Europe includes a large part of the world’s most interesting continents for visitors, combining historical significance, cultural experiences, stunning architectures, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery. The transportation systems are well connected, there are many things to do and see, and the distance between the countries is not so great, thus making Europe easy to explore. As of 2023, Europe dominated more than 60% of international tourist arrivals globally, as reported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which attracted millions of visitors to the continent’s cultural heritage sites, cooking habits, and seasonal events. Here are some of the best European nations to visit, each providing a different and fascinating insight into what the continent has to offer.
#9 – Germany: History, Innovation, and Festivals
Germany is one of the biggest economic and cultural powers in Europe, which were visited by more than 40 million tourists in 2023. Berlin is a dynamic city with a rich history of the Berlin Wall and an international reputation for its art. Munich is the capital of Bavaria and the place where Oktoberfest was born, while Hamburg, Cologne and Dresden have their own attractions. Germany is famous for having an efficient and cheap public transport; high-speed trains and regional passes, like the Deutschlandticket, are great for mobility. It is ranked the 15th safest country in the Global Peace Index and is one of the safest countries in Europe. Germany has 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a very eco-friendly country. The cost of daily travel is between €60 and €100. The country features go from medieval towns and castles to space-age architecture and a buzzing nightlife.
#8 – Netherlands: Urban Cool and Cultural Riches
In 2023, the Netherlands has more than 22 million tourists. Amsterdam is the capital and the city has canals, museums and a cycling culture to offer for a unique urban experience. Other cities including Utrecht, Rotterdam and The Hague are also emerging as popular destinations with a perfect balance of modern design and traditional Dutch charm. The Netherlands is small and simple to get around as it has a very good train network and a bicycle friendly environment. The country is safe and progressive, it holds the 16th position on the Global Peace Index. English is widely spoken, which makes the country more understandable for international visitors. The costs are also intermediate, with the daily costs between $70 and $110 USD, according to the choice of the accommodation and meals. Festivals, tulip fields in spring, and innovative cuisine make the Netherlands a hub.
#7 – Austria: Classical Charm and Natural Wonders
Austria is still a country of interest to tourists who are interested in culture, music, and mountain activities. The country has received more than 20 million visitors in 2023 and is known for cities such as Vienna and Salzburg, both of which were the settings for Mozart and the classical music culture. Vienna is often considered one of the most livable cities in the world with its beautiful architecture, art galleries, and historic coffee houses. The Alps of the country offer great skiing in winter and beautiful treks in summer. It stands fifth in the Global Peace Index, which also captures its low crime rates and high standard of living. The transport system in Austria is also very efficient and has very frequent and convenient trains and buses to and between cities and alpine villages. The price of the travel options is $70-100 USD per day and there are options for both luxury and mid-range travellers. Austria also pays much attention to the sustainability, and most of the accommodation and transport options are eco-friendly.
#6 – Switzerland: Alpine Beauty and World-Class Precision
Unlike the sunny southern Europe, Switzerland is quite the opposite with its majestic mountains, pristine lakes and pretty towns. Last year, about 12 million international visitors were received by the country. Cultural and financial hubs are Zurich and Geneva and the outdoor enthusiast year round destinations are Interlaken, Zermatt and Lucerne. Switzerland is one of the most efficient countries in public transportation and sustainability, and is one of the top countries. Exploring the vast and beautiful rail network of the country is made easy and scenic by the Swiss Travel Pass. Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, with an average daily cost of more than $120 USD, but it provides quality in accommodations, food and safety. Switzerland is the 10th safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index, and is one of the cleanest and secure destinations in Europe.
#5 – Greece: Ancient Ruins and Island Escapes
One of Europe’s most traditional countries, Greece is still visited by over 27 million tourists in 2023. It is especially famous for the ancient history and the island life in paradise. Athens, the capital city, is home to the Acropolis and other remnants of classical civilization. Santorini and Mykonos are two of the most photographed islands in the world with their typical whitewashed villages and crystal clear waters. There are 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece, including Delphi and Meteora. The country is reasonably priced, the daily travel expenses will tiggle the scale between $50 and $80 USD. Greece has enhanced its infrastructure in the last few years; there are domestic flights and ferries that connect the islands and make traveling between them easier than ever. It is situated at the 60th position on the Global Peace Index and safety risks are mainly Acute public safety issues like petty theft in overcrowded tourist areas. The hospitality of the people is called philoxenia and it makes everyone feel like they are always welcome.
