It’s safe to argue that 2023 sprinted faster than anticipated, and a lot of our vacation mood boards remained, well, just that. Fret not, for 2024 is nearly here to breathe life into holiday plans old and new. Explore local olive farms of Paphos (Cyprus), deep dive into viticulture at Dubrovnik’s (Croatia) myriad family-owned vineyards, or skip to the wild side at Germany’s Europa Park. Read on for our 2024 list of the best places to visit in Europe.
Crème de la crème of Europe: The best places to visit
1) Vienna, Austria
Things to do: Spend a day at MuseumsQuartier, dine at the world’s grandest greenhouse ‘Palmenhaus’, and savour the signature cake of Vienna, Sachertorte. Fuel your artistic explorations by visiting the Albertina Modern, Hofburg Palace, and Sigmund Freud Museum. Home to some of the best cafes in Europe, Vienna’s Kaffeehaus culture is worth experiencing.
Key attractions in 2024: Nothing beats an itinerary that boasts a music concert. Fulfil these open-air dreams under Vienna’s starry skies, which will host round-the-year concerts in 2024. Artists performing include Judas Priest (April 1), Dave Matthews Band (April 17), Jonas Brothers (June 1), Paramore (August 8), Taylor Swift (August 9), Coldplay (August 21-22), and Tool (October 6), among others.
Best time to visit: From April to May, and September to October
Book your stay at Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna via Agoda.com
2) Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Things to do: Admire the confluence of history and ornate architecture at Heidelberg Palace, indulge in retail therapy at the Stuttgart Centre, and rev your automobile passion at the Mercedes-Benz Museum – spread across 9 storeys and 16,500 sq m – and at the Porsche Museum. For an outing under the German sun, consider the Solitude Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a boat tour on the Neckar River, or the ancient Hohenbaden Castle.
Key attractions in 2024: Pump some thrill into your getaway by hitting up Europa Park, the largest theme park in Germany and the second most popular theme park in Europe. In 2024, the park will unveil a new section, notably the largest single area of the park dedicated to Croatia and Nikola Tesla. This area, titled “Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac”, will house the park’s first new rollercoaster to open in the last 12 years.
Best time to visit: From June to September
Book your stay at Treschers Schwarzwald Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Treschers Schwarzwald Hotel via Agoda.com
3) Florence, Italy
Things to do: A melting pot of art, historic relics, and otherworldly architecture, Florence delights with famous art galleries like The Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia, as well as cultural landmarks like Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and Palazzo Vecchio. Foodie haven Mercato Centrale, the Arno River, Piazza Santo Spirito, and the historic Caffé Gilli should be on your wishlist too.
Key attractions in 2024: Tourists can enjoy live access to the prestigious Tour de France, which will kickstart in Florence, on June 29, 2024. Add a hint of luxury by checking into premium hotels opening in 2024: Baccarat Villa Camerata, and Collegio alla Querce, a former boarding school & cultural institution reimagined as a luxe resort spanning three 16-century buildings, including an original chapel and theatre. Also, look out for three new tourist trains making a splash on the tourist radar: Orient Express’ La Dolce Vita, espressi, and treni storici.
Best time to visit: From April to June, and September to October
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze via Agoda.com
4) Copenhagen, Denmark
Things to do: Admire the coronation thrones and Venetian glass collection at the Rosenborg Castle. Soak up the saltwater at the alfresco spa Copenhot or ride the canal boat Hey Captain. Denmark’s capital city is simmering with cultural experiences, each one just as good. Opt for sun-kissed escapades at Tivoli Gardens and Jaegersborggade, or sample the menu at decorated dining destinations like The Alchemist and Amas.
Key attractions in 2024: Awarded the ‘world’s best restaurant’ five times in its 20-year history, Danish restaurant Noma will shut at the end of 2024. Book a table and savour its culinary genius while the option still exists.
Best time to visit: From March to May, and June to August
Book your stay at Nimb Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Nimb Hotel via Agoda.com
5) Mallorca, Spain
Things to do: Take a hot air balloon ride in Mallorca, explore the fishing port of Cala Figuera, and sun bask on the beaches of Mondrago National Park. In Mallorca, seeking outdoor adventures is a no-brainer: we recommend caving, coasteering on cliffs, hiking to Calos des Moro, and luxuriating on a yacht cruise.
Key attractions in 2024: Whether it is the 131-key Mandarin Oriental Punta Negro debuting in the second half of 2024, or the Palma International Boat Show 2024 (April 25 to April 28) kickstarting the Meditteranean nautical season, Mallorca is among the best places to visit in Europe in the coming year. We also recommend visiting Mallorca’s surreal shooting locations Puetro d’Andratz and San Telmo, which featured in the newly released Season 6 of The Crown.
