20 Best Countries To Visit In Europe – Best Places From My Europe Tour 2024

I was always fascinated by Europe and its culture. When I hit 28, I decided it was THE time for the adventure of a lifetime.

So I grabbed my passport, packed my bags, and got ready for the best backpacking tip ever: Exploring Europe!

From experiencing the ancient ruins of Greece to having the best hot chocolate in a cafe in Paris, Europe gives you a chance to appreciate life differently.  

If you’re like me and looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure and a relaxing retreat all in one trip, backpacking across Europe is the perfect way to experience the culture, food, and sights of this beautiful continent.
I have documented everything I have seen and loved in Europe and now I am ready to share my grand journey with you! 

Here are the 20 best countries to visit in Europe and magical places that you must see! Read on and let’s do Europe with me! 

20 Best Places To Visit In European Countries

Western Europe

1. First Stop England- Explore London

So first I arrived in London. Checked into the hotel and set off to explore the city. On my first day in London, I started my day with a visit to the iconic London Eye. Then, I took a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Thames.

It was such a beautiful day. Birds chirping and the sun shining, whilst I was spending a bustling London city afternoon exploring the Tower of London. It was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a fortress and royal palace. This makes it one of the oldest buildings in London and one of the most famous in the world. 

After then I enjoyed a show at the famous West End Theatre District. The energy of the performer and the beautiful music blew my mind away. After the show I was on a high, feeling energized and happy at my core. 

Day 2 and Good Morning from London! After having the best egg Benedict I ever had in my life, I set off to visit British Museum. It’s home to a vast collection of artifacts from around the world. The breadth of the museum was just simply incredible and I spent hours taking it all in.

It was almost time for my guided tour of Buckingham Palace. The tour started with a walk around the beautiful gardens and grounds and our tour guide showed us around the different staterooms, including the Throne Room, the Picture Gallery, and the White Drawing Room.

After being totally lost in the Royal family’s private chamber, I went to shop at Westfield London where you can find literally everything. Ended the day with an Afternoon Tea at Ritz London.

2. Romantic France: It’s Time We Fall in Love

The best destination in Europe has to be France. So I took a train to Paris, France, and first thing first booked a hotel that had a view of the Eiffel Tower. When I stepped off the train, I had high expectations of being amazed by the beauty of the city. Disclaimer- It didn’t happen immediately! But let’s see how my Paris Days go!

After checking in the hotel, got dressed up to visit the Eiffel Tower which is of course the top tourist attraction in Paris. I spent hours admiring this stunning structure and not gonna lie, took thousands of photos for the gram.

Then I made my way to the Latin Quarter for some sightseeing and had the best Escargots for lunch at a cozy cafe that had a Parisian vibe all around it. One thing that I loved about French people is their embrace of the slow life – taking time to enjoy their lunch breaks, engaging in leisurely two-hour social lunches, and so on. 

Day 2 in Paris was full of fun! I went to Val’d Europe, which is the largest shopping center in Europe! It’s located just outside Paris and is heaven for a shopaholic like me. The shopping center has a selection of world-famous high-end designer stores as well as local French brands.

Pro Tip- You should always buy your luxury items from here, cause they are always cheaper in Europe.  After spending some time exploring the mall, I took the train to Disneyland Paris.

Disneyland Paris is one of the best places I’ve ever been to in this lifetime. The atmosphere is highly energetic, the castles and rides are beautiful, and the characters are full of life and personality. Ended the night with an amazing fireworks show that was truly a sight to behold.

On the third day, I went on a wine-tasting tour in Champagne. Started off with a visit to a Champagne House, where we were greeted by a knowledgeable friendly guide. He took us through the history of the Champagne region. Learned about the different types of grapes used in the production process and the aging process. And during the wine-tasting session, I was amazed by each wine, and its own unique character and flavor.

It was the perfect end of my Paris trip. Slowly but sweetly, I fell in love with this city.

3. Enchanting Netherlands:  Explore the Sin City Amsterdam

Flew off to Amsterdam. To make the most out of my short trip to this popular city in Europe, I took a guided tour of the city. On this tour, I learn about the city’s history and culture. Visited some of its famous landmarks like the Royal Palace, the Anne Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum. 

After the tour, I spent some time exploring the Amsterdam Canal on foot. I wandered through the many canals. They all were dug in the 17th century, the golden Dutch age!

