Over the years Lukáš and I have criss-crossed Europe and tried just about every conceivable way of travelling. We’ve slept in a rooftop tent on the car, driven mountain passes in a camper van, pedalled long-distance cycle routes and occasionally treated ourselves to fancier hotels. Now that our little Jonáš travels with us, we’re rediscovering old favourites from a completely new perspective.
Europe travel destinations are a safe bet for me, because this is easily the most varied continent on the planet. Nowhere else do you have such incredible contrasts within a few hours’ flight or drive. You can wake up in the morning to a view over deep Norwegian fjords and fall asleep in the evening on the shore of the turquoise Mediterranean.
If you’re currently planning where to go, this list is exactly for you. It covers Europe travel destinations for beach lovers, high-mountain enthusiasts and anyone chasing the perfect city break. I’ve picked 17 of the most beautiful places that shouldn’t be missing from your travel bucket list.
A quick summary for those who don’t have time to read the whole article
- Best for families by car: Croatia and the Slovenian Alps offer great infrastructure and a short driving distance.
- Best off-season warm-up: the Algarve in Portugal is our secret tip for spring-like temperatures in the middle of February.
- Best high-mountain panoramas: in our view the Dolomites easily outshine even the American national parks, and we speak from experience.
- Best value for money: Budapest and Slovakia’s Tatras are destinations where your wallet won’t cry quite so much.
- Most beautiful beaches and sea: Sardinia thoroughly deserves its nickname as the European Caribbean.
- Most exotic without leaving the continent: Iceland and Norway’s Lofoten show you scenery that looks like it’s from another planet.
| Place | Best for | When to go | How many days |
|---|---|---|---|
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| 1. Croatia | Accessibility by car and clean sea | June or September | 7 to 10 days |
| 2. Greek islands | Romance and varied beaches | May, June, September | 7 to 10 days |
| 3. Sardinia | Turquoise, Caribbean-like sea | June or September | 7 to 14 days |
| 4. Sicily | A mix of history, volcanoes and food | May, June, October | 7 to 10 days |
| 5. Algarve | Cliffs, surfing and winter escapes | Year-round | 7 to 14 days |
| 6. French Riviera | French charm and picturesque towns | May, June, September | 4 to 7 days |
| 7. Dolomites | Breathtaking mountain scenery | June to September (or winter) | 4 to 7 days |
| 8. Lofoten | Arctic nature and the northern lights | Summer or February, March | 5 to 8 days |
| 9. Iceland | Geysers, waterfalls and raw landscapes | June to August (or winter) | 7 to 14 days |
| 10. Slovenia | An active holiday in a small space | May to September | 3 to 5 days |
| 11. High Tatras | High-mountain hiking close to home | July to September | 3 to 5 days |
| 12. Tuscany | Wine, cypress avenues and the Renaissance | April, May, September | 5 to 7 days |
| 13. Provence | Lavender fields and deep canyons | Late June, July | 4 to 7 days |
| 14. London | World-class museums and a cosmopolitan vibe | Year-round | 3 to 4 days |
| 15. Paris | Romantic strolls and art | Spring or autumn | 3 to 4 days |
| 16. Prague | History, views and magical lanes | Year-round (especially May) | 2 to 4 days |
| 17. Budapest | Thermal baths and a cheap city break | Year-round | 2 to 3 days |
Summer beach holidays: 6 places where Europe shows off
If you’re looking for the perfect place to go on holiday in Europe for sunshine and salty air, the south of the continent definitely won’t disappoint. From pebble coves in the Balkans to wild cliffs at the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula, you’ll find beaches to rival any exotic island.
1. Croatia: an Adriatic that keeps on surprising
Lukáš and I have been to Croatia several times, and each time we were amazed at how much this country moves forward year on year. On our last road trip we mostly slept in nature, but it was impossible not to notice that the quality of accommodation and services is growing at an incredible pace. The drive from Central Europe down to Dalmatia takes roughly eight to ten hours, which makes it an ideal choice for flexible travellers.
