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10 Unforgettable things to do in Europe in 2026
Edinburgh, Athens, Venice, Paris, Amalfi, and Santorini are home to the best things to do in Europe, but there’s much more to explore in the Old Continent.
Europe is one of the best travel destinations in the world, thanks to its blend of cultures, historical landmarks, and different lifestyles across the continent. One of the best things about it is – being so compact and well connected – you are always just a short flight away from every amazing touristic gem.
From sunny beaches in Greece, Italy, and Croatia to exploring the cold Swiss Alps, there’s always something for each traveler to explore, and we prepared the 10 best things to do in Europe.
Plus, we have the perfect travel companion, the Holafly eSIM for Europe, to help you book hotels and flights, translate danke to English, or simply use Google Maps to get to your next must-see destination.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
1. Watch the sunset in Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of the most iconic villages in Greece, with its famous white houses and blue rooftops making it a popular destination for many tourists.
But Santorini became famous for more than its iconic rooftops and houses. Red Beach and Kamari Beach are two ideal spots to enjoy the volcanic landscape, or you can go directly to Oía to enjoy that iconic Santorini sunset.
Aside from hunting the sunset and visiting beaches, don’t miss the chance to go on a wine tasting tour at traditional cave wineries.
- How to get there: Ferry from Athens (5-8 hours) or flight (45 minutes)
- Best sunset spots: Oía castle ruins, Imerovigli, or sunset cruise
- Time needed: 2-3 days minimum
- Best time: May-June or September-October (avoid July-August crowds)
- Budget tip: Stay in Fira for more affordable options
2. Explore the Eiffel Tower and Paris
A European bucket list without visiting the Eiffel Tower? Doesn’t sound like a plan, as the Dame de Fer is definitely a must-visit spot during your trip, and you can opt for a second-floor or summit visit.
But there’s more to explore in Paris, such as taking a cruise through the Seine River and exploring the different Parisian neighborhoods, or relaxing at the Champ de Mars with an afternoon picnic.
Also, since you’re in Paris, don’t forget to visit other iconic landmarks, such as the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées. Or go for a day trip from Paris to Giverny or Château de Fontainebleau, or maybe explore fascinating museums.
- How to get there: Metro lines 6, 8, 9 to Trocadéro or Bir-Hakeim to the Eiffel Tower
- Ticket cost: €14.80-36.70
- Time needed: 2-3 hours for visiting the Eiffel Tower, a full day for exploring Paris
- Best time: Evening-night for the Eiffel Tower, all day for exploring Paris
- Travel tip: Book timed entry tickets weeks ahead
3. Witness the Northern Lights in Iceland
The volcanic landscapes mixed with the Arctic skies create an otherworldly destination everyone traveling to Europe should visit, especially nature lovers.
Watching the Northern Lights is one of the best things to do in Europe, but after arriving in Reykjavik, there’s much more to explore. The Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and the city’s art street are among the best things to do near Reykjavik.
And if you want to embark on a day trip, visiting the black sand beaches, like Reynisfjara, or ice caves, like the Catla Ice Cave, can’t be left aside.
- How to get there: Fly to Reykjavík
- Best time: September-March
- Where to see: Away from Reykjavík light pollution, Northern coast
- Time needed: 5-7 days minimum
- Travel tip: Rent a car, check aurora forecasts daily, take warm clothes
4. Take a gondola ride in Venice
A gondola ride in Venice is one of the most famous European tourist attractions in Italy, with gondolas gliding through centuries-old canals beneath beautiful, ornate bridges and exquisite Renaissance palaces.
Once you’re done with a gondola ride in the Grand Canal, it’s time to visit other iconic landmarks, such as the St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. And, if you have some spare time, get lost in the Venetian backstreets, but make sure your Google Maps is working!
The cherry on top is visiting the Rialto Bridge and its market, where you can spend some hours and try some delicious Italian food.
- How to get there: Train to Venezia Santa Lucia or fly to Venice Marco Polo
- Gondola cost: €80-100 for 30-40 minutes
- Time needed: 2-3 days
- Best time: Early morning or late evening for fewer crowds
- Money-saving tip: Take a traghetto (gondola ferry) for €2
5. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria
Looking for those unique places to visit in Europe? The Neuschwanstein Castle is a great option to add to your to-visit list, especially if you’re a Disney fan.
Perched in the Bavarian Alps, this fairytale, famous castle offers visitors an interior tour through 19th-century rooms and the throne hall, and a short stop at the Marienbrücke is worth it for iconic photos.
Aside from the romantic road scenic drive to the castle, your visit to Bavaria can include a visit to Hohenschwangau Castle, if you feel like exploring another fairytale castle.
- How to get there: 2-hour train from Munich to Füssen, then bus
- Ticket cost: €17.50 (book timed entry online mandatory)
- Time needed: Full day from Munich (or stay in Füssen)
- Best time: Early morning (first tours least crowded)
- Photography: Best exterior shots from Marienbrücke bridge
6. Experience Croatian island hopping
Croatia’s Adriatic coastline offers over 1,000 islands to explore with crystal-clear waters and medieval towns where you can spend over a week, and it’s by far one of the best summer destinations in Europe.
The most popular island route is Split to Hvar, then to Korčula, and finishing in Dubrovnik, where the Old Town will take you to Westeros, as part of Game of Thrones was filmed here.
And if you’re looking for additional adventure, try getting a tour to hidden coves, and end your day at a beach club if you’re up for some party time.
- Classic Route: Split to Hvar to Korčula to Dubrovnik
- Ferry Companies: Jadrolinija, Krilo catamarans
- Time Needed: 7-10 days minimum
- Best Time: May-June or September (avoid peak July-August)
- Budget Tip: Stay in local apartments, not beachfront hotels
7. Hike the Amalfi Coast in Italy
The Amalfi Coast feels like taken out of a fantasy book, with dramatic coastal cliffs, pastel villages, and lemon groves that create Italy’s most scenic hiking trails, such as the Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei.
