From France to Italy, Switzerland to Spain, each European country has a unique charm. Their vibrant cities are known for being home to several tourist attractions that can cater to the diverse preferences of visitors. Whether you are a nature lover, a thrill seeker or an art and history enthusiast, this continent will never disappoint you in terms of places to explore. All you need to do is figure out the kind of vacation you want, and you’ll have a plethora of options for must-visit attractions as well as activities to experience.

When someone takes the name Europe, so many things come to mind. From art and history to natural beauty, culture and architecture to cuisine, this continent is known for several things. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Europe is home to a total of 44 countries, and many of them are popular tourist destinations as well.

Best time to visit Europe

Europe is vast, and each country here has a different climate. The best time to go to Europe entirely depends on the places you want to cover and the kind of experience you’re aiming for. For example, if you prefer long, sunny days with warmer temperatures, the summer season (June to August) is considered an ideal time for Europe tourism. During these months, the weather remains pleasant in most parts of the continent. But if you’re someone who loves snowfall and is planning to visit places like the Alps, Norway, etc., the winter season is perfect for a trip. Or, if you are going to visit cities like Paris, Rome, Venice, etc., and want to enjoy the festive vibes, you should plan your trip around Christmas and New Year.

Places to Explore in Europe

European countries and their vibrant cities are known for offering the perfect amalgamation of nature, culture and adventure. You’ll always find plenty of things to do and places to travel to in Europe, regardless of your age or preferences.

Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Europe:

Paris, France

Fondly called the "City of Love", Paris is undoubtedly one of the best places to go to in Europe. People from all parts of the world come here to feel the rustic vibe and cinematic charm it offers. Paris is primarily known for its impressive architectural marvels and world-class art museums. Apart from this, the thriving culinary scene of this city is another reason that enthrals a large number of visitors.

Must-visit Places:

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Arc de Triomphe

Rome, Italy

If you are someone with a deep fascination for history and ancient culture, the Italian capital is a place you shouldn’t miss on your Europe tour. Being home to various iconic structures like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, etc., this city gives a sneak peek into those glorious times. However, visiting all these ancient ruins is not the only thing you can do here. Rome has a lot more to offer. You can explore the vibrant markets around the city that come alive in the evening or explore various restaurants serving delicious Italian cuisine.

Must-visit Places

• The Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Peter's Basilica
• Piazza Navona
• Galleria Borghese
• Castel Sant'Angelo

London, United Kingdom

If you’re looking for a place that offers a variety of experiences, London is a great choice to cover on your trip. It is the largest city in the United Kingdom, which also serves as a major global centre for culture, finance, and politics. This city is known to offer a unique blend of ancient history and modern innovation. Being home to various world-class attractions and diverse neighbourhoods, London can cater to the preferences of all kinds of travellers.

Must-visit Places

• London Eye
• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• Buckingham Palace
• British Museum

Barcelona, Spain

Known for its iconic Gaudí architecture, vibrant culture, world-class art, and delicious Catalan cuisine, Barcelona is one of the most famous places in Europe. Those looking for a multitude of experiences in one place come to this city. Here, you’ll get to experience the unique culture and traditions of Spain in the most authentic form. Other than this, the beautiful Mediterranean beaches this city is home to are another reason behind its popularity among tourists.

Must-visit Places

• Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
• Casa Milà
• Palau De La Musica Catalana
• Barri Gòtic

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a diverse and multicultural city that is immensely popular among international tourists due to its rich cultural heritage. Prague is home to various well-preserved historical sites that are still telling the story of its glorious past. Here, you will find several beautiful buildings that are centuries old and offer a unique blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architectural styles. If you are someone who has interest in both history and ancient architecture, this place should be in your itinerary.

Must-visit Places

• Prague Castle
• Charles Bridge
• Old Town Square

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Famous for its cultural heritage, artistic vibrancy, and picturesque scenery, Amsterdam is another addition to the list of must-visit places in Europe. This city is home to several beautiful canals, world-renowned museums and various other iconic sites. With so much to offer, it appeals to a wide range of travellers. No matter what your interests are, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do here.

Must-visit Places

• Anne Frank House
• Rijksmuseum
• Van Gogh Museum
• Stedelijk Museum
• Vondelpark

Venice, Italy

This is the only city in the world where you’ll see more canals than streets. With an intricate network of canals, surrounded by vintage buildings all around, Venice is known to offer an unforgettable, fairytale-like experience to visitors. You can explore the city on a gondola, witness the historic architecture or take a stroll on one of the beautiful bridges here. Due to the magical charm of its watery landscape, Venice is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Europe.

Must-visit Places

• Mark's Basilica
• Doge's Palace
• Piazza San Marco

Athens, Greece

Known for being home to several ancient wonders, this city in Greece has a separate fan following. History enthusiasts from all over the world flock here to witness these iconic sites and learn more about the ancient Greek culture and history. However, this does not mean that there is nothing in this city for people who are slightly less interested in history. Athens is equally popular for its natural beauty, delicious cuisine and lively nightlife. You can come here and choose what you want to do as per your interests.

Must-visit Places

• The Acropolis
• The Parthenon
• Temple of Hephaestus
• Panathenaic Stadium

Offering a dazzling mosaic of cultures, landscapes, and experiences, Europe is one of the dream holiday destinations of many people. If you’re also planning a trip sometime soon, this list of must-see things in Europe can help you create a travel itinerary as per your preferences. Or, if you don’t want the hassle that comes with vacation planning, choose Veena World as your travel partner. You can explore our collection and choose an all-inclusive Europe tour package that caters to your specific needs.

Pack your bags and embark on a journey where you’ll get a chance to make memories that will last forever!

FAQs

Q1. What’s the “European napkin etiquette” I should know about?

In many parts of Europe, especially in France and Italy, it’s considered polite to place your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down at the table. Don’t just tuck it into your shirt or leave it on the table. After eating, you should loosely fold your napkin and place it on the table to the left of your plate, not on your seat. This is considered more respectful and clean.

Q2. Why do public toilets charge a fee in Europe?

In many European cities, public toilets (especially in cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome) require a small fee to use. This is due to the high cost of maintenance, cleaning, and keeping facilities up to international hygiene standards. It’s quite common to find attendants at restroom entrances collecting a small fee, but the facilities are often clean and well-maintained.

Q3. How is public transport so punctual in Europe?

European public transport systems are renowned for their punctuality and efficiency. Cities like Zurich, Munich, and Vienna have extensive and well-maintained transport networks that adhere to strict timetables. The high level of organisation is a result of deep investments in infrastructure, and the culture of punctuality in European societies emphasises respecting other people's time, making delays a rare occurrence.

Q4. What is the "Fermata" tradition in Italian bus stops?

In Italy, buses may not always stop at the scheduled stops unless you explicitly signal the driver. This is known as "fermata" culture. If you’re waiting for a bus, it’s important to step out onto the curb and signal the bus to stop, even if it’s at a designated bus stop. Likewise, if you want to get off, make sure to press the stop button in time.

Q5. Why do so many European streets have "open-air" beer gardens in winter?

In cities like Munich, Vienna, and Brussels, beer gardens are not just a summer thing. During winter, they transform into cosy, heated spaces with blankets, hot mulled wine, and delicious food. These outdoor spaces, often under large tents or patios, allow you to enjoy the local beer culture even in chilly weather.