As I was born in Germany, Europe was the first continent I explored. And while I have yet to explore every European country, I can say that is a rich continent.
Europe consists of 44 countries and can be divided into various regions. Every single country has its own traditions, dishes, and even architectural style. It is a continent with an ancient history, incredible architecture, stunning nature, and cuisines. Therefore it is no wonder that it is an amazing continent to explore.
Wander along old cobblestone streets in Germany, explore the Colosseum in Italy, hike in Norway, and eat paella at a beach in Spain. Alternatively, you can explore vibrant cities or see the Northern Lights in Scandinavia and Iceland. You are bound to find amazing things to do. The choice is yours!
─ Highlight ─
European Countries you have to visit
WESTERN EUROPE
- GERMANY
- FRANCE
- UNITED KINGDOM
- CZECH REPUBLIC
NORTHERN EUROPE
- ESTONIA
- FINLAND
- NORWAY
Things to know before you travel to Europe
Visa
Most countries that are part of the European Union are also a part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, getting a visa for one of the 26 Schengen countries allows you to cross the borders without having to obtain additional visas. The Schengen Visa allows a stay of 90 days within a 180 days period. There are visa exemptions for citizens of many countries, so it is best to check if you have to apply for a Schengen Visa.
All countries that are not part of the Schengen area have their own visa requirements. If you plan to travel to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Croatia, Romania, Turkey, and other countries in Eastern Europe, you should look up the requirements on the website of your nearest embassy.
Weekend Trips & City Breaks
There are so many incredible places to see in Europe. And if you are looking for a budget-friendly weekend getaway, it is hard to know which city is the best one.
And while I cannot tell you which one is best for you, you should find a perfect spot while browsing the weekend getaways series. There are over fifty amazing destinations and some of them are real hidden gems.
Hidden Gems
When to visit Europe
Europe is an amazing destination year-round that offers a large range of activities for every time of the year. In summer you can enjoy the amazing beaches and Mediterranean climate. In winter you can witness the stunning Northern Lights in Lapland or Iceland.
The European climate can vary a lot. So be sure to look up the best time to visit your dream destination.
Also, consider visiting popular locations during the shoulder seasons as prices tend to be lower. Furthermore, it means that you will be less likely to wait in long lines. Hereby, the summer shoulder season is usually mid-May to June and September to October.
If you are traveling in winter and do not mind missing out on the many Christmas Markets, it is best to avoid December to mid-January. After all, the holiday season is a popular time for European travelers, which leads to steep prices and crowds.
Bucket List Adventures in Europe
Cities to visit
- London
- Paris
- Venice
- Munich
- Lisbon
- Barcelona
- Helsinki
Things to see
- see the Tulip Fields in the Netherlands
- see the Northern Lights
- see magical Bluebell Forests
- see the Colosseum in Rome
- see a pink lake in Spain
activities
- go island hopping in Greece
- hike volcanos on the Canary Islands
- ski in the Alps
- hike in the Norwegian Fjords
- visit a Christmas Market
- dive in Gran Canaria
- wreck dive in Malta
Europe Travel Guide
Italy Bucket List – Don’t Miss Out On These Experiences
How to get to Gozo
Xlendi, Gozo – a Lively Seaside Town Full of Adventures & History
10 Days in Italy by Train – Explore the Highlights of Italy
The Best Restaurants in Gozo & Other Foodie Experiences
Is Malta worth visiting? Pros & Cons You have to Know
Austria Itinerary: 5 Days in Osttirol for Thrill-Seekers
