The Top 10 Places to Visit in Europe

Rome is a massive city on the Tiber River with a population of 2.7 million people. It contains some of the oldest structures in the Western world alongside the Vatican. The city is best visited in April, May, September, or October. During these months, temperatures are comfortable for walking, though you will still encounter significant crowds at major monuments. Be prepared for heavy vehicle traffic and noisy streets. The public transit system can be unreliable, so you will end up walking several miles a day on uneven cobblestones.

This tidal island sits about one kilometer off the northwest coast of France. It has a tiny permanent population of just over twenty people, centered around its ancient abbey. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The weather can be windy and wet, but you will avoid the massive summer crowds that pack the narrow stone streets. At low tide, you can walk across the wet sand, but incoming tides are fast and dangerous. Stick to the designated footbridge unless you are with an official guide.

This park covers nearly three hundred square kilometers in the mountainous region of central Croatia. It is famous for its chain of sixteen terraced lakes linked by waterfalls. May, June, September, and October offer the best experience. Water levels are high in spring, making the waterfalls much more impressive than in the dry summer. You cannot swim in any of the lakes to protect the delicate tufa barriers. The wooden boardwalks can get extremely slippery when wet, and they lack safety railings.

Santorini is a circular group of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea. It is home to about fifteen thousand residents who live along the high cliffs. May and September are ideal because the summer heat is intense and cruise ships clog the ports. In winter, many restaurants and hotels shut down completely. The steep terrain means climbing hundreds of steps daily. Donkey rides are offered to tourists, but animal welfare concerns make this a controversial choice.

Built in the nineteenth century, this palace sits on a rugged hill in southern Germany near the Austrian border. It overlooks the steep gorge of the Pollat stream. Late spring and early autumn offer clear views of the surrounding Alps. Winter is scenic with snow, but the famous Marienbrucke viewing bridge often closes due to ice. You can only see the inside of the castle on a guided tour, which lasts just thirty minutes. Many visitors find the quick indoor tour disappointing compared to the exterior views.

This massive stone amphitheatre stands in the center of Rome, just east of the Roman Forum. Completed in eighty AD, it is the largest standing structure of its kind. Visit in the shoulder months of April, May, September, or October. Summer temperatures inside the stone arena regularly exceed ninety degrees Fahrenheit with no shade. Scammers and aggressive street vendors crowd the plaza outside. Keep your belongings secure, as pickpocketing is common in the surrounding metro station.

This Catholic basilica has been under construction in Barcelona since 1882. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, it remains the tallest church building in the world. May, June, September, and October offer pleasant weather for exploring the surrounding city. The interior stained glass is most impressive in the late afternoon sun. Because construction is ongoing, parts of the building are blocked by scaffolding and cranes. The noise of drilling can sometimes be heard during your visit.

Located near the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the administrative and commercial hub of northern Finland. It is a modern city surrounded by dense forests and rivers. December through March is the prime season for snow activities and viewing the northern lights. Temperatures frequently drop below minus twenty degrees Celsius. Winter days are extremely short, with only a few hours of twilight in December. You will need high quality winter gear to spend any significant time outdoors.

Prague sits on the Vltava River and is home to one point four million people. It survived the world wars with its diverse architecture largely intact. May and September offer mild weather and manageable crowds. December is also popular for its traditional markets, though temperatures are near freezing. The narrow streets of the Old Town get extremely congested by midday. Tourist restaurants in the center often overcharge, so walk a few blocks away for local prices.

Tromso is a northern Norwegian city located on the island of Tromsoya. It features the largest collection of historic wooden houses in northern Norway. The period from October to March is best for catching the northern lights. Summer offers the midnight sun, but you will miss the winter scenery. Norway is exceptionally expensive, with high prices for food, alcohol, and lodging. The weather is unpredictable, and clouds can easily block your view of the northern lights.