Besides the iconic Plitvice Lakes, which you have to see at least once in your life, I recommend heading to historic towns like Trogir or Šibenik. Travellers on Reddit often point out that while Dubrovnik is bursting at the seams under the onslaught of cruise ships, Trogir offers a far more authentic experience within its walls. For the most beautiful sea, look to the islands of Hvar, Brač or Vis.
If you’re considering a trip to the Adriatic, you’ll find a full detailed itinerary in our guide on a holiday in Croatia. I always advise avoiding overcrowded August and going at the edges of the season instead.
🗓️ When to go: June and September (you’ll avoid the crowds and peak prices) · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 10 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (apartments have gone up, but off-season prices are still fair) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Adriatic Hotel by Maistra Collection in Rovinj or Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel and Spa in Opatija.
2. Greek islands: blue-and-white romance and perfect relaxation
Greece boasts more than two hundred inhabited islands, and choosing the right one can be a real puzzle. Every scrap of land in the Aegean and Ionian Sea has a completely different atmosphere. Travellers rave about the lunar landscape and snow-white rocks at Sarakiniko beach on Milos, while food lovers and fans of long sandy beaches regularly pick Naxos.
Legendary Santorini and its stunning caldera are a chapter of their own. On discussion forums people often argue whether the island isn’t overpriced and overcrowded. But one of the most popular opinions on Reddit sums up the reality perfectly (I’m quoting): I expected to be disappointed and in the end it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. The key to success is going in April or May, when you’ll have the loveliest sunset views in the village of Oia almost to yourself.
For a detailed comparison of the individual destinations, read our article on where to go on holiday in Greece, where you’ll also find tips on the most beautiful Greek islands. The water stays pleasantly warm well into autumn.
🗓️ When to go: May, June or September and October · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 10 days (it’s ideal to combine two islands) · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (factor in extra costs for ferries) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Stella Village Seaside Hotel on Crete or Angsana Corfu Resort and Spa on Corfu.
3. Sardinia: the European Caribbean you have to see
Sardinia is quite rightly nicknamed the European Caribbean, and looking at the photos it’s no wonder. The turquoise colour of the sea on the northern coast is so vivid you won’t believe your own eyes. The most famous beach, La Pelosa, near the town of Stintino tempts you with white sand and shallow water that’s ideal even for weaker swimmers.
But the island isn’t only about lazing on the beach. The interior hides mysterious prehistoric structures called nuraghi, and the Su Nuraxi complex is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you like wilder nature, the Cala Goloritzé cove is sure to captivate you — you can only reach it on foot along a beautiful mountain trail or by rented boat from the sea.
We share more practical advice and a complete map of interesting spots in our guide on what to see in Sardinia. To get around the island you’ll definitely need your own or a rental car.
🗓️ When to go: June and September (in August the whole of Italy is on holiday and everything is packed) · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 14 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range to higher (ferries and flights can jump in season) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Hotel Villa Las Tronas in Alghero or Su Gologone Experience Hotel inland.
4. Sicily: antiquity and volcanoes on one plate
Sicily probably offers the best imaginable mix of history, gorgeous sea and fantastic food in all of Italy. The island’s most striking feature is, of course, Europe’s highest active volcano, majestic Etna, which rises to more than three thousand metres. You can get close to it by cable car and then by off-road buses.
While roaming the island you mustn’t miss romantic Taormina with its ancient theatre, which offers an incredible view of smouldering Etna. Other gems are historic Palermo, the beautiful mosaics in Monreale and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. And if you’re vegetarian like us, you’ll be in paradise here. You absolutely have to try the fried rice balls arancini filled with cheese and peas, or the sweet cannoli pastries.
If this vibrant island appeals to you, check out our tips for a holiday in Sicily. Food here is also noticeably cheaper than in the more industrial north of Italy.
🗓️ When to go: May, June and the turn of September and October (summers bring extreme heat) · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 10 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (very friendly prices for local food) · 🛏️ Where to stay: You’ll find specific verified hotels and guesthouses spelled out in our detailed guide.
5. Algarve: Portugal’s paradise on earth
If you’re thinking of heading to the south of Portugal, I have to warn you honestly in advance. You’ll fall in love with it so much that you won’t want to go home. Lukáš and I have been coming to the Algarve every single year since 2020, and the region charmed us so much that we’re eventually hoping to buy a little house here. We usually spend the whole of February here, when temperatures hover between a pleasant seventeen and twenty degrees, the beaches are empty and the sun is shining.
