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Living rent free on the bucket lists of zealous travelers around the world, Europe is a destination that needs no introduction.
It is undeniably one of the best vacation spots in the world, with iconic landmarks, for families, friend groups, or solo travels, with gorgeous beaches, and historic cities sprinkled across its vast and varied landscapes. Although massive, traveling through Europe is one of the fastest ways to experience a variety of different cultures and countries in a single trip. But where do you even start?
Wanderu is here to help you build an itinerary chock full of exciting destinations without the excruciating price tag. On the Wanderu app, you can find cheap bus and train travel across Europe, and it’s one of the only places where you can compare and book each leg of your journey on the same platform.
With a sunny summer predicted, there’s no better time to head over to “the Old Continent” and cross these European destinations off your bucket list. Read on to discover the places you absolutely must visit in Europe before you die.
1. Rome, Italy
All roads lead to Rome. It was true in the days of the Roman Empire, and it’s still true today — probably because Roma is one of the best cities to visit in Europe.
Rome is as romantic as it is historic, with haunting ruins, world-famous landmarks and plenty of spots to indulge in a little vino and a lot of pasta. The city is home to some of the most recognizable European landmarks, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Vatican… the list goes on and on, with plenty of activities for adults or those visiting Rome with kids.
There is so much to see and do in Rome that you may be tempted to spend your whole trip here – and you easily could! If you hang out all year, you might even get to see snow in Rome. But there’s a lot more to discover beyond the “Eternal City.” Once you’re ready to move on, you can make your way to more top Italian destinations or other culturally significant cities across Europe.
Skip-the-Line Vatican & Sistine Chapel
Embark on a skip-the-line journey through art and history at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Explore at your own pace, free from lengthy ticket queues or crowds.
Book your trip:
| Pisa to Rome | $24.26 | |
| Milan to Rome | $21.95 | |
| Paris to Rome | $80.22 | |
| Frankfurt to Rome | $99.58 |
2. London, England
Make your way across the pond and experience the vibrant city of London. Like Rome, you’ll find plenty here in the way of history and iconic landmarks to fill your London itinerary. Exciting sites await around every corner, from the regal Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to the spirited neighborhoods and bustling street markets that dot the city.
Those interested in history should make a beeline for the British Museum, and those looking to spend some time like a local can wander through the city’s parks and impressive gardens.
Even though it’s on an island, you can easily travel between London and mainland Europe without hopping on another plane. This will save you some serious cash that you can use for extra pints at the pub or one last serving of fish and chips.
Book your trip:
| Bristol to London | $5.29 | |
| Birmingham to London | $8.83 | |
| Manchester to London | $12.74 | |
| Glasgow to London | $67.49 | |
| Paris to London | $143.43 |
3. Paris, France
Paris is amongst the most popular travel destinations in Europe, and it’s beloved for a good reason. The tree-lined boulevards and cute riverside cafes are straight out of a movie, and the multitudes of museums and famous landmarks are sure to keep you busy whether you’re in France for a weekend or a full week.
Obviously, sites like the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées are a must, but there are so many hidden gems in Paris begging to be explored. Visit the beautiful, star-studded Père Lachaise Cemetery, or search for treasures at Les Bouquinistes, a unique market with all sorts of mementos stretching along both sides of the Seine. With so many activites and a distinctly romantic vibe, Paris is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe, any time of year!
Book your trip:
| London to Paris | $57.82 | |
| London to Paris | $233.49 | |
| Frankfurt to Paris | $75.01 | |
| Stuttgart to Paris | $72.98 | |
| Barcelona to Paris | $55.97 |
4. Barcelona, Spain
From the outside, Barcelona may appear just like any other major European city. It’s popular, it’s big and boisterous, and it’s no stranger to “top 10” lists touting all of the city’s best aspects. But it’s hard to overstate just how special this beautiful Spanish city really is.
Barcelona has its own unique culture, cuisine, and language: Catalan. Don’t worry, Spanish and English are still widely spoken. In addition, Barcelona has a reputation as one big outdoor playground. There’s the whimsical park Park Güell, fabulous flea markets around every turn (check out El Encants) and even a beach in the center of the city! Check out one of Barcelona’s panoramic views towards the start of your trip to find more unique places to visit across the city.
Even if the weather isn’t ideal, there are plenty of great indoor activities in Barcelona, too. Tour La Sagrada Família, one of the most unique attractions in Spain, or wander through the palaces at the Picasso Museum. All in all, Barcelona should be on everyone’s bucket list in Spain.
Book your trip:
| Pineda de Mar to Barcelona | $10.96 | |
| Santa Susanna to Barcelona | $13.06 | |
| Girona to Barcelona | $19.49 | |
| London to Barcelona | $101.93 |
5. Prague, Czech Republic
You can’t compare Prague to other top European travel destinations, and that’s because it is truly in its own league. It’s the only major city in Eastern Europe that avoided total destruction during WWII, so the ancient cathedrals, sprawling castles, and medieval town square are all one-of-a-kind.
Prague gives big fairytale vibes, and you can soak it all in as you see the sites. Marvel at the ornate astronomical clock in the Old Town Square, meander across the lovely Charles Bridge and then cool off with a pint (or three, we’re not judging) of Czech beer from a historic pub or beer hall. Prague is also one of the best European cities to visit in December, when you can peruse Christmas Markets and enjoy the festive decor.
