With travel restrictions slowly lifting around the world, many people are itching to explore again. And what better place to start than the continent of Europe? With its rich history, stunning architecture, diverse cultures, and delicious food, Europe has something for everyone.
If you have Europe on your mind and are wondering which countries are the best to visit, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 of the top European countries that should be on your travel list.
France
There’s a reason why France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From its picturesque villages and gorgeous countryside to its chic cities and stylish resorts, France has it all. Not to mention, it’s home to some of the world’s best wines and cuisine.
It’s 86 million annual visitors primarily come to see Paris, the “City of Light”. And while a visit to the French capital is definitely worth it (don’t miss the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum), there’s so much more to see in France. Head to the South of France for sunny Mediterranean beaches, exquisite food, and glamorous seaside towns.
Or explore the country’s many charming villages, like Colmar with its half-timbered houses and colourful flowers, or Étretat with its striking cliffs and seascapes.
Spain
Spain is another top European destination for travelers. With its Mediterranean coastline, sunny weather, and rich culture, Spain is a perfect place to vacation. Barcelona and Madrid are popular city destinations for Spain’s about 100 million annual visitors.
In Barcelona, don’t miss the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and La Rambla. Madrid is home to some of the best art museums in the world, including the Prado Museum and Reina Sofia Museum.
Outside of its major cities, Spain offers stunning coastal towns, like San Sebastian with its beautiful beaches and tasty tapas, or Valencia with its vibrant atmosphere and lively nightlife.
And of course, no trip to Spain would be complete without a visit to one of its many stunningly preserved castles and fortresses, such as the Alcazar of Segovia or the Castle of Coca.
In addition to its stunning scenery, Spain is also known for its delicious food. Be sure to try some of the country’s traditional dishes, like paella, tapas, and gazpacho. And of course, you can’t visit Spain without sampling its world-famous wines.
Italy
With its rolling hills, ancient ruins, picturesque villages, and stunning coastline, it’s no wonder that Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Each year, 58 million visitors come to experience the country’s rich culture and history.
Of course, a visit to Italy would not be complete without spending some time in Rome, where you can see the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. But Italy has so much more to offer than just its capital city.
The picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, with their colourful houses and breathtaking sea views, are a must-see. Or head to Florence to see some of the world’s best art, including Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.
For a truly unique experience, take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice or enjoy the views from the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without indulging in some of its delicious food, like pizza, pasta, and gelato.
Turkey
Turkey is a popular tourist destination for many reasons. Its rich history, beautiful scenery, and friendly people make it a great place to visit. With 37 million visitors each year, Turkey is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Most people come to Turkey to see Istanbul, its largest city. Istanbul is a city full of contrasts, with its modern skyline juxtaposed against its historic mosques and palaces. Be sure to visit the Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
But Turkey is more than just Istanbul – it’s a country full of natural beauty. From its stunning coastline to its mountains and forests, Turkey has something for everyone. And of course, no trip to Turkey would be complete without trying its delicious food, like Turkish delight, baklava, and kebabs.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a great destination for visitors who are interested in history, culture, and the outdoors. From its rolling green hills and quaint villages to its lively cities and stunning coastline, there’s something for everyone in the UK.
London is, of course, the most popular destination for visitors to the UK. But don’t spend all your time in the city – there’s so much more to see. Visit Scotland to explore its castles, lochs, and whisky distilleries. Or head to Wales to hike in Snowdonia National Park or visit Cardiff Castle.
If you’re looking for a beach vacation, head to England’s Devon and Cornwall region for its sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and quaint seaside towns. And no trip to the UK would be complete without a stop in Stonehenge or Hadrian’s Wall.
Germany
Germany is a top European destination for many reasons. It’s home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and Cologne Cathedral. It also has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums and art galleries to explore.
And let’s not forget about its stunning scenery. From the Black Forest to the Bavarian Alps, Germany is a nature lover’s paradise. The country also has numerous castles and palaces to visit, such as Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenzollern Castle.
Of course, no trip to Germany would be complete without indulging in some of its traditional cuisines. Be sure to try dishes like schnitzel, sauerkraut, and strudel. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass of beer.
Greece
Greece is another top European destination for travelers who are looking for stunning scenery, great food, and rich history. With its beautiful islands, crystal-clear waters, and sandy beaches, Greece is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle.
The Greek Isles are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. Mykonos is known for its stunning beaches and chic atmosphere, while Santorini is famous for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed houses, and breathtaking sunsets.
Other popular Greek islands include Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu. In addition to its islands, Greece also has a mainland that is full of interesting places to explore. The capital city of Athens is home to the world-famous Acropolis, as well as many other interesting archaeological sites.
The city of Delphi is another must-see, as it was once considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks. And don’t miss a chance to see the stunningly preserved medieval town of Rhodes.
No matter where you go in Greece, you’ll be sure to enjoy the country’s delicious food. Be sure to try some of the traditional dishes, like moussaka, dolma, and Souvlaki. And don’t forget to sample the local wine and olives.
Austria
Beautiful scenery, delicious food, and plenty of outdoor activities make Austria a top destination for travelers. Its 29.5 million annual visitors come to see its capital city, Vienna, as well as its many other historic towns and villages.
In Vienna, be sure to visit Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and the Vienna State Opera. Other popular tourist destinations in Austria include Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz.
In addition to its cities and towns, Austria is also home to some of the most stunning scenery in Europe. The Austrian Alps offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. And the country’s many lakes and rivers are perfect for swimming, canoeing, and rafting.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a beautiful Central European country with a rich history and culture. Its capital, Prague, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting over 20 million visitors each year.
Prague is known for its stunning architecture, including the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Charles Bridge. The city is also home to a number of museums, including the Jewish Museum and the National Gallery.
Outside of Prague, the Czech Republic has much to offer visitors. Visit Cesky Krumlov for its well-preserved medieval town center, or Karlovy Vary for its world-famous spa towns.
For something truly unique, head to the Moravian Karst, a region of caves and sinkholes. And of course, no trip to the Czech Republic would be complete without sampling its delicious beer and traditional dishes, like goulash and svickova.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a small country with a lot to offer tourists. From its lively cities and quaint villages to its stunning tulip fields and canals, the Netherlands is a beautiful place to visit.
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. And it’s easy to see why. With its museums, markets, and canals, Amsterdam is a city that has something for everyone.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to one of the Netherlands’ many picturesque villages. Marken is a charming village located on an artificial island in the Markermeer lake. Giethoorn is a village with no roads – only canals. It is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.
And of course, no trip to the Netherlands would be complete without seeing its famous tulip fields. The best time to see the tulips is in April, when the Keukenhof gardens are in full bloom.
With its charming villages, stunning scenery, and lively cities, it’s no wonder the Netherlands is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Final Word
No matter what kind of traveler you are, there’s a European destination that’s perfect for you. From the world-famous museums and historic landmarks of Western Europe to the natural beauty and culinary delights of Eastern Europe, there’s something for everyone on the continent. So start planning your trip today.