The Algarve is famous for its ochre cliffs and caves. Among the most beautiful spots are the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade near Lagos, Praia da Marinha beach and the celebrated Benagil cave. The ocean is fairly cold even in the middle of summer and often brings big waves, which makes the region an absolute paradise for surfers. Sunset on the cliffs by the Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse, Europe’s southwesternmost tip, is simply magical.
Experienced travellers on community forums often advise avoiding large resorts like Albufeira, which feel more like a British colony. Far more picturesque, they say (and we fully agree), is historic Tavira in the east, where you’ll find peace and beautiful beaches reached by ferry. We’ve put together our entire Algarve road trip as a detailed itinerary for you.
🗓️ When to go: Year-round (summer is ideal for swimming, winter for hiking and escaping the frost) · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 14 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (off-season you’ll get accommodation for a fraction of summer prices) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Quinta Nova Vale Del Rey in Carvoeiro or the unusual houseboat The Homeboat Company in Albufeira.
6. The French Riviera: cinematic charm and endless light
The south of France combines incredible elegance, picturesque historic towns and famous pebble beaches. The local light is so distinctive and soft that historically the area attracted the world’s greatest painters, including Matisse and Picasso. And when you look out over the coast at sunset, you’ll quickly understand why. The centre of all the action is the city of Nice with its famous Promenade des Anglais.
Besides lazing by the sea, it would be a sin not to head into the surrounding hills. The medieval town of Èze, hanging like an eagle’s nest high above the water, is truly exceptional. Another stop should be Menton, the city of lemons, or famously film-worthy Cannes. The great news is that the whole coast is perfectly connected by local TER trains, so you’ll save yourself the stress of hunting for expensive parking.
To find out more about what the area around Nice hides, check out our article on Nice and its surroundings, and be sure to peek into our guide to colourful Menton too.
🗓️ When to go: May, June and September (July and August are extremely expensive and crowded) · ⏱️ How long: 4 to 7 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (but train travel and market shopping can tame the budget) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Hotel Florence Nice in the mid-range or the legendary luxury Le Negresco right on the promenade.
Mountains, fjords and lakes: 5 of Europe’s natural gems
Sometimes you simply need to swap your swimsuit for hiking boots and let the power of raw nature blow you away. If you’re seeking the most beautiful places in Europe full of peaks soaring into the sky, deep forests and crystal-clear glacial lakes, from the following destinations you’ll bring home photos that nobody back home will believe were taken in Europe.
7. The Dolomites: Italian mountains that will take your breath away
The Dolomites are our absolute favourite and we come back every year. We’ve discovered the mountains here from the saddle of a bike, camped in a tent, driven the passes in a camper van and occasionally treated ourselves to the comfort of a hotel. This year we were here for the first time with little Jonáš, and although we swapped long, demanding treks for comfortable cable cars, we discovered it’s perhaps even more stunning that way.
The region’s best-known symbol is undoubtedly the iconic trio of teeth, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which you have to walk around at least once. On discussion sites you’ll find comments with thousands of upvotes claiming the Dolomites are so overwhelmingly beautiful that they’ll ruin hiking in the US for you, because not even the national parks there can match them. And we have to admit that the photogenic Alpe di Siusi meadow and the craggy Seceda really do look painted.
Thanks to its UNESCO listing, the area carefully protects its character. We’ve written up detailed tips on treks and viewpoints in our article on what to do in the Dolomites. Whether you choose Cortina d’Ampezzo or the Val Pusteria valley as your base, you won’t go wrong.
🗓️ When to go: Mid-June to September for hiking, December to March for perfect skiing · ⏱️ How long: 4 to 7 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (accommodation in the Italian mountains is pricier and cable cars usually cost €20 to €40) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Dolomiti Sweet Lodge or the design-led HOTEL de LEN right in Cortina.
