Europe Travel Guide: Where to Go, Best Time to Visit & Tips
A practical Europe travel guide — the best regions to visit, when to go, how to get around with rail and budget airlines, and what to know before your trip.
Europe packs more countries, cultures and landscapes into a small area than anywhere else — and it is one of the easiest regions in the world to travel.
Europe travel guide: what to expect
Europe rewards almost any kind of traveller. In a single trip you can move from the cafés of Paris to the canals of Venice, the fjords of Norway or the beaches of Portugal — often in just a few hours by train or budget flight. Distances are short, the tourism infrastructure is excellent, and most destinations are safe and well signposted in English.
Best time to visit Europe
The sweet spot for most of Europe is the shoulder season — late April to June and September to October. You get mild weather, lighter crowds and lower prices than in July and August, when southern Europe is hot and the major sights are busiest. Winter is ideal for Christmas markets, the Alps and city breaks with few queues.
Top regions to explore
- Western Europe — France, the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium for landmark cities, museums and easy rail links.
- Southern Europe — Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece for food, coastlines, history and warm weather.
- Central Europe — Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Czechia for the Alps, fairy-tale towns and great value.
- Northern Europe — Scandinavia and the Baltics for fjords, design, and long summer days.
Getting around
Trains are the backbone of European travel: fast, comfortable and city-centre to city-centre. A rail pass can pay off if you are covering several countries, while point-to-point tickets booked in advance are usually cheaper for a fixed route. Budget airlines connect almost everything for short hops, and the Schengen Area lets you cross most borders without checks.
What to know before you go
- Most of the EU uses the euro, but the UK, Switzerland and parts of Eastern Europe keep their own currencies.
- Check visa rules for your nationality — many travellers get visa-free entry to the Schengen Area for short stays.
- Carry a contactless card; it works almost everywhere, though small cafés and markets may still prefer cash.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest time to travel in Europe?
Generally November to March, excluding the Christmas and New Year period. Flights and hotels drop outside the summer peak, and many cities are just as enjoyable with fewer crowds.
Is it better to use trains or flights in Europe?
For trips under about four hours, trains are usually faster door-to-door and more comfortable. For long distances or crossing the continent, budget flights are often cheaper and quicker.
Do I need a different visa for each European country?
For the Schengen Area, one short-stay authorisation covers all member countries. The UK, Ireland and a few others are outside Schengen and have their own entry rules.
How many countries can I realistically visit in two weeks?
Three to four is comfortable. Trying to fit in more usually means spending your trip in transit rather than actually seeing each place.