101 Magical Places to Visit in Europe: A European Bucket List for Travel Addicts

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Last Updated on: 13th January 2023, 09:45 pm

I love traveling in Europe, and, even after living there for four years, I had to admit how many of the best places to visit in Europe are still languishing on my European bucket list.

So to that end, I thought it was time that I share my bucket list for traveling Europe to help inspire you!

For many of the places that I haven’t been to yet, I’ve asked professional travel writers to weigh in on why these top European destinations belong on your bucket list for Europe as well!

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The Best Places to Visit in Europe A European Bucket List for Travel Addicts

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For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars.

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Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

The Best Places to Visit in Europe for Your European Bucket List!

From the best cities to castles to countries, here are the best destinations in Europe!

Please note that if there’s a place in Europe that you love that’s not on this list – don’t worry!

Europe is a big place, and that doesn’t mean I don’t think it’s worth going to as well. Some of my own favorite places in Europe didn’t make the cut because there are just so many great ones!

If you think any place was overlooked, feel free to add it to the comments so readers can check those out as well!

At the top are my top ten favorite European destinations, and the rest of the places in Europe to visit are listed below are in alphabetical order.

The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Europe

If you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, make sure to include one or two of these top European destinations!

The Alps (Multiple)

Best Places to Visit in Europe - The Alps

The premier mountain range in Europe, this is one of the best places to visit Europe in winter, but they’re also great in summer!

They stretch across eight countries (France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia) so you can take your pick of which kind of alpine experience you’re looking to have.

Do you want skiing in the Swiss Alps or driving through the Julian Alps on your way to pristine waterfalls in Slovenia?

Will you whiz through Italian mountain villages, or go hiking in Monaco before hitting the casino?

Do you want to go on a long summer trek or are you more into Apres Ski?

Whatever European mountain adventure you desire, it’s waiting for you!

Athens (Greece)

I have a confession: I prefer gritty cities to pretty ones, and that’s a major reason that I adore Athens!

One of my favorite cities in the Balkans (or anywhere on Earth), Athens is the perfect mix of history and cultural travel.

You can spend your mornings at the Parthenon and your afternoons people watching at the local ouzerie.

Or you can enjoy a morning at one of the museums, an afternoon shopping, and your evening strolling Monastiraki.

Or skip everything and head out on a cruise to one of the three best islands near Athens.

Whatever you do, set aside some time to enjoy a nice, long mezze!

Where to Stay in Athens | The Best Hotels in Athens with Acropolis Views

The Best Day Trips from Athens | How to Go from Athens to Meteora | Things to Do in Athens in Winter

Visit Meteora from Athens | Visit Delphi from Athens | Visit Mycenae from Athens

Athens or Istanbul? | Athens or Thessaloniki?

Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

There are so many ways to have a good time in Amsterdam that you really can’t go wrong!

You can zip down the canals with a local Heineken in hand, rent a bicycle

Barcelona (Spain)

Berlin (Germany)

Germany - Berlin - Classic view of Berlin skyline with famous TV tower and Spree in beautiful golden evening light at sunset, central Berlin Mitte, Germany

Black Sea (Multiple)

Best Places to Visit in Europe - The Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria

Bratislava (Slovakia)

Budapest (Hungary)

Budapest packs a lot of world-class attractions into a short, highly walkable, area.

The city is home to one of the most beautiful structures in the world, the Hungarian Parliament building, whose ornate neo-Gothic exterior lords over the city from its perch on the edge of the Danube River.

Start there, then hop on a public boat and cruise down the river, stopping to visit the fairytale-like towers at Fisherman’s Bastion, the iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, and the imposing Buda Castle.

If that gets you tired, relax your muscles in one of Budapest’s famous thermal spas, or replenish your energy by eating langosh (a traditional Hungarian dish made with delicious fried dough).

Whatever you do, you’re sure to realize why Budapest is one of the most spectacular places in Europe.

For the best experience, visit between May and September, when the weather is warm and the city can be comfortably explored by night. -Nate Hake from Travel Lemming

Buzludzha (Bulgaria)

Best Places to Visit in Europe - Buzludzha

Crete (Greece)

Matala beach with old fishing boats and caves on the rocks that were used as a roman cemetery and at the decade of 70's were living hippies from all over the world, Crete, Greece

Dublin (Ireland)

Istanbul (Turkey)

London (England, UK)

UK - England - London, England - Iconic red double decker bus on the move at the world famous stables market of Camden Town at daylight

A city on the wishlist of many travelers, London is easily my favorite place to visit in Europe. The atmosphere of the city is unlike anywhere else in the world.

