So you're planning a European trip? Smart move. Having spent months backpacking and taking over 20 trips across the continent, I can tell you firsthand - Europe's magic isn't just in the postcards. It's in the espresso you sip at a Roman café at 8am, the ache in your calves after climbing Prague's castle stairs, and the way the northern lights make you forget your phone exists. But with so many incredible destinations, how do you choose the best places to visit in Europe? That's exactly what we're breaking down today.
Why These Spots Made My Best Places in Europe List
Look, anyone can list popular cities. I'm giving you places I've actually slept at (sometimes on questionable hostel mattresses), eaten in, and gotten lost in. My criteria?
- Does it give you that "pinch me" feeling? (Like Venice at sunset)
- Is it worth the cost? (Switzerland is gorgeous but ouch)
- Can you actually experience it properly? (No 10-minutes-and-done attractions)
- Does it offer something unique? (Because generic is boring)
Honestly? I skipped Paris this time. After three visits, I still find it overcrowded and overhyped unless you venture beyond the tourist zones. Fight me.
Top European City Experiences You Can't Skip
Rome, Italy
Where ancient history smacks you in the face daily. Turn a corner - boom, 2,000-year-old column. Forget quiet contemplation at the Colosseum though; it's always buzzing.
- Must-Do: Colosseum (book skip-the-line tickets online - trust me), Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel ceiling will strain your neck), toss a coin in Trevi Fountain
- Hidden Gem: Aventine Keyhole - peek through for a perfect dome framing
- Eat: Trapizzino (pizza pocket) at Testaccio Market
- Annoyance: Pickpockets near Termini Station - keep valuables hidden
| Attraction | Address | Hours | Ticket Price (€) | Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colosseum | Piazza del Colosseo, 1 | 8:30am-4:30pm daily | 24 (includes Forum) | Book 2+ weeks ahead |
| Vatican Museums | Viale Vaticano, 00165 | 9am-6pm (Mon-Sat) | 21 | Friday nights are quieter |
| Pantheon | Piazza della Rotonda | 9am-7:15pm daily | FREE | Go before 10am |
Prague, Czech Republic
Budget-friendly fairytale vibes. Those spires aren't Photoshop-enhanced - they really look like that. Avoid summer if you hate crowds.
- Must-Do: Charles Bridge at sunrise (yes, set that alarm), Prague Castle complex, beer tasting
- Hidden Gem: Vyšehrad fortress - killer views without the crowds
- Eat:
Trdelník chimney cake from street vendors - Annoyance: "Free" tours that demand huge tips - just book a paid one
I once got lost in Prague's Old Town for 3 hours. Best accident ever - found a puppet shop run by a Czech grandma who gave me plum brandy.
Barcelona, Spain
Gaudí's playground meets beach life. Watch your bags in Las Ramblas - seriously.
- Must-Do: Sagrada Familia (book timed entry), Park Güell, Gothic Quarter wandering
- Hidden Gem: Bunkers del Carmel - panoramic city views with locals
- Eat: Tapas at Quimet & Quimet (standing room only)
City Travel Pro Tip
Get a transit pass. Rome's 72-hour pass costs €18 vs. €1.50 per ride. Saved me €40 last trip. Also, wear actual walking shoes - cobblestones are ankle-breakers.
Nature & Scenery That'll Blow Your Mind
Swiss Alps (Jungfrau Region)
Postcard-perfect doesn't begin to cover it. Prepare for wallet-shock though.
- Base Town: Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen (stay here for valley views)
- Must-Do: Jungfraujoch railway (expensive but unique), hiking trails, paragliding
- Cost Saver: Swiss Travel Pass for trains
- Annoyance: Everything costs 2x what you expect
Experience Location Cost (CHF) Best Time My Rating Jungfraujoch Railway From Lauterbrunnen 210 round-trip June-Sept 8/10 (price knocks it) Männlichen Hike Grindelwald to Männlichen 32 (cable car) May-Oct 10/10 (breathtaking) Lake Brienz Cruise Interlaken East 64 day pass Year-round 9/10 (turquoise water!) Norwegian Fjords (Geirangerfjord)
Glaciers carved this drama. Rain is part of the experience - pack layers.
- Base Town: Ålesund or Geiranger village
- Must-Do: Ferry through fjord, Eagle Road viewpoint, kayaking
- Hidden Gem: Trollstigen road if you dare drive it
I visited in May and froze in a T-shirt at the fjord viewpoints. That icy wind cuts through you - bring a proper jacket even if it's sunny.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Turquoise waterfalls and boardwalks - looks fake but isn't.
