There are no two ways about it: Europe is the world’s most beloved region.
Romantic, historic, safe and filled with delectable food & drink delights, Europe has been casting a spell on travelers since the invention of international travel.
We go to Europe to have fun snapping selfies in front of a famous sight and to enjoy the adrenaline rush of experiencing so many countries, languages and cuisines, all in one easy-to-get-around place. We also visit to feel as though we’ve picked up a little bit of culture along the way, too.
This popularity does come with a slight downside: issues around crowding and overtourism are currently a thorn in the side of many destinations. As the continent works through this tricky issue—with different destinations choosing different paths and strategies—and rolls out new entry requirements, Europe is wide open and welcoming for all, and the following guide will get you or your client prepared for a 2025 trip across the pond.
View of the Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo Credit: Madrugada Verde/Adobe Stock)
You could blindfold yourself and randomly point to a European map and the odds are high that your finger would land on a destination that could hit your trip out of the park.
So, there’s no need to stress about destinations. Just follow your interests and your lifelong travel wish list and you’ll have a great time, but there are three places that look set for especially good years in 2025: Ireland, Slovenia and Finland.
With gorgeous landscapes, robust cultural gems (everything from literature, art, sports and music are top-notch) and gregarious locals, the allure of Ireland is evergreen.
Remarkably, Ireland remains free of some of the worst crowd-related issues that have swarmed southern Europe, with a little creativity being all you need to have a slice of the Emerald Isle all to yourself. Dublin is set to host several big concerts worth traveling for this year (Lana del Ray, Billie Eilish and Oasis among others), while the nation’s pubs will continue hosting excellent traditional music and unforgettable nights out. In Cork, September sees the Sounds from a Safe Harbour event (co-founded by actor and Cork native Cillian Murphy) come to town, which will be a four-day festival of music, theatre, dance, literature and more. To say nothing of the pure joy of potentially spending St. Patrick’s Day here or the peacefulness to be found on the island’s oft-overlooked lakes and waterways.
Mountain hut in Triglav National Park, Slovenia. (Photo via Oleg Brovko / Flickr)
Seemingly every year, we hear that Slovenia is on the verge of a major breakthrough—and yet, twelve months later the nation is still flying under the radar of most travelers. Perhaps it’s because it’s tucked between two shiny (and perpetually popular) objects in Italy and Croatia? Make this the year you make it there though as with its perfectly-sized capital Ljubljana, idyllic mountains and lakes (arguably at their best in Triglav National Park) and a charming stretch of sun-kissed coastline, Slovenia simply has it all. Throw into this mix the fact that the town Nova Gorica will be a European Capital of Culture in 2025 alongside its Italian sister town Gorizia (the towns were split into two in 1947) and you have all the ingredients for a banner year.
Finland (Photo Credit: Courtesy AdobeStock)
Finally, as 2025 is projected to be another big year for both crowds on the continent and spotting the Aurora Borealis, you should look north to Finland. In happy-go-lucky and hip Helsinki, the newly renovated Finlandia Hall—a beloved wonder of modern architecture—will reopen its doors in winter, while this summer the Helsinki Biennial will fill the city with thought-provoking art across multiple venues, and in autumn, Helsinki Design Week will mark its 20th anniversary. This is to say nothing of the city’s fine restaurants and bars that will continue to percolate up the rankings alongside the one-of-a-kind Finnish sauna scene.
Up north, Lakeland and Lapland offer delightful travel experiences, with the latter being one of the finest places to watch the Northern Lights on the continent. And perhaps most importantly, in Finland, crowds and overtourism issues are nearly non-existent.
The Eiffel Tower viewed over the Seine River in Paris, France. (Photo Credit: AA+W/Adobe Stock)
Europe is filled with unforgettable sights, any one of which could stop you in your tracks to pinch yourself that you’re actually seeing them with your own eyes. But there are a few that stand out and define the continent.
When it comes to ancient wonders, The Colosseum in Rome, The Acropolis in Athens and Stonehenge in England offer a mesmerizing peek into the past. Then there are the iconic modern marvels that have become emblems of Europe: Paris’ Eiffel Tower and Barcelona’s still-evolving Sagrada Familia, which will inch one year closer to completion (it is scheduled to be finished in 2026).
But those are just the tip of the iceberg of famous attractions in Europe, as world-class museums like the Louvre in Paris, the Prado in Madrid, and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum have become must-sees alongside palaces and castles like the Alhambra in Granada, the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and the opulent Palace of Versailles in France.
Other signature attractions include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Prague’s historic Charles Bridge, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and the countless vibrant food markets that have become must-sees for their local flavor.
