Europe is a continent which is well known for its history, culture and natural beauty and it offers many opportunities for travellers. From the sunny shores of the Mediterranean Sea up to ancient cities with hundreds years long history – every visitor can find something special here. Let’s discuss here some of the top countries for visiting Europe in 2024-2025 describing their main points of interest, the ways of reaching them and necessary tips for traveling.
1. Itlay
Rome: Rome is a beautiful city with so much history, including The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and The Pantheon. The Vatican City with its beautiful St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel on the other hand it is not to be missed. This city has managed to survive for thousands and thousands of years and now wow those who come here in the 21st century with its ruins from long before, all kinds of monuments from baroque era or even latter centuries – in short there is no end to its works of art; too much art than one can see. The supreme sights in Rome are guided visits of The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, The Vatican.
Florence: With landmarks like the Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, Florence is famous for its Renaissance art and architecture.The places to visit in Florence are among the most renowned tourist attractions in Italy, hellip this magnificent city is the birthplace of renaissance art ndash it is home to some of the most famous renaissance fiber artists of aIl time including Michaelangelo Donatello Danti among others.”
Tips
1.Book popular attractions in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
2.Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.
3.Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your travel experience.
How to Reach
1.Major international airports: Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), and Venice Marco Polo (VCE).
2.Extensive rail network connecting cities and towns across the country.
3.Ferries and boats for coastal and island destinations.
2. France
Paris: “The City of Light, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Some of these most famous Paris landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower rising high above the skyline on the left bank of the Seine River; the beautiful Seine River itself that seems to always sparkle and exude an air of romance; the Arc de Triomphe with its eternal flame commemorating France’s war dead underneath its vaulted arches; and even Montmartre’s Sacre Coeur that seems more beautiful every time you see it against a perfect sky from miles away, all make up parts of this skyline that can be easily identified from different corners within the city even if you never actually go there.”
French Riviera: Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez are among illustrious coastal towns. The French Riviera’s charm lies in several things. However, what made this place glamorous is, yet unknown or rather why is it known by many as an epitome of elegance, for example during the Cannes Film Festival when stars converged unto the world’s most elegant red carpet? Or maybe it is about those high end hotels that are situated at Promenade des Anglais in Nice since this is where everyone ranging from oil tycoons to royal families saw no other place but there for the
Tips
1.Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass for access to multiple attractions.
2.Try regional cuisines and wines for a true taste of France.
3.Be aware of local customs, such as greeting with a polite “Bonjour” before starting a conversation.
How to Reach
1.Major international airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Nice Cote d’Azur (NCE), and Lyon-Saint Exupery (LYS).
2..High-speed trains (TGV) connect major cities and regions.
3.Well-developed road network for those who prefer driving.
3. Spain
Barcelona: Barcelona, which is renowned for its impressive buildings by Gaudi such as Park Guell and Sagrada Familia, represents the bustling capital of Catalonia located along the coastline with an attractiveness exacerbated by the climate (Source). Towards tourism, all enticing sceneries, stunning architecture as well as great cultural attractions are available in one place. It should also be noted that these add to the allure of this beautiful city.
Balearic Islands: Some of the most beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife are found in places like Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca. Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera are the four main islands that make up the Balearics and they are among the most popular places for people to go on vacation to. In case you love clubbing till dawn at Ibiza’s super clubs, view natural beauty of these islands, relax on sandy beaches or try some of Spanish´s delicious tastes, check this guide!
Tips
1.Book tickets for popular attractions, such as the Alhambra in Granada, well in advance.
2.Enjoy tapas, a quintessential Spanish culinary experience.
3.Respect the siesta tradition, as many shops and businesses close in the afternoon.
How to Reach
- Major international airports: Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), and Palma de Mallorca (PMI).
- Extensive domestic flight network and high-speed trains (AVE).
- Ferries connect mainland Spain with the Balearic Islands.
4. Greece
Athens: Athens is a great city that was the cradle of Western civilization with ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon. So there is a lot to see and visit. It is possible that you are familiar with the major attractions like the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum but there are much more to see in Athens Greece.
Santorini: Popular for its beautiful sunsets, the island also has white-washed villas and crystal clear blue seas. You can find popular tourist attractions in Santorini such as Ancient remains, impressive Museums, panoramic Churches, mysterious Castles, etc. By category and location, you are able to keep all your findings in one place.
