The Ultimate Europe Travel Bucket List - 20+ Europe Travel Tips You Need (2024)

From Venice’s secret canals to Germany’s fairytale castles, this Europe travel bucket list covers both popular and less-explored destinations. As you explore the picturesque villages in France and sip wine in Porto Valley, these Europe travel tips will come in handy.

Europe’s timeless wonders have beckoned travellers for centuries with their perfect blend of history, culture and natural phenomena that never fail to take my breath away.

My decade of wandering through European streets as a travel writer has given me a unique lens to craft the ultimate Europe travel bucket list that goes beyond ordinary tourist spots.

Having witnessed the Northern Lights dance above Iceland’s dark skies and stood before the mighty Colosseum in Rome. I’ve learned that true European magic lies in both grand monuments and hidden corners.

The real beauty of Europe reveals itself in unexpected moments – like stumbling upon a secret garden behind London’s British Museum at dawn, watching Dutch tulips sway in the morning breeze while locals cycle past or discovering that the best views of Rome’s ancient arena come from a tiny café where Italian grandmothers share their morning coffee and stories – these are the experiences that belong on every traveller’s ultimate Europe bucket list.

The best Europe travel bucket list destinations

1.) Explore Rome’s Ancient Gladiator Arena

Let me tell you why the Colosseum should top your Europe bucket list. Standing inside this massive arena, I felt transported back to 2000 years.

You’ll find it right in central Rome near the Colosseo metro station. I absolutely recommend visiting at opening time (8.30 AM) during April or October.

The most stunning photos come from the third-floor arches or the Forum viewpoint at sunset. Trust me, this ancient wonder will leave you speechless.

 

2.) Cruise Geirangerfjord’s Majestic Waters

Picture yourself gliding past towering cliffs with waterfalls cascading all around.

This stunning fjord totally transformed my idea of natural beauty. You can reach it via a scenic drive from Ålesund or join a cruise from Bergen. I always tell friends to visit between June and August when days are long and weather is perfect.

Don’t miss shooting photos from Ørnesvingen viewpoint or boarding a small boat beneath the Seven Sisters waterfall.

 

3.) View Paris From Eiffel Heights

Take it from someone who’s visited dozens of times. The Iron Lady still makes my heart skip a beat.

You’ll find her in the 7th arrondissement just steps from the Bir-Hakeim metro. I suggest visiting during summer evenings when the sun sets late and the tower sparkles hourly.

My favorite photo spots are Rue de l’Université or the hidden Avenue de Camoëns. Pure Parisian magic awaits.

 

4.) Chase Northern Lights in Iceland

Let me share my favourite winter bucket list experience. Nothing beats watching green lights dance across dark Arctic skies.

The best spots are outside Reykjavik near Thingvellir National Park, where city lights won’t dim the show. I always recommend visiting between September and March on clear nights.

Pack your camera and tripod for iconic shots at Grotta Lighthouse or beside Kirkjufell Mountain. This natural light show will leave you spellbound.

5.) Walk Through Athens’ Ancient Past

Believe me when I say the Acropolis will blow your mind.

These ancient marble temples sitting high above Athens tell incredible stories of the past and deserve to be on your Europe travel bucket list. Take the metro to Acropolis station and start your climb early. Spring and fall mornings offer perfect exploring weather.

I love capturing sunrise shots from Mars Hill or watching the sunset paint the Parthenon golden from Philopappos Hill. Pure historical magic.

 

6.) Drift Venice’s Secret Canals

Ready for the most romantic European bucket list experience?

Gliding through narrow canals while passing under tiny bridges feels like stepping into a painting. Book your gondola near Rialto Bridge or St. Mark’s Square. Early evening rides during spring or fall are pure magic. I

always capture my best photos along quiet Dorsoduro canals or from Accademia Bridge at golden hour.

 

7.) Trek Spain’s Sacred Camino Path

Walking this ancient pilgrimage route offers incredible personal reflection time.

