNESCO World Heritage site transport you back to middle age.

Explore Wawel Royal Castle, one of Poland’s most important cultural sites, the largest medieval square, Rynek, and tour Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter.

Just a few minutes away from Krakow, save the last day for a tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau – which can be emotionally draining, but full of remarkable stories that deserve to be remembered.

• Krakow tours

See also: Things to do in Krakow

36 – Pisa, Italy

Worldwide famous for the leaning tower and for being the birthplace of Galileo Galilei, Pisa is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway.

The city’s highlight is Piazza dei Miracoli, where it’s possible to explore the main landmarks – the Pisa Cathedral, Pisa Baptistry, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

It’s also worth strolling through the River Arno, walking along the shopping street, Borgo Stretto, and checking Pisa’s second main square, Piazza dei Cavalieri.

Save at least one full day to explore the surrounding area and make the most of your Tuscany trip, admiring the Renaissance city walls of Luca, the modern Livorno, by the Ligurian Sea, or the enchanting Florence.

See also: Leaning Tower of Pisa tickets , Things to do in Pisa

37 – Malaga, Spain

In the sunny Spanish Costa del Sol, showing the best Andalusia has to offer, Malaga mixes paradisiac beaches, diverse museums, vibrant nightlife and delicious tapas.

With a rich history, explore the Alcazaba and marvel at the views from the ancient Gibralfaro Castle.

The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, find plenty of its wonderful works at the Picasso Museum or join a walking tour and pass across the artist’s childhood home.

Sunbathe at the best Mediterranean beaches, from the famous Playa la Malagueta to the less crowded Playa Peñon del Cuervo.

• Malaga tours

See also: Things to do in Malaga

38 – Bran Castle, Romania

One of Europe’s most famous castles, perched atop a hill, the Bran Castle is commonly known as Dracula’s home.

Built during the 12th century at Transylvania and Wallachia’s border, used for defensive purposes against the Ottoman Empire, providing safe passage between the regions and contributing to their economic development.

The site gained popularity for matching the castle described in Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula, even though the Irish author never visited Romania.

Welcoming thousands of visitors per year, it houses a private museum dedicated to Queen Marie’s art and furniture collection, richly ornating the rooms.

• Transylvania tours

See also: Best castles in Europe

39 – Kravica Waterfall, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the large Kravica Waterfall by the Trebižat River is one of the country’s most precious jewels and best-kept secrets, with its popularity still rising.

Open from May to October, with 25 meters high, this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the area has much more to offer, such as a peaceful picnic area and a small cafe.

During the hottest months, the best part of the visit is diving into the lake’s clear waters. There are kayaking tours through the river available for those wanting to explore a little more.

40 – Keukenhof gardens, Netherlands

The world’s most extensive flower garden, the Keukenhof is one of the best places to visit in Europe during the spring and witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing 7 million tulips bloom.

Rent a bike and pedal around the park or take a relaxing boat tour, a visit to the Keukenhof gardens is also an excellent program for the whole family, let the kids join a scavenger hunt throughout the gardens or pet some furry friends at the petting zoo.

Attracting millions of visitors each year, the garden is easily reached from Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

See also: Keukenhof Gardens tickets price

41 – Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a dream destination with diverse architecture, from the gothic wonder of Church of Our Lady before Týn to the modern and creative Dancing House; outstanding museums, and vibrant nightlife.

Start with a walking tour to check the city’s main sites, from admiring the outstanding Old Town and seeing the famous Astronomical Clock, to the iconic Prague Castle.

Cross the Charles Bridge – possibly on a ghost tour, and learn at the various museums, from the Museum of Communism to the Apple Museum.

Immerse in the local culture and attend a Czech Folklore Show or get the time of your life at a locally-led pub crawl.

• Prague tours

See also: Things to do in Prague , Prague Castle tickets price , Prague free walking tours

42 – Athens, Greece

Overflowing with legends and stories from the Greek Empire, ranking among the sunniest cities in Europe, Athens’s rich history mixed with modernity makes it a complex and extraordinary destination.

Explore the main historical landmarks, such as the iconic Acropolis – and climb there for the city’s best views; marvel at the Parthenon temple’s architecture and visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

After checking all monuments and museums, relax by the white sand beaches at Athens Riviera, or consider a day trip to make the most of this Greek adventure.

• Athens tours

See also: Things to do in Athens , Best tourist attractions in Athens , Best day trips from Athens , Acropolis tickets price

43 – Versailles, France

Formerly a royal residence, the magnificent Versailles Palace is one of the world’s most visited palaces nowadays and can be easily reached from Paris.

Several tickets are available, some of which also include the Estate of Trianon, Versailles Gardens, and even the musical fountain show, to make the most of the visit – and if the tickets are sold out, check how to grant last-minute Versailles Palace tickets !

With a massive area and over 2000 rooms, it might be worth considering a guided tour to understand its history. One of the palace’s highlights is the Hall of Mirrors, with 357 mirrors.

• Versailles tours

See also: Versailles tickets price , Best Versailles tours , Best places to visit in France

44 – Porto, Portugal

Often considered one of the best European destinations, Porto has outstanding beauty mixed with delicious gastronomy and incredible nightlife.

Explore the old town and its iconic landmarks, from the Sé do Porto Cathedral to the colorful Largo da Pena Ventosa square, and the spectacular views from Miradouro da Vitória.

While in Porto, one can’t overlook the chance to taste one of the world’s most famous wines, the delicious Francesinha, and catch a fado show.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Porto, from observing the inspiration behind Harry Potter at Gomes Teixeira Square to the fantastic Douro Valley cruises, or exciting day trips to the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the Minho region.

• Porto tours

See also: Things to do in Porto

45 – Stockholm, Sweden

A small city where the land meets the sea, with a rich Viking history, exciting music scene, and plenty of islands to explore on a kayaking trip, Stockholm is an excellent destination for a quick city break.

Admire artifacts at the Royal Palace and wander around the colorful Gamla Stan – which translates to Old Town.

To get deeper into the city’s history, visit the 17th-century warship at Vasa Museum. With the Vikings being one of Sweden’s most famous ancestors, several tours pass through the most important sites, such as the ancient settlement of Granby.

Delight in modern Swedish cuisine and enjoy Stockholm’s nightlife, whether it is by catching a show at Avicii Arena, seeing a ballet at Royal Swedish Opera, or joining a pub crawl.

• Stockholm tours

See also: Things to do in Stockholm

46 – Riga, Latvia

Riga is the liveliest among the capitals, with outstanding Art Nouveau architecture, exuberant nightlife, and stunning landscapes.

Stroll around the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with most of Riga’s monuments, such as the iconic House of the Blackheads, the St. Peter’s Church, or the Central Market.

Learn about the Latvian War of Independence at Freedom Monument, and get transported back to Medieval times at the Swedish Gate.

Try some Riga Black Balsam – made from pure vodka – and party at the many pubs and bars.

See also: Things to do in Riga

47 – Granada, Spain

Granada is an excellent choice for a city break: one of the most iconic Andalusian destinations, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful Islamic architecture, delicious tapas, and exciting flamenco shows.

Perched atop a hill, find the impressive Alhambra fortress and marvel at the views from the Alcazaba Tower. There are plenty of Alhambra tickets available, some of which also combine the visit to Generalife.

Check the Royal Chapel of Granada, explore the unique Albaicín district, and explore the Moorish-styled Alcaicería. For a remarkable sunset, stop by San Nicolas Viewpoint.

With a rich Arab heritage, save some time to relax at a traditional hammam spa or tour the best-preserved Arab baths at El Bañuelo.

• Granada tours

See also: Things to do in Granada , Alhambra tickets price

48 – Kiruna, Sweden

As the northernmost city in Sweden, Kiruna is well-situated for all of your Arctic adventures. Whether you’re journeying here to witness the aurora borealis or stay the night in the famous Ice Hotel, Kiruna will expand your horizons.

