Travel Guides

The 15 Best Places to Visit in Europe

Europe has so much to offer, from top-tier hotels to stunning landmarks and rich art scenes. Find the best places to visit in Europe here. 

By 

Todd Plummer

 |  February 4, 2025

For centuries, travelers have looked to Europe for its timeless elegance and historic appeal. The food, the fashion, the hospitality — there’s a reason so many luxury brands hail from this part of the globe, from the finest watches to the best wines. Today Europe remains one of the world’s great destinations for discerning travelers, offering some of the best luxury experiences in the world, as well as moments of cultural authenticity that cannot be beaten. There’s a lot to see and a lot to choose from. Here, we’ve hand-selected some of the best places to visit in Europe to help you plan your next trip. 

The 15 Best Places to Visit in Europe

Is Europe Worth Visiting?

Absolutely yes. There is a lifetime’s worth of travel to be had here, whether you’re focusing on the grande-dame cities that have shaped the course of world history or you’re looking for quieter locales off the beaten track. Europe offers a treasure trove of experiences, including Michelin-starred dining and some of the most opulent hotel accommodations worldwide. By any measure — whether you’re looking for quick trips or longer explorations — Europe is a fantastic place to visit. 

When Is the Best Time to Visit Europe?

The best time to visit Europe is any time. Okay, clarification: Certain destinations shine a little brighter at certain times of year than others. Spring and fall are perfect to visit the major cities like London, Rome, Florence, and Paris, when the weather tends to be on the milder side. In the summer months, the world’s most fabulous travelers make their way to the Mediterranean, where destinations like the French Riviera, Spain’s Balearic Islands, the Amalfi Coast, and the Greek islands offer fabulous beaches and some of the best yacht experiences in the world. 

In the colder months, Europe transforms into a charming winter wonderland, with Christmas markets that are great for souvenir shopping and ski resorts in the Alps that offer some of the best winter sports in the world. Each season presents its own distinct charm, and you’ll find that some of the best places to visit in Europe are fantastic at any time of year. 

Is Europe Safe?

Luxury travelers often put safety and discretion above all else — and few continents are as prepared to receive top travelers in this way as Europe. In fact, the continent constantly ranks as one of the safest destinations in the world. Luxury hotels here, in particular, are especially suited to receiving the most discreet of guests, with special on-demand amenities like private entrances and in-room check-ins away from prying eyes. As with any destination, you will always want to remain aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, but as a rule, Europe is generally a very safe place to visit. 

What Are the Best Places to Visit in Europe?

Below, you’ll discover the best European destinations for every type of traveler. Need help getting there? Travel in style by flying with one of the top-rated private jet companies.

London, United Kingdom

For tea, theater, and museums

Many people consider London to be the center of the universe and for good reason: This is one of the world’s great cities and is a global capital of food, culture, history, theater, art, and luxury. The list goes on and on. Treat yourself to bespoke tailoring at any of the iconic clothiers of Savile Row, spend an afternoon getting lost in the iconic department store Selfridges, then try and score an invite to one of the city’s exclusive members clubs for a memorable evening. There is no shortage of luxury five-star hotels here — whether you prefer the old-meets-modern charm of the Corinthia London, the opulence of the Raffles London at The OWO, or The Goring Hotel, a known favorite of the royal family. Explore our selection of the best luxury hotels in London for more stay options.

Paris, France

For haute cuisine and that je ne sais quoi

There’s nothing like Paris. This French city is a global capital of good taste and the ultimate destination for lovers of men’s and women’s fashion and art. The Ritz Paris is widely considered to be one of the world’s finest expressions of luxury hospitality, and the Hôtel de Crillon is known for hosting the most elegant of society functions (read a complete list of iconic properties in our guide to the best luxury hotels in Paris). Don’t shy away from things that feel touristy here — even the touristy things in Paris are worthwhile, whether it’s admiring the world’s masterpieces at the Louvre or visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower. The city has undergone a bit of a glow-up since hosting the Paris 2024 Olympics, so there’s never been a better time to visit. 

