Europe packs an extraordinary variety into a small space: Alpine lakes, Mediterranean islands, fairy-tale villages and some of the world’s greatest cities, often just a short train ride apart. This guide brings together our best articles on places to visit in Europe, first the Europe-wide lists and then country by country.
Europe’s must-see places
- The most beautiful places in Europe for your bucket list: Hallstatt, Meteora, Plitvice and the Amalfi Coast
- Where to visit in Europe: top destinations
- Must-visit countries in the Schengen Area
- Places in Europe worth visiting: warm, cold and adventurous countries
- The 50 most spectacular sights in Europe
- The most beautiful villages in Europe: Positano, Cochem and Dinant
- Europe’s most spectacular national parks: Vatnajökull, Plitvice and Teide
- Popular multi-day hikes in Europe: the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Via Dinarica
Europe by season and travel style
- European cities to visit in autumn: Paris, Rome, London, Vienna and Amsterdam
- Europe’s best towns for your must-visit list: Bruges, Dubrovnik and Piedmont
- The best European destinations for a group trip: Sicily, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Prague
- How to plan a diverse vacation across Europe: by train, motorhome and boat
Italy
- Beautiful places in Italy for summer: Capri, Sardinia, Lake Como and Lake Garda
- The majestic beauty of Rome: the Pantheon, the Forum and the Trevi Fountain
- What to know before visiting Venice
- The secrets of Naples: Pompeii, Capri and Ischia
- Reasons to visit Sicily now
France and Spain
- Top places to visit in France: the Eiffel Tower, Versailles and the Louvre
- The most beautiful cities in Spain: Madrid, Granada, Barcelona and Salamanca
- Top cities to visit in Spain: Toledo, Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao
- Why you should visit Spain at least once
Greece, Portugal and Croatia
- Travelling in Greece: Rhodes, Zakynthos and Meteora
- The most beautiful beaches in Greece: Navagio, Myrtos and Sarakiniko
- The best things to do in Athens
- Lisbon’s hidden gems
- Why Portugal should be on your travel list
- Things to do in Croatia: Plitvice, Dubrovnik and Zlatni Rat
Central Europe and the Alps
- Top things to do in Bavaria: Munich, Neuschwanstein and the Romantic Road
- Reasons to visit Berlin
- Top tourist attractions in Austria: Melk Abbey, Salzburg and Innsbruck
- The best Austria summer activities
- Top places to visit in Switzerland
- A walking tour of beautiful Prague
- Places that will make you fall in love with Romania: Bran Castle, Maramures and the Carpathians
The UK and Turkey
- Top things to do in London: the London Eye, the Tower and Greenwich
- UK destinations for walking holidays: the Lake District and Loch Lomond
- The best road trips in the UK
- Top places to visit in Turkey: Hagia Sophia, Hierapolis and Ephesus
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Europe?
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer good weather, fewer crowds and lower prices than the summer peak in July and August.
How many countries can I visit in one trip?
For a two-week trip, two or three countries is a comfortable pace. Europe’s trains make it easy to combine neighbouring countries without long transfers.
Looking further afield? See our bucket list destinations, and read our travel tips before you go.
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Ideas, guides and real budgets for home, garden and travel, published on World inside pictures since 2013.