Tips
1.Visit archaeological sites early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
2.Sample Greek cuisine, including moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava.
3.Respect local customs, such as dressing modestly when visiting churches.
How to Reach
1.Major international airports: Athens International (ATH), Heraklion Airport (HER) in Crete, and Santorini National Airport (JTR).
2.Domestic flights and ferries connect the mainland with the islands.
3.Extensive network of buses and taxis for local travel.
5. Portugal
Lisbon: “The lively capital encompasses traditional districts like Alfama, Belem Tower, and the Jeronimos Monastery. Because there are many sights and activities, one may lack enough time to view all at their own pace… Below is a list of selected things that you just have to do when in Lisbon, from among others that exist at your disposal.’
Porto: Porto is a city that is easy to fall in love with. From the moment you arrive, you can not help but be drawn into its historical centre where narrow cobblestone streets intermingle with attractive squares adorned by tall amusing houses; this place owns such landmarks as baroque churches, railway stations among others including grand neo-classical edifices displaying painted light blue and white patterns than proceed further back into fourteenth century Portugal.
Tips
1.Try the local pastries, especially pasteis de nata (custard tarts).
2.Explore the country’s wine regions, such as the Douro Valley.
3.Take advantage of the affordable public transportation options.
How to Reach
1.Major international airports: Lisbon Portela (LIS), Porto Airport (OPO), and Faro Airport (FAO) in the Algarve.
2.Well-connected domestic flight and train networks.
3.Reliable public transportation in cities and tourist areas.
6. Switzerland
Zurich: Switzerland’s biggest city, Zurich, lies by lake Zurich and the river Limmat with the Swiss Alps in the background with a picturesque old town and a beautiful lake. This city hosts a lot of sights and attractions as it serves as one of the world’s most significant financial hubs globally. Notably, Zurich’s history dates back to the Romans and has always been steeped in tradition.
Interlaken: Interlaken is an existing tourist city for sightseeing in the natural scenery of central Switzerland, with all the amusement comforts of a fashionable resort located on a lake. It is encircled by attractions and boat excursions over Lakes Thun and Brienz from different hands around the town as well as breathtaking train and funicular rides that deliver on the numerous privileges neighboring summits.
Tips
1.Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on the public transportation network.
2.Explore the country’s renowned chocolate and cheese offerings.
3.Take advantage of the well-marked hiking trails for outdoor adventures.
How to Reach
1.Major international airports: Zurich Airport (ZRH), Geneva Airport (GVA), and Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL).
2.Efficient train network with scenic routes, including the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
3.Extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and boats.
7. Germany
Munich: Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is renowned for its Oktoberfest, the Marienplatz, and the magnificent Nymphenburg Palace. Situated at the outskirts of the Bavarian Alps next to the River Isar, it also ranks as Germany’s third largest city. It originated from a monastery which was allowed to set up a market at the crossing of the Salzburg route and the river by the Duke of Bavaria.
Bavarian Alps: The Bavarian Alps, with fir-clad mountains, rocky peaks, lederhosen, and geranium-covered houses, come closest to what many of us envision as “Germany.” A quaint town laden with frescoed half-timber houses under snow appears among the mountain peaks. So are the creations of King Ludwig II, one of the last kings of Bavaria, and shining secret lakes.
Tips
- Learn a few basic German phrases, as not everyone speaks English fluently.
- Explore local markets, especially during the Christmas season for traditional goods and treats.
- Try regional specialties, such as sausages, pretzels, and beer.
How to Reach
1.Major international airports: Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC), and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
2.Extensive rail network, including high-speed trains (ICE).
3.Well-maintained road network for those who8. prefer driving.
8. Croatia
Dubrovnik: Imagine Dubrovnik long before tourists. Enthusiastic white stone plazas, full of purple flowers in bloom alleys, battlemented cathedral here and there, enormous square fortresse–all this is Dubrovnik before there were tourists. Dubrovnik has always been a place for its own citizens and very few others who have been here at least once in their lives to enjoy it fully, let alone see all these sights.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Plitvice is a magical labyrinth of 16 lakes and 92 waterfalls. This is why it is one of the most photographed sites throughout Croatia because of the scattered lakes and thick forests with water coming from them.
Tips
1.Visit Dubrovnik and other popular destinations in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) to avoid crowds.
2.Explore the local cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional dishes like peka and pasticada.
3.Take a boat tour to experience the stunning coastline and nearby islands.