Ultimate Bucket List: 100 Incredible Places to Visit in Europe Before You Die

Europe

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Creating the perfect Europe bucket list can feel overwhelming with so many incredible destinations to choose from.

We’ve done the hard work for you by curating 100 must-see places for your Europe bucket list.

100 Incredible Places to Visit in Europe Before You Die

Paris in France Couple

1. Paris, France: The City of Light features the Eiffel Tower, world-class museums, sidewalk cafés, and unmatched romantic atmosphere.

2. Rome, Italy: The Eternal City showcases ancient wonders like the Colosseum, Vatican treasures, and layers of history.

3. London, England: Dynamic capital blending royal heritage with modern innovation, iconic landmarks, and world-class theater.

4. Barcelona, Spain: Catalonian capital featuring Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, beautiful beaches, and incredible food scene.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Canal city famous for historic architecture, world-class museums, and laid-back cycling culture.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

6. Athens, Greece: Historic capital showcasing ancient wonders including the Acropolis, Parthenon, and birthplace of democracy.

7. Prague, Czech Republic: Fairy-tale capital with medieval architecture, castle views, and some of Europe’s most beautiful buildings.

8. Florence, Italy: Renaissance birthplace featuring world-famous art, cathedral dome, and unparalleled cultural treasures.

9. Vienna, Austria: Imperial capital renowned for palace complexes, classical music heritage, and coffeehouse culture.

10. Venice, Italy: Floating city built on canals, featuring gondola rides, incredible architecture, and timeless Italian romance.

Venice in italy

11. Berlin, Germany: Dynamic German capital featuring rich history, world-class museums, and iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate.

12. Madrid, Spain: Spain’s dynamic capital featuring world-class museums like the Prado, vibrant tapas culture, and beautiful parks.

13. Lisbon, Portugal: Charming hilltop capital with colorful trams, historic neighborhoods, stunning viewpoints, and vibrant cultural scene.

14. Munich, Germany: Bavarian capital famous for Oktoberfest, stunning architecture, beer gardens, and proximity to Alpine adventures.

15. Milan, Italy: Fashion and design capital featuring the magnificent Duomo cathedral, La Scala opera house, and world-class shopping.

Milan Duomo Italy

16. Budapest, Hungary: Stunning capital divided by the Danube, featuring thermal baths, parliamentary grandeur, and vibrant nightlife.

17. Stockholm, Sweden: Beautiful Nordic capital built on 14 islands, featuring colorful Old Town, royal palaces, and innovative design.

18. Santorini, Greece: Volcanic island with iconic blue-domed churches, whitewashed villages, and incredible sunsets over the Aegean Sea.

19. Swiss Alps, Switzerland: Mountain range offering pristine peaks, alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and world-renowned skiing.

20. Tuscany, Italy: Rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, medieval hilltop towns, world-class wineries, and Renaissance art.

Manciano Tuscany Italy

21. Amalfi Coast, Italy: Coastline of dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and azure waters along southern Italy’s most beautiful stretch.

22. Norwegian Fjords, Norway: Dramatic landscapes carved by ancient glaciers, featuring towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and emerald waters.

23. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Medieval walled city on the Adriatic coast, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” with stunning coastal views.

24. Mykonos, Greece: Cosmopolitan paradise known for pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and stunning Cycladic architecture.

25. Cinque Terre, Italy: Five colorful clifftop villages connected by scenic hiking trails along the Italian Riviera.

Manarola In Cinque Terre in Spring

26. Blue Lagoon, Iceland: Geothermal spa with milky blue waters set against a dramatic volcanic landscape, offering ultimate relaxation.

27. Nice, France: Glamorous French Riviera destination with stunning Mediterranean coastline, elegant promenades, and vibrant markets.

28. Zurich, Switzerland: Sophisticated Swiss city offering pristine lakes, snow-capped mountain views, luxury shopping, and charming Old Town.

29. Porto, Portugal: Enchanting riverside city famous for port wine, stunning azulejo tiles, historic center, and romantic Douro Valley.

30. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany: Fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney, perched dramatically in the Bavarian Alps with stunning views.

Famous Neuschwanstein Castle with scenic mountain landscape near

31. Edinburgh, Scotland: Historic capital featuring dramatic castle views, medieval Old Town, and vibrant festival culture.

32. Bruges, Belgium: Perfectly preserved medieval city with romantic canals, cobblestone streets, and exceptional chocolate and beer.

Bruges, Belgium

33. Krakow, Poland: Beautifully preserved medieval city with stunning main square, castle complex, and poignant historical significance.

34. Seville, Spain: Passionate Andalusian capital famous for flamenco dancing, stunning cathedral, and enchanting Moorish architecture.

