Places to Visit in Europe

Europe has a way of making every day feel different. One day is all about grand museums and old streets, the next is a slow train ride past mountains or a sunset by the sea. It also suits Indian travellers well. Cities are easy to explore on foot, public transport is dependable, and you can plan a route that covers more than one country without tiring travel days.

Whether you want shopping and cafés, history and architecture, or pure scenery, Europe delivers it in a neat, well-connected package. A little planning goes a long way, and you can keep the trip smooth even with multiple cities.

This page brings together top places across Europe, grouped by region for easy planning. You can start with the popular countries, then choose a region based on the kind of holiday you want: classic cities, countryside breaks, islands, or snow experiences.

Use it to build a first Europe itinerary, or to add fresh stops to a repeat trip. If you are short on time, pick two bases and do day trips. If you have more days, string together a smooth route by train, and keep a few slower evenings for food, shopping, and simple walks.

Popular Countries to Visit in Europe

These countries are a strong starting point because they combine famous sights with easy day trips. Many travellers also count them among the best tourist countries in Europe for a first visit.

Italy

Italy mixes ancient history with everyday beauty. Rome has landmarks, lively squares, and food streets that keep evenings fun. Venice is quieter and is best enjoyed early in the day. Florence and Tuscany bring art, vineyards, and charming towns. If you want culture and great meals in one trip, Italy remains one of the best European countries to visit.

United Kingdom

The UK offers a comfortable blend of big city life and scenic countryside. London is packed with museums, theatres, and shopping, and it is simple to add a day trip to places like Oxford or Bath. Scotland changes the mood with castles, open landscapes, and the Scottish Highlands, perfect for a short road trip.

Spain

Spain is lively, colourful, and easy to enjoy even if you do not speak the language. Barcelona gives you beaches and bold architecture, while the south offers Andalucía’s flamenco culture and historic palaces. It is also a good option for travellers who want a mix of sightseeing and relaxed evenings.

France

France is renowned for its art, romance, and charming streets. Paris offers iconic landmarks and neighbourhood walks that feel magical at any hour. Beyond the capital, you can unwind in wine regions and quaint towns or visit the coast for a change of pace, making it a highlight in well-planned Europe tour packages.

Germany

Germany is easy to travel around, with great trains and clear routes. Berlin feels modern and creative, while Munich offers old-world charm and quick escapes to the mountains. Add fairytale towns and seasonal markets, and the trip becomes varied without being complicated.

Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for lakes and mountain views. Bases like Lucerne and Interlaken make it easy to enjoy scenic rides and cable cars without constant packing. For many travellers, it is a top pick among Europe places to visit because the scenery looks unreal in every direction.

Best Places to Visit in Western Europe

Western Europe is ideal for first-time travellers because the cities are well-connected and sightseeing is straightforward. Along the way, you can also explore plenty of charming small towns, making it a rewarding choice for Europe tourism.

Paris, Provence (France)

Paris is packed with art, cafés, and river walks. The Eiffel Tower area, the Louvre, and a simple cruise on the Seine cover some of the most famous places. Provence is calmer, with markets, vineyards, and pretty villages that feel perfect after busy city days.

London, The Scottish Highlands (UK )

London is all about variety, from museums to theatre nights. The Scottish Highlands add wide open landscapes, lochs, and castle views. Together, they give you a trip that balances city energy with nature.

Dublin, Ring of Kerry (Ireland)

Dublin is friendly and easy to explore, with great food and music. The Ring of Kerry is where Ireland turns scenic, with green landscapes and coastal drives. If you want places to go in Europe that feel relaxed and refreshing, Ireland fits beautifully.

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam is compact and scenic, with canals, museums, and cosy cafés. You can add a quick day trip to windmill villages or flower fields. It also works well when you are combining a few nearby countries in one holiday.

Bruges (Belgium)

Bruges feels like a fairytale town, with cobblestone streets and quiet canals. Two nights is usually enough, which makes it a thoughtful add-on with Paris or Amsterdam. It is one of those Europe tourist places that works wonderfully for couples.