8. Lofoten: a magical end of the world above the Arctic Circle
This July we set off for eight days to Norway’s Lofoten with our two-year-old Jonáš, and it was an experience we’ll never forget. Up here in the north the weather changed literally every five minutes. Within a single hour we experienced pouring rain, sharp sun, strong wind and then a shower again, but that dramatic atmosphere is simply part of Lofoten. These islands reminded us enormously of rugged Alaska.
The classic image of Lofoten is the so-called rorbuer, old red fishing huts built on stilts right over the water. Besides the Arctic beaches of Haukland and Vik with their unbelievably turquoise water, framed by peaks jutting straight out of the ocean, you’ll also find fantastic cafés here. From our base in the town of Henningsvær we fell in love with the local bakery and we still dream about their sweet coconut skoleboller pastries to this day.
When planning your trip, remember that Norway is huge and distances are deceptive. As the locals joke on Reddit, tourists often ask which way to walk to Lofoten from Trondheim, even though it’s a thousand kilometres away. You’ll find more tips in our article on what to see in Lofoten. The car rental companies here offer almost exclusively electric vehicles, but the charging network is absolutely top-notch.
🗓️ When to go: June to August for the midnight sun, February and March for the northern lights · ⏱️ How long: 5 to 8 days · 💰 Budget: Expensive (food prices are double those elsewhere in Europe and one car charge costs around €15 to €30) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The iconic red huts of Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy or Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær.
9. Iceland: an adventure on another planet
When Lukáš and I first drove around Iceland, we constantly felt like we’d left planet Earth. It’s the closest feeling of absolute exoticism you can experience in Europe. The landscape is harsh, full of moss, black volcanic sand and vast masses of frozen ice.
Most visitors start with the famous Golden Circle, where you’ll be amazed by the regularly erupting Geysir and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. But if you carry on south along Ring Road number one, you’ll discover more gems. At Seljalandsfoss waterfall you can walk right behind the falling wall of water, and at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon you’ll stare at enormous blue icebergs drifting freely out to the ocean.
In summer you’ll enjoy endless days thanks to the midnight sun, while in winter you can marvel at the dancing northern lights. We’ve summed up everything essential for planning a road trip in our article Iceland: the big guide. Although flights are often surprisingly cheap, the stay itself will put your wallet to the test.
🗓️ When to go: June to August to drive the whole island, September to March to hunt the northern lights · ⏱️ How long: 7 to 14 days (for the complete loop) · 💰 Budget: Very expensive (accommodation and restaurants are among the priciest in Europe) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon near the glacier lagoon or the popular Hótel Kea in the northern town of Akureyri.
10. Slovenia: a green pearl with an enormous heart
Slovenia may be a small country, but it offers such concentrated natural beauty that it boggles the mind. From Central Europe you can drive here in just five or six hours, which makes it an absolutely ideal destination even for a long weekend. The biggest magnet is, of course, the famous Lake Bled with its magical little church on an islet and a castle perched on a steep cliff above the water.
Experienced travellers on discussion forums share an interesting observation: although Bled is gorgeous, it tends to be crowded even outside high season. A far quieter and, according to many, even more picturesque alternative is nearby Lake Bohinj, which lies right in the heart of a wild national park and offers better swimming conditions. On the way, don’t miss the walk along the wooden boardwalks through the narrow Vintgar Gorge.
Also explore the emerald Soča River, a paradise for rafters, or the majestic Predjama Castle carved into the rock. You’ll find a complete list of tips in our article on what to see in Slovenia, and after your outings don’t forget to warm up at the best thermal spas in Slovenia.
🗓️ When to go: May to September (nature is at its greenest) · ⏱️ How long: 3 to 5 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range (accommodation and services are still noticeably cheaper than in neighbouring Austria) · 🛏️ Where to stay: Adora Luxury Hotel with a view of Bled or the eco-friendly Bohinj Eco Hotel.
11. The High Tatras: the nearest true high mountains
The High Tatras in Slovakia are the most accessible taste of genuine high mountains you can find. I’ve done a multi-day ridge traverse here with a backpack on my back, and I can confirm that the views from the mountain saddles down into deep valleys are absolutely magnificent. The advantage is that you can comfortably reach the foot of the Tatras by overnight sleeper train, and by morning you can already be standing at the trail marker.