35. Reykjavik, Iceland: Vibrant Nordic capital offering Northern Lights viewing, geothermal pools, and gateway to Iceland’s natural wonders.

36. Copenhagen, Denmark: Charming Scandinavian capital featuring colorful Nyhavn harbor, royal palaces, and innovative Nordic design.

37. Capri, Italy: Glamorous Mediterranean island featuring the luminous Blue Grotto, upscale boutiques, and stunning coastal scenery.

Best Island to Visit in Italy - Capri

38. Alhambra, Granada, Spain: Magnificent Moorish palace complex showcasing Islamic architecture and lush gardens in Andalusia.

39. Istanbul, Turkey: Transcontinental city bridging Europe and Asia, featuring Byzantine and Ottoman treasures, vibrant bazaars, and rich cultural heritage.

40. Versailles, France: Opulent palace showcasing French royal grandeur with magnificent gardens and world-famous Hall of Mirrors.

41. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: Sixteen terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, creating a natural wonderland of turquoise and emerald waters.

Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

42. Pompeii, Italy: World-famous ancient Roman city preserved in volcanic ash, offering an incredible glimpse into daily life 2,000 years ago.

43. Loire Valley, France: Château country featuring magnificent castles, world-class wines, and romantic river landscapes.

44. Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland: Europe’s highest peak offering world-class mountaineering, skiing, and alpine adventures.

45. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland: Dramatic sea cliffs rising 700 feet above the Atlantic, offering breathtaking coastal views.

46. Dolomites, Italy: Dramatic mountain range offering spectacular hiking, climbing, and some of Europe’s most beautiful alpine scenery.

Lake of Braies in the Dolomites Italy

47. Lapland, Finland: Ultimate Arctic experience combining Northern Lights viewing with reindeer encounters, ice hotels, and authentic Sami culture.

48. Provence, France: Idyllic region famous for lavender fields, charming villages, Mediterranean cuisine, and artistic heritage.

49. Lake Bled, Slovenia: Fairy-tale lake with a church-topped island, medieval castle perch, and pristine Alpine setting.

50. Hallstatt, Austria: Picture-perfect lakeside village in the Alps, often called the world’s most beautiful small town.

View of famous Hallstatt mountain village in the Austrian Alps a

51. Ring of Kerry, Ireland: Spectacular scenic drive through Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, featuring mountains, lakes, and coastal views.

52. Bavaria, Germany: Picture-perfect region of Alpine meadows, fairy-tale castles, traditional beer gardens, and charming villages.

53. Isle of Skye, Scotland: Mystical island featuring dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.

54. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland: Geological marvel of perfectly hexagonal basalt columns created by ancient volcanic activity.

55. Crete, Greece: Largest Greek island offering ancient Minoan ruins, pristine beaches, and dramatic mountain landscapes.

Balos Lagoon in Crete

56. Toledo, Spain: Medieval hilltop city showcasing Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage in stunning architectural harmony.

57. Scottish Highlands, Scotland: Rugged landscapes of mountains, lochs, and glens, steeped in history and breathtaking natural beauty.

58. Lake Como, Italy: Glamorous Alpine lake surrounded by elegant villas, charming towns, and dramatic mountain backdrops.

59. Salzburg, Austria: Mozart’s birthplace showcasing baroque architecture, alpine setting, and rich musical heritage.

60. Meteora, Greece: Ancient monasteries dramatically perched atop towering rock pillars, creating an otherworldly spiritual landscape.

Meteora Greece

61. Lyon, France: Gastronomic capital of France featuring Renaissance architecture, vibrant food scene, and beautiful confluence of two rivers.

62. Bordeaux, France: Elegant wine capital featuring stunning 18th-century architecture, world-renowned vineyards, and sophisticated French culture.

63. Valencia, Spain: Vibrant Mediterranean city famous for paella, stunning City of Arts and Sciences, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

64. Mallorca & Ibiza, Spain: Stunning Balearic Islands offering pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, charming villages, and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.

65. Mont Saint-Michel, France: Medieval abbey on a tidal island, one of Europe’s most photographed landmarks and architectural marvels.

Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France

66. Sardinia, Italy: Mediterranean paradise featuring pristine beaches, ancient nuraghe ruins, rugged mountains, and unique Italian island culture.

67. Zakynthos, Greece: Ionian island famous for Shipwreck Beach, blue caves, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

68. Bath, England: Elegant Georgian city famous for ancient Roman baths, stunning architecture, and Jane Austen heritage.

69. Sicily, Italy: Largest Mediterranean island featuring Mount Etna volcano, ancient Greek temples, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage.

