Europe Bucket List: Cities You Have to Visit in Europe
Ah Europe. So many bucket list worthy places, so little time. This epic Europe bucket list brings you some of the best destinations that Europe has to offer.
As most of you already know, I’m not encouraging travel during this time. We need to stay home. What I am doing is inspiring your wanderlust for future trips after this is all over.
Europe is insane. There are so many incredible countries, cities and destinations, that it can quite literally be impossible to decide where to go. Which is why I asked some of my fellow travel bloggers for some of their favourite bucket list places in Europe to bring you this ultimate Europe bucket list. Be prepared for lots of wanderlust for future travels!
Some of my personal favourites in Europe include Germany (Berlin and Cologne are amazing!), as well of Spain (Barcelona and Madrid, drool!). But, with that being said, there’s a whole lot of Europe that I’m yet to explore, so I’m excited to share some epic destinations not only with you, but also myself.
Anyway’s, enough rambling – a huge thanks to all the bloggers who contributed to this post! Here’s to inspiring wanderlust for future adventures with the ultimate Europe bucket list!
What Are the 23 Most Popular Cities in Europe?
1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
When planning your trip, make sure to create an Amsterdam bucket list with all of the top things to do in the city. You can’t visit Amsterdam without taking a stroll through its beautiful streets, seeing the gorgeous canals and the canal houses that line them. For an up close and personal tour, consider taking a canal cruise – you’ll be able to view the gorgeous scenery of Amsterdam while learning about the city’s history along the way.
At night, take a walk through De Wallen – better known as the Red Light District. This area is one of the most popular in Amsterdam and is home to sex shops, peep shows, and sex workers standing behind red-lit windows that light up the entire neighborhood.
Amsterdam is full of history, and another must-do is paying a visit to the Anne Frank House. Seeing the home where Anne and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II is an incredibly sobering experience.
Tickets for the Anne Frank House are required and must be booked online. In addition, Amsterdam is home to numerous museums on everything from art to science to beer. Some of the most popular museums in Amsterdam are the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Micropia, and the Heineken Experience.
2. Berlin, Germany
You simply can’t go to Germany (or Europe for that matter) without visiting Berlin, it is so worthy of being on any Europe bucket list. Berlin is filled with history, culture, art and nightlife. With its differing neighbourhoods, there is something for everyone. Find snippets of history, museums, cute cafes and street art around every corner. Along with beer gardens, memorials and amazing restaurants.
You can’t miss Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, the Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie or the Berlin Wall – all-important places in Germany’s history. For lots of art head to Museum island, and of course, you have to visit East Side Gallery. Make sure to check out Berlin Cathedral before shopping at Alexanderplatz.
For nightlife, make sure you try your hand at getting in to Berghain, a famous night club that is notorious for not letting many people in. You should also make sure to have a traditional German meal in a beer garden (Zolpackhof is a great authentic choice).
3. Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia one of the most underrated destinations in Europe! This small but awe inspiring country is found in the middle of Italy, Croatia, Germany and Austria, therefore it is often over looked. This country has so much to offer from hiking in Triglav National Park, wandering around the coastal town of Piran, exploring the quirky and beautiful capital city Ljubljana and taking a trip to the must see Lake Bled.
Bled should be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting Slovenia. This little town sits at the base of the Julian Alps and is famous for a church on a little island in the middle of Lake Bled. You can visit this town as a day trip from Ljubljana either by bus or car.
Spend your day walking around the lake, take a paddle boat to the church for the afternoon and hike up to the Ojstrica view point for amazing aerial views of the lake and mountains beyond! If you have a few days then you can explore the variety of hikes near by, visit a lesser known but equally as beautiful lake Bohinj or explore vintgar gorge.
Since Lake Bled is on the edge of Triglav National Park, it’s the perfect destination for adventure lovers! This is one of the most magical places in Europe that should not be missed on your next trip!
4. Budapest, Hungary
Divided by the River Danube into Buda & Pest, Hungary’s capital is a jewel worth being added to anyone’s bucket list.Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful cities. Characterized by lively nightlife, incredible architecture, youthful atmosphere, chic thermal baths, and enchanting cultural scene, this European capital will make you fall for it the second you arrive.