Lisbon (Portugal)

Lisbon has bright viewpoints, old lanes, and a laid-back mood. Add nearby Sintra for palaces and gardens. Portugal also sits high on many lists of most affordable places to visit in Europe, especially if you book early and travel outside peak summer.

Barcelona, Andalucía (Spain)

Barcelona mixes beaches, architecture, and late evening street life. Andalucía adds deeper history through Seville, Granada, and Córdoba. Together, they are ideal places to travel in Europe when you want sunshine and culture in one trip.

Best Places to Visit in Central Europe

Central Europe is a great choice when you want rich history and good value. Transfers are often short, and the cities are easy to cover in a few days each.Berlin, Schloss Neuschwanstein (Germany)

Berlin has museums, street art, and powerful historical sites. Schloss Neuschwanstein, on the other hand, feels like a storybook castle above forests and lakes. This pair gives you modern city life and dreamy scenery in one route.

Vienna (Austria)

Vienna feels elegant and calm, with palaces, cafés, and music halls. It is also simple to explore by tram and on foot. Many travellers add it for a slower, more refined city break.

Swiss Alps (Switzerland)

The Swiss Alps are all about views. Scenic trains, lake walks, and mountain rides make the region enjoyable even if you are not into tough hikes. This stop is a highlight in many Europe travel destinations because it feels like pure nature.

Prague (Czechia)

Prague is charming and budget-friendly. The old town, bridges, and viewpoints are beautiful at sunrise and after dark. It is an excellent choice if you want a romantic feel without the price tag of some bigger cities.

Budapest (Hungary)

Budapest is known for thermal baths, grand buildings, and river views. Evening lights along the Danube are stunning, and the city offers good value for stays and meals. It is a smart pick if you want a lively city that does not feel too expensive.

Best Places to Visit in Southern Europe

Southern Europe is where you go for warmer weather, ancient stories, islands, and long meals. It suits travellers who like a relaxed evening culture.

Rome, Venice, Florence and Tuscany, Ruins of Pompeii (Italy)

Rome is energetic, with landmarks at every turn. Venice is calmer, best enjoyed with early walks and slow canal views. Florence and Tuscany bring art, vineyards, and scenic towns, while Pompeii adds a powerful day trip. Together, these are some of the most popular southern stops for culture and food lovers.

Andalucía, Barcelona (Spain)

Andalucía brings flamenco, white villages, and historic palaces, while Barcelona adds coastal fun and bold architecture. If you are choosing one country for both history and beach time, Spain works well.

Athens, Greek Islands (Greece)

Athens gives you ancient monuments and lively neighbourhoods. The Greek Islands then bring white lanes, sunset viewpoints, and clear water. It is an easy way to mix sightseeing with pure holiday time, and it is often a highlight for first-timers.

Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Dubrovnik is a walled city by the sea with stunning views. Walk the old walls, enjoy the beaches, and take a boat ride to nearby islands. Spring and early autumn are often the most comfortable months to visit.

Montenegro (Montenegro)

Montenegro is small but scenic, with the Bay of Kotor as its star. Mountains rise straight from the water, and the towns along the bay feel peaceful. It pairs well with Croatia if you want a slower coastal break.

Istanbul (Türkiye)

Istanbul is full of colour, markets, and history. The old mosques, bazaars, and waterfront cafés create a rich travel mood. It is also great for shopping, and the food feels familiar to many Indian travellers.

Best Places to Visit in Northern Europe

Northern Europe is calm, scenic, and wonderfully different from the busy capitals of the West. It is also perfect for Northern Lights and winter travel.

Reykjavík (Iceland)

Use Reykjavík as your base for waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches, and hot springs. Come in winter for a chance to spot the Northern Lights.

Oslo (Norway)

Oslo is modern and relaxed, with museums, waterfront walks, and easy links to fjord routes.

Stockholm (Sweden)

Stockholm sits on islands, so water views are everywhere. Summer is great for long days and outdoor cafés.