Head to the Abisko National Park and immerse yourself in the alpine landscape. Here, you can watch the northern lights come out, go hiking or practice your photographic skills.

For a classic Swedish experience, put on your snowsuit and go dog sledding! Keep your camera on hand to capture the once-in-a-lifetime ride. This is one activity the kids won’t soon forget. If you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, you can traverse the terrain on a snowmobile.

To get a taste of local culture, you can join a city tour that includes dining out on street food. Savor the Arctic cheese and reindeer and moose meat in a traditional tipi!

• Kiruna tours

See also: Things to do in Kiruna

49 – Frankfurt, Germany

Once among the most significant medieval cities in Germany, most of Frankfurt was destroyed during the Second World War. Nowadays, it perfectly blends modernity and history, with an impressive skyline, rich museums, the Goethe-Haus, and Anne Frank’s first home.

Look out for the city’s oldest building, the 15th-century medieval Eschenheim Tower, contrasting with Financial District’s opulent skyscrapers – where the city gets its Mainhattan nickname from.

Explore the lively Römerberg and soak in the views from the top of the Frankfurt Cathedral observation tower. Cross the Eiserner Steg bridge and stroll through the scenic Mainkai walk while marveling at the Main river.

Famous for its sausages, stop by Kleinmarkthalle to grab a traditional wurst at Metzgerei Schreiber, and accompany it with some apple wine.

• Frankfurt tours

See also: Things to do in Frankfurt

50 – Capri, Italy

Located in the Gulf of Naples, with an outstanding landscape and delicious cuisine, there’s a lot to explore in Capri.

Check the world-famous Piazzetta di Capri, the island’s center and its liveliest area, and try some ravioli capresi at the local restaurants.

Book a boat tour in Capri and adventure on its stunning turquoise waters and marvel at the Arco Naturale and Blue Gotto. Relax by the Gardens of Augustus and admire its views.

Visit the dreamy Villa San Michele and, of course, sunbathe at Capri’s best beaches such as Marina Grande, the best one for swimming, and the famous Bagni di Tiberio.

• Capri tours

See also: Best boat tours in Capri

51 – Greek Islands

From the worldwide famous dreamy white villages of Santorini to the unique pink sand of Elafonisi Beach in Crete, the Greek Islands are a piece of heaven in the Mediterranean and definitely worth visiting.

In Crete, the largest of the islands, stroll around the Venetian Harbour and explore Chania ’s lovely Old Town, sunbathe in Falasarna, and marvel at the historical Knossos Palace.

Continuing to one of the finest islands in the Aegean Sea, Rhodes, explore the ancient ruins of Lindos Acropolis, snorkel in secluded coves, and wonder at the natural reserve of the Butterflies Valley.

Home of Hippocrates, Kos has a rich history and unique landscapes to explore. Continue with Mykonos with a lovely old town and vibrant nightlife, making it one of the best greek islands for partying.

With jaw-dropping turquoise waters, stop by Porto Timoni Beach in Corfu, snorkel in one of the finest Blue Lagoons in the world, and visit the distinctive Cape Dastris cliffs.

On the best European island for a honeymoon, the charming Santorini, watch the most romantic sunsets at Oia and swim at the unique Red Beach with volcanic red sand.

And of course, there’s much more to explore, considering Greece has over 200 islands. Enjoy the dreamiest beaches, embrace its rich history and try the delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

See also: Things to do in Rhodes , Things to do in Kos , Things to do in Santorini , Things to do in Crete , Things to do in Corfu , Things to do in Mykonos , Things to do in Paros , Things to do in Naxos

52 – Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Croatia’s oldest and largest natural park, with almost 300 km², Plitvice Lakes, is one of the best places to visit in Europe and among its most extraordinary natural wonders.

Its primary attraction is the crystal clear lakes, which only cover 1% of this enormous park. With a total of 16 main lakes connected through stunning waterfalls, even though they look enchanting, swimming is prohibited.

With incredible fauna and flora to admire, adventure on the park’s hiking trails, or rent a boat and row in Kozjak lake. The park turns into a white wonderland during the winter, and skiing is among the most popular activities.

• Plitvice Lake tours

53 – Seville, Spain

Among the most famous cities of Andalusia, with world-famous flamenco shows, glorious architecture, and delicious tapas, the sunkissed Seville is filled with fun things to do.

With Christian and Moorish influences, explore the stunning Real Alcázar of Seville, and continue to the Seville Cathedral & La Giralda, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral.

Climb to the unique Setas de Sevilla and rent a rowboat at Plaza de Plaza de España. And for the Game of Thrones fans, there are a couple of filming locations to visit.

To make the most of your trip, there are plenty of day trips available, from the historical Italica, the natural wonder of Doñana National Park, the unique city of Ronda, to the paradise beaches at Zahara de los Atunes.

• Seville tours

See also: Things to do in Seville , Best day trips from Seville , Real Alcazar of Seville tickets price

54 – Belgrade, Serbia

World-famous for its vibrant nightlife and parties, Belgrade has something for everyone – from spectacular galleries and architecture to the bustling streets and best bars.

Visit Belgrade’s largest park, Kalemegdan, and find the old citadel at the Belgrade Fortress. Admire Serbia’s major Orthodox Church, the Church of St Sava, and stop by the Nikola Tesla Museum.

After absorbing all of the city’s rich and turbulent history, embrace its reputable nightlife, with great indoor clubs and taverns during the cold months, and riverside venues for the warm months.

• Belgrade tours

See also: Things to do in Belgrade

55 – Trolltunga, Norway

Translated to “troll tongue”, Norway’s most famous rock formation and one of the most photographed in the world, Trolltunga, is perched on the side of a fjord, over 1000 meters above the sea.

The 14 km hike starts by the Ringedalsvatnet lake and takes about 8-12 hours, depending on the experience level. Despite the challenging trail, take the time to enjoy the journey and marvel at the breathtaking Norwegian landscape.

56 – Ibiza, Spain

A Spanish oasis in the Mediterranean, the island of Ibiza is one of the best places to visit in Europe during the summer months.

With an outstanding coastline, take a boat tour and cool down by the island’s incredible beaches, from Cala Comte, the most famous one, the calm turquoise waters of Cala Bassa, to the hippie vibe of Cala Benirràs.

Wander around the fortified Old Town, with labyrinth streets and the best views over the harbor.

And what most visitors come from: go party – from plenty of boat and pool parties to join, to the world’s most famous beach clubs and the best party venues, there’s always fun granted in Ibiza.

• Ibiza tours

See also: Things to do in Ibiza

57 – Geneva, Switzerland

Near the French border, the city of Geneva is the headquarters of the United Nations in Europe, with the impressive Palais des Nations.

Explore the charming Old Town, see the Flower Clock at the lovely Jardin Anglais and visit the city’s incredible museums such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.

By the margin of Geneva Lake, admire one of the world’s tallest water fountains, Jet d’Eau, and explore the lake and the surrounding cities on a boat tour.

And while in Switzerland, taste as much chocolate as possible!

• Geneva tours

See also: Things to do in Geneva

58 – Sofia, Bulgaria

Less touristy than the nearby European capitals, Sofia is famous for the massive Saint Alexander Nevsky Patriarch’s Cathedral, the royal Vrana Palace, and the 10th-century Boyana Church.

Stroll through the pedestrian Pirotska Street, stop by its excellent shops and cafes, or grab a souvenir at the Central Market Hall.

Catch a worldwide famous folklore show or a performance at the Sofia Opera and Ballet, and embrace the city’s lively nightlife.

• Sofia tours

See also: Things to do in Sofia

59 – Ljubjana, Slovenia

The charming capital of Slovenia by the margin of the Ljubljanica River, one of Ljubljana’s most iconic attractions is the Ljubljana Castle perched atop a hill, in the middle of the city.

Cross the Dragon Bridge – with the dragon being the city’s symbol and protector – explore the beautiful Old Town, with the lively Prešeren Square, ​and finish by relaxing at the large Tivoli Park.