There are so many amazing things to do in London.

On your first trip to London, you can’t miss the obvious sights that are on everyone’s bucket list – things like watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, riding the London Eye, and seeing Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster.

Make sure to spend some time wandering through London’s different neighborhoods like posh Kensington and artsy Shoreditch – just walking around and experiencing the city is part of the fun when visiting London.

There’s no bad time to visit London, but one of the best times to visit is around the holidays.

Ornate light displays and Christmas markets throughout the city make December a festive time to visit. -Sydney from A World in Reach

Beautiful Quotes about London | Funny Puns and Jokes about London

How to Visit the Tower of London | My Favorite London Adventures | How to Visit Westminster Abby | Should You Visit London or Berlin

Paris (France)

One of the best places in Europe is the city of Paris in France. It is a wonderful city with many sights that are known all around the world.

One of the best things to do in Paris is to see the Eiffel Tower. It is also possible to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Another sight in the city is the Arc de Triomphe, which is a monumental arch that is one of the most photogenic places in Paris.

Another famous sight in the city is the Louvre. This is one of the best museums in Europe and you find some of the most famous pieces of art in the world.

Paris is great to visit throughout the year, but visiting Paris in spring is special because of the flowers that are in bloom during that period. -Dymphe from Dymabroad

Reykjavik (Iceland)

Rome (Italy)

The Complete Bucket List for Traveling Europe

Albanian Riviera (Albania)

Amalfi Coast (Italy)

Andorra la Vella (Andorra)

Belfast (Northern Ireland, UK)

Belgrade (Serbia)

Bern (Switzerland)

Bologna (Italy)

Foodies and wine lovers have long considered Bologna, Italy as one of their favorite places in Europe to visit.

Known by its nickname “La Dotta, la Grassa e la Rossa” (The Educated, the Fat, and the Red), Bologna more than lives up to its foodie reputation.

Start at the Piazza Maggiore in the historic centre where you can see the Fountain of Neptune, the Cathedral, and stroll the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest outdoor market.

History buffs also have plenty to keep them occupied.

The city’s network of covered porticoes stretches over 24 miles in length up to the Cathedral of San Luca which overlooks the city.

For the best photo ops, stroll the porticoes at sunset.

Finally, don’t miss a visit to the University of Bologna – the oldest university in the world – with its great library and the anatomical theater where DaVinci himself once taught. -Lori from Italy Foodies

Bordeaux (France)

Bruges (Belgium)

Bruges, Belgium is filled with history and charm, easily putting it on any traveler’s favorite places in Europe list!

Any time of year is nice to visit and each season has its own charms – but the most picturesque are summer and autumn!

Belgium is known for beer, so it’s only right to start your trip by trying some delicious local brews. Le Trappiste has a variety on tap – try a flight for the full experience!

For the best views in the city, climb to the top of the Belfry in the city center (which you may recognize from the movie “In Bruges”)!

Finally, just wander and get lost in the historic streets! Every corner in Bruges is charming.

The Rozenhoedkaai View is the most famous corner in the city for that postcard-perfect photo! -Jen from Glasses and Boarding Passes

Brussels (Belgium)

From the elegant Place du Sablon with its antique shops to the neoclassical Royal Quarter with its renowned art museums and from the glamorous Saint-Hubert Royal Galeries to the colorful comic strips murals, the Belgian capital knows how to make an impression.

But the most mesmerizing sight is located right in the heart of Brussels: The Grand Place.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the glorious gothic City Hall, the elegant Bread Hall, and a series of exquisitely restored guild houses.

Take in the grandeur of the Grand Place while the smell of sumptuous Belgian waffles fills the air and while the horses’ hooves clip-clop as the carriages pass by.

Rain or shine, any time of year is perfect for a visit to Brussels. In spring and summer, the eye-catching gilded touches that adorn the guild houses reflect the sunlight.

In fall, the rain gives the cobblestones a romantic makeover and in winter, this majestic medieval masterpiece forms the dazzling decor for the Brussels Christmas markets sound and light show. -Sarah Vanheel from CosmopoliClan

Cardiff (Wales, UK)

Castelmezzano (Italy)

Titled as one of the most beautiful places in Italy, Castelmezzano is a true hidden gem in southern Italy.

A small mountain village has a low-key vibe and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy an authentic Italian lifestyle with fewer crowds.

Even though it’s a small village and a bit offbeat, there are still a variety of things to do.

First of all, visitors go there to see the beautiful village with colorful buildings, stroll around narrow streets, and visit some landmarks like Gradinata Normanna.

Secondly, there are countless hiking trails around the village, which offer magnificent views of the dolomite hills and to the village itself.

The most popular hike trail is Seven Stone Path, which leads hikers to the neighboring scenic village Pietrapertosa.

Lastly, the ones who are seeking more adrenaline can fly on the high-speed zip line Volo dell’Angelo.

The speed on the zip line reaches up to 120 km/h. One of the best experiences for adrenaline lovers.

The best time to visit Castelmezzano is from mid-May to the end of September. Then the weather is warm and sunny, also all places and activities are open. -Erki from Genem Travels

Causeway Coast (Northern Ireland, UK)

If you are looking for a new summer destination, try Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast.

With its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and a plethora of things to do, you won’t be disappointed.

Visit in late May or June, before the summer tourists arrive.

Popular things to do include driving the Causeway Coastal Route, the Game of Thrones tour, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Unesco World Heritage Site, Giant’s Causeway. Then go beyond the popular!

Hike the Glenariff Forest Park Waterfall Trail and the Whiterocks Coastal Path. Try an Aquaholics Boat Tour. Ride the short Bushmills Railway.

Dive into the culture at Glenarm Castle and Dunfin Farm. Then get adventurous and try the excellent coasteering sites.

Afterward, reward yourself with a Ballycastle Food Tour and a sip at Old Bushmills Distillery.

You’ll have so much fun, and take so many gorgeous photos, the Causeway Coast may become your favorite place in Europe. -Roxanna from Gypsy with a Day Job

Coimbra (Portugal)

Copenhagen (Denmark)

Dalmatian Coast (Croatia)

All of Croatia is wonderful – but the Dalmatian Coast is really special! Craggy headlands overlook the gorgeous waters of the Adriatic Sea, dotted with hundreds of pretty islands

Here, you can enjoy swimming in crystal clear water at one of the many stunning beaches, the most famous being Zlatni Rat on Brač island.

Or, you can absorb the history in one of the fortified towns, like Dubrovnik or Korčula.

There’s a chance you could rub shoulders with celebrities in the glamourous Hvar Town. Or, if you seek serenity, explore the turquoise lakes in Mljet National Park.

There are a number of ways to explore the region including by road and using the extensive ferry network.

But there’s no better option than sailing in the Dalmatian Coast – either in a private boat or (the more affordable option) a small ship tour.

Living on that glorious water amongst that stunning coastal scenery is truly bucket list-worthy. –Martha from May Cause Wanderlust

Things to Do in Makarska | Things to Do in Mljet | Things to Do in Korcula | Things to Do in Hvar

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Visit the Zadar Christmas Market | Things to Do in Split in Winter | Things to Do in Croatia in Winter

Danube River (Central Europe)

There’s only one river in Europe that binds this many countries together.

The Danube emerges in Germany and then flows through or past Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine.

Enjoy year-round fun in the four amazing capital cities on this river: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade. They offer highlights of European history, culture and cuisine.

If cities aren’t your thing, you can head towards a quieter section. The adorable Swabian villages on its banks are a pleasant getaway close to nature in spring and autumn.

Or, if you’re daring, my favorite thing to do on the Danube is to kayak it downstream from spring till autumn.

This combines bigger cities with smaller towns and sections of quiet bird sanctuaries in the surrounding forests.

This is a trip that has made me fall in love with every bit of the Danube and the perpetual change it brings. -Iris Veldwijk from Mind of a Hitchhiker

Dordogne Valley (France)

The Dordogne Périgord is one of the most picturesque regions in France. The stunning landscapes are dotted with pretty medieval villages, historic castles, and fabulous places to eat.

One of the best things to do in the Dordogne is to wander the narrow, cobblestone streets of the villages. Sarlat makes an excellent base.

From there, you can easily visit Beynac-et Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac on the banks of the Dordogne River

A must-see is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lascaux Caves, in Montignac sur Vézère. The amazing cave walls are lined with over 2000 mysterious, stone age paintings.

