Millions of tourists and history buffs flock to Europe each year to discover a continent which is packed with ancient cities, cultural sights and historical sites.
The beauty of Europe is its wide variation of cultures which are just a short distance apart and over the years this has been a continent which has undergone huge changes both culturally and politically.
If you have never been to Europe before, and are dreaming of visiting or already researching a trip, there are so many amazing places you can add to your itinerary.
Whether you plan to visit during summer, winter or any other month, you can find destinations for all interests, from ancient historical cities, beautiful islands and beaches, spectacular national parks and much more.
If you are looking to plan a trip, our list of unmissable European cities and destination will help give you ideas for where to go. There are options for all types of travellers, whether you are planning a solo adventure, or travelling with a partner, friends or family.
Get inspired to discover the highlights of Europe for yourself.
1. Venice
Venice is one of the most special and unique places in the world, and it really is somewhere you need to visit at least once in your life. You might have seen pictures and videos of Venice before, but seeing it in real life really is amazing. Like how many cities can you ride a boat to get around?!
Just exploring Venice and getting lost in the maze of streets and canals is a special experience, whilst there are lots of popular things to do including riding a gondola, exploring the colourful island of Burano and also visiting the beach – yes Venice has a beach!
If you are looking for a totally unique and magical city to visit, with some of the best worldwide cuisine, then Venice is a must. Or if you are looking for a luxury honeymoon destination, Venice is highly recommended, this city is very romantic!
2. Paris, France
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world and for good reason. There’s nowhere in the world like this city and has some of the most famous cultural sites on the planet including the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.
World famous museums in Paris to check out include the Musee des Archives Nationales, Nissim de Camondo and Musee Carnavalet whilst you can also experience some of the top rated art galleries in the world here including going to see the Mona Lisa.
No trip to Europe would be complete without seeing Paris, everyone needs to go up the Eiffel Tower and get the famous Paris skyline tourist photo. Although this city is one of the more expensive destinations on our list, there are lots of ways to visit Paris on a budget.
3. London, England
London’s history can be found in its many museums and also on the streets. There are lots of world famous buildings to visit which give you a glimpse into the past of the British capital.
From the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, the history of the monarchy and the ruling powers of the UK are found here in the hearty of London.
Beyond the streets you can find interesting museums like the British museum, the Victoria and Albert museum, War museum or the Natural History museum which have exhibitions that take a deeper look into the past.
London really is a must visit city and one of the top destinations in the UK, just pack an umbrella, the weather is unpredictable even in summer!
4. Athens, Greece
Greece and its surrounding islands are packed with history with ancient ruins and archaeological sites located throughout the country. Athens is a great place to visit first as the history of this nation is very much the centerpiece for the modern day city.
In the heart of Athens is the world-famous Acropolis, an ancient citadel which is incredibly well preserved and which offers a wonderful insight into life back hundreds of years. If you are keen to visit Athens you might also combine a trip to with island hopping and seeing some of the most beautiful islands in Greece.
There are lots of islands located close to Athens which can be reached on a day trip or longer excursion. Staying on an island like Santorini or Mykonos is highly recommended, these islands are beautiful and have stunning scenery, picturesque white houses, modern shops, beaches, ruins and a rich heritage. If you are planning a honeymoon or romantic break to Europe, you can find some of the most amazing hotels in the world on these islands.
5. Budapest, Hungary
If you would like to venture to eastern Europe, you could visit somewhere like Prague, but we recommend Budapest which is the perfect city break destination for culture vultures, and also one of the best value cities on our list.
The capital of Hungary is perfect for history lovers with so much heritage and cultural sites. Places to add to your itinerary include the Buda Castle, the parliament building, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church.
The House of Terror is recommended for an eye opening experience into the cities brutal past whilst The Aquincum Museum is a great place to see archeological pieces of interest.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is very photogenic city with the canals and bikes, and there is a really unique feel to the city. Exploring Amsterdam at a slow pace, taking a river cruise, hiring a bike like a local or checking out the bars and nightlife is a really memorable experience.
Although Amsterdam is a special city to visit all year round, if you are looking for an amazing winter destination then Amsterdam really comes to life at this time of year.
If this city appeals to you, view our in-depth guide to the best places to go in Amsterdam which includes tips for the most popular activities to do.
7. Barcelona
Barcelona is located in Catalonia, in north east Spain close to the border with France. This city has everything, beaches, architecture, world famous tourist attractions, nightlife and more.
Some essential places to visit include Parc Guell for the stunning Gaudi architecture, the Nou Camp, the beachfront and the Basílica de la Sagrada Família.
Barcelona is one of the most popular winter sun destinations to visit in Europe and every month is a great time to visit. Don’t believe us? Check out these amazing photos of Barcelona to ignite your wanderlust.
8. Rome, Italy
The Romans are probably the most famous and most celebrated of the ancient civilizations and in Italy’s capital you are going to find some of the most well preserved ancient temples and ruins in the world.
There are so many fascinating places to check out including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine chapel. This is a city which has historical monuments and ruins around every corner.
Wandering around Rome is like being in a real life history book, it will transport you to a different era.
9. Berlin
World War 2 ended just over 70 years ago and at the heart of that conflict was the city of Berlin. Germany doesn’t hide from its past but instead shows its scars and takes responsibility for its actions, this can be seen best in Berlin.
Berlin is now one of the most youthful and vibrant cities to visit in Europe, popular with tourists and tech start ups a like. There are lots of cultural attractions and museums in Berlin which you can visit including Topography of Terror and the Jewish museum where you can learn more about the holocaust.
The East Side Gallery is a celebration of the bringing down of the Berlin wall with once divided this city and the Holocaust memorial offers pause for thought for anyone who takes an interest in modern history.
Berlin is a great value for money city to visit and German people are very welcoming, be sure to learn some basic German travel phrases to really impress the locals.
10. Lisbon
Is there a more pretty city to visit in Europe than Lisbon? We struggle to think of any. With its colourful buildings, old cobbled streets and trams navigating the city, Lisbon really is one of the top places to visit in Portugal and there really are photo opportunities around every corner.
Exploring the city centre is a wonderful experience, this city is very relaxed and laid back and you are almost guaranteed good weather all year round. If you have a flexible schedule you could plan day trips to the beautiful destinations of Sintra and Cascais which are within easy reach of Lisbon. If you do feel you would like to stay longer in Portugal, head south to the Algarve for some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
There really are hundreds of really incredible destinations to go in Europe and putting together a list with just 10 was really difficult. Cities dominate our guide because they are some of the most famous locations with the most tourist attractions. There are also the easiest and cheapest places to get to, whilst most can be done in a few days of sightseeing.
We know some people will be shouting at their phones, tablets and computers, how could you not include Croatia, Iceland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Ireland etc. Well, these are also really great places to go if you have time.
The European locations featured on our list are certainly some the best places to go if you have an interest in history, culture, beaches or seeing the most popular tourist attractions in the continent. Where you go really comes down to your own personal tastes and desires.
Each location is different and offers a fascinating experience as a tourist. If you would like to see as many places as possible, you might want to consider booking a tour of Europe where you will get to learn more about the destinations you visit with an experienced guide.
