Things to Do in Europe

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Europe is the continent I know best. Outside of North America, I’ve spent more time here than anywhere else on Earth. I average about two months a year in Europe, and I’ve explored 38 countries across the continent, from coastal towns in Portugal to remote villages in the Caucasus.

My wife is Austrian, which means Europe isn’t just somewhere I travel to…it’s personal. I’ve spent extended time visiting family, road tripping across the Alps, hopping budget flights to underrated cities, and curating deep, well-balanced itineraries you won’t find in guidebooks or generic listicles.

This section is where I share everything I’ve learned along the way…how to experience Europe like a traveler, not a tourist.

What You’ll Find in This Category…

✈️ Iconic Cities & Local Favorites

I’ve explored the big names—Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Vienna, Prague, London, Amsterdam—but also dug into smaller cities that blew me away like Verona, Hamburg, Ghent, Ljubljana, and San Sebastián. My city guides go beyond museums and monuments, offering:

  • Cool neighborhoods to stay in

  • Local restaurants, bars, and saunas

  • Day trips and nature escapes nearby

  • How to balance the “must-sees” with chill time

🚗 Road Trips & Scenic Trains

Europe was made for slow travel, and I’ve covered it by car, train, and ferry. Some of my favorites:

  • Austria → Italy → Slovenia loop (Alps to Adriatic)

  • Switzerland by train (including scenic routes like the Glacier Express)

  • Southern Spain road trip (with hill towns and hidden coasts)

  • Balkans overland adventure through Montenegro, Albania & North Macedonia

🏞️ Nature, Wellness & Off-the-Path Escapes

Europe’s wild side is underrated. I’ve gone cold plunging in alpine lakes, soaked in Hungarian thermal baths, and hiked remote mountain trails with almost no one around. You’ll find:

  • Wellness retreats in the Alps

  • Glamping in Northern Europe

  • National parks and nature reserves you can reach without a car

  • Coastal hiking routes, forest saunas, and off-grid cabins

🏡 Where to Stay

I’ve personally reviewed and curated dozens of boutique hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs that combine charm, character, and value. Think vineyard stays in Portugal, castle hotels in Germany, and fjord-view cabins in Norway.

In Europe, you have a lot of everything: quaint villages, historic architecture, tasty food, and epic landscapes to name a few. Stay in an igloo as you gaze at the Aurora Borealis in Iceland, Sweden, Finland, or Norway. Get lost exploring the mega cities of London and Paris. Indulge in the local pasta and wine in a coastal Italian town. No matter the time of year, there’s plenty of unique things to do in Europe that will lure you back again and again.

Top Experiences in Europe

Here are my top picks for bucket list experiences and things to do across Europe:

Here are my travel guides, itineraries, and other articles of Europe:

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