For some alternative activities, stop by the Metelkova Art Center, the city’s cultural and artistic hub, with performances, exhibitions, and a lot of incredible street art.

• Ljubljana tours

See also: Things to do in Ljubljana

60 – Copenhagen, Denmark

Famous for being Hans Christian Andersen’s birthplace and the little mermaid sculpture, this small Scandinavian city has a lot to offer to its visitors.

With magnificent Danish cuisine and the famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park, Copenhagen attracts visitors worldwide.

Shop at Strøget, Europe’s largest pedestrian streets, wander around the city’s Old Town, and admire Nyhavn’s colorful architecture through a canal cruise.

Delve into Copenhagen’s rich history and culture with a visit to Christiansborg Palace and the many museums – such as the National Museum of Denmark.

• Copenhagen tours

See also: Things to do in Copenhagen

61 – Mont Saint Michel, France

Easily reached on a day trip from Paris to Normandy, the magnificent Mont Saint Michel is one of France’s most remarkable medieval gems.

Welcoming pilgrims since the 8th century, this small island with the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel perched at the top is one of the most unique places to visit in Europe.

Take the time to explore the medieval village, admire the ancient defense walls and climb to the North Tower observation deck, for an outstanding view of the bay.

• Normandy tours

See also: Best Normandy tours from Paris , Mont Saint Michel Day Trip from Paris – Price & Tips

62 – Helsinki, Finland

By the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the charming Helsinki delights those who visit it with stunning sea landscapes, landmarks and delicious Nordic cuisine.

Take the ferry to one of the world’s largest sea fortresses, Suomenlinna, once a substantial naval base. Today, not only one of Finland’s most fantastic attractions but also home to 900 inhabitants.

With a great diversity of attractions, visit Temppeliaukio Church, an ancient church carved into a rock, the 19th century Helsinki Cathedral and the orthodox Uspenski Cathedral.

Explore the city’s interesting museums, from the art pieces at Kiasma and Ateneum to the Design Museum. Save also some time to grab a souvenir at Helsinki’s Market Square or get the adrenaline rushing at Linnanmäki amusement park.

• Helsinki tours

See also: Things to do in Helsinki

63 – The Blue Eye, Albania

The Blue Eye, a natural water spring pool, source to the Bistricë River, is one of the most unique places to visit in Albania.

Easily reached upon a 35-minute drive from the city of Sarandë, the Blue Eye dazzles everyone with its turquoise crystal clear waters, surrounded by a dense forest.

Divers have explored at least 50 meters, but its total depth is still uncertain. Even though swimming in these mysterious waters is prohibited, marvel at this incredible natural phenomenon and watch the bubbles rising to the surface.

• Sarandë tours

Read more: Most Beautiful Places in Europe

64 – Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Famous for its iconic castle perched atop a hill and the medieval old town, Edinburgh’s culture-rich city and artistic is one of the most incredible places to visit in the UK.

Enjoy the best panoramic views from Calton Hill or hike the 2.4-mile trail through the ancient volcano up to Arthur’s Seat.

Explore the city’s greatest museums, such as the National Museum or the National Galleries of Scotland, and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the former residence of Scotland’s queens.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Edinburgh, from visiting some of Outlander’s filming locations, to taking this opportunity to explore more of Scotland’s beauty, with a day trip to Loch Ness and the Highlands.

• Edinburgh tours

See also: Things to do in Edinburgh , Best day trips from Edinburgh , Edinburgh Castle tickets price , Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets price

65 – Bratislava, Slovakia

Not the typical European capital, easily visited in one weekend, the lovely Bratislava offers plenty of significant landmarks to explore.

Explore the city’s charming Old Town, cross the Michael’s Gate and visit the fairy-tale Bratislava Castle.

Admire the art nouveau of The Blue Church, admire the views from the historical Devín Castle and stroll through Bratislava’s best museums.

Save also some time to soak in the local culture, from catching a play at Slovak National Theatre to trying the city’s best cafes and lively bars.

• Bratislava tours

See also: Things to do in Bratislava

66 – Mycenae, Greece

Located in eastern Peloponnese, Mycenae, what was once one of the Greek civilization’s major centers, is today one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.

Quickly visited on a day trip from Athens, with buses running between the two cities, explore the kingdom of the legendary Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War.

Cross the famous Lion Gate, the entrance to the fortified town, and visit the Treasury of Atreus, where it’s allegedly the tomb of Agamemnon.

Also, stop by the Archaeological Museum and marvel at the impressive exhibits and artifacts excavated at the site.

• Peloponnese tours

67 – Salzburg, Austria

A worldwide famous music center, from the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to the internationally acclaimed annual Salzburg Festival and the greatest operas and orchestral concerts, Salzburg is one of the best cities to visit in Austria.

Relive the iconic Sound of Music with several tours passing through the movie’s filming locations – including tours departing from Vienna and Munich, if you’re only planning to take a day trip.

While in the city, explore one of Europe’s biggest medieval castles, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, wander around Mirabell Palace’s gardens, and admire most of the city’s landmarks at the Old Town, including Salzburg Cathedral and the lively Getreidegasse shopping street.

• Salzburg tours

See also: Things to do in Salzburg , Best Sound of Music tours in Salzburg

68 – Rhine Falls, Switzerland

The largest waterfall in Europe, the massive Rhine Falls are one of the best places to visit in Switzerland, located on the border between Schaffhausen and Zurich.

A great attraction all year round, but the true power of the Rhine Falls is visible during the summer, with the water impressively flowing at 600,000 liters per second.

Just 40 minutes away from Zurich, it’s an excellent destination for a day trip. Start by exploring the lovely villages by the river and marvel at nature’s beauty from the multiple viewing platforms.

For an even more memorable experience, consider taking a boat cruise if visiting between spring to fall.

69 – Oslo, Norway

Frequently overlooked compared to its neighbors, the city of Oslo deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list, with plenty of fun activities available.

For the history lovers, stop by the Viking Ship Museum and wander around one of Norway’s most impressive Renaissance buildings, the Akershus Fortress.

For those looking for outdoor activities, join a Fjord sightseeing cruise and marvel at the unique landscape, adventure in some hiking in Nordmarka or go skiing at Oslo Winter Park.

Explore the charming Old Town and stop by the main shopping area, Karl Johan street. Tour the Aker Brygge neighborhood, catch a concert at the Oslo Opera House, or relax at a typical Scandinavian floating sauna.

See also: Things to do in Oslo

70 – Blue Lagoon, Iceland

One of Iceland’s most famous attractions, the unique Blue Lagoon, is the perfect way to relax on a day trip from Reykjavik – and multiple tours are available, making it very easy to access.

With a unique milky blue shade (due to the high silica concentration in the water), this insta-worthy destination is a great option all year round, with an average temperature of 39 °C at the geothermal pools.

Just remember to book the tickets in advance, considering its broad popularity.

See also: Things to do in Reykjavik , Best day trips from Reykjavik

71 – Corsica, France

Immediately located above Sardinia , perfectly mixing French and Italian culture, bathed by the warm Mediterranean waters, the island of Corsica is a great European destination for the summer months.

With Corsica’s stunning sandy beaches with crystal clear water, spend the holidays sunbathing and relaxing at the famous Porto-Vecchio or the secret Petit Sperone Beach.

Explore the rich underwater fauna and flora on a diving or snorkeling tour; and adventure through the Bavella Needles or the epic GR20 hiking trail and marvel at Corsica’s landscape.

Take the time to stroll through Bastia Old Harbor, visit the lovely villages of La Balagne, Pigna or Sant’ Antonino, and delight with the best Mediterranean food, it’ll surely be an unforgettable trip.

• Corsica tours

See also: Things to do in Corsica , Best boat tours in Corsica , Best islands to visit in Europe during Summer

72 – Canyon Matka, Republic of Macedonia

Less than a 30-minute drive from Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, the impressive Canyon Matka is a popular day/half day trip for locals and tourists alike.

