Europe is a continent that boasts rich cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and remarkable tourism offerings. The tourism industry in Europe has been growing significantly in recent years, contributing to employment opportunities and foreign exchange.
In 2021, over half of the EU residents took personal tourism trips, with most of them being short-stay visits. Europe leads the world in international tourism, accounting for approximately two-thirds of international tourist arrivals globally. The top tourist destinations in Europe include France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Germany.
In 2019, Europe recorded a total of 745 million international tourist arrivals, with France leading the pack with 89.4 million visitors.
Visitors to Europe can expect to discover European culture, heritage, architecture, gastronomy, and stunning landscapes. Plan your next vacation to Europe and experience all that the continent offers!
If you are planning a vacation trip to Europe and wondering what are the best places to explore in Europe. Here are some ideas.
Explore the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the UK has a long and rich history. With countries such as England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all possessing unique cultures and geographical diversity, the UK is an ideal destination for everyone from art and culture enthusiasts to outdoor adventurers. There are many iconic places to visit throughout the UK including the cities of London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast.
- London is filled with world-renowned attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Take a river cruise down the Thames or explore modern exhibitions at Tate Modern art gallery or visit vibrant markets filled with international cuisine. With attractions such as Madame Tussauds wax museum or SEA LIFE London Aquarium children will be sure to have an unforgettable experience in this great city.
- Cardiff is the bustling capital of Wales boasting some spectacular sights from its Welsh castle dating back to Norman times to its waterfront that boasts restaurants, bars and shops along with its yearly cultural events like Spirit Festival in Bute Park–it’s not hard to feel immersed in this exciting city! Visit St Fagans National Museum of History which is a remarkable open-air museum tells stories about life in Wales through its mix of buildings spanning centuries -all set within 100 acres of beautiful park land.
- Edinburgh – Edinburgh Castle dominates Edinburgh’s skyline with its dramatic spires while Arthur’s Seat invites visitors on incredible outdoor adventures coursing through Holyrood Park. Explore galleries such as National Gallery Scotland or witness awe inspiring performances at Edinburgh International Festival which takes place every August showcasing theater arts events while celebrating culture from all around the world!
- Belfast offers something special for every type of visitor–with Titanic Belfast captivating guests with over 1000 objects retrieved from famous shipwreck – for those who seek more fringe activities there are many other attractions like St George’s Market offering gourmet foods distillers bartering world teas and music echoing within walls – it’s easy fall in love with this city! Visit The Ulster Museum captures 10 000 years of culture history before strolling around Botanic Gardens enjoying tranquility after busy day filled with activities!
No matter what kind travel you pursue – whether it’s exploring windy coastal villages or losing yourself among modern glistening architectures – there’s certainly something special awaiting you when you visit any corner on United Kingdom!
Explore France
France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. With breathtaking landscapes, world-famous cuisine, and beautiful people, it is easy to see why France draws millions of visitors every year. Whether you are looking for an incredible beach holiday or a tour of the most historical sites in Europe, France has plenty to offer.
- Take a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Elysées or climb up the world-renowned Eiffel Tower for a panoramic view of Paris. You’ll find that there’s no shortage of romantic nooks to take your breath away – from quaint cafes in Montmartre to picturesque vineyards in Bordeaux. Visit lovely towns such as Avignon and Carcassone for an unforgettable trip back into medieval times. Or head out to the countryside for immense fields of sunflowers and rolling hills lined with lavender in Provence–the possibilities are truly endless!
- For those who love food, nothing would satisfy more than local produce – be sure you try French cheeses like camembert and brie, anything made with crème fraîche or butter (think creamy soups)and indulgent desserts like macarons and pain au chocolat! Even if you’re not going out far away from Paris don’t miss out on great trips to locals villages such as Giverny and Vaux le Vicomte. No matter where your journey takes you in France – whether it is through its cities or countryside – you will find something beautiful at every step!
Explore Italy
From the picturesque canals of Venice and the rolling hills of Tuscany to the ruins of Pompeii, Italy offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to soak up cultural sites, experience delectable Italian cuisine, take a leisurely drive along winding country roads or explore seaside towns, there are plenty of points of interest in this amazing country.
- With its miles of stunning coastline, Italy is a popular destination for swimmers and sunbathers. Liguria, Rimini and Jesolo Beach all offer visitors opportunities to relax in the warm Mediterranean waters and enjoy leisure activities like sailing or jet skiing. Meanwhile, if it’s culture you’re looking for then look no further than Rome or Florence where you can marvel at the history and architecture around famous landmarks such as the Colosseum and Michelangelo’s David.
- From wine tasting in Chianti to exploring archaeological sites in Sicily or soaking up art galleries in Florence – wherever you visit in Italy, it will certainly leave an impression! Take your time to explore its diverse regions that all offer something unique – from bustling cities to winding roads surrounded by ancient villages – be sure to make Italy one of your must-see destinations on your Euro trip!
Explore Spain
Spain is a top destination for travelers, boasting amazing architecture and culture, beautiful beaches, and one of the most delicious cuisines in the world. The country is large enough that you can spend weeks or even months exploring all that it has to offer. Here are some of the best places to visit in Spain:
- Madrid: Madrid is home to some of the most breathtaking art galleries and museums in Europe. It also has some of the best shopping on the continent, with high-end boutiques as well as small vintage stores. There’s plenty of nightlife too!