Bernard Spa with Beer and Massage
Relax in Bernard’s beer bath, a Czech specialty that rejuvenates your body and mind. Enjoy unlimited beer, a private tub, a heated bed, and an optional massage.
Book your trip:
| Frankfurt to Prague | $42.25 | |
| Warsaw to Prague | $32.49 | |
| Berlin to Prague | $38.77 | |
| Bad Schandau to Prague | $33.57 | |
| Herzogenrath to Prague | $128.91 |
6. Athens, Greece
Island hopping Greece is sure to be on more than a few bucket lists out there, and Athens is at the top of the list when planning a vacation to Greece. But don’t you dare simply pass through on your way to beach destinations!
Athens can hold its own, even when you take the islands out of the equation. There are dozens of ancient archeological sites to discover, like the easily recognizable hilltop Acropolis and the Parthenon. Wander eclectic neighborhoods lined with colorful street art, or enjoy upmarket rooftop bars to take in the incredible views of this hilly city.
If you’re not already sold on Athens, consider the food scene. Fresh seafood, Mom and Pop tavernas, and classic souvlaki are available all over town. You can get your fill at dirt-cheap street food stalls, fine dining establishments, and everywhere in between.
Book your trip:
| Sofia to Athens | $56.91 | |
| Plovdiv to Athens | $55.52 | |
| Bucharest to Athens | $72.34 | |
| Thessaloniki to Athens | $85.82 |
7. Kotor, Montenegro
Searching for hidden gems in Europe that have yet to become overly touristy? Welcome to Kotor! Tucked along the scenic shores of the Bay of Kotor, this Balkan beauty is one of the most underrated European towns.
There are so many things to do in Kotor! It’s the perfect place for summer shenanigans, with gorgeous hiking trails, a beach and plenty of water sports available to help keep you cool. The city itself also offers up plenty of entertainment. The Old Town is where a lot of the action takes place, so take your time as you wander past historical monuments, an abandoned-monastery-turned-bazaar and the old fortress walls that still surround this area.
Book your trip:
| Dubrovnik to Kotor | $26.83 | |
| Neum to Kotor | $28.01 | |
| Belgrade to Kotor | $34.59 |
8. Munich, Germany
While it’s best known for its beer and Oktoberfest, Munich is a cultural powerhouse that deserves to be explored — even if you’re not a fan of the golden stuff!
The best way to get a feel for this German gem is by wandering the streets. Stroll past the postcard-perfect Marienplatz and catch a glockenspiel show at the clock tower. Visit the city’s oldest farmers market (Viktualienmarkt) and stop for a cold pint at the Hofbräuhaus: the 3-floor beer hall that hosts Oktoberfest each year. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can indulge in some classic Bavarian cuisine like pork knuckles, Weisswurst (sausage) or soft pretzels with sweet mustard.
Book your trip:
| Frankfurt to Munich | $33.16 | |
| Kassel to Munich | $34.34 | |
| Vienna to Munich | $50.03 | |
| Berlin to Munich | $83.25 | |
| Paris to Munich | $88.95 |
9. Warsaw, Poland
Most tourists skip Poland entirely. Don’t be like most tourists! There are so many things to do in Warsaw, making it one of the best places to visit in Europe. And it’s one of the cheapest European capitals to boot!
The city dazzles visitors with its dizzying array of beautiful parks, eye-catching architecture and a slew of museums in Warsaw that paint a picture of this city’s tumultuous past and exciting future. Highlights include the meticulously reconstructed Old Town, the lovely Wilanów Palace, and the Warsaw Barbican: fragments of the fortification that once surrounded the city.
Warsaw is perhaps the most up and coming European travel destination, so get here before the hordes of tourists realize what they’ve been missing!
Book your trip:
| Wrocław to Warsaw | $23.32 | |
| Berlin to Warsaw | $40.28 | |
| Tallinn to Warsaw | $59.75 | |
| Budapest to Warsaw | $61.04 | |
| Prague to Warsaw | $64.56 |
10. Brussels, Belgium
Bite-size Brussels is the perfect European city for those wanting to see and do a lot in a short amount of time, making it a top choice in any Belgium travel guide. The city is small in size and easily walkable, allowing you to explore all its nooks and crannies at your leisure.
Spend a day or two admiring the impressive architecture at Grand Place and the small alleyways that stretch beyond it, and then head out on some day trips to other impressive cities like Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp if you have the time.
Brussels is also a great stop for foodies, and you’ll find plenty of places to indulge. From Belgian waffles and chocolate to delicious double-fried frites, you certainly won’t go hungry here!
Book your trip:
| Paris to Brussels | $22.96 | |
| London to Brussels | $35.53 | |
| Lyon to Brussels | $53.73 | |
| Prague to Brussels | $96.06 | |
| Madrid to Brussels | $103.03 |
The diversity between countries, the abundance of sparkling cities, and the beautiful beaches that stretch from coast to coast make Europe one of the best vacation spots in the world. Whether you’re wining and dining in Rome or cruising in the Bay of Kotor, there are so many fabulous variations of a European holiday.
Travel between destinations is easier than it’s ever when you book buses & trains on Wanderu. You can even visit a whopping 15 European capitals for under $400! You can thank us later.