Covering about 5.000 hectares, this unique nature getaway offers plenty of outdoor activities, from renting a kayak to taking a boat tour.

Despite the unique landscape, one curiosity about this place is it holds Macedonia’s oldest artificial lake, made in 1938.

With several medieval monasteries and 10 caves, including Vrelo Cave, one of Europe’s deepest underwater caves, it’s one of the best places to visit in Southeast Europe.

73 – Belfast, United Kingdom

The largest city in Northern Ireland and its capital, Belfast, is famous worldwide for being where the RMS Titanic was built.

The Titanic legacy is still solid these days; take this opportunity to learn more about its history at the Titanic Belfast museum and explore the Titanic Quarter.

Just one hour from Belfast lies the Dark Hedges, one of Game of Thrones’ most iconic filming locations. Consider also combining it with a trip to the unique Giant’s Causeway.

During the weekends, stop by the St. George’s Market to taste some local specialties, and don’t forget to visit Belfast Castle.

• Belfast tours

See also: Things to do in Belfast

74 – Palermo, Italy

The lively city of Palermo, in the heart of the Mediterranean, has so many Palaces, churches and landmarks to explore, no wonder why it’s one of Italy’s major cultural hubs.

Start by the iconic Cathedral of Palermo and explore its complex history, then climb to the rooftop for a bird-eye view of the whole city.

Continue to the 9th century Norman Palace and admire the impressive details of the Palatine Chapel, mixing Greek, Arabic and Latin styles, and exhibiting majestic mosaics.

Sunbathe in the best white sand beaches in Sicily, from the famous Mondello Beach to the natural reserve of Isola delle Femmine.

Make the most of your trip with a day tour from Palermo, and explore the remarkable Valley of the Temples, the ruins of Segesta and Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

• Palermo tours

See also: Things to do in Palermo , Things to do in Sicily

75 – Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is a city of contrasts, from the Warsaw Barbican, one of the remaining historic fortifications, to the views from the 30th-floor terrace at the Palace of Culture and Science; it perfectly blends the past with the modern days.

Explore the colorful Old Town, one of the main historical attractions, have a glimpse of the Polish monarch’s lives both at the Royal Castle and Wilanów Palace.

Delve into the city’s history at the Warsaw Uprising Museum, catch a show at Grand Theatre, one of the most famous opera houses in Europe and embrace Warsaw’s lively nightlife on a Polish vodka tour.

• Warsaw tours

See also: Things to do in Warsaw

76 – Vienna, Austria

Once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna is still Austria’s most populated city and one of the best summer destinations in Europe, with plenty of festivals and outdoor activities.

Famous for its ties to Mozart and Beethoven, Vienna is often referred to as the city of music; take this opportunity to catch a classical concert at Peterskirche, Eschenbach Palace, or Musikverein.

Among the most popular landmarks in Vienna is the Schönbrunn Palace, filled with history and immense gardens to explore. Other palaces worth visiting are the Hofburg Imperial Palace, currently home to Austria’s president, and Belvedere Palace, with an impressive art collection.

To absorb all of Vienna’s rich history, consider joining a free walking tour, led by local guides. But don’t overlook the rest of Austria’s wonders, and save some time for a day trip – whether it is to Wachau Valley or Lake Neusiedl, this country won’t disappoint.

• Vienna tours

See also: Things to do in Vienna , Best day trips from Vienna , Vienna free walking tours

77 – Golden Horn Beach, Croatia

Located in Brac Island, even though not as famous as Hvar and Korčula, lies one of the best beaches in Croatia, the Golden Horn Beach – locally known as Zlatni Rat or Rat Beach.

Bathed by the Adriatic Sea, the stunning white sand beach got its name from the peninsula’s unique arrow-shaped formation of sand, and its crystal clear waters promise to marvel anyone who visits it.

Easily reached on a day trip from Split, this paradisiac beach is the perfect place to sunbathe, scuba dive, and try many watersports such as jetski or windsurfing.

See also: Things to do in Split , Best day trips from Split

78 – Lyon, France

When people think about French destinations, Lyon is not often what comes to mind, but there are plenty of reasons to visit it, from the world-class gastronomy to its architecture and landmarks.

The Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, Lyon’s first indoor market, is a mandatory stop for the foodies. Along with St. Antoine Market and La Croix Rousse Market, there’s no shortage of delicious local meals to try.

In the heart of Lyon, stop by the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste to marvel at the Gothic architecture, and take a walking tour around the Vieux Lyon District.

For those visiting during the summer, catch the Nuits de Fourvière, an arts and music festival at the Roman theaters, that promises an unforgettable experience.

See also: Things to do in Lyon

79 – Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

When it comes to places to visit in Europe, the Balkans are still gaining popularity, but Sarajevo deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list.

While exploring this budget-friendly European destination, stop by the Baščaršija historical market, admire the 16th century Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque ​and soak in the views from the Yellow Bastion.

However, Sarajevo requires a historical context to understand better the city, with the siege of Sarajevo, the longest in modern warfare, still so recent (1992-1996).

Visit the Sarajevo Tunnel, also known as Tunnel of Hope, built during the siege to allow food, supplies, and humanitarian aid into the city; and check the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Sarajevo tours

See also: Things to do in Sarajevo

80 – Bordeaux, France

Worldwide famous for its vineyards, the cosmopolitan city of Bordeaux is one of the best places to visit in Europe for wine lovers.

After checking La Cité du Vin, embrace the city’s rich cultural heritage, from the Roman Palais Gallien to the Medieval Gates; gothic cathedrals among baroque palaces and more historical monuments than one can count.

Stroll through the iconic Place de la Bourse square, check Bordeaux’s remarkable museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the oldest one, and catch a performance at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux.

Explore historical chateaux during the day and, for the ultimate fairytale experience, consider spending the night in a castle.

• Bordeaux tours

See also: Things to do in Bordeaux

81 – Madeira, Portugal

Worldwide famous for Cristiano Ronaldo’s home, the subtropical island of Madeira is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Europe.

Along the African coast, with warm temperatures during the entire year, this is one of the best places to explore rainforests, hike, and enjoy a getaway in nature.

From the Vereda do Areeiro trail, the glass bottom Cabo Girão viewpoint, or watching the sunrise at Pico Ruivo, every spot offers a more breathtaking view than the other.

After all the hiking, cool off at the unique Porto Moniz’s volcanic swimming pools, with crystal clear waters, while marveling at the Atlantic ocean.

Try the Monte Sledge toboggan ride, one of Madeira’s most unique and fun attractions, sliding down the streets on a basket; admire the traditional Santana houses and drink the famous Poncha.

• Madeira tours

See also: Things to do in Madeira

82 – Alps

Europe’s most extensive mountain range, stretching through 8 countries, from France to Slovenia, the Alps are worth visiting for its unique landscape, from crystal clear lakes to dramatic mountains.

In the Italian Alps, one of the most popular attractions is the Dolomites, with the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo and its 10 km loop trail, or the beautiful Lago di Braies.

The alps’ higher mountain, Mont Blanc, can be found in the French Alps. The charming Chamonix village, surrounded by mountains, is the place for those looking for a relaxing getaway – and home to one of the best ski resorts in Europe for those looking for a bit of adrenaline.

From hiking to winter sports, the cherry on top of a trip to the Swiss Alps is the scenic Glacier Express 8h ride, from Zermatt to St. Moritz. The unforgettable panoramic train ride is the most comfortable way to travel across the alps and admire its landscape.

In Germany, the Alps can be seen in the Bavaria region, and the best place to admire its higher peak is by the Eibsee lake. The obvious choice to admire the Julian Alps in Slovenia is Lake Bled, but the trails at Triglav National Park are also worth exploring.

The Alps can also be visited in Austria, Monaco and Liechtenstein; choose from skiing and snowboarding to hiking or just relaxing surrounded by nature, and there’s the recipe for a memorable trip.

