Best Countries to Visit in Europe in 2024

To unveil the best of Europe, consider these countries and places.

Italy

Italy is a country that captivates many romantics, travelers, and dreamers. This country captivates with its historical heritage, cuisine, and atmosphere.

Italy has many interesting places to visit. Here are a few of them:

  • Rome: See historical locations such as the Vatican, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum.
  • Florence: Explore the Uffizi Gallery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Ponte Vecchio.
  • Venice: See St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace, and take a gondola ride around the canals.
  • Milan: Discover Milan’s Duomo Cathedral, La Scala Opera House, and the famous Braera Art Gallery.
  • Naples: Take a tour of Castillo del Ovo Castle, the National Archaeological Museum in Rome, and Pompeii.
  • Amalfi Coast: Enjoy beautiful scenery, beaches, and picturesque towns such as Amalfi and Positano.
  • Tuscany: Explore the vineyards, medieval towns of Siena and San Gimignano, and beautiful landscapes of the region.

This is only a small part of what you can see in Italy. Depending on your interests, you can choose what is closer to you.

Colosseum in Rome

Venice

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican

France

France has a rich history and many cities and landmarks to see. Here are a few of them: Paris, Cannes, Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Versailles, and Bordeaux. These are just some of the many beautiful places to visit in France. You should also check out the castles of the Loire, Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, and other unique regions of the country. 

Notre-Dame de Paris view

Paris Quartier Latin

Spain

Spain is an amazing country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions. Here are a few places to visit in Spain:

  • Barcelona: Explore the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, stroll along the famous La Rambla, and enjoy the atmosphere of this cultural city.
  • Madrid: Visit the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Puerta del Sol and enjoy the rich history and art of Spain’s capital city.
  • Seville: Travel to Seville and visit the Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and the Real Tobacco Factory to immerse yourself in the Andalusian culture.
  • Granada: Visit the Alhambra, a famous palace and fortress, and explore the Albaicin neighborhood and enjoy traditional Spanish tapas.
  • Valencia: Explore the City of Arts and Sciences, visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, and enjoy the beaches and culture of this beautiful city.
  • Toledo: Visit this historic city known for its medieval castles, churches, and museums.
  • Ibiza: Head to this Balearic island to enjoy the beautiful beaches, nightlife, and unique atmosphere.

This is by no means all that Spain has to offer in terms of sights and experiences. The nation is full of natural and cultural attractions, and each region has its own special qualities to offer.

Croatia

Croatia is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and gorgeous scenery. Here are a few places to visit in Croatia: Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Plitvice Lakes, Zagreb, Rovinj, and Dalmatia. Croatia offers many opportunities for vacation and travel, and these places are only a small part of what you can see and experience in this amazing country. 

houses with a seaview in Croatia

United Kingdom

There are many interesting places to visit in the United Kingdom. Here are a few of them: London, Edinburgh, Stonehenge, Oxford, York, Glasgow, and Belfast. These represent a mere sampling of the sights and experiences available in the United Kingdom. Every region offers distinct attractions and rich cultural heritage worth discovering.

Germany

Here are a few of the places to visit in Germany: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, Dresden, and Nuremberg. What you can see and do in Germany is far more than this. There are interesting landmarks, cultures, and customs to discover in every location.

Hungary

There are plenty of places to visit in Hungary, and now we want to name some of them. The capital city of Budapest is a must-see, as is Lake Balaton, charming towns like Keszthely and Siófok; attractions like the Eger Castle, Hortobágy National Park, Great Hungarian Plain, and the Herend Porcelain factory near Lake Balaton. 

Lithuania

Lithuania mixes medieval golden era symbols with Soviet remnants across its landscape, which features forests, Baroque architecture, and the Baltic Sea coast. Here are some of the top places to visit in Lithuania beyond Vilnius: Trakai Castle, Curonian Spit, Hill of Crosses, Kernavė, Rumsiskes Open Air Museum, Palanga, Kaunas, Purnskes.

Monkey sculpture in Paupys neighborhood in Vilnius

Monaco

As one of the world’s smallest countries, Monaco is quite compact, with almost all major attractions and sights located within or very near the city of Monaco itself. Some top places to visit in Monaco include the Prince’s Palace of Monaco; Monte Carlo Casino; Exotic Garden; Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium; Monaco Grand Prix Circuit; Port Hercule; Larvotto Beach; Saint Nicholas Cathedral; Monaco-Ville (Old Town). 

Montenegro

Montenegro’s coast boasts historic towns like Budva and Kotor, with medieval walls and maritime history. Besides this, the places to visit in Montenegro include the Bay of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, the old Roman capital city of Doclea, unique orthodox monasteries like Ostrog Monastery, and others. 

Netherlands

The Netherlands is an amazing country with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful scenery. Here are a few places to visit in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Delft, Dutch Province (explore traditional Dutch villages such as Zaanse Schans), Maastricht, and the Dutch Islands (head to the Zealand Islands and enjoy beautiful beaches, dunes, and historic towns such as Vlissingen and Middelburg).

Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

outskirts of Amsterdam, Bert Haanstrakade

Poland

There are many interesting places to visit in Poland. Here are five of them: Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Auschwitz. Poland’s cosmopolitan cities allow visitors to discover the country’s deep history and vibrant culture. Gothic architecture abounds with medieval castles, churches, and Jewish heritage sites interwoven with Soviet-era landmarks. Travelers also uncover Poland’s natural landscapes, from the ancient forests and jagged peaks of the Tatra Mountains Nature Park to the seaside resort towns dotted along the Baltic Coast.

Swietokrzyski Bridge in Warsaw

Romania

Some of the best places to visit in Romania include the Peleș Castle in Sinaia, the historic Bran Castle in Bran, the picturesque Sighișoara, the beautiful city of Brașov, and the vibrant capital city, Bucharest. Other notable destinations are the Danube Delta, Cluj-Napoca, the Painted Monasteries, and the Transfăgărășan. 

Belarus

Some of the best places to visit in Belarus include the vibrant capital city of Minsk, the picturesque Braslav Lakes, the historic Mir Castle, the beautiful Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, and the impressive Brest Hero Fortress, offering a mix of modern city life, natural beauty, and rich history.

Upper Town in Minsk

National Library in Minsk, Belarus

Tips for Planning Your European Adventure

Some important points:

    • Plan Your Itinerary: Create a flexible itinerary that allows for spontaneity while ensuring you cover the must-see destinations on your list.

    • Research Local Customs and Etiquette. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to enhance your interactions with locals.

    • Pack Smart. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll likely do a lot of exploring on foot.

    • Embrace local cuisine. From traditional dishes to Michelin-starred restaurants, indulge in the local flavors and enjoy the rich gastronomic heritage of each region.

    • Stay Connected. Consider downloading offline maps and travel apps to help you navigate unfamiliar cities and attractions.

    • Respect the Environment. Choose sustainable transportation options, reduce your carbon footprint, and respect local ecosystems and wildlife.

typical Amsterdam

Basilica of St. Nicholas in Amsterdam in the evening

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