I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Europe is the world’s best travel destination.
That is, of course, only my opinion. And probably more than a little biased.
Europe’s the first place I visited (and lived in) outside of my home continent of North America. To say I have an affection for Europe is an understatement; at times, it’s more of an obsession.
Even with the lures of some of the best places to visit in the world, I can’t get enough of the simple pleasures of a European vacation.
Many of the stresses of travel that creep up elsewhere—unwavering touts, cramped buses, bad plumbing, or food-borne illness—are hardly worth worrying about in Europe. Travelling around here is familiar yet exotic. No wonder Europe’s the choice for most first-time travellers.
Naturally, even with all of the places I’ve visited in Europe over two extended stints living in Scotland and Germany and numerous solo trips, there’s still plenty more to see. I have no doubt in my mind that until I’m ready to hang up my travel shoes, Europe will be a big part of my life.
When to visit Europe
Like other huge continental swaths like Asia, trying to nail down the when to go to Europe at a glance is next to impossible. Choosing an optimal time depends almost entirely on the European sub-regions you’ve chosen to add to your itinerary. And answers will also indeed vary from person.
In general, the best time to visit Europe is in the spring or the fall, particularly April/May and September/October. Throughout much of Europe, the spring and fall present drier conditions than the summer months while also avoid the region’s sometimes oppressive summer heat.
The other major boon to travelling to Europe in April/May & September/October is avoiding the crowds. With school holidays on the loose, tourism high season peaks in Europe during the summer months. And if you’ve chosen to visit popular European hotspots like Paris, Amsterdam or Prague, you’ll not just face a swarm of tourists but high accommodations & airfare prices along with lower availability.
Not sure when to go to Europe? Check out these European weather guides for more info:
- Best Time to Visit Czech Republic: A Complete Weather Guide
- Best Time to Visit Germany: A Complete Weather Guide
- Best Time to Visit Poland: A Complete Weather Guide
- Best Time to Visit Slovenia: A Complete Weather Guide
Where to go in Europe
In a region as diverse as Europe, there’s hardly a shortage of incredible places to see. From the castles of Western & Central Europe to the Cold War relics of Eastern Europe, each sub-region shows off a unique character that makes for vastly different travel experiences as you move along through the continent.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick summary of the main regions of Europe:
Western Europe
When most people dream of their first trip to Europe, there’s a good chance it’ll be to one of the top countries of Western Europe. With highlights ranging from the seaside cliffs & castles of Ireland to the Gallic charms of France, there isn’t a single thread that binds the entire region to its individual parts.
Either way, however you choose to plan out your Western Europe itinerary—whether it includes Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands or the United Kingdom—you’re bound to leave feeling fulfilled.
Planning out your Western European trip? Get ideas for your itinerary with these resources from our Western Europe Travel Guide!
France
Ireland
United Kingdom
- Where to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Edinburgh, Scotland: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Best Things to Do in Glasgow, Scotland
- Where to Stay in Glasgow, Scotland: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Glasgow, Scotland: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- 9 Bangin’ Things to Do in London, England
- Best Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Long Distance Hiking in Scotland: Tips for Walking the West Highland Way
Central Europe
If there’s any place in Europe that consistently enters into my (admittedly obsessive) travel planning sessions, it’s Central Europe. The first region I ever visited where my Anglo-Saxon familiarities no longer prepared me to survive day-to-day living still holds a spot dear to my heart.
Like other sub-regions, defining Central Europe as a single entity doesn’t do it justice. Even within larger Central Europe countries like Germany and Poland, a wide array of differences between landscapes & architecture styles present new travel opportunities around every corner.
Needless to say, you can’t expect to experience Central Europe as a whole in just one trip. Even on their own, getting to know each one of its major countries—Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland—is worthy of the ride.
Planning out your Central European trip? Get ideas for your itinerary with these resources from our Central Europe Travel Guide!