Best time to visit: From June to September
Book your stay at Castillo Hotel Son Vida, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mallorca via Booking.com
Book your stay at Castillo Hotel Son Vida, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mallorca via Agoda.com
6) Basel, Switzerland
Things to do: Head to Switzerland’s third-largest city for walking tours, traditional paddling on the Rhine River, and taking the Urban Art Tour with Artstübli, Basel. Visit three countries in one day at the Dreiländereck (the Three Country Corner) exhibiting the intersection of Germany’s, France’s, and Switzerland’s borders alongside the Rhine River. And douse yourself in inspiring artworks at Vitra Design Museum, Basel Minster, and Kunstmuseum Basel, among others.
Key attractions in 2024: Explore the Swiss countryside on the double-decker Stadler trains, the Glacier Express, and dedicated rail journeys framing breathtaking views starting in March. Heighten the fun by getting passes to popular concerts in the city: Judas Priest (April 3), Samara Joy (April 15), and famed musicals like West Side Story (February 3) and The Blues Brothers (May 19).
Best time to visit: From mid-May to end-June, and mid-August to end-October
Book your stay at Grand Hotel LES TROIS ROIS via Booking.com
Book your stay at Grand Hotel LES TROIS ROIS via Agoda.com
7) Warsaw, Poland
Things to do: Saunter along the Royal Way, visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum, and explore the Palace of Culture and Science. History and architecture enthusiasts must admire the architecture and relics of the Royal Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Wilanow Castle. Additionally, walk down the rolling hills of Lazienki Park and visit the Old Town Observation Tower, both of which are popular tourist hotspots.
Key attractions in 2024: Slated to open in 2024, the Museum of Modern Art is all set to make a grand arrival in Warsaw’s cultural space. Tourists can add a slice of pop culture to their holiday by attending concerts in Warsaw: international artists performing include James Arthur (February 20), Niall Horan (March 18), Jonas Brothers (May 30), and Taylor Swift (August 1, 2, 3) among others. Better yet, rent a car and embark on a scenic road trip (about 3 hours long) to Poznan, which is set to unveil a new museum dedicated to the Greater Poland Uprising of 1918-1919, opening in 2024, and also host the Poznan Motor Show from April 4 to April 7.
Best time to visit: From April to July
Book your stay at Raffles Europejski Warsaw via Booking.com
Book your stay at Raffles Europejski Warsaw via Agoda.com
8) Gothenburg, Sweden
Things to do: Visit the famed Liseberg Amusement Park, savour Sweden’s epicurean favourites in Haga, and enjoy the best views of the city from Skansen Kronan. We also recommend taking a day trip to the Gothenburg Archipelago and hitting up the Gothenburg Museum of Art for a fun-dunked getaway.
Key attractions in 2024: Gothenburg will witness the grand opening of the indoor waterpark, Oceana Park (scheduled for Spring 2024), as well as the reopening of the Public Sauna in Jubilee Park. Additionally, the iconic Fish Church will reopen its doors after a 4-year-long renovation.
Best time to visit: From May to September
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Gothenburg via Booking.com
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Gothenburg via Agoda.com
9) Paphos, Cyprus
Things to do: Plan a sandy-toed getaway on the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus. First up, head to the virginal beaches of Paphos, including Vrisoudia A Beach, Alykes Beach, and Coral Bay. Thereafter, hit up the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, climb the Paphos Fort, and go tomb-hopping at the Tomb of the Kings.
Key attractions in 2024: Beyond the natural beauty, visit Paphos for the Paphos Aphrodite Festival, bracing for its revival after 2019. Additionally, discover Southern Cyprus like never before on a tour with Bayfarm Tours, launching November 24. As part of this, tourists can enjoy guided tours to Necosia, Larnaca, and the lace-making village of Lafkara, visit local olive farms and vineyards, and more. Lastly, the adults-only Cali Resort & Spa opening close to Coral Bay Beach in May 2024 should also be on your radar.
Best time to visit: From May to October
Book your stay at Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel via Booking.com
10) Budapest, Hungary
Things to do: Take the funicular to the Buda Castle, hop on the Children’s Railway, or head to the Széchenyi Baths where you can enjoy steam, sauna, ice machines, a whirlpool, thermal baths, and a bar too! We also recommend exploring the vibrant Margaret Island, the House of Music Hungary, and the shoes on the banks of the Danube (the second largest river in Europe).
Key attractions in 2024: The Chain Bridge has fully reopened after two years of renovation. It is the first and oldest bridge spanning the Danube River in Budapest, promising nonpareil views of Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building. The grand revival makes Budapest one of the best places to visit in Europe in the coming year.
Best time to visit: From March to May, and September to November
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest via Agoda.com
11) Nordland, Norway
Things to do: Chase the Northern Lights in Bodø, admire Norway’s dynamic landforms at the 2,102 sq km Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, and allow the Petter Dass Museum and Foto Galleri to inspire you. Additionally, mingle with the ice sculptures and sip from an ice glass at Magic Ice. Or, attend classical music concerts at Lofoten Kulturhus and big-name concerts at Stormen Konserthuset.
