Choose from best places to visit in Europe including cities such as Rome, Dublin, Edinburgh, Prague, Budapest and others to make your next vacation the trip of a lifetime. For many of us, the medieval castles, historic sites and the big cathedrals capture our imaginations and inspire many European destinations on our bucket lists. As for me, I love the winding streets of an old wall city — seeing how people have adapted the old yet beautiful architecture for the modern world. I also enjoy learning about the cultures and seeing all the lovely sights that Europe has to offer.
I've been to Europe three times now and have visited six of its countries, and I can't wait to go back. There are places that I want to see again, like Berlin, because I didn't have enough time and still others that I haven't been to yet. With so many wonderful places to go in Europe, it can be hard to choose, but fortunately, you don't have to sweat it. We've rounded up a list of the best cities in Europe to visit. There are a mix of culture, art and architecture as well as relaxing spots where you can people watch with a delicious coffee in a cozy café or unwind in thermal baths.
1. Rome, Italy
There is a seemingly endless list of things to do in Rome from viewing art, visiting ancient sites, touring museums and eating delicious food. When visiting Vatican City, you can tour the St. Peter's Basilica, view Michelangelo's frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and go into the many other Vatican museums.
Ancient sites on the lists of must-do things in Rome include the Colosseum, once a center of entertainment for ancient Romans, as well as the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Baths of Diocletian. There are plenty of museums in Rome, too. Art lovers should consider visiting the Galleria Borghese and the Pietro Canonica Museum.
- Why Visit Rome: History buffs will love Rome for its historical architecture, and foodies will enjoy the Italian classics
- Best Time to Visit: Late fall to early spring to avoid summer heat and crowds
- AAA Vacations: Best of Italy, 13-day guided vacation
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2. Dublin, Ireland
There are tons of things to do in Dublin, not only the capital of Ireland but also the largest city. Tour the churches, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral, as well as Dublin Castle. Head out in the evening to enjoy traditional Irish music in the local pubs. In my experience, the Irish people are very proud of their culture and happy to share, so be open to talking to locals when you spend time in Dublin.
Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn more about the iconic stout and enjoy a pint on the top floor at Gravity Bar, where you’ll also get some of the best views of Dublin. You can also tour the Jameson Distillery and visit the Irish Whiskey Museum, which tells the history of the whiskey business in Ireland. All the adventures to have in Dublin make it one of the best places to visit in Europe.
- Why Visit Dublin: Ireland has a fun and welcoming culture, and in Dublin especially you'll get a sampling; history and elements of traditional culture abound from the live music at pubs to the Irish Gaelic names on storefronts.
- Best Time to Visit: June through August in Dublin is the best weather, but it's also when the city is most expensive and crowded. Visit in spring and fall to avoid crowds.
- AAA Vacations: Irish Splendor, 8-day guided vacation
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3. London, England
Last year I spent a few jam-packed days in London, one of the best places to visit in Europe. It has the qualities I love about old European cities with winding roads and architecture from hundreds of years ago, but London is also modern with attractions like the London Eye. Some of the highlights for me include the Tower of London, where the crown jewels are on display; Shakespeare’s Globe, a must-do for lovers of literature and theater; and Westminster Abbey.
Other fun things to do in London include The Making of Harry Potter where fans can tour sets, take part in interactive activities and enjoy a cup of butterbeer. Regent Street in the West End has high-end stores that are a delight for those who enjoy shopping. My favorite was the original Hamleys, a famous toy store in London that first opened in 1760. The impressive shop has seven floors of toys, displays and whimsy.
- Why Visit London: London is great for history buffs and literature lovers whether it's Shakespeare or Harry Potter. London also offers high-end shopping and dining. Foodies will enjoy the international cuisine.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring offers comfortable temperatures making the city a joy to explore.
- AAA Vacations: Spotlight on London, 7-day guided vacation
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4. Paris, France
I spent four days in Paris on my last trip to Europe, and I wasn’t sure what to expect because I had heard such mixed reviews. Paris has turned into one of my favorite European destinations and earned its place on my list of best cities in Europe to visit. The city itself was gorgeous! I enjoyed walking around seeing the architecture and people, and with the help of my maps app, I found navigating the subway system to be simple. The Eiffel Tower is a must-see even on a short Paris vacation; honestly, you can’t miss it if you spend any time in Paris.
