Best places to visit in Europe in 2023

It has been a long and tough two years. Covid has cause many countries into lockdown and for boarders to be closed off, even to their own nationals. Well hopefully that will all change in 2023. And to help get back into travelling, be it locally or nationally, we have chosen the very best places to visit in Europe for 2023.

What a depressing few years with travel. Some of us have been able to get out and travel some of our local areas and support our local tourism, but many have still been unable to travel internationally. Travel is now looking bright and we should make the most of it while we can, before the big crowds hit these best places to visit in Europe.

Europe is steeped in so much history, from ancient times, to more recent events such as World War II. But behind all that, each country has their own cultures, foods and glorious places to visit that you won’t be disappointed with.

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Best Places to visit in Europe

To help you plan your trip we have broken down the best places to visit in Europe by country.

And what better place to start than our home country.

Best Places to visit in the UK

There’s no better place to start than with our home country. It is just as important to support our local tourism and community as it is to explore international destinations. So, here is our best places to visit in the UK.

London

The first place most tourists will visit on any trip to the UK will be London and we can understand why. London is our favourite city in England. We love taking a day trip to the large city exploring the wonders that it has to offer.

There’re of course the top tourist attractions such as Buckingham Palace (but you’re unlikely to meet the queen, we never have, sad face), Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Pauls Cathedral. The list is really endless. But most people visiting London walk past all the amazing hidden gems the city has to offer.

What about discovering some of the remnants of the Roman Wall that would have once surrounded the city of London, or taking on a Jack the Ripper thriller walk, or just wandering the streets admiring some of the beautiful crafted street art.

While London is a busy city, it’s surprisingly one of the best places to visit in Europe with kids. And you can visit London on a budget. Which is why it has made it to the list of places to visit in Europe in 2023.

There’re endless things to do in London that will keep you going for weeks if not longer.

Views along the River Thames, with the London Eye in the distance — Views along the River Thames

St Paul's Cathedral — St Paul’s Cathedral

Hastings

This little seaside town is one of the best places to visit during the summer months, but be aware it gets busy. But still great to enjoy what summer sun we have in England.

Hastings is steeped in so much history. Have you ever heard of the great battle that took place here in 1066? If not, you can learn more about it on a trip to Hastings. Or just take a short trip to Battle to stand in the same spot Harold was shot in the eye.

Only a short walk away are the smugglers adventures. Smuggling was rife and the Hawkhurst gang was in the middle of it all, smuggling commodities all over the country.

Explore the caves that once would have held the smugglers loot, but you’re unlikely to find any pieces of gold down here. Only a great interactive museum providing more knowledgeable information about smuggling in Hastings.

The East and West Hill offer incredible views out over the town and sea, with ruins of a castle that would have been built to defend Hastings from invaders.

The old town is lovely to walk down on a summers evening as the sun begins to set, take a trip on the east hill via the funicular that takes you to the top. Once at the top, you have great views of the town below.

On a visit to a seaside town, you must have fish and chips. The old town or the pier offer the best fish and chips in Hastings.

If you’re planning a trip to Hastings, why not take on a local’s tour of Hastings. We offer a walking tour of Hastings, providing you with knowledgeable information along the way. To book your FREE tour, check out our show around profile to book the tour.

Eastbourne

Keeping to the south east coast of England is another lovely little seaside town called Eastbourne.

One of our favourite little towns, that we try and visit annually.

Eastbourne offers incredible beach views and scenic hikes which can’t be missed on a visit to the UK.

On a hot summer’s day, one of the most popular things to do is relax back on the shingle beach and soak up the sun. Our favourite is walking along the promenade as the sun is setting, not only is this romantic but just finishes off a lovely day trip to the seaside.

Afternoon tea is a must in Eastbourne and the best place for a good cuppa and freshly made scones, cream and jam, or a piece of cake is the little tea rooms on the pier. Two gorgeous chandeliers hang from the ceiling that brighten up the room on a dull cloudy day.

If you enjoy hiking, then taking on the Seven Sisters will be challenging, but will reward you with incredible scenic views. And it’s only on the doorsteps of Eastbourne. We would recommend starting in Eastbourne and finishing in Seaford. But be prepared for aching legs the following day.

The Seven Sisters, between Eastbourne and Seaford

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is still a mystery. It’s not known why these stones were built and placed here. However, some say it’s a time piece or defined the seasons. Some even believe it’s a burial ground or ceremonial ground.

Whatever the purpose, Stonehenge is still one of the best places to visit in England.

You can visit on a day trip from London, or spend a few days exploring Stonehenge and Salisbury. Walk around the stones as you listen to the audio. Just imagine how these stones could possibly get here.

The largest of the stones weigh 25 tons. How these stones got here in the first place and then set out as they are, is just incredible to see. As you wander around the stones, just think, they didn’t have the technology we have today to place these here. Which just make it all the more interesting to visit and learn.

Best Places to visit in Ireland

The list could really go on with the best places to visit in the UK, maybe we should write a separate post. But here is our selection on the best places to visit in the Republic of Ireland, also known as Ireland.

Glendalough

Ireland really blew us away on our first trip to the country. And you might think why is Dublin not first on this list.

While Dublin is an amazing city to visit, getting out of the city into the countryside is just as good if not better.

Glendalough is located in the Wicklow Mountains and wow does the area offer picturesque views.

The stunning Monastic city, that’s now a ghost town. The only people visiting are the tourists. Can you read the names on the headstones that’s dotted around the small city?

