Are you dreaming of visiting Europe but aren’t sure where to go? Keep scrolling to check out my best Europe bucket list with items worth checking off!
This best Europe bucket list was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
What are the first places that come to mind when talking about a Europe bucket list? Traveling to Europe is a bucket list-worthy item on its own, but once you make it, choosing what to see and where to go can make things a whole lot trickier!
After all, the continent is made up of 44 entirely different countries, each with its unique charm, culture, and landscape. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to walled cities and gorgeous beaches, the options are endless.
Whether you’re visiting Europe for a week or have an entire year to dedicate to your trip, you will never really run out of things to do here.
If you’re in the plotting stages of your itinerary, though, chances are you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with options.
So, we decided to put together a well-rounded European bucket list with everything you should do during your time in the Old Continent!
The Ultimate Europe Bucket List
1. Road trip through Provence in France
One of the most beautiful things you can do in Europe is to drive through Provence.
This gorgeous area in France is as stunning as it gets, offering a wide array of cultural and outdoor activities and landscapes you won’t be able to stop taking pictures of.
In fact, the views here are so stunning that they actually inspired plenty of Van Gogh’s paintings!
A typical route you can take starts from the city of Marseille and goes to Aix-en-Provence.
The road will have you passing plenty of small villages and vineyards on rolling fields. During the spring, you will also see lots of lavender fields.
2. Taste wine in Tuscany, Italy
Set in northern Italy, Tuscany is one of Europe’s most iconic wine regions.
The entire area encompasses the Lugiran Coast, Marche, Umbria, Lazio, Liguria, and Emilia Romagna. Each of these is entirely different and worthy of being treated as a unique destination.
Throughout, you can make stops at plenty of vineyards for a taste of world-class wine and even partake in a wine tasting experience that highlights the region’s best flavors.
The wineries here produce many famous names like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile. But you will also be able to find lots of family-owned estates if a more local experience is what you’re after.
Aside from getting your fill of wine and learning about Tuscan wine, the area is also dotted with charming villages, farmhouses in the middle of nowhere, and several castles.
3. Explore Lake Bled, Slovenia
Located in the heart of the Julian Alps in Slovenia, Lake Bled will make you feel like you’re in a setting from a storybook!
This gigantic lake features emerald-green waters, and while that should be enough to convince you to visit, the real magic of it lies in the fact that there’s a tiny island in the middle where you’ll find a striking church.
As if that weren’t enough, if you look up to the hills above, you’ll also be able to spot a castle built on the edge of a cliff. This castle dates back to the early 1000s, but even though it’s as old as time, it has still managed to retain its original beauty.
4. Wander through Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
It’s not exactly a secret that Europe is home to plenty of villages that look like fairytales, and Cesky Krumlov may just be the prettiest of them all.
Made up of cobblestone streets and colorful houses that now house museums, coffee shops, and boutique shops, this lovely village in the Czech Republic is an absolute gem.
Moreover, a humongous castle towers over the village. It was built during the Middle Ages, and even though it has undergone renovations ever since, it still retains its original beauty.
You can freely explore the castle to imagine what life was like here back in the day.
Make sure not to miss out on checking out the garden, which contains a tiny labyrinth where dwarfs are believed to live under the mission of protecting the castle’s treasure!
5. Get your fairytale vibes on at Schloss Neuschwanstein, Germany
If seeing a real-life castle is part of your Europe bucket list, Schloss Neuschwanstein should be high up on your list of priorities.
Set amid mountains in the German Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular in Europe, and once you’re there, you’ll see exactly why that is!
In fact, Neuschwanstein was the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Magic Kindom.
You will want to spend a while outside to admire the castle’s facade backdropped by mighty mountains, but you can also go inside to explore its rooms.
Be sure to check out my Germany travel tips before you go!
6. Go skiing in St. Moritz, Switzerland
If you happen to be visiting Europe during the colder months, skiing in the snow-capped mountains of the Alps is worth being on your Europe bucket list.
While there are tons of ski resorts all over Europe, St. Moritz is the oldest on the continent. It has also been the host of two Winter Olympics.
The trails here are designed mostly for experts and intermediate levels, but you will also find a few for beginners in case it’s your first time.
Aside from its slopes, part of the allure of visiting St. Moritz is its apres ski culture. High-end dining, incredible bars, shopping venues, spas, and luxury hotels are all available in town.
For those seeking a unique adventure, consider dog sledding through the picturesque Swiss landscapes, which offers an unforgettable way to enjoy the winter scenery.
You may want to save up for this one, as this resort town is known for being quite expensive!
7. Visit a Christmas market in Germany
Visiting a Christmas market in Germany is something everyone needs to do at least once in their life.
After all, Germans sure know how to spread the holiday cheer, and Christmas markets are affairs as magical as they can get.
Beginning in late November, every single city, town, and village in the country hosts their very own Christmas market. There are twinkling lights, homemade treats, roasted chestnuts, and lots of mulled wine to get an idea of what the events are all about.
These markets make the festive season even more enchanting and are a must-visit for tourists visiting Germany during the holidays.
Some of the most popular Christmas markets to visit in Germany include the Dresdner Striezelmarkt, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, the Am Dom Market in Cologne, and the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt.
But you should be able to find one no matter where you are in Germany!
8. Get lost in the Azores
If you’re all about not-so-popular destinations and want to go somewhere in Europe that isn’t as obvious, the Azores in Portugal is a wonderful choice.
The Azores is an archipelago of 9 islands on the Atlantic Ocean between the American and European continents.
