50 Best Places to Visit in Europe

While travel is a distant dream for most of us right now, I for one would like to allow myself to dream a little. I’ve been thinking about where I might like to travel once things open up and the places I would like to return to.

Now is the time for research and finding inspiration rather than travel planning. For me researching mostly means reading travel books and watching documentaries. I even gain inspiration watching movies set in Europe, especially dramas where you get a glimpse of the reality of places most of us only visit as tourists.

There is social media too of course, mostly Instagram but increasingly Reddit. Reddit is especially useful if you want to know what it’s really like to visit a place rather than seeing a stylised or sanitised version on Instagram. I get insider travel tips from friends too, the benefit of having many friends in the travel industry.

As I come across destinations, sites, museums, restaurants or other places I’d like to visit one day, I add them to a dedicated list in Google Maps. I created this travel list specifically for the purpose of planning my trips as it reduces the chance I’ll forget about a place of interest, something I’ve done far too often in the past.

Of course, travel blogs are useful for finding inspiration too. In recent years I would publish a list of where to go in Europe that year. I find it useful to categorise these by month and season as certain destinations are far more appealing at certain times of the year and some are most definitely best avoided in peak tourist season. I’ve also published posts for different budgets and different audiences like digital nomads.

Cheapest Countries in Europe

If you’re travelling on a budget, things typically get cheaper the further east you go. This can allow you to save money or extend your stay. These destinations also might be a consideration if you work online, have the time to travel slowly or prefer a more immersive experience.

Europe by the Season

Europe by the Month

In the following posts, I list recommendations for the best places to visit depending on the month. I realise now I’ve missed a number of months in this series. Something to work on this year.

Europe in January
Europe in February
Europe in March
Europe in April
Europe in May (coming soon)
Europe in June
Europe in July (coming soon)
Europe in August (coming soon)
Europe in September (coming soon)
Europe in October (coming soon)
Europe in November (coming soon)
Europe in December

Winter in Europe

I seem to have a number of posts of winter destinations but not so much for other seasons. Again, something to put on the to do list.

Ultimate Guide to Winter Sun Holidays
12 Winter City Breaks in Europe
The Best Christmas Markets in Central Europe
9 Alternative Christmas Markets
Spending the New Year in Europe

European Itineraries

This was a fast travelling rail journey around Europe. Not at all my usual travel style, I much prefer slow travel, but it was an interesting and fun experience, one you might like to replicate. I might write more travel itineraries as people often ask me where to go in Europe and they often only have two or three weeks off work at the most.

21 Day Europe Itinerary