What’s on your European bucket list? To inspire your next getaway we’re spotlighting some of the best things to do in Europe, from popular attractions to hidden gems you shouldn’t miss. Here they are (in alphabetical order because we’re geeks like that)…
Austria
The sleepy Austrian hamlet of Hallstatt is what postcards aspire to be. With mountains dipping into crystal waters and no shortage of colorful 16th-century Alpine houses dotting the landscape, it looks like it’s been plucked straight from a fairytale.
Belgium
Known as the “Venice of Belgium,” the cobblestone pathways of Bruges will lead you through one of Europe’s most picturesque medieval towns.
Croatia
Take a dip in the magnificent waterfalls at Krka National Park to enjoy some of Croatia’s best natural landscapes.
Czech Republic
At each end of the Charles Bridge is a tower you can climb for a view of Prague and the stone gothic bridge from above.
Finland
Spend a night in a cozy glass igloo at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland and sleep under the Northern Lights.
France
The rising and falling of tides around the fortified island of Mont Saint Michel in Normandy make it a trek worth remembering.
Germany
Be a true Bavarian for the day and a knock back a few pints at a traditional beer hall in Munich.
Greece
The waters in the sunken lake at Melissani Cave might be the clearest in the world. When the sun enters from overhead, the entire cavern fills with turquoise-blue light.
Hungary
Budapest’s now iconic ‘Ruin Bars’ are not your typical trendy nightlife hotspots — they’re quite the opposite. Located in formerly abandoned buildings, expect cheap drinks, mismatched furniture, weird decor and unpretentious vibes.
Iceland
Escape to planet Iceland and soak in the legendary Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
Ireland
Hike along the edge of Ireland’s dramatic and majestic Cliffs of Moher, stretching 8km along the Atlantic coast.
Italy
As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Roman Colosseum gives you a chance to stand where gladiators once competed in front of 50,000 spectators.
Netherlands
Explore the Amsterdam canals by foot or bicycle and get lost in its labyrinth of waterways — every turn reveals a fascinating story about the Dutch city.
Norway
The trail to Trolltunga, situated at 1,180 meters, makes for one of the world’s most scenic nature hikes.
Portugal
Go for a port wine tasting in its namesake city of Porto (or in the Douro Valley where port is produced) — there are countless wine cellar tours that give you a history of one of Portugal’s most symbolic exports.
Romania
Considered to be one of the world’s best road trips, take the Transfăgărășan Highway to the infamous Bran Castle – better known as Dracula’s Castle.
Slovenia
Take a canoe across Lake Bled in Slovenia and visit its island castle on a hill.
Spain
The 13th century Alhambra overlooking the Andalusian city of Granada is the epitome of splendor. If you love architecture and history, these palace walls have some incredible stories to tell.
Sweden
Spending a night at the world-famous Ice Hotel in the Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi – 200 km north of the Arctic Circle — is guaranteed to be magical.
Switzerland
Few train journeys can compete with the beauty on showcase on the Glacier Express — a famed train route that cuts across Switzerland’s most scenic landscapes.
Turkey
The enormous 6th century Hagia Sophia — once the world’s largest building — can only be truly appreciated when standing beneath its iconic dome.
United Kingdom
Forming a stunning natural tunnel, Game of Thrones fans will recognize the 250-year-old trees popularly known as the Dark Hedges located in Northern Ireland.