Europe brings together historic capitals, world-famous landmarks, distinctive food cultures, beautiful architecture, and remarkably different travel experiences within a relatively compact region. If you are looking for the top 10 destinations in Europe, this list brings together ten cities that can each offer a very different kind of European trip.
From the canals of Amsterdam and the grand boulevards of Paris to the ancient streets of Rome and the waterfront beauty of Stockholm, these destinations have remained favorites for good reason. Watch our original TopHotelLists video below for a quick look at all ten, then continue through the guide to discover what makes each destination worth considering and how to plan where to stay.
Watch: Top 10 Destinations In Europe
Take a quick trip across Europe with our original TopHotelLists video featuring all ten destinations included in this guide.
Top 10 Destinations in Europe at a Glance
| Rank | Destination | Great For |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rome, Italy | Ancient history, art, food and iconic landmarks |
| #2 | Venice, Italy | Canals, historic architecture and a uniquely romantic setting |
| #3 | London, United Kingdom | Museums, landmarks, entertainment and endless variety |
| #4 | Barcelona, Spain | Architecture, Mediterranean atmosphere, culture and beaches |
| #5 | Paris, France | Art, landmarks, food, fashion and romantic city breaks |
| #6 | Prague, Czech Republic | Historic architecture, atmospheric streets and old-world charm |
| #7 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Canals, museums, cycling and compact sightseeing |
| #8 | Budapest, Hungary | Architecture, thermal baths, history and Danube views |
| #9 | Stockholm, Sweden | Waterfront scenery, islands, design and Scandinavian culture |
| #10 | Berlin, Germany | History, museums, culture and a creative city atmosphere |
Top 10 Destinations In Europe
1. Rome, Italy
Rome brings thousands of years of history into a modern capital. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Vatican City provide enough major attractions for several days, while piazzas, fountains, restaurants and neighborhood streets make the experience about much more than checking landmarks off a list.
Where you stay should depend on how you plan to explore. First-time visitors may value walking access to major historic sights, while other travelers may prefer a neighborhood with a more residential atmosphere and good transport connections. For travelers interested in ancient history, architecture, Italian food and street life, Rome can easily become the centerpiece of a European trip.
Explore our Top 10 Hotels in Rome, Italy and read our guide on how to choose the right hotel in Rome.
2. Venice, Italy
Few destinations offer an experience comparable to Venice. Canals replace ordinary streets in much of the historic city, while bridges, narrow passageways, historic palaces and waterside views create an atmosphere that is unmistakably Venetian.
St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge are among the famous highlights, but wandering away from the busiest routes is part of the experience. Accommodation location is especially important in Venice because getting around works differently from most cities. Consider walking distances, vaporetto access and how you will reach your hotel with luggage before booking.
Start your accommodation research with our Top 10 Hotels in Venice, Italy.
3. London, United Kingdom
London offers extraordinary variety. Historic landmarks such as the Tower of London and Westminster sit alongside world-class museums, major shopping districts, theaters, parks, markets and neighborhoods that can feel almost like separate destinations.
Because London is so large, hotel location can have a major effect on both your travel time and overall experience. Rather than automatically choosing the most central hotel, consider which attractions and neighborhoods matter most to you and how easily you can reach them by Underground or other public transportation. London can suit families, couples, culture lovers, shoppers and repeat visitors because there is always another part of the city to discover.
Compare our Top 10 Hotels in London, United Kingdom and learn how to choose the right hotel in London.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona combines several experiences that are difficult to find together in one destination: distinctive architecture, Mediterranean weather, lively neighborhoods, cultural attractions and access to the sea. Antoni GaudÃ’s Sagrada FamÃlia and other architectural landmarks give the city a visual identity unlike almost anywhere else in Europe.
Choosing where to stay depends heavily on the type of Barcelona trip you want. Some visitors prioritize the historic center and major attractions, while others prefer neighborhoods with a more local atmosphere or easier access to the waterfront. Barcelona is particularly attractive for travelers who want sightseeing and culture without giving up the relaxed feeling of a Mediterranean destination.
For places to stay, explore our Top 10 Hotels in Barcelona, Spain.
5. Paris, France
Paris remains one of Europe’s defining destinations. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Seine and elegant neighborhoods provide famous sights, but much of the pleasure of visiting Paris also comes from simply exploring its streets, cafés, markets and individual districts.
Hotel location deserves particular attention because Paris is divided into distinct arrondissements, each offering a different experience. A central location can make sightseeing easier, while staying farther from the most famous attractions may offer a more residential atmosphere. Paris works equally well for first-time sightseeing, romantic trips, art-focused visits and travelers who simply want to experience French food and city life.
See our Top 10 Hotels in Paris, France and our practical guide on how to choose the right hotel in Paris.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of Europe’s great destinations for travelers who love historic architecture and atmospheric streets. The Old Town, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle create a cityscape filled with towers, church spires, historic squares and views across the Vltava River.