Follow the path round the Lower Lake before you reach the awe-inspiring Upper Lake. Sit back relax and have a picnic while you admire the view.

Waterfalls are common place in Glendalough, but not quite as big as some you may have seen around the world. But still worth looking out for them.

If you love hiking, there’s many routes up around the Upper Lake. There’s a route for all abilities.

Once you have visited Glendalough, you’ll realise why Dublin isn’t on this list.

Ireland is now at the top of our best places to visit in Europe.

View of the Monastic City in Glendalough

Powerscourt Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Ireland

Best places to visit in France

Whilst we love Ireland and can’t wait to get back there for another road trip, there are other amazing places to visit in Europe and we head of to France.

Paris

The city of love, although there is so much more than just romance to this city.

Get yourself lost in art at the Louvre and we mean literally. The gallery is like a maze, but if you get lost in art, then you’ll be right at home here. The Louvre is the highlight of any trip to Paris.

If you’re not afraid of hights, then you’ll want to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe or many other locations for amazing views across Paris.

Find that beauty spot, before getting down on one knee and propose to your loved one.

Royalist, might light to visit the Flame De La Liberty to mark their respect to Princess Diana who died in the tunnel just below.

There is no forgetting the delicious French food, with French restaurants and cafes around every corner.

You can see why this is one of the romantic places to visit in Europe.

Best Places to visit in Germany

Germany is steeped in so much history, culture and castles, just to name a few. Let’s check out all the best places to visit in Germany.

Cologne

The gothic cathedral in Cologne is the main attraction, that stands out in a grand way. But the real highlight has to be learning more about World War II.

The once headquarters of the Gestapo, NS Dokumentationszentrum now a museum documenting the Third Reich. Discover more about World War II, with original film, audio and exhibitions.

Before you end the trip at NS Dokumentationszentrum head down to the Memorial Site in the basement. It was a real eye opener, exploring a Gestapo prison. Prisons are bad enough, but during the war must have been worse.

One dish you must have when visiting Germany is Curry Wurst and Pom (curry sausages and fries). If it wasn’t so unhealthy, we’d eat this every day, it’s just so yummy but yet so simple.

There’s such diversity in Cologne that can’t be missed from any trip to Europe.

Best Places to visit in Poland

Poland is one of the best countries in Europe to visit on a budget. Which is why it has to be on this list. We are budget travellers, but in Poland we could live like queens even on a tight budget. Here are the best places to visit in Poland:

Krakow

The once capitol of Poland is steeped in so much history, royalty, attractive architecture and some of the best food you’ll find in Europe.

Bring the royalty of living to life, as you take on the royal walk. Take the original Royal Route that would have taken place on coronation day and other royal celebrations. Walk past some amazing buildings as you go, take the time to admire the architecture. Finish the route at Wewal Castle.

The old town is the place to eat the best Polish food including pierogi, beetroot soup and more. While you eat delicious Polish food, wash it all down with Polish beer, while you watch life pass by.

Take your time in the Old Town to admire the pretty architecture of St Mary’s Basilica and The Cloth Hall.

Make the most of this lovely royal city of Krakow.

Auschwitz-Brikenau

Wow, this is definitely an emotional place to visit, but an educational place all the same.

Only about one hour’s drive from Krakow and great to do on a day trip from the city.

Tours take you around the concentration and death camp. Learn about the people who were sent here during World War II. The sad fact is that an estimated 1.1 million people died here, many were sent to their deaths on arrival to the camp.

You’re taken around both camps, where you’ll learn about what happened from the moment prisoners were sent here until final liberation of the camps.

Why is this one of the best places to visit in Europe. This is controversial. Why would you want to visit somewhere that treated people so badly, kept them in terrible conditions and sent many to their deaths?

In our opinion, visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a way of paying your respects to people that lost their lives and an education surrounding World War II. It is part of our history and one we should learn from.

Warsaw

As you walk around this city, you’ll be surprise that during World War II, much of the city was destroyed. Over the years, Warsaw has been rebuilt to what you see today.

When the capital moved from Krakow to Warsaw, so did royalty and a Royal Castle was built.

Take a trip up to the top of St Anne Church for excellent views of the Royal Castle and Warsaw.

If you have an interest in World War II, then Warsaw is one of the places to visit. There’re so many reminders of World War II, from The Little Insurgents Monument, Ghetto Heros Monument to Umschlagplatz, Warsaw Uprising Museum and Ghetto Wall Fragments to explore.

Are you looking to get in to the festive spirit? Then check out these best places to spend Christmas in Europe. Don’t forget to plan your festive trip in advance, as accommodation books up quickly.

Little Insurgents Monument in Warsaw, Poland

Conclusion

We have chosen the very best places to visit in Europe in 2023. Not only are these our favourite places to visit, but would easily return here year on year.

Poland has the most delicious foods that’s so diverse and steeped in so much history from World War II, yet London keeps drawing us back. There’s no forgetting the other awesome countries in Europe that you really must visit.

Want to get exploring these beautiful places in Europe? Why not discover what Europe has to offer with an amazing road trip? A road trip is a great way to see a country, or multiple countries. We are currently in our planning stages for our next road trip in Europe and can’t wait to hit that road again.

What was your best place to visit in Europe? Why was it the best place to visit? If you have never been to Europe, where would you want to visit? Let us know, by leaving a comment below.

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Best places to visit in Europe in 2023

Best Places to visit in Europe