There are so many museums to choose from, but I opted for two art museums. The Musee d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, features a large collection of Impressionist art among its many displays. The Louvre was even bigger than I imagined and a fabulous way to spend half my day. Another popular attraction that I enjoyed includes the Paris Catacombs, an unusual and unique site in Paris.
Don’t forget the quintessential Paris shopping trip. My favorite place to go was the department store Galeries Lafayette Paris Hausman. The window displays and the displays inside are a marvel to look at. The multistory store has a rooftop terrace that is free and offers amazing views of the city. While the top floor offers souvenirs, there is a thrift shop that sells high-end, luxury, second-hand clothes as well as fabulously priced wool berets.
- Why Visit Paris: The historical architecture and churches are stunning, and the history, shopping and food make Paris a delight.
- Best Time to Visit: Visit during shoulder seasons in spring and fall for the smallest crowds.
- AAA Vacations: London & Paris, 9-day guided vacation
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5. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is another fun stop on our tour of the best places to visit in Europe, and it’s on my list of places to visit again. I did not have enough time in this wonderful city. Museum enthusiasts will note there's more than can be seen on one trip. In the Mitte, Berlin’s central neighborhood, is Museum Island, a complex of five museums and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museums that make up Museum Island are the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Natoinalgalerie and the Altes Museum. Tickets for the museum can be purchased individually, or you can opt for a pass to all five.
Berlin can hardly be discussed without mentioning World War II and the Cold War. In 2005, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe opened. This solemn memorial is a place for contemplation and reflection on the past atrocities committed by Nazi Germany. The Eastside Gallery is an art installation painted by multiple artists on a portion of the Berlin Wall that still stands, as does a recreation of Checkpoint Charlie, a border crossing station between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.
Berlin isn’t all difficult history. Today, the city is known for its street art, lively nightlife and a vibrant LGBTQ scene with popular events held in July, Germany’s Pride Month. It’s also quite festive in December when the decorations go up and the Christmas Markets open. These pop-up markets are all over Germany, but Berlin boasts about 70 Christmas markets throughout the month.
- Why Visit Berlin: History buffs will enjoy the many museums and monuments while others might visit for the art, including street art, or club scene.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer has the best weather but is the most crowded. Beat the crowds September through October, except during Oktoberfest, and visit in December for the bustling Christmas markets.
- AAA Vacations: Best of Germany, 12-day guided vacation
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6. Oslo, Norway
Oslo, a mix of old and modern elements as well as nature and urban activities, makes for a great place to visit. In winter, there is recreation like skiing and ice skating, while people can enjoy biking and hiking in the summer. This Scandinavian city is also located on the Oslo Fjord, so you can take sightseeing tours on the fjord. Among the many green spaces in Oslo is Vigeland Sculpture Park, which has bronze, iron and granite sculptures.
Oslo also offers lots of museums, too. For anyone with an interest in history, The Historical Museum is a must-do attraction with displays of artifacts ranging from the Stone Age through the Middle Ages, including a large collection of artifacts that belonged to Vikings. You can even visit a medieval castle, Akershus Fortress.
- Why Visit Oslo: Lovers of Scandinavian design will enjoy navigating the city and seeing the natural beauty as well as experiencing the Norwegian culture.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are the best times to avoid crowds. Summer is beautiful but is also the busiest tourist season.
- AAA Vacations: Highlights of Norway, 9-day guided vacation
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7. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (aka Old Town) is a popular area in Sweden for tourists. It’s one of the oldest sections of the city featuring winding cobblestone streets closely flanked by buildings. Folks can go shopping, purchase souvenirs, or eat at any of the many cafes. I recommend trying a cinnamon roll — sold in many of the coffee shops in Sweden.
The city has a lot to offer in terms of things to do, including swimming in Lake Mälaren during the summer. There’s even a small amusement park, Gröna Lund, that is sure to offer a half day of fun. Among the museums in Stockholm is the ABBA The Museum that celebrates the world-famous Swedish band who sang “Dancing Queen” along with many other hits. And as the home of the Nobel Prize awards ceremony, it’s no surprise that Stockholm is also home to the Nobel Prize Museum, which has exhibits about the award winners.
For an extra bit of fun, have a meal at Aifur. My friends and I happened upon this restaurant when visiting Stockholm and enjoyed the Viking-themed locale. You’ll sit on wooden benches in the candlelit restaurant and select meals from a menu straight from the Middle Ages. If you partake in alcohol, don’t leave without trying a glass of their mead. Sweden is surely one of the places to visit in Europe.