Masked revelers at Venice Carnival (Photo via Samuel Chinellato / Wikimedia Commons)
Europe boasts a riveting events calendar each year, but two events specific to 2025 are the Women’s Euro 2025 soccer tournament in Switzerland (July 2-27) and the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England (August 22-27). But that’s just the start, as Europe knows how to throw a party, and the continent fills every month and season with events worth experiencing.
Carnival season kicks things off in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday (March 4), with cities like Basel, Nice, Cologne Cadiz, and Tenerife hosting some of the continent’s most colorful parties.
Then, it’s time for St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, where the city turns green and the pubs fill with cheer and revelers sipping stout. In April, Spain comes alive with its spring fairs, while The Netherlands paints the nation orange on King’s Day (April 27) and celebrates the blooming of its famous tulips.
As the mercury rises, music festivals take to the stage, with legendary events like Glastonbury in England (June 25 – June 29) and Tomorrowland in Belgium (July 18- 20 & 25-27) drawing crowds from all over the world for days of music and dancing. Summer is also the time for the San Fermin Festival in Spain, also known as the Running of the Bulls (July 6-14).
Autumn ushers in Oktoberfest (September 20 – October 5) in Munich, where the beer and new friendships flow. It’s also the time for harvest festivals celebrating wine and food across the continent. And of course, Europe finishes the year in grand style with its magical Christmas markets and New Years Eve celebrations, most famously Hogmanay in Scotland.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London, England, UK. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Tomas Marek)
If you’re thinking of introducing young ones to the joys of international travel, Europe is the perfect place to begin their journey. While the entire continent offers its own unique charm, some destinations stand out as especially family-friendly: the British Isles, Germany and Scandinavia.
In the British Isles (the UK & Ireland), there is no language barrier (the local lingo can confuse, but usually in a fun way!). Plus, there’s a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions tied to beloved family movies and TV shows. London, in particular, is a winner for families, boasting a wealth of iconic historical landmarks that will put smiles on everybody’s face. Whether you’re cruising down the River Thames or listening to harrowing tales at the Tower of London, the city offers memories that will last a lifetime.
For younger kids, follow in the paw prints of Paddington as you explore the city while older kids can soak in the magic of West End theater, and dive into the world of popular shows and movies like Derry Girls, Bridgerton and Outlander. For Harry Potter fans of all ages, there are film locations all over the country, from alluring Alnwick Castle in Northumberland to the rugged Highlands of Scotland. And let’s not forget the draw of Premier League games and locations associated with Ted Lasso and Welcome to Wrexham, which have made a big splash with soccer families in recent years.
In Germany, you’ll find a land straight out of a fairy tale. No, seriously, this is where the Brothers Grimm come from and you can retrace their steps and see the locations that inspired the stories, but it’s not all just storybook settings as Germany also boasts Europe’s most popular theme park after Disneyland Paris: Europa Park.
In Scandinavia, cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Gothenburg are brimming with family-friendly activities but without the overwhelming crowds. These delightful cities are full of fun attractions and beloved theme parks (both traditional and folk-focused), offering a more laid-back but equally exciting experience for families. Not to mention Sights associated with Hans Christian Anderson in Denmark, which tell the story of his life and tales like The Little Mermaid and more.
Porto, Portugal. (Photo Credit: Paul Heney)
Portugal is hot, and once again, it is listed as one of our picks for the best places in Europe for couples due to its perfect combination of romance and adventure. No, couples trips don’t get much better than the ones available in the Douro Valley, all draped in vineyards, where you can both bask in one of the most romantic settings on the continent.
City-wise, Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto all possess lively local cultures, rich histories and culinary specialties that will keep you both smiling. From sweet pastries in the morning to sipping port wine at sunset near the water and wandering through the charming streets after dark, you are sure to be smitten. And that’s just on the mainland! The islands of The Azores (featuring lush otherworldly landscapes) offer a thrilling experience while the island of Madeira is perfect for a honeymoon-style vacation.
Even if you’ve been together for decades, you’ll feel your hearts fluttering like it’s your first date on the Greek Islands. The more off the beaten path, the better. Last but not least, Belgium offers a hard-to-beat combination of medieval town squares, tasty food and some of the best chocolate & beer on the continent.
Berlin, Germany (Photo Credit: Courtesy AdobeStock)
If you’re planning a trip for a large group, you simply can’t go wrong with one of the most iconic European cities: Rome, Barcelona, London, Paris and Berlin all fit the bill.
These vibrant metropolises are stacked with travel treasure, offering something for absolutely everyone. History lovers can lose themselves in ancient landmarks, art aficionados can explore world-class museums and foodies can indulge in culinary immersion. And let’s not forget about the shopping and nightlife in these big cities, which are just as lively as the daytime attractions.
