15 Best European Countries to Visit in 2026 (I’ve Visited 38)

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Europe is incredible, but let’s be honest: planning a trip there has changed. After spending the last decade visiting 38 countries across the continent, I’ve seen the shift firsthand. The crowds in Santorini are denser, the lines in Paris are longer, and the “hidden gems” are harder to find.

But does that mean you should skip it? Absolutely not. It just means you need a better strategy. Whether you are looking for the Alpine peaks of Switzerland, the historic depth of Italy, or the underrated coastlines of Croatia, I’ve curated this list to help you cut through the noise. I’m breaking down where to go, when to avoid the crowds, and how much it actually costs in the current travel economy.

From the fjords of Norway to the warm sands of Portugal, here are the 15 best European countries to visit right now, ranked by diversity of experience and value for money.

Quick Decision Guide: Which Country is Right for You?

Here’s a quick comparison of the top European destinations I recommend visiting in 2026. I saved some big surprises later in this article as well!

Country	Best For…	Budget Level	Best Month
1. Greece	History & Islands	$$-$$$	May or Oct
2. Portugal	Sun & Value	$ – $$	September
3. Switzerland	Mountains & Nature	$$$$	June
4. Italy	Food & Culture	$$-$$$	April
5. Norway	Fjords & Auroras	$$$$	March (Lights)

My 2026 European Travel Strategy

Having visited 38 countries in Europe, I’ve developed a simple rule for picking a destination: Follow the “Shoulder.”

In 2026, flight prices to major hubs like London and Rome have risen by roughly 15-20%. To get the best experience, I recommend “destination dupes” or strict shoulder-season travel:

• Want the Alps? Skip Zermatt in February; try the Austrian Tyrol in March. I absolutely love places like Kitzbühel and Sölden.
• Want Mediterranean Beaches? Skip Mykonos in August; try the Albanian Riviera or the Turkish Turquoise Coast in September.
• Want History? Skip the line at the Colosseum; explore the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey or Diocletian’s Palace in Croatia.

Best European Countries to Visit

Are you ready to discover the best European countries to visit? My ultimate guide is your first step to building the ultimate itinerary for your next European adventure. I’ve got some surprises that I’m excited to share later in this article 🙂

1. For history lovers: Greece

Greece honestly delivers way more than just ancient ruins, though those are pretty incredible too. I’ve been here multiple times and it’s easily one of the greatest countries in the world – the food alone is worth the trip. Athens still blows my mind with the Parthenon towering over everything, but don’t sleep on the islands. Santorini‘s sunsets are actually as dreamy as everyone says, and Mykonos parties hard if you’re into that scene.

The best time to visit is April through June or September through October – you’ll get great weather without the insane July-August crowds and costs. Budget around $100-150 per day if you’re being careful, though you can definitely do it cheaper by staying outside the popular spots. Flight prices have jumped about 26% for 2026, so book early.

Pro tip: skip the crazy expensive Mykonos and Santorini during peak season and hit up Nafplio or Naxos instead. They’re just as gorgeous but way more chill. The Greek food thing isn’t hype either – I actually felt healthier eating there than anywhere else, and those tomatoes really do taste different.

2. For fun in the sun: Portugal

Portugal is basically Europe’s best-kept secret that’s not really secret anymore. Lisbon‘s trams rattling up those colorful hills never get old, and I can’t get enough of those pastéis de nata (seriously, I had like six in one day). The sweet spot for visiting is March to May and September to October – perfect weather, fewer crowds, and way better prices.

You can easily stay on budget here compared to other Western European countries, especially if you get out of Lisbon and Porto. The Algarve isn’t just beaches – though those are stunning – it’s got these dramatic cliffs and hidden coves that’ll make your Instagram pop. Sintra is a fairy-tale town that’s only about 30 minutes from Lisbon, and those palaces are genuinely magical.

The Azores are where you go when you want to feel like you’ve discovered something special. Volcanic islands, whale watching, hot springs – it’s nature at its finest. Plus, Portuguese people are genuinely some of the friendliest I’ve met in Europe. Don’t even get me started on the seafood and wine – you’ll eat like royalty for half what you’d pay in Paris.

3. For food, art, and culture: Italy

Italy is where every meal feels like an event and every city is basically an outdoor museum. Rome hits different when you’re walking the same streets Caesar did, and honestly, the Colosseum never stops being impressive. Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are your sweet spots – great weather and you won’t be melting in the summer heat.

Venice is touristy as hell, but it’s touristy for good reason. I mean, where else can you glide through canals in a gondola? Just avoid the super expensive ones near St. Mark’s Square. Florence isn’t just the Uffizi and David – there are amazing vintage shops and gelato spots that locals actually go to.

Budget around $100-150 per day for mid-range travel, but you can definitely do it cheaper with the right tricks. Hit up local markets, eat at family-run trattorias, and use those city tourist cards – they actually save you money if you’re hitting multiple museums. Puglia is having a moment right now and honestly deserves all the hype – beautiful beaches, incredible food, and way fewer crowds than the Amalfi Coast.

4. For Alpine wonders: Switzerland

Switzerland is expensive, let’s just get that out of the way. I’ve traveled to over 100 countries and this still easily makes the top three for cost. But honestly? It’s worth every overpriced franc because the scenery is absolutely unreal. You’re looking at $100-150 per day minimum for budget travel, $200-300 for mid-range.

Zurich and Lucerne are gorgeous, but I actually love getting out to places like Grindelwald and the Bernese Oberland where you feel like you’re inside a postcard. The Zurich Card and Geneva City Pass are game-changers – free public transport, museum entries, and discounts that actually pay for themselves within hours.

Bring a reusable water bottle because the tap water is pristine and buying bottled water will destroy your budget. The hiking is phenomenal and totally free – some of the best views I’ve ever seen were from trails that didn’t cost a cent. From May to August 2026, you’ll need reservations for Jungfraujoch (costs CHF 10), so book ahead. Pro tip: get the Swiss Half Fare Card if you’re moving around – it cuts transport costs in half.

5. For diversity of experiences: Spain

Spain is where every region feels like a different country. Barcelona‘s Sagrada Familia is absolutely wild – I stared at it for like an hour trying to figure out how Gaudí’s brain worked. Madrid has this amazing energy where you can spend all day in world-class museums then party until 6 AM (which is totally normal there).

Seville is pure Spanish soul – the flamenco shows aren’t just tourist traps, they’re actually incredible. Summer (June-August) gets brutally hot, especially inland, so spring and fall are way more comfortable for exploring. The Canary Islands are basically Spain’s version of Hawaii and perfect year-round.

I always tell people to hit up San Sebastián for the pintxos crawl – it’s like a tapas tour but way more fun and authentic. Asturias in the north is completely underrated – stunning beaches, amazing cider, and hardly any international tourists. The train system is solid for getting around, and eating out is still pretty affordable compared to the rest of Western Europe. Each region has its own personality, so you could honestly spend months here and never get bored.

6. For scenery and sophistication: France

France delivers exactly what you’d expect and then some. Paris is touristy but magical – walking along the Seine at sunset never gets old, even for someone who’s been there multiple times. The Eiffel Tower views from Montmartre are way better than the crowded observation decks, and you’ll save money too.

Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are perfect – great weather and fewer crowds than summer. Provence in lavender season (July) is stunning, but honestly, any time of year has its charm. The Loire Valley châteaux are exactly as fairy-tale perfect as you’d imagine.

The French Riviera is pricey but worth splurging for a few days – Nice has amazing markets and Cannes is fun for people-watching. I love taking the train around France; it’s efficient and you see beautiful countryside. The food scene is obviously incredible, but don’t just stick to fancy restaurants – some of my best meals have been at local bistros and markets. Just avoid the tourist traps near major landmarks where they charge €8 for a coffee.

• Read next: Amazing Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower Views
• You may also like: Epic Airbnbs in the French Riviera

7. For Eastern and Western influences: Turkey

Turkey is this incredible mix of Europe and Asia that feels totally unique. Istanbul blew my mind – you can literally stand with one foot in Europe and one in Asia, and the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are genuinely breathtaking. The food here is insane – fresh kebabs, amazing baklava, and Turkish tea that’s way better than anything you’ve had at home.

