When considering a trip to Europe, it’s worth weighing up whether you prefer a short city break, or if you’re more inclined towards an extended holiday in a single country. Travellers are spoilt for choice in terms of great cities around the continent, as well as by the relatively low cost of getting around Europe by train and bus.
Some of the best places to visit in Europe include perennial favourites such as London and Paris, but also Eastern European destinations like Budapest, and islands such as Corsica and Crete.
London, UK
One of the few truly ‘world’ oriented cities, London is like nowhere else in the UK – you can sample West End shopping and theatre, while taking in museums and art galleries.
You can also head to the boutiques and markets of the East End, and to the green spots of Hampstead Heath and the city’s many parks.
London, UK
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
A liberal minded city that draws in millions of visitors every year, Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and ideal for several days of travel.
Some of the best attractions within the Dutch city include the Anne Frank House and the recently renovated Rijksmuseum, as well as the cafe culture and the Vondelpark.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Florence, Italy
The centre of the Italian region of Tuscany, Florence is well regarded as a home of great art and culture.
Key sights include the Gallerie degli Uffizi, and the Pitti Palace, once the home of the powerful Medici family, and, of course, Ponte Vecchio. Florence is also an ideal base if you want to explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
Florence, Italy
Paris, France
Hard to beat in terms of the sheer volume of landmarks it contains, Paris can be visited purely for sights like the Louvre, the Musee D’Orsay, and Notre Dame Cathedral, but is also one of the best capital cities to just wander around and soak in the atmosphere of its multiple arrondissements.
Paris, France
Budapest, Hungary
This Hungarian city is one of the most cost effective places to visit in Europe.
Sitting on the banks of the Danube River, Budapest is ideal for backpackers and anyone who wants to enjoy its medieval architecture, museums, and nightlife.
Budapest, Hungary
Salzburg, Austria
Located on the border near to Germany, Salzburg is defined by its great architecture and sights, which include the Schloss Hellbrunn summer palace, as well as by its art galleries, decorative gardens, and surrounding mountains.
Salzburg, Austria
Corsica, France
A French island that has its own unique culture, Corsica is a maze of hillside towns, beaches, and small cities and towns like Ajaccio, Bastia, and Saint-Florent.
Corsica has also been distinguished in 2013 by hosting a leg of the Tour de France for the first time.
Corsica, France
Crete, Greece
Another island that represents one of the most tourism friendly destinations in Europe, Crete is home to excellent beach resorts, vineyards, and party towns like Malia.
Crete is also ideal for seeing ancient Greek ruins, and for hiking and climbing.
Crete, Greece
Berlin, Germany
The German capital, Berlin, became with the opening Brandenberg Airport one of the most accessible cities in the world.
Berlin itself is a huge city distinguished by its museums, rapid transport system, military history, and vibrant arts culture.
Berlin, Germany
Andalucia, Spain
Those looking to see relatively unspoilt parts of Spain should head to Andalucia, which is home to multiple small cottages, hiking trails, and other countryside attractions.
Significant cities include Seville. Andalucia is also home to the Donana National Park, one of Spain’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and areas of natural beauty.
Seville, Spain
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a unique historic town and resort in the south of Croatia. Its historical center is a UNESCO Heritage Site.
The entire historic city is surrounded by city walls, which protected the city against attacks from land and the sea. The city is proudly called The Pearl of the Adriatic.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Prague, The Czech Republic
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. It lies in the middle of Bohemia and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
The old town with the panorama of Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like Budapest, also Prague is considered one of the cheapest destinations in Europe.
Prague castle during concert on Vltava river, The Czech Republic
Venice, Italy
Italy should have much more places included on this list, not just two, and one of them is undoubtedly Venice. Every year it attracts about 12 million tourists from around the world, making it one of the most popular Italian destinations.
Either it is for a rich cultural life, culminating in an international film festival that is held here since 1932, or for sights on St. Mark’s Square, a hundred channels with over 400 stone bridges.
Venice, Italy by Julius for Travel
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is well known as a city that lies on two continents. Ever since ancient times it connects Asia and Europe over the Bosphorus Strait. If you are thinking about having a breakfast in Asia and lunch in Europe, then Istanbul is the right city for you.
It is one of the most beautiful cities on earth with a lot of relics of the Byzantine Empire.
Istanbul, Turkey
Preikestolen, Norway
Preikestolen rock cliff is the most famous tourist attraction in Ryfylke in Norway. During the summer months the place is visited by more than 130,000 tourists.
It is considered by many to be one of the greatest natural wonders of Europe. It towers an impressive 604 meters above the Lyse fjord and falls directly to the level of the sea surface.
Preikestolen, Norway