Are you ready to experience some of the best things to do in Europe? I have spent over a decade [and counting!] exploring all over Europe and I am here to help!
These are some of my personal favorite spots, from an unforgettable road trip to Iceland to wine tasting in Tuscany, there is something for everyone!
If you are planning to visit Europe and you want to make the most of your travel time, be sure to add these dreamy destinations to your bucket list!
Epic Europe Bucket List: 30 Best Things To Do In Europe
The Cotswolds, England
Visiting the Cotswolds is one of the major bucket list activities in Europe that you won’t want to overlook. There are so many incredible places to visit in the Cotswolds including Sudeley Castle, Kelmscott Manor, Asthall, Bourton-on-the-Water, and much more!
Visit the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel sees millions of tourists standing in awe of its beauty every year. This classic addition to any good Rome itinerary is a part of the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. The frescoes painted by Michelangelo took over four years to complete and cover over 12,000 square feet.
Lavender Fields in Provence
If you are going to be in Europe from mid-June to mid-July, consider visiting Provence to see the breathtaking purple rows of lavender. The beautiful lavender plants attract thousands of visitors during this time of year. They can be seen at Valensole, Drôme, Sénanque Abbey, and other places in the region.
Drive the Romantic Road in Germany
One of the best activities in Europe, Romantic Road is a major magnet for tourists in the southern provinces of Germany. Following along Romantic Road allows you to explore cobblestone streets, learn the history of the area at historic sites, visit churches, and see beautiful half-timbered houses.
Visit Stonehenge in England
Known as one of the seven wonders of the world, Stonehenge is a 5000 year old circular structure of large stones. You can reach this stunning destination via a two hour drive from London. While you can book a tour to see this site, driving yourself here through the rolling fields is something you won’t want to miss out on!
Explore the Louvre
Visiting the largest art museum on Earth is a must on any European bucket list. The Louvre finds its way onto every Paris itinerary, and rightfully so! Most known for housing the famous Mona Lisa, there are more than 35,000 works of art in this stunning French museum.
Isle of Skye in Scotland
If you love being in the great outdoors, you will love the Isle of Skye. This spectacular island has endless hiking opportunities, beautiful Fairy Pools of crystal clear water, wildlife viewing, and water activities like boat trips, water sports, and kayaking!
European Christmas Markets
If you are visiting Europe in December, don’t skip these incredible markets. Some of the most beautiful and exciting Christmas markets in Europe that should be on your radar include the Senate Square market in Helsinki, Grand-Place in Brussels, and Old Town in Prague.
See the Roman Colosseum
For those making plans to visit Italy, the colosseum will no doubt be on your travel bucket list! As this is a super popular destination, you will want to arrive as early as possible or book a tour with a skip-the-line option so you can enjoy the beauty and history of this stunning site with out a long wait.
Matera
Matera is one of the oldest cities in the world, third to Aleppo and Jericho. This southern Italian city offers visitors incredible ancient architecture and the Stassi of Matera which was named an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and the European Capital of Culture of 2019.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is a picturesque island in Portugal that has dreamy mountains, world-famous wines, and mind blowing coastal views. Sometimes called the Hawaii of Europe, the lush scenery and mild weather will keep you happy no matter what time of year you choose to visit!
Hike Trolltunga in Norway
Calling all hikers! If you plan on visiting Norway during your Europe adventures, the hike to Trolltunga is the perfect addition to your Norway itinerary. A massive undertaking, the hike to this spectacular viewpoint is around seventeen miles long with 2600 feet in elevation gain.
Drive the Ring Road In Iceland
Volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and more! Driving on the jaw-dropping 828 mile Ring Road in Iceland allows you to see breathtaking views and gives you access to destinations like Gluggafoss, Solheimajokull Glacier, Reynisjafara Beach, and so many more visit-worthy destinations.
Walk along the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are among the best European attractions and they make for the perfect addition to an Ireland road trip itinerary. These magical mountains tower high above the rocky and rugged West Clare coast. On clear days, you will be able to see all the way to the Aran Islands.
Enjoy the views from Oia in Santorini
A ferry ride or a short flight from Athens will bring you to the stunning Greek island of Santorini where you will find the village of Oia. Here you can enjoy the sunsets over the water from the iconic steps between whitewashed buildings and blue domed roofs.