The region is known for its local gastronomy, from wine to truffles. Be sure to visit the local markets in Sarlat and Périgueux for a taste of everything.

The Dordogne is most popular in the summer, but May, June, and September are the best times to avoid the crowds. -Cindy Baker from Travel Bliss Now

Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ Dubrovnik in Croatia is one of the most popular destinations in the Balkans in Europe.

If you are a history lover, you will enjoy exploring the well-preserved old town of the Republic of Ragusa.

From the iconic Stradun to the clocktower, palaces (Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace), cathedrals, and the civic and port administration of Dubrovnik, this UNESCO heritage-rich city will delight you in every step of the way.

Add to this are the stunning views of the sea and the pretty orange rooftop houses that will melt your heart instantly.

To truly experience the cultural side of this city, as well as enjoy its culinary delights and relaxation, consider spending at least 3 days in Dubrovnik. –By Mayuri from ToSomePlaceNew

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Things to Do in Dubrovnik in Winter | How to Visit the Dubrovnik Christmas Market

Duoro Valley (Portugal)

Edinburgh (Scotland, UK)

Giethoorn (The Netherlands)

One of the best places to visit in Europe is the hugely popular and romantic town of Giethoorn in the Netherlands.

Often referred to as a magical town ‘with no roads’ there are actually roads, but large sections of the town can only be reached via footpath or boat.

This means there are many picturesque Dutch canals with pretty thatched cottages, and often gorgeous gardens, looking out over the water for you to see.

The best things to do in Giethoorn include renting a ‘whisper boat’ so you can explore the town from the water level for yourself, having a meal at one of the waterside cafes or terrace restaurants, and learning about the town’s history at Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus.

The best time of year to visit is spring, when there will be plenty of flowers blooming (like tulips!) and it should be less busy than the peak summer months.

Pro tip: stay overnight to really experience the idyllic aspect of Giethoorn in the evening and early morning after/before the tourist crowds descend. -Kristy from Tassie Devil Abroad

Gozo (Malta)

Hallstatt (Austria)

Hallstatt is a dreamy town nestled along the shores of an alpine lake in Austria.

Wandering through the historic town built up a mountain slope is an attraction in itself and having lunch or dinner overlooking the calm waters of the Hallstätter See is a must-do while in town.

In the summer, you can even go for a swim at a small, rocky beach.

For incredible aerial views, take the inclined railway up to the viewing deck above the town.

While up there, you can visit the historic salt mines on a guided tour that takes you deep inside one of the mountains.

Just across the lake, you can visit the Dachstein ice caves which are full of unique ice formations created by water seeping through the rock. -Kris from My Michigan Travel

Helsinki (Finland)

Isle of Mull (Scotland, UK)

Isle of Mull is a stunning island located in the west of Scotland that is part of Inner Hebrides.

The island is known for its unspoiled landscape and coastlines dotted with pretty villages, not to forget the rich wildlife.

Explore the colorful Tobermory which is often referred to as the capital of Isle of Mull. It is also the largest settlement and the busiest town on the island.

Needless to say, a lot of stays and B&Bs are based around here. Many wildlife tours and boat trips also begin from Tobermory.

Climb up Ben More, the only Scottish Munro (mountain that is over 3000 feet high) on the island.

The views from the top of the Munro are nothing but breathtaking!

The Isle of Mull is a pocket-sized island, but it is packed with too many interesting things to take your adventure to next level. -Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

Khor Virap (Armenia)

Kiev (Ukraine)

Kinderdijk (The Netherlands)

The skyline of the windmills at Kinderdijk is without a doubt one of the most iconic places in the Netherlands, but not everyone knows what their original purpose actually was.

The nineteen windmills were built in the 18^th century and were part of a whole water management system to drain the polder areas and claim land from the water.

Another interesting thing is that the windmills have always served as houses and people lived there.

Because of their significance, the windmills of Kinderdijk are inscribed on the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands.

In Kinderdijk you can visit 3 of the windmills: the Nederwaard Museum Mill, the Blokweer Museum Mill and the Overwaard Museum Mill.

You can also do a boat tour on the canals along the windmills and visit the Wisboom Pumping Station. -Daniela from Exploring the Netherlands

Kotor (Montenegro)

Krakow (Poland)

Lake Bled (Slovenia)

Lake Bled is one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia, and deservedly so! The alpine lake has a storybook setting and a surreal color. It will take your breath away with its beauty.

