There are so many amazing places to go on holiday in Europe. I may be biased as a European but it is one of the best continents to go on holiday in. The places are full of culture, steeped in history and have some of the most magnificent food. They also have some of the most incredible scenery. There is something for everyone in Europe and you can’t get bored. Here are so of my favourite places for you to consider for your next holiday in Europe.
1. Rome, Italy
I have visited so many beautiful cities in Europe but to me Rome stands in a league of its own. It has atmospheric streets, historic architecture at every turn, beautiful Italian food, great transportation and friendly locals. I only spent three days there but could have spent a whole week and can’t wait to go back.
The must see things are the Colloseum, Trevi fountain and Pantheon but there are also many other small nuggets of beauty to find across the city. If you are going in the summer take advantage of the free drinking fountains which can be found everywhere.
If you also have time you can of course take a visit to the Vatican City, home to the Pope. Top tip if you do go is to make sure that you go with a tour guide, otherwise you will be spending hours queuing.
2. Bergen, Norway
If I had to choose my favourite country in the world it would have to be Norway. It is not the cheapest country to visit but is so worth it. The the cities and the landscapes are just incredible.
If you go to Bergen you have to explore the Bryggen which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the harbour it is a district of historic trade buildings which are not only beautiful but really bring the history of the town to life. Spend some time wandering through the streets and taking it all in.
Bergen was also home to the famous composer Edvard Grieg. His home Troldhaugen is now a living museum. If you get a chance to visit make sure to see a concert in the concert hall. It is really a magical experience.
3. Reykjavic, Iceland
Iceland is near the top of a lot of people’s bucket list destinations. Its dramatic landscape of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and glaciers makes it one of the most beautiful locations for a holiday in Europe.
Most people visiting Iceland will at some point end up in Reykjavic, Iceland’s capital city. From here you can either take day trips out to the beautiful Blue Lagoons or one of their National Parks.
Reykjavik itself is also a beautiful place to stay in and explore. Get the City card to visit a selection of museums, galleries and swimming pools. With the card you can also easily travel around the city by bus.
4. Berlin, Germany
I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited Berlin a few times as i’ve had various family and friends live there over the years. Every time i’ve been there has been something new and interesting to see.
The city has a very quirky side to it. You will see this a lot when you visit. It makes it a fantastic place to explore with a wide choice of alternative cafés, restaurants and shops. It is definitely a great destination for any backpackers looking for quirky budget travel.
There are so many different things to see and do depending on what you are interested in. You may want to visit the top Berlin attractions or go a bit off the beaten track. Which ever you choose you can rely on the fantastic Berlin transport system to get you around.
One of the most interesting things I find about the city is learning about life in the east of Berlin before the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989. There are museums dotted around the city for you to learn real life stories of what it was like and what they went through.
As this part of their history wasn’t that long ago, many remnants remain for visitors to see and make it that bit more real. It is also fascinating as there are opportunities to learn directly from those who experienced it and lived through it or have been told stories from those who did.
One of the most harrowing museums that I visited and would recommend is the Berlin Hohenschönhausen Memorial. It shows the darker side of Berlin’s GDR history. You will visit different rooms and be told stories of what happened in the place you are now standing. It makes it really hit home the horrors that went on but aren’t always spoken about.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
If you love stunning old architecture Edinburgh is full of it. Along with its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town which has cobbled streets and Gothic buildings it also has the Georgian mansions of the New Town. There are so many historic sights to see with even a few ghosts hanging around *spooky*. It also has some brilliant shops and great food and drink.
If you fancy a hike, take a trip up to Arthur’s Seat. From there you can get a fabulous view over the city. There are also many other places to walk to for views of the city such as Calton Hill.
Be warned that Edinburgh is not the sunniest place to go. Especially in the winter months, make sure to wrap up warm and bring waterproof clothing. It is still a beautiful place to visit in the rain with plenty of cafés and shops to escape to.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is another beautiful city with loads of things to do. It is one of those places which is hard to do in one weekend but it great for a weeks holiday.
Travelling around the city is easy with their bus and underground train service. Easily get around the city to all the various attractions.
If you visit Barcelona you will come across a lot of sculptural buildings by Gaudi. Make sure to visit at least one of his masterpieces to see close up his unique style. And you can’t leave without seeing his masterpiece of the La Sagrada Familia.
If you do have time it is well worth going to watch a concert in the Palau de la Música Catalana. Not only is it one of the most beautiful halls I have ever seen I was able to experience the Spanish culture of Flamenco dancers and guitarists. A truly memorable experience.
And of course along with all the fabulous things to do you can not forget the food. Tapas is something you must try. If you haven’t tried it before you can choose a variety of appetisers of Spanish cuisine. It can include a whole variety of dishes which are hot or cold my favourite being Patatas Alioli.
7. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoton Islands are without a doubt one of the most breath taking places in the world. Whether you are wanting to visit in the summer or winter you will not be disappointed.
If you are looking for a holiday in Europe which is very much about the outdoors, this may be the place to go. Go on epic hikes, relax on the beach, go surfing, explore one of the fishing villages but most importantly take in the views.
If you are going during the winter months you may be lucky enough to get a show from the Northern Lights. This is a spectacular thing to see and a magical experience. You will also have the beauty of being surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and icy fjords whilst staying in a cozy cabin.
8. Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is a wonderful town to visit especially when you only have a day. It can be easily accessed from Brugges or Brussels by public transport.
If you do only have a day, make sure that you check out the old town of beautiful historic buildings. One of Ghent’s most notable historic buildings is the Gothic Cathedral of St. Bavo which also houses many valuable pieces of art.
Ghent is well known for its large old squares and marketplaces. If you are there on a Friday be sure to check out the market known locally as the Vrijdagmarkt (“Friday market”). It is at the centre of the medieval city.
9. Salzburg, Austria
Located in the foothills of the mountains, Salzburg is a beautiful small city with a lot of beauty to offer. It has a great mix of culture, scenery and history and can be explored in a day. I’d recommend it as an overnight stop so you can really experience the place without the crowds.
During your visit take a scenic walk through Salzburg right up to the fortress to get a fabulous view over the city. Also make sure to take a wander through the old town where there are plenty of things to do.
If you are a lover of Mozart or The Sound of Music this city is the place for you. It is the city in which Mozart was born and where the real Trapp family once lived. Go and visit the birthplace of Mozart and museum or go and tour some of The Sound of Music shooting locations.
10. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a Greek island which has become well known for its azure coloured roofs and crisp white architecture. It is a stunning place, with houses lining the cliff face and deep blue waters, it makes it an instagrammers dream.
Although the population of the island isn’t that big, it is one of the most popular greek islands for tourists. This means that it does get crowded, so it is better to visit during the off season. If you can’t go during off season i’d recommend staying in one of the smaller towns and villages outside the main cities.
Santorini is a place for those who just want to relax and those who would rather go and explore. The place offers many different accommodation options at varying price points. If you really want to splash the cash, there are also plenty of places which offer private pools and are truly spectacular.
If you are wanting a more active holiday in Europe there are many beaches to visit, boat trips to take and walks to go on. You might even fancy going wine tasting at the Venetsanos Winery. You could also take a tour of the ancient village of Akrotiri or spend your evening watching a film in an outdoor cinema.
I could carry on listing all of my favourite places in Europe as it really is a place of never ending beauty and where my heart belongs. At least I hope these places I have listed will give you a few ideas on where you might want to go on your next trip. I love hearing about other people’s travels so let me know where your next trip takes you.
Safe travels!
Rebecca xx