Home > Where To Visit in Europe
Updated: September 1, 2020

The Best Places To Go in Europe

• My favorite countries to visit in Europe are Greece and Italy.
• My favorite cities in Europe are Paris and Florence.
• The best destinations for a honeymoon in Europe are Santorini and the magical cave hotels in Matera.
• The best beaches in Europe are in Greece.
• Europe with Kids: My favorite places in Europe for families are London with kids, Paris with kids, Barcelona with kids, Amsterdam with kids, Rome with kids, and Naxos with kids.
• Top Tip for Visiting Europe: Arrive and depart from different cities to save the time, hassle, and expense of retracing your steps to catch your return flight. For example, fly into London, train to Paris, fly home (direct) from Paris.
• Best Time To Visit Europe: July and August are busy everywhere in Europe. June and September have great weather and any beach on the Mediterranean is still wonderful. For outdoor sightseeing April, May, October, and early November are pleasant in most of Europe.
• If you’re a museum lover then early December, January, February, and early March see wonderfully short lines at the top attractions in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Florence, Milan, and Rome. The weather can be miserable but these big cities have lots to see indoors.
• The most magical things to do in Europe are island hopping in the Greek Islands and staying at an Agriturismo in Tuscany.

The 15 Best Places to Visit in Europe

1. Paris, France

Paris has it all, which is why it’s as close to a must-see as there is in Europe. Food, history, art, culture, and beauty around every corner. A highlight for me is doing a bike tour around the city. Paris Travel Guide • Best Paris Hotels • Best Paris Family Hotels • Best Cheap Hotel in Paris • Best Time To Visit Paris • Paris with Kids • Best Restaurants in Paris • Best Things To Do in Paris • Where To Stay in Paris

2. Florence, Italy

There are so many places to go in Italy, but Florence is so special you really can’t miss it. The art and history are obvious perks but doing food tours and cooking classes are also favorites of mine. And Florence makes a great base for exploring the treasures of Tuscany. Florence Travel Guide • Best Florence Hotels • Best Florence Family Hotels • Best Cheap Hotels in Florence • Best Time To Visit Italy • Best Things To Do in Florence

3. Santorini, Greece

The single best holiday destination in Europe (but I might be biased). The caldera views are as incredible as anything you’ll see anywhere. Sunsets, hikes, boat tours, local wines, black volcanic beaches, and the most luxurious hotels along the Mediterranean. Please, don’t miss Santorini. Santorini Travel Guide • Best Santorini Hotels • Best Santorini Family Hotels • Best Cheap Hotels in Santorini • Best Time To Visit Santorini • Santorini with Kids • Santorini with Kids • Best Restaurants in Santorini • Best Things To Do in Santorini • Where To Stay in Santorini

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

One of my absolute favorite cities in Europe. A wonderful city center that’s as pedestrian and bike friendly as you’ll find. Loaded with fun cafes, restaurants, great museums, and leafy parks. Perhaps more than any European city Amsterdam is a place you’ll want to live in after your first day. Best Amsterdam Hotels • Best Amsterdam Family Hotels • Best Cheap Hotels in Amsterdam • Best Time To Visit Amsterdam • Amsterdam with Kids

5. London, England

Everyone knows London is filled to bursting with world-class sights and museums. What might be surprising is all the great untouristy markets, shops, neighborhoods, cafes, and restaurants. Be sure to get away from the most popular attractions and seek out local London. Best London Hotels • Best London Family Hotels • Best Cheap Hotels in London • Best Time To Visit London • London with Kids • Best Things To Do in London • Where To Stay in London

6. Barcelona, Spain

My favorite city in Spain. Packed with great food, lively nightlife, art, architecture, and eye popping sightseeing. A great holiday destination for families too. Best Barcelona Hotels • Best Barcelona Family Hotels • Best Cheap Hotels in Barcelona • Best Time To Visit Barcelona • Barcelona with Kids • Best Restaurants in Barcelona • Best Things To Do in Barcelona • Where To Stay in Barcelona

7. Rome, Italy

The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican. Rome is packed with some of Europe’s top attractions. Then throw in the food, shops, cafes, and funky neighborhoods. Anything less than 5 days in Rome and you’ll feel cheated. Rome Travel Guide • Best Rome Hotels • Best Rome Family Hotels • Best Cheap Hotels in Rome • Best Time To Visit Rome • Rome with Kids • Best Things To Do in Rome • Where To Stay in Rome

8. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is the cool capital of Europe. Great nightlife, cafes, and restaurants. The Blue Lagoon, whale tours, and mesmerizing scenery are all easy day trips. Best Reykjavik Hotels • Best Rekyjavik Family Hotels • Best Cheap Hotels in Reykjavik • Best Time To Visit Iceland

