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Ireland Castle

Europe Travel Guide

Europe is one of the more popular travel destinations in the world due to it’s cultural heritage, beautiful scenery, and lavish lifestyles. It’s impossible to tour Europe in one trip let alone ten, but we can at least give some popular destination spots to check off your bucket list.

The incredible scenic views around Termas de Outariz are sure to take your breath away.

Termas de Outariz (Hot Springs) – Ourense, Spain

While visiting the capital of Galicia, Ourense, in northwestern Spain, stop by Termas de Outariz, a Japanese inspired hot spring. Boasting fourteen relaxing pools, a comprehensive treatment center, and an impressive sushi restaurant, this unique hot spring facility is sure to help you unwind. Hot Spring Pools Geothermally heated mineral water emerges from the source …

Termas de Outariz (Hot Springs) – Ourense, SpainRead More

European Countries to Visit

Most countries lie within the European Union (EU) and share a common currency, the Euro. This makes passage within the region easier and multi-country holidaying a reality. Europe is also well connected via a complex, but simple network of trains. Efficient travel combined with fewer trips to the currency exchange counter equal more time and money saved.

Hallstatt, Austria

Austria Travel Guide

Mir Castle, Belarus

Belarus Travel Guide

Grote Markt, Antwerp, Belgium

Belgium Travel Guide

Cathedral Saint Alexander Nevski, Bulgaria

Bulgaria Travel Guide

Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Republic Travel Guide

Legoland in Denmark

Denmark Travel Guide

London, England

England Travel Guide

The Cathedral at sunset in Helsinki, FInland

Finland Travel Guide

France Travel Guide Mont Saint Michel Normandy

France Travel Guide

Berlin cathedral, Germany

Germany Travel Guide

Shipwreck Beach, Zákynthos, Greece

Greece Travel Guide

Ilulissat, Greenland

Greenland Travel Guide

Seljalandsfoss waterfall - Iceland

Iceland Travel Guide

Cliffs by the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Ireland Travel Guide

Positano in Campania, Italia

Italy Travel Guide

Malbun, Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein Travel Guide

Fontvieille in Monaco

Monaco Travel Guide

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Netherlands Travel Guide

The Lofoten Islands, Norway

Norway Travel Guide

Old Town Krakow, Poland

Poland Travel Guide

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail at Praia da Corredoura, Portugal

Portugal Travel Guide

Brasov, Romania

Romania Travel Guide

Red Square in Moscow, Russia

Russia Travel Guide

Eilean Donan castle, Scotland

Scotland Travel Guide

Roman Catholic cathedral in Seville, Spain

Spain Travel Guide

Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden Travel Guide

Interlaken, Switzerland

Switzerland Travel Guide

Inside Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey Travel Guide

Dormition Cathedral, Ukraine

Ukraine Travel Guide

Map of European Countries

European Countries and Capitals

Vienna Austria Night Street Life
Street life in Vienna, Austria. Photo by: Pedro Szekely
Country Capital
Austria Vienna
Belgium Brussels
Bulgaria Sofia
Czech Republic Prague
Denmark Copenhagen
England London
Finland Helsinki
Germany Berlin
Greece Athens
Greeland Nuuk
Iceland Reykjavík
Ireland Dublin
Italy Rome
Lichtenstein Vaduz
Monaco Monaco
Netherlands Amsterdam
Norway Oslo
Poland Warsaw
Portugal Lisbon
Romania Bucharest
Russia Moscow
Scotland Edinburgh
Spain Madrid
Sweden Stockholm
Switzerland Bern
Turkey Ankara

Welcome to Europe!

Ireland Castle
Castle in Ireland.

Sophistication, history, wealth, and wild — Europe has it all. Long admired by travelers, there is an attraction for everyone in Europe. As the second smallest continent, falling just in front of Australia, Europe crams a lot into a little. The continent’s cultural history alone is abundant. When topped with fine art and culinary masterpieces — Europe is irresistible.