The classics include a walk around Štrbské pleso and Popradské pleso. Experienced hikers can head up to Rysy without a mountain guide, rising to nearly two and a half thousand metres. On international forums you’ll often see discussions where hikers compare the Slovak and Polish sides of the mountains. While they call Poland’s Zakopane a tourist hell with queues on the pavements, the Slovak side is still considered an underrated treasure where you can avoid the crowds.
After a tough day on the trail, there’s nothing better than soaking your tired muscles in warm water. That’s why we’ve prepared an overview of the thermal spas in Slovakia, where you can pop after reading the itinerary for the High Tatras traverse.
🗓️ When to go: July to September for safe hiking (in June there’s often still snow on the ridges) · ⏱️ How long: 3 to 5 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap (compared with the Alpine countries you’ll get food and mountain-hut beds at great prices) · 🛏️ Where to stay: You’ll find accommodation tips with wellness facilities in our article on Slovak thermal spas.
Landscapes like a postcard: wine, lavender and Tuscan hills
For those of you who don’t need to rack up elevation gain on holiday or swim in the sea every day, Europe has the world’s most romantic countryside scenery in store. The following regions are made for slow travel from one village to the next, tasting local cheeses and sipping wine at sunset.
12. Tuscany: the Renaissance heart of Italy
Tuscany is tied up with a huge number of wonderful memories for me. I’ve been here several times with my family, driving the classic loop, but Lukáš and I also got to know it by bike on a long-distance cycle trip across the continent. Pedalling up the endless gentle hills between the vineyards was hard work, but the views made up for everything.
The absolute highlight for photography lovers is the Val d’Orcia valley, protected by UNESCO. This is exactly where all those iconic shots of lonely farmhouses lined with perfectly trimmed cypress avenues come from. Besides Florence with its stunning galleries, headed by the Uffizi Gallery, you mustn’t miss medieval Siena or San Gimignano, nicknamed the medieval Manhattan for its tall family towers.
As a reward you can then soak in the hot springs of Saturnia, whose cascading pools are completely free. For the perfect itinerary, check out our article Tuscany: a holiday or the detailed guide to the towns of Siena and San Gimignano.
🗓️ When to go: April, May and September, October (in summer it’s stiflingly hot with huge crowds) · ⏱️ How long: 5 to 7 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range to higher (depends on whether you pick a luxury villa or a simpler guesthouse) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The romantic Hotel Certosa di Maggiano in Siena or the countryside agritourism Ca’ Bianca Tuscany Relais.
13. Provence: a purple sea of scents and colours
The interior of southern France is a world of its own, dominated by the distinctive scent of herbs and good rosé wine. If you long to see the most beautiful endless lavender fields, you have to plan your trip absolutely precisely. The best-known fields are on the Valensole plateau or by the picturesque Sénanque abbey, but they only bloom for a few weeks of the year.
Besides the fragrant fields, Provence also hides one of Europe’s greatest natural wonders, the awe-inspiring Gorges du Verdon. This deep canyon with its vividly turquoise water tempts you to rent a pedalo or kayak and explore the steep limestone walls straight from the water. History lovers, on the other hand, will fall for the villages perched on rocks, like stone-built Gordes or Roussillon, entirely constructed from red-ochre stone.
We’ve mapped the whole area for you in an article focused on the stunning Gorges du Verdon canyon, and it fits beautifully into a longer route described in our road trip around France. And a warning right away: without your own car you’ll be stuck here, as public transport between the villages barely runs.
🗓️ When to go: Late June to mid-July for the blooming lavender, otherwise September is lovely too · ⏱️ How long: 4 to 7 days · 💰 Budget: Mid-range to higher (France charges well for its best regions) · 🛏️ Where to stay: You’ll find accommodation options spelled out in our big France guide.
Cities for a long weekend: 4 capitals that won’t disappoint
If you only have a few days off and you’re after the best city break, Europe’s big cities are the obvious choice. They offer the most beautiful landmarks, top-class food and flights for just a few euros from many airports across the continent.
14. London: a cosmopolitan giant that never sleeps
London fascinated me even as a child, when I first stood in the huge queue outside Madame Tussauds. Lukáš and I returned to the British capital right after coming back from our year-long stay in Canada. I remember we were watching every pound back then, so we rented city bikes and cycled all over the centre, joined a free Harry Potter film-location walk and discovered that London can be enjoyed even on a very slim budget.
One of London’s biggest advantages is the fact that most of its key museums, headed by the magnificent British Museum, are completely free to enter. Travellers often compare its energy with New York, because for sheer number of landmarks and attractions it has no rival in Europe. From the crown jewels in the Tower of London, through iconic Tower Bridge, to the colourful markets of Notting Hill or Camden.
So your head doesn’t spin from this enormous city, we’ve put together an extensive list of 50 tips on what to see in London. And if you love discovering quality coffee beans as much as we do, check out the best cafés in London.
🗓️ When to go: Year-round (in spring the parks are in bloom and pre-Christmas December has a unique charm) · ⏱️ How long: 3 to 4 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (London hotels are expensive, but you’ll save on museum entry and street-market food) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The Z Hotel Trafalgar for great value and location, or the classic The Cavendish London.
15. Paris: the city of lights and irresistible romance
Paris is simply a classic you should soak up first-hand at least once in your life. When we wandered around here, what we loved most was simply sitting by the River Seine. We bought fresh crusty baguettes and quality French cheeses at a local market and just watched the boats and the bustle of the city. It has far more magic than rushing from one landmark to the next.
The city’s symbol is, of course, the Eiffel Tower, where an iron rule applies: you have to book your tickets well in advance. The same goes for the famous Louvre, the world’s most visited museum. The most common tourist mistake is trying to race through all the collections in a single day. It’s far wiser to pick just two or three sections and spend the rest of your time strolling the lanes of artistic Montmartre.
You’ll find practical advice for your visit in our guide on what to see in Paris. Choosing the right neighbourhood is absolutely crucial to the overall impression here, so be sure to study our guide on where to stay in Paris.
🗓️ When to go: April to June or beautifully coloured October · ⏱️ How long: 3 to 4 days · 💰 Budget: Higher (you pay a premium for views and central Paris hotels) · 🛏️ Where to stay: You’ll find specific hotels sorted by district in our specialised article.
16. Prague: a gem right under our noses
For many locals Prague is just a place for the occasional shopping trip or a bit of paperwork, but be honest — when did you last walk around the capital through the eyes of a curious tourist? I had the enormous privilege of attending grammar school in the Lesser Town, and during lunch breaks I’d regularly stroll through the grounds of Prague Castle. Back then I had no idea how exceptional that was, just as I didn’t realise this is where our first date with Lukáš took place.
Prague regularly and quite rightly ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. St Vitus Cathedral takes your breath away with its majesty, and a walk around mysterious Vyšehrad offers peace and the best views over the Vltava. If you want to experience real magic, head to Charles Bridge at dawn, while the city still sleeps. It’s the only chance to enjoy its statues without hundreds of selfie sticks in the way.
We’ve gathered plenty of inspiration for a weekend stay in our article on what to see in Prague. Even though home is just a short hop away, it’s sometimes worth booking a nice hotel and becoming a tourist in your own country for a few days.
🗓️ When to go: Year-round (in my view it’s most beautiful in fragrant May and December during the Christmas markets) · ⏱️ How long: 2 to 4 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap (Prague is more affordable than the Western capitals) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The luxurious Augustine in the Lesser Town or the renowned Four Seasons Prague by the river.
17. Budapest: the queen of the Danube and hot springs
The Hungarian capital is probably the best tip for travellers who want an awful lot of bang for very little buck. Budapest is simply beautiful. Its most photogenic landmark is the enormous Parliament building sitting right on the bank of the Danube, which looks especially dramatic after dark when it lights up completely. Fairy-tale views are then offered by the white turrets of the Fisherman’s Bastion on the Buda side of the city.
What sets Budapest apart from other cities, though, is its spa culture, with roots going all the way back to the Romans and Turks. The famous Széchenyi thermal baths, recognisable by their vast yellow façades, or the Art Nouveau Gellért baths are the perfect balm for tired feet. After a full day of walking, treat yourself to some greasy lángos straight from the street, along with kürtőskalács, a sweet chimney cake you simply can’t resist.