9. Edinburgh, Scotland

An awesome mix of castles, history, stunning scenery, and modern Scottish life, Edinburgh is one of the must visit cities of the U.K. Best Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh • Best Edinburgh Family Hotels • Edinburgh with Kids

10. Prague, Czech Republic

As close to an idyllic European city as there is. Prague is a favorite of almost anyone who visits. Loads to see and do here – and the beer is pretty darn good too. Best Prague Hotels • Best Prague Family Hotels • Best Cheap Hotels in Prague

11. Galway, Ireland

Dublin has become a thriving international city where it can be hard to find the Irish culture you came here to experience. In Galway you really feel like you’re in Ireland. The town itself has a wonderful vibe and there’s tons to see within a 90-minute drive. Galway Family Hotels

12. Nice, France

A fantastic base for exploring South France and a wonderful mid-sized town in its own right. Easy train connections to Monaco, Cannes, Lyon, and many great beaches along the Mediterranean coast. Best Nice Family Hotels

13. Istanbul, Turkey

People come for the monumental historical sights but leave in awe of the markets, street culture, neighborhoods, and incredible Turkish cuisine. Best Istanbul Hotels • Best Istanbul Family Hotels • Best Cheap Hotels in Istanbul • Best Time To Visit Istanbul

14. Naxos, Greece

The best beaches in Greece and maybe all of Europe. But it’s not just sea, sun, and sand. The Chora (main town) is as charming as any Greek town and the interior of the island is dotted with enchanting villages and stunning hikes. Best Naxos Hotels • Best Naxos Family Hotels • Best Time To Visit Greece • Where To Stay in Naxos

15. Agriturismo Farm Stay in Italy

This is one of the funnest, most interesting things to do in Europe. Stay at a working farm in Italy (mostly Tuscany, but Umbria and Sicily are also popular). Great for everyone from families (those are my two boys playing in the pool) to honeymooners. Stays will usually include 2 to 3 meals per day. Some farms have cooking classes, horse riding, or wine-related activities. Agriturismo in Tuscany • Agriturismo in Umbria

Europe Itinerary – Where To Travel

• One Week in Europe: London and Paris – Eurostar train between the two cities. Fly into one and out of the other.
• 10 Days in Europe: London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Train between the three. Fly in and out of different cities.
• Two Weeks in Europe: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, and Florence; or London, Paris, Athens, and the Greek islands. Train between London, Paris, and Rome; and between Rome and Florence. Ferry between Athens and the Greek islands. Fly the other routes.
• Three Weeks in Europe: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Athens, and the Greek islands. Train between London, Paris, and Rome; and between Rome and Florence. Ferry between Athens and the Greek islands. Fly the other routes.

Best European Destinations by Month

• Best places in Europe to visit in January: London, Paris, Florence (for short museum lines); Sicily, Crete, Southern Spain (for good weather)
• Best places in Europe to visit in February: London, Paris, Florence (for short museum lines); Sicily, Crete, Southern Spain (for good weather)
• Best places in Europe to visit in March: Florence, Santorini, Paris, London, Barcelona
• Best places in Europe to visit in April: Florence, Rome, Santorini, Paris, London, Barcelona, Lisbon, Porto
• Best places in Europe to visit in May: The Greek Islands, Florence, Rome, Paris, London, Barcelona, Lisbon, Porto
• Best places in Europe to visit in June: The Greek Islands, Paris, London, Barcelona, Lisbon, Porto, South France, Reykjavik
• Best places in Europe to visit in July: The Greek Islands, Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca, Reykjavik (but all are busy)
• Best places in Europe to visit in August: The Greek Islands, Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca, Reykjavik (but all are busy)
• Best places in Europe to visit in September: Santorini, Mykonos, Barcelona, Lisbon, Porto, South France, London
• Best places in Europe to visit in October: Santorini, Crete, Florence, Barcelona, Sicily, Lisbon, Porto
• Best places in Europe to visit in November: Santorini, Crete, Florence, Barcelona, Sicily, Lisbon, Porto, Paris
• Best places in Europe to visit in December: Barcelona, Rome, Paris

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Top Travel Sites for Europe – My Recommendations

Best For Flights: Kayak.com • Skyscanner • Momondo

Kayak is the easiest to use. Skyscanner finds the cheapest rates. Momondo is the best for first and business class tickets.

Best For Renting A Car: Rentalcars.com

Great prices from all the biggest rental companies. Easy to use, safe, and reliable.

Best For Hotels: Booking.com

Awesome rates and great for vacation planning. All price ranges. Luxury hotels, 5-star boutiques, cheap hostels, house and apartment rentals.

Best For Tours: GetYourGuide.com

My favorite for booking tours and private tour guides.

Best for Travel Insurance: InsureMyTrip

Compare costs from over 30 insurance providers.

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