Rome, Italy

For history lovers

Every day in Rome feels like a celebration. Travelers from around the world gather here to wander through the streets, which feel like a living museum, thanks to the mind-boggling abundance of historical sites and artifacts here. Marvel at the craftsmanship of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, then head over to Via Condotti for some of the best luxury shopping in the world. Come nightfall, the best places to be are this city’s fabulous rooftop bars and restaurants — Hotel Eden, part of the Dorchester Collection, has a great one — where you can watch the sun set over centuries-old rooftops. When you’re here, the energy of this ancient city feels as current and electric as ever.

Monaco

For over-the-top opulence

This gem of a city — one of the world’s smallest countries, actually — is synonymous with international glamour. If you’re interested in luxury yachts, exclusive gastronomy, and Belle Epoque architecture, this is one of the best places to visit in Europe. Come at the beginning of summer and you can observe the Monaco Grand Prix, an exclusive and exciting motor racing event. Between black-tie affairs and Michelin-starred dinners, make sure to pencil in some time for a visit to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, which boasts a world-class collection of sea fauna and sea-related objects. 

Swiss Alps

For skiers and the spa lovers who travel with them

There is no shortage of fabulous skiing across Europe’s Alps, the mountain range that spans parts of France, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, and Germany — but Switzerland is the alpha and omega of luxurious experiences when it comes to winter sports. Make your way to St. Moritz, where fantastic events like White Turf horse racing and the Snow Polo World Cup ensure that even nonskiers have plenty to do while they’re here, and the lavish hotels like Badrutt’s Palace and the Kulm Hotel have mind-meltingly fantastic spas. Other popular areas include locals’ favorite Andermatt (which is part of Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass network, and where you should book a room at the exclusive Chedi Andermatt), Verbier, which has some of the best skiing in the country, and Davos, where the World Economic Forum holds its annual meeting each January. 

Venice, Italy

For a step back in time

Canals, gondolas, Renaissance-era palazzos — Venice is unlike any other city in the world and remains one of travelers’ most cherished destinations in all of Europe. This is an especially important destination if you’re interested in art and architecture, in part because the biannual Venice Biennale is one of the global art market’s most important expositions. Post up at a café, order a Negroni and some cicchetti small plates, and enjoy the people watching. When it comes to accommodations, consider booking a room at the storied Belmond Hotel Cipriani — it’s accessible only via private boat. How fabulous is that?

Stockholm, Sweden

For design aficionados 

One could say that all of Europe embodies an old-meets-new mentality, but few cities do it as well as Stockholm. This city has spawned important movements in the worlds of furniture and design, whether that’s global brands like Ikea or Hästens, the handcrafted mattress preferred by the ultra-wealthy. There is a fantastic avant-garde fashion community here as well. Check into the Grand Hôtel Stockholm and enjoy the waterfront views — it’s ideally situated to experience contemporary art at the Moderna Museet and the memorable Avicii Experience, if you’re a fan of electronic music. 

Mallorca, Spain

For Mediterranean sunshine

Dramatic shorelines, hidden coves, and towns buzzing with energy — if partiers go to Ibiza, then true travelers go to nearby Mallorca. Located in the Balearic Isles, a quick flight from the Spanish mainland, Mallorca offers both relaxation and adventure, with plenty of beaches designed for enjoying the Mediterranean sun and hiking trails on the island’s interior. For a luxurious stay, check out the Hotel Can Simoneta, a seasonal adults-only boutique hotel spread across three charming (and renovated) 19th-century country houses. 

Montenegro

For a low-key summer hideaway

Sometimes true luxury means being away from the crowds. While the rest of the Mediterranean can feel hopelessly jam-packed during the peak summer months, activity in Montenegro seldom rises above a gentle buzz. Each summer, Tivat Airport offers direct flights to major European cities like London and Zürich, as well as international connections through Dubai and Istanbul. The hotel that put Montenegro on the map for international travelers is Aman Sveti Stefan, a restored 15th-century village with a high degree of privacy. If you’re looking for a rugged coastline with crystal-clear Adriatic waters and a sense of discreet luxury (and easy access to the major ports of Croatia if you’re arriving via yacht), then consider this stunning destination in eastern Europe. 

