Austria
Austria holds a special place in my heart as it was the first country I visited on a self-organised trip. It’s famous for its classical music heritage, stunning alpine skiing resorts, and its rich coffeehouse culture. And if you visit during winter, make sure to check out the Christmas markets in Vienna, some of the most popular and magical in Europe.
Here are some of the top places you won’t want to miss:
- Vienna – the capital city of Austria, famous for its imperial palaces and historic cafés
- Salzburg – Mozart’s birthplace, known for its baroque architecture and the beautiful Old Town
- Innsbruck – Alpine city famous for skiing and stunning mountain views
- Hallstatt – A picturesque lakeside village, surrounded by mountains and ancient salt mines
- Wachau Valley – known for its vineyards and gorgeous Danube River views
Bulgaria
Bulgaria, a small, beautiful country in Eastern Europe, is my home country. It is famous for its rich history, stunning nature, high-quality rose oil and delicious yoghurt. It’s a very affordable destination, perfect if you’re looking for places off the beaten path.
Here are some of the most popular places:
- Sofia – the capital city, known for its Roman ruins and Soviet-era architecture
- Plovdiv – famous for its well-preserved Roman Theatre and charming Old Town
- Koprivshtitsa – a picturesque town with well-preserved 19th-century Bulgarian Revival architecture
- Veliko Tarnovo – the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, famous for its medieval fortress, Tsarevets
- Nessebar – a picturesque coastal town with ancient ruins and cobblestone streets
Czechia
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is best known for its beer. As the birthplace of Pilsner, it leads the world in beer consumption per capita! The country is also famous for its Bohemian crystal, picturesque cities and castles.
Here are some places you shouldn’t miss:
- Prague – the capital city and one of the most magical cities in Europe
- Český Krumlov – a fairy-tale town with a stunning castle
- Karlovy Vary – famous for its thermal springs and spa traditions
- Karlštejn Castle – one of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic
- Kutná Hora – home to the famous Sedlec Ossuary, known as the Bone Church
France
France is one of the most visited countries in the world, attracting millions of tourists each year. The country is known for its fabulous food, wine, rich history, magnificent architecture and, of course, its world-famous fashion brands.
Some of the must-visit destinations include:
- Paris – the capital city known for its rich cultural heritage, art and cuisine
- Loire Valley – the region is famous for its stunning châteaux (castles) such as Château de Chambord
- Alsace – a region, filled with scenic vineyards and picturesque towns with half-timbered houses
- Provence – a picturesque region famous for its lavender fields, vineyards and charming villages
- French Riviera – a beautiful Mediterranean coastal area, featuring cities like Nice and Saint-Tropez
Germany
Germany is known for its fairy-tale castles, Christmas markets and its beer culture. Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich, is the world’s largest beer festival, attracting millions of visitors. For the best Christmas markets, head to Cologne, Berlin, Munich and Nuremberg.
Some of the most visited destinations include:
- Berlin – the capital city, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene and diverse architecture
- Munich – famous for its beer gardens and the annual Oktoberfest celebration
- Dresden – a city, renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture
- Rhine Valley – a popular destination for river cruises, known for its picturesque vineyards and fairytale castles
- Neuschwanstein Castle – the most famous castle in Germany
Hungary
Hungary, located right in the heart of Central Europe, is one of the most beautiful and affordable countries to visit in the region. It’s known for its thermal baths and its wine, especially the sweet white Tokaji.
Here are some of the most popular spots to visit:
- Budapest – the country’s capital, famous for its stunning architecture and hot thermal springs
- Szentendre – a picturesque town on the banks of the Danube, known for its colourful baroque houses and cobbled-stone streets
- Visegrád – home to Visegrád Castle, offering panoramic views of the Danube Bend
- Eger – the birthplace of Hungary’s famous Bull’s Blood wine
Italy
Italy’s rich history, art and delicious cuisine make it one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The country is also a global fashion hub, featuring top brands like Gucci and Prada. The Vatican City, the spiritual centre of the Catholic Church, is located right in the heart of Italy.
Some of the most popular destinations are:
- Rome – the capital city of Italy, is packed with iconic sights like the Colosseum and the Vatican
- Florence – the cradle of the Renaissance, full of masterpieces in art and architecture
- Venice – known for its canals, Venice is one of the world’s most unique cities
- Amalfi Coast – stunning coastline with beautiful beaches, cliffside villages and scenic views
- Tuscany – famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and historic towns like Siena and San Gimignano
Netherlands
The Netherlands is famous for its iconic windmills, colourful tulip fields and charming canals. It’s also the birthplace of the traditional wooden clogs and world-famous painters like Van Gogh.
Some of the most popular places to visit are:
- Amsterdam – the country’s capital city, known for its beautiful canals and historic canal houses
- Zaanse Schans – a picture-perfect village famous for its windmills, wooden houses, clogs, and Dutch crafts
- Keukenhof and the tulip fields – one of the Netherlands’ most iconic sights in spring
- Giethoorn – a charming “Dutch Venice” village with canals, little bridges, and thatched-roof houses
- Kinderdijk – a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its historic windmills surrounded by Dutch countryside
Portugal
Portugal is famous for its port wine, Fado music, azulejos (beautiful blue tiles), stunning palaces and picturesque beaches. Once considered a hidden gem, it is now becoming a popular European destination.
Some of the must-visit destinations include:
- Lisbon – the capital city, home to the stunning Jerónimos Monastery
- Sintra – a charming town, known for its fairy-tale Pena Palace
- Cascais – a coastal town, renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches
- Porto – famous for its port wine and the historic Ribeira district with its picturesque narrow streets and colourful buildings
Spain
Known for its Art Nouveau architecture, flamenco, tapas and Sangría, Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Its stunning Mediterranean beaches and beautiful islands like Ibiza and Mallorca attract thousands of tourists every summer.
Some of the most popular destinations to visit are:
- Madrid – the capital city of Spain, home to the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the largest palaces in Europe
- Barcelona – famous for its architectural masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí, including the iconic Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
- Granada – home to beautiful Alhambra Palace, an exquisite example of Islamic architecture
- Seville – known for its stunning Moorish architecture
- Palma de Mallorca – the largest among the Balearic Islands with sandy beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom (UK) consists of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It’s famous for stunning coastlines, charming countryside villages, medieval castles, and historic landmarks.
Some of the most popular places to visit are:
- London – the country’s capital and the seat of the British royal family
- Stonehenge – the massive stone circle, dating back over 4,000 years, is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments
- Cotswolds – this region is renowned for its charming villages with stone cottages, such as Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Castle Combe
- Edinburgh – Scotland’s most charming medieval city
- Isle of Skye – a breathtaking island with dramatic landscapes and rugged coastlines
I love all of your information. We are looking to go skiing and either Switzerland, Italy, or France between Christmas and New Year’s… Any places you would suggest?
Thank you so much, Lexi! I’m afraid skiing isn’t really my area of expertise, so I don’t have any personal recommendations I’d feel confident giving. I’d definitely look into the Dolomites in Italy, though – they’re beautiful and have some fantastic ski resorts.