Epic Chronicles

Europe’s history is far too long to sum up in a few paragraphs. However, travelers are frequently drawn to the ancient world’s greatest feats. Epic showdowns have occurred in Europe where West meets East as cultures clash and ideologies collide. In some places, like Turkey, the mix of both cultures is prominent on the street. Germany was divided by West and East with the Berlin Wall lasting from 1961 to 1989.

Fck the System Street Art at Berlin Wall Cemetery
Thierry Noi Art – Berlin Wall Cemetery. Photo by: The-JMG

Yet, Europe’s history isn’t all about show downs. This continent is well-known for the British monarchy, ancient democracy in Greece, and the Enlightened art in Italy. Throughout all the periods of time, Europe has found ways to keep thriving. Plagues and wars have tried to stand in the way but no matter the obstacle, Europe continues to thrive.

The Four Stars

Millions of people visit Europe each year. Though, there are four top countries that stand out from the other nations. France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom top the list as Europe’s most visited countries. Tens of millions of travelers flock to these four nations to experience the art, culture, food, and history.

Unsurprisingly, France comes in at number one on the list with Paris as its most visited city. Iconic is the only way to describe the City of Lights, whose remarkable landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. As a city packed with small cafes and romance in the street, Paris fuels the soul.

Paris Eiffel Tower Night Rhone River France
Eiffel Tower, Seine River, France. Photo by: barnyz

Outside of Paris, France’s most visited areas include Normandy and the Southern region. Travelers from the United States are most familiar with Normandy because of World War II and the battleground beaches. Aside from a dark past, highlights in Normandy include Mont-Saint Michel and Étretat.

French Riviera Postcard
French Riviera. Photo by: nicolas Vasse

Southern France is a playground for the rich and famous. In this area of the country, the French Riviera is widely sought for its wealthy resort towns like Cannes and Saint-Tropez. In the quiet areas of the south, away from the glitz and glam, travelers can explore the Southern Alps or sniff lavender in Provence.

France’s southern border meets Spain, which happens to be the continent’s second most visited country. Barcelona is the must-see city in Spain, where guests can visit important landmarks like the Bascilica de la Sagrada Familia or Park Güell. Gaudi’s architecture is a major draw for tourists as his creations make the buildings come to life.

Oil Painting of Sagrada Familia at Night in Spain
Oil painting of Sagrada Familia, Spain. Photo by: Arturo Espinosa

Madrid is another hotspot destination in Spain. The city is filled with art, museums, and elegant boulevards. The Prado Museum holds works of art by Spanish masters and in the Royal Palace and Armory, you can view antique weapons. On the streets, the Plaza Mayor is the place to be when you aren’t strolling through parks like the Buen Retiro.

Alcazaba, Malaga, Spain
Alcazaba of Málaga, Spain. Photo by: Anne Helmond

One of Spain’s best regions to visit is Andalusia on the Southern Coast. Seville and Granada are the two most popular towns. Both towns have historic landmarks like a castle and Moorish quarter. Alhambra is Granada’s go-to spot, which is a preserved Moorish fort and a big attraction in Andalusia.

Following Spain, Italy is the most visited country on the European continent. Icons like the Roman Empire, Vatican, and Renaissance masterpieces have put Italy on the map. Rome is the country’s capital and most visited city.

Colosseum in Italy with Road leading up to lined with cars
Rome Colosseum, Italy. Photo by: Kirk K

Once the stronghold of the Roman Empire, Rome’s ancient landmarks include the Parthenon and Colosseum. The Vatican is also in Rome, though it’s city is officially an independent state. One also can’t forget the city’s fountains, which are used as receptacles for tossed coins. The Trevi Fountain is the prime spot to toss your coin.

Florence and Venice are Italy’s two other great cities. They are renowned for their art and canals. The epicenter of Renaissance art, Florence displays masterpieces by Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. Michelangelo’s “David” also stands tall in Florence.