- Barcelona: Barcelona is an incredibly lively city, known for its fashionable citizens, world-class architecture, delicious seafood paella, and unique outdoor markets. It’s also one of Europe’s hottest destinations for students!
- Valencia: Valencia is a great place to relax on its long sandy beaches or explore its vibrant streets lined with bars and restaurants. It’s also a great place to learn more about traditional Spanish food – especially seafood!
- San Sebastian: San Sebastian boasts stunning white sand beaches and some of Spain’s tastiest tapas bars. From here you can take day trips into France or just wander around this lively town soaking up its atmosphere.
- Seville: Seville has been compared to a living museum due to its incredible collection of ancient buildings from Islamic cultures as well as its many Renaissance monuments. For those looking for an elegant getaway, it’s hard to beat this beautiful city with its narrow cobbled streets lit by fairy lights at night.
- Granada: Granada will transport you directly into a fairytale with it’s remarkable 16th-century Alhambra Palace. One of Spain’s most iconic landmarks – perched atop a hill overlooking the Sierra Nevada Mountains in southern Spain.
Explore Germany
Germany is one of the best places to visit in Europe and has a lot to offer travelers. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is known for its vibrant culture, art galleries, and nightlife. You can also explore its stunning architecture, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building. Other cities in Germany, like Munich and Hamburg, are filled with historical sites and museums that you can explore. Bavaria’s picturesque alpine towns and castles are great for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. For a unique experience, head to Dresden to explore its Old Town, as well as some of its impressive churches and palaces. No matter where you go in Germany, you’re sure to find something exciting to explore!
- German culture is a part of the fabric of Central Europe, with its roots stretching back centuries. From the towering castles to saucy beer gardens, explore everything Germany has to offer. As you walk through enchanting cobblestone streets and admire breathtaking architecture, take your time to experience everything from classic favorites to hidden gems in Germany.
- Begin your journey in the capital city of Berlin, where innovative restaurants and buzzing nightlife energize visitors who come for a history-filled adventure. In addition to trendy street art galleries and spectacular parks like Tiergarten, be sure to visit attractions like Brandenburg Gate and the iconic Reichstag Building. From there, venture south on an exquisite road trip through Bavaria—the land of kings!
- As you drive through picturesque landscapes framed by mountains, forests and castles that seem almost straight out of a fairy tale book, be sure to make time for customs like beer and pretzel tastings while remaining mindful of Germany’s complex history and beautiful traditions. Visit Munich during Oktoberfest or anytime just for the world-famous food culture alone—from currywurst smothered in spicy tomato sauce to hearty sausages served with sweet Bavarian mustard!
- As you meander further on your way through Germany’s 13 charming states, don’t forget incredible places like Wiesbaden near Frankfurt or Cologne with its perfectly preserved medieval Old Town area where visitors can immerse themselves in centuries of medieval architecture while tasting local fare such as Rheinische Sauerbraten (marinated beef) or Kölsch beer served from tall curvaceous glasses called Stangen.
- Whether you choose to follow a traditional German holiday route or blaze your own trail with off-the-beaten path destinations such as Baden-Baden for well-being treatments or Konstanz on Lake Constance for cultural excursions and outdoor activities galore – enjoying every single moment will surely be unforgettable!
Explore Other European Countries and Cities
The best places to visit in Europe aren’t just limited to the UK. From the vibrant cities of Barcelona, Venice, and Paris to the charming towns of Vienna, Amsterdam, and Istanbul, there’s something for everyone.
For those looking to explore further afield, the Czech Republic’s Prague, Germany’s Berlin, Denmark’s Copenhagen, and Belgium’s Bruges offer unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re looking for art, culture, history, or nature, these destinations have it all. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Brandenburg Gate, or explore hidden gems like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar or Bruges’ Lake of Love. With so much to see and do, these are some of the best places to visit in Europe.
Beyond the boundaries of the Western world and the big names of Europe, there are dozens of captivating countries to visit. There is something for everyone from high mountains to deep lakes, from remote islands to marshy valleys, and from spectacular cities to picturesque rural expanses.
Every destination offers something different and special – chances for a local experience, lively coastal resorts, and enticing cities.
Here are just a few of Europe’s many memorable countries that you may not have heard of:
- Luxembourg: Located between France, Germany, and Belgium, Luxembourg is renowned as one of the wealthiest countries in Europe. With its pleasant climate and varied terrain, Luxembourg boasts incredible mountainous landscapes with castles perched atop rocky outcrops.
- Andorra: Situated between Spain and France in the Pyrenees Mountains, Andorra is best known for its ski trails in the winter months with visitors flocking here to admire its stunning peaks throughout all seasons.
- Liechtenstein: Nestled between Austria and Switzerland on a tiny landlocked alpine country between two of Europe’s greatest mountain ranges lies Liechtenstein – a delightful principality. Home to stunning palaces, churches, and fortresses set in some sublimely beautiful countryside.
- Montenegro: A popular tourist destination on the Adriatic Sea coast boasting vibrant nightlife but also introducing you to traditional Montenegrin culture – where winding cobbled streets lead through towering churches or Venetian walled towns: Kotor has become a must-see spot for all visitors here!
- Albania: A small nation packed with an abundance of activities; visit lakeside wildflower meadows or colorful Ottoman mosques nestled into mountain villages overlooking pulsating beachside towns – Albania truly offers something unique every time your visit.