Cappadocia with those hot air balloons floating over fairy chimneys is probably the most surreal landscape I’ve ever seen. It’s touristy but absolutely worth it. The Turquoise Coast has some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean, and it’s way more affordable than the Greek islands.

Gaziantep is a foodie paradise that most tourists skip – some of the best Turkish cuisine in the country. Ephesus makes you feel like you’re walking through ancient Rome, but better preserved and less crowded. The people are incredibly welcoming and helpful, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and your money goes really far here. Turkey offers this perfect blend of history, culture, amazing food, and beautiful beaches all in one trip.

8. For coastal gems: Croatia

Croatia has definitely gotten more expensive since joining the EU and adopting the euro, but it’s still great value compared to Italy or France. I spent about €133 per day there recently, which included some nice accommodation and activities. Dubrovnik is gorgeous but crazy crowded – those Game of Thrones tours are actually pretty cool though.

Summer (June-September) is peak season with perfect weather but crowds and high prices. May-June and September-October are the sweet spots. Split has this amazing energy with Diocletian’s Palace right in the city center, and you can island-hop from there to places like Hvar and Brač.

Plitvice Lakes is one of those places where photos don’t do it justice – those waterfalls and turquoise lakes are unreal. I loved Rovinj in Istria – totally underrated with these charming cobblestone streets and great seafood. Ferries between islands are pretty affordable, like €10-15 for most routes. The seafood is incredible, especially along the coast, and Croatian wine is seriously underrated. Just book accommodation early if you’re going in summer because it fills up fast.

9. For fairytale cities and towns: Germany

Germany constantly surprises people who think it’s all business and beer (though the beer is incredible). Berlin has this amazing mix of heavy history and cutting-edge cool – the street art scene is world-class and the nightlife is legendary. I spent hours at the East Side Gallery where the Berlin Wall still stands.

Munich during Oktoberfest is obviously a party, but it’s actually beautiful year-round with the English Garden and Bavarian Alps nearby. May and September are ideal for weather – warm but not too hot, and fewer tourists than summer. Rothenburg ob der Tauber feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale.

The Black Forest isn’t just cuckoo clocks – it’s some of the best hiking in Europe with amazing traditional villages. Stuttgart is perfect for car enthusiasts with the Mercedes-Benz Museum. German trains are efficient (when they’re on time), and the Christmas markets in winter are magical. The food is way more diverse than just sausages and sauerkraut, though those are pretty great too. Germans are generally helpful and most speak excellent English, especially in tourist areas.

• Read next: Dreamy Places to Live in Europe

10. For charm and personality: The UK

The UK has this perfect mix of history and modern energy that’s hard to find elsewhere. London can feel overwhelming but in the best way – world-class museums, incredible theater in the West End, and pubs that have been serving beer for centuries. The Tower of London and London Eye are touristy but worth it.

Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival is absolutely electric – street performers everywhere and the Edinburgh Castle overlooking everything. Scotland‘s Highlands and Loch Ness are exactly as dramatic as you’d imagine. Wales has Snowdonia for hiking and Cardiff for rugby culture.

The Cotswolds are ridiculously picturesque – those honey-colored villages look like movie sets. Bath with its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture is a perfect day trip from London. The Lake District inspired the Romantic poets for good reason – it’s absolutely beautiful. British humor is real and locals are generally friendly once you get past the initial reserve. Yes, it rains, but that’s what makes the countryside so green. Pack layers and waterproofs, and you’ll be fine.

11. For The Sound of Music lovers: Austria

Austria sits perfectly between Germany’s efficiency and Switzerland’s mountains, and honestly has the best of both. Vienna is all imperial grandeur and incredible coffee culture – those traditional cafés with Wiener Melange are exactly as cozy as you’d imagine. Salzburg is Mozart‘s birthplace and ridiculously photogenic with the Alps as a backdrop.

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) give you the best weather without winter’s cold or summer’s crowds. Innsbruck hosted the 1976 Olympics and has this perfect mix of city culture and alpine adventures. The skiing is world-class in winter, but summer hiking in places like Tyrol is equally incredible.