Whether you only visit Budapest for a weekend or you plan to stay longer, you will not get bored for one second. Make sure to allow time to check both sides of the city. On the Buda side, check out Buda Castle. Matthias Church, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Hospital in the Rock, and the Royal Palace will keep you busy for some good hours. If you get hungry, head to one of the many restaurants in the area to enjoy local fare (or international cuisine).
On the Pest side, don’t miss checking out the Parliament, strolling on the Danube Promenade, visiting St. Istvan Basilica, and further away, spending some time in Heroes Square and Vaydahunyad Castle. The Jewish district is filled with restaurants, bars, cafes, and interesting souvenir shops.
If you fancy going off the beaten path in Budapest, Aquincum and the Children’s Railway are within the city proper and easy to get to.
And if you plan to stay longer, don’t miss visiting the charming towns close to Budapest: Szentendre – known for its Marzipan Museum -, Eger – known for its amazing wines, and Esztergom – home to the Basilica which happens to be the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary.
5. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre should be high up on anyone’s European bucket list! Located on the Italian Coast, Cinque Terre is made up of five incredibly unique seaside towns with colourful houses overlooking the cliff sides.
It can be thought of as a mini (and less touristy) Amalfi Coast, and it can be done by either a day trip from Florence or a relaxing weekend on the beach.
You’ll arrive into the main train station of La Spezia and purchase an all-access train pass to the five towns. Each town is only a five-minute ride away from each other, making it easy to explore them all.
The five towns (in order from La Spezia) consist of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. While I do suggest you check out all five of these, Vernazza is the best town to find accommodations!
Here is a list of must-do activities when coming to Cinque Terre for the first time:
- Go on a cliffside scenic hike between any of the towns
- Relax on the white sandy beaches in Monterosso al Mare
- Have a cliffside dinner with wine in Manarola
- Hike up to the viewpoints at sunset in Manarola
- Get a bucket margarita or some fried seafood in Monterosso al Mare
- Eat the best pesto pizza on the harbour in Vernazza
Put Cinque Terre on your European bucket list for a picturesque weekend full of hiking and relaxing on the beach in some of the prettiest towns in Italy!
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital is an epicentre of design and architecture, world-renowned cuisine, and named the most bike-friendly destination in the world, which is why Copenhagen is a bucket list destination.
When in Copenhagen you are never too far from the water especially in Nyhavn, the most popular Instagram spot in the city lined with dozens of vibrant restaurants and shops. During the famously long summer days, Danes and visitors alike flock to REFFEN food hall to enjoy delicious bites by the waterfront.
Tivoli Gardens, the 2nd oldest amusement park in the world is a favorite destination spot for everyone to enjoy and is located steps only away from the city centre. The park is home to roller coasters, a vibrant garden, and even a traditional Danish pastry shop.For design and fashion lovers, Copenhagen is one of the best places to shop and is home to many renowned furniture and apparel brands such as HAY and Ganni. The famous department store, Illums Bolighus carries all of the best Danish fashion and furniture for you to bring home.
Ride a bike to Kødbyen, the trendy and former meatpacking district for possibly the best cup of coffee in Europe at Prolog Coffee Bar. The cafe has friendly employees who serve the renowned, smooth lattes.
7. Dubrovnik, Croatia
One of our Europe bucket list items was to walk the city walls of Dubrovnik. If you are a Games of Thrones fan, you will know why! So when we set forth to the Balkans, we included tons of sightseeing time in our Croatia Itinerary. And Dubrovnik didn’t disappoint.
The entire city looks like a stage, the remnants of the old Republic are well preserved and is a perfect destination for beach, history and photography lovers.
To make the most of your time in Dubrovnik, head to the old town and explore the stunning architecture of the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Old Francisan Monastery, Blasie Church, Dubrovnik Cathedral and more. Don’t forget to spend a couple of hours walking the old City Walls, and taking in those mesmerising views of the Adriatic.