You’ll find all the important spots, including the famous ruin bars, in our article Budapest: the best places. Of our entire seventeen, this city is the friendliest choice for tight budgets.
🗓️ When to go: Year-round (in winter the rising steam over the outdoor pools has an incredible charm) · ⏱️ How long: 2 to 3 days · 💰 Budget: Cheap (food, accommodation and services are all very affordable) · 🛏️ Where to stay: The modern Hotel Vision or the comfortable Milford Suites Budapest apartments.
When to go where and how to save
If you want your European holiday to run smoothly and not cost you all your savings, careful timing is absolutely crucial. For summer beach stays we strongly recommend avoiding August and focusing on June or September instead. The weather in those months is gorgeous, the sea still warm, but hotel prices and crowds are often half of what they’d be. European cities, on the other hand, are at their loveliest in spring or autumn, when you won’t roast on scorching asphalt.
Destinations like Norway’s Lofoten, Iceland and the French Riviera are among the most expensive places on the continent. You can save here mainly by going just outside the peak and buying food in local supermarkets instead of eating out every day. In contrast, you’ll get a remarkably cheap city break in Budapest or a high-mountain hike in Slovakia’s Tatras, where with a bit of planning you can manage — flight or train ticket included — on around €200 per person.
For finding cheap connections, we’ve had good results tracking departures on Kiwi, mostly midweek when prices tend to be lowest. If you’re planning a road trip, we always use the RentalCars comparison tool, which we’ve had good experiences with across several continents. We also never set off without proper travel insurance. For shorter trips around Europe AXA works reliably for us, and for longer, more demanding journeys we choose True Traveller.
Where to next
- The most beautiful lakes in the world: 25 tips for breathtaking spots
- The best water parks and thermal spas in Europe
- The most beautiful waterfalls in the world you have to see
Frequently asked questions
Finally, I’ve put together answers to the questions that come up most often around planning a holiday in Europe.
What is the most beautiful place in Europe?
It’s very subjective and depends on what you’re looking for. For lovers of high mountains and nature, the Italian Dolomites or Norwegian Lofoten Islands are absolute highlights. If you love swimming, Sardinia most closely resembles the Caribbean. Personally, we think Prague and romantic Paris are among the most beautiful architectural gems.
Where to go in Europe for a summer beach holiday?
If you prefer an easy road trip by car, Croatia is still a safe bet with excellent infrastructure. If you don’t mind flying, the Greek islands and Italian Sardinia offer the most beautiful sandy coves. But try to go in June or September instead, and you’ll avoid the biggest crowds.
Where to go in Europe for nature and mountains?
For breathtaking alpine panoramas, head to the Italian Dolomites or neighboring Slovenia. The High Tatras guarantee a fantastic and affordable high-mountain experience. But if you’re looking for truly rugged and raw Nordic nature, Icelandic glaciers and the Norwegian Lofoten Islands are unmatched.
Where to go for a long weekend in Europe?
For a long weekend lasting two to four days, compact metropolises are ideal. Budapest will delight your wallet and your tired body thanks to its thermal baths. London offers an incredible number of free museums. Among nature destinations, you can beautifully explore the area around Slovenia’s Lake Bled over a weekend.
Where is a holiday in Europe the cheapest?
Among the cheapest yet incredibly attractive destinations are Budapest in Hungary and the Slovak Tatras. You can also save significantly in Portugal’s Algarve if you go outside the summer season. On the other hand, you need to prepare for the highest costs in Iceland, Norway, and the French Riviera.
When is the best time for a holiday in Europe?
For swimming in the sea, late June and September are ideal. For high-mountain hiking in the Alps, go from mid-July to September, when there’s no longer snow on the trails. Cities are most beautiful in spring and autumn, while winter is perfect for skiing or visiting Christmas markets and thermal baths.
How many places in Europe can I fit into one holiday?
Honestly? Less is more. Exploring one region thoroughly, even with a relaxed coffee break, is a much better experience than rushing through three destinations superficially. Neighboring destinations combine beautifully—for example, the mountains in Slovenia with the Italian Dolomites, or a train trip linking the monuments of Prague and nearby Budapest.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
