When you want to experience a whirlwind of diverse cultures and feast your eyes on countless magnificent sights, there’s simply no place like Europe! From history-steeped metropolises like London, Rome, Berlin, and Athens to breathtaking natural spots in Sweden, Norway, and the Balkans, the places to visit in Europe are practically limitless.

Still, when you decide to travel to Europe for the first time, it can be challenging to decide which places to visit. For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of some of the greatest places to visit in Europe so you can easily plan your itinerary. 

And don’t worry – since there are so many different traveling styles, we’ve ensured to include something for everyone!

1. London, United Kingdom

No matter how many times you visit London, you’ll never get to fully know it as it is ever-changing. That’s what makes it one of the greatest places to visit in Europe!

The English capital is as historic as it gets, yet it still feels incredibly modern and sophisticated. Its world-famous attractions like Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, the London Eye, and of course, Buckghingham Palace will leave you in awe as you walk through the city, providing a cultural experience like no other. 

After a full day of sightseeing, stop for a pint and some fish and chips in one of the many pubs across the city. Finally, if you feel like dancing the night away, all roads will lead you to Soho, widely considered one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Also Check Hidden Places To Visit In London

2. Florence, Italy

As soon as you arrive in Florence, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a real-life Renaissance painting. Aside from being one of the best places to visit in Europe, the Tuscan capital is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. After spending a few hours here, you’ll know exactly why that is!

Considering the number of museums in the city, Florence is undoubtedly the place to be for history and art lovers. Still, the city can get pretty busy any time of the year – if the crowds become too much to bear, we suggest you take a road trip into the Tuscan countryside. Even a short afternoon picnic can be an unforgettable experience!

3. Barcelona, Spain

When you’re thinking about what to visit in Europe, Barcelona should be a must on your list! It won’t take long to fall in love with this super colorful city – the streets are bursting with vibrancy and characters, and the locals are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet!

As for the landmarks, we don’t know where to begin! From Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces to the iconic (and almost fully-built!) Sagrada Familia, there won’t be a single dull moment during your sightseeing tours. On the flip side, if you’re not into doing touristy things, you can always take a stroll and catch some rays on Barceloneta beach. Also, stop by the famous W Hotel, which is right on the beach, for a fancy cocktail and gastronomic pleasures.

However, despite being one of the best places to visit in Europe, tourism has left quite a big impact on Barcelona – and not the good kind. For that reason, if you’re planning to visit the Catalan capital, we suggest avoiding the peak travel season and checking it out during the winter instead. Don’t worry – the weather is fantastic, and considering the low number of tourists, you’ll get to experience the city in its true light.

4. Athens, Greece

We don’t need to explain why Athens is a mecca for history lovers. Considering it’s one of the oldest cities in the world with a culture unlike any other – not to mention the Parthenon – Athens is the perfect place for those who are looking to experience an explosion of culture while traveling in Europe. Still, this is not the only reason why we have included it on our list.

Namely, Greece, especially Athens, is a leader when it comes to hospitality. Wherever you go, you’ll be greeted with open arms, and the locals are eager to show you all the intricacies of their culture through dining experiences. With that in mind, be prepared to have your bellies full with endless gyros and souvlakis, anise-flavored ouzo, and of course, the ever-famous lukumades.

Our tip: if you’re visiting Athens during the summertime and you have extra time on your hands, you can always book a ferry ride and do some island hopping. Mykonos and Santorini, being the most famous ones, can get pretty busy and expensive during peak season, so consider checking out Paros, Naxos, or Ios, all of which are equally as beautiful.

5. Ohrid, North Macedonia

While most of the places to visit in Europe that we have mentioned so far have their fair share of popularity, we want to single out an underdog that most people don’t think of when a European holiday comes to mind. Let us introduce you to Ohrid, a picturesque city in North Macedonia, a small and central country in the Balkans.

One of the best things about Ohrid is that it’s an “undiscovered place”. In other words, even if you’re visiting it during the peak season (July to September), don’t expect to see heaps of crowds as you would in other major European cities.

Additionally, Ohrid is home to Ohrid Lake, one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes. Interestingly enough, going on a boat tour on the lake is the best way to explore the city! They will take you to various attractions like the Bay of Bones Museum and the Saint Naum Monastery, and you’ll also get a chance to sample the traditional pastrmka, the lake’s most delicious fish.

Ohrid is jam-packed with evening events during the summer, so if you’re looking for some fun during the evenings, you’ll get plenty of it! Lastly, given its location and the country’s small size, you can easily check out the capital Skopje, which is only two hours away, or continue your adventures further around the Balkans. Best of all, it’s extremely budget-friendly, meaning you can experience a lot without spending a fortune.

These were some of the best places to visit in Europe, and there’s a lot more where that came from! If you want even more traveling ideas or need some inspiration picking out your next favorite place, be sure to read the rest of our blogs.