The Ultimate European Bucket List for Avid Travellers
As we ring in the new year, we probably wish for nothing other than more travels. 2020 pushed all of our travel plans down the drain, and as we gradually started getting back on the road in 2021, we really hoped we could go back to normal this year. That’s why we’re keeping our spirits high by sharing the travel bucket list-worthy experiences we’d love to have safely in 2022, and we’re starting off with the ultimate European bucket list.
25 Experiences to Add to Your European Bucket List
From must-visit destinations to hidden gems in Europe, this bucket list covers it all. Check out our 25 recommendations for experiences you can’t miss around the continent.
#1 Go on top of the Eiffel Tower
Although this may sound too touristy, you can’t visit the city of lights without dropping by the Eiffel Tower. And you can’t go to the Eiffel Tower without making it to the top. After all, the top offers a spectacular aerial view of one of the most romantic cities in the world.
#2 Ride a Gondola in Venice
And speaking of romantic cities, whether you’re with a loved one or rocking the solo life, Venice’s gondola is not to be missed. Aside from the ride being iconic, it’s a lovely way to see the city.
#3 Bike along Amsterdam’s canals
Amsterdam is famous for a lot of things; its coffee shops, its canals, and the cycling culture. So, if you want to get around like a true local? Then get active and rent a bicycle!
#4 Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
The famed geothermal spa is one of the most relaxing experiences you could ever have. So, splurging on a dip like that is totally worth it.
#5 Soak in a thermal bath in Budapest
Another European country that’s well known for its thermal baths is hands down Hungary – it’s dubbed The Land of Thermal Spas by National Geographic. Even though the country is all surrounded by land, it boasts over 1,300 thermal baths, with 123 in Budapest alone.
#6 See the Northern Lights
Also known as the Aurora, or Polar Lights, this magical natural phenomenon should be on any traveller’s bucket list. Even though there are multiple locations around the world to witness this, most of them are in Europe, making it a staple of any European bucket list. You can see the Northern Lights in Iceland, Norway, Finland, or Sweden.
#7 Stay in a glass igloo in Finland
A magical experience requires an accommodation that’s just as magical. So, does a glass igloo sound good enough? If you opt for Finland to see the Northern Lights, the country offers some of the best glass igloo lodgings!
#8 Island hopping in Greece
Greece is home to 227 islands, so if you’re planning on island hopping this summer, it’d better be Greece! The country offers surreal landscapes from commercial islands like Santorini and Mykonos to more underrated ones like Milos and Lefkada.
#9 Hop on a yacht in Croatia
Looking for a similar, yet exceptional, water ride? Croatia is pretty known for its jaw-dropping yachts, amongst other things. And if you want to take things to another level, opt for Yacht Week!
#10 Spend a day in Disneyland Paris
No matter how old you are, you’re always old enough for Disneyland. Up for a fun adventure, full of magic? Disneyland is the perfect excuse to unleash your inner child.
#11 Shop in Milan
Italy may be known for fashion, but Milan, in particular, is something else. So, if you’re a fashion enthusiast, Milan is the perfect place to splurge on shopping.
#12 Walk the Berlin Wall in Germany
A trip to Berlin would be incomplete if you didn't go see the wall that once divided East and West Berlin. Even though it may seem like just a wall, these concrete remains represent an integral part of Germany’s history that’s important to learn all about.
#13 Kayak in Lake Bled in Slovenia
If you’re an outdoorsy person, then you’ll probably love kayaking (or you already do). But kayaking in Slovenia’s Lake Bled is just something else. Slovenian nature offers backdrops that are simply out of this world.
#14 Visit Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Even though it’s been under construction for over a century, the Sagrada Familia, which is the tallest religious site in Europe, is one of the most beautiful churches in the world. From the intricate details on its exteriors to the magnificent stained glass windows, everything about this site is just marvellous.
#15 Attend the Opera in Vienna
If you’re a classical music enthusiast, then you can’t go to Vienna without attending an opera. Of course, it’s no surprise that Vienna boasts some of the world’s most prestigious opera venues, since the city’s home to two of the most iconic composers in history; Mozart and Strauss.
#16 Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Whether you’re taking cliché photos or not, going on a day trip from Florence to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa is European bucket list material. It’s an architectural icon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.
#17 Witness London from the London Eye
Aerial views are always breathtaking, and the view from the tallest observation wheel in Europe is definitely no exception. So, even though it’s one of the most touristy sites in the UK, the London Eye is absolutely worth it!
#18 Ski in Andorra
Looking for ski heaven? Look no further, because Andorra is one of those hidden gems in Europe. It offers slopes that are suited for beginners, and it’s cheaper to ski there than in the Alps.
#19 Surf the waves in Porto
Beginner or pro surfer, Porto is the perfect European surfing destination. It has ideal climates and some of the best waves and surfing spots on the continent.
#20 Hike the Highlands in Scotland
Your European adventure wouldn’t be the same without hiking the Scottish Highlands. Just Google the pictures – that should be enough to convince you!
#21 Take a photo in Trolltunga, Norway
This experience is not for the light-hearted, but if you’ve got the nerve, and you manage to make it all the way up there, a photo would be one for the books!
#22 Stroll through Bruges in Belgium
Most people go to Brussels when in Belgium, but you know what’s prettier and deserves to be on your European bucket list even more? Bruges! The city is best known for its preserved medieval architecture, so something as simple as a walk down the street is an incredibly pleasant experience.
#23 Walk down the Old Town in Tallinn
And speaking of pleasant walks, have you ever gone for a stroll through European Old Towns? Well, Tallinn’s Old Town is quite exceptional. You see, the medieval architecture there is so well preserved that it was named as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
#24 Visit the Colosseum
Your European bucket list wouldn’t be complete without dropping by the Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. By the way, you should add visiting them all to your main travel bucket list!
#25 Throw a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
And when in Rome, don’t forget to pay a visit to the famed Trevi Fountain. As the legend says, if you throw a coin, you’ll come back (we guarantee you’ll want to return). If you’re a hopeless romantic and want to take this further, throw two coins and meet a handsome Italian, or maybe three coins in hopes to marry them.
Have you been to or done anything on this European bucket list? Leave a comment and tell us how many experiences you still have left to go!