#4 – Portugal: Europe’s Rising Star
In the past decade, Portugal has emerged as a popular destination, having received more than 30 million tourists in 2023. The capital city, Lisbon, picture painted buildings, trams, and river views; Porto has wine cellars, tiled facades, and beautiful riverside neighborhoods. In the southern region of the country, the Algarve is renowned for its beaches that are as golden as its limestone cliffs and its golf resorts. Portugal is excellent value for the money; for budget travellers, the average daily spend is between $40 and $60 USD. It stands seventh on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest places to visit in Europe. Portugal has mild climates, friendly people, and a small country; therefore, it is easy to travel around or use your reliable rail system while on your trip. Also, the cost of living in the country is relatively low, which has made it a recent hub for digital nomads because of the low cost of living and the laid-back culture.
#3 – Spain: Sunshine, Culture, and Affordability
In 2023, Spain received about 84 million international tourists, which makes it the second most visited country in Europe. Spain has a Mediterranean climate, lively cities and a great deal of history to discover. Cultural hubs like Barcelona and Madrid boast the works of Gaudí, flamenco, and some of Europe’s best art galleries. Fifty UNESCO World Heritage Sites are found in the country, including Toledo’s historic city and Alhambra in Granada. It has the Costa del Sol’s beautiful beaches and the Pyrenees and Galicia’s wild landscapes. Spain is a relatively cheap destination compared to other European countries, and it is possible to travel there for as little as $50 to $70 USD per day. The public transport is well developed and frequent – buses and trains are available. Spain is the 29th safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index, and pickpocketing is quite common in tourist crowds.
#2 – Italy: A Cultural Treasure Trove
Italy has been visited by more than 60 million tourists in 2023 and is one of the leading travel destinations in Europe. Italy is famous for being the home of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Rome has the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, which are ancient ruins. But it’s all about the canals and gondolas in Venice. Florence is a hub for artists and keeps the works of Michelangelo and Botticelli. It has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country—58. Culinary tourism is a key motivator; you can eat your way through pasta in Bologna, seafood in Sicily, and pizzas in Naples. The Italian train network is efficient and affordable, so you can travel across the country without a hitch. Italy is the 32nd most peaceful country in the world, and although cities can get crowded and a bit chaotic at times, they are typically friendly and safe for tourists.
#1 – France: The World’s Most Visited Country
France has always been ranked as the world’s most visited country and it received 89 million international tourists in 2023. Many people have Paris on their bucket list as one of the most iconic places on the planet, home to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and other world class museums, and a generally romantic atmosphere along the Seine. There are other areas, of course; you can taste wine in Bordeaux or Burgundy, wander through the lavender fields of Provence or hit the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera. There are 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France, including Mont-Saint-Michel and the medieval city of Carcassonne. The country has a well developed system of high speed rail, with its Thalys trains, so that you can get from city to city easily. While the average cost of travelling in France is quite high, there are a lot of budget options available. France is 67th in the 2024 Global Peace Index, and while Paris and other cities are prone to petty theft among tourists, the country is otherwise safe for travellers.
Choosing the Best European Destination
All European countries have their unique attractions for visitors, it depends on what you like most – the warm beaches of Portugal and Spain, the Alpine heights of Switzerland and Austria. France and Italy are best for art and romance, while Germany and the Netherlands combine history with innovation. Greece combines the ancient history with the beach holidays, and the cultural life of Vienna and Lisbon never disappoints. Whether you are a budget traveller, a luxury tourist or a European newbie, this continent provides the best of both worlds in terms of accessibility, safety, and variety. With the help of this information and your own ideas about what you want from your European vacation, you can create a once in a lifetime adventure.