The geology of the island is quite unique. Once you land, you’ll find yourself inside a world of quirky volcanic formations, interesting flora and fauna, and rugged landscapes.
Don’t miss a visit to the Blue Lagoon, one of the Azores’ most iconic landmarks, where you can take in the pristine waters surrounded by lush greenery.
9. Drive the Golden Circle in Iceland
The Golden Circle is a gorgeous scenic drive in Iceland that will have you discovering some of the best this stunning island country offers.
The route is pretty short, at just 155 miles. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for with glorious landscapes and incredible stops to make.
There are three top sites to check out as you loop your way through the Golden Circle. The first is Thingvellir National Park to see the divide between the European and North American tectonic plates.
The second is Gullfoss, one of the most emblematic waterfalls in Europe. And finally, the Geyser area to see geysers blasting from the ground in full force.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during winter, keep an eye out for the northern lights, which often light up the Icelandic skies with their dazzling display of colors.
10. Enjoy the beaches of Krk in Croatia
Croatia is a country often overlooked by visitors to Europe, but it has plenty to offer and should be a must on everyone’s Europe bucket list.
One of the coolest destinations you’ll find in this country in the Baltics is Krk (yep, that’s how it’s spelled!).
This island on the northern Adriatic Coast offers gorgeous beaches, beautiful beaches, and a wide array of cultural and foodie options.
11. Gawk at the architecture in Granada, Spain
Even though castles, mountains, and cities may be the first things that pop to mind when you think of Europe, because the continent is so old, it contains plenty of history.
A great example of this is Granada, a place once conquered by the Moors and ruled by Arabs for centuries. This can be seen all over the city through its glorious Mudejar architecture.
The Alhambra is the most beautiful of them all. It was once a palace and fortress that today serves as one of the most iconic monuments of Islamic architecture, not just in Europe but the entire world!
During your visit, you can spend hours admiring its complex decoration, intricate patterns on walls, ensembles of pools, and lavish gardens.
The city’s charm doesn’t end there, though. Granada is also known for its amazing food scene, with local delicacies like tapas being a highlight for any visitor.
12. Walk amid the colorful streets of Burano, Italy
Located on Venice’s canals, Burano is a city that brims with colors.
This incredibly picturesque village is made up of tiny fishermen’s villages, all of which are splattered in different shades as bright as they can get and create a kaleidoscope of colors.
Aside from taking a ridiculous amount of pictures, Burano is also a great place to sample Italian seafood, with plenty of local eateries serving freshly caught dishes.
A gondola ride through the winding canals of Venice is also a must, as it provides a serene way to soak in the city’s unique charm.
13. See the Eiffel Tower sparkle
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, set aside time at night to visit the Eiffel Tower. That’s when you can see it sparkle, and it’s truly magical!
The Eiffel Tower light show takes place from sundown until 1:00 a.m., right on the hour. It sparkles for a full 5 minutes each time, but the best show is the one right at 1:00 a.m.
You can see it from anywhere around the Eiffel Tower, but it’s also extra cool to be inside it as it sparkles!
For a unique perspective, consider enjoying the light show while dining at a nearby café, indulging in Paris’s amazing food culture.
Read more: Instagrammable Paris Spots You Need to Visit
14. Have afternoon tea in London
One of the most iconic things to do in London is to enjoy afternoon tea at one of the many establishments in the city.
One of the most famous places to have afternoon tea in London is Harrod’s. It’s a department store that has been around for ages, and they have an incredible afternoon tea (including a children’s menu).
If you have extra time, consider exploring London’s street art, particularly in neighborhoods like Shoreditch, which adds a vibrant flair to the city’s charm.
15. Visit the Park Guell in Barcelona
One of the coolest things to do in Barcelona with kids is to explore Park Guell. It was designed by Gaudi, and it has a fantastic feel.
Here, you’ll find tons of colorful mosaics that will captivate people of all ages.
Park Guell is also a great spot to witness stunning sunsets over the city, making it an even more memorable experience.
It’s a really easy walk up to the scenic viewpoint, where you can get a gorgeous view of Barcelona. Don’t miss my other Barcelona travel tips!
16. Walk in the steps of gladiators at the Colosseum in Rome
No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Colosseum. It’s a massive structure that has been around for hundreds of years.
While you can easily take a selfie in front of it, you really should book a tour to go inside. I recommend doing a guided tour so you can learn what it was like to be a gladiator and a spectator.
Rome, often referred to as the eternal city, boasts other historical landmarks that are equally impressive, such as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are perfect for history enthusiasts.
Must-Do Europe Bucket List Wrap-Up
Of course, these are just some items to add to your Europe bucket list. Europe is home to countless natural wonders, historical landmarks, and activities that cater to every traveler’s preferences.
Whether it’s enjoying a gondola ride in Venice, hiking the Scottish Highlands, or marveling at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, there’s always something unique waiting to be discovered.
For those seeking adventure, dog sledding across the snow-capped mountains of Northern Europe or exploring a frozen lake in the Alps can provide unforgettable memories. If relaxation is more your style, soaking in the blue lagoon or indulging in local wine during a wine tasting tour in Tuscany offers a chance to unwind.
No matter where your journey takes you, Europe’s blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and vibrant experiences make it one of the best destinations for travelers of all ages.
Start planning your adventure today! You can even add these destinations to your toddler’s travel bucket list!
Looking for more Europe Travel Resources? Check out my kid-friendly London itinerary, kid-friendly Paris itinerary, how to visit Germany on a budget, Europe travel tips, how to plan a trip to Europe, Paris vs London, Italy or Spain, and tips for visiting Rome!
