Europe has some jaw-dropping destinations, including one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The strategic location of the country, rich heritage and stunning natural landscapes place it high on the travel agendas of many tourists. Start planning your dream holiday destinations in Europe, where you get a tapestry of possibilities waiting to be discovered.
Check out below in this blog to uncover some of the best European holiday destinations, where you can visit this year. Read and learn about the places to visit and the various activities to engage in, which will make your holiday memorable.
12 Best Holiday Destinations in Europe
Here are the 12 best holiday destinations in Europe that you can visit to enjoy a splendid holiday.
Namur, Belgium
If you are looking for a city break, then Namur is a standout choice, the capital city of the Wallonia region. Situated at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers. The picturesque scenery surrounding Namur, which was one of Europe’s mightiest fortresses. One can also enjoy the Walloon festival, which is celebrated in the month of September.
Places to Visit in Namur
- Musee Provincial Felicien Rops
- Citadelle de Namur
- Eglise Catholique Saint-Loup
- Cathedral Saint Aubin
- Citadelle de Dinant
Things to Do in Namur
- Witness the stunning collection of the Belgian graphic artist, Felicien Rops in Musee Provincial Felicien Rops.
- Visit Citadelle de Namur, where you can explore the green spaces and stunning viewpoints from its top.
- Marvel at one of the most elegant monuments of Namur, Eglise Catholique Saint-Loup.
- Gaze at the spectacular late Baroque style of the Cathedral Saint Aubin.
- Travel to Citadelle de Dinant where one can witness stunning views of the surroundings.
- Savour the mouthwatering dishes of Bali, enjoying their unique flavours and tastes.
Best Time to Visit in Namur
The best time to visit Namur is between May and September.
Flight Duration from the UK to Namur
Approximately 1 hour to 4 hours.
Porto, Portugal
Travel to the vibrant city of Porto, renowned for its port wine, ancient churches, elegant eateries and green spaces. It is best to travel either during the spring or early fall to get pleasant weather for exploring the city comfortably. Also, make sure to feast on some of the mouthwatering cuisines like Francesinha, Caldo verde, Bolinhos de bacalhau and many more, to obtain the regional taste and flavors.
Places to Visit in Porto
- Porto Cathedral
- Torre dos Clerigos
- Palacio da Bolsa
- Livraria Lello
- Mercado do Bolhao
Things to Do in Porto
- Visit one of the oldest monuments of Porto, Porto Cathedral, housing Romanesque monuments.
- Make a visit to the symbol of Porto, Torre dos Clerigos, testifying to the rich history of Porto.
- Marvel at the neoclassical monument, Palacio da Bolsa, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Visit one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal, Livraria Lello.
- Take a walk across the Mercado do Bolhao, where you can explore various products.
Best Time to Visit in Porto
It is best to visit Porto either in spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October).
Flight Duration from the UK to Porto
Approximately 2 hours to 6 hours.
Riga, Latvia
This year, spend a romantic holiday in the capital of Latvia, Riga. Immerse yourself in the medieval vibe of the fairytale-like Old Town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering you a stunning site to explore with your loved ones. There are a number of iconic places dotted around the city that will help you spend an amazing holiday. You can also enjoy the Ligo and Summer Solstice Festival if your dates align with the dates of the festival.
Places to Visit in Riga
- House of the Blackheads
- The Freedom Monument
- Riga Central Market
- Plac Ratuszowy
- St. Peter’s Church
Things to Do in Riga
- Take a glimpse into the rich history of Riga by visiting the House of the Black Heads.
- Visit the Freedom Monument, which is an important landmark of Latvia signifying sovereignty, independence and freedom.
- Explore one of the largest marketplaces of Eastern Europe, Riga Central Market.
- Travel to the heart of Riga to Plac Ratuszowy, highlighting a blend of local charm, culture and history.
- Pray at one of the holiest sites of Riga, highlighted with Catholic traditions at St. Peter’s Church.
Best Time to Visit in Riga
It is best to visit Riga during the summer season, which typically lasts from June to August.
Flight Duration from the UK to Riga
Approximately 2 hours to 5 hours.
Copenhagen, Denmark
This year, take a short-haul trip to the capital of Denmark, a city renowned for its varied landscape. The city offers a myriad of unique experiences that cater to the varied interests and preferences of tourists. The iconic galleries around the city help in showcasing art in various forms, attracting art lovers from different parts of the world. One can also experience the annual cultural festival of Copenhagen, Golden Days, which will take place in September 2025.
Places to Visit in Copenhagen
- Tivoli Gardens
- Rosenborg Castle
- The Round Tower
- Amalienborg Palace
- National Museum of Denmark
Things to Do in Copenhagen
- Spend time walking amidst the green Tivoli Gardens and also enjoy their wooden roller coaster ride.
- Explore the spectacular treasures of the royal family preserved for over 400 years at Rosenborg Castle.
- Visit the oldest functioning observatory building in Europe, the Round Tower.
- Watch the changing of the Royal Life Guard every day at Amalienborg Palace.