Austrian food is comfort food heaven – schnitzel, strudel, and hearty mountain dishes that’ll fuel you for hiking. The Sound of Music tours in Salzburg are cheesy but actually fun, and those filming locations really are that beautiful. Hallstatt is probably the most photographed village in Austria for good reason, though it gets absolutely mobbed with tourists. Visit early morning or late afternoon for better photos and fewer crowds. Austrian hospitality is genuine, and the country feels safe and well-organized.

12. For mythical landscapes and heartwarming hospitality: Ireland

Ireland has this magical quality that’s hard to describe until you’re actually there. Dublin is surprisingly cosmopolitan with amazing pubs (the Guinness Storehouse tour is way cooler than expected) and friendly locals who’ll chat your ear off. The Temple Bar area is touristy but fun, especially with live traditional music.

The Cliffs of Moher are genuinely breathtaking – those photos don’t capture the scale and drama. The Ring of Kerry drive is one of the most scenic routes in Europe, with landscapes that look like they’re from another planet. Late spring through early fall gives you the best weather, though Ireland’s beauty shines even in winter with fewer crowds.

Galway and Kilkenny have this authentic Irish charm with traditional music sessions in cozy pubs. The food scene has improved dramatically – fresh seafood, farm-to-table restaurants, and yes, the Irish breakfast really is that hearty. Connemara in the west is wild and rugged beauty at its finest. Irish people are genuinely some of the warmest and funniest you’ll meet anywhere. Pack rain gear because the weather changes constantly, but that’s part of the charm.

13. For epic landscapes and natural wonders: Iceland

Iceland feels like visiting another planet, and 2026 is actually the best year in over a decade to see the Northern Lights because of peak solar activity. Reykjavik is quirky and cool with amazing coffee culture and creative energy, but the real magic happens outside the city.

Summer (June-August) gives you the Midnight Sun and access to highland areas, while winter (September-March) is Northern Lights season. The Blue Lagoon is touristy but genuinely relaxing – those milky blue geothermal waters against black lava fields are surreal. Gullfoss and Geysir on the Golden Circle are must-sees.

October is actually one of the best months for Northern Lights with about 15 hours of darkness and milder weather than deep winter. The Ring Road makes it easy to see waterfalls like Skógafoss, glaciers, and black sand beaches. Icelandic food is unique – fresh fish, lamb, and yes, fermented shark if you’re brave. Northern Lights tours start around $95 per person, and many operators offer free re-booking if you don’t see them. It’s expensive but absolutely worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

14. For fjords and northern lights: Norway

Norway is where nature shows off, and 2026 is a peak year for the Northern Lights because the sun is reaching its solar maximum. Oslo blends modern architecture with Viking history beautifully, and the Viking Ship Museum is genuinely fascinating. But honestly, the fjords are why you come here.

Summer (May-August) is perfect for fjord cruising and hiking with the Midnight Sun, while winter brings Northern Lights season. Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord are UNESCO sites for good reason – those waterfalls cascading into deep blue waters are incredible. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is a challenging hike but the views are worth every step.

Tromsø is your best bet for Northern Lights – it’s the largest city in northern Norway with tons of tours and activities. The Lofoten Islands combine dramatic mountains, fishing villages, and excellent aurora viewing. Norwegian food focuses on fresh seafood, and it’s some of the best I’ve had. Yes, it’s expensive (budget at least $150+ per day), but the Midnight Sun phenomenon and Northern Lights are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

15. For tulips and canals: The Netherlands

The Netherlands is way more than just Amsterdam, though the capital is definitely worth exploring. Those canal cruises aren’t just tourist traps – floating through the UNESCO waterways while admiring 17th-century architecture is genuinely magical. The Anne Frank House is moving and important, just book way ahead because it sells out.

Amsterdam‘s bike culture is real and the best way to get around like a local. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are world-class, and the Vondelpark is perfect for picnics. Spring (April-May) is tulip season when Keukenhof Gardens becomes this incredible explosion of color.

Utrecht has this cozy, student-city vibe with beautiful canals minus the crowds. Rotterdam is all modern architecture and cool nightlife – totally different from Amsterdam but equally interesting. Giethoorn is called the “Venice of the North” and those boat tours through car-free villages are pretty special. The stroopwafels are as good as everyone says, the cheese markets are fun, and Dutch people speak amazing English. It’s compact enough to see a lot in a short time, and the train system makes everything super accessible.