- Location: Central Croatia (3hrs from Zagreb)
- Hours: 7am-8pm summer, shorter off-season
- Tickets: €40 peak season (buy online)
- Annoyance: Crowded pathways in summer - go at opening time
Underrated Gems Most Tourists Miss
Ghent, Belgium
Bruges' cooler, less-touristy sibling with medieval charm and actual locals.
- Why Better Than Bruges: Fewer crowds, cheaper beer, street art scene
- Must-Do: Gravensteen castle, graffiti street, boat tour
- Eat: Frites from 't Frietketel (locals queue here)
Sibiu, Romania
Transylvanian surprise with colorful squares and eye-shaped attic windows.
- Cool Factor: Feels like stepping into medieval Europe without Disney crowds
- Must-Do: Council Tower climb, ASTRA open-air museum
- Eat: Sarmale (cabbage rolls) at Crama Sibiul Vechi
Underrated City Country Why It's Special Budget Level Tourist Crowds Ghent Belgium Medieval architecture + modern vibe $$ (mid-range) Low-Medium Sibiu Romania Authentic Transylvanian culture $ (budget) Low Porto Portugal Port wine cellars + colorful riverside $ (budget) Medium (increasing) Historic Treasures That Tell Stories
Athens, Greece
Where Western civilization began. Hot in summer - bring water and hats.
- Must-Do: Acropolis (go early!), Ancient Agora, Acropolis Museum
- Combined Ticket: €30 for 7 sites (valid 5 days)
- Annoyance: Aggressive restaurant touts in Plaka - just walk on
Berlin, Germany
20th-century history written on its streets. Don't just see the Wall - feel its weight.
- Must-Do: Brandenburg Gate, East Side Gallery, Holocaust Memorial
- Hidden Gem: Teufelsberg spy station graffiti park
- Eat: Currywurst at Konnopke's Imbiss
History Buff Hack
Many EU countries offer free museum days monthly. Paris: first Sunday. Rome: first Sunday. Athens: select dates. Check official sites.
Planning Your Trip: Real Talk
Budget Breakdown (Per Day)
Destination Type Budget Traveler Mid-Range Luxury Where It Hurts Most Western Cities (Paris/London) €70-100 €150-220 €350+ Accommodation & attractions Eastern Europe (Prague/Budapest) €40-60 €80-120 €200+ Tourist hotspots Nordic Countries €80-120 €180-250 €400+ Food & transport When to Visit Europe (Truth Bomb)
- June-August: Sunny but crowded and expensive. Expect queues.
- April-May/Sept-Oct: Sweet spot - decent weather, fewer people, lower prices.
- November-March: Cold but magical Christmas markets. Some attractions close.
I made the mistake of visiting Santorini in July once. Couldn't move in Oia at sunset. Go in May or October instead.
Getting Around Europe Without Losing Your Mind
- Trains > Planes for under 5-hour trips (city center to city center)
- Budget Airlines: Ryanair/EasyJet for longer hops but watch baggage fees
- Bus Option: FlixBus for ultra-budget travel (but slow)
Route Train Time Train Cost (€) Flight Time Flight Cost (€) Best Option Paris to Amsterdam 3h 20m €35-120 1h 15m + airport time €45-90 Train (less hassle) Barcelona to Rome 12h+ (multiple changes) €100+ 1h 45m €40-70 Flight (time-saver) Europe Travel FAQ
How many days do I need for the best places to visit in Europe?
Depends. Want depth? 4-5 days per major city. Just highlights? 2-3 days. Don't try to do 8 countries in 10 days - you'll see nothing but train stations.
What's the best European country for first-timers?
Italy or France. Iconic sights, great food, and solid tourism infrastructure. Though personally, I think Spain offers more variety for beginners.
Is Eastern Europe safe for solo travellers?
Yes, generally safer than many western cities! Take normal precautions (watch drinks, avoid dark alleys). I felt safer in Prague than Paris.
Should I get travel insurance for Europe?
Absolutely. I once paid €280 for a doctor to tell me I had food poisoning in Berlin. Insurance covered it. Get coverage with medical and theft protection.
What's the single best place to visit in Europe?
Impossible to pick one! But if forced: Rome for history, Swiss Alps for nature, and Ghent for underrated charm. Your best places to visit in Europe depend entirely on what moves you.
Final Reality Check
Your trip won't be perfect. Trains get delayed. It'll rain on your Vatican day. That "authentic" restaurant will be mediocre. But those imperfect moments become your best stories. Focus on experiencing, not Instagramming. Now go find your own best places to visit in Europe.
Recommended Article
Comment