Best Countries to Visit in Europe

Home to diverse landscapes, picturesque coastlines, and rolling vineyards, Italy has it all. From sunny beaches to snowy mountains to bustling city centres, there’s something for everyone. But that’s not all. Few countries can boast such a rich heritage as Italy’s. Its culture, fashion, and history have played a pivotal and foundational role in shaping the whole of Western civilisation as we know it.

As the birthplace of the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church, and the Renaissance, Italy has had a catastrophic impact on countries all over Europe and beyond. Its influence is evident in the art, architecture, music, and literature we see every day, even in the modern world.

Italy is home to some of the most renowned and most valuable artworks on Earth, and is also responsible for the creation of Opera music, and instruments such as the piano, violin and cello.

Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, and, though a country in its own right, Italy surrounds the Vatican City. There are endless popular tourist attractions to see and experience, such as the Colosseum and the Amalfi Coast, and Roman ruins are all over the country, as are endless other historical landmarks to fully immerse yourself in.

However, that’s still not all. Italian cuisine is one of the most celebrated globally, and dishes such as pasta, pizza, and gelato have been adapted and reinvented worldwide. However, in Italy, there is a regional diversity when it comes to food.

Each area has its own distinct culinary identity, which is shaped by local geography (such as fresh seafood) and past influences. Cuisine is an important part of Italian culture and acts as a foundation for family and community; not only that, but it’s known to be delicious.

Think cobbled streets, rooftop bars, and natural beauty. Spain is one of the world’s most visited countries, and with its sunny climate, diverse communities, strong sense of tradition and vibrant atmosphere, it’s easy to understand why.

Spain has a rich culture, and each year, major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona host some of the world’s most famous cultural festivals and carnivals. Traditions such as the Spanish siesta are still commonplace across the country, and families still use mealtimes to celebrate togetherness.

Food plays an important role in Spanish culture, and there are so many fantastic and famous dishes to choose from. For example, you could indulge in some fresh seafood or paella, and perhaps wash it down with a jug of traditional sangria; what’s not to like?

There’s also the world-famous nightlife to take advantage of, particularly in Spain’s Balearic Islands, such as Ibiza. Each year, millions of party-goers flock to the islands to dance the night away under the stars, stretch their legs on the beautiful beaches, and take a dip in the crystal clear waters.

However, if the vibrant nightlife isn’t for you, or you want to immerse yourself in history, there are various old towns in Spain where there are fewer tourists and even more tradition. The old towns boast a slower pace of life, cobblestone streets, and old-world charm, making them perfect for more adventurous travellers.

So, if you’re looking for stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, superb nightlife, and an exquisite culinary scene, Spain is a must.

If you’re feeling brave enough, you can step into a winter wonderland you never knew existed. Steeped in history and folklore, think tales of clans, stories of magical creatures, heroes, and marvellous castles. Scotland’s history has deep Viking and Celtic roots, and this is evident throughout the country.

From the iconic buildings in major cities such as Edinburgh Castle (a huge fortress that sits on a rock above the city) to the idyllic Loch Ness out in the Scottish Highlands, there really is so much to see and immerse yourself in.

The Highlands, in particular, is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and with its icy mountains, pine forests, and pristine lakes, it’s perfect for nature lovers. The Isle of Skye is a popular resort for those seeking calm and tranquillity, and if you’re lucky enough, you may even catch a good glimpse of the Northern lights. The further North you go, however, the colder it gets, so make sure to pack your gloves and woolly hat.

Scotland is also famous for its traditional cuisine (such as haggis) and its several famous whiskey distilleries produce some of the world’s finest whiskey, perfect to warm the chest on a cold winter’s day.

You don’t get more European than Germany. Sat in the heart of Europe, Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, frankfurters, and Oktoberfest. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Germany has made some of the world’s most astounding contributions to Western art, classical music, science, and philosophy, and has a fascinating and complicated history due to its subsequent role in World War I and World War II.

There are various historic sites throughout Germany to visit, such as the Berlin Wall Memorial or the former Dachau Concentration Camp memorial site, numerous iconic landmarks, including Brandenburg Gate and Neuschwanstein Castle, and cultural sites such as Cologne Cathedral are dotted across the country. There are also several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Germany, such as the Museum Island in Berlin and the ancient ruins of Regensburg.

