Europe is a vast continent that has zillions of gorgeous places to visit.
Okay, zillions might be an exaggeration but it’s safe to say that a fleeting visit just isn’t enough. One of the best things about travelling in
Europe is its diversity, where you can literally drive for a few hours and be welcomed to a whole new country, culture and stunning region. Oh – and don’t forget the food!
If you’re planning your own European road trip, take a look at 49 of the best pit stops to include on your adventuresome are within easy reach, others will require a little detour and some will need you to take a ferry.
Most of us usually see Europe over weekends or a week or two, however, if you’re looking to take a pretty epic road trip across Europe and squeeze in as much as possible, this map is perfect for you! (I’d recommend at least 2/3 months to stop in every single one and experience it all properly).
This is especially perfect if you’re looking to get as complete a European experience as possible, though its gotta be said, even if you can’t complete it all in one go, you can pick and choose a different start and stop points depending on how much time (and money) you have.
Take a look at some of the most amazing places to visit across Europe and see which parts of the route you’d like to take.
*Swipe left to right on the map, below*
1.) Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is one piping-hot experience to have on your first trip to Iceland, especially on a cold winter day. Read our blog post here on visiting the Blue Lagoon.
2.) Vik and the surrounding region, Iceland
The coastal town of Vik, alongside the rugged coastline of southern Iceland, is one amazing place to explore. Make sure to enjoy the region at sunset, watch the northern lights once the sun goes down and enjoy the natural beauty of this incredible country. See more on the most beautiful natural sights to see in Iceland, right here.
3.) Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands is a relatively small country (an archipelago) nestled in-between Scotland and Iceland. Its unspoilt natural landscapes make this one of the most picturesque places to visit in Europe. Pack your walking boots, a camera and immerse yourself in the unspoilt landscape!
If you’re thinking of visiting the Faroe Islands, read more in our guide, here.
4.) Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, has so many beautiful sites to explore, including its famous castle that sits on top of an ancient volcano mount right in the heart of the city.
Make sure to read our full guide on what to do for free in Edinburgh, right here. If you’re looking for a night out, then don’t forget to check out some of the cities best bars and watering holes, right here.
5.) Glasgow, Scotland
I often think of Glasgow as the super energetic sister of Edinburgh. This vibrant city is one of the best places to discover some great food, explore its beautiful art and, of course, try one of those infamous deep-fried Mars bars!
See more on the must-see sites to see in Glasgow, right here.
6.) London, England
Ah, London! My favourite city in all the world. Then again, I would say that living here! There’s so much to see and do in our amazing city, especially some of the secret spots and all the different areas (like; Notting Hill and Covent Garden) that are bustling with character!
See our full guide (and map) on what to do at every single central London Tube stop, right here.
7.) Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty in England. Think crooked houses, thatched roofs and rolling green hills. It’s gorgeous! Take a look at some of the prettiest towns to visit… oh and don’t forget Bibury and Lacock, too!
8.) Pembrokeshire National Coastal Park, Wales
Pembrokeshire National Coastal Park houses one of the most beautiful coastlines in all of the UK. Make sure to visit some of the pretty Welsh towns that surround this gorgeous region, too.
Read our very best tips on what you have to do in West Wales, right here.
9.) Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is one heck of a fun city! Explore the town, chow down on some of the cities delicious food and, of course, grab yourself a pint of that black nectar at the Guinness Storehouse.
See more on what you need to do in Dublin, right here.
10.) Lille, France
Lille is one of the most northerly cities in France. Close to the border with Belgium, it’s a gorgeous city to explore its cobbled streets, amazing dessert houses and, of course, some delicious French cuisine.
See more on our visit to Lille, right here.
11.) Paris, France
Paris needs little introduction, it’s a city famed the world over for its beauty and the Eiffel Tower, of course. Although lots of the sites might be well-known, I guarantee there’ll be a number of secret spots that most visitors never come across. Take a look at them, here.
Don’t forget to check out the best free things you should do in Paris, too.
12.) Dordogne Valley, France
The Dordogne Valley is, arguably, one of the prettiest regions in all of France. Head here to bask in the small rustic towns, sample some of the region’s delicious wines and discover a little slice of French charm.
Read more on the essential places you have to visit in the Dordogne Valley and see our 5 day itinerary, right here.
13.) San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain
San Sebastian is one of the Basque Country’s most famous towns. Head here to discover its beautiful beaches and award-winning restaurants that are scattered across the town.
Don’t forget to brush up on your Basque language, here are a few phrases to help you along the way!
