12 Gorgeous Places To Visit In Europe
Wondering where to go in Europe? From Germany and Italy to France and England, there are so many incredible places to visit in Europe, famed for its dazzling architecture, vibrant nightlife and world-class museums. And with so many options available, picking the right place to spend your European getaway can be quite difficult.
That’s why we’ve come up with a list of the best places to visit in Europe that are off the beaten track. Whether you’re a solo traveler, foodie or adventurer, these places European destinations will surely fill your vacation days with fun, adventures and Instagram-worthy sights.
1. Budapest, Hungary – Home to some of the world’s finest Art Nouveau architecture, Budapest is truly one of the most scenic places to visit in Europe. Explore the spa culture of the Hungarian capital with its historic thermal baths built during the 1700s and 1800s. For foodies, make sure to swing by the elaborate New York Kavehaz for pasty and coffee. When nighttime comes, take walk at the Szechenyi Chain Bridge over the Danube River for awe-inspiring views. And, before calling it a night, head to the 3-level Central Market, and indulge on a bowl of tasty traditional gulyas.
2. Slovenia – Located right at the heart of Europe, Slovenia’s magical castles, wildflowers, rolling vineyard fields, Adriatic coastline and endless alpine lakes make it a can’t-miss destination in Europe. Although it’s not as well-known as other trendy places to visit in Europe, Slovenia won’t disappoint you.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia – It’s hard not to fall head over heels in love with Dubrovnik, Croatia. The noteworthy sights alone, like the majestic Baroque buildings, ancient city walls and views of the Adriatic Sea, will leave you speechless and have you dazzled. Here, you may wander around the historic Old City, unwind on a beach, immerse into the laid-back Mediterranean life, or take an island excursion.
4. Nuremberg, Germany – There’s no shortage of photogenic cities in Germany, but Nuremberg definitely stands out for its perfectly distinct blend of new and old. An early capital of invention, the Holy Roman Empire’s former unofficial capital is today best known for its museums, bratwurst and Chriskindlesmarkt.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland – Iceland’s capital is a bit wild, beautiful and weirdly wonderful. During summer, the city has a seemingly endless daytime with over 20 hours of sunshine, meaning there are tons of time for exploration. In winter, the city’s visitors may chase the heavenly Northern Lights, and soak up the view of a lifetime. Besides its mind-blowing adventures and mesmerizing natural wonders, the city also offers a legendary nightlife scene, geothermal waters and a thriving arts community.
6. Riga, Latvia – Etched deeply in European history and culture, Riga is synonymous with historic architecture, elegance and classical music. On a beautiful morning, get lost through the city’s quaint streets and visit its medieval center – home to the world’s widest collection of Art Nouveau buildings.
7. Stockholm, Sweden – Undeniably beautiful, exciting and hip, Stockholm should be high on your list of places to visit in Europe. Summer is by far the best time to visit Stockholm, when the skies are amazingly blue, and you may spend the day exploring Gamla Stan’s cobblestone streets. Explorers can take an excursion to some of the thousands of islands making up the Skagard archipelago.
8. Crete, Greece – Crete – the birthplace of modern European civilization – is an absolute Mediterranean jewel. Rich with mythological and archaeological history, Crete offers a sweet taste of ancient Greece with its cultural attractions and ancient ruins, such as the monasteries and fortresses of Rethymonon as well as Minoan ruins.
9. Krakow, Poland – Can’t get enough of places to visit in Europe with an endless of supply of political and cultural history? Why not pay a visit to Krakow? After all, the Krakow is a colorful treasure trove of historic architecture, and offers more historic monuments and buildings than any other Polish city. Must-see attractions in Krakow include Rynek Glowny main square, the former Jewish quarter, Krakow’s Old Town and Wawel Castle.
10. Helsinki, Finland – A fabulous seaside town, Helsinki has loads to offer to its visitors, such as spas, saunas, Art Nouveau architecture, green spaces, parks, maritime history and irresistible coastal beauty. Named as one of the hottest start-up places to visit in Europe in 2013, this city exudes a tech-friendly atmosphere as well, making it a perfect destination for millennial travelers
11. Bergen, Norway – Bergen – the second-largest city in Norway – is beloved for its colorful Bryggen quarter, gorgeous harbor and the seven mountains surrounding the town. Plus, the apple is a hotbed for culture, hosting one of the biggest events in Norway – the Bergen International Festival. To top it all off, the city feels more vibrant than its capital, Oslo, since about 10 percent of its residents are students.
12. Berat, Albania – Looking for lesser-known places to visit in Europe? Then, make sure to include Berat to your Europe travel bucket list! Nicknamed aptly as the “city of a thousand windows”, the city will unleash your inner shutterbug with its white Ottoman houses lining its river valley. As one of the longest continuously inhabited cities on earth, visiting this Albanian city is like traveling back through time and watching the evolution of Western and Eastern cultures.
We hope that some of the suggested destinations have piqued your interest! Let us know in the comments below which countries are on your bucket list!.