Narrowing down the best things to do in Europe is a difficult task. Most European bucket lists are overflowing with adventures to be had and places to explore, as there is a seemingly infinite number of cultural wonders and natural gems that are just waiting to be discovered. The twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, the great stone pillars of the Acropolis and the history-packed walls of the Colosseum have captured the attention of snap-happy tourists for years, but we want to dive deeper into Europe’s treasure trove to explore some of the lesser-known bucket-list-worthy experiences. Wandering through ancient artefacts in Pompeii, lying under huge light-splattered skies in Sweden or testing out your swimming abilities in Lake Bled are by no means hidden gems, but venturing away from the limelight-hogging tourist traps might lead you to some pretty special European treasures. Here is our list of what we think are some of the best things to do in Europe…
- Wonder at the Northern Lights in Sweden
- Don your Hiking Boots and Head for the Dolomites
- Dive into History at the Ruins of Pompeii in Italy
- Wind Your Way Along Norway’s Flåm Railway
- Take the plunge and swim to Lake Bled Island in Slovenia
- Hop Aboard a Gondola in Venice
- Tuck into a Cooking Masterclass in San Sebastian
- Wander Through Valetta in Malta
- Explore Age-Old French Culture on a Château tour through France
- Marvel at the Wonders of Cappadocian Art and Geology in Turkey
Be Bewildered by the Northern Lights in Sweden
When the sun sets at 3pm and Swedes are tucked up inside their cosy rainbow-hued weatherboard homes, it’s the perfect time to head out in the hope of spotting the Northern Lights during the country’s seemingly endless winter nights. Whether dashing through the wilderness on a snowmobile or venturing out on foot wearing snowshoes, witnessing the aurora borealis will be forever imprinted on your mind and is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Europe.
Don your Hiking Boots and Head for the Dolomites
The imposing peaks of the Dolomite Mountains tower over the horizon, their time-worn trails calling out to be explored. The vast beauty of the sunken valleys and vertiginous hillsides of these incredible Italian mountains are the ultimate place to get back to nature. Grab your boots and feel the burn while trekking with a guide up lung-busting inclines until you are rewarded with views to top all others.
Image © Faustine Poidevin
Dive into History at the Ruins of Pompeii in Italy
Pompeii’s ashy remains sprawl hauntingly beneath the imposing shadow of Mount Vesuvius as a stark reminder of Mother Nature’s destructive forces. The ghostly ruins are jam-packed with history and act as a preserved slice of ancient life – a haven for archaeology afficionados and curious minds. A tour with an expert guide is the best way to explore everything from ancient amphitheatres to perfectly preserved artwork.
Wind Your Way Along Norway’s Flåm Railway
There is no better way to experience Norway’s epic scenery and majestic fjords than travelling by train along the Flåm Railway. Wind your way from Sognefjord all the way to mountainous Myrdal, through verdant valleys, past babbling streams and around snow-capped peaks. As the ultimate slow-travel adventure, it is no wonder this is on our list of the best things to do in Europe.
Take the plunge and swim to Lake Bled Island in Slovenia
Lake Bled is a fairy-tale come to life. Having been created by fairies (or so they say), the lake still twinkles with a little bit of magic under the moonlight. The bluer-than-blue water is punctuated only by a tiny castle-topped island and perhaps a little boat or two. As the only natural island in Slovenia, exploring it is a must, so take a dip (it’s a 980ft swim from the shore to the island at its narrowest point) or hop aboard the traditional Plenta boat if swimming isn’t your thing.
Image © Olivier Romano
Hop Aboard a Gondola in Venice
Entirely stereotypical? Yes. Questionably overpriced? Absolutely. Is hopping aboard a gondola and cruising down Venice’s canals really worth it? Without a doubt. You can’t leave Venice without experiencing its famous winding waterways on a traditional gondola with the city’s soundtrack, barcarolle, being sweetly sung somewhere down the canal. Picturesque palazzos and must-see sights line the water’s edge, meaning you will never be short of something to look at.
Tuck into a Cooking Masterclass in San Sebastian
All of Spain is a foodie’s paradise, but San Sebastian is the beating heart of this culinary wonderland, which is why a masterclass in this Baroque city is firmly on our list of the best things to do in Europe. Boasting the second most Michelin stars per capita in the world (after Tokyo) and home to delicious pintxos, it is no wonder this is the place to head if you want great gastronomy. A cooking class with a local chef is a must for flavour afficionados or for those who simply appreciate good food.
Wander through Valletta, Malta’s ‘open-air museum’
Have you ever wanted to live out your wildest Game of Thrones dreams? Valletta is home to the King’s Gate (Fort Ricasoli), the dungeons of the Red Keep (Fort St Angelo) and the Great Sept of Baelor (Fort Manoel) where you can walk in the footsteps of Jon Snow and Arya Stark. The entirety of Malta’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site, meaning there is tonnes to do and see here, like an enormous open-air museum.
Explore Age-Old French Culture on a Château Tour Through France
Once home to lavish lords and ladies, the regal chateaus dotted around the French countryside are overflowing with age-old culture and Renaissance charm. Hop in the car and road-trip around the South of France and the Loire Valley, where you will be able to spot turrets and draw bridges galore.
Marvel at the Wonders of Cappadocian Geology in Turkey
Ancient civilisations carved great caves and intricate cities out of the Cappadocia’s soft volcanic rock, sculpting it into weird and wonderful shapes, most famously the ‘fairy chimneys’ of Göreme. Rise before the sun and watch hundreds of hot air balloons drift gently through the sky as the morning light turns the landscape a perfect shade of peach.
Written by Immy Kelly