Dubrovnik is also a foodie paradise, yes – there are many cafes in the city as much as there are tourists. Tons of culinary experiences to choose from and at all budget levels – so don’t miss this, and add it to your bucket list!
Take one or many of the island tours to discover the old Republic and their ways of living. Swim, sail or just soak in the sun from the beaches of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is a popular summer destination, so book accomodation in advance, so choose an off-season month to beat the crowds!
8. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is one of my favorite European Destinations. Not many travelers think of Ireland or Dublin outside of St. Patrick’s Day, but Dublin offers a wide variety of entertainment. The people are very friendly, the atmosphere is always joyous, and the cost is low. Dublin presents itself as a perfect weekend getaway trip if you want a change in scenery.
Here are a few things to do in Dublin:
Eat and drink at Temple Bar:
It’ll be hard to miss the red building on the corner of Essex and Parliament St. Some call it a tourist trap, but I personally enjoyed it. The food was delicious, and they offer over 450 kinds of whiskies. The lively atmosphere is the perfect place to spend lunch or dinner. Oh, and did I mention they have live music.
Guinness Storehouse:
Learn about how Ireland’s best export is created on a tour of the storehouse. Different parts of the exhibit explain how Guinness came about, the history of the flavor and more. Even if you aren’t a beer drinker this exhibit can still be of interest to you. At the end you have an opportunity to pour your own pint and enjoy it on the rooftop.
Cliff of Moher:
If you want a day trip away from the city in order to explore nature, just take a roughly 3-hour drive to Cliff of Moher. This landscape is one of the most breathtaking sites Ireland has to offer. It is both peaceful and somewhat frighten watching waves crash into the formation.
There are other things to do in Dublin such as visiting Dublin’s Cathedrals, the Book of Kells, castles, and more but these were a few of my favorites.
9. Hallstatt, Austria
Surrounded by alps covered in snow and a beautiful glistering lake, Hallstatt is a picturesque Austrian village that has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember.
The thought of wandering around in its quaint alleys and discovering hidden viewpoints has kept me dreaming ever since I first saw pictures of its eras old church perfectly located against the enormous mountains. With views as majestic as these, I am sure that you too would empathise with me when I say that it should be on yours as well!
I mean, regardless of how many things there to do in Hallstatt, I personally adored how it is one of those rare places where all you feel like doing is taking in the surreal view. Recognised as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO, this fairy tale village is also a home to the world’s first salt mine. So if you are into souvenir shopping like I am, then you can even spend an afternoon buying locally mined bath salts and traditional soaps amongst other things.
Having stayed here for a night a few years ago, I cannot emphasise enough on how much more magical it gets early in the morning. With all the day trooper gone and only a little over 750 residents, you are destined to have one of the most magical and peaceful sunrises in this part of Europe.
10. Helsinki, Finland
If there’s anywhere that should be on your European bucket list, it’s Helsinki. The Finnish capital has so many wonderful things to see and do. One of the top attractions is a visit is Löyly, a modern seaside spa that offers guests a choice of indulgent saunas.
Steam out the impurities, before finishing off your sauna experience with an icy dip in the Baltic Sea. Afterwards, you can relax on their contemporary deck with a glass of wine or a Finnish beer while enjoying the pretty seaside views.
Don’t miss Temppeliaukio Church, an impressive building that’s pretty unique in the sense it’s built directly into solid rock. Any fans of the Moomins are in the home of the iconic cartoon – so drop by the adorable Moomin cafe. You can choose a themed treat or a coffee imprinted with a character while surrounded by Moomins memorabilia.
One of the city’s landmarks is Helsinki Cathedral near Senate Square. It’s an impressive building that’s worth exploring before a walk around the city’s pretty harbour. Seafood is a staple of the Finnish diet, so be sure to try some during your stay.
Finlandia Caviar is a great spot for trying reasonably priced selections of caviar and oysters which are mostly locally sourced, and all delicious. Given its proximity to Eastern Europe, Tallinn in Estonia is easily accessible by ferry, making it the perfect day trip from Helsinki no matter what the season.
