Destinations

25 Things to Add to your Europe Bucket List

 

Europe is bursting with endless bucket-list worthy experiences from frolicking among the tulip fields in the Netherlands to hiking through picture-perfect Cinque Terre in Italy. After years of travelling around Europe and dozens of trips, here are 25 things which I reckon must be added to your Europe Bucket List. This list is by no means exhaustive; after all there are still plenty of experiences which I’m yet to tick off of mine!

 

Hot air balloon over Cappadocia
Soaring over the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon is a magical experience which cannot be rivaled. It’s difficult to decide which is more mesmerizing: taking in the unique landscape at aerial view or watching dozens of balloons float into the sky at sunrise.
location
open
Frolic among the tulip fields
Once a year, the Netherlands is blessed with tulip season when millions of multi-coloured tulips come into bloom. There’s nothing more enchanting than cycling passed field after field of beautiful tulips on a warm spring day.
location
open
Bathe the in the Blue Lagoon
Bathing in the warm waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is an incredible experience. The mineral-rich waters nourish your skin and make it feel as soft as silk after a short half an hour soak.
location
open
 
Hike in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is made up of five towns where multi-coloured houses cling to the cliff face along the Italian Riviera. Hike between the towns for postcard worthy views at every turn.
location
open
 
Sunrise from Calton Hill
For beautiful views over the medieval city of Edinburgh, climb to the top of Calton Hill. It’s particularly magical at sunrise when the city is bathed in pastel pink and a misty fog.
location
open
 
Have a picnic at Park Guell
Barcelona has two great sites which cannot be skipped: the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, both of which were designed by Gaudí. The park is like a piece of art, made up of multi-coloured mosaics and architectural wonders. It’s difficult not to find yourself mesmerized whilst wandering the unique grounds and taking in the beautiful views over the city of Barcelona.
location
open
Take in London from the London Eye
There is no better way to take in the sprawling city of London, than by riding on the London Eye. This enormous ferris wheel offers beautiful views all the way around.
location
open
Sail through Plitvice lakes
This is one of Croatia’s most famous sites and it’s not difficult to see why. Made up of cascading waterfalls and emerald lakes, this national park will take your breath away. You can access the hiking trails by sailing across the lakes by boat: a must-visit destination for every nature lover.
location
open
Cross Ponte Vecchio
Florence is a city made for romantics. Couples walk hand in hand through the cobbled back streets and along the river. Make sure to stroll across bygone Ponte Vecchio and peruse the boutiques which border each side of the bridge.
location
open
 
Marvel at St Basil’s cathedral
Nothing can prepare you for seeing this architectural masterpiece with your own eyes. Majestically looming over Red Square, the cathedral is made up of 9 domes which are intricately painted in vibrant colours.
location
open
 
Hike to Trolltunga
Known to locals as the troll’s tongue, Trolltunga has become the icon of Norway. Finding the nerve to sit at the edge with your feet dangling over the gaping fjord is both petrifying and exhilarating. A must-do for every thrill-seeking globetrotter.
location
open
 
Watch the sunset over Hvar
The Croatian island of Hvar makes summer dreams come true with its mellow bars, good-time vibes and beautiful coast. Climb the steps to the top of the fortress and watch the sun slowly sink into the horizon knowing that there is no place else you’d rather be.
location
open
Picnic along the Seine
There are endless pretty places to picnic in Paris making it difficult to choose just one. The Seine is particularly special because it’s surrounded by quintessential Parisian architecture and is teeming with people having a good time. Grab a baguette from the local boulangerie, some cheese from the fromagerie and some fruit from the market and make sure to get there before the sun sets over Pont des Arts.
location
open
Canal-side meandering in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has become synonymous with its gingerbread houses which line the canals. Take some time to meander the leafy canals and cross over quaint bridges as you go.
location
open
Hallstatt
This quaint little town is located in the Austrian Lake District. Right on the water’s edge with the towering Alps in the background, it is as picture-perfect as any town gets.
location
open
Marvel at Prague’s gothic architecture
Prague is an architect enthusiast’s dream with stunning gothic architecture at every turn. Enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Charles Bridge, the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Old Town Square which is home to the medieval astronomical clock.
location
open
Relive your childhood dream at Sleeping Beauty’s castle
The Loire Valley’s verdant landscape is studded with hundreds of castles, one of which is Sleeping Beauty’s. Otherwise known as Château d’Ussé, this castle inspired the author Charles Perrault to write the famous fairytale. Relive your childhood dreams by climbing medieval turrets and playing hide and seek.
location
open
Vatican City at dawn
The Vatican City is Italy’s most religious site and home to the pope and the astounding Saint Peter’s basilica. It attracts millions of visitors every year, but if you get there before dawn you’ll find a calming silence to the usually crowded site.
location
open
Wander through Notting Hill
The film Notting Hill featuring Hugh Grant put this London neighbourhood on every tourist’s map. Long before the release of the film, it had been on every Londoner’s radar for its pastel-hued architecture. Even if you’re no film buff or architect enthusiast, a stroll through the candy-coloured streets of this iconic neighbourhood is a must.
location
open
Visit the Venice of the North
Stockholm is hands down the most beautiful Scandinavian city with its famous Gamla Stan and historic architecture. Made of up 14 islands and surrounded by water, spend a day taking in the city by boat.
location
open
Palace of Versailles
The majestic Palace of Versailles will already be on every Francophile’s bucket list. Wandering through the gold-adorned Hall of Mirrors is a breathtaking experience as is meandering the manicured grounds which surround the palace.
location
open
Sail along Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
Gigantic icebergs float majestically in this glacier lagoon making for a unique Icelandic landscape. Sail along the glacier lagoon and feel belittled by the enormity of the epic blocks of ice.
location
open
Visit Santorini
Santorini encapsulates exactly what the Greek islands are so famous for: white-washed backstreets, blue-domed churches, insane sunsets and incredible Greek food. If there is one Greek island which you should add to your Europe Bucket List, then this is it.
location
open
Step back in time at the Alhambra
Step back in Spanish history with a visit to this Moorish palace. Located in the undulating hills of Granada, this architectural beauty will take your breath away.
location
open
Climb the Duomo
Milan has two claims to fame: fashion week and the Duomo. Marveling at this architectural masterpiece from the distance is one thing, but climbing the steps to the top is a truly memorable experience.
location
open

 

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *