The 15 Best Places to Visit in Europe (Updated for 2024)

15 of the Best Places to Visit in Europe

From chic Paris to historic Munich with islands, Gothic castles, grand canals, and ancient ruins in between, Europe is full of captivating destinations that belong on your list. 

See the top 15 places to visit in Europe below with recommendations for things to do and sights to see in each. We’ll show you the most stunning attractions and a few hidden gems to explore!  

1. Paris, France

As iconic as it is historic, Paris is Europe’s most-visited city. Divided into 17 arrondissements, or districts, Paris is teeming with sightseeing opportunities, from the best-known landmarks to charming neighborhoods with rich, Parisian character. 

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous, and after your trip to the top, you’ll enjoy taking a baguette, cheese, and wine picnic to enjoy at Champs de Mar park just behind it. Paris’ many parks and manicured gardens, like Tuileries Garden, are delightful to stroll. 

Wandering the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay with a knowledgeable guide are musts on your trip (allow at least a day for each), while the luxurious Luxembourg Palace and palace of Versailles (just outside the city) can add awe-inspiring stops to your list. 

Iconic sights like the Arc de Triomphe, the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter, and charming neighborhoods from hilltop Montmartre to trendy Le Marais offer boutiques, cafes, and galleries to explore on a day out while you take on Paris. 

Read Next: Is Paris Safe to Visit & The Best Time to Visit Paris in 2024

2. Rome, Italy

Rome’s ambience is unmatched, offering Old World charm and stunning architecture examples from ancient ruins to Romanesque, Baroque, and Neoclassical structures with ornate fountains, cobbled streets, and famous stone steps that make it clear you’re in Rome. 

If Roman ruins pique your interest, a single ticket will grant you entry to the 3 iconic sights: The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Opt for a guided tour to really immerse yourself in the history of these crumbling ruins of Rome’s powerful civilization. 

Set out early one morning to tour the Vatican, where you’ll find Michelangelo’s famous works on the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the chance to wander the colonnaded St. Peter’s Basilica and square. 

Don’t miss your chance to walk up the historic Spanish Steps from Piazza di Spagna up to the Renaissance-era Trinità dei Monti church, toss coins into the ornate Trevi Fountain in the Centro Storico (historic center), and see the well-preserved Pantheon.   

Admire Caravaggio and Bernini works at the Galleria Borghese, then head to the Capitoline Museums to learn about the city’s archaeological and art history.

And when in Rome, do as the Romans do, enjoying pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe and wine at street cafes looking out onto bustling public squares, treating yourself with some tiramisu and gelato for dessert. 

Read Next: Where to Stay in Rome (Best Areas & Hotels)

3. Barcelona, Spain

Carefree vibes, beaches, delicious Spanish food, bustling markets, and awesome architecture make Barcelona one of Europe’s best destinations. From citywide festivals to museum and gallery tours, there’s always something happening in Barcelona!

Purchase a combo ticket for guided tours through the hilly Park Guell, with its mosaics, striking fountain, and stunning houses, along with the famous spires and stained glass of Sagrada Familia, designed by Gaudi with Gothic, modern, and Art Nouveau influences. 

Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of the Gothic Quarter to see the stunning Cathedral of Barcelona, grab Spanish food at Plaça Reial restaurants, shop along Calle Avinyo, or come to Calle Ferran at night for the bars, clubs, and cafes open late.

Visit the Salvador Dali Museum to see the artists’ eccentric works, wander through Las Ramblas Boulevard’s bustling La Bouqeria market with food, drinks, and goods for sale, and take a cable car up to Montjuïc Castle, an old military fortress on a hill overlooking the city.

At the base of the hill, you can meander through the Plaza de España square or check out the fountains and people watch at Plaza de Catalunya in the heart of the city. Sunny days call for a beach visit at the scenic, but crowded Barceloneta Beach on the Mediterranean Sea. 

Read Next: The Best Time to Visit & The Best Areas and Hotels in Barcelona

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Hilly, historic, and colorful, Lisbon is an enchanting place to visit in Europe with stunning examples of Moorish and Gothic architecture dotting its steep streets along with markets, eateries, eclectic bars, and unique shops around every corner. 

Colorful buildings are the norm in this vibrant city, with pastel tones dominating the scenery downtown. Grab breakfast at the popular Pastéis de Belém for Portuguese pastries and custard tarts, then head to the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery in grand Late Gothic style for a tour. 

The intricately-paved (calçada) Baixa-Chiado city center will entertain you with shops and food in Armazéns do Chiado. Head to the observation deck on the ornate Arco da Rua Augusta, then walk toward the Tagus River to see the stunning Praça do Comércio royal palace and surrounding square, where festivals are held. 

Visit the Sé, or the Lisbon Cathedral, stroll through the parks and gardens of the riverfront Belém district, and see for yourself how the boho Bairro Alto neighborhood (home of the Bica Funicular) transforms from sightseeing mecca to nightlife central once the sun sets. 

One of the best places to take in panoramic views of Lisbon is from the Moorish São Jorge Castle, with elements dating back to the 2nd century and an imposing presence high up on a hill. Check out Mercado da Riberia for great samples of Lisbon food, like bacalhau (dried, salted cod), da Serra cheese, and enchidos (Portuguese sausages). 

Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Lisbon in 2024

5. Budapest, Hungary

Hungary’s riverfront capital, Budapest, is known for its steamy baths, opulent hilltop castles, and medieval to Neo-Baroque architecture that gives the city a regal feel. Its churches, museums, famous bridges, and monuments make it a treat to visit in Europe. 

Budapest’s classicist-style Széchenyi Chain Bridge crosses the Danube River.  Take a funicular up to Castle Hill, where you’ll be able to wander cafes and homes along cobbled streets of Old Town of Buda.

Castle Hill is where you can explore the Neo-Baroque Buda Castle (tour the 2 museums now housed inside). The Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum is located in caverns under the castle, then overlook the river from the 7 towers of Fisherman’s Bastion and see the impressive Hungarian Presidential Palace. 

Visit Trinity Square to see the 13th-century Matthias Church and the detailed Holy Trinity statue. Gellert Hill is filled with renowned monuments and statues, like the Liberty Statue, Szent Gellert Monument, and Statue of Queen Elizabeth and panoramic views over the city. 

Make time to visit the Szechenyi Baths and eat Hungarian food, shop for souvenirs, and meet locals at the Neo-Gothic Central Market Hall. You’ll enjoy grabbing drinks at the cool ruin bars, similar to beer gardens in an abandoned building near St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Budapest in 2024

6. Dublin, Ireland

The lively city of Dublin, Ireland’s capital, beckons to tourists seeking an upbeat atmosphere surrounded by castles and beautiful scenery, classic Irish pubs, and plenty of museums, parks, and interesting places to check out in this green, walkable city. 

The 13th-century Dublin Castle is a major draw for tourists, dating back to the Viking Age and open for guided tours that perfectly set the tone for your trip. Hit up the famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a still-standing relic from Dublin’s medieval period. 

You’ll get your fill of Irish history at the National Museum of Ireland, see amazing artworks in the Modern Art Museum, while a visit to the former prison of Killmainham Gaol is educational and interesting. 

Spend an afternoon strolling the lovely paths and gardens of Phoenix Park, even visiting the Dublin Zoo if you’re up for it! Whisky aficionados should visit the Jameson or Pearse Lyons distilleries for tours, while a Guinness Storehouse tour with tastings at the rooftop bar lead to great views over the city.  

Speaking of drinking and fun, head to Temple Bar (more touristy) or Grafton Street to experience real Irish pubs and live music with a pint of Guinness. There are lots of shops, restaraunts, and small side streets to explore on foot in the area.

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Dublin in 2024

7. Cyprus

Situated in the Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus is one of Europe’s best places to visit with beaches, nightlife, and ancient to medieval sites. With distinctive Greek (southern two-thirds) and Turkish sides of the island, you’ll enjoy a range of experiences depending on where you visit.

In Nicosia, discover archaeological relics at Cyprus Museum and the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia. Its walled Old City is filled with bustling pedestrian streets, like cobblestone Ledra Street, lined with shops, cafes, and bars, while museums, old churches, and rooftop gardens are fun to explore. 

Head to the southeastern tip of the island to explore the fascinating Agioi Saranta Cave Church built in a natural cave, the natural rock bridge and cliff-lined shores of Cape Cavo Greco, and Agia Napa Sea Caves (great spot to dive or jump into the water). 

The Kolossi Castle is a 15th-century castle with dungeons you can see near the southwestern coast, while the 3rd-century BCE Tombs of the Kings archaeological site is on the west coast just north of Paphos Harbour. Paphos has some of the best, secluded beaches in Cyprus, too. 

Head to the Napa area for great beaches and tons of water sports, like parasailing and jet skiing. Go scuba diving at Zinoviev in Limasol, where the water is relatively shallow and ideal for beginners. Check out Agiou Antoniou street in Limasol for nightlife after your dive!

There’s a great, 8-mile loop trail up into the mountains in the west-central region near Troodos called the Atalanti Natural Trail. Troodos is also home to some really charming mountain villages that seem forgotten by time, including Agros and Kakopetria.

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Cyprus

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands

As the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is known for its party vibes, great museums, colorful fields of springtime tulips, and bike-friendly streets with networks of canals lined by narrow houses. 

Rent a bike to make your way around the city for an invigorating experience. It’ll help you learn the lay of the land and note places you want to go back and visit. If you can, take a night boat cruise through the canals.

Museum Square in Amsterdam South has a host of great museums. Rijksmuseum is the most famous of all and has its own top-rated restaurant inside. It’s also right next to the Van Gogh Museum, Concertgebouw, and Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. 

There’s the Sexmuseum Amsterdam to take a different approach to museum tours, the Banksy Museum, and the chance to tour the Heineken facilities with tastings at its rooftop bar. 

The De Pijp District is home to tons of boutiques, restaurants, markets, and bars. You can’t miss the chance to check out the Albert Cuyp Market here and taste a warm stroopwafel or wander Ferdinand Bolstraat’s shops, delis, and bars.

For Dutch beer on tap at one of Amsterdam’s best bars, head to Proeflokaal Arendsnest, where you’ll find 50+ varieties and outdoor seating to watch the canals. Black Tiger and Old Sailor Pub are located in the red light district if you’re up for a wild night, or just want to people watch on a Saturday night. 

Read Next: Is Amsterdam Safe to Visit & Where to Stay in Amsterdam in 2024

9. Madeira Island, Portugal

Portugal’s Madeira Island is the biggest in an archipelago of 4 volcanic islands, offering tropical beaches, great diving and snorkeling spots, natural volcanic pools to swim in, and stunningly rugged cliffs on the coast.

Its capital, Funchal, is where you’ll find most of the tourist activities, like Monte Palace Tropical Garden, waterfront restaurants serving seafood Portuguese-style, and water sports like kayaking and jet skiing. There are pebbled beaches like Praia São Tiago here if you want to sunbathe.

Seixal Beach is otherworldly with black sand, shoreside waterfalls, and a backdrop of rugged ridges and cliffs. You’ll find volcanic pools to swim in here, as well as in nearby Porto Moniz and Doco do Cavacas in Funchal.

Other sandy beaches to check out include Prainha Beach, Calheta Beach, and Machico Bay Beach, all on the eastern coast with golden to brown volcanic sand. Take the Pico do Arieiro hike to Pico Ruivo (one way, then catch a cab unless you’re very fit) for great views of the island. 

Adventure awaits at Levada das 25 Fontes, the most popular hiking route on the island. There’s a rock wall with 25 streams pouring out into a pool that’s perfect for a post-hike dip.

The trail leads you to a viewpoint for Risco Waterfall, a huge cascade of water that makes the hike even more special. 

10. Greek Islands

The islands of Greece are popular tourist destinations with ancient Greek ruins and historic sites, beautiful white-washed buildings and homes, rocky cliffs facing the sea, and a range of great restaurants, bars, and clubs (especially on the “party islands”). 

Scenic Santorini is a romantic island popular for honeymooners, happening Mykonos and Ios are known as the party islands with tons of dance clubs and bars, while Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu are some of the best for historic sites and ruins. 

The Greek islands are lined with sandy beaches (some secluded and some bustling with activity during the peak summer season) and the island capitals feature rows of waterfront restaurants, shops, and bars overlooking the sea. 

Hike rugged trails inland and along the coasts to crumbling and remarkably preserved ruins, like the ancient village of Lindos on Rhodes, baths and the city of Corcyra on Corfu, and Akrotiri archaeological site on Santorini.

Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, like moussaka (eggplant and minced meat in a creamy sauce), keftethes (garlic-herb meatballs), and dolmadaki (rice-stuffed grape leaves), while you sip ouzo with a lemon garnish. 

Read Next: The 20 Best Greek Islands to Visit in 2024

11. Transylvania, Romania

Famed as the location of Count Dracula’s castle, the Transylvania region in central Romania is filled with medieval Gothic fairytale scenery, old fortresses, Baroque architecture, and scenic mountain and valley views that make it a magical place to visit in Europe. 

Visit the 14th-century Gothic Bran Castle, once the home of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for the novel, Dracula), in Bran. The Neo-Renaissance Peleș Castle in the Carpathian Mountains near Sinaia makes a fascinating stop on your royal tour. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the rugged trail leading to Seven Ladders Canyon in the foothills of the Piatra Mare Mountains just beyond Brasov. Drive the Prahova Valley road for incredible views of the surrounding Carpathian Mountains. 

Cities like Brasov are some of the best in the region to explore and make your base camp for the trip, with Baroque architecture around the Council’s Square, the First Romanian School Museum, and the medieval Black Church in Gothic style. 

You can even tour old Saxon cities and villages in Transylvania, like the walled, 12th-century Sibiu with its towers, Brukenthal Palace and museum, and the haunting Biertan Fortified Church with walls containing gravestones.

12. The Canary Islands, Spain

Part of Spain, the Canary Islands archipelago is one our of favorite places to visit in Europe with a diverse mix of experiences waiting for you on its lush, mountainous shores.

The largest of these volcanic islands is Tenerife, home to the dormant Mt. Teide volcano and the surrounding trails of Teide National Park, lots of Spanish restaurants and tourist attractions, luxurious beaches of all colors, and the host site for festivals and carnivals. 

Tenerife is where you’ll find ample hiking trails in the national park, high-end resorts on beaches like Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and the black sands of northern Puerto de la Cruz, the Siam Park water park, and the famed Loro Park zoo. 

There are 6 other islands to explore, like Gran Canaria with its Las Palmas resorts, mountains, museums, a charming Old Town, and hiking trails in Roque Nublo.

Water sports and soft, sandy beaches are the main attractions on windy Fuerteventura, home to Corralejo National Park. The tiny La Graciosa is a ferry trip away from Lanzarote for secluded beaches, and La Gomera offers honey rum and great hiking in Parque Nacional de Garajonay. 

Lanzarote is unbelievably scenic, with vineyards growing volcanic craters, a volcanic tunnel leading to an underground music venue, and the rugged Timanfaya National Park. La Palma (a UNESCO Biosphere) is lush, mountainous, filled with lava tunnels, and packed with Spanish history.

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit the Canary Islands in 2024

13. Prague, Czechia

Visiting Prague is like taking an immersive classic architecture course, with ornate Baroque palaces, funky Art Nouveau structures, Gothic churches, and Romanesque basilicas surrounding old public squares filled with gushing fountains. 

The riverfront city feels sophisticated and antiquated with a sense of modernity in its culture. It’s earned the nickname “City of a Hundred Spires” and features famous landmarks and sights you’ll want to check out while you’re exploring Europe. 

The 10th-century Old Town Square is home to the fascinating medieval Orloj, or Prague Astronomical Clock, buildings and observation towers that make up the Old Town Hall, the twin spires of the Gothic Church of Mother of God before Týn, and the Rococo-style Kinský Palace. 

The 14th-century Gothic-style stone Charles Bridge, arching over the Vlatava River to connect the Lesser Town and Old Town with 30 Catholic saint statues on its balustrade and fortified towers on each end, is nearby. 

Prague Castle is another must-visit destination and the world’s largest castle complex. The complex was built around 880-900 and added to over the years, leading to range of architectural styles from Romanesque to Gothic.

Try tatarák s topinkami (steak tartare with toast), guláš (beef goulash), and a slice of medovnik (honey cake) while you’re in Prague to experience the tasty part of this culture.

Read Next: Is Prague Safe to Visit & The Best Time to Travel to Prague

14. Bratislava, Slovakia

Roughly an hour outside of Vienna, Bratislava, Slovakia is a less-visited European city on the Danube River with lots of character and charm. Visiting its castle, palaces, old churches, and bustling Main Square in the Old Town will be highlights of your visit. 

The 15th-century hilltop Bratislava Castle, which was rebuilt in Renaissance style after its Gothic origins, houses the Slovak National Museum of History and overlooks the Danube. Tour the grounds to learn about the country’s history and the palace’s transformation over the centuries.

Then check out 18th-century Primate’s Palace (Neoclassical style) in the Old Town, making sure to visit its Hall of Mirrors. The rest of the Old Town can take up a full afternoon, with the colorfully-tiled Blue Church, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and various shops, bars, and pubs around the Main Square.

You’ll enjoy dining on hearty regional favorites, like bryndzové halušky (gnocchi with sheep’s cheese and bacon), Kapustnica (cabbage soup), and Gulášová Polievka (meaty goulash soup with dumplings), and wash it all down with a Heineken Zlaty Bazant Lager. 

15. Munich

Munich is a bustling German city with the vibe of a smaller town, famous for its annual Oktoberfest, Gothic cathedrals, palaces, and historic Altstadt (Old Town). Rich in culture and gorgeous architecture, this is a city to take your time when exploring. 

Start in the Old Town to discover Munich’s history, with stops like the 15th-century Gothic Frauenkirche cathedral, Marienplatz Square and its famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel clock with twice-daily shows featuring life-sized figures at Neues Rathaus, and shops on Theatinerstrasse. 

The Baroque Nymphenburg Palace is a treasure to see and tour if you’ve got time. Check out the Residenz Palace, once a 14th-century castle, and catch a performance at Gasteig Philharmonie Hall if you get the chance. 

Fast-forward to the modern day with a tour of the BMW Museum, where a guide can lead you through the car company’s history to current models with a restaurant and gift shop onsite. 

Slow down for a visit to one of Munich’s open-air or indoor biergartens (like Chinese Tower) for a pint of German beer, sausages, pretzels, and hearty stews in a festive setting, and party all night at Kultfabrik’s labyrinth of bars, clubs, and casinos. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to start planning your European tour? Knowing the best places to visit in Europe is a great start, but learning the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions will send you off with everything you need to know! 

So, What Is the Best Place to Visit in Europe?

The best places to visit in Europe include all the highlights — Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and the like — as well as some lesser-visited gems that will unlock your appreciation for the enormity, rich history, and varied architectural styles and cultures of Europe. 

Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a visit to Lisbon, Dublin, or Prague for years. Perhaps destinations like Budapest, Cyprus, and Madeira Island hadn’t crossed your mind before, and there may be some (like Bratislava and lesser-known Greek islands) that you’d never heard of. 

Whether you’re planning a focused deep-dive trip to one special destination or a broader tour hitting a few of Europe’s highlights, this list of the 15 best places to visit will steer you in the right direction. 

With so much to see and do in one of the most diverse and enjoyable continents on the planet, what are you waiting for? Find the best time to visit Europe and nail down your travel dates for the trip of a lifetime!