Europe brings together a multitude of cultures, from the highly travelled, internal cities in the west to the quaint, adventurous, and historic towns in the east.It’s easy to jump from one country to the next by a quick train ride or a local airline. However, you might need help planning if you are traveling to Europe for the first time. Discover the must-see destination spots and a few lesser known gems. Learn to navigate your way through each city you visit. Take advice on how to plan a European excursion filled with adventure and discovery.

1. Destination Highlights For Europe Trip

Paris, France

Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Champs-Élysées.Montmartre district, Canal Saint-Martin, Sainte-Chapelle, Rue Crémieux.Enjoying pastries at a local patisserie, evening Seine River cruise, exploring flea markets like Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.

Rome, Italy

Colosseum, Vatican City (St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel), Roman Forum, Pantheon.Trastevereneighborhood, Aventine Hill and the keyhole view, Catacombs of San Callisto, Villa Borghese gardens.Savoring gelato at Gelateria La Romana, pasta-making classes, exploring local markets like Campo de’ Fiori.

Barcelona, Spain

SagradaFamília, Park Güell, La Rambla, Gothic Quarter, Casa Batlló.Bunkers del Carmel for panoramic views, El Raval district, Hospital de Sant Pau, Poble Sec tapas bars.Attending a flamenco show, tasting tapas and pintxos, relaxing at the beaches of Barceloneta.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Canal Belt.Jordaanneighborhood, NDSM Wharf, Begijnhof courtyard, Brouwerij ‘t IJ brewery.Cycling through the city, taking a canal cruise, visiting flower markets, exploring local cafes and brown bars.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Astronomical Clock.Vyšehrad fortress, Letná Park, Kafka Museum, Kampa Island. Sampling Czech beer at local pubs, walking tours of the Old Town, river cruise on the Vltava, exploring Prague’s hidden courtyards.

Vienna, Austria

Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Belvedere Palace, Prater Park.Hundertwasserhaus, Naschmarkt, Café Central, Vienna Woods.Attending a classical concert, trying Viennese coffee and Sachertorte, exploring local markets, taking a Danube River cruise.

Berlin, Germany

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, Reichstag Building, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie.East Side Gallery, Teufelsberg, Mauerpark, Tempelhofer Feld.Enjoying Berlin’s vibrant nightlife, visiting flea markets, exploring street art in Kreuzberg, trying local street food like currywurst.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill.Dean Village, Mary King’s Close, Water of Leith Walkway, Camera Obscura.Tasting Scotch whisky, exploring haunted tours, attending a traditional ceilidh, enjoying the Edinburgh Festival.

2. Cultural Insights

France

Cuisine: French cuisine is renowned worldwide, with staples like croissants, baguettes, cheese, and wine. Regional dishes such as bouillabaisse in Marseille, quiche in Lorraine, and cassoulet in Toulouse highlight local flavors.

Art and Fashion: Paris is a global hub for art and fashion. The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay house world-famous artworks, while Paris Fashion Week sets trends in haute couture.Traditions: Bastille Day on July 14th celebrates the French Revolution with fireworks, parades, and parties. The French also take pride in their café culture, where socializing over coffee is a daily ritual.

Cuisine: Italian food varies greatly by region, from pasta and pizza in Naples to risotto in Milan and seafood in Sicily. Meals are social events, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.Art and Architecture: Italy is home to iconic art and architecture, including the Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, the ancient ruins in Rome, and the canals of Venice.Traditions: Italians celebrate numerous festivals, such as Carnival in Venice, Palio horse race in Siena, and Ferragosto, a mid-August holiday marked by feasts and fireworks.

Spain

Cuisine: Spanish cuisine is diverse, with tapas, paella, and jamón being popular dishes. Each region offers unique flavors, such as Basque pintxos and Andalusian gazpacho.Music and Dance: Flamenco, originating from Andalusia, is a passionate dance and music form. Spain also has a vibrant contemporary music scene, including pop and electronic genres.Traditions: Spanish festivals are lively and colorful, including La Tomatina tomato fight, Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, and Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions.

Germany

Cuisine: German cuisine is hearty, with sausages, pretzels, and beer being staples. Each region has its specialties, such as Bavarian weisswurst and Berlin’s currywurst.Literature and Philosophy: Germany has a rich literary and philosophical heritage, with figures like Goethe, Schiller, Nietzsche, and Kant shaping Western thought.Traditions: Oktoberfest in Munich is the world’s largest beer festival, celebrating Bavarian culture with traditional music, food, and attire. Christmas markets across Germany offer festive foods, crafts, and decorations.

United Kingdom

Cuisine: British cuisine includes classics like fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and afternoon tea. There’s also a growing appreciation for diverse international cuisines.Theatre and Literature: London’s West End is a major theatre district, showcasing plays and musicals. The UK has a rich literary history, with Shakespeare, Dickens, and Rowling being notable authors.Traditions: The UK has many traditional ceremonies, such as the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and the Trooping the Colour. Festivals like Glastonbury and the Edinburgh Fringe highlight contemporary cultural vibrancy.

3. Nature and Adventure

Europe is a treasure trove of natural beauty and thrilling adventures, from rugged mountains and serene lakes to dense forests and dramatic coastlines. Here are some top spots for nature and adventure enthusiasts:

1. Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding.Matterhorn, Jungfrau Region, Zermatt, Glacier Express scenic train ride.Visit during winter for world-class skiing or summer for stunning hikes and alpine flowers.

2. Norwegian Fjords, Norway

Hiking, kayaking, fjord cruises, fishing.Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Trolltunga, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).Take a fjord cruise to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the fjords, and consider visiting during the midnight sun for extended daylight.

3. Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Hiking, wildlife spotting, cycling, fishing, whisky tours.Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park.Explore both popular and off-the-beaten-path locations to experience the varied landscapes and rich history.

4. Dolomites, Italy

Hiking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking.Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Seceda, Alta Via hiking trails, Cortina d’Ampezzo.Visit in summer for hiking and in winter for skiing. The autumn offers beautiful foliage and fewer crowds.

5. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Hiking, photography, bird watching.Series of cascading lakes and waterfalls, wooden walkways, diverse flora and fauna.Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, and consider exploring nearby Krka National Park for more waterfalls.

*And Many More Places*

4. Local Culture of Europe

France

French cuisine is celebrated for its sophistication and variety. Regional dishes like coq au vin (Burgundy), bouillabaisse (Marseille), and ratatouille (Provence) are staples. Wine and cheese are integral, with famous varieties such as Champagne, Bordeaux, Camembert, and Roquefort. Paris is a global center for art and fashion. Iconic art museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, and fashion houses such as Chanel and Dior, highlight France’s cultural influence. Bastille Day (July 14) is the national holiday, marked by fireworks, parades, and parties. French café culture is prominent, with socializing over coffee and pastries being a daily ritual.

Italy

Italian cuisine emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and regional diversity. Popular dishes include pizza (Naples), pasta (Bologna), and seafood (Sicily). Italian meals are social events, often lasting for hours.Italy boasts a wealth of artistic and architectural treasures, from the Renaissance art of Florence to the ancient ruins of Rome and the canals of Venice.Italians celebrate numerous festivals, including Carnival in Venice, Palio horse race in Siena, and Ferragosto, a mid-August holiday marked by feasts and fireworks.

Spain

Spanish cuisine is diverse, with tapas, paella, and jamón being popular dishes. Each region offers unique flavors, such as Basque pintxos and Andalusian gazpacho.Flamenco, originating from Andalusia, is a passionate dance and music form. Spain also has a vibrant contemporary music scene, including pop and electronic genres.Spanish festivals are lively and colorful, including La Tomatina tomato fight, Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, and Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions.

Germany

German cuisine is hearty, with sausages, pretzels, and beer being staples. Each region has its specialties, such as Bavarian weisswurst and Berlin’s currywurst.Germany has a rich literary and philosophical heritage, with figures like Goethe, Schiller, Nietzsche, and Kant shaping Western thought.Oktoberfest in Munich is the world’s largest beer festival, celebrating Bavarian culture with traditional music, food, and attire. Christmas markets across Germany offer festive foods, crafts, and decorations.

United Kingdom

British cuisine includes classics like fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and afternoon tea. There’s also a growing appreciation for diverse international cuisines.London’s West End is a major theatre district, showcasing plays and musicals. The UK has a rich literary history, with Shakespeare, Dickens, and Rowling being notable authors.The UK has many traditional ceremonies, such as the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and the Trooping the Colour. Festivals like Glastonbury and the Edinburgh Fringe highlight contemporary cultural vibrancy.