Then I stopped at local bistros and savor some famous Dutch cuisine. Poffertjes– which are mini pancakes and kroketten – that is deep-fried meat croquettes were particularly exquisite.

In the evening, I explored Amsterdam’s legendary nightlife. Amsterdam during the day feels too relaxed and at night the city wakes up. Went to the city’s lively bars and clubs, hopped from one to another, and indulged in some of the local beers and cocktails.

Made a group of friends over the bar hopping session. And with them took a stroll through the city’s iconic Red Light District. Got insight into the shady dealings that take place in this area from my local friends. So my advice will be not to go there alone at night. 

4. Fashion Country Italy: Be A Fashionista in Rome, Milan & Florance

Off to another European destination – Italy! Started my journey in Rome. Took a guided tour of the city. The tour included sightseeing the world-famous monuments such as the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps.

After the tour, went to a local restaurant to taste an Italian pizza.  And soon I headed to the Trevi Fountain and threw a coin, making a wish to return to Rome. I was awestruck by Romanian architecture, incredible art, and beautiful vistas.

The highlight of my trip has to be exploring the cobblestone streets of Rome and finding the hidden gems of the city like the quaint cafes, and the bustling nightlife.

Next, I moved on to Milan– the fashion city of Italy. I kept my trip here very simple. Took a leisurely stroll through the city and was observing the street style of Italian people. So classy!

I was soaking in every bit of the beauty of the city; it was like a living painting. Stopped in front of the Duomo di Milano, the Gothic cathedral that dominates the city center. And then I ended up at a small trattoria near the Navigli canals where I savored a plate of fresh pasta, accompanied by a glass of crisp white wine.

Day 3 in Italy and, I arrived in Florence –  the beautiful birthplace of the Renaissance! Started my day with a hearty Italian breakfast of espresso and a buttery croissant, and set off to sightseeing.

The guided tour started at Piazza del Duomo. Then we visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.  It was so beautiful that I found myself staring at the Fountain of Neptune sculpture for a hot minute. The day ends with a romantic dinner at a trattoria on the River Arno. Watching the Italian sun reflecting off the river, I can’t help but feel so grateful to experience such magical scenery in Florance.

5. Charming Spain: Fun at Barcelona

Spain here I come! I wanted my one-day trip to Barcelona to be nothing but fun! The day started with a chilled stroll through the winding streets of the city.

Everywhere I looked, there was something new and interesting. After my breakfast, I made my way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sagrada Família. This iconic basilica was one of the most beautiful buildings! 

I decided to wander around the city a little more and take in the sights although I was a bit swamped at this moment. The people in Spain are so friendly. The locals were telling me the story of each sight that I didn’t even need a tour guide. 

Soon, I stopped to have tasty tapas at a local restaurant. The restaurant owner was so friendly and requested I sample some traditional Catalan cuisine. I dined on paella and a local favorite, jamón ibérico.

In the evening, I went out to enjoy the nightlife in Barcelona- this is where I decided to have all the fun. I started off at a lively tapas bar and then made my way to a swanky nightclub.

Loved mingling with the locals, dancing the night away, and even trying some salsa dancing. The vibe in Spain is immaculate, hands down one of the best places to visit in Europe.

Southern Europe

6. Picturesque Portugal: One Night in Lisbon

After passing a lovely Spanish night, woke up in Lisbon, Portugal! Right now, I really needed to recharge my energy in the sun. So I took a train to Porto Santo. One of the Madeira Islands and it was voted among the top 20 Best Destinations to visit in 2023.  The scenery was breathtaking and you can just see why it is a must-see vacation destination.

The white sand beaches on your toe and the crystal-clear waters along with the Mediterranean sun will suck in all the stresses out of you and make you feel divine. After laying on the beach I headed for my luncheon at  Vila Alba Eco-Resort, which was located near some of the best beaches in Europe.

Then took a bullet Train back to Lisbon! The sun was just about to set as I made my way to the main square, Praça do Comércio. The square was filled with tourists like me, and everyone was taking in the beauty of the atmosphere.

As I was walking and exploring the lovely streets I stumbled upon a quaint cafe tucked away in a back alley. Had a quick bite and drink while listening to the soft Portuguese music playing in the background. 

I went back to the main square and caught a light show. I was in awe seeing the beautiful colors and movement of the lights. Then I took a romantic walk by the Tagus River. The soft breeze and the orange hue of the city made me feel like I was the main character of this movie called: Life! 