Read more: Best things to do in San Sebastian
14.) Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
If you’re a lover of all things Gaudi, then you need to head to Barcelona! This gorgeous city is filled with some of his most iconic work that is truly stunning.
Visiting Barcelona, make sure to read our complete guide to the city, right here.
15.) Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Menorca is a pretty little island, perched in the Mediterranean sea. Yes, you’ll either have to take a flight (or a ferry) to get here but it’s well worth an inclusion on your trip. Make sure to visit some of the island’s beautiful natural environment and crystal clear waters.
Read our complete guide to visiting Menorca, right here.
16.) Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
Ibiza is much more than the world’s party island! This gorgeous island is filled with picturesque landscapes, coastline and the most amazing places to eat.
See some of the very best things you have to do in Ibiza, right here.
17.) Madrid, Spain
The capital city of Spain has a lot to offer us, visitors. Make sure to spend a few days exploring the cities amazing vibe and awesome restaurants. I swear, I must have eaten my yearly calorie intake in one day, here!
Read more on what to see and do in Madrid, right here.
18.) Ronda, Spain
Ronda is a pretty small city in southern Spain (About 1.5 hours away from the coast). Make sure to walk through the historic streets and climb down the mountain to witness the city from below – it’s a beautiful perspective.
Read more on visiting Ronda, right here.
19.) Lisbon & Sintra, Portugal
Lisbon is one of those cities that really surprised me! Incredible neighbourhoods, delicious food and Sintra just a stone’s throw from the city itself. It really is an amazing place to visit.
See our first timer’s guide to visiting Lisbon, here. Don’t forget to visit the incredible Sintra, too.
20.) Porto, Portugal
Porto is one of Portugal’s most northerly cities and well worth an explore – especially to try the cities famous drink, Port! Read more on what to see and do in Porto, right here.
21.) Brussels, Belgium
I swear, If I lived in Brussels I would have eaten the city out of its waffles! Of course, that’s not the only reason to visit and you can burn off all those waffle calories with a walk around the historic centre, the Grand Place and the cities gorgeous streets!
Read more on 12 of the best things you need to do in Brussels, right here.
22.) Geneva, Switzerland
There’s a whole shed of amazing things to see and do in Geneva, head to some of the cities Italian neighbourhoods, paddle board on the lake and party it up in some of the cities coolest bars.
See some of the very best places you have to explore in Geneva, right here.
23.) Val D’Isere, France
If you’re looking to ‘stretch your legs’ on your epic European road trip then make a stop at some of Europe’s most notable skiing spots. Pack your skis, head over to Val D’Isere and coast the slopes of the French Alps!
See more on visiting Val D’Isere, right here.
24.) Nimes, France
Nimes, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated cities in Southern France. Home to some of the world’s most impressive Roman historical sites, this city is a beautiful place to visit in the glorious sun of summer.
Take a look at some of the coolest places to see in Nimes, right here.
25.) Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is perched in the very north of Italy (and close to the border of Switzerland).
Drive the roads that hug the lake’s edge and discover the towns of Como and Bellagio that have some picturesque places to explore.
Read more: Best things to do in Lake Como
26.) Venice, Italy
Venice and its canals are world-famous, with little need for an introduction, Ditch the car and explore Venice by foot or gondola, of course!
See more on what to see and do in Venice, right here.
27.) Zell am See, Austria
If you’re looking for one of Austria’s best skiing towns, head across to Zell am See to enjoy a little apres skiing! It’s a beautiful region, with a picturesque lakeside town!
Read more on visiting Zell am See, right here.
28.) Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is one of my most favourite regions in all of Italy (shhh, don’t tell the others). Head over to discover the 5 towns and whisk yourself back to a place that time forgot. They really are special places to discover.
Read our complete guide to visiting Cinque Terre, right here.
29.) Florence, Italy
Surrounded by the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Florence is an incredible city to visit for a few days exploration. Don’t forget to work up an appetite for a Steak Florentine, too! It’s a super-huge steak that will suffice any grumbling tummy.
Take a look at our complete list of things to see and do in Florence, right here.
30.) Rome, Italy
The capital city of Italy, Rome is one bustling place you can’t ignore. Head to some of the city’s main sights and discover the Vatican, too. See more on what to see and do when in Rome, right here.
31.) Palermo, Italy
Palermo is one of the largest cities on the island of Sicily.
Take a ferry from the mainland and explore this wonderful city and the surrounding coastline. Don’t forget to visit the Catacombs, too – slightly morose but worth a gander at!