11. Lapland, Finland
Finland, in general, is a country full of wonders but the part that people absolutely shouldn’t miss is actually the one that is on the north, right around the arctic circle. The Finnish part of Lapland is filled with diverse national parks with deep forests and waterfalls. Perhaps the best time to see it would be in winter when everything is covered in the show. Is it cold? You betcha. But it is only in winter when snow lightens up even the deepest parts of the forest or when you can see frozen waterfalls.
This frozen beauty is every year visited by a lot of people and there is a good reason for it. You can visit here Santa in Santa village, you can also take a husky safari and drive with sleds to a crisp wilderness. If huskies are not your soul animal, there is also an option of visiting the reindeer farm and get to know everything about these Santa little helpers. In some national parks, you can even meet them in the wild.
Lapland is also a great destination for any sports lover. There are a lot of sky trails all around Lapland and local national parks. And if you are brave enough, you can even try ice climbing on frozen waterfalls. It is harder than you would think!
12. Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s capital city is one for the bucket list without a doubt. The city gets more sun than any other in Europe, making it a perfect city break destination. Not only is it the sunniest city, it’s also the one of the oldest cities in Europe.
You can find tons of stunning architecture to enjoy, historical and modern alike. But apart from the historic sights, Lisbon is a lively and vibrant city. With countless Fado performances (traditional folk music) and many restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood.
Some of the best things to see in Lisbon include the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery and Lisbon Cathedral. But one of the most rewarding things to do in Lisbon is simply strolling through the little backstreets of the city. You are sure to find some of your favourite corners, alleyways and views across the city.
Make sure to try one of the custard pastries (Pastel de Nata) – I promise you’ll have more than just one 😉 Another tip I would give you is to watch the sunset at one of the many viewpoints which can be found across the city. It truly is the best way to end your day. My personal favourite was Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Even though it’s a little hike up the hill, the view is worth every drop of sweat.
13. London, United Kingdom
When it comes to the Europe Bucket List, London needs no introduction! If you are planning a European trip, London has to be on your list! The British capital is packed with landmarks, culture, history and filming locations! The whole package!
“If you are bored of London, you are bored of life” they say? Well, they are quite right! London is a very big city and you will never run out of things to see and do!
If you are going there for the first time, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral will be your first stops!
In terms of museums, you will find dozens of them if not more! The most famous museums in London are the British Museum, Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
London is also famous for its music scene. If you want to discover where the most famous British artists recorded their songs, head to Soho.In terms of markets, Camden, Borough and Brick Lane markets are amazing!
Theater lover? Then you’ve come to the right place! When it comes to musicals, London West End is to Europe what Broadway is to the States. You will get to see some of the best productions in the world.
Finally, if you are a potterhead, London will be your paradise! Or should I say “Hogwartise”? All Harry Potter movies were partly filmed in London. In the city centre you will get to discover some of the most famous filming locations. You can also head to the Warner Bros Harry Potter studios in Watford to experience the true magic of Harry Potter in London!
14. Lyon, France
Lyon, France – have you ever heard of it? While it’s famous for being the gastronomic capital of France and the country’s third-largest city, travelers hardly ever put Lyon at the top of their European bucket list. But here’s why you should!
For starters, Lyon is a hip, upbeat city filled with students, which contrasts nicely with its 2,000-year-old historical and cultural sites like the ruins of an ancient Roman Amphiteatre (Des Trois Gaules) and its jaw-dropping Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière with its magnificent murals made up of a thousand tiny mosaics. But if you think Lyon is just a big city full of boring museums and cultural sites, think again!
It’s actually made up of smaller neighborhoods (“quartiers”) and each has its own character and charm. The chicest and hippie neighborhood, which is where I used to live, is called Croix-Rousse and it sits atop a hill overlooking Lyon.
The neighborhood feels more village than city, and it became famous for its silk weaving culture back in the day. Another part of Lyon that’s not to miss is Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) which is paved entirely in cobblestone, features the most delicious restaurants otherwise known as “bouchons lyonnais” and has tiny passageways and alleys better known as “traboules.”
Aside from the cultural and historical charm, Lyon houses a number of parks and biking routes that follow the river that parts the city. The most notable park that you cannot miss out on is Parc de la Tête d’Or which houses a big lake, several gardens, fountains, statues, running trails, and an entire open-air zoo. One could easily spend a week or more here’s and still have so much to discover in Lyon. Next time you visit Europe, make sure to put Lyon, France on your bucket list!
15. Madrid, Spain
The Spanish capital is so welcoming. It’s one of those feel-good cities where you feel right at home. Madrid is home to amazing art, city parks and cute boulevards, not to mention amazing food and nightlife.
Home to the Prado Museum, which arguably is one of the best museums in all of Europe, you can admire work from the likes of Goya, Bosch and Botticelli, to name a few. You can’t miss Plaza Mayor, a gorgeous renaissance square, which is the perfect spot to stop for a lunch time paella and sangria.
Make sure to also pay a visit to the Royal Palace and El Retiro Park, where you can relax in the sun with a coffee. If shopping is calling your name, there’s no better place than Gran Via. Head to the 7thfloor of Circulo de Bellas Artes for incredible views of Gran Via and a cocktail.
There’s no shortage of amazing places to eat and drink in Madrid, but you can’t miss out on picking up some local eats at Mercardo San Miguel, and of course, indulging in hot chocolate and churros at Chocolateria San Gines, Madrid’s famous chocolate shop.
There’s so much to see and do in Madrid, and once you get there you won’t want to leave, so give yourself at least a couple of days! For more things to do in Madrid, check out the top things to do in Madrid.
16. Malta
Hidden in the heart of the Mediterranean lies one of Europe’s smallest countries, yet one that is packed with history, sunshine and so much more than beautiful beaches. I am, of course, speaking about my home country – Malta. With a population of just under 500,000, Malta often slips under the radar, yet there are so many reasons why it should be added to your list of bucket list destinations.
Malta’s capital city, Valletta, is known as ‘a city built by gentlemen, for gentlemen’. Whilst this is a somewhat antiquated statement, it gives a glimpse of what this fortress city offers; from grandiose baroque palaces to gardens and opulent churches that are definitely worth visiting.
I’d recommend going to Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Saluting Battery for some spectacular views of the Grand Harbour, and the Grandmaster’s Palace and the National War Museum for the history buffs. If visitors are interested in seeing one of the 350+ churches across the Maltese Islands, St John’s Co-Cathedral is also located in Valletta.
Another place worth visiting is Malta’s old capital, Mdina, where I would suggest just roaming around and getting lost in its magic. If history isn’t your thing, head over to one of Malta’s numerous beaches. My personal favorite is Għajn Tuffieħa, also known as Riviera.
And if Malta doesn’t satisfy your wanderlust, don’t forget that there are two other islands that form part of this little archipelago – Gozo and Comino. It’s definitely worth a day trip to each! Gozo is home to Ġgantija Temples – once thought to be the oldest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comino, on the other hand, offers clear blue waters that make it the perfect for a day of sea and sunshine!
17. Pamukkale, Turkey
When you think of traveling to Turkey, I bet Istanbul and Cappadocia come to mind. But, what about Pamukkale?
Pamukkale, in my opinion, is an underrated destination that many travelers tend to skip when exploring Turkey. But, it is one of the most beautiful places that is absolutely worth exploring.
Just a 2 hour drive outside of Izmir, Pamukkale is a perfect day-tip destination or a great place for a peaceful weekend getaway. The natural beauty of how the white travertine pools cut into the land and the history of the ancient Ruins of Hierapolis are the largest draws for people and they are definitely worth the trip.
You can easily book a tour or you can rent a car for $20-25 USD for the day like we did to explore the ruins and visit the pools. I recommend starting your day early to make sure you get there before the crowds show and to give you the most time to soak in the pools and explore the ancient ruins.
