Europe Travel Guide
Cobbled lanes at golden hour, church bells over the rooftops, espresso at a pavement table and a train window full of Alps. Europe packs centuries of wonder into every journey.
Start exploringThree places that define Europe
Ancient ruins, royal riverbanks and cliffside sunsets: start with these icons, then build outward.
The Colosseum & Roman Forum
Stand where gladiators once walked, then lose an afternoon among the columns of the Roman Forum. Rome rewards slow wandering: ancient stone warmed by the sun, espresso at a crowded bar, and a fountain around every corner.
Stay: Hotel Danieli (Venice) is the classic palace stay if you extend north.
Compare hotels in Italy →Big Ben & Westminster
Walk the river at dusk as the bells of Westminster roll over the Thames. London layers royal pageantry, world-class museums and pubs with centuries of stories into a city you can cross on foot, tube and river bus.
Stay: The Ritz London for afternoon-tea grandeur.
Compare hotels in London →Santorini & the Greek islands
White-washed walls and blue domes tumbling down a volcanic cliff, with the Aegean glittering far below. Santorini at sunset is a ritual: grab a terrace, order something cold, and watch the sky turn gold, then rose, then violet.
Stay: Canaves Oia for cliffside views over the caldera.
Compare flights to Greece →More to discover across the continent
Paris, France
The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower anchor the classic first visit, but the real magic is in between: a flaky croissant, a riverside stroll, a lit tower glittering after dark.Barcelona, Spain
Gaudí’s Sagrada Família rises like a stone forest, all spires and light. Pair it with tapas-hopping, sunny beaches and late, lively dinners.Swiss Alps
Scenic rail journeys glide past glaciers, emerald valleys and alpine villages. Window seats here are the best seats in Europe.Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s canal district is made for slow exploring: leaning gabled houses, bridges at every turn, and bikes ringing past in the golden evening light.Venice, Italy
A city floating on water, where every lane ends in a canal and every canal in a postcard. Get up early before the crowds for the quietest, most magical light.Stay: Hotel DanieliVienna, Austria
Grand imperial boulevards, concert halls and coffeehouse culture invite you to sit a while. Order a slice of cake and watch the city drift by.Stay: Hotel SacherFour ways Europe gets under your skin
Choose your season
Three ways to build your trip
Practical planning for Europe
Getting around
High-speed rail connects most major cities quickly; budget carriers cover the rest. A rail pass can be worthwhile for multi-country trips.Safety tips
Europe is generally low-risk for travelers; standard precautions apply in busy tourist areas prone to pickpocketing.Budget advice
Western Europe runs pricier than Eastern and Southern Europe. Mix regions to balance a multi-country itinerary.Visa requirements
Requirements vary by nationality and country. Many non-EU visitors can enter the Schengen area visa-free for short stays, though rules differ for the UK and for longer trips. Confirm with the relevant embassy or consulate before booking.Currency & payments
The euro is used across most of the Eurozone; the UK uses pounds sterling and Switzerland uses Swiss francs. Cards are widely accepted, but small cash amounts are useful for markets and rural areas.Best time to visit
May–June and September–October offer good weather with smaller crowds than peak summer.Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Europe?
It depends on your nationality. Many visitors can enter the Schengen area visa-free for short stays, while others need a Schengen visa in advance. The UK has separate entry requirements from the Schengen area. Check with the relevant embassy or consulate before you travel.
Is a rail pass worth it?
For multi-country trips, a rail pass can save money and time versus booking each leg separately, especially across countries with strong high-speed rail networks.
What currency should I bring?
The euro covers most of the Eurozone, but the UK and Switzerland use their own currencies. Cards are widely accepted; carry some local cash for smaller purchases.
When should I visit to avoid crowds?
May–June and September–October offer good weather with smaller crowds than the peak July–August season.
Is Europe expensive?
It varies widely. Western Europe runs pricier than Eastern and Southern Europe, so mixing regions is the easiest way to balance a multi-country itinerary.
Do I need travel insurance?
Many travelers choose it for medical cover and trip protection, and some visa types require proof of insurance. Check the requirements of your destination and embassy.