World-class architecture, inspiring cuisine and an intricate mosaic of cultures… Europe beckons with the promise of unforgettable adventures. Explore with this Europe travel guide.
From the sun-kissed coasts of the Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, the vibrant boulevards of Paris to the ancient ruins of Rome, Europe is brimming with stories for you to explore… if you have the time and the know-how.
Setting your sights on a European escapade? Think of this Europe travel guide as your passport to the best experiences.
I’m going to walk you through how to plan your Europe trip, top sights, suggested itineraries and hidden finds – as well as providing the practical know-how that really makes your trip sing.
Ready to start planning your travels to Europe? Let’s get started.
Wondering how to book a trip to Europe at the perfect time? Good news – there’s no bad time to visit.
But May and June or September and October are typically the best months to travel to Europe. Here are a few other favourites:
I might be slightly biased as it is my hometown, but no travel in Europe is complete without a stop in London. The museums, history, open spaces, and nightlife are all reasons to visit.
Stay at The Henrietta for a stylish boutique property in the heart of theatreland.
Most European travel guides put Rome at the top of the list thanks to incredible food, world-class museums, and ancient ruins in the centre of the city. Rightly so.
Stay at Palazzo Nainer for luxury accommodation near some of the most iconic landmarks in Rome.
Visit Dubrovnik to see many of the GoT King’s Landing locations, walk the city walls, and ride the cable car to view Old Town from above.
St Joseph’s offers unique and friendly accommodations in the heart of Old Town.
You can see just how special the Douro Valley is from O Carrascalinho Lookout before checking into the Wine House Hotel located directly on a winery near the Museu do Douro.
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London is full of history, Visiting the Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum is a must before booking a Tour of Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Schedule a National Gallery highlights guided tour for a comprehensive collection of paintings or head to the British Library to explore the literary history of England.
With more visitors than any other country in the world, France is a must-visit, Paris is a big reason why. Museums like Musee d’Orsay and the Louvre, landmarks like Sacre Coeur and the Eiffel Tower, and incredible cuisine at gems like Bouillon Pigalle make Paris a must-visit if you haven’t been.
Menorca boasts some of the finest beaches in Europe. Which beaches should you hit? Cala Cavalleria, Cala Pregonda, Cala Mitjana and Mitjaneta will keep you plenty busy. But Menorca also has a delightful capital city, Maó, with baroque architecture, excellent cuisine, and cocktail bars using the special Xoriguer gin.
Brussels is home to some of the best breweries and beer bars in the world. Don’t believe me? Stop by Delirium Café, Cantillon, and Moeder Lambic Fontainas. When you’re ready to eat, hit up Nüetnigenough for an authentic Belgian meal at a laid-back brasserie.
Oh hi Rome! Of course, you’ll need to add the Colosseum, Catacombs, and Vatican City to your Europe travel plans. But the ancient walls and mosaics at Santo Stefano Rotondo and the Baths of Caracalla are two must-visits you won’t find in every European travel blog about Rome.
Nature, history, and gorgeous weather make Sicily a perfect entry for Europe travel guides. You’ve likely heard of Palermo, Valley of the Temples, and Mount Etna. But what about Zingaro Reserve and Isola Bella in Taormina? They offer some of the most pristine beaches in Europe.
Croatia also has plenty of history and sightseeing along the water, and you’ll find the best island hopping from Dubrovnik or Split. Visit Hvar for nightlife and culture, Korčula for the iconic Old Town (and the birthplace of Marco Polo), or Vis to swim in the iconic Blue Cave and Green Cave.
Want my advice for things to do in Porto? Hire a car (or, better yet, a driver) and explore the iconic Douro Valley. Return to Porto, where you can enjoy a port tasting on this guided tour. Go winery hopping in the oldest wine region in the world at gems like Quinta do Noval and Quinta do Seixo.
6 weeks
London – Paris – Brussels – Amsterdam – Cologne – Berlin – Prague – Vienna – Budapest – Krakow – Riga – Talinn – Belgrade – Zagreb – Venice – Rome – Florence – Barcelona – Madrid
You’re never going to see ALL of Europe in one trip, but you can have a really good try.
2 Weeks
Madrid – Cordoba – Seville – Ronda – Malaga – Granada – Valencia – Barcelona
Kick off in Madrid and explore the sun-drenched charms of Spain.
2 weeks
Lisbon – Nazaré Beach – Coimbra – Porto – Douro Valley
Take things slow during your time in Portugal seeing Lisbon and Porto along the way.
10 days
Lake Bled – Zagreb – Split – Hvar – Korčula – Dubrovnik – Mijet National Park
See the stunning Lake Bled before moving into Croatia for a spot of city and island hopping.
2 weeks
Rome – Parco Nazionale del Circeo – Naples – Amalfi Coast.
Switzerland gets most of the credit, but hiking in the Slovenian Alps is bucket list material, with fewer hikers, clearly marked trails, and gorgeous accommodations near the most strenuous treks. Learn more here.
Many European tourist guides leave out a tour of Priorat in Spain as a top wine tasting destination. Big mistake. There are a dozen picturesque villages in the Catalonian wine region, but I love Clos de L’Obac and Devinssi Wines in Gratallops.
The Laugavegur Trail showcases the dramatic landscapes of Iceland in true fashion with black sands, beautiful lakes, and natural hot springs. The hike takes 3 – 4 days, but there’s no better way to see the Northern Lights and experience the beauty of Iceland.
Want to discover a hidden gem in the middle of Italy? Umbria has everything you dream of a holiday in the Italian countryside without the swarming crowds of tourists. Truffle hunting in Assisi and seeing the Marmore Waterfalls are two unforgettable experiences.
Is your Europe trip budget running low? There are plenty of things to do in most locations without spending a dime.
If you’re looking for a guided tour, consider Free Tours by Foot. The Rome Forum Walk allows you to learn about the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum at no cost (but you’ll need to pay for entry if you choose).
Or you can check out street art in Barcelona on foot or bicycle for another great (and free) way to see Europe.
Pastel de Nata – Sweet and savoury Portuguese egg custard tart.
Orecchiette – Ear-shaped pasta served in Puglia, often with rapini.
Afternoon Tea – Traditional British afternoon snack of hot tea, bite-sized sandwiches, and cookies.
Jota – A hearty Slovenian soup made with pork, cabbage, beans, and vegetables.
Grk – Croatian white wine with unique terroir from its coastal location.
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