Europe bucket list travel guide. Find all the relevant information, including where to go, what to do, and so much more.
Without a doubt, Europe is one of the most popular continents in our world for tourism.
Millions of travelers flock to major tourism hubs, such as Paris, London, Rome, and more.
So, crafting a bucket list is a great way to cultivate the experiences you intend to have.
In this guide, I will share historical sites, incredible landmarks, picturesque landscapes, and so much more.
Therefore, get ready to get a lot of tips and ideas for your own bucket list.
Europe Travel Basics
For your Europe bucket list to be successful in the real world, you will definitely need to make sure you have a valid passport.
Your passport should have at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date. This is really important.
For instance, if you’re planning a 3-month summer adventure, make sure your passport won’t expire until at least the following March.
American, Canadian, and Australian citizens typically enjoy visa-free travel for short stays (up to 90 days) within the Schengen Area, which includes many European countries.
That said, it’s essential to check entry requirements for specific destinations, as some may have additional visa requirements.
Meanwhile, plan your entry and exit points. If English is your primary language, then consider Dublin Airport (Ireland) for entry and London Heathrow Airport (UK) for exit.
Both are major English-speaking hubs with efficient international connections.
Likewise, you will want to obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering health, trip cancellations, and unexpected incidents.
Similarly, pack a universal adapter for your electronic devices since some of these countries have unique ones.
Of course, transportation is a huge consideration for your trip. I recommend looking into a rail pass for convenient travel within Europe.
Additionally, carry local currency or credit cards widely accepted in your destinations, especially in unique destinations.
Most of the European Union uses Euros, and cards that have Visa or Mastercard bearing are generally accepted everywhere.
Like any other trip, you will also want to familiarize yourself with local customs, stay connected with a reliable mobile plan, and make sure your government knows where you are in case of an emergency.
Finally, Europe is different, and you will want to embrace a spirit of open-mindedness to immerse yourself fully in the diverse cultures awaiting you.
Europe Bucket List
Go on a European dream trip that includes amazing landmarks, cultural experiences, and gorgeous landscapes.
Start in Dublin and discover why the Irish homeland is a top destination in Europe.
Of course, Paris isn’t far away, where you will savor the romance of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre.
Then, head to the historic streets of Rome, marveling at the Colosseum and Vatican City.
Of course, you might also go to explore the architectural splendor of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
Likewise, you might decide to delight in the fairytale charm of Prague’s Old Town Square.
Similarly, you may go to check out the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps in Interlaken.
Also, immersing yourself in the incredible history of Athens and visiting the Acropolis and Parthenon might be on your list.
I also think you should consider cruising along the stunning Amalfi Coast, with its cliffside villages.
For sure, plan an experiential trip to Berlin’s nightlife and the overall culture of Amsterdam’s museums and canals.
Enrich your trip with the Northern Lights in Iceland or the scenic fjords of Norway.
Finally, head to London, where you will experience how Europe meets others through its rich British Empire heritage.
Picturesque Landscapes
Europe is home to a ton of gorgeous landscapes that speak to the wanderlust like Tuscany, and this can be its own Europe bucket list.
Start with a trip to take in the dramatic coastal experience of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, where the Atlantic Ocean meets sheer rock faces.
Next, you will want to travel to the mesmerizing lavender fields of Provence. These fields paint the countryside in hues of purple.
Then, you will get to lose yourself in the beautiful vineyards of Tuscany. These rolling hills dotted with cypress trees create a timeless panorama.
Of course, you should explore the nearby fairytale landscapes of the Alps. These stretch from Italy to Germany, and they are adorned with charming villages like Hallstatt in Austria.
After that, wander through the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. This is a paradise of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes connected by wooden walkways.
End your trip by heading to the Scottish Highlands. This is where rugged mountains meet serene lochs shrouded in mist.
So, as you can see, each picturesque setting has a unique mix of nature’s wonders, giving you the chance to enjoy Europe’s gorgeous outdoor spaces.
Popular Cities in Europe
Your Europe bucket list will be nothing without cities. This continent is full of urban areas pulsating with distinct energy.
Start your city trips in Dublin, exploring the historic Trinity College and taking in the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar.
Move on to Barcelona with a short flight, where Gaudí’s masterpieces, Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, showcase architectural splendor.