7. Majestic Greece: Athens- A Place Where Time Stands Still

Finally here to enjoy the fresh Ares of Greece! As soon as I arrived in Athens, I was immediately drawn by the grandeur of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

The weather was pretty hot but that didn’t stop me to explore the ancient ruins, and climbing to the top of the Acropolis to admire the breathtaking views of the city.

The next day, I took a ferry to Santorini. It’s actually a beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Santorini is as beautiful as we see it on Instagram. The most picturesque place in Santori has to be the old town of Fira. It was alight on the edge of a cliff.

The place was filled with tourists and you have to get in line to have your perfect picture. I have seen people standing here for hours to have a photoshoot. I walked through the cobblestone streets, and can not help but admire the colorful buildings and the breathtaking views of the caldera. 

The highlight of my trip was watching the spectacular sunset from the most beautiful village on the island, Oia.  I sat on a terrace overlooking the caldera, hypnotized by the magnificent show of pink and orange hues in the sky. Made me realize God indeed is a wonderful artist! 

8. Historic Germany:  Explore Berlin

Berlin is an important city for any European itinerary. It’s one of the world’s must-see cities! Started off my sightseeing with the iconic Berlin Dom. The historic cathedral is an important symbol of the city. The sheer size and grandeur of the buildings are eye-popping.

Then I visited the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, which I heard so much about. I was astonished by how beautifully the museum portrayed the history of the Berlin Wall. 

International artists paint the murals on the remaining parts of the Berlin Wall. The arts were too cool and vibrant. Loved the whole vibe of the place. 

Stopped at a local restaurant to try out the traditional German dish schnitzel. It was delicious that I could eat it every day! 

On the lazy German afternoon, I took a stroll through the Tiergarten. The park was peaceful and perfect to spend some quiet time after a busy day. Late I ended my Berlin day with a visit to the Iconic Landmark- Brandenburg Gate.

9. Austria: Explore The Fairytale City of Vienna

My trip to Vienna was so dreamy. The moment I stepped into this city, I felt like I was taken back in time. Vienna is known as the City of Music, and it was easy to see why.

Everywhere I went, I could hear the sound of music. From the classical music of the iconic Vienna Philharmonic to the modern sounds of the city’s jazz clubs, this city is a musical paradise.

The city is also home to classical composers Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. I stopped at the Mozart Apartment Museum.

It was like stepping into the life of Mozart. The antique art pieces, artwork, and furniture in this apartment belonged to Mozart himself.

Then I headed to see St Peter’s Church. The baroque architecture of the church was breathtaking. You won’t see this type of architecture in the modern world. It screamed class. If you want to be transported to a fairy tale land, go to Vienna. The city has a magical aura that I haven’t experienced anywhere else.

10. Colorful Hungary: Admire The Architecture of Budapest

Before my trip to Hungary, I knew Budapest would be beautiful. But little did I Know, it was ludicrously beautiful! Started my day with breakfast at Cirkusz as it’s one of the best places in Europe for breakfast.

The quality of the food and the presentation were top-notch. Be sure to visit this place when you are in Budapest but you might have to get in line to dine here as reservation is not allowed.

Then I roamed around to see the building and the Art Nouveau style architecture of the buildings and their extravagant exterior blew my mind away. Then I crossed the Széchenyi Chain Bridge over the Danube River. This bridge is a symbol of the city.

From the bridge, you can experience stunning views of the river and the city skyline. Then I went to the Central Market which was bustling with tourists. Vendors were selling souvenirs and hand-crafted showpieces.

Sightseeing again and stopped at Heroes’ Square & Statue Park, where I saw many statues of important figures in Hungarian history. Ended my trip taking the infamous thermal bath of Budapest. The baths are set up by two natural hot springs. I took a reflexology spa massage which was just perfect at that time to relax and unwind during my European vacation!

11. Captivating Czech Republic: Explore The Dazzling Prague

Stepped into one of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful cities Prague. I started my city exploration by stopping at Velká Amerika. It is an underground network of tunnels and it’s located underneath Prague.