- Step back in history by exploring the National Museum of Denmark, showcasing valuable historical artefacts and treasures.
Best Time to Visit in Copenhagen
It is best to visit Copenhagen between June and August.
Flight Duration from the UK to Copenhagen
Approximately 2 hours.
Colmar, France
Situated in the Grand Est region of Northeastern France, Colmar is a must-visit town showcasing its picturesque Atlassian town and a unique blend of French and German architectural styles. Take a walk around the old town, which holds the whispers of history. You can also experience the Festival International de Colmar, which stands as one of Europe’s top 10 festivals.
Places to Visit in Colmar
- Unterlinden Museum
- Musee Bartholdi
- Maison Pfister
- Choco Story Colmar
- Grand Rue
Things to Do in Colmar
- Step back 7,000 years by exploring the precious collections stored at the Unterlinden Museum.
- Gaze at a wide collection of sculptures, models and sketches housed at Musee Bartholdi.
- Visit Maison Pfister, the first example of Renaissance architecture and witness mural paintings, octagonal turrets and many more.
- Explore the Choco Story Colmar, testifying over 4000 years of chocolate and cocoa via flavour, pictures and words.
- Take a walk at the popular street of Grand Rue lined with half-timber houses, offering a medieval feeling.
Best Time to Visit in Colmar
It is best to visit Colmar from April to June and August to October.
Flight Duration from the UK to Colmar
Approximately 2 hours to 5 hours.
Prague, Czech Republic
Step into the world of stunning Baroque and Gothic architecture, Prague, offering you a break from your monotonous life. Explore the iconic landmarks around the city, reflecting timeless elegance and also enjoy art, literature and classical music. Besides being one of Europe’s best preserved cities, it also hosts an amazing festival, the Prague Spring Festival, which is a top-tier classical music fest, attracting a large number of tourists.
Places to Visit in Prague
- Charles Bridge
- Prague Castle
- Old Town Square
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Prague Zoo
Things to Do in Prague
- Walk over the medieval stone arch bridge, Charles Bridge, situated over the Vltava River.
- Visit Prague Castle, which houses precious historical documents, art, treasures and relics.
- Take a walk at Old Town Square, which is an iconic spot of Prague, highlighting Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic architecture.
- Pray at the largest and most significant temple of Prague, St. Vitus Cathedral.
- Spend an amazing time in the Prague Zoo, which houses over 5049 animals.
Best Time to Visit in Prague
It is best to visit Prague between May and September.
Flight Duration from the UK to Prague
Approximately 2 hours to 4 hours.
San Sebastian, Spain
Planning for a beach vacation this year, you can fly to the capital of the Basque Country, San Sebastian. This destination is an ideal spot for beach lovers, as the destination is renowned for pristine beaches, stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine. You can also take a walk down the streets of the Old Town of San Sebastian, which holds historical and cultural significance and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Places to Visit in San Sebastian
- San Telmo Museum
- Miramar Jauregia
- Beach of La Concha
- Mount Urgull
- Kuroko Andre Mariaren Basilika
Things to Do in San Sebastian
- Explore the oldest museum of San Sebastian, San Telmo Museum, which houses the collection of Basque society.
- Spend time wandering at the lavish gardens and stunning panorama from Miramar Jauregia.
- Take a stroll through the stunning beach of La Concha and have an amazing time.
- Climb at the top of Mount Urgull to gain amazing views of the city.
- Explore the Koruko Andre Mariaren Basilika, which has both striking interiors and exteriors.
Best Time to Visit in San Sebastian
The best time to visit San Sebastian is between June and September.
Flight Duration from the UK to San Sebastian
Approximately 2 hours to 8 hours.
Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg, also known as “Little London”, because of the industrialisation process that took place back in the 1800s, is now a popular tourist destination. Presently, the vibrant nightlife of this destination will fascinate you, as you drink cocktails or craft beers and spend time at the energetic bars and nightclubs. In the month of August, one can also experience Way Out West, a music and film festival, on their Gothenburg vacation.
Places to Visit in Gothenburg
- Liseberg
- Gothenburg Botanical Garden
- Slottsskogen
- Skansen Kronan
- Gothenburg Museum of Art
Things to Do in Gothenburg
- Spend an amazing time at the amusement park, Liseberg.
- Walk amidst a stunning collection of 16000 plant species at Gothenburg Botanical Garden.
- Visit Slottsskogen, where you will find a unique blend of cultural experiences and nature.
- Take a trip to Skanses Kronan, an old fortification, from where you can find a stunning view of the city.
- Gaze at the world's finest collection of the late 19th-century at the Gothenburg Museum of Art.
Best Time to Visit in Gothenburg
The best time to visit Gothenburg is May and September.
Flight Duration from the UK to Gothenburg
Approximately 2 hours to 4 hours.
Azores, Portugal
Spend an incredible holiday in the Azores, boasting vibrant culture, unique ecosystems and mesmerising scenery. The island holds great historical significance associated with the Cold War, as it played a crucial role in establishing a military presence. You can also spot a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the archipelago, which helps you take a dive into the past. Some of the popular festivals that you can witness are Mare de Agosto Festival, Day of the Azores, Holy Spirit Festival and many more.
Places to Visit in Azores
- Santa Maria
- Sao Miguel
- Pico
- Faial
- Terceira
Things to Do in Azores
- Explore the stunning churches of Florence, built in Gothic style at Santa Maria.
- Spend time exploring the stunning landscapes of Sao Miguel.
- Go wine tasting at Pico, which is renowned for wine production.
- Visit Capelinhos volcano on your trip to Faial.
- Travel to the UNESCO-listed city of Terceira to witness its timeless elegance reflected in its buildings.
Best Time to Visit in Azores
It is best to visit the Azores between June and September.
Flight Duration from the UK to Azores
Approximately 4 hours to 10 hours.
Seville, Spain
Take a break from your monotonous routine and fly to Seville to spend an astounding holiday this year. This destination offers you a glimpse of both the ancient and modern world, along with a plethora of activities to indulge in. The city is studded with stunning architecture, flamenco and monuments, which attracts many tourists to visit this place. One of the most international fiestas that takes place in Seville is Feria de Abril, which offers you a blend of traditions, music and colors.
Places to Visit in Seville
- Royal Alcazar of Seville
- Plaza de Espana
- Setas de Sevilla
- La Giralda
- Catedral de Seville
Things to Do in Seville
- Explore the oldest royal palace of Europe, the Royal Alcazar of Seville, a UNESCO site.
- Take a walk at the popular square of Seville, Plaza de Espana, where one can find a number of stunning architectural buildings.
- Visit the largest wooden structure of the world, Setas de Sevilla, which is 29 meters tall.
- Explore the immortal Spanish gem, La Giralda, a 104-meter-tall bell tower.
- Pray at the largest Gothic cathedral of the world, the Cathedral de Seville.
Best Time to Visit in Seville
It is best to visit Seville in the months of May, June and September.
Flight Duration from the UK to Seville
Approximately 3 hours to 9 hours.
Athens, Greece
Plan a visit to the Cradle of Western Civilization, Athens, which is also the capital of Greece, to spend a memorable vacation. Take a dive into the rich heritage of the various sites holding historical significance. There are numerous points of interest around Athens, offering a mythical feeling. You can enjoy the Epidaurus festival, which is one of the most celebrated cultural events of Greece.
Places to Visit in Athens
- Acropolis of Athens
- Acropolis Museum
- Parthenon
- National Archaeological Museum
- Athens National Garden
Things to Do in Athens
- Step back into the old history of Athens by exploring the Acropolis of Athens.
- Witness the stunning artefacts from the Acropolis archaeological site at the Acropolis Museum.
- Offer your prayers at the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess of wisdom, Athena.
- Visit the largest archaeological museum in Greece, the National Archaeological Museum.
- Take a walk in the 19th-century landscape architecture of the Athens National Garden.
Best Time to Visit in Athens
The best time to visit Athens is during fall (September to October) and late spring (May).
Flight Duration from the UK to Athens
Approximately 4 hours to 6 hours.
Brussels, Belgium
Get ready to travel to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and houses towering Gothic cathedrals, unique Flemish art and Art Deco taverns. Around Brussels, one can witness modern street art and Gothic architecture. You can also savor delicious cuisines, offering you a taste of local flavors. There are also several UNESCO World Heritage Sites located around the destination, steeped in rich history and standing as a testament to the past.
Places to Visit in Brussels
- Atomium
- Grand Place
- Parc du Cinquantenaire
- Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
- Royal Palace of Brussels
Things to Do in Brussels
- Visit Atomium, which is a monumental structure built back for the Brussels World Fair.
- Explore one of the most beautiful squares of the world at Grand Place.
- Walk around the cluster of museums holding over 350,000 artefacts at the Parc du Cinquantenaire.
- Go shopping at the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, covered with a huge glass dome.
- Visit the official palace of Belgium, where the king and queen reside.
Best Time to Visit in Brussels
It is best to visit Brussels from March to May and September to October.
Flight Duration from the UK to Brussels
Approximately 1 hour to 4 hours.
Conclusion
This year, spend an amazing holiday at any one of the popular destinations around Europe. Whether you are looking for a city getaway or a romantic destination or aim for an ode to gastronomic delight, Europe caters to a wide number of tourists. As you have a limited time period, you are advised to blend cultural exploration, thrilling adventures and diverse culinary offerings.
Prepare an itinerary and set out to one of the above-mentioned destinations for enjoying a memorable holiday. In case you are facing an issue in choosing the destination, you can take a look at your travel packages. You can also tailor your own packages by consulting our travel expert, who will design an itinerary for you based on your preferences and budget.
FAQs
What is the best country to visit in Europe for vacation?
Some of the best countries to visit in Europe for enjoying a vacation are Portugal, Spain, Greece, France and many more.
Which are the best European cities for vacation?
Some of the best European cities for vacation are Porto, Namur, RIga, Seville and many more.
What is the best beach destination in Europe?
The best beach destinations in Europe are Riga, Brussels, Athens and many more.
