Epic European Bucket List

top 30 bucket list locations in Europe you cannot miss!

Europe has some of the most bucket list worthy places I have ever had the privilege of going to, the most memorable experiences I have ever had, and the best people I have ever met. 

This list comprises of 30 of the top destinations in Europe including everything from beautiful coastlines, raging nightlife, architectural wonders, best places for adrenaline rushes, awe inspiring hotels and more. 

It is very hard to narrow down where you want to travel to in Europe, but with the help of personal experience here is my ultimate bucket list for the top places to travel in Europe. Some places are very well known while others are some places you may have never heard of.  I challenge you to visit all these bucket list worthy places.  Every place has something special to offer.  That is the joy about traveling.  No matter where you go everyone will have a different experience, and no matter how many times you visit one place you will always experience something you never have before.

1)   Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is still the most beautiful place I have ever been and definitely deserves a top spot on your bucket list.   It’s picture perfect collection of small villages along the Ligurian Coast of Italy will make you think you’re in another world.  There are five small towns and each has it’s own personality and flair.  You can cliff dive, go to the beach, hike, and experience real little Italy.

2) Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos has the greatest night life of anywhere I have ever been! Not only is it bucket list worthy in going out, but it also has some of the most amazing beaches, cutest towns and beautiful Greek flair.  This is one of my favorite islands in Greece because it offers a little bit of everything!

3) Dracula’s Castle – Bran, Romania

Bran Castle aka Dracula’s Castle in Romania is an ultimate bucket list place. It is only a few hours out of the city of Bucharest and is definitely worth the trip. It will bring you into a whole new side of Romania! If you visit in the winter you might even be lucky enough to see snow and frozen lakes!

4)   Eiffel Tower – Paris, France

How could you miss a huge and beautiful sparkling tower in the most romantic city in Europe?! You have seen it in movies and pictures all over the world why not actually go experience it? The Eiffel Tower is in the heart of the city, and you can have a picnic in front of the tower during the day or drink wine on the stairway with your love at night.

In order to get the most out of your experience make sure to book your ticket to the top ahead of time.  The tower is great to experience, and it will take your breathe away no matter what time of day you go. 

5)   Acropolis of Athens – Athens, Greece

Does this even need an explanation?  It is the Acropolis of Ancient Greece!  This may be the most iconic landmark in the world.   All the stories and books you have learned about Greek mythology comes to life as you walk along 1000’s of years of history. No matter where you go in Athens you will be able to see this amazing bucket list landmark. It is located on top of a hill in the center of the city.

6)    Santorini, Greece

Santorini is known for it’s iconic blue and white houses and blue domed churches. It is one of those places you see online and wonder if it can actually be that perfect in real life?  Why yes, pictures online can’t fully capture or compare to the beauty of this island in real life.  This city not only looks beautiful but it also has beautiful white and black sand beaches, amazing cuisine and wineries that make local wine, and some of the most beautiful hotels and houses I have ever seen.

One fun fact about this city is that at sunset everyone on the island comes out together to sing and dance and watch the sunset together.  That is one of those bucket list items that no one can explain you have to experience it for yourself.

7)   Peles Castle – Sinaia, Romania

Romania is one of those places that you have to see to believe.  This mysterious castle is known to be gloomy and dark, but in reality it is beautiful and rich with history.

If you are trying to skip the crowds the best time to go would be in the winter. The summer can get very crowded because it is a very popular tourist destination in Romania. 

8)   Charles Bridge – Prague, Czech Republic

Charles Bridge is the most iconic landmark in the Czech Republic.  It was build in the mid 15^th century and has huge religious importance.  It will lead you to the old town in Prague.  While walking along the bridge you can see performers or admire the Vltava river.  When I was there I was told it is somewhat of a wishing bridge..but you didn’t hear that from me.

9)   Venice Grand Canal – Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world because it doesn’t have roads.  You travel almost everywhere using boats.  These canals are 4km long and anywhere from 30-90 meters wide.  You can jump on board on a ferry on this beautiful floating city.  You can see Venice’s top sights just by taking a boat throughout the city.  You can see the Bridge of Sighs, San Marco’s Square where you used to be able to feed a flock of pigeons, all the way to the most famous crossing in Venice the Rialto Bridge

10)    Running of the Bulls – Pamplona Spain

Are you an adrenaline junkie? If so this should be #1 on your bucket list! Nothing I have ever done in my life has given me a higher adrenaline rush than participating in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain!   This festival lasts for a week July 7-14 and everyday people can come and run in front of 6-13 bulls all the way to a colosseum. 

The day I went they had double the bulls because it was opening day.  There is no need for sign up or do anything special to get to run.  All you have to do is wear red and white and get to the race.  You will hear a big gong- you run…and then about 30 seconds later you hear a second bell… here come the bulls.  This is so special because everyone in the town participates. Everyone will be dressed in white and red no matter where you are in the city!

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants an adrenaline rush…but please know that it is not their responsibility if you get hurt.  There are ambulances and medical professionals on site, but they can only do so much.  It is very rare someone dies, but it is always something you need to remember before participating in something like this.

11)   Night life in Prague – Prague, Czech Republic

Night life in Prague is in my top 3 nightlife locations on Earth. All the different bars and clubs are very close and they have a little bit of everything. There are underground clubs, Irish chill bars, all the way to 5 story clubs with a different theme on every floor. If you ever make it to Prague go out for at least a night!

12)   Berlin Wall

Berlin has given me more chills than any place I have ever been on the planet.  The wall was built to divide East and West Berlin,   Some of it still stands for remembrance while other parts of it has turned into an art walk.  Artists from all over the world can take a piece of the wall and decorate it for freedom of expression.  This is what makes Berlin so great. 

13)   Thermal baths in Budapest – Budapest, Hungary

If you are the type of person who is down to relax this is the bucket list item for you! Thermal baths in Budapest will take you on a spiritual and calming journey. They have hot baths, cool baths, showers, personal baths, group baths, saunas, and more! No matter what you are looking for there is a bath in Budapest for you!

14)   La  Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain

La Sagrada Familia is an unfinished basilica designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful basilica is located right in Barcelona. Take the time to discover the outside and admire the architecture, but do not forget to go inside and see all the beauty it holds.

15)   Blue Mosque – Istanbul, Turkey

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul is one of the most famous Mosques in the world. It was built in the early 1600’s and is still a fully functioning Mosque today. It is also a tourist site. If you want to visit make sure you dress appropriately.

16)   John Lennon Wall – Prague, Czech Republic

The John Lennon Wall in Prague is a great stop on your trip. It features art and quotes that people have added since the 1980’s around the Beatles Star. It is very beautiful and brings people together with positive and uplifting messages. Tourists can write and decorate the wall if they so desire.

17)   Blue lagoon – Grindavik, Iceland

The Blue lagoon is a geothermal spa located in Iceland, and one of the most awe inspiring and most beautiful bucket list worthy places I have ever seen!  The lagoon is man made and located in a lava field near Reykjanes Peninsula.  You can just go for a few hours or stay in a luxurious hotel on the lagoon.  This is so surreal because you can look outside at the cold snow while snuggling under your warm blankets.  This is my top recommendation for hotel bucket list destinations.

18)   Ski the Alps – Switzerland

The Swiss Alps is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen (and I went in summer!!) You can see the alps all over Switzerland or you can get closer and experience their wonder all over the country. The alps are a place full of adrenaline rush activities. You can Ski or snowboard, hike, go bungee jumping and so much more. Fun Fact: This is where the Matterhorn is located!

19)   Nude Beach in Spain

No I am not posting a nude photo on here. I am not saying you need to be nude to go to the beach, but it’s one of those things you have to do once and check it off your bucket list right?!

20)   Fresh farmers market – Barcelona, Spain

I had some of the FRESHEST food of my life at the markets in Barcelona. You can get flower designed fruit, freshly picked berries, meat on a stick, all kinds of fresh fish and more!

21)   Big Ben – London, England

Big Ben is one of the classics! It’s overpowering aura in the city of London is something you have to experience in your lifetime.

22)   Stonehenge – Salisbury, UK

Stonehenge is something you have to see to believe! How did someone build this? Stonehenge is a brilliant pre-historic stone structure located in England.  It is believed that this structure has been standing since 3000BC.  It is one of the wonders of the world and still amazes travelers and people all over the world how it came about.  It is believed to be a symbol of transition from the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age.

23)   German Castles – Germany

There are probably thousands of castles in Germany, and in my opinion Germany castles are the most amazing! Odds are you will come across at least one if you travel off the normal path and big cities in Germany.

24)   Hot Air balloon ride – Cappadocia, Turkey

You have seen these pictures online of the beautiful hot air balloons in the desert, so why not go and experience it for yourself?!  You can watch the magic or take a trip in a balloon or fly along with them in a plane. Either way you will have an amazing experience that will stay in your heart forever! You can also stay in a hotel that overlooks the balloons and have a cup of tea as you have the best morning of your life.

25)   Visit the Louvre – Paris, France

The Louvre is probably the MOST visited museum in the world.  The Mona Lisa is kept there as well as thousands of other works of art. This place is always crowded, but if you go on off times you may get a shorter line.  This museum even offers discounts to certain travelers. The Louvre is well worth the wait to be able to check it off your bucket list.

26)   Palace of Versailles- Versailles, France

When people say that this is the biggest palace they’ve ever seen they are not kidding!! This is the prettiest and BIGGEST palace I have ever been to.  It is located just outside Paris in the city of Versailles.  This used to be a place of Royal Residence of Paris, but now tourists are welcome to visit. Travelers can also visit the 800 hectare (1977 acre) gardens outside! This is big enough to be a small town on its own and the amount of things to do.

27)   Tulip garden – Amsterdam

If you take a short train outside the big city of Amsterdam you will come across more residential properties that have all the picturesque tulips and windmills that we all know the Netherlands for.   It is best to visit the gardens during tulip season which runs from January until April.

28)   Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain – Rome, Italy

The Fontana di Trevi fountain is known to be a very popular attraction that travelers flock to in Rome. According to the Romans if you are lucky enough to make it to Rome you must make a wish by throwing a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder and one day it will come true. 

29)   Take a boat taxi from Europe to Asia – Istanbul. Turkey

Istanbul is so unique because it is located in Europe and Asia!  You can take a short cheap water taxi from Europe to Asia. It is surreal to think about and an even more amazing bucket list item.

30)   Leaning tower of Pisa – Pisa, Italy

This is a very small city much different than I expected. It is still a definite must see. It is only a short train ride from Florence. The tiny town holds a charm you must see to feel. You must check it out! How else will you get that ultimate picture of you holding up a building?!

This is an EXTREMELY short list for the amount of bucket list worthy places in Europe! Go ahead and travel to all of them! if you have any others that are not on this list and you loved and want to share leave a comment. I love seeing others passionate about their bucket list locations!