Here are some great places to explore to dive deeper into the natural beauty and history of Pamukkale that will take your breath away:
- Take a dip in the Pamukkale travertine thermal pools
- Dive into history and explore the Ruins of Hierapolis
- Swim in Cleopatra’s Pool
- Have a picnic in the Nature Park
- Watch the sunset over the travertine
18. Paris, France
Paris is one of my favorite bucket-list destinations in Europe and I recommend it to all first-time travelers looking to discover a new country. Paris is an absolute must when it comes to European capitals because of its gorgeous sights and history, but also for its vibrant local life and food scene.
One of my favorite things to do in Paris is just to walk around and enjoy the city’s gorgeous architecture. Start your walk in the Marais neighborhood, cross the river passing through Ile de La Cité to enjoy the medieval streets. End on the left bank, exploring the Saint Germain des Près area before taking a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens.
Paris’ sights are well-known, but most travelers do not take the time to enjoy the local life. For this, I recommend going to the 10th and 11th arrondissements to try out a local restaurant, try a workout or just have a glass of wine along with a cheese platter at one of the many bars in the area. I’d recommend staying in this area as well, since you might make some interesting discoveries!
And if you enjoyed Paris, why not unpack your bags and stay there for a month or more?
19. Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a land of history, castles, chateaus, and it is also a land of folklore, great beer, and delicious wine. Its capital – Prague belongs to one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Prague is called a city of hundred spires (actually there is much more than a hundred).
Except for many towers, you will find here romantic cobblestone streets with Gothic and Renaissance buildings where you can find lovely cafes or pubs with world-famous beer. Czech beer isn’t just great, it’s also very cheap (less than 2 Euros for half a liter of draft beer or less than 1 Euro for a beer in a supermarket).
The Prague Castle belongs among the Prague’s jewels – it’s the largest historical Castle complex in Europe, you will find there also the St. Vitus Cathedral, one of the most richly endowed cathedrals in central Europe. Another symbol of Prague is the Charles Bridge – 515.76 m long stone bridge decorated with 30 Baroque statues, build in 1402.
When you cross the bridge, you can continue to the Old Town Square to the famous Astronomical Clock. The dominant of the Old Town Square is the Church of our Lady before Týn of simply Týn Chuch (Týnský charm).
From Old Town Square you can continue to Wenceslas Square and National Museum. Other popular sites are also the Jewish Quarter with Spanish Synagogue and Old Jewish cemetery. A little bit further from the city center is another beautiful church – Vyšehrad.
Prague is not the only beautiful place worth visiting. Get some inspiration and check also other amazing places to visit in the Czech Republic.
20. Rhodes, Greece
The island of Rhodes is a great place to visit if you’re interested in heritage or partying. If you like clubbing Faliraki would be perfect for you. You can use it as a base and travel out from there to see all the beautiful culture around the island.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, I’d recommend staying on the outskirts of the beautiful town of Lindos, known for its clifftop acropolis and whitewashed buildings.
And if you want to be close to Rhodes old town, the oldest inhabited medieval city in Europe; full of markets, restaurants, bars, boat trips and cats; I’d recommend staying in either Ixia or Ialysos.
What you’ll love most about Rhodes is that you can visit such an array of places, all on one island! You have the medieval walled town, a valley full of beautiful butterflies, an abandoned WW2 Italian settlement, hikes to ancient acropolises; as well as boat trips off the island to Marmaris in Turkey, or my favorite, the Greek Island of Simi.
I think the best time to visit Rhodes Island would be right at the beginning or the end of the tourist season, so I’m talking May/ June time, September/ October. You still get the benefit of the beautiful weather but it’s quieter, and you can probably get a deal on prices there too if you are more budget conscious. Be aware the Valley of the Butterflies may not be open during these times though, so if that is something that you really want to see you may need to change your dates accordingly.
If you’d like to explore Rhodes further I’d recommend going on excursions with local tour companies. You get a true greek experience, plus they are usually better value for money than excursions you may book through your travel agent. If you head into Rhodes town I’d recommend checking out the old part rather than the new.
I think that the old town has a lot more character and is a unique shopping experience you won’t get anywhere else in the world. Cobbled, winded alleys all within a medieval walled fort! The shops in the newer part are ones you can get on almost any high street anywhere in the world.