There are many things to do in Lake Bled, including, of course, a stroll around the shore to appreciate the beauty of the lake from all angles.

Hikes take you up into surrounding hillsides for aerial views.

Taking a traditional pletna boat to the little island in the middle of the lake is one of the top things to do here.

On the island, climb up the 99 steps to visit the church, where you can ring the bell and make a wish.

Eat a slice of the Bled cream cake, one of the most famous desserts in Slovenia.

Lake Bled is a four-season destination. If you want to see the lake fully thawed, visit between late spring and early fall. -Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

Lake Iseo (Italy)

Lake Iseo is a hidden gem in the North of Italy, between lakes Garda and Como. It’s less known than its counterparts but equally as beautiful.

The best time to visit lake Iseo is in the summer when more things to do are available.

Spend a day driving around the lake and enjoying the beautiful views and historical villages.

Go to the village Zone where you’ll find “Pyramids of Zone” – formations of large rock pillars created by erosion.

Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the trails around the lake. Corna Trentapassi offers incredible views of the lake and of Monte Isola – the biggest lake island in Europe.

Speaking of Monte Isola, take a ferry and enjoy the island!

If you don’t enjoy hiking, you can find many art galleries and incredible architecture in the villages.

And don’t miss the local cuisine – try the lake catch of the day or casoncelli alla Bergamasca in the local restaurants. -Kristine from Wanderlust Designers

Lake Ohrid (North Macedonia and Albania)

Lisbon (Portugal)

Loire Valley (France)

The 280km/175mi-stretch of the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire is protected by UNESCO because of its stunning beauty, its enormous cultural value, and a history that stretches back centuries.

You’ll initially be drawn here for the famous chateaux of the Loire – the lovely Chenonceau, the massive Chambord (and its da Vinci-inspired staircase), the delightful Cheverny and Amboise and… you can visit more than 300 history-laden chateaux in just this region.

Taking a bike tour through the area or going up in a hot air balloon are two wonderful ways to visit the region.

The region is also known for its Loire wines and for many gastronomic specialties, including some fabulous cheeses and the delicious nougat from Tours.

To enjoy it at its best, visit during the shoulder season, either around April-May or September-October. Summer is also good but the crowds are larger and the waits longer. -Leyla Alyanak from Offbeat France

Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Lucern (Switzerland)

Madeira (Portugal)

Meteora (Greece)

Mdina (Malta)

Mdina, The Silent City of Malta is one of Europe’s finest examples of ancient fortified cities. It is a completely different world with its extraordinary medieval and baroque architecture.

This tiny fortified city was founded around 800 BC and declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Every street, building of Mdina has its own history. For sure this history-enriched city has everything to satisfy history lovers.

Make sure to set aside time to stroll along the cobbled street and narrow alley of the city and get lost in history.

Go for a guided walking tour. There are many walking tours, organized by local agencies. You can even find a free walking tour.

Mdina is believed to be one of the haunted places in Malta. Several agencies offer ‘Mdina Ghost tour’ at night which is something different as well as interesting for tourists.

The best time to visit is the spring and early summer. -Moon Ray from Nomadicmun

Milan (Italy)

Minsk (Belarus)

Mont-Saint Michel (France)

One of France’s and Europe’s most well-known tourist destinations, Mont Saint-Michel is a must-see.

This magnificent castle is perched on an island in the bay of Mont Saint-Michel and is a fantastic day-trip destination.

It is free to visit Mont Saint-Michel, and there are even free shuttle buses that will transport you there.

The hike is also quite beautiful, with stunning sea views. It takes around 45 minutes to get there from the mainland, with plenty of time to stop for photos.

During the summer, though, it may be very hot, so pack plenty of water and sunscreen.

Mont Saint-Michel has plenty to see and do on its own.

Admire the incredible abbey’s medieval architecture and go inside for just a few euros. It’s definitely worth it.

Despite the fact that Mont-Saint Michel is not exceptionally large, there are countless quiet side lanes and secret places where you can have a picnic or simply enjoy the scenery.

To get the best photos of Mont-Saint Michel, you should go along the nearby beach.

This is especially recommended in the early mornings when the sun shines brightly on the island.

You can even walk out into the bay during low tide, but be mindful of rising tides and always put your personal safety first. -Victoria from Guide your Travel

Moscow (Russia)

Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Founded in the 15^th Century, Mostar’s old town is built on the banks of the remarkably blue Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There are many beautiful buildings in the city, however, it is the Stari Most, the bridge spanning the river, which catches your attention as soon as you arrive in the city.