Leonardo Da Vinci In front of the Royal Château d'Amboise
Leonardo Da Vinci sculpture in front of the Royal Château d’Amboise, Italy. Photo by: christian GRELARD

Venice is world-famous for its watery canals, bridges, and Gothic architecture. Tourists can hire a boat to explore the canals or hit the streets to see the Piazza San Marco square. The Venice Carnival is a popular event that is held annually before Easter.

Finally, Europe’s fourth most visited country is the United Kingdom. Technically, the UK is comprised of four countries that form a union. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are a part of this union. However, England draws in the most visitors.

England is undeniably famous for London, it’s epic history, and still reigning monarchy. The Queen is a tourist attraction as visitors are eager to see Buckingham Palace. Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London are also tourist attractions that are closely associated to the Crown.

Cheapside, London, England
Cheapside, London, England. Photo by: barnyz

London’s other iconic landmarks are the Big Ben Clock Tower and London Eye. The Thames River runs throughout the city with the banks being a popular place to walk and view the skyline.

The Alps

Situated in Central Europe, the forever iconic Alps are a place of wonderment. If you’re looking for a picturesque mountain holiday, look no further than a myriad of distinct countries and mountain cultures. They are located within:

  • northern Italy
  • southern France
  • Switzerland
  • Slovenia
  • Austria
  • Germany
  • Liechtenstein
Sunrise on the Eiger mountain from Grindelwald, Swiss Alps
Sunrise on the Eiger from Grindelwald, Switzerland. Photo by: Peter Coughlan

From high class watches and fine milk chocolate, to ringing cowbells and towering mountains, Switzerland has its fair share of iconic stereotypes. The Alps strategically divide the country making domestic travel here an absolute delight for the senses.

With the steep vertical rises high above the valley floors, and the wicked, winding alpine passes, it’s as of a pretty place to be in Europe as they come. The Swiss know how to cater too so expect top notch, timely service across the board.

Far in the North

Northern Europe boasts some of the countries most remote landscapes of snow and ice. In this region, the Nordic countries dominate. Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Iceland are the five Nordic nations. Three of these nations also comprise Scandinavia.

Scandinavia consists of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Together, the three countries share cultures, history, and somewhat similar languages. Comfort is key in Scandinavia, but so is not standing out from the crowd. Excess is frowned upon here.

People in Copenhagen Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo by: Luca Sartoni

Though try as they might, the three Scandinavian countries do stand out from the crowd as their frosty landscapes are perfect for winter wonderland adventures. From snowcapped peaks, deep lakes and jagged rocks, Scandinavia is beautiful. Even under blankets of thick snow.

While Finland and Iceland aren’t a part of Scandinavia, they are Nordic. Finland is most famous for Helsinki. A modern city with neoclassical vibes. Iceland is mostly remote, but a recent boom in eco-tourism has sprung up because of the country’s green way of life. Legendary landscapes also entice visitors to bundle up and head to Iceland.

Iceland Island Shoreline
Iceland. Photo by: Raphael Panhuber

Off The Beaten Trail

Additional highlights in Europe include cities in nations that receive fewer visitors than the popular hotspots. Still, these destinations deserve their chance to shine. As you’re touring Europe, you might want to take the time to explore great cities like Berlin, Prague, Moscow, and Istanbul.

Hagie Sophia Instanbul Turkey
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by: Pedro Szekely

Each city has a different feel, which demonstrates Europe’s diversity. Never a dull moment, travelers will love to explore these mega metropolises and learn their unique stories.

Never-ending Europe

Europe can’t be traveled in one tour. Even the most epic tours will miss the nooks and crannies. As a traveler, you shouldn’t rush through Europe. Instead, take the time to enjoy the cities, explore the land, and learn the history.

The best part about Europe is returning. The continent awaits and whether it is your first trip or your hundredth, Europe seeks to amaze.

Latest in Europe

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