Planning a trip to Europe, but not sure which destination strikes your fancy? Fret not: we’re covering six of the best places to visit in Europe, from Lisbon to Paris.
Want to VIP your stay in Europe’s top vacation spots? Book and plan your trip with Fora for expert trip suggestions that fit your interests and budget, plus sweet hotel and travel perks — all for the same price as booking directly by yourself.
The 6 best places to visit in Europe
Read on for a quick breakdown of six of the best places to visit in Europe.
1. Lisbon, Portugal: a gorgeous coastal city with a rich cultural heritage
An underrated European destination, Lisbon offers everything travelers to Europe often seek: beautiful architecture — with the Belém Tower and St. Jorge's Castle serving as excellent examples — a rich culture and amazing food (our Lisbon guide offers a snapshot of everything fun to do here, including places to grab a bite).
As for where to stay, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz is among the top hotels in Lisbon. But there are many great options spanning every budget.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
2. Barcelona, Spain: one of the best places to visit in Europe for foodies, families & nightlife seekers
Arguably the best place to visit in Spain for first-timers, Barcelona is an incredible destination teeming with culture, delicious cuisine and ornate architecture. Throughout the city’s lively streets, you’ll encounter the works of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. And while the city has a thriving nightlife, visiting Barcelona with kids is totally doable as well.
Wondering where to stay in Barcelona? Hotel Neri is one of our favorites, located in the Gothic Quarter just a couple blocks from the Cathedral of Barcelona. (Or check out our guide to the best boutique hotels in Barcelona for more recs.)
Book with Fora to level up your trip to Barcelona.
Fora Perks at Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux:
VIP welcome amenity.
Breakfast daily.
3. London, England: Britain’s most iconic city and one of the best places to visit in Europe for first-timers
Few places in the world do such a good job of blending old and new like London. The city has existed since the British Isles were under Roman control thousands of years ago, and yet, while the city looks the part, it feels fresh and new. Every corner boasts lovely architecture and iconic landmarks — Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey — while also trailblazing new paths in fashion, gastronomy and entertainment.
Want to stay near royalty? The Rubens at the Palace is one of our most recommended hotels, and boasts world-class amenities and accommodations barely a block away from Buckingham Palace.
(Unsure how long to spend in London? Compare our 3-day London itinerary and 5-day London itinerary.)
Fora Perks at The Rubens at the Palace:
100€ food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. The Amalfi Coast, Italy: a picturesque destination with charming towns and idyllic beaches
The Amalfi Coast isn’t just one of the best places to visit in Italy, it’s one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a low-key trip to charming towns, scenic coastlines and, as always in Europe, excellent gastronomy. As for where to say, you can't go wrong with Carusa, a gorgeously restored 11-century cliffside palace in Ravello.
Oh, and the Amalfi Coast is also home to some of Italy’s most relaxing beaches. Want the full lowdown? Read Fora’s guide to the Amalfi Coast.
Fora Perks at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast:
100€ food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
5. Santorini, Greece: a scenic island offering a snapshot of Greek culture
As one of the best Greek islands for families, couples and solo travelers, Santorini has something for everyone amidst its idyllic Mediterranean setting. It’s where to go in Greece for the first time if you’re looking for variety, as visiting the island is a great way to experience much Greek culture without having to venture too far from any one resort or hotel, like one of our favorites, Magma Resort Santorini.
Pro tip: if you’d prefer a less crowded vacation, consider where to stay in Milos or where to stay in Paros, as both these islands are known for their lax vibe.
Need help planning a trip to Greece? Book with us.
Fora Perks at Magma Resort Santorini:
100€ hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in whenever possible.
6. Paris, France: one of the best places to visit in Europe for couples
Can a list of the best places to visit in Europe be complete without mentioning Paris? (We don’t think so.)
From prestigious museums to some of the most celebrated restaurants on Earth, Paris is a city spilling over with culture and intrigue. It’s a global fashion capital, a foodie’s dream (see our foodie’s guide to Paris), an art enthusiast’s mecca…we could go on. And though Paris has a reputation for being rather sophisticated, it also has an intimate and fun side (making it one of the best honeymoon destinations, period).
Paris is certainly not lacking in high-end hotels. Château Voltaire is one of the best, but there are many options for every budget.
(Need itinerary ideas? Check out our 3-day Paris itinerary.)
Fora Perks at Château Voltaire:
VIP welcome amenities.
Complimentary Parisian breakfast.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Want VIP perks at the best places to visit in Europe? Book with Fora
These are hardly the only best places to visit in Europe — the continent is practically filled with culturally rich and iconic destinations.
If you really want to get the most out of your trip, connect with Fora. We’ll help you plan a trip to Europe’s best places that fit your travel preferences and budget. Better yet: we’ll tack on awesome extras like VIP hotel perks and more at no extra cost.
Want to check out more Europe travel guides? See below:
This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Stephanie Jones, an expert on travel to Europe.