First built in the 1600s the bridge was tragically destroyed during the war in the 1990s.

With international support, the bridge was rebuilt and once again takes the place of pride in Mostar’s Old Town.

Other places of interest in Mostar include the elegant Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque and the historic Muslibegović House.

Mostar is a beautiful city and well worth the trip. If you’re in Croatia, you can also do a day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik for a glimpse of what this lovely country has to offer.

It can get very hot in the summer, so visit in spring or autumn for more temperate weather.

Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan)

Nicosia (Cyprus)

Nordic Fjords (Norway)

The Norwegian fjords are one of the most naturally beautiful places in all of Europe. In fact, there are few places in the world more breathtaking.

With deep blue waters surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, Norway is one of only a handful of countries where fjords have naturally been created by glaciers.

These long, narrow inlets are great for adventure lovers.

You can kayak through the clean water, or even take a boat ride or cruise through the fjords, as the water is deep enough to accommodate even large cruise ships.

Flam, Norway is one of the most popular places to visit on a fjords tour.

The small village of just 350 residents attracts nearly half a million visitors each year.

Most popular in summer when the weather is ideal, hiking to waterfalls and exploring the majestic natural landscapes are popular activities.

If visiting in winter, however, you may get lucky enough to see the northern lights dance above the water. -Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Novi Sad (Serbia)

Piran (Slovenia)

Plitvice Lakes (Croatia)

The Plitvice Lakes in Croatia form one of the most beautiful national parks in Croatia, or in Europe really.

The complex network of sixteen lakes, ninety waterfalls, and green nature make up an exceptionally beautiful park.

The best thing to do at The Plitvice Lakes is of course to hike and explore all the beauty the park has to offer.

Two places you should definitely visit are the waterfall Veliki slap at the lower lakes and Galovački but at the upper lakes.

Additionally, a boat tour is also highly recommended to enjoy the lakes from a different perspective.

The best time to visit the Plitvice Lakes is anytime.

Though July and August are generally extremely busy months, so if you are looking to avoid the crowds the other ten months of the year might be a better alternative.

The cool thing about the lakes is that each season offers a completely different experience! –Lara from The Best Travel Gifts

Prague (Czechia)

Pristine (Kosovo)

Roskilde (Denmark)

Rovaniemi (Finland)

Salzburg (Austria)

San Fruttoso (Italy)

San Fruttuoso is a hidden beach on the Italian Riviera. It’s found in a tiny cove surrounded by mountains and accessible only by boat and foot.

The water is crystal clear and it’s a great place to hang out – deck chairs are set up for rent – and cool off. There are also several small seafood restaurants scattered behind the beach.

The bay is dominated by a beautiful tenth-century abbey. Today this is a small museum that is fun to explore.

For those wanting something more active, there are hikes up into the hills from San Fruttuoso to Portofino in one direction and Camogli in the other.

For the even more adventurous, there is even a sunken statue of Jesus offshore that you can scuba dive to! -James Ian from Travel Collecting

San Marino (San Marino)

Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain is one of the most significant historical and religious landmarks in Europe.

It’s known as the finishing point of the most popular modern Christian pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago.

Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world arrive in Santiago de Compostela every year.

The main square Plaza de Obradoiro in front of the Cathedral is the place where pilgrims end their journey.

There are many great things to do in Santiago de Compostela besides walking the Camino like visiting the Cathedral de Santiago and its Museum.

Exploring the Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985) on foot is another not-to-miss thing in Santiago.

One can spend a whole day meandering around its narrow cobbled streets, Romanesque and Baroque buildings, tranquil parks, and beautiful gardens.

At night time going out for wine and tapas to one of the local bars is a great way to finish the day.

The summer months are the best time for visiting Santiago de Compostela for several reasons: good weather, long daylight hours, and several regional festivals and celebrations. -Alya from Stingy Nomads

Saxony (Germany)

Skellig Michel (Ireland)

Sofia (Bulgaria)

Stockholm (Sweden)

When visiting Sweden, you need to visit the capital city, Stockholm, one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe and my favorite place to come back to.

Come in the summer when the sun is out from early morning to almost 9 PM.

On most summer days you’ll pass locals strolling through streets or lounging by the water.