Much of the central sightseeing area can be explored on foot, making location particularly important when choosing accommodation. Staying close to the historic center offers convenience, while neighborhoods a little farther away can provide a quieter experience and easy access by public transportation. Prague is especially well suited to a shorter European city break focused on history, architecture and exploring on foot.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s canals, narrow historic buildings and compact center make it one of Europe’s most recognizable cities. Major museums, canal cruises, neighborhood cafés and streets designed for walking and cycling mean that visitors can experience a great deal without traveling huge distances.
The city center is convenient but can also be busy, so your ideal hotel location depends on the atmosphere you want. Staying slightly outside the busiest central streets can offer a different side of Amsterdam while still providing easy access by tram, metro or on foot. Museum lovers, couples and travelers who prefer exploring a city at a slower pace will find plenty here.
Before booking, compare our Top 10 Hotels in Amsterdam, Netherlands and read how to choose the right hotel in Amsterdam.
8. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest offers an impressive combination of grand architecture, history and memorable views along the Danube. The Hungarian capital is effectively shaped by two historic sides of the city: hilly Buda on one side of the river and the busier, flatter Pest on the other.
Highlights include the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and the city’s famous thermal baths. Where you stay can noticeably change the experience: central Pest is convenient for restaurants, attractions and transportation, while parts of Buda can provide a quieter atmosphere and beautiful viewpoints. Budapest can work particularly well for travelers looking for history, architecture and a classic Central European city break.
9. Stockholm, Sweden
Built across islands and surrounded by water, Stockholm combines the attractions of a European capital with an unusually close connection to nature. Gamla Stan provides cobbled streets and historic buildings, while areas such as Norrmalm and Östermalm offer shopping, restaurants and convenient access to many of the city’s major sights.
Stockholm is particularly appealing if you enjoy waterfront walks, Scandinavian design, museums and easy day trips onto the Stockholm archipelago. Public transportation is extensive, but location still matters when choosing accommodation, especially if you want to walk to many attractions rather than travel back and forth across the city.
For accommodation ideas, see our Top 10 Hotels in Stockholm, Sweden and our guide on how to choose the right hotel in Stockholm.
10. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a fascinating choice for travelers who want history, culture and the energy of a modern European capital in the same trip. The city’s past is visible throughout Berlin, from the Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Berlin Wall to museums and memorials that tell some of Europe’s most important modern stories.
At the same time, Berlin is far more than its history. Different neighborhoods offer dramatically different atmospheres, and the city is known for art, music, parks, restaurants and a creative culture that makes exploring beyond the major landmarks worthwhile. Because Berlin is geographically large, choosing a hotel with convenient public-transport connections can make sightseeing considerably easier.
Planning a trip? Explore our Top 10 Hotels in Berlin, Germany.
How to Choose From the Top 10 Destinations in Europe
Choosing between the top 10 destinations in Europe comes down to the kind of trip you want. If ancient history is your priority, Rome is an obvious place to consider, while Berlin provides a particularly powerful look at modern European history. Paris and Venice are classic choices for a romantic trip, while Stockholm and Amsterdam combine city sightseeing with distinctive waterfront settings.
Architecture lovers have plenty of choices too. Barcelona offers the unmistakable work of GaudÃ, Prague provides a remarkably atmospheric historic center, and Budapest combines monumental architecture with impressive views along the Danube. For sheer variety, London offers enough museums, neighborhoods, attractions and entertainment to fill trips of almost any length.
The best choice ultimately depends on what you want from the trip, your budget, the time of year and how many days you have available. Rather than choosing only by popularity, think about the experiences that matter most to you.
Where to Stay in the Top 10 Destinations in Europe
Once you have narrowed down the top 10 destinations in Europe and chosen where you want to go, where you stay can make a significant difference to the trip. A hotel that looks excellent in photographs may be less suitable if it requires long journeys to the places you actually want to visit. Before booking, consider the neighborhood, public transportation, walking distances, room type, included amenities and the total price of the stay.
Cancellation conditions are also worth checking carefully, particularly when booking well ahead of your trip. If you want a quick checklist before making a decision, read our Top 7 Tips For Choosing The Right Hotel.
Ready to Explore the Top 10 Destinations in Europe?
After choosing from the top 10 destinations in Europe, you can start comparing accommodation based on the location, room options and features that matter to you. Check current availability and prices for your travel dates before making your final decision.
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Europe is only one part of the world worth exploring. If you are comparing ideas for a future trip, continue with our other regional destination guides and discover places to consider across six more parts of the world.
- Top 10 Destinations In Asia
- Top 10 Destinations In Africa
- Top 10 Destinations In Oceania
- Top 10 Destinations In North America
- Top 10 Destinations In Central America
- Top 10 Destinations In South America
Whichever destination you choose, take the time to compare where you stay as carefully as where you go. The right location and hotel can make exploring your destination easier, more comfortable and better suited to the kind of trip you want.
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