Key attractions in 2024: Elevate your Nordland getaway by checking into Six Senses Svart — the world’s first-ever energy-positive hotel. It functions entirely off-grid by harnessing its own solar power. The resort’s opening is scheduled for 2024 (dates yet to be announced).
Best time to visit: From June to August
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodo via Booking.com
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodo via Agoda.com
12) Hamburg, Germany
Things to do: To craft an unforgettable Hamburg holiday, visit Elbphilharmonie, a striking testament to modern architecture built using 1,096 glass panes. Follow it up by paying respects at the beautiful St. Peter’s Church and St. Michael’s Church. Unravel the darkest chapters of Hamburg’s history at Hamburg Dungeon, a UNESCO-listed site. Learn about the region’s maritime history onboard museum ship MS Cap San Diego. Or, stroll along the city’s happening promenade, Jungfernstieg, for sparkling sights and retail therapy.
Key attractions in 2024: Attend one of the UEFA EURO 2024 matches hosted in Germany. Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion Stadium has a capacity of 50,000 and will host matches from June 06 to July 05. Additionally, the German cities of Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Dortmund, Leipzig, Gelsenkirchen, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf will host UEFA EURO Championship 2024 matches as well.
Best time to visit: From May to September
Book your stay at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten via Booking.com
Book your stay at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten via Agoda.com
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13) Valletta, Malta
Things to do: Begin with St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the pinnacle of Baroque art, halt at Grand Master’s Palace, and top off the day with a theatrical performance at Teatru Manoel. While Valletta’s architecture is unrivalled, its outdoor charm shines through Republic Street, Merchant Street, and the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens. Admirers of historic relics and architecture should bookmark the National Museum of Archaeology, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Fort St Elmo, and the National War Museum.
Key attractions in 2024: Ridley Scott’s award-winning Oscar film, Gladiator (2000), is getting a sequel in 2024. Parts of the film were shot in Malta and Valletta, and what’s better than strutting through the film’s shooting locales just in time for the launch?
Best time to visit: From June to September
Book your stay at Cugó Gran Macina Malta via Booking.com
Book your stay at Cugó Gran Macina Malta via Agoda.com
14) Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Things to do: Located between Florence and Milan, Emilia-Romagna enchants with the Parma Cathedral, the famed automotive museum ‘Casa Enzo Ferrari Museum’, and 90 km of coastline along the Adriatic Sea buzzing with cafes and beach clubs. Additionally, visit the historic town of Ravenna, which is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Key attractions in 2024: Sports geeks can closely follow the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2024 from Emilia-Romagna, scheduled for June 2024.
Best time to visit: Emilia-Romagna is a year-round destination
Book your stay at Grand Hotel Majestic Gia' Baglioni via Booking.com
Book your stay at Grand Hotel Majestic Gia' Baglioni via Agoda.com
15) Dubrovnik, Croatia
Things to do: Welcome to the Red Keep, the House of the Undying, and the venue of the purple wedding (ring a bell, Game of Thrones loyalists?) Beyond forming the mystical backdrops for many Game of Thrones frames, Dubrovnik is popular for sea kayaking, the imaginative Dubrovnik Contemporary Gallery, speedboating through the city’s landmarks, and the Gothic Dominican Monastery.
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Key attractions in 2024: Highlight the 8-day-long Dalmatian Wine Cruise 2024 focusing on the viticulture of Croatia. The cruise entails exploring medieval villages, guided tours and tasting sessions at family-owned vineyards, escapades in underwater caves, climbing Spanish fortresses, and more. Additionally, in 2024, The Getaway Co. will embark on its maiden voyage along the Adriatic. This will include a boat tour through the Elaphiti islands, a cooking experience with vegan lifestyle expert Richard Makin, wine tasting, and guided city tours, among other attractions.
Best time to visit: From June to August
Book your stay at The Pucić Palace via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Pucić Palace via Agoda.com
(Feature Image Credit: Tom Wheatley/Unsplash)
Related: Jet-Set Into 2024: Visit The Most Happening Places Around The World For A Unique Getaway
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the best places to visit in Europe for family vacations in 2024?
Some of the best places to visit in Europe for a family vacation include Mallorca (Spain), Hamburg (Germany), Vienna (Austria), Warsaw (Poland), Paphos (Cyprus), and Baden-Württemberg (Germany).
– What are the best places to visit in Europe for a honeymoon in 2024?
The best places to visit in Europe for a honeymoon in 2024 include Valletta (Malta), Emilia-Romagna (Italy), Basel (Switzerland), Florence (Italy), and Copenhagen (Denmark).
– What are the best places to visit in Europe for nature lovers in 2024?
The best places in Europe for nature lovers include Dubrovnik (Croatia), Nordland (Norway), Gothenburg (Sweden), and Mallorca (Spain).
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