Vienna, Austria

For black-tie balls and Christmas markets

If you’re looking for cultural encounters, Vienna is a great place to start. As winter starts to arrive, the city becomes home to famed Christmas markets where all sorts of locally produced artisanal goods make for charming, fitting souvenirs to bring home. Another thing that makes Vienna so enticing in the winter is the seemingly endless lineup of balls — grand black-tie occasions for dancing and live music, many of which sell tickets to the public. There are a few great hotels here, the most emblematic one being the grand Hotel Sacher, known for its opulent interiors as well as its Sacher Torte, a dense chocolate cake that pairs well with chilly Viennese nights.

Barcelona, Spain

For art, tapas, and Catalonian culture

Design, culture, and the Mediterranean coalesce beautifully in this seaside Spanish city. It’s one of the most visited places in Europe, but don’t let that deter you — Barcelona is a magical city that has so much to offer. Visually, it is striking, thanks in large part to its most iconic architect, Antoni Gaudí, whose whimsical Sagrada Familia church and Park Güell evoke a sense of awe. The medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter feel like a step back in time, and the city’s waterfront location means that luxurious yacht and sunny beach day trips are always in the cards. Make sure to eat your fill of delicious tapas in this culinary capital, and for a classic stay, consider booking a room at El Palace Barcelona, the city’s grande-dame hotel with a stunning rooftop.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

For canals, art, and contemporary cuisine

Waterways are a part of everyday life in Amsterdam, a beautiful city where a labyrinthine network of canals weaves around 17th-century architecture. The renowned Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum house some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, yet both museums have a more intimate feeling than some of the grander museums you’ll find in London or Paris. There is a fantastic gallery scene here as well, in case you’re looking to add some contemporary European pieces to your collection. If you’re visiting in the springtime, rent a bike and experience Amsterdam’s cycling culture with an afternoon ride out to the tulip fields. There are plenty of wonderful hotels here, too, ranging from historic grande dames like the De L’Europe to more contemporary offerings like the Conservatorium. 

Lisbon, Portugal

For a romantic, under-the-radar European favorite

Alright, Lisbon isn’t exactly an unknown European destination, but compared with the amount of foot traffic that some other cities experience, the Portuguese capital still feels relatively untapped. Lisbon has done a remarkable job at maintaining the historic character of its neighborhoods — from the luxury boutiques and cobblestoned streets of Chiado to the bohemian enclave and nightlife center of Bairro Alto. Book a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, where most rooms come with a private terrace overlooking some of the city’s popular views and landmarks. Lisbon is also a great home base to experience before you delve into this small country’s diverse regions — whether that’s wine tasting in Porto up north or visiting the beautiful beaches in the Algarve to the south. 

Champagne, France

For Champagne, of course

There are so, so many different wine regions to explore across Europe, but perhaps the most famous and the most instantly recognizable is Champagne, known for producing the finest sparkling wines the world has ever known. There are several maisons that welcome visitors, including Krug and Perrier-Jouët. Stay at Domaine Les Crayères, part of the Relais & Chateaux network, where each room offers serene views of the surrounding 17 acres of verdant parkland. 

The Scottish Highlands

For a rugged yet luxurious country escape

Come experience Scotland at its most unspoiled and pristine, and discover why the United Kingdom’s royal family has made this their summer retreat of choice since the 19th century. This is a choose-your-own-adventure type destination, whether that entails a hike up Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, or in-depth whisky tours through the region’s famed distilleries like The Macallan, Dalwhinnie, and Glenfiddich. Stay at Gleneagles, a legendary society hotel that caters to all sorts of civilized outdoor pursuits, such as horse riding, shooting, and off-road driving. 

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