Starting from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, it takes about 30 days to reach Santiago. Spring and fall provide ideal walking weather. Get amazing photos at the Iron Cross monument or arrive at Santiago Cathedral.

This transformative journey on the Camino Path across northern Spain deserves its spot on any European adventure list.

 

8.) Wander Provence Purple Paradise Fields

Picture endless waves of fragrant purple stretching to the horizon.

The Valensole Plateau near Aix-en-Provence offers the most stunning lavender views in Europe. Time your visit between mid-June and mid-July when blooms peak. I love arriving at sunrise when soft light paints the fields gold.

Don’t miss shooting photos at Abbaye de Senanque, where lavender meets ancient stone walls.

9.) Discover Germany’s Fairytale Castle

Want to see a real-life Disney castle? Neuschwanstein will exceed your wildest dreams.

Find it near Füssen in Bavaria, which is just a train ride from Munich. I suggest visiting during fall when fog creates magical morning scenes. My favourite photos come from the Marienbrücke Bridge or hiking up to lesser-known viewpoints above the castle.

This Europe travel bucket list spot proves fairytales can come true.

 

10.) Drive Italy’s Dream Coast Road

Take my advice and rent a convertible for this bucket list drive.

The Amalfi Coast’s winding roads offer views that’ll make your jaw drop. Start in Sorrento and take your time reaching Salerno. May or September brings perfect weather without summer crowds.

Stop for photos at Villa Rufolo Gardens or catch the sunset from Positano’s beach. Pure Italian coastal magic.

 

11.) Roam Scotland’s Misty Highlands

Let me share my favorite European wilderness experience. The Scottish Highlands offer landscapes that feel straight from fantasy.

Base yourself in Inverness or Fort William to explore. May and September bring the best weather and the fewest midges.

I captured unforgettable shots in moody Glencoe Valley and beside mirror-like Loch Duich. This rugged paradise belongs on your list.

 

12.) Soak Iceland’s Geothermal Waters

Trust me, the Blue Lagoon lives up to the hype and that is why it is part of this Europe travel bucket list. Floating in warm milky-blue water while snow falls around you feels surreal.

Find it near Keflavík airport, perfect for arrival or departure day visits. Winter soaks offer the most magical atmosphere.

I love taking photos during the soft light of sunrise or capturing steam rising at sunset.

13.) Taste Barcelona’s Market Treasures

Let me guide you through Europe’s most incredible food scene so that you understand why this is part of the Europe travel bucket list.

La Boqueria Market off Las Ramblas bursts with colours, flavours, and energy. Visit early morning Tuesday through Saturday for the freshest selections. I always capture amazing photos at the fruit displays and historic entrances.

Watching vendors arrange their stalls is like witnessing an art performance.

 

14.) Experience German Holiday Magic

Ready for the most enchanting European winter experience? German Christmas markets transform cities into fairytale wonderlands.

Nuremberg and Dresden host my favourites. Visit from late November through December. I love photographing twinkling lights at twilight and capturing the warm glow of market stalls.

The smell of mulled wine and gingerbread makes everything perfect.

 

15.) Stand Atop Ireland’s Wild Cliffs

Get ready for views that’ll take your breath away. The Cliffs of Moher rise dramatically from the wild Atlantic.

Reach them easily by bus from Galway or Dublin. Morning visits help avoid tour crowds. I captured my best photos walking the cliff path south of O’Brien’s Tower.

This natural wonder shows Ireland’s raw beauty perfectly, making it a must for this Europe travel bucket list.

 

16.) Walk Dubrovnik’s Medieval Walls

Want to feel like you’re walking through history? Dubrovnik’s walls offer incredible views over terracotta roofs and blue seas.

Enter through Pile Gate in the Old Town. Spring and fall bring perfect exploring weather. I recommend shooting photos from Minčeta Tower at sunrise or catching the sunset from Fort Lovrijenac.

Game of Thrones fans will recognize many spots and would be glad to see this on the Europe travel bucket list.

17.) Discover Dutch Rainbow Fields

Picture yourself surrounded by endless stripes of vibrant colour. Dutch tulip fields near Lisse create nature’s most beautiful painting.