Copenhagen (Denmark)

Copenhagen is compact and easy to explore in two or three days. It suits travellers who like slow city breaks.Lapland (Finland)

Lapland is famous for snow experiences, cosy stays, and Northern Lights nights. It is a favourite for families.

Scottish Highlands (UK)

The Scottish Highlands offer lochs, castles, and open landscapes that make road travel memorable.

Places to Visit in Eastern Europe / Baltics

Eastern Europe and the Baltics can give you strong value with beautiful old towns. It is a smart add-on when you want something different from the usual Western route.

Tallinn(Estonia)

Tallinn has a well-preserved old town, cosy cafés, and viewpoints that feel straight out of a storybook. It is easy to cover in a short stay, and it pairs well with Helsinki by ferry. For travellers planning varied Europe travel destinations, Tallinn can be a pleasant surprise.

Why Europe Should Be on Your 2025 Travel List?

Europe gives you many styles of travel in one holiday: art cities, mountain bases, coastal breaks, and small towns with local charm. Travel between countries is smooth, and trains often make transfers comfortable.

For Indian travellers, it also helps that major cities have good vegetarian choices, and you can find Indian restaurants in most popular areas.

If you build your route with a mix of busy and slow days, Europe feels effortless. You can see Europe's famous places, but you can also enjoy simple moments like a market walk or a café break. That balance is what makes it one of the best places to visit in Europe year after year.

What’s the Best Season to Explore Europe?

Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons because the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller than in peak summer. Spring is perfect for enjoying gardens and city walks, while autumn brings cooler evenings and stunning foliage, making them the ideal periods for the best time to visit Europe.

Summer is best for beaches, islands, and long daylight in the north, but it can be busy and more expensive. Winter is ideal for Christmas markets, snowy Alps views, and Northern Lights trips.If you are selecting places to travel in Europe with a budget in mind, the shoulder season often gives better flight and hotel rates. Choose your month first, then pick destinations that match the weather you enjoy.

Popular Europe Tour Packages

Many travellers prefer a planned holiday that covers hotels, transfers, sightseeing, and a clear route. SOTC offers options that combine several key cities in one trip, or focused holidays for travellers who want a slower pace.

What People Want to Know About Places to Visit in Europe

These quick answers cover the common questions Indian travellers ask while planning Europe places to visit.

1. Which country is best to visit in Europe?

Italy, France, and Switzerland are strong all-round choices, while the UK and Germany are easy to plan. Many travellers begin with these because they are among the best tourist countries in Europe for sightseeing and travel ease.

2. What is the #1 tourist spot in Europe?

Paris often tops the list, especially the Eiffel Tower area. Rome’s Colosseum is another favourite for first-timers.

3. What is the prettiest European country to visit?

Switzerland is often called the prettiest for its lakes and peaks, while Norway and Austria are also stunning. Among the best European countries to visit, the “prettiest” depends on whether you love mountains, coastlines, or countryside.

4. Where to go in Europe for the first time?

Paris with Switzerland, or Italy with Austria, is a simple route that keeps transfers easy. These are popular places to go in Europe because they work well for couples, families, and friends.

5. What is the cheapest country in Europe?

Czechia and Hungary are often budget-friendly for stays and meals, and Portugal can also offer good value. If you are searching for the most affordable places to visit in Europe, focus on Central and parts of Eastern Europe, and avoid peak summer dates.

6. What is the safest country in Europe to visit?

Switzerland, Denmark, and Austria are often seen as very safe and well-organised. Germany and the UK are also comfortable for travellers in popular tourist areas.

7. How many days in Europe is enough?

For a first trip, 10 to 14 days is a good balance for two to three countries. With 18 to 21 days, you can slow down and add day trips.

8. How much does a full Europe trip cost?

Costs vary by season, route, and comfort level, with flights and hotels making the biggest difference. Fix your route first, then estimate daily spend and keep a buffer for shopping.

9. How many countries should I visit in Europe?

Two to four countries usually work best, so travel time stays manageable. Too many stops can make the trip tiring.