However, if you’re in the mood for fine dining, you may find what you’re looking for in the vibrant cities of Berlin, Munich or Hamburg. Not only could you try traditional German dishes such as Eintopf (hearty stew), but you will also find cuisine from across the world. Berlin, in particular, has been known to be a ‘culinary capital’ due to its international food scene and highly diverse options.

If you like a drink, you may also want to delve into the famous beer culture of Germany. Oktoberfest is the world’s biggest Volksfest. Held annually in Munich from mid-September to the first Sunday in October, the event combines a beer festival and funfair and draws in crowds of around 7 million per year.

If you like chocolate, waffles, beer, and medieval history, Belgium is for you. With several medieval towns and medieval cities such as Bruges and Ghent to choose from, there’s a well-preserved atmosphere of past eras. It’s full of incredible architecture, old market squares, medieval belfries and canal networks just waiting to be discovered.

Featuring on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Bruges in particular is famous for its historical sites such as the 13th-century Belfry Tower, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and a former medieval prison now converted to the Torture Museum. Think gruesome medieval stories with a charming historic feel.

Another UNESCO World Heritage site is the Grand Place in the country’s capital, the City of Brussels. The most important tourist destination in Belgium. Here, Belgium’s French and Dutch influences are evident in the architecture. It’s also the location of the city’s town hall, and thus its political centre.

Brussels has strong political ties and serves as the de facto capital of the European Union. It hosts most of the major political institutions of the union and is where some of the union’s biggest decisions are made.

French and Dutch influences are also found within Belgium’s cuisine. It focuses on hearty, regional dishes such as beef and beer stew, and dishes with savoury flavours like moules frites. However, it’s internationally known for its chocolate, and some would argue that it’s the best in the world.

Perfect for adventurous travellers, Austria offers tourists stunning alpine landscapes, picturesque villages, and an active outdoor lifestyle. Think skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and cycling. The Austrian Alps feature mountain peaks, national parks, crystal-clear lakes, and an authentic alpine culture. There are plenty of activities to take advantage of, and you can wrap up warm in a log cabin after dark.

However, if you prefer your home comforts and are looking for a bit more hustle and bustle, you could visit one of Austria’s major cities, such as Vienna or Salzburg. With phenomenal architectural buildings such as Schonbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace to see, the cities offer tourists a unique artistic travel experience.

Some of the most famous names in classical music, notably Mozart, Strauss, and Beethoven, came from Austria, proving its contributions to Western art and culture. A rich musical heritage to say the least, Austria celebrates with key musical events such as the Vienna New Year’s Concert and the Salzburg Festival.

Austrian cuisine is based on hearty dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel and rich, sweet pastries like Apfelstrudel. Other staples include soups, sausages and dumplings.

With its rugged mountains, charming cities, small towns and contemporary style, Austria is possibly one of the more underrated destinations.

Ireland, also fondly known as the Emerald Isle, harbours rich green rolling hills in much of its landscape. National parks, coastal areas and valleys are usually covered in lush green fields due to the country’s abundant rainfall.

However, Ireland has so much more to offer tourists than just rain. Steeped in deep Celtic roots, the country has a most interesting history. Think ancient ruins and open-air museums such as the Irish National Heritage Park in County Wexford. Here, visitors can travel right back in time and immerse themselves in the story of human settlement in Ireland.

Famous Irish landmarks such as The Cliffs of Moher showcase their luscious scenery perfectly with their dramatic cliffs and wavy coastlines. Places such as Newgrange (a prehistoric passage tomb) offer tourists a fascinating insight into Ireland’s ancient history. A world heritage site in its own right, Newgrange predates the pyramids and even Stonehenge.

Everyone knows the Irish are famous for creating some of the world’s finest beers and ales, with brand names like Guinness recognised worldwide. If you fancy it, you could always take a day trip to the famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. The attraction offers a brewery experience that tells the story of Ireland’s famous beer, and features lots of tasting on a rooftop bar.