Read more: Best things to do in Palermo
32.) Santorini, Greece
Okay, so you can’t drive here but in all honesty, there are quite a few stunning, European islands you’ll want to visit where you’ll just have to ditch the car… case in point with Santorini.
Take a look at some of the very best things to see and do in Santorini, right here.
33.) Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is quickly climbing up the radar of many a traveller, especially those looking for some of the continent’s lesser visited capitals (like; London or Paris). Make sure to visit the Palace of the Parliament and gorge on mountains of Cârnați afumați (they’re a little like smoked sausages).
If you’re looking for petty castles, make sure to visit Hunyad Castle, which is about 200km west of Bucharest.
34.) Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of Hungary’s prettiest cities. Don’t forget to explore the gorgeous architecture and take a dip in the baths in the city itself.
Read more: Best things to do in Budapest
35.) Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia is a gorgeous country, with Lake Bled being one of its most iconic natural sights. Don’t forget, head to some of Slovenia’s picturesque cities, too.
36.) Split, Croatia
Croatia is one of those countries that seems to offer everything to us, travellers. Dramatic scenery, beautiful islands, picturesque towns and yummy food. What more could we want?
Head to Split, which is a beautiful place to start your journey to some of the beautiful Croatian islands and stunning coastline.
Read more on the stunning places to visit in Croatia, here.
37.) Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is Slovakia’s largest city and ideal to visit some of its sites like Devin Castle and gorge on delicious Slovakian cuisine. Make sure you try Granadír (it’s like pasta and potatoes mixed together), a carb lover dream.
Read more on what you should see and do in Bratislava, right here.
38.) Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw is a pretty large city in Poland, in fact, it’s the capital. Visit some of the city’s gothic churches, the beautiful Royal Castle and try some Gołąbki (a cabbage roll type of dish).
39.) Gdansk, Poland
Perched on the northern coast of Poland, Gdansk is a historic (and relatively small) city that you’ll want to explore. Wander the city’s cobbled streets, visit the old harbour area and search for some of the city’s Amber jewels that you can buy in the city.
Read more here on what you have to see and do in Gdansk.
40.) Berlin & Potsdam, Germany
Berlin is an incredible city – with so much to see and do. The vibe in Berlin is just electric! Don’t forget to also head across to Potsdam, too – it’s truly stunning.
See more on visiting Berlin, here. See more on visiting Potsdam, here.
41.) Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of those cities that never disappoints. Its myriad of canals, beautiful streets and history make this one of my favourite European cities to visit. Especially with spots like Pllek and Lloyd’s Hotel.
See more on what to do when visiting Amsterdam, right here.
42.) Cologne, Germany
Cologne was an exciting surprise to me! The city is filled with cool bars, and amazing restaurants and the Cathedral is just breathtaking. If you plan to scale the tower, just make sure to pack your comfy shoes!
Read more on all the things you have to do in Cologne, right here.
43.) Frankfurt, Germany
Like many German cities, you’re definitely going to find some picturesque charm in Frankfurt. Make sure to visit the medieval buildings of Römer and the 19th Century Palmengarten.
44.) Copenhagen, Denmark
Hands down, you can’t miss a visit to Copenhagen when exploring Europe. Party and eat in the city’s Meat Packing District, discover Tivoli and ride the 100-year-old rollercoaster!
Read our full list of must-see places to explore in Copenhagen, right here.
45.) Gothenburg, Sweden
Obviously, there are the likes of gorgeous Stockholm to see on the east coast of Sweden but if you’re thinking of driving the west coast, make sure to stop off at Gothenburg or even discover some of Sweden’s stunning castles.
Read more on what to see and do in Gothenburg, right here.
46.) Oslo, Norway
Perched in the south of the country, Oslo is the capital city of Norway and well worth spending a few days exploring. Don’t forget to visit the city’s iconic opera house!
Read more on what to see and do in Oslo, right here.
47.) Stavanger & Pulpit Rock, Norway
Stavanger is a great place to start a journey into the picturesque wilderness of Norway. Use this as your base to discover Pulpit Rock and see the magnificent fjord below! It’s a hair-raising experience from the top!
Read more on how to visit Pulpit Rock, right here.
48.) Bergen, Norway
A few hours north of Stavanger, Bergen is a pretty place to visit. Explore the historic area of Bryggen and watch the sunset from Fløyen – it’s a magical experience.
49.) Alesund, Norway
There are lots of reasons why you should consider visiting Alesund; the food, the scenery, the gorgeous town and the fjords that surround the region.
Read more on what you should see and do in Alesund, right here.
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