Europe Travel Guide: 2026’s Best Destinations, Events, Attractions and Extra

Welcome to 2026 in Europe. 

While we don’t know all the pieces the journey yr forward has in retailer for us, we do know that barring one thing completely surprising, Europe will as soon as once more be the world’s most visited area. 

A yr in the past at the moment, Europe was coming off one other yr of being the world’s most visited region, welcoming roughly 747 million worldwide vacationers, a quantity that not solely surpassed pre-pandemic totals but in addition exhibits off the continent’s enduring enchantment. The 2025 numbers aren’t in but, however they’re certain to inform one other chapter of the continent’s seemingly unending reputation.

What makes Europe so beloved? The fairly piazzas, plazas and pedestrian-filled boulevards of the continent? The cathedrals, castles and historic ruins? Medieval cobbled streets, museums and a few of the greatest wine and meals on this planet? The proven fact that it’s virtually at all times protected for guests and so many nations and cultures are so shut collectively?

All of the above play a giant position, however for a lot of, it’s the expertise of dwelling the “European lifestyle” that stays with them lengthy after their journey and has them coming again for extra.  

The solely damaging is that with all this reputation, crowds generally is a downside, and locations throughout Europe are discovering their very own options for points round overtourism. Rest assured, by including slightly creativity to your itinerary, you may virtually at all times swerve the worst of crowds. 

The excellent vacation spot for first-time worldwide vacationers whereas additionally offering a journey buzz for these visiting for the 20 th time, Europe is all issues to all vacationers. Keep studying to get your self or your consumer prepared for the yr forward in Europe. 

City Center in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/JFL Photography)

Best Destinations in Europe

You may toss a dart at a map of Europe, and it might seemingly land on a dot able to offering a visit filled with pinch-me moments. When it involves Europe in 2026 although, there are just a few locations that you must concentrate on: Switzerland, Poland and Denmark. 

With breathtaking alpine landscapes, culture-rich cities and 4 official languages, Switzerland is a melting pot of quintessentially European experiences which simply so occurs to be the house to pots filled with melty fondue. 

Culturally, Switzerland may have one other strong yr, from Zurich’s ever-growing Film Festival (September 24 – October 4) and Basel’s world-renowned Art Basel (June 18-21) to the Lucerne Festival (awaiting dates) and the rockstar Montreux Jazz Festival celebrating its sixtieth birthday (July 3-18). The latter is famend for A-list artists performing in opposition to the attractive backdrop of Lake Geneva and has grown to turn out to be essentially the most talked about summer season jazz pageant in Europe. 

​Beyond the large cities, the area of Ticino will showcase its southern, virtually Mediterranean vibe with open-air summer season festivals alongside palm-lined lakes, whereas the city of Vevey appears set to see its mix of vineyard-covered slopes, wine trails and quirky art work soar in reputation. Interlaken will as soon as once more be among the best bases to expertise the very best of the nation, providing adrenaline-fueled alpine actions at whichever tempo you select (lazy mountain strolls that finish in a slice of cake or paragliding over the Alps, you select). 

Add in medieval beauties like Fribourg, breathtaking mountain villages like Mürren, panoramic prepare journeys and probably the most seamless transportation techniques on this planet, and Switzerland is about to supply everyone a thrill in 2026. 

Riverside in Torun, Poland. (kishjar? / Flickr)

Seemingly yearly, Poland edges slightly nearer to a broader breakthrough on European itineraries, so recent off its starring position within the critically acclaimed 2025 movie A Real Pain, why not make 2026 the yr you discover this fascinating nation? Long valued by these within the know for its cultural depth and worth proposition, the nation makes it remarkably simple to mix mountains, seaside escapes and culture-rich cities in a single journey. 

Naturally, Krakow and Warsaw draw the most important crowds, and you must see them for certain, however there may be nonetheless a lot ready to be found right here. For instance, within the southwest, the Karkonosze Mountains ship basic alpine surroundings layered with new power, as a dense community of trails, waterfalls and historic sights is joined by the opening of QUERION, a brand new attraction designed to enrich out of doors adventures year-round. 

Up north, the Tri-City space of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot brings collectively historic streets and Baltic breezes with recent methods to discover the coast, together with a brand new electrical water tram throughout the Bay of Puck that turns a easy day journey into a singular expertise in its personal proper. Add within the placid lakes and dwelling historical past of Warmia and Mazury and the charming with a capital “C” city of Toruń and you’ve got just some of the issues which are able to be found in Poland. 

Beach close to Skagen, Denmark (Photo Credit: Mette Johnsen for The Nordics)

Long admired for its design-forward cities, biking tradition and buzzy meals scene, Denmark is about to take issues up a notch in 2026. Aarhus and Odense might be as enticing and rewarding as ever in 2026 whereas a brand new cosmic layer might be added to the nation’s choices with vacationers invited to decelerate and look skyward in its rising community of Dark Sky Parks. From the chalky cliffs of Møn to the distant islands of the Wadden Sea, you’ll see Danish stars like by no means earlier than.

And whereas it might not be included within the Dark Sky Parks, cute as a button Ærø Island will as soon as once more supply a real time warp expertise with its postcard-perfect cobblestoned lanes a stone’s throw from the ocean. In capital Copenhagen, the highlight shifts from nature to foodie tradition, with Tivoli Gardens internet hosting the Michelin Guide Ceremony for the Nordic Countries, as soon as once more exhibiting Denmark’s transformation into one among Europe’s most enjoyable culinary locations is full. 

The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Mistervlad)

Best Attractions in Europe

Europe is stacked with unforgettable sights, points of interest so iconic that you simply may simply should rub your eyes to be sure you’re really seeing them in particular person. Yes, the record is lengthy of signature points of interest, however there are just a few that stand head and shoulders above the remainder, a few of them actually.

When it involves historic wonders, the Acropolis in Athens and Stonehenge in England by no means fail to seize our creativeness whereas the Colosseum, and the Forum in Rome, alongside the ruined metropolis of Pompeii close to Naples all supply a captivating peek into the previous.

Then there are the long-lasting fashionable marvels which have turn out to be true emblems of Europe: the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Brandenburg Gate and Barcelona’s like-no-church-you-ever-saw-before Sagrada Familia, which is scheduled to lastly be accomplished in 2026 alongside a bunch of commemorative occasions.

​But these are simply the introduction to points of interest in Europe, as world-class museums just like the Prado in Madrid, the Louvre in Paris, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam have turn out to be A-list points of interest in their very own proper alongside pinch-me castles and palaces just like the Alhambra in Granada, Prague Castle, the Palace of Versailles, Edinburgh Castle and Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.

Historic buildings alongside a canal in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Noppasinw)

Must See 2026 Events in Europe

Europe boasts a packed occasions calendar annually, however one occasion particular to 2026 will seize the most important headlines: the Winter Olympics in Milan & Cortina, Italy (February 4-22). 

The Olympics are simply the beginning of the enjoyable as Carnival season will as soon as once more flip the continent into a celebration within the weeks main as much as Fat Tuesday (February 17), with cities like Nice, Cologne, Basel and the Spanish island of Tenerife internet hosting a few of the continent’s liveliest events. 

In spring, Spain comes alive with its Holy Week occasions and seasonal festivals, whereas the Netherlands will as soon as once more paint its cities orange on King’s Day (April 27) whereas additionally welcoming the colourful annual tulip bloom. Eurovision may have music lovers glued to the TV units on May 16, the night time of the grand last, which might be held in Vienna. 

As the temperatures rise and the solar stays out till practically 10 p.m., music festivals take middle stage, with Tomorrowland in Belgium (July 17-19 and 24-26) drawing crowds for days full of music and dancing alongside heavy hitters like Way Out West in Gothenburg, Sweden (August 13-15), Sziget in Budapest, Hungary (August 11-15) and Love International in Tisno, Croatia (July 8-14). Summer can also be the time for nationwide events like Constitution Day in Norway (May 17) and Swiss National Day (August 1). 

Autumn ushers in main German shindigs at Oktoberfest (September 19 – October 4) in Munich and Cannstatter Volksfest (September 25 – October 11) in Stuttgart, the place the frothy steins and new friendships will move as soon as once more. It’s additionally the time for harvest festivals just like the Alba White Truffle Festival in Italy. And in fact, Europe finishes the yr in festive model with its magical Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve celebrations, essentially the most well-known of the latter being Hogmanay in Scotland. 

No matter the place you’re going, a test of the native occasions calendar on-line is certain to disclose a enjoyable taking place that may present you an genuine slice of the place you’re visiting. 

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London, England, UK. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Tomas Marek)

Best Places for Families in Europe

Europe is the proper place to get your loved ones’s ft moist with worldwide journey and lots of of your youngsters’s favourite tales and characters name the continent dwelling. While all the continent has a pull for households, some locations stand out as particularly nice: the British Isles, Germany and the Netherlands. 

On the islands of Britain and Ireland, there is no such thing as a language barrier (the native lingo may throw you for an occasional loop, however you’ll in all probability get a kick out of it!), however there’s a wealth of points of interest tied to household favourite TV exhibits and movies. London is a real star for households, boasting a wealth of iconic historic landmarks that may put smiles in your crew’s faces. Simply seeing the Changing of the Guard or listening to tales on the Tower of London generally is a journey spotlight, and that’s earlier than you dig into the world of Paddington, Harry Potter or Peppa Pig. 

Older youngsters will take pleasure in seeing sights related to Bridgerton, Derry Girls, and Outlander. And let’s not overlook the draw of Premier League video games and places related to Ted Lasso and Welcome to Wrexham, which have made many followers out of American soccer households.

In Germany, you may see cities and landscapes that really feel like they’re taken from a storybook. And they very properly ought to do as that is the land of the Brothers Grimm and you may retrace their steps (alongside their characters) in pretty half-timbered cities. Germany can also be dwelling to the second most visited European theme park after Disneyland Paris: Europa Park. 

The Netherlands is straightforward to get round and youngsters are destined to be intrigued by canals, windmills and the enjoyable happenings at one of many nation’s enjoyable cheese markets. The Netherlands can also be dwelling to the magical theme park referred to as Efteling, which looks like a fairy story from begin to end.

Split, Croatia (Photo Credit: Courtesy AdobeStock)

Best Places for Couples in Europe

Croatia and Portugal are sizzling, and so they’re each two of the very best locations in Europe for {couples} as a consequence of their excellent mixture of romantic landscapes and experiences. No, {couples}’ journeys do not get a lot better than those obtainable within the Douro Valley, all draped in vineyards or by hopscotching the islands of Croatia hand in hand.

City-wise, Lisbon and its romantic overlooks ooze allure as does Split, Croatia, particularly should you catch the Old Town late at night time with the stone partitions nonetheless radiating some warmth from the summer season solar. 

And on the subject of Greece, the timeless allure of this nation is almost unmatched, and also you received’t discover a higher mixture of sunsets and native wine anyplace in Europe. Tip: the extra off the overwhelmed path you go on the islands or the Peloponnese peninsula, the extra you’ll each adore it. 

Tourist having fun with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. (Photo Credit: Creative Cat Studio/Adobe)

Best Places for Group Travel in Europe

If you’re organizing a visit for a gaggle, it pays to stay with the heavy hitters, as Europe’s basic massive cities ship each single time with a listing of issues to do assured to fulfill everyone in your group. Rome, Barcelona, London, Paris and Berlin all have the dimensions, power and depth to maintain a variety of personalities comfortable, which is not any small feat while you’re touring as a gaggle. Here, world-class museums, unforgettable meals, wonderful buying and a nightlife ensures that no person ever feels disregarded.

Since they’re virtually at all times main transport hubs, these cities may also be used as nice bases for day journeys and onward journey. 

View of the Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo Credit: Madrugada Verde/Adobe Stock)

Best Places for Solo Travel in Europe

Sometimes you simply should go it alone, and it seems that Europe is an ideal place for solo journey, too. With the continent’s spectacular rail & bus networks, vary of lodging (all the pieces from finances motels and hostels to five-star luxurious) and hundreds of organized excursions the place you can also make pals whereas studying a few vacation spot’s historical past, meals or tradition, you received’t miss a factor touring as a celebration of 1.  

Northern European cities like Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin and Bruges are excellent for solo adventurers as they’re overwhelmingly protected, simple to navigate and filled with different vacationers desirous to swap tales.

In Central Europe, the attractive capitals of Prague, Vienna and Budapest beckon alongside the beautiful Polish metropolis of Krakow. All are filled with quintessential European points of interest whereas being protected and residential to a tried and trusted traveler-friendly infrastructure.   

Scandinavia can also be the proper playground for solo vacationers as cities like Bergen, Oslo, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Helsinki will not be solely ridiculously protected (a few of the most secure on this planet, even) and fewer crowded than southern locations, however additionally they characteristic a rock-solid record of points of interest to maintain you entertained.

Wine, grapes and cheese at a winery in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Tomas Marek)

Best Foodie Destinations in Europe

There was a time when France and Italy have been undisputed kings of the hill of the European culinary scene. Oh, how the mighty have been joined by their neighbors. These days, the record of must-eats and the map of foodie cities are each increasing quickly. 

Foodies will fall head over heels for cities like Paris and London the place you may style meals from all around the world along with the very best nationwide dishes carried out in basic type or with a contemporary flourish. Then, head north to bask in cutting-edge New Nordic delicacies in Copenhagen alongside a few of the continent’s greatest worldwide avenue meals and craft beer. Belgium is usually mentioned to own the culinary prowess of neighboring France, however the good behavior of serving its meals in German parts. To say nothing of the mouthwatering tapas and wine in Spain, the paprika-kissed dishes of Hungary or the wine and seafood of Portugal. 

Some areas the place you may’t go fallacious are the English Lake District and its gastro pubs, Spain’s Basque Country, the place world-class eating places seem to develop on bushes and Germany’s Black Forest area, which is understood for its eating places as a lot as its romantic landscapes. 

Despite all of the competitors, don’t be shocked in case your greatest Foodie experiences are in an off-the-cuff bistro in Lyon, France or in a trattoria in Bologna, as France and Italy are nonetheless scrumptious playgrounds for individuals who are obsessed with meals. 

The Soca Valley in Slovenia (Photo Credit: neiljs / Flickr)

Best Places for Adventure Travel in Europe

If European journey journey has a religious dwelling, it might be someplace excessive within the Alps. On this majestic mountain vary, Europe turns the adrenaline stage up, with legendary locations like Chamonix, France, Kitzbühel, Austria and Interlaken, Switzerland providing entry to all the pieces from high-altitude mountain climbing and glacier snowboarding to paragliding and canyoning and the infrastructure to present you a well-rounded expertise. Add in Slovenia’s scenic but underexplored nook of the Alps, the place teal rivers and well-marked trails make white-water rafting and mountain climbing wonderful, and also you’ve obtained a area that persistently delivers massive thrills with minimal effort.

But the Alps are solely the start. The rugged Tatra Mountains of Slovakia and Poland stay one of many continent’s best-value settings for out of doors sports activities, whereas Norway’s extensive open northern landscapes reward these prepared to strap on their boots and tackle the weather of the far North. Down south, the winds of Tarifa, Spain, proceed to make it Europe’s kitesurfing capital, whereas Portugal’s Atlantic coast serves up a few of the greatest browsing on the continent. 

PHOTO: A gaggle of Tour de France cyclists. (photograph by way of Flickr/charel.irrthum)

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts in Europe

Europe’s love affair with sports activities is plain, so should you’re a sports activities fan, making an attempt a recreation throughout your journey is destined to show right into a spotlight. In 2026, the calendar is filled with must-sees for the sports activities nuts. None greater than the aforementioned Olympics, which is able to happen in February in northern Italy. Elsewhere, the Tour de France (July 4-26) will embark on its 113th version with a begin in Barcelona earlier than winding its means by iconic climbs and countryside to its signature Paris end.

For pace lovers, the Formula 1 season delivers some standout races from the legendary streets of Monaco (June 4–7) to Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium (July 17–19), the place engines roar and you may be a part of the followers on the close by hillsides.

Tennis followers will need to make their solution to Paris for the French Open (May 24 – June 7) whereas Wimbledon takes place quickly after (June 29 – July 12). Golf followers will need to make a beeline for The Open Championship (British Open), which is able to happen at Royal Birkdale course this summer season (July 16-19). 

Rugby will take over weekends from February 6 – March 14 as England, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy and Ireland contest the Six Nations. Last however not least, European Club Soccer’s marquee match, the UEFA Champions League Final, might be held on May 30 in Budapest, bringing Europe’s membership soccer season to a crescendo. 

Train on the scenic Semmering Railway in Austria. (Photo by way of Miroslav Volek / Flickr)

Unique to Europe

You can see historic sights and transferring art work anyplace on this planet. Ditto for nice meals and fairly surroundings, however nowhere places all of it collectively fairly like Europe. 

Imagine beginning your day by feasting on a flaky French croissant at a sidewalk cafe, then taking the prepare to Switzerland, the place you hop off to do a little bit of buying and have some lunch, a meal that you simply order out of your waiter whereas talking German. A number of hours later, and nonetheless make it to Italy in time for a glass of native wine and a platter of antipasti that leaves you speechless. 

While this isnt’ a typical day in Europe, it is completely potential to do it, exhibiting off the truth that nowhere else compresses so many nations, cultures and small foodi & drink delights into such a small house and makes it really easy to discover by public transportation, specifically an in depth community of railways. 

If you’ve by no means been, make 2026 the yr you head throughout the pond and see what all of the fuss is about. And should you’re an skilled European traveler, take pleasure in planning your subsequent journey. 

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