10. How to plan a full Europe trip?

Start with your travel month, then shortlist destinations that match the season and your interests. Keep at least two nights in each base, decide between a guided tour or a customised plan, and then book flights, visas, and key experiences.

This country offers much more than delicious pizza and fine wine. It is home to some of the finest galleries and museums in Europe, as well as stunning beachside towns, cities deeply rooted in history, and snowy mountains for skiing, hiking and mountaineering. Its capital, Rome, is one of the most popular places to go in Europe, known for attractions like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and St. Peter’s Basilica. Milan is considered to be the fashion capital of the country, while Venice is known for its network of canals that connect all of the small islands and the friendly gondoliers that take you through the city. At SOTC, we offer a host of Europe Tour Packages that allow you to see the very best of Italy, either on its own or in combination with other places in Europe.

Another Mediterranean country, Spain is known for its pleasant weather, vibrant festivals of song and dance, rich culture, unique architecture and fantastic food, making it one of the most prominent places to visit in Europe. Barcelona, the capital of the Catalan region, is buzzing with activity throughout the year but especially around the summertime, in areas like Las Ramblas and around the Sagrada Familia. It is one of the must-visit places on your Europe Tour. Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most cosmopolitan parts of the country. It is also home to the royal family till this very date. In Spain, you will find a host of beachside towns and cities like Ibiza, Marbella, Majorca and Formentera, that are great for both partying and relaxing. Other popular Spanish destinations include Seville, Granada and Valencia.

This country is deeply steeped in tradition and innovation, offering eclectic experiences across fashion, food, art, architecture and music. It is also home to some of the most iconic must visit places in Europe, like the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and The Arc de Triomphe. A trip to France is incomplete without experiencing the country’s wine culture; destinations like Bordeuax, Burgundy and Champagne are popular for visiting vineyards and participating in wine tours and tastings, which are a part of multiple Europe tour packages. For a taste of French luxury lifestyle, cities like Cannes and Monaco on the French Riviera are hot destinations – you can choose to stay the night or visit them in a quick, whirlwind day trip.

London is one of the most popular places to visit in Europe for tourists from around the world, with its vibrant internationalism, buzzing culinary scene and rich art and architecture. Tourist attractions like Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are world-famous; but there is more to the United Kingdom than the city of London – the country also consists of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which are rich in scenic beauty and charming landscapes, are perfect getaway destinations on your Europe Trip.

This country offers the best of cosmopolitan city culture and natural beauty. The capital of Germany, Berlin, has a vibrant culinary and nightlife scene, as well as important Europe tourist places with strong historical significance like East Side Gallery, Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial. Munich is known for its museums and historical buildings, as well as the infamous Oktoberfest which is a celebration of German beer, served with traditional foods from the country, which are an inclusion in most Europe tour packages.

Located in the south-east of Europe, Greece is a Mediterranean paradise for tourists. Major cities like Athens and Corinth are symbols of the vivid Greek history and are still home to major archaeological sites and Europe tourist places like the Acropolis and the Pantheon. If you’re looking for a good party vibe or stunning sunsets, visit Mykonos or Santorini – excellent beach destinations for a fun trip with friends and family or a romantic getaway with your loved one. Visit this splendid destination at best prices offered for Europe Tour Packages by SOTC.

This north-western country is unlike any other in Europe. The capital, Amsterdam, is the ideal mix of tradition and modernity, with important attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House, but also features great parties in the neighbourhoods of Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. The dance music festival, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is one of the best and a major must-do in your lifetime. Make time to visit The Hague, which is the seat of the Dutch parliament and Rotterdam, which is a major port city in the Netherlands. Do check out our Europe Tourism Packages for more.

Switzerland is known for its rich and sprawling natural beauty, with many mountain ranges, lakes and rivers, and forests all over the country. Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt and Geneva are the must-do tourist places on your Europe Holidays.  If you’re visiting during the winter, make sure to take out some time to indulge in sports like skiing and snowboarding in one of the many hotspots across the Alps.

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