And if there are a few of you travelling it can be just as cheap to go by taxi than it is by public bus services, so keep an eye out for that.
21. Rome, Italy
Rome is the Eternal City, the capital of Italy. If you only visit one place in Italy, let it be Rome!
As the heart and center of Italy, it’s not surprising that you can find in Rome everything you need for an amazing holiday: delicious and affordable food, impressive sights, museums and open, kind-hearted locals.
One of the best things to do in Rome is just immersing yourself in the rich Italian culture and history. Rome is home to the world’s most famous amphitheater, the Colosseum. The 2000-year-old Colosseum is one of the New Wonders of the world, which makes it a must-to-see attraction in Rome. The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill are the other two archeological sites that are worth visiting in Rome.
Rome is just as enjoyable in the night as during the day. The Colosseum is definitely worth a visit when it’s light up in the night. You can watch the most beautiful sunset at the Giardino degli Aranci, the prettiest orangery.
The Eternal City has also the most stunning squares, such as the Piazza Navona or Piazza del Popolo. Also, a visit to Rome can not be whole without throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain or climbing up to the Trinita Dei Monti church on the Spanish Steps.
Rome is definitely a bucket list destination in Europe, so it can get crowded quickly in the main season (June-September). As one of the most popular destinations, probably the best thing to do is to plan your Rome trip for the spring or the autumn in Europe. The climate in Rome is the Mediterranean, so the weather gets slowly warmer from March until June, after that it’s just super-hot until September. The best time to visit is from March until June or October.
22. Transylvania, Romania
Situated in the heart of Romania you will find the region of Transylvania, a region that is known by many but only visited by few. Filled with the most stunning castles, quaint towns and gorgeous mountain views, this is a destination you will want to add to your European bucket list.
The best way to explore the region of Transylvania would be by renting a car and going on a road trip. When planning a road trip make sure to add the towns of Brașov, Sighișoara and Sibiu to your itinerary, these are some of the most colourful and quaint towns we have visited in Europe and form great bases to explore nearby sights and castles. However, the main reason to go on a road trip it will allow you to drive the Transfăgărășan Highway.
The Transfăgărășan Highway is one of Romania’s, if not Europe’s, most scenic drives taking you through the Southern Carpathian Mountain Range. The Highway zig zags higher and higher until you reach the Bâlea Lake from where you will have a stunning viewpoint over the highway. The region of Transylvania truly has so much to offer, no matter if you are a nature, history or culture lover, there is something for everyone.
23. Vienna, Austria
Thanks to its rich cultural and historical heritage, walking through Austria’s capital city is like walking through a fairytale, with baroque streetscapes and imperial palaces to set the scene. Your European bucket list would not be complete without Vienna.
The centuries of imperial history mean the city is crafted with opulence and grandeur; you can easily fill your days in Vienna with exquisite architecture and history. Be sure to visit the Schonbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace and the Hofberg, to name just a few of its most iconic attractions.
This city was home to some of history’s greatest artists and musicians, such as Mozart, Beethoven and Glimt, and the impact from this remains in today’s Viennese society in the form of classical music concerts, museums and art galleries. The Albertina is one of the most renowned art galleries, home to the worlds most important graphic art collections.
There are also plenty of modern touches throughout the city, like the global food market Naschmarkt, where you can indulge in spicy curries, Asian noodles and more. Or, choose to embark on a river cruise along the beautiful Danube, Europe’s second-longest river that flows through 10 countries.
Oh, and you can’t leave Vienna without indulging in its coffeehouse scene. Drinking coffee in Vienna isn’t just something you do for a caffeine boost – it’s a way of life. In fact, “Viennese Coffee House Culture” is officially on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Be sure to try sachertorte, a traditional Viennese cake, along with your coffee.
I hope you have found this Europe bucket list helpful and that it has inspired your wanderlust! These destinations are truly once in a lifetime, so try your best to explore as many as you can (and that’s a challenge!). I know I can’t wait to get back to Europe in the future, because there is so much I’m yet to see.
Happy travelling,