If you aren’t up for hiking in Amalfi, then take your time to explore the beautiful towns of Amalfi and Positano, with their emblematic cliffside streets. Or maybe you want to explore the beautiful Ravello gardens and villas; up to you.
Lastly, take your time to go for limoncello tasting and enjoy the real Italian coastal cuisine with fresh seafood while watching the Amalfi Coast.
- How to get there: Train to Sorrento or Salerno, then bus/ferry
- Best hike: Path of the Gods (3-4 hours, moderate difficulty)
- Time needed: 3-5 days
- Best time: April-May or September-October
- Essential: Book accommodations early (limited rooms, high demand)
8. Visit the Acropolis in Athens, Greece
Back in Greece, Athens is home to many legends, with the Acropolis and Parthenon being key parts of those tales.
The Parthenon and Acropolis are must-visit museums in Greece, but visiting the Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus are two things worth doing in Greece.
If you have energy left, you can enjoy the sunset views of Mount Lycabettus and then hop to the Plaka neighborhood tavernas, just like an old Greek warrior would do.
- How to get there: Metro to Acropolis station (central Athens)
- Ticket cost: €30 combo ticket (covers multiple ancient sites, valid 5 days)
- Time needed: Half to full day
- Best time: Early morning (8 AM opening) to avoid crowds and heat
- What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, water (little shade on Acropolis)
9. Explore the Swiss Alps
Snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and charming villages make Switzerland a year-round place for a European adventure.
You can hop to the Jungfraujoch for a snowy train journey, watching snow-capped peaks without needing a mountain guide. Or you can take a train to Zermatt and go on a half-day hike to enjoy views of the Matterhorn.
Need something more extreme? Then enjoy the mountainous landscapes for paragliding or the snowy mountains for skiing, and end your day with some Swiss chocolate and cheeses.
- How to get there: Train to Interlaken, Zermatt, or Grindelwald
- Must-do: Jungfraujoch railway to the 3,454m viewing platform
- Time needed: 5-7 days minimum
- Best time: June-September (hiking) or December-March (skiing)
- Swiss travel pass: Unlimited trains, boats, buses (worth it for multi-day trips)
10. Discover Edinburgh’s historic old town
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh’s charm blends the medieval Old Town with the Georgian New Town in a castle-topped drama worthy of a fantasy novel.
Edinburgh has a little bit of everything: Harry Potter filming locations such as Victoria Street and Greyfriars Kirkyard, visiting the Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile, or visiting the Arthur’s Seat volcanic hill climb.
And if you’re a Scotch fan, this is your perfect chance to go for a whisky tasting in the Scotland capital.
- How to get there: Train to Edinburgh Waverley or fly to Edinburgh Airport
- Edinburgh Castle cost: Edinburgh Castle £19.50
- Time needed: 2-3 days
- Best time: August (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) or avoid for a quieter visit
- Free activity: Hike Arthur’s Seat for panoramic city views
Bonus experiences of famous tourist attractions in Europe
If you’re thinking about expanding your European travel list, there’s more to consider in countries like Turkey, Spain, Ireland, Germany, and so on.
Here are some top-tier bonus experiences for your Europe travel list:
- Experience an Oktoberfest in Münich
- Take a trip on a hot air balloon in Cappadocia
- Hike and visit the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
- Take Flamenco dances in Seville
- Explore the Christmas markets to get the perfect European souvenirs in Germany and Austria
- Tour the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
- Explore the Park Güell and eat Spanish tapas in Barcelona
Also, we have an additional activity recommended by our Holaflyer, Katarina Mirkovic Arsic, who says this is probably her favorite experience in Paris: dancing along the Seine.
From Wednesday to Sunday, this Parisian summer tradition takes place around 7:30 PM, with locals and tourists gathering for an open-air salsa, tango, and swing dancing. This is usually accompanied by live music or radio, and welcomes amateur and professional dancers!
Stay connected in Europe with Holafly
When planning your European trip, make sure you have everything ready: flights, reservations, proper clothes, and your eSIM for Europe.
Not only will it work for giving you internet access in over 30 destinations, but you can forget about SIM swapping and buying a new SIM card in every country you visit.
Also, the eSIM for Europe gives you unlimited data from 1 to 90 days, with pricing ranging from $3.90 to as little as $1.55 for 90 days, making it the perfect companion for a long trip to Europe.
The only thing you need? An eSIM-compatible phone with unlocked bands. After that, the Holafy eSIM will make traveling easier for you in every European country you visit.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
How many days in Europe depends on what you’re up to. 2 weeks for highlights, 3 to 4 weeks for deeper exploration, and up to 3 months for a complete European adventure.
When considering how to plan a trip to Europe, think about seasons: April to June and September to October are shoulder seasons; fewer crowds, better prices, good weather. July to August is peak season; higher prices, higher temperatures. Winter is also a good time to visit Europe, especially for Christmas markets and outdoor activities.
It depends on where you travel to. Western/Northern Europe is more expensive. The cheapest European countries to visit are in the Eastern/Southern region, such as Portugal, Poland, the Balkans, and Greece. Based on your travel style, budget €60-€200 per day, depending on where you’re traveling.
Trains, using the Eurail Pass, budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet, or buses like FlixBus do the work, especially when traveling in the Schengen Zone, as it allows passport-free travel between 27 countries.
US, Canadian, Australian, and many other passport holders get a 90-day visa-free time in the Schengen Zone. However, the UK, Ireland, and non-Schengen countries have different policies, so you should check this before traveling, as well as ask for a European Travel Permit.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
