Best places to visit in Europe

Europe holidays: so much, so close

Few parts of the world offer as much variety in such a small area as Europe. In a few hours you can travel from Mediterranean beaches to snow-capped mountains, from medieval old towns to cutting-edge architecture, and from tapas bars to Michelin-starred tables. That is what makes choosing the best places to visit in Europe both exciting and difficult.

In this guide, we have gathered all of Picolo's European destinations, region by region. Use it as a starting point, then dive into each country guide for tips on where to go, what to eat and when to travel. Looking further afield? Browse all our holiday destinations around the world.

Southern Europe: sun, sea and long lunches

The Mediterranean countries are the classic choice for a summer holiday. Italy has Rome, Tuscany, the Dolomites and the colourful coast of Cinque Terre. Spain offers everything from Barcelona and the food city of San Sebastián to the beaches of the Costa del Sol and Mallorca.

Greece tempts with thousands of islands, ancient history and crystal-clear water, while Portugal combines charming Lisbon and Porto with Algarve beaches and the giant waves of Nazaré.

Western Europe: culture, food and classic cities

France is one of the most visited countries in the world, with Paris, the French Riviera and the Alps around Chamonix. In the north, the Netherlands charms with Amsterdam's canals, tulip fields and cycling, and Ireland welcomes you with lively Dublin, Atlantic cliffs and pubs full of music.

Across the Channel, the UK has plenty to discover too: explore England, from London and Bath to the countryside, or head north to Scotland for Edinburgh, whisky and the Highlands.

The Alps: skiing in winter, hiking in summer

The Alps stretch across several countries and are Europe's great mountain playground. Austria is known for cosy ski villages, après-ski and summer hiking, and Switzerland is home to Zermatt under the Matterhorn, one of the most spectacular ski destinations in the world.

Planning a ski trip? Our list of the top three ski resorts in Europe compares Zermatt, Chamonix and Bad Gastein.

Scandinavia and the Nordics

Northern Europe offers a completely different kind of holiday: fjords, midnight sun, northern lights and design-savvy cities. Norway has spectacular fjords, Hurtigruten coastal voyages and the Arctic city of Tromsø, while Sweden tempts with Stockholm, Gothenburg's food scene and skiing in Åre.

Denmark is home to Copenhagen, one of Europe's great food cities, and Finland combines the creative capital Helsinki with forests, lakes and saunas.

The Balkans and Eastern Europe

For something a little different, head east. Bulgaria has the ancient city of Plovdiv, the capital Sofia and a wine tradition few people know about. Serbia tempts with Belgrade, a city of great food, buzzing nightlife and riverside bars.

These destinations often offer great value compared with Western Europe, and fewer crowds even in high season.

City breaks in Europe

Europe is perfect for short city breaks, with many capitals just a short flight or train ride from each other. Classic choices include Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Dublin, but smaller cities such as Bilbao, Plovdiv and Gothenburg are just as rewarding.

In winter, many European cities light up with festive markets. See our pick of European cities to visit at Christmas for some of the most atmospheric.

When is the best time to visit Europe?

The best time to visit Europe for most travellers is in late spring and early autumn, from May to June and in September. The weather is pleasant in most of the continent, the summer crowds are smaller and prices are often lower.

July and August are ideal for beach holidays and the Nordic midnight sun, but popular cities and resorts are busy. Winter is the season for skiing in the Alps, northern lights in the far north and Christmas markets in Central Europe.

Frequently asked questions about travelling in Europe

What are the best places to visit in Europe for the first time?

For a first trip to Europe, classic cities such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam are hard to beat, with world-famous sights, great food and good transport links. Combine one or two cities with time on the coast, in the Alps or among the Norwegian fjords to experience the variety of the continent.

What is the cheapest country to visit in Europe?

Eastern European and Balkan countries such as Bulgaria and Serbia are generally among the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. Food, drink and accommodation are often much cheaper than in Western Europe and Scandinavia. In the south, Portugal and parts of Greece and Spain can also offer good value outside high season.

Do you need a visa to travel in Europe from the UK?

British citizens can currently make short visits to most European countries without a visa, but the EU is introducing new digital entry systems for the Schengen area. Rules vary between countries, so check the latest official travel advice for each destination and make sure your passport is valid for long enough.

How many countries can you visit in one trip to Europe?

On a two-week trip, two or three countries is a realistic and relaxed pace. Europe's trains, budget airlines and short distances make it easy to combine neighbours such as France and Italy, Spain and Portugal, or Denmark and Sweden, but leaving time in each place makes the trip more enjoyable.