This underground tunnel is like a secret world filled with histories. The carving, detailing, and decorations that adorned the wall is spectacular After exploring the tunnels, I headed to Kutna Hora.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, widely known for its Gothic architecture. I loved the beautiful churches and monasteries, and I even got to explore an old silver mine.  After that, I went to explore the historic Old Town Square. The gothic building and the statues give a gloomy and serious vibe which felt exciting to me. I then had lunch at one of the many restaurants located in the area and had a delicious Czech meal.

After spending a lazy afternoon in my hotel, I got dressed up for my sightseeing dinner cruise on one top glass boat. On this boat trip, I marveled to see Prague’s iconic structures along the Vltava River and the Prague Castle illuminated at night looked so magical. Ended my trip by spending a magical time seeing Prague’s dazzling lights and savoring an A-class traditional Czech meal!

12. Enchanting Poland: Time to Polish My Sightseeing Shoes

Reached in Warsaw Poland! It’s one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe. I was particularly excited about this city cause of its history, it was one of the most bombed cities during world war II. So I started my trip with a visit to POLN Museum.

As I wanted to learn more about Poland’s role in ww2. Then I continued my sightseeing by heading to Warsaw National Stadium. It was an impressive building with a modern design. Then I visited the Royal Castle in the Old Town of Warsaw. It was a like fairytale building with grand architecture.

I got to explore many rooms and courtyards of the castle and learned more about the rich history of Poland.  Later in the evening, I went for a Warsaw Pub Crawl. It was a fun way to explore the city’s nightlife and meet the locals.

Northern Europe

13. Stunning Finland: One Night in Helsinki

To make it easy on my end, I booked a guided bus tour to explore the top attractions in Helsinki. And I am glad I did this. The guided city bus tour was a great way to get a glimpse of the unique and stunning architecture of the city.

The tour included stops at some of the city’s top attractions, like the Sibelius Monument, Helsinki Cathedral, and Market Square. At the Sibelius Monument, I was awestruck by the structure and got to learn about the renowned Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius.

As I walked around the monument, his music was played in the background. It alone created a beautiful ambiance. Helsinki Cathedral was another highlight of the day. It’s splendid dome and grand entrance set the stage for an inspiring visit.

The final stop on the tour was the Market Square. I had a great time browsing the stalls of souvenirs and knick-knacks. I bought a few unique items to take home as a reminder of my trip.

14. Magnificent Norway: Oslo Sights & Unforgettable Nights

I was so excited to visit Norway, a beautiful European city! I started my day in Oslo visiting the Harbor Promenade. Here, I spent some quiet time sitting on a bench, enjoying the city’s tranquility by taking in the incredible views of the harbor. Had some snacks in one of the many restaurants and cafés that lined the water.

I particularly enjoyed walking on the wooden walkway that was around the harbor. Next, I visited the Nobel Peace Center. I was able to learn more about the Nobel Prize and the many influential people that had been honored for such novel acts.

After that, I visited Akershus Castle and Fortress. The views of Oslo from the top of the castle were simply breathtaking. In the late evening, I set off to taste some of the local cuisine.

I had some delicious traditional Norwegian dishes such as salmon and potatoes, all washed down with some local beer. Also went to some of the best bars and clubs and had a great time dancing the night away.

15. Enchanting Sweden: Summer Nights & Stockholm Skies

In Stockholm to have a Swedesational time! The first thing to do on the list was a visit to Vete-Katten. Which is a historic cafe in Sweden. This local cafe has been around since the 1920s. A traditional Swedish pastry and hot latte in this cozy atmosphere was the perfect fuel to get me ready to explore the city.

For sightseeing, I headed to the Royal Palace. At first, I explored the palace garden and its lush green garden, and the intricate sculptures. I was amazed by the grand sophisticated architecture and vibrant colors of the palace.

After that, I walked around the city and explore some of the best streets for photography. Prästgatan was absolutely stunning with its colorful buildings and some artsy shops.

Another picturesque street is Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, where I got lost in the rustic charm of the cobblestone streets and old-world architecture.

Spent the afternoon strolling through these amazing alleys and ended up in ABBA Museum. It’s such a cool museum and I got to learn a lot about Sweden’s most iconic pop music group.

 We had dinner at the iconic ice bar. The ice sculptures of the restaurant and the local cuisine- a unique experience that I will never forget.

16. Mystical Iceland: Experience Northern Lights

So in my long European vacation, I have already seen many beautiful places and beautiful countries. But I was particularly excited about my trip to Iceland. 