- Why Visit Stockholm: Stockholm is a wonderful city to wander around on foot to enjoy the green spaces as well as windy roads. The vibe is fun and welcoming.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer is a good time to visit Stockholm, but if you don't mind chillier weather, spring and fall offer cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
- AAA Vacations: Spectacular Scandinavia, 14-day guided vacation
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8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a vibrant city that is not only a popular European destination on Mediterranean cruises, but it’s also a popular stop for land-based travelers. While visiting, you should tour some of the amazing buildings and areas designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, including Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens, Casa Milá and La Sagrada Família. Gaudí also designed Park Güell, where you can tour his former home Casa Museu Gaudí.
The mark that Gaudi left on Barcelona with his mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles is undeniable, but while here, you should also enjoy the city’s many outdoor spaces and things to do on a budget. Barcelona's beautiful beaches include Barceloneta and Nova Icaria. You can also try to find your way to the center of the hedge maze in Parc del Laberint d’Horta which is meant to represent the Greek myth of a minotaur imprisoned in a labyrinth by King Minos. The many nature parks like Garraf Natural Park and Montserrat Natural Park have hiking trails to help you enjoy nature in Spain. To make the most of your time, consider pairing these parks and other attractions on a road trip from Barcelona, such as The Grand Tour of Catalonia.
- Why Visit Barcelona: From the food to the history and architecture, Barcelona has something for everyone.
- Best Time to Visit: The weather during spring and fall is great, and you can avoid the crowds that occur during the summer peak season.
- AAA Vacations: Easy Pace Barcelona, 10-day guided vacation
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9. Budapest, Hungary
When heading out for the day in Budapest, one of AAA's top European destinations, grab a coffee at one of the city's many coffee shops before visiting all the many notable attractions. Castle District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes several top historical sites in Budapest including Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, and Sándor Palace, where the changing of the guard takes place.
Budapest, like much of Europe, bears scars from World War II. The House of Terror is a museum and memorial about the people who were captured and killed by the Nazi and communist regimes in Hungary. Along the Danube Promenade, take a moment for quiet contemplation at the Shoes of the Danube, a memorial for the Jewish people in Hungary executed during the Holocaust. Today, some citizens of Budapest have taken the long-neglected and damaged buildings in the Jewish Quarter and repurposed them and created the Ruin Bars, artsy and unique spaces where you can grab a drink.
Another popular thing to do in Budapest are the thermal baths. where you can relax in the thermal pools and steam rooms. Széchenyi Baths is the largest and most popular, but Rudas Thermal Bath and Gellért Thermal Bath are also lovely and well-known.
And if you have a sweet tooth, don't leave Budapest without trying kürtöskalács (or chimney cake). It's a sweet yeasted dough, rolled into a long strip, wrapped around a cylindrical spit, cooked over a fire and dipped in sugar before being served. The chimney cake gets its name from its resemblance to stove pipes.
- Why Visit Budapest: You can enjoy the castles and medieval history as well as the culture and natural beauty of Budapest.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall offer mild temperatures and smaller crowds than summer.
- AAA Vacations: Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague, 10-day guided vacation
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10. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a beautiful and famous city with architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. In Old Town, an especially popular section among vacationers, you can enjoy Old Town Square, where the renowned astronomical clock has stood since 1410, going through renovations and repairs over its hundreds of years of existence. You can also admire the Gothic architecture of the Church of our Lady Before Týn. Construction of the church began in the 14th century, and the interior was redesigned in the Baroque style in the 17th century.
Between Old Town Square and Vltava River is the Jewish Quarter, also called Josefov. In the 13th century, the neighborhood was established as a ghetto where Jewish people in Prague were forced to move to and live. In the 19th century, many of the structures were rundown, and much of the Jewish Quarter was demolished and rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. However, some buildings were preserved, such as the Old New Synagogue dating back to 1270. You also should stop by the Old Jewish Cemetery, which was in use between the 15th and 18th centuries. There are up to 12 layers of this cemetery and more than 12,000 tombstones.
Once you're done touring Old Town, head across the Vltava River on the Charles Bridge, a pedestrian path, to Malá Strana (aka Lesser Town). Here, you'll be able to visit the Prague Castle complex. One of the most famous landmarks is St. Vitus Cathedral. Construction started on the Gothic church in 1344, and if you are up for walking the 287 stairs, you can get amazing views from the spire.
- Why Visit Prague: Prague is easily navigable with lots of history and Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture.
- Best Time to Visit: Visit in spring or fall for the fewest crowds
- AAA Vacations: Imperial Cities, 11-day guided vacation
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11. Edinburgh, Scotland
Visiting castles ranks highly among the many things to do in Edinburgh. The dominating Edinburgh Castle has been home to royals, been besieged, captured and retaken over its hundreds years of existence. Today, you can tour the castle and see the Honours of Scotland, the crown jewels. Another notable royal residence is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the official residence of the king in Edinburgh. While not occupied by King Charles III, the palace is open to visitors by tour.
Noteworthy museums include the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art which displays works from the 1900s to the present; Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, a family-friendly attraction with exhibits about optical illusions; and the National Museum of Scotland, which includes exhibits about Scotland as well as other cultures around the world.
Speaking of Scottish history, it's hard to miss the 200-foot-tall Scott Monument. The spire is a monument to writer and poet Sir Walter Scott and is decorated with images of the characters from his stories. For a small fee, you can walk up the tight spiral staircase to the top for some excellent views of Edinburgh.
If you like whiskey, check out The Scotch Whiskey Experience, where you can take tours to learn more about Scottish whiskey and end your tour with a tasting. There's also Cadenhead's Whiskey, called the oldest independent whiskey bottler in Scotland. They have a tasting room and a gift shop that sells bottles of the popular spirit.
Harry Potter fans will be delighted by The Potter Trail, a walking tour in Edinburgh's Old Town that takes tourgoers to some of the real-life places that inspired locations in the beloved series.
- Why Visit Edinburgh: Travelers love Edinburgh for its history, architecture, festivals and nightlife.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer is festival season in Edinburgh, and it tends to have the best weather. Spring and fall is the best time to visit to avoid the largest crowds and offers a better chance for travel deals.
- AAA Vacations: British Landscapes, 10-day guided vacation
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12. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Known for its canals and bike-friendly streets, Amsterdam is one of the best places to visit in Europe, especially during tulip season, April to early May. Be sure to take a canal tour; you can choose from boats that have prerecorded audio or live narration. Wonder around Jordaan, a neighborhood with narrow cobblestone streets lined with local restaurants and boutiques.
Some of the many great museums in the city include Rijksmuseum, featuring artwork by famous European artists like Rembrandt, and the Van Gogh Museum, which houses many of the famous painter's work. Among the historical sites in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, where you'll learn about the Frank family, their time in hiding from the Nazis, and what is known about Anne Frank from her diary.
In addition to the museums, there are parks to stroll through and relax in. A popular one is Vondelpark, where locals and visitors alike will grab some food at a nearby market and have a picnic in the picturesque green space. Before you leave the city, visit Albert Cuyp Market, an open-air market where vendors sell produce, foods and goods. Try a freshly made stroopwafel while here. The thin waffle-cookie sandwich filled with caramel is sure to delight those with a sweet tooth. If you like markets, also plan to visit the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam's flower market.
- Why Visit Amsterdam: You'll enjoy Amsterdam's canals, bikeable commutes, natural beauty and wonderful museums.
- Best Time to Visit: May through August is peak season, but March, April and September are also popular for travel.
- AAA Vacations: Netherlands, Belgium and France, 12-day guided vacation
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13. Istanbul, Turkey
The Old City of Istanbul contains a wealth of history from before the days Byzantine empire to modern day. Visit some of the mosques like the must-see Hagai Sophia, built in the 6th century as a Christian Church, later converted into an Islamic mosque, a museum and back into a mosque. Another notable mosque is the Blue Mosque, so name for the gorgeous blue tilework in the interior.
Other must-visit sites in Istanbul include the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. At the Grand Bazaar, considered one of the oldest covered markets in the world, you’ll find shops selling jewelry, purses, souvenirs and other goods as well as spices, teas, baklava and more. The Spice Market is also a fun visit to peruse the spices and to buy a mix to take home some of the tastes of the city with you.
- Why Visit Istanbul: Istanbul is a beautiful city set on the water with beautiful architecture, museums and amazing food.
- Best Time to Visit: June through August is peak season, but many consider March through May and September to November to the best time to visit Istanbul. Temperatures are milder and crowds tend to smaller than in summer.
- AAA Vacations: Treasures of Turkey, 14-day guided vacation
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