We’re talking super high-end fashion, exquisite fine dining, and some of the most famous and expensive artworks in the world. From architectural churches and abandoned castles to modern buildings such as the Louvre Museum in Paris, in terms of European culture, France has it all.

Famous for its Eiffel Tower and frog’s legs, Paris (the capital city) has often been described as the world’s most favourite city for its overall attractiveness. Not only is France steeped in European culture and art, but it has a rich and interesting history. Medieval history is prominent at historical sites such as the fortified city of Saint-Malo, and iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Versailles will take you back even further.

France is also one of the world’s leading wine producers, and therefore, there are vineyards across the country. The largest are those in particularly famous regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhone Valley.

Not only that, but French cuisine is known to be one of the world’s finest. Think high-end restaurants and Michelin stars. The French often consider cooking an art form in itself, and chefs concentrate on flavour, seasonal ingredients and precise preparations.

In terms of scenery, France is home to varied landscapes and is a popular choice for avid travellers. There are flat plains and rolling hills in the North and West, and mountain ranges such as the Alps and Pyrenees in the East and South. The South of France is situated on the Mediterranean coast, which gives popular tourist areas (such as the French Riviera) a Mediterranean climate. Sunny weather in a seaside city also brings with it delicious delicacies such as fresh fish.

With its crystal clear waters and Mediterranean climate, Croatia is another underrated destination. It’s situated on the Adriatic Sea, and though temperatures soar in peak season, the beaches see fewer crowds than most other European countries. That being said, Croatia is a brilliant reason to visit Europe.

Rich with history and culture, there are various ancient ruins to visit, including numerous Roman ruins such as the Pula Arena and the ancient city of Salona. There are also various UNESCO World Heritage sites across the country, and it also boasts several medieval towns and cities, such as Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik itself is known as Croatia’s old town and is encircled by huge stone walls, which were built in the 16th century. It showcases beautiful limestone pavements and breathtaking Gothic churches. In the town centre, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, and Dubrovnik also offers tourists some fantastic nightlife.

If you’re looking for a taste of paradise, island hopping is a great way to see the country’s outstanding surrounding islands. There is a busy ferry network that connects popular islands (like Hvar and Korcula) and some of the lesser-known islands to major cities inland, with crossings operating regularly between the months of May and October.

There is also an array of wildlife in Croatia, and popular day trips on the coast include sea snorkelling, sailing, dolphin spotting, and hiking through the glorious scenery. With its rich culture, outdoor lifestyle and spectacular landscapes, Croatia is definitely one of the top places to visit in Europe.

Full of breathtaking fjords, magical waterfalls, and snowy mountains, Norway is home to some of the world’s most outstanding beauty. It’s the best place to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, which is a must-see on any European bucket list. Located above the Arctic Circle, Norway also boasts another natural phenomenon: 76 days during the summer months, when the country sees uninterrupted sunlight, known as the midnight sun.

The temperature, however, remains cold, but that doesn’t mean Norway lacks in outdoor activities; in fact, it’s the complete opposite. Think skiing, snowboarding, dog sledging, and mountain hiking. There is so much to see and do. You could visit some of the country’s iconic landmarks, such as the Geirangerfjord (a beautiful fjord surrounded by waterfalls and snowy peaks), or Preikestolen (the Pulpit rock), a dramatic cliff edge with breathtaking surroundings.

Norway is also famous for its Norse mythology and Viking history, and this is evident throughout the country’s buildings. Sami culture is the indigenous culture of Norway and involves a strong deep rooted connection to nature. The Sami people enjoy activities such as reindeer herding, fishing and hunting. Significant characteristics include bright coloured clothing, folk songs and strong oral traditions.

If you’re hungry, you can indulge in some delicious Norwegian cuisine. It’s traditionally based on fresh seafood from the coastlines and game meat from the forests, with staples including salmon, cod, and reindeer. Most meals are prepared with simple vegetables, such as the key dish Farikal, which is made up of mutton, cabbage and served with traditional breads.

With outstanding scenery, ski resorts, natural phenomena and fantastic hearty meals, Norway is a winter wonderland waiting to be discovered.