Take a dip in the Budapest Thermal Baths
The natural spas in Budapest were first used by ancient Romans in 33 BCE. The deep hot spring wells that exist today in Budapest have been around since the 1870’s and are still enjoyed today. One of the many spots to take dip is at the Rudas Baths Budapest!
See the Eiffel Tower
The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France is one of the most recommended sites when you ask about what to do in Europe. When visiting this famous attraction, you can ride the elevator to the very top where you get a spectacular view of the Arc de Triomph, Champs-Elysees, the Seine, and as far as 65 miles away on a clear day!
Explore the Acropolis in Athens
It would be a shame to visit Athens without visiting the Acropolis as it is a stunning UNESCO site that dates back more then 3,3000 years ago! A residence, fortress, and place of worship, the Acropolis is a significant site of many historical events. History lovers won’t want to pass up this Greek site!
Marvel at Skogafoss Waterfall
Beauitful Skogafoss can be reached via a two hour drive from Reykjavik. Once there, you can see one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland! This gorgeous waterfall is over eighty feet wide and drops down around two hundred feet. This is a great place to relax, enjoy being outside, take photos, and even see the Northern Lights!
Walk Through the Historic Center of Amsterdam
Exploring the historic center of Amsterdam is a must-do while traveling around Europe! Colorful homes overlooking the canal in the city are a sight for sore eyes! You can take a canal tour, pop into shops for handmade goods, eat delicious food, and more in the historic center. Don’t forget to add exploring this area to your Amsterdam itinerary.
Explore Mont Saint-Michel
This remarkable location in French is a major Europe bucket list item. Surrounded by water, this historic church towers over the island it sits on. It’s appealing Gothic style make for an incredible atmosphere as you look out at the surrounding water. This site if perfect for history lovers and photographers!
Take a Bruges Canal Tour
One of the best things to do in Bruges is take a boat tour of the canal! The tours are generally a half hour long and allow you to see the beautiful buildings, bridges, markets, and more from a different perspective.
Attend Oktoberfest in Munich
If you are looking for things to do for adults in Europe, Oktoberfest is for you! This no-holds-barred festival draws in around seven million people a year. Attendees dress up in Bavarian clothing and drink the day and night away. Enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere and good beer for yourself!
See the Colorful Buildings of Nyhavn in Copenhagen
Nyhavn is the iconic row of colorful houses in Copenhagen, Denmark. A great place to down a cold beer, go for a walk, take photos, or eat a good meal, Nyhavn is a must-see location in Europe!
Go Dogsledding in Lapland
If you are visiting Europe in the winter and you want to see some snow, head to Lapland! Here, you can go dog sledding and see the Northern Lights while being surrounded by dreamy layers of snow on the ground, on the trees, and falling from the sky.
Wine Tasting in Tuscany
Tuscany is among the top wine destinations in Europe. You can find fantastic places here to go wine tasting. Some of the best wineries in the region include Antinori Chianti Classico, Barone Ricasoli, Capezzana, and Castello di Ama.
Ride a Tram through Lisbon
Lisbons first tramways were put into use in 1901. The yellow streetcars you see in Lisbon today have become icons in the city. Riding on one not only gets you to where you need to go, it also is an experience in and of itself as it connects you to the past and the history of transport in the city.
Experience the Tulip Fields in the Netherlands
If you have not already, add the Netherlands Tulip fields to your Europe bucket list! In mid-April, the tulips are blooming and looking their best. The vibrant colors of the flowers contrasting with with the blue sky along with the windmills around the fields paint a glorious image of what Netherlands beauty looks like.
Toss a Coin into the Trevi Fountain
Looking for things to do with kids in Europe? Take your little ones to see the Trevi Fountain in Rome! Built in the 1700’s, this is one of the most famous structures in the city. Adults and kids alike enjoy closing their eyes and making a wish as they toss a coin into this renowned fountain.
Visit the Picturesque Village of Lauterbrunnen
Last, but certainly not least, is Lauterbrunnen. This pretty village in Switzerland is home to more than seventy waterfalls! This is a must-visit European destination for photographers, hikers, waterfall chasers, and lovers of the outdoors.
With all of the best things to do in Europe fresh on your mind, you are in great shape to plan your European adventures! Which of the marvelous places will you be visiting first?
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