Visit Keukenhof Gardens in mid-April for peak blooms. I love capturing photos from elevated platforms or biking quiet paths between fields.

This spring spectacle proves why the Netherlands belongs on every European bucket list.

 

18.) Taste Porto’s Valley Wines

Let me share Porto’s most delicious tradition. Historic wine cellars line Vila Nova de Gaia’s riverbank, offering incredible tastings.

Spring and fall bring perfect weather for exploring. I always capture photos from Dom Luís Bridge or watch the sunset paint the river golden from Taylor’s terrace.

This wine experience beautifully shows Portugal’s rich culture.

 

19.) Explore Croatia’s Waterfall Paradise

Trust me, Plitvice Lakes will exceed your wildest nature dreams and you will be glad to include this destination in your Europe travel bucket list.

Wooden walkways wind past crystal waterfalls and turquoise pools. Take a bus from Zagreb or Zadar to reach this wonderland. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds.

My favourite photos come from upper Lakes viewpoints in the early morning when mist creates magical scenes.

 

20.) Watch Scandinavia’s Endless Day

Ready for a truly unique bucket list experience? Summer days never end in northern Norway.

Visit Tromsø between June and July to witness this natural wonder. I love capturing photos from Mount Storsteinen or joining midnight activities under the bright sky.

This Arctic phenomenon shows nature’s most amazing light show.

21.) Browse London’s Global Treasures

Step into humanity’s greatest treasure house. The British Museum holds wonders from every civilization, earning its spot on this Europe travel bucket list.

Find it in Bloomsbury near Tottenham Court Road tube station. Weekday mornings offer peaceful exploring. I always capture amazing photos in the Great Court and Egyptian galleries.

This cultural journey belongs on every London bucket list.

 

22.) Sail Greece’s Island Paradise

Ready for the ultimate Mediterranean adventure? Island hopping through crystal waters past whitewashed villages feels like pure heaven.

Start from Athens exploring the Cyclades. May- June or September brings perfect conditions.

Don’t miss shooting photos from Santorini’s caldera or catching the sunset from Milos beaches. Pure Greek island magic awaits.

 

23.) Drive Switzerland’s Mountain Roads

Let me share Europe’s most spectacular drive. The Swiss Alps offer incredible views around every turn.

Drive the Furka Pass between Andermatt and Gletsch. Visit July through September when mountain passes open. The stunning landscapes deserve to be on anyone’s Europe travel bucket list.

I captured unforgettable photos at Rhône Glacier and beside Lake Lucerne. This alpine journey exceeds every expectation.

 

24.) Explore Edinburgh’s Royal Fortress

Want to feel like Scottish royalty? Edinburgh Castle dominates the city from its rocky perch.

Walk up the Royal Mile to reach this historic wonder. Early mornings offer peaceful exploring.

I love shooting photos from Princes Street Gardens or catching the sunset from Camera Obscura’s rooftop. Pure Scottish history surrounds you here.

 

25.) Visit France’s Storybook Villages

Step into pages of your favourite fairytale. Alsace’s colourful medieval towns look straight from storybooks.

Base yourself in charming Colmar or Strasbourg. December brings magical Christmas markets.

My favourite photos come from wandering Riquewihr’s quiet morning streets or catching evening light in Eguisheim. Pure French village charm awaits.

As I reflect on these essential European travel tips, I can’t help but feel that the true magic of exploring this diverse continent lies not just in checking off famous landmarks but in those unexpected moments – the warm smile of a local baker in Paris, the hidden courtyard you stumble upon in Rome, or the impromptu street festival that sweeps you up in Barcelona.

The Europe travel bucket list deserves to be as extensive as you can plan.

Every cobblestone street and medieval castle whispers stories of centuries past, inviting you to become part of Europe’s ongoing narrative.

So pack these tips in your suitcase, but remember to leave room for spontaneity – because while meticulous planning will get you far, it’s the unplanned detours that often become your most treasured travel memories.