Jump on a train to the north, where in Paris, you will marvel at the iconic Eiffel Tower and immerse yourself in artistic treasures at the Louvre.
Then, jump on a short flight to Berlin, which unfolds its history through remnants of the Berlin Wall and the grandeur of the Brandenburg Gate.
Next, a fast train ride will take you to Amsterdam, which truly captivates with picturesque canals and the world-class Rijksmuseum.
Fly from Amsterdam down to Rome, where this incredible city unveils ancient wonders, from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum.
After that, another flight takes you to Prague, where its Old Town Square exudes medieval charm.
Then, fly over to Athens, a city that has ancient marvels like the Acropolis.
Conclude your trip to London, where Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London epitomize a blend of modern cosmopolitanism and historic charm.
Historic Sites in Europe
Historical buffs are always satisfied with a Europe bucket list because this continent truly is home to some amazing ones!
I suggest starting your trip in Dublin. Discover the city’s history at Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Also, Dublin’s archaeological treasures at the National Museum of Ireland are something you definitely should not miss.
Then fly over to Italy, where the ancient streets of Rome transport you to the heart of the Roman Empire. You will enjoy amazing sites like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
After that, a quick flight takes you to Athens, where the Acropolis stands as a testament to ancient Greek civilization. The Acropolis overlooks the city with its iconic temples.
Then, another flight to Prague, in the heart of Europe. This city’s Old Town Square and Castle give you that medieval charm.
Once again, another flight takes you to the historic city walls of Dubrovnik in Croatia. This town tells tales of maritime prowess.
In Berlin, which is another short flight away, you will find remnants of the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate. They both narrate the city’s Cold War history.
Of course, a major historical site is a short flight away in Normandy, France. Normandy’s D-Day Landing beaches bear witness to pivotal events of World War II.
Conclude your historical journey in the United Kingdom, where London’s Tower of London and Westminster Abbey unfold centuries of British history.
So, yeah, your Europe bucket list can be a true exploration of the amazing history of Europe.
Must-See European Landmarks
Landmarks epitomize tourism, and your Europe bucket list can have as many as you want.
I suggest starting your trip in Dublin. Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Guinness Storehouse.
Then, jump on a short flight to Paris, where you will see the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame.
After that, go more south to Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia is a surreal architecture.
Plus, don’t forget to stroll in La Rambla, a lively promenade with shops, street performers, and a colorful atmosphere.
After that, go to Rome. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon, as well as the impressive Trevi Fountain, are great landmarks here.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Vatican City with its impressive landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica,
Continue to Athens, where the Acropolis, crowned by the Parthenon, preserves ancient Greek legacy.
Plus, visit the other landmarks, including the Ancient Agora, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Panathenaic Stadium.
Go more north to Prague. Prague Castle, overlooking the Vltava River, unfolds centuries of Czech history.
The Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the astronomical clock in the Old Town Hall are other landmarks you shouldn’t miss.
After that, move on to the north by flying to Scotland. Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, has incredible panoramic views.
Of course, don’t miss the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, and the National Museum of Scotland.
Conclude your journey in London, where Tower Bridge and Big Ben add a regal touch to the cityscape.
Also, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the London Eye, and the historic Westminster Abbey are other landmarks.
So, that trip gives you a chance to see diverse European landmarks!
Foods to Try in Europe
Trying the diverse cuisines should definitely be part of your Europe bucket list, starting in Ireland.
Savor Dublin’s famous Irish stew, hearty boxty pancakes, and a breakfast featuring black and white pudding.
The Irish eat differently from the British, as you will see later. Irish cuisine focuses on hearty stews, potatoes, and soda bread.
Naturally, the French are even farther from the Isles. French is about meticulous techniques, rich sauces, and a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
In Paris, indulge French food, such as croissants, escargot, coq au vin, French onion soup, and delicious pastries like macarons and éclairs.
Although the Spanish and French are neighbors, I still recommend trying the “half-way” cuisines of the Catalan.
For your Barcelona stop, try the Catalan favorites like paella, pan con tomate, and yummy churros with chocolate.
Meanwhile, Italian is even spicier and closely related to other Mediterranean cultures like Greek and Lebanese.
Of course, you should taste the wonders of Rome with classics like pasta cacio e pepe, Roman-style pizza, and exquisite artichoke alla Romana.