83 – Vilnius, Lithuania

Charming Lithuania’s capital, filled with history and a strong Jew heritage, Vilnius was once Europe’s largest Jewish center. Consider starting with a free walking tour around the Old Town and Jewish Quarter or the artistic district of Užupis.

Check the 15th century St. Anne’s Church, with its stunning Flamboyant Gothic style, and climb to the Three Crosses Monument for the city’s best views.

There’s plenty to learn about Vilnius’ rich history for those into museums, from the dark Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, built in a former KGB headquarters (with a prison where death penalties were executed), to the exhibitions at the Contemporary Art Centre.

• Vilnius tours

See also: Things to do in Vilnius

84 – Stonehenge, United Kingdom

The prehistoric Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire, is one of the UK’s most famous landmarks and easily reached on a day trip from London – taking about 2 hours.

Most of Stonehenge’s fame drifts from the fact that no one knows what those mysterious stones were used for, and there is no lack of theories, from astronomical studies to pagan ceremonies. Still, the most likely one is that it once was a burial ground.

Welcoming millions of visitors per year, the best time to visit it (for fewer crowds) is during weekdays and either in the early morning or sunset.

See also: Stonehenge tours from London

85 – Postojna Cave, Slovenia

What says “once in a lifetime experience” more than taking an underground train through a karst cave in Slovenia?

With millions of years of history, carved by the Pivka River, the Postojna Cave is one of Slovenia’s most beautiful natural wonders and lies 46km from Ljubljana.

Save an hour and a half for the cave tours, including the cave presentation by a local guide and the train ride. The tours are also wheelchair accessible and suitable for all kinds of ages.

After marveling at the cave’s 24 km of underground passages and massive halls, accompanied by the magical sound of the water dripping from the stalactites, stop by the world’s largest cave castle, the medieval Predjama Castle.

86 – Budapest, Hungary

With the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe, and a great budget-friendly capital to visit.

Start in the Buda side, exploring the historic Buda Castle, and continue to Fisherman’s Bastion, by the stunning Matthias Church, with the best views over the river and the city.

Cross the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to the Pest side of the river, stop by the Shoes on the Danube Bank and join a free walking tour through the Jewish Quarter.

With rich mineral waters, a trip to Budapest wouldn’t be complete without trying the famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért.

After recharging the energies, consider taking a day trip to the lovely little town by the Danube Bend, Szentendre, or the largest lake in central Europe, Lake Balaton.

• Budapest tours

See also: Things to do in Budapest , Best day trips from Budapest , Hungarian Parliament tickets price , Budapest free walking tours

87 – Isle of Man

Between England and Ireland, the small Isle of Man, bathed by the Irish sea, inhabited since 6500 BC, has plenty of history to discover and fun things to do.

The Manx Museum is a must for museum lovers, with unique artifacts from the Island’s Celtic and Viking past.

Delve into Isle of Man’s history at one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world, Castle Rushen, and consider checking the Peel Castle as well, built by the Vikings.

Sports fans? Plan the trip during The Isle of Man TT, for one of the world’s most thrilling motorcycle races.

And for those looking for a getaway among nature, climb the Snaefell Mountain or walk to the Fairy Bridge. The Isle of Man has something for every kind of traveler.

88 – Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Welcoming about 1.5 million visitors per year, the Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most impressive attractions in Germany, easily reached on a day trip from Munich.

Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle looks straight from a Disney movie. In fact, the resemblances are not a coincidence, as it served as inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Considered one of the most photographed buildings in the world, check the many viewpoints and get the best shots of it – including the famous shot of the castle atop of the hill, from the Queen Mary’s Bridge, also known as Marienbrücke.

Even though it’s not allowed to photograph inside the castle, it’s also worth taking a tour and exploring its magnificent rooms. Remember to book the tickets in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during the high season.

See also: Neuschwanstein Castle tickets price

89 – Durmitor, Montenegro

Montenegro is still a hidden gem compared to other European countries, but the Durmitor National Park is a pretty solid reason for it to be added to everyone’s bucket list.

Home to Europe’s largest and deepest canyon, go rafting in the Tara River, or cross the 365m Đurđevića Tara Bridge and admire this green oasis ready to be explored, standing 170m above the ground.

Take the trail to Bobotov Kuk and admire Montenegro’s highest peak views, or check the 18 glacial lakes spread through the park.

The Durmitor National Park is also perfect for some canyoning, mountain biking, or simply enjoying a relaxing nature retreat with a picnic by the lake.

Consider the 1 km zip line at Extreme Zipline Tara, for those looking for some extra adrenaline, reaching a maximum speed of 120 km/h.

90 – Malta & Gozo

A tiny archipelago bathed by the Mediterranean, Malta is located between Sicily and Tunisia, with warm temperatures during the entire year, making it worth visiting even in December for a warm winter break.

Perfectly blending culture with outdoor adventures, visit the Megalithic Temples of Malta, built by the Neolithic inhabitants and among the oldest temples in the world.

Walk along the city walls of the sunny capital, Valletta, admire the interior of the 16th century St. John’s Cathedral, and look out for some Game of Throne’s filming locations around the island.

Get away from the tourist crowds and admire Mdina’s old streets, swim in the crystal clear waters of the Blue Grotto in Qrendi or the St. Peter’s Pool in Marsaxlokk, and take the whole family to Popeye Village.

Off the main island, stop by Gozo to explore its Ancient Cittadella and marvel at the dramatic coastal formations in Dwejra; or snorkel in Comino’s blue lagoon.

• Malta tours

See also: Things to do in Malta , Best boat tours in Malta & Gozo

91 – Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Moving on to the land of fire and ice, encompassing Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, the Vatnajökull National Park is a destination for the adventurous.

From hiking to snowmobiling or even kayaking in a glacier, Vatnajökull National Park is a paradise for outdoor lovers and promises a memorable trip.

For those visiting during wintertime, explore the park’s impressive Ice Caves (that melt during the spring).

See also: Best things to do in Iceland

92 – Tallinn, Estonia

The charming capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is the country’s major industrial, cultural and financial hub, mixed with a rich history, beautiful architecture and stunning landscapes, making it one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Europe.

Start by exploring the Old Town, one of the world’s best-preserved medieval towns, stroll through its cobblestone streets and try the local restaurants and coffee shops.

From the orthodox Alexandre Nevsky Cathedral, built in a magnificent Russian Revival style, to the historical Toompea Castle, currently housing Estonia’s parliament, most of the attractions can be found in the city’s center.

To explore its surroundings, visit the Kadriorg Palace, built in the massive 70 hectares, Kadriorg Park; or climb to the 21st-floor observation deck at Tallinn TV Tower.

During the summer, when the days get longer, and the pop-up bars start to appear, relax by the coast with a drink in your hand.

• Tallinn tours

See also: Things to do in Tallinn

93 – Brighton, United Kingdom

With the nickname of London-by-the-Sea, just one hour away from London and with a stunning coastline, the popularity of Brighton among the Londoners spread through the whole world, and the city became famous for its culture, artsy vibe and lively entertainment.

Get a panoramic view 140 meters above the ground from the British Airways i360, enjoy the sun at the Brighton Palace Pier, or learn about the city’s history at the fabulous Royal Pavilion.

With more independent shops than one can count, from the best boutiques to vintage stores, explore the Brighton Open Market and the iconic North Laine to grab a souvenir and satisfy your shopaholic side.

• Brighton tours

See also: Things to do in Brighton

94 – Þingvellir National Park, Iceland

Also known as Thingvellir National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the ultimate Icelandic experience, filled with natural wonders.

Home to one of the best places to scuba dive in the world, and the only one where it’s possible to swim between two tectonic plates, the Silfra fissure. Or walk between them at Almannagja.

Take also some time to hike through the park’s multiple trails, admiring the park’s landscape, especially to Öxarárfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s main attractions, or check the horseback riding trails.

For history lovers, theÞingvellir National Park is also home to the world’s oldest parliaments, Althing, founded in 930.