What’s more, these cities are incredibly accessible. As major transport hubs, they serve as perfect launchpads for day trips to nearby charming towns and hidden gems.
Historic buildings along a canal in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Noppasinw)
Europe is a dream destination for solo travelers. With its well-connected rail networks, affordable accommodations and countless tours focused on cities, food or local culture, it’s easy to make friends while flying solo here.
In Northern Europe, cities like Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Dublin and Bruges are perfect for solo adventurers as they’re safe, easy to navigate and brimming with other friendly travelers eager to swap stories.
Head south to Central Europe, and you’ll find Vienna, Budapest, and Prague—three cities that combine elegance with safety.
Scandinavia is also a solo traveler’s paradise. Cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, Bergen, Oslo, Gothenburg and Helsinki are not only remarkably safe (some of the safest in the world), but they also feature a nearly endless list of attractions that will keep you busy and happy for days.
Neapolitan Pizza (Photo via Hans Brunk)
Gone are the days when Italy and France had a monopoly on European cuisine. Today, practically the entire continent is a paradise for foodies, packed with everything from mouthwatering street food to Michelin-starred dining.
Start your culinary journey in cities like London, Paris, and Berlin, where the food scene offers everything from international fare to traditional delicacies. Then, head north to experience the cutting-edge New Nordic cuisine in Copenhagen and Stockholm, or savor the paprika-infused flavors of Budapest. And in Istanbul, where East meets West, you’ll find a fusion of flavors that spans continents.
But it’s not just the big cities that will tantalize your taste buds. The rolling hills of rural England are dotted with charming gastro pubs serving up some of the best local fare. In Spain’s Basque Country, world-class restaurants seem to appear around every corner. And Germany’s Black Forest region is known for its top-notch dining establishments.
Other hotspots include Naples (the birthplace of pizza) Seville, Lyon and Ljubljana.
A woman stands atop a peak in Besseggen, Jotunheimen, Norway. (Photo Credit: ajwk / Adobe Stock)
For adrenaline junkies, the Alps are the place you want to be, offering some of Europe’s best adventure travel experiences.
Nestled in and around these iconic peaks are towns like Chamonix (France), Kitzbühel (Austria) and Interlaken (Switzerland)—all legendary hubs for heart-racing extreme sports. Slovenia’s slice of the Alps deserves some attention too, with its pristine rivers and trails perfect for white-water rafting and hiking.
Beyond the Alps, Europe’s adventure scene expands to Slovakia and Poland’s rugged Tatra Mountains and the wide open trails and hills of Norway, with both areas being a dream come true for outdoor lovers. On the Iberian Peninsula, Tarifa, Spain is where the winds whip up ideal kite-surfing conditions and Portugal provides Europe’s best surfing. These are just the tip of the iceberg of the active pursuits you can take part in during your trip to Europe.
PHOTO: A group of Tour de France cyclists. (photo via Flickr/charel.irrthum)
Europe’s love affair with sports is undeniable—and it’s not just about soccer. From cycling to Formula One, tennis, and more, the continent offers a thrilling lineup of events that combine athleticism, spectacle, and a festive spirit.
Cycling enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Tour de France (July 5–27). This year’s epic ride starts in Lille and weaves its way through the stunning French countryside, ending in a dramatic finale in Paris. Along the route, expect roadside parties and enthusiastic fans turning the race into a rolling celebration.
For speed lovers, two high-octane Formula One events stand out: the glamorous Monaco Grand Prix (May 23–25) and the scenic Belgian Grand Prix (July 25-27). Both promise heart-stopping action and international crowds soaking up a party atmosphere.
Tennis lovers can once again mark their calendars for two iconic tournaments this summer: the French Open in Paris (May 25 – June 8) and Wimbledon in London (June 30 – July 13), where the world’s best players will take to the clay and grass respectively.
And, of course, soccer fans have their own “Super Bowl”: the Champions League Final, which will take place on May 31 in Munich.
Picture this scenario: you start your morning in France with a buttery croissant and a café au lait at a sidewalk cafe, then hop a train to Switzerland, where you can browse for precision-crafted watches and order lunch in German. But your day isn’t over yet as a train ride south lands you in Italy, just in time for a refreshing spritz and one of the best plates of pasta you’ve ever had.
Where else are you going to do that? While that example may be the exception to most people’s travel days in Europe, it illustrates what makes this continent so truly special: the mix of countries and customs, so close together.
Plus, while Europe shares some familiar comforts with North America, it’s delightfully different in all the right ways—enough to give you the perfect travel buzz.
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