Also, you must try the Germanic cuisines of the north, specifically focusing on the heartland country that is Germany.
So, in Berlin, indulge in must-try dishes like currywurst, schnitzel, sauerbraten, kartoffelsalat, and traditional pretzels.
For your final stop in Europe, try the British Empire-inspired items invented in the country, including chicken tikka masala, Scotch eggs, and London Fog drink.
Your trip will be awesome if you can try all those European foods!
Art in Europe
For your Europe bucket list, make sure to add art. Art has been a big part of the continent for thousands of years.
Start your artistic trip in Dublin. Visit the National Gallery of Ireland, explore the Dublin City Gallery and The Hugh Lane, and check out IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art) for incredible collections.
Then, fly over to Paris. In Paris, see the world-famous Louvre for classics, Musée d’Orsay for Impressionism, and Centre Pompidou for modern art.
And don’t miss the Musée de l’Orangerie for Monet’s Water Lilies.
Of course, in Paris, the Louvre has the iconic Mona Lisa and countless other treasures.
After that, head to Barcelona. Marvel at Picasso Museum works, experience Gaudí’s masterpieces at Park Güell, and explore contemporary art at MACBA.
If you can, take a short trip to Madrid to enjoy Latin American art from Spanish colonies. Visit Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which houses an impressive collection.
Then, you should fly over to Rome. The Vatican City has great art.
For example, you will see Renaissance masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes, Raphael’s Rooms, and extensive collections of classical sculptures.
Meanwhile, from the contemporary scene in Berlin to the classics of Vienna’s museums, Europe’s Germanic art is a visually stunning journey for enthusiasts.
So, in Berlin, visit Alte Nationalgalerie for 19th-century Germanic art, and the Gemäldegalerie houses an extensive collection, too.
Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum has Dutch masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch.”
Back in London, you truly are surrounded by global art. Visit the National Gallery for a vast array of European paintings.
Plus, Tate Modern has contemporary and modern art, and the Victoria and Albert Museum includes decorative arts and design.
Therefore, your European trip will be full of art!
Solo Trips in Europe
If you are a single person or planning to travel alone, use this for your Europe bucket list.
Start in Dublin, where you can immerse yourself in the Irish culture by checking out the landmarks, trying the food, and more.
Then, head south to the colorful streets of Barcelona to explore the architectural wonders of Gaudí and experience the lively street culture.
Paris is a fun city for solo visits. Go to the chic cafes and wander through the gorgeous streets, making small talk with the locals.
Then, go over to the coastal beauty of Cinque Terre in Italy. This is a solo travel haven, and you will meet many others.
Meanwhile, Berlin is so cool, and solo travelers love making a stop in this Germanic metropolis.
Continue westward to Amsterdam, which is famous for its bike-friendly infrastructure and cultural openness, making it an ideal destination for solo adventurers.
Finally, conclude your European journey in the lively metropolis of London. Visit the local pubs, wander in the historic streets, and sample the abundant diverse cuisines due to the British Empire.
What to Avoid
As you plan your European trip, make sure to include practical things. For example, ensure to list to exercise caution against succumbing to the allure of tourist traps.
Remind yourself to beware of ostentatious displays of opulence in major cities since there are some scrupulous folks around.
Make sure to remind yourself to avoid rigid itineraries. For instance, permit serendipity to guide your trips through quaint alleys.
Of course, acquaint yourself with local customs and etiquette to create harmonious interactions.
Meanwhile, remind yourself of the traps of overpacking. Cultivate a penchant for minimalism.
So, yeah, your Europe bucket list will be off to a good start with those restrictions in place!
Final Thoughts
Explore Europe with my extensive travel guide, featuring a treasure trove of essential details on destinations, activities, and beyond.
Undoubtedly, you realize by now that Europe is a premier global tourism hotspot.
Countless globetrotters gravitate towards popular cities like Paris, London, Rome, and numerous others.
So, with this guide, you discovered historical gems, awe-inspiring landmarks, scenic vistas, and an array of other captivating elements.
Go ahead and use the plethora of insights and inspiration for planning your personal bucket list.
Enjoy Europe!
Sebastian Clark is a traveler from the UK and writes about Europe for Caravanzers.
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