Austria
- Where to Stay in Vienna, Austria: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Vienna, Austria: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Best Things to Do in Vienna, Austria
Croatia
- One Day in Split, Croatia: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Where to Stay in Hvar Island, Croatia: The Best Areas & Hotels
- Best Things to Do in Hvar, Croatia
- One Day in Hvar, Croatia: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Where to Stay in Split, Croatia: The Best Hotels & Areas
- Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia
- Where to Stay in Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Dubrovnik, Croatia: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Where to Stay in Zagreb, Croatia: The Best Hotels & Areas
- Best Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia
- One Day in Zagreb, Croatia: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
- 10 Days in Croatia: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go
- Exploring the Adriatic: The 5 Best Islands in Croatia
Czech Republic
- Where to Stay in Prague, Czech Republic: The Best Hotels & Areas
- 10 Days in Czech Republic: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go
- 9 Best Day Trips from Prague, Czech Republic
- Best Things to Do in Prague, Czech Republic
- When is the Best Time to Visit Czech Republic?
- 24 Hours in Prague, Czech Republic: Itinerary & Where to Go in One Day
Germany
Hungary
- Where to Stay in Budapest, Hungary: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Budapest, Hungary: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Best Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary
- Why I Didn’t Love Budapest (And Why I’m Willing to Give It Another Chance)
Poland
- Where to Stay in Warsaw, Poland: The Best Hotels & Areas
- Where to Stay in Krakow, Poland: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Warsaw, Poland: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- When is the Best Time to Visit Poland?
- Best Things to Do in Warsaw, Poland
- 11 Best Day Trips from Krakow, Poland
- 10 Days in Poland: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go
- Best Things to Do in Krakow, Poland
- 24 Hours in Krakow, Poland: Itinerary & Where to Go in One Day
- The Road From Zakopane to Morskie Oko: A Complete Guide Of What Not To Do
Slovakia
- Where to Stay in Bratislava, Slovakia: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Bratislava, Slovakia: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Best Things to Do in Bratislava, Slovakia
- 3 Lesser-Known Eastern European Capitals You Need to Visit This Summer
Slovenia
- Where to Stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia: The Best Hotels For Travellers
- One Day in Ljubljana, Slovenia: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Where to Stay in Bled, Slovenia: The Best Hotels & Accommodations
- Best Things to Do in Bled, Slovenia
- Best Time to Visit Slovenia: Weather By Month and Season
- Best Things to Do in Ljubljana, Slovenia
- 10 Days in Slovenia: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go
- 16 Best Day Trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia
- 5 Indisputable Reasons To Visit Lake Bled, Slovenia
- 3 Lesser-Known Eastern European Capitals You Need to Visit This Summer
Switzerland
- Best Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland
- Best Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland
- Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Zurich, Switzerland: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Where to Stay in Geneva, Switzerland: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Geneva, Switzerland: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
Northern Europe
As a Canadian, I can say with certainty that few places instantly felt more like home on my travels than Northern Europe. Of course, there’s far more history in the countries of the Baltics and Scandinavia than in my fresh-faced home country. But wandering among larch-scented forests in Lithuania or pine-ringed towns in Finland exudes as much familiarity as anywhere around the bend.
Whereas Europe usually draws travellers to its cities and towns, the best of Northern Europe often happens outside them. For every awesome historical city like Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn or Riga, there’s a little-known picture-perfect town or spirited natural attraction that just as compelling in its own way.
However you choose to dice up your trip—whether its in Iceland, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, or Sweden—Northern Europe is an exciting break from the usual tried-test-and-true continental routes.
Planning out your Northern European trip? Get ideas for your itinerary with these resources from our Northern Europe Travel Guide!
Estonia
- Where to Stay in Tallinn, Estonia: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Tallinn, Estonia: A Complete Itinerary
- Best Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia: What to See & Where to Go
- Tallinn, Estonia: A Renaissance Fair Without The Nerdiness
Finland
- Where to Stay in Helsinki, Finland: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Helsinki, Finland: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Best Things to Do in Helsinki, Finland
Latvia
- 48 Hours in Riga For Architecture Lovers
- 3 Beautiful Cities in Eastern Europe Independent Travellers Should Not Ignore
Lithuania
- Užupis Republic: How This Cheeky Micronation Will Never Fail to Make You Smile
- Lessons From Off the Grid in the Baltics: Zervynos, Lithuania
Eastern Europe
For me, no region in the world is more intriguing than Eastern Europe. Perhaps it’s knowing half of my DNA once inhabited small backwoods towns in Ukraine that keep me interested (or the fact that I have an unhealthy obsession with Cold War propaganda art). Either way, Eastern Europe’s a region I can’t get enough of—and one that’s always good for a crazy story or two.
Unlike the rest of Europe, Eastern Europe truly feels as if you’re on the edge of something completely different. Travel here is never quite as easy as elsewhere on the continent. In countries like Russia & Belarus, it can even seem downright hard.
But with such unique experiences to offer, there’s truly no place like it in Europe. Throw some Eastern European countries like Belarus, Russia & Ukraine into your next itinerary, and you’ll soon see just what I mean.
Planning out your Eastern European trip? Get ideas for your itinerary with these resources from our Eastern Europe Travel Guide!
Bulgaria
- Where to Stay in Sofia, Bulgaria: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Sofia, Bulgaria: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Best Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria: 5 Top Attractions & Places to Visit
Belarus
- 4 Quick Lessons for a Successful Belarus Visa Application
- 3 Beautiful Cities in Eastern Europe Independent Travellers Should Not Ignore
Russia
- 24 Hours in St. Petersburg, Russia: A Complete Itinerary
- Quirkiest Museum in Russia? The Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines in St. Petersburg
- The (Not-So) Epic Quest for Central Asian Food in St Petersburg, Russia
- 3 Beautiful Cities in Eastern Europe Independent Travellers Should Not Ignore
- 4 Steps for Applying for a Russian Visa (Without Losing Your Cool)
Southern Europe
Aside from Western Europe, there’s no region on the continent that pull travellers more than Southern Europe. I’d venture to say that more European travel obsessions start here than we’d dare imagine.
And, frankly, who could blame anyone for loving this spectacular slice of the earth? Whether you’re looking to discover the bella vita on the streets of small Tuscan villages of Italy, catch Atlantic Ocean sunsets along the beach in Portugal or dazzling at Moorish palaces in Andalusia in southern Spain, you’ll never quite shake the thrill that Southern Europe’s guaranteed to bring you.
Planning out your Southern European trip? Get ideas for your itinerary with these resources from our Southern Europe Travel Guide!
Spain
- Where to Stay in Ibiza, Spain: The Best Hotels & Areas
- 5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Spain This Spring
- 7 Best Day Trips from Madrid, Spain
- What to Eat in Madrid, Spain: 8 Must-Try Local Foods
- Where to Stay in Marbella, Spain: The Best Hotels & Accommodations
- Best Things to Do in Marbella, Spain
- Where to Stay in Bilbao, Spain: The Best Hotels
- Best Things to Do in Bilbao, Spain
- One Day in Bilbao, Spain: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Where to Stay in San Sebastian, Spain: The Best Hotels & Accommodations
- Best Things to Do in San Sebastian, Spain
- One Day in San Sebastian, Spain: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Where to Stay in Valencia, Spain: The Best Hotels & Areas
- Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain
- One Day in Valencia, Spain: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Where to Stay in Granada, Spain: The Best Hotels & Areas
- Best Things to Do in Granada, Spain
- One Day in Granada, Spain: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Where to Stay in Seville, Spain: The Best Hotels & Areas
- Where to Stay in Barcelona, Spain: The Best Hotels & Areas
- Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain
- One Day in Seville, Spain: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Best Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain
- One Day in Barcelona, Spain: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- Best Things to Do in Madrid, Spain
- Where to Stay in Madrid, Spain: The Best Hotels & Areas
- One Day in Madrid, Spain: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours
- 10 Days in Spain: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go
Transportation in Europe
Getting there
By air: For most travellers outside of Europe, getting to the continent is easiest by air. Some of the most common gateways include London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), and Frankfurt (FRA).
Getting around
By train: There’s no denying that trains are the best way to get around Europe. Although rail systems in the continent vary by country, trains are, for the most part, a reliable, quick & efficient way to travel from city to city.
Train service tends to be faster & more frequent in areas of Western Europe, Southern Europe, and Central Europe than in Eastern Europe. If you’re planning to travel often by high-speed trains in these areas, it’s a good idea to look at getting a European rail pass for convenience and to save money on your train tickets.
By bus: In some areas, particularly in Eastern & Southeastern Europe, buses may be a more effective (and possibly the only) way to get around. You’ll find more details about whether buses or trains are best in all of our top itineraries.