95 – Champagne, France

Also known as the Champagne wine region, this historical province is famous worldwide for its champagne production. The Champagne Trail is the best way to introduce wine enthusiasts to the most prestigious certified wineries.

The best time to visit the Champagne is between April and October, with the busiest season in September, when the grapes are harvested. Take the time to tour vineyards, and don’t overlook the smallest houses for a more authentic and personal experience.

But the region has much more to offer besides tasting the best sparkling white wine in the world. Stop by Reims Cathedral and visit the place where French kings were crowned or visit the Archbishop of Reims’ palace, Palace of Tau.

• Champagne tours

96 – Zurich, Switzerland

Even though it’s considered one of Europe’s most expensive cities, Zürich has a unique charm, with colorful architecture perfectly bending with the lake to create one unforgettable scenery.

Travel back to the medieval times at the Old Town and delve into Switzerland’s finest museums, from the FIFA World Football Museum for the sport’s lovers to the unique Beyer Clock and Watch Museum.

Admire the mountains aboard the Funicular Rigiblick or take a boat tour around the moon-shaped Lake Zürich.

And to enjoy the trip to its fullest, consider taking a day trip, with plenty of fun options available, from the mountain village of Grindelwald to the medieval town of Stein am Rhein, or even visiting one of Europe’s tiniest countries, Liechtenstein.

• Zürich tours

See also: Things to do in Zurich , Best day trips from Zurich

97 – Verona, Italy

Among the most romantic destinations in Europe, Verona is one of the best places to visit for couples, from its picturesque streets and squares, such as Piazza delle Erbe, to the lovely views from Castel San Pietro.

Eternalized by Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet, several tours take you across the many iconic locations, from the famous balcony at Juliet’s house (La Casa di Giulietta) to Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

Tour the ancient Arena of Verona and, for a unique experience, visit during the summer opera festival.

Save some time for a day trip to the impressive Santuario Madonna della Corona, built by a cliff 2000 meters above the sea level, or the iconic Lake Garda.

• Verona tours

See also: Things to do in Verona

98 – Liverpool, United Kingdom

The Beatles’ famous hometown, start your Liverpool adventure at The Beatles Story museum, filled with history and objects, from clothes owned by the group to handwritten lyrics.

With one of the world’s most important trading ports, explore Royal Albert Dock, a former major trading center.

Admire the city’s outstanding architecture, from the Cathedral of the Risen Christ to the incredible buildings along the Pier Head. For the sports fans, check the Liverpool FC Museum and take a stadium tour.

Even though the show is set in Birmingham, Liverpool is actually home to plenty of Peaky Blinders filming locations, from Port Sunlight to Falkner Square.

With a lively and diverse nightlife, catch a show at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre or grab a drink at the historic Cavern Club; there’s always fun granted in the city.

• Liverpool tours

See also: Things to do in Liverpool

99 – Valencia, Spain

With a mild climate, futuristic architecture mixed with rich history, delicious food and lively ambiance, Valencia is one of the best places to visit in Europe all year round.

Home to one of Spain’s largest stadiums, sports lovers must include the Mestalla Stadium on their list – and maybe catch a Valencia Football Club’s game there.

Admire the outstanding design of the City of Arts and Sciences and visit Europe’s largest aquarium, Oceanografic. Consider combining the ticket with a visit to the Hemispheric or the Science Museum.

Take a walking tour around the Old Town, visit La Lonja de la Seda, one of the most iconic landmarks in Valencia and delve into the city’s history at the many museums, from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Ceramics Museum.

Taste local tapas at the Central Market, enjoy a fine dinner at Colón Market, and no trip to Valencia would be complete without trying the typical paella.

• Valencia tours

See also: Things to do in Valencia , Oceanografic Valencia tickets price

100 – Istanbul, Turkey

With a timeless combination of ancient and modern life, the bustling Istanbul is famous for being the bridge between Europe and Asia.

The main attractions are the Hagia Sophia, with marvelous Byzantine architecture; the Blue Mosque, with outstanding beauty and religious importance; and the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets; but there are countless sites to explore.

With European and Asian influences, Istanbul is a paradise for the foodies: from delicious street food to multiple restaurants and cafes to try.

Climb to the Rumelihisarı Fortress for the best views between the two continents, and take this opportunity to catch a ferry to Asia.

Just one hour’s flight away from Istanbul is the magical Cappadocia. Consider taking a day trip to see the fairy chimneys and fly aboard the world-famous hot air balloons.

• Istanbul tours

See also: Things to do in Istanbul , Cappadocia hot air balloon price , Best places to visit in Turkey

That’s it for the ultimate European bucket list. We hope you’ve enjoyed our selection of the best places to visit in Europe and let us know in the comments what your dream destinations are.

As always, happy travels!

Love Exploring

Essential Tips for Your Europe Trip, From the Experts

Posted: December 28, 2023 | Last updated: December 28, 2023

Know before you go

Taking a trip to Europe is something of a rite of passage among travel lovers. But whether you’re planning a multi-country tour or just a short stay in one place, there’s a lot that you should – yet might not – know about visiting the world’s second smallest continent. Knowledge is power and we’ve got your back, so here’s what to expect and prepare for.

Click through the gallery for top tips, busted myths, and insider info that will help make your next (or first) Europe trip a breeze…

European countries are not homogeneous

When travelers say they’re “going to Europe,” it can mean they’re making multiple stops across the continent, or just visiting one country. As with other continents, Europe is sometimes perceived as one great homogeneous blob – all gingerbread-house architecture, wartime relics, and gelato stands.

But, made up of more than 40 sovereign states speaking 24 official languages, this continent is endlessly surprising. Did you know that Spain is home to mainland Europe’s only true desert (pictured), or that Bosnia-Herzegovina boasts its largest rainforest?

Forget stereotypes

Cultural stereotypes are something every responsible traveler should leave at the door. They breed idle assumptions that when left unchecked can grow into harmful prejudices and unconscious bias. Common stereotypes like binge-drinking Brits, grumpy Eastern Europeans, and lazy Spaniards are not only massive generalizations, but they are also completely unfair.

So come without preconceptions and just talk to the people you meet along the way before forming an opinion. Travel is one of life’s most effective expanders of the mind, after all.

Not every country uses the euro

The euro (€) is the official currency of several states both in and outside the European Union (EU). Finland is the only country in Scandinavia to have adopted it, while countries such as Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, and Bosnia-Herzegovina have retained their original currency.

Great Britain and Northern Ireland use the pound, while the Republic of Ireland has the euro. Croatia became the most recent country to switch to the euro when it discontinued its use of the kuna in 2023.

Check when your passport expires

When the UK ‘Brexited’ the EU, the rules on travel between the two estranged areas changed. Now, Brits traveling from home to the EU must have a passport valid for at least three months past their departure date.

The same can be said for nationals of other foreign countries too: Australians and Canadians traveling to Europe should have at least three months of validity left on their passports from the date they intend to leave the continent, while US citizens are advised to have no fewer than six months of passport validity past their last day in Europe.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a coalition of 27 European countries that allow borderless travel between them. Travelers from several countries, including the UK and the US, do not need a visa to visit any Schengen nations and can travel freely in as many countries as they like for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

While you wait for your Schengen Area travel allowance to refresh, you can also travel in the non-Schengen countries of Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania for 90 days within a 180-day window visa-free.

Hand luggage only? One size doesn’t fit all

Frustratingly there is no standard allowance across all airlines when it comes to the size and weight of cabin baggage, which regularly slaps unsuspecting travellers with unwanted extra charges. Your free hand luggage allowance will also vary from carrier to carrier. 

British Airways is the most generous – you can bring one 56x45x25cm bag and one 40x30x15cm bag into the cabin with you, whereas budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air are much more stingy. The EU is ultimately looking at eliminating carry-on baggage fees but until then, be sure to do your research.

Trains and buses are (mostly) the best ways to get around

You can avoid a lot of the hand luggage drama entirely by traveling through Europe, as opposed to over it. Overland adventures on the continent have never been easier to plan, with many countries (eg Germany and Spain) implementing affordable ticket schemes for those choosing to travel more sustainably.

Luxembourg’s public transport network has been completely free to use since 2020, while France banned domestic flights in 2023 where the same journey could be completed by train in less than two and a half hours. On the flip side, the UK’s public transport system is notoriously overpriced.

You sometimes need to validate your tickets

Italy has very strict rules about the need for regional train and local bus tickets to be validated before use – and there’s a hefty fine to pay if you don’t. While Trenitalia’s high-speed and intercity trains are ticketless, you’ll need to get physical regional tickets and rail passes date-stamped before departure by the ticket office or a machine like the one pictured here; e-tickets can be validated online.

Ticket validation is gradually being phased out in France, but is still required in some regions. So if you see a ticket-validating machine, use it.

Bring a universal plug adaptor

Don’t get caught out by thinking there’s just one standard kind of power socket for the whole continent. While most countries in mainland Europe have C and F-type sockets, G sockets are more common in the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Cyprus, Gibraltar, and Malta.

Venture north to Denmark and its territories and you could encounter E or K-type sockets. To avoid any inconveniences in your destination, pack a universal adaptor that allows you to hook up USB cables and switch plug types with the press of a button.

Save on your phone usage

If you’re lucky, your cell’s network provider might allow you to use your calls, texts, and data throughout Europe as part of your existing plan. If that’s not the case, consider investing in a data-roaming add-on that could save you money if you travel regularly – purchasing packages as you go can often work out more expensive for less allowance. Otherwise, prepaid SIM cards designed for travelers also cover multiple countries for days and even months at a time.

Carry a bit of cash

Yes, even in today’s mostly cashless society, sometimes cash is king. While it can feel cumbersome and unhygienic to cart around, it’s better to have a safety net of notes and loose change in your bag than running into trouble if the card machine isn’t working in the cafe you’re eating in or if, heaven forbid, you were to lose your bank card or cellphone.

Just remember to keep your money safe, secured, and concealed at all times.

Always pay in the local currency

If you’re withdrawing cash from a European ATM or paying for something on your card while on the continent, always pay in the local currency rather than your own. This will ensure you’re not being fleeced by bad conversion rates that could cost you up to 10% more than if you’d opted for the local legal tender when prompted. Banks like Revolut, Monzo, and Starling offer some of the best exchange rates on the market when using their payment cards or apps abroad.

Expect crowds even in the off-season

Even if you’re visiting a European destination between November and March – deemed the off-season – it’s likely that city streets and Insta-famous tourist attractions may still be busier than you might expect. The cooler temperatures, wetter weather and shorter days might be enough to dissuade some people from booking an off-season trip to places like Stockholm, Prague, Edinburgh or London, but you’ll be far from the only one braving it in the name of lower costs.

Avoid falling victim to visitor caps

Greece became the latest European country to impose visitor limits on one of its foremost attractions in 2023 when the Acropolis of Athens began capping the number of daily tourists at 20,000. To protect the longevity of the ancient UNESCO site and the comfort of everyone who wants to see it, visitors must book a one-hour entrance slot in advance.

Elsewhere, tourism caps have also been applied on hire cars touring Italy’s Amalfi Coast Drive at busy periods – if your number plate ends in an odd number, you can’t access the road on odd-numbered days, and vice versa.

Pack a comfy pair of walking shoes

It's amazing how quickly your pedometer will tick up while exploring Europe, without you even really having to think about it. Wandering cobbled medieval streets, coast paths, nature trails, and around sprawling museums, you'll surpass that 10,000 daily step count in no time. Be sure then to pack your favorite pair of sneakers or most sturdy hiking boots – shoes that aren't just supportive but breathable, to avoid unwanted travel buddies like blisters and ingrown toenails.

There are countries where your budget will go further

While the term ‘cheap’ is subjective, we think most will agree that paying less than a euro for an espresso is an absolute steal – and almost unheard of. But that's the going rate in Bulgaria, an oft-overlooked nation at the confluence of the Black Sea and the Balkan Peninsula's highest peaks.

Its neighbor Romania is also touted as one of Europe's more affordable destinations, as well as the likes of Estonia, Poland, and Czechia.

Sleeping under the stars isn’t a given

If you’re planning to save money on accommodation by wild camping your way around Europe, you should know that pitching your tent is subject to different rules in different countries and often involves a lot of red tape. In the UK for instance, wild camping is illegal without the landowner’s consent almost everywhere, apart from the majority of Scotland and Dartmoor National Park in England’s southwest. Sweden, Norway, and Finland have right-to-roam laws that allow camping freely in nature, provided you leave no trace.

These are the countries most supportive of the LGBTQ+ community

Though attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community have become more accepting in recent years across the continent, there are countries that are considerably more inclusive and celebratory than others. At the time of writing, ILGA-Europe (the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association) ranked Malta, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, and Iceland as the top five European countries where people of all sexualities and gender identities should feel safe.

At the bottom of the table, Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan rank lowest for LGBTQ+ tolerance.

These are some of Europe’s most accessible cities

Persons with disabilities, elderly people, and families with children all might need to consider the accessibility of a city before visiting. And looking at those that have placed either first, second, or third in the Access City Award is a good starting point: Stockholm, Lyon, Berlin, Warsaw, Milan, Luxembourg (pictured), Ljubljana, Rotterdam, and Salzburg have all been recognized in the past.

If you require elevators or ramps to get around, you might want to skip London – only 92 Tube stations out of the 272 in the metro network provide step-free access from street to platform.

Table for one?

If there's one thing solo travelers universally dread, it's dining alone. In reality, no one bats an eye when you say “mesa para uno,” but what if you can’t even get a table in the first place? In August 2023, Lonely Planet reported that solo diners were being denied seats at restaurants with outdoor terraces in Barcelona, with larger groups taking priority.

But worry not, there are plenty of amazing restaurants that do welcome solo customers, such as BENZiNA in the lively Sant Antoni neighborhood. Wherever you travel solo in Europe, it's worth noting that some restaurants won't take reservations for one, so prepare to be flexible.

Businesses might shut down for certain days and siestas

Looking to eat out when you're traveling around Europe? You might find it easier to make a reservation on some days than others. While not all restaurants shut down on Sundays and Mondays as a rule, you might notice that many do. So leave yourself enough time in the planning process to account for a bit of extra research.

Shops will often close early (if not completely) on Sundays too, while in typically warmer countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece, businesses may also pause operations during afternoon siesta time, especially in more rural communities.

Know when you’re not wanted

Overtourism has become a major blight in some of Europe’s cities, whose fatal flaw is their aesthetic beauty and party-loving nightlife districts. But enough is enough, says Amsterdam, which will increase its tourist tax in 2024 in line with restrictions the city recently placed on cruise ships.

The hike will mean Amsterdam breaking its own record for the highest tourist tax in Europe – maybe even the world. Spanish destinations like Seville, Mallorca, and Barcelona are also clamping down on rowdy visitors eliciting antisocial behavior.

You can’t even eat ice cream on this Italian beach

Italy is one of the more vocal countries when it comes to making rules to deter irresponsible tourism and pollution. In the summer of 2023, it was reported that beachgoers at Sant’Antioco in Sardinia could be slapped with a €500 ($546) fine for eating food of any kind on the beach.

Milan has also recently been cracking down on eating, banning late-night/early-morning takeout, while consuming food on the streets of Florence's historic center is also prohibited between set times. In Rome, tourists could be fined for sitting on the iconic Spanish Steps or wading in the Trevi Fountain.

Don’t bring wheelie suitcases to this historic city

Elsewhere, ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ Dubrovnik is urging travelers to respect the city, having launched a tourism campaign in 2023 encouraging people to carry their suitcases through the ancient old town instead of raking them across the battered cobbles. This comes after UNESCO has previously threatened to strip Dubrovnik of its World Heritage Site status due to its problems with mass tourism.