The moment I reached Reykjavik, I was captivated by the natural wonders of this tiny island. The majestic mountains to the breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean, made me feel like I had stepped into a fairy tale.

I visited the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.  I was surrounded by the crashing of the water against the rocks. The sound of the birds singing and the cold weather, truly make Iceland the best holiday destination for a city break. It was truly peaceful.

Now here comes the best part of my whole Euro tour- Watching the Northern Lights!! I was lucky enough to find the perfect spot from which I have seen the aurora. I can’t put my feelings into words seeing the stunning aurora borealis dancing in the sky. 

When it appeared in the night sky, all the other tourists around me started screaming with joy. It was an incredibly magical moment.

The best time to experience the Northern Lights is in the months of September to April. I was extremely lucky enough to experience this during my short trip.

17. Northern Ireland: Dublin Vibes

I started my day by taking a guided walking tour of the city center. As we went along, our guide explained the city’s rich history. Learn about its Viking origins, medieval streets, Georgian boulevards, and Victorian slums. Learning about the city’s past while walking through it was fascinating. 

After the walking tour, I stopped for lunch at a local pub. Had some traditional Irish dishes which were washed down with a few pints of Guinness. It was a great way to end the tour and get a taste of Irish culture.

 After lunch, I strolled for some hours and explored some of its most iconic landmarks- Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Later in the evening, I ended my day at Temple Bar Pub. It is one of Dublin’s most popular destinations. Had a great time listening to the live music and chatting with the locals.

South-East Europe

18. Ancient Croatia: Time for a New Adventure

In my Euro tour, my aim was to cover all the Places In Europe To Visit. I planned my trip to Croatia to be nothing but an adventure.

So I decided to go to Venice ( another city in Italy) from Croatia as it was much more convenient. Sailing from one of the Croatian ports -Poreč, I learned all about the rich history of Venice while my ferry crossed the parts. It was 3hours 45 minutes cruise that was filled with fun.

As I reached I took a guided tour of St Mark’s Square. I was truly mesmerized by the incredible sights of the city up close. After the guided tour, I enjoyed a delicious lunch at a local trattoria and tasted the famous cioccolato caldo.

I also went to Acqua Alta Bookshop and picked up a few second-hand books. I ended my day with a romantic gondola ride, which was the perfect way to take in Venice’s beauty. 

I flew to Croatia’s capital Zagreb and wasted no time exploring. I first stopped at Ban Jelačić Square. The huge public square dates back to the 18th century. I could feel the history of this place, and I was astonished by the architecture and the sophisticated atmosphere.

After that, I wandered around the old city, taking pictures, and stopped at small cafes to have some local food. One dish that I especially loved was a traditional Croatian dish called “čevapčići”. Spent the evening watching the sunset over the Adriatic from a beach near Zagreb.

South-Central Europe

19. Spectacular Switzerland: Tour the Alps

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It’s so beautiful that the country is called a piece of heaven on earth.

From the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps to the tranquil lakes, Switzerland is the best European destination to visit.

I started my trip to the city of Geneva. I explored the city taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling city. The delicious Swiss chocolate shops, mighty green mountains, and the majestic views of Lake Geneva made me feel like I was indeed in heaven.

I then moved to the ski resort of Zermatt. I was very excited to experience the thrills of skiing in the Swiss Alps. The views of the surrounding mountains were amazing and the absolute serenity of the slopes.

The crisp, fresh air and the perfect powder snow were a dream come true. I had so much fun skiing and I was able to improve my skiing skills. I also enjoy snowshoeing and dog sledding. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

North-West Europe

20. Scenic Scotland: Never Met a Castle I Didn’t Like

Last stop of my European trip- Scotland! I was lucky enough to have the sights of some of the most beautiful castles I had ever seen.

The ancient ruins of Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle took me back in time. The weather of Scotland is very gloomy but that alone creates a marvelous vibe with the awe-inspiring architecture of Scotland.

The rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands and the misty lochs of the countryside gave me a magical and unforgettable experience. The food I ate in Scotland was also excellent. I had the traditional dishes haggis, neeps, and tatties, and also indulged in delicious Scottish whisky.

At the end of my trip, I was sad to say goodbye to Scotland. It was the last country on my European tour. And then I headed to London. After a few days of exploring the sights of London, I finally made my way back to my home country.

It was bittersweet to leave the European continent but I was happy to have seen it in all its glory.