Stockholm is situated by the water, being an archipelago with many islands to visit by ferry.

The ferries will take you from downtown to islands where you can eat, swim, stroll, or sunbathe.

If you have children, or are a child at heart, run around Gröna Lund, Stockholm’s amusement park.

Add Gamla Stan, or the Old Town, to your itinerary and stroll through cobbled streets and take a coffee break in the pretty square. -Sandrine from Sandrine Nestenius

Stonehenge (England)

St. Petersburg (Russia)

Subotica (Serbia)

Telč (Czechia)

Telč is a small fairytale-like town surrounded by ponds, and forests located in the Czech Republic.

It’s an ideal destination for everyone who wants to escape the rush and explore the picturesque historical town which is a world heritage site.

Telč is a town of colorful historic houses with high gables and arcades build in a Renaissance and Baroque style where you can find lovely cafes, galleries, or little shops. Building facades are characterized by a diversity of decorative elements.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the 17th-century chateau with an English-style park, one of the gems of Moravian Renaissance architecture as well as the main square full of picturesque buildings.

There is a great view from Oslednice lookout tower.

The most popular time to visit Telč is in the summer months when the weather is nice, but Telč can be visited any time of the year. -Adriana Plotzerová from Czech the World

Tiraspol (Transnistria, Moldova)

Transylvania (Romania)

Tuscany (Italy)

One of the ultimate best places to visit in Europe is definitely Tuscany in Italy.

Here you will enjoy a perfect mix of interesting culture, a long history, delicious Italian food and amazing hilly landscapes.

One of the main attractions is the Tuscan capital Florence. Here you should definitely see the famous Ponte Vecchio – the so-called Old Bridge.

The next must-see is Siena, for many Italy insiders one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

In any case, you should plan a few days in Val d’Orcia, because here you’ll find the picturesque hilly landscapes and cypress avenues that you’ve seen in travel magazines and various Instagram photos.

Tuscany can be visited all year round, but the best time for a visit is in the warm month of the year, so from May to September. In that time, you will enjoy the region from its most beautiful side! -Jürgen & Martina from Places of Juma

Vatican City (The Holy See)

Venice (Italy)

If you ask people about their favorite places in Europe, chances are high that Venice gets mentioned a couple of times. And that’s not without a reason.

The wonderful city in the northeast of Italy is best known for its maze of canals dividing the city into many different districts.

So the best way to explore the city is, of course, by water – either with a romantic Gondola ride or by taking a water taxi called Vaporetto.

Some of the other best things to do in Venice include a stop at Rialto Bridge, the city’s most famous bridge spanning over the Canal Grande.

Moreover, make sure to plan a visit to St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace and climb up the Campanile to enjoy an unforgettable view of the entire city.

To avoid tourist crowds and/or the heat, late spring and early fall are the best times to visit Venice. -Alina from World of Lina

Versailles (France)

Vienna (Austria)

Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)

Windsor (England)

York (England, UK)

York is a charming, historic city in the north of England.

While it makes a fantastic destination year-round, the best time to visit is in spring, when the city’s gardens come to life and daffodils bloom all along the iconic City Walls.

York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, is a must-see, along with Jorvik Viking Center, where you can step back in time and journey through a recreated Viking village.

The Shambles is another place you can’t miss – it’s the oldest shopping street in Europe, and supposedly JK Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley.

Lose yourself in the winding, narrow alleyways, known as snickelways, before settling in for a pint at one of the many excellent pubs in town, like House of Trembling Madness or Blue Bell. -Maja Proescholdt from Away With Maja

Read next: Visiting Lindisfarne

Zagreb (Croatia)

Lithuania

Latvia

Estonia

Luxembourg

Monaco

Liechtenstein

Madrid (Spain)

Balearic Islands (Spain)

In this Article:

4 thoughts on “101 Magical Places to Visit in Europe: A European Bucket List for Travel Addicts”

Babu kaji Sitaula

September 5, 2022 at 1:55 am

What a wonderful location in Spain to visit for a time, and we have just just started making our travel wish list! again
- Stephanie Craig
  
  October 19, 2022 at 7:59 pm
  
  Enjoy!
Angela

September 14, 2021 at 12:44 am

Love this list! We’re living in Spain for a few years and starting our travel bucket list now!
- Stephanie Craig
  
  September 14, 2021 at 6:27 pm
  
  How fun! You’re going to have the best time, and I am SOOOOO jealous!