While the word about wheeling suitcases through the city’s historic center isn’t a concrete ban, visitors should still be mindful of the impact they make on any destination they travel to.

There’s more than meets the eye

While Europe’s most talked-about places are popular for a reason and shouldn’t necessarily be dropped from your itinerary, there is far more to this little continent than what you see on social media. For instance, Scotland isn’t all just moody castles and rugged highlands – it has Caribbean-like beaches, like the one pictured here on the Isle of Harris.

You’ll be vastly rewarded for venturing beyond Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and Iceland’s Golden Circle, and considering the countries you don’t see documented as much, such as Kosovo, Albania, and Lithuania.

Visiting the UK is about to get more expensive

As part of ongoing plans to digitize its borders, the UK is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) document that will be required for visa-free international visitors to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. ETAs cost £10 ($13) and are already mandatory for Qatari passport holders, with Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joining the scheme from February 2024.

More countries, including the 27 European Union member states, the USA, Canada, and Australia, are set to join later in 2024. More on the ETA process can be found in our detailed explainer .

You’ll soon need extra authorisation to visit other countries too

Visa-exempt international travelers to 30 other European countries will also need to apply for additional travel authorization within a couple of years. The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) scheme is similar to the UK’s ETA and will be required for nationals from these listed countries to visit all 27 countries in the Schengen Area, plus Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania.

The new visa waiver program is set to come into effect from spring 2025.

Dodge city centres if you’re planning a road trip

In a bid to reduce the continent’s carbon footprint, more and more low emissions zones are cropping up all over Europe and placing restrictions on petrol and diesel vehicles passing through major cities such as London, Paris, and Madrid. Not only does driving a car in these zones result in huge charges to compensate for the environmental impact of the journey, but it can also mean you’re stuck in traffic jams that eat into the enjoyment of your trip.

While hiring a car is required to visit more rural, remote, and coastal areas, you shouldn’t need one to get around cities.

It’s not just Amsterdam that loves a bike

While the Dutch capital might be the poster-child for seeing the world on two wheels, it's not the only European city encouraging people to get on their bikes. Copenhagen (pictured) is another incredibly cycle-friendly city, where great bike bridges, explorative routes, designated lanes, and hire schemes have all been created.

If you are planning to cycle when you come to Europe, make sure to familiarise yourself with the road laws for cyclists in each of your destinations, as these can vary from country to country.

Should you really be worried about bedbugs?

Social media ran riot in October 2023 with fear-mongering reports of bedbugs infesting the Paris metro, hotels, and cinemas, sending Parisians and travelers into a panic about getting bitten and taking the little blighters home with them. But despite the frenzy, health officers and dermatologists have said that the French capital’s bedbug problem is no worse than in other cities around the world. So while they’re a nuisance, they shouldn’t put you off traveling.

Now discover the fascinating secrets of Europe's most eerie abandoned places,,,

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Where to Go for a Less-Crowded European Summer

By Olivia Morelli

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Ah, summer in Europe . Slow mornings spent reading books and trying all the local pastries you can get your hands on; afternoons strolling along the river or exploring quiet neighborhoods; evenings sipping rosé in sun-dappled squares. The only thing that can disrupt the pure bliss of summer in Europe is the threat of heaving streets, packed bars, and overbooked restaurants—a reality that is, unfortunately, all too common in the continent’s most popular destinations.

While we would never suggest avoiding such hotspots altogether, there is a lot to be said for choosing a lesser-known holiday spot during the peak summer months. There's a rapidly growing trend for traveling to alternative destinations, too—#dupe or #dupes amassed 342,000 posts on TikTok as part of the surging interest. Thoughtful travelers are reacting to the world around them —watching the rising temperatures and over-subscribed tourism of popular destinations during the summer, saving those destinations for off-peak travel and, instead, selecting off-beat destinations to visit instead. Below, our editors have put forward their favorite alternative European destinations to try this summer.

Braga, Portugal

Portugal’s oldest city is also one of its most underrated. Despite being in the shadow of neighboring Porto , Braga is a deserving destination in its own right. Pootle along narrow, cobbled lanes to unearth restaurants serving platters of traditional Portuguese dishes— Tabique , for example, specializes in slow-cooked meat and rich and thick sauces with potatoes for mopping, while just outside of the city, Dona Júlia is renowned for its sleek interiors and farm-to-table cooking. To soak up some of Braga’s history, visit Sé—Portugal’s oldest cathedral dating back to 1070—or take a day trip to Bom Jesus do Monte, a picturesque staircase with decadent chapels and pretty fountains.

Where to stay: Braga doesn’t have an abundance of smart hotels, but book Vila Gale for a city-center stay in a building dating back to 1508.

Bordeaux, France

This city may not be lesser-known, but when compared with the number of travelers that flock to Paris during the summer (especially this one), we deem it worthy of a mention in this list. There's world-class wine, proximity to the sea, and more than 350 historical buildings and monuments to visit. It’s largely pedestrianized, so travelers can shake off the blurry haze that settles in after a few wine tastings by exploring foot. Stop to admire the likes of the Grand Théâtre, the Gothic Tour Pey-Berland, or the Basilica of Saint Severinus. Or head into the hinterlands to ogle at some of the country’s top châteaux and wineries dotted along the Gironde.

Where to stay: The Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes , just outside of the city, is the perfect place to get a taste of the city and the countryside. See our guide for more of the best hotels in Bordeaux .

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam ’s cool little sister is finally getting the attention it deserves. Rotterdam , an old industrial port town, has slowly moulded itself into a hub of culture and design. Its climate-conscious outlook is also enticing travelers looking for a new summer city break. Rotterdam committed to cutting its CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2029 and has steadily unveiled new green spaces, eco-friendly design, and pedestrianized streets over the last few years.

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Where to stay: Hotel New York has a selection of sleek bedrooms overlooking the river Maas in the city’s Kop van Zuid neighbourhood.

Bergen, Norway

Hiding behind the shiny prestige of Oslo , Bergen is a nature-lover’s paradise. The city itself is known for its colorful wooden houses—a rainbow of rusty red, royal blue, sunny yellow and earthy green, each stacked prettily along the waterfront. But look beyond the houses for even more breathtaking beauty—even in the summer you might spot snow-capped mountains, which cast long shadows of glittering fjords and hiking trails, providing the perfect playground for a summer adventure escape.

Where to stay: Book into Bergen Børs Hotel for a stylish stay in a 19th-century building.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Dalmatian coast is as beautiful as it is overloaded, so head further inland to Bosnia and Herzegovina instead (and return to Croatia’s shoreline in the shoulder season, when temperatures are cooler and crowds are fewer). Mostar is an alluring city break, with its fairytale-like streets, craggy hillsides and ancient stone bridges, complete with surrounding vineyards, waterfalls and mountain hikes nearby.

Where to stay: Stay at Muslibegović House , originally home to a wealthy family in the 18th century and now a glittering museum of Ottoman decadence

A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller .

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What to know about Schengen zone, Europe’s ‘border-free’ travel system

Schengen countries allow international travelers to move freely across borders without additional passport checks.

Europe’s “border-free” Schengen zone has added travel protections for two more countries, making it easier for more people to explore the southeastern region of the continent.

Romania and Bulgaria partially joined the Schengen area on Sunday, which means visitors who arrive by air or sea from other countries in the zone can cross their borders without an ID check. Land borders will remain subject to ID checks because of opposition led by Austria, which has long cited irregular migration as a concern when it comes to welcoming the two Eastern European states into the Schengen agreement. The move comes more than a decade after Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union.

The European Commission had previously recommended that Bulgaria and Romania be admitted to join the Schengen zone, starting in 2011 and most recently in 2023. A combination of internal problems in the two countries and opposition from other countries citing irregular migration concerns — especially after the so-called “migrant crisis” of 2015 — meant they were caught in “Schengen purgatory” until now, according to Leon Züllig, a researcher and Schengen expert at Germany’s Justus Liebig University Giessen.

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Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.