Cefalu Sicily Italy

70. Lake District, England: Inspiring landscape of lakes and mountains that captivated poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge.

71. Lofoten Islands, Norway: Arctic archipelago featuring dramatic peaks rising directly from the sea, traditional fishing villages, and midnight sun.

72. Chamonix, France: Alpine adventure capital nestled beneath Mont Blanc, offering world-class skiing, mountaineering, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

73. Annecy, France: “Venice of the Alps” featuring crystal-clear lake, charming canals, and stunning mountain backdrop.

74. Innsbruck, Austria: Alpine capital offering world-class skiing, Olympic heritage, and stunning Tyrolean mountain setting.

Innsbruck Austria

75. Portofino, Italy: Glamorous Italian Riviera fishing village and celebrity hotspot with colorful houses and luxury yachts.

76. Faroe Islands, Denmark: Remote archipelago featuring dramatic cliffs, grass-roof houses, and some of Europe’s most pristine nature.

77. San Sebastian, Spain: Basque culinary capital featuring world-class pintxos bars, beautiful beaches, and stunning Belle Époque architecture.

78. Azores, Portugal: Volcanic archipelago offering hot springs, crater lakes, and some of Europe’s most pristine nature.

79. Ronda, Spain: Dramatic hilltop town perched on cliff edges, featuring historic bullring and breathtaking gorge views.

Ronda Spain

80. Segovia, Spain: Medieval city featuring magnificent Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale Alcázar castle, and rich Spanish heritage.

81. Ljubljana, Slovenia: Charming capital featuring fairy-tale castle, dragon bridges, and vibrant riverside culture.

82. York, England: Historic walled city with stunning Gothic cathedral, medieval streets, and rich Viking heritage.

83. Kotor, Montenegro: Medieval coastal town nestled between dramatic mountains and pristine bay waters.

Kotor, Montenegro

84. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic: Perfectly preserved medieval town with fairy-tale castle and charming riverside setting.

85. Split, Croatia: Historic Adriatic city built around Diocletian’s ancient Roman palace, offering stunning coastal views and rich heritage.

86. Pena Palace, Portugal: Colorful Romantic palace showcasing eclectic architecture in mystical Sintra hills.

87. Lake Garda, Italy: Italy’s largest lake featuring charming lakeside towns, dramatic mountain backdrops, and romantic Mediterranean atmosphere.

88. Carcassonne, France: Spectacular medieval fortress city with perfectly preserved walls, towers, and ancient streets.

The Medieval Citadel of Carcassonne

89. Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland: Spectacular Alpine valley featuring 72 waterfalls and dramatic mountain walls.

90. Preikestolen, Norway: “Pulpit Rock” offering one of the world’s most dramatic cliff-top viewpoints above Lysefjord.

91. Verona, Italy: Romantic city of Romeo and Juliet featuring stunning Roman amphitheater, medieval architecture, and charming piazzas.

92. Ghent, Belgium: Medieval gem featuring stunning Gothic architecture, picturesque canals, and vibrant cultural scene.

93. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Historic city famous for its iconic Ottoman bridge and multicultural heritage.

Most Underrated Countries in Europe to Visit

94. Jungfraujoch, Switzerland: “Top of Europe” accessible by scenic railway, offering glaciers, snow activities, and panoramic Alpine views.

95. Tallinn, Estonia: Perfectly preserved medieval Baltic capital with cobblestone streets, ancient walls, and charming Old Town atmosphere.

96. Sintra, Portugal: Romantic town featuring fairy-tale palaces, lush gardens, and mystical atmosphere in the Portuguese hills.

97. Matera, Italy: UNESCO World Heritage cave city featuring ancient sassi dwellings carved into limestone cliffs, creating a unique prehistoric landscape.

98. Madeira, Portugal: Subtropical island paradise known as the “Island of Eternal Spring” with dramatic landscapes and levada walks.

99. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: Perfectly preserved medieval town that looks like it stepped out of a fairy tale.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany

100. Malta: Mediterranean gem featuring ancient temples, crystal-clear waters, and fascinating Knights of Malta history.


Ready to Start Your European Adventure?

These 100 destinations represent Europe at its absolute best.

From world-famous capitals to hidden gems, this list ensures you experience the continent’s most incredible places.

Looking for more Europe travel tips? Check out these essential guides:

Browse our complete collection of Europe travel guides and destination tips on our blog.

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Jolene Ejmont

Originally from South Africa, now living in Australia, Jolene is a wife and a mother to three beautiful daughters. Together with her family, she is embarking on a journey towards changing her current stress-filled life to one focusing on her dreams and her passion for travel. She wants to share her stories in the hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams!