50 things to do in Europe before you die
There’s no shortage of things to do in Europe. The continent is as vast as it is lush with a diversity of offerings – the luckiest among us will make multiple trips in a lifetime just trying to see it all. Who doesn’t dream of driving the Golden Circle of Iceland over a stretch of long summer days, or skiing the slopes of the Italian Dolomites (home to some of the world’s finest snow, we might add). You can hit multiple countries in one trip with ease, thanks to stretches of high-speed rail and solid flight stopover programs, and you’re sure to find endless surprises along the way.
But as for where to start – or where to go next? We have a few ideas. Below, Condé Nast Traveller editors and contributors converge to round up 50 things every traveller needs to experience in Europe before they die. The usual suspects are there for a reason – go shopping in Paris, take a sleeper train through the Swiss countryside, soak up some sun in Capri – but we’ve also got less-expected recommendations that are just as sure to float you up to cloud nine. here are 50 things to do in Europe before you die. We promise they’re worth it.
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Richmatts/GettyGo island-hopping on a speedboat in Greece’s windy Cyclades
You haven’t been to Greece until you’ve zipped around the Cycladic islands – both big and small – for another view of those iconic coastlines, and remote fishing villages that feel like stepping back in time. And I’m not talking about simply joining the ferry crowds moseying like cattle from island hub to island hub; staying on one for a while and hiring a local to take you out on a speedboat tour is the only way to reach some of the most storied islands, like Santorini’s tiny Thirasia for old-school tavernas and black-sand beaches in the shadow of millennia-old volcanoes, or Paros’s Antiparos for golden-sand coastlines you’ll have all to yourself. Going with a guide who can expertly navigate the famously windy region plus share the local lore, take you to the best boat-up seafood restaurants, and pour the onboard wine, is the best way to do it – and guide-matching services like ToursByLocals has plenty of options around Santorini. Shannon McMahon
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Giorgio Magini/GettyOrder wine from a Florence wine window
Florence’s medieval wine windows have been reopening for the past couple of years, and they are easily the most fun way to tap into the city’s ancient history. What was once a means for wealthy families to sell wine out of their homes, these portals closed in the early 1900s due to new laws. But they’re back in action – use this interactive map to find those that have been identified hundreds of years after they first closed shop. Some are merely relics, fun to spot like easter eggs in the old streets but still long out of operation, while others (like the ones at Babae, or Cantina de’ Pucci) are back in service. Just walk up, ring the bell, and buy your wine through the wooden window like Leonardo da Vinci used to. It’s a novelty you’ll only find in Tuscany. Megan Spurrell
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GettyClimb the Minaret of the Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque in Mostar
Everywhere you look in Bosnia and Herzegovina, from the slopes of its forested mountains to the banks of winding streams to the cobblestoned streets of historic villages, the skyline is pierced with the slender minarets of its majestic Ottoman-style mosques. More than 600 of these structures were destroyed during the Bosnian war in the 1990s, but many have since been rebuilt — including Mostar’s 17th-century Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, on the banks of the Neretva River. I love visiting mosques wherever I travel, and in a bid to escape the crowds (Mostar has become more popular with day-trippers in recent years because of its proximity to Dubrovnik), I set my sights on its minaret. Clambering up 100-odd steps in the claustrophobia-inducing stairwell was well worth it: I emerged at a balcony with 360-degree views over the river and red-roofed town surrounding it. I’d been entranced by the idea of visiting Mostar ever since I first glimpsed a picture of its atmospheric Stari Most, a rainbow-arched bridge which was originally built in the 1500s, and this was the ultimate vantage point to soak it all in, in solitude. Sarah Khan
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Nick Argyle/UnsplashRent a car in Iceland and drive the Golden Circle
Spanning 190 miles and kicking off from the capital Reykjavik (where you’re almost certain to fly into), the Golden Circle is a fantastic way to explore southwest Iceland‘s incredible geography and natural wonders. From towering waterfalls to geothermal geysers and so much in between, you’ll give yourself the freedom to explore on your own time and – my personal favourite built-in feature – the ability to detour at a moment’s notice. And definitely plan for a few detours, most specifically for stops along any number of roads where you can pet wild Icelandic horses. Lara Kramer
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Sigal Budal/GettyRide a rollercoaster in Copenhagen’s magical Tivoli Gardens
There’s a long list of must-dos when you visit the city of Copenhagen. I recently stopped by for the first time, and after cramming in as many iconic stops as I could, still felt an intense need to return to see more. One thing’s for sure: you’ll want to go on a roller coaster in Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world. This for-all-ages park feels magical – both nostalgic and unlike any theme park I’ve ever been to. I made sure to go on the steel roller coaster Dæmonen (The Demon) and definitely let out a few screams while also getting a gorgeous view of the whole park and city as the ride took off. Meaghan Kenny
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Sven Mieke/UnsplashWander Munich’s English Garden
At approximately 900 acres, Munich’s English Garden is larger than Central Park and accordingly contains within its vast premises treasures untold. There’s the matter of the river surfers, who shred rain or shine – find them at the so-called Eisbachwelle, a surge at the garden’s southern tip. It’s all too easy to kill a few hours watching them go, but once you’ve had your fill, go deeper into the greenery. Just about any path you choose will take you somewhere interesting – along the river towards the Monopteros, a beautiful hilltop temple around which locals lounge on sunny days, or into the woods and towards the city’s second-largest biergarten, Chinesicher Turm (so-called for its odd, towering Chinese pagoda), for a drink. Charlie Hobbs
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GettySweat like a local in a Helsinki sauna
In Finland, the sauna culture is akin to religion, so if you find yourself in Helsinki, you may as well join the faithful. You’ll, in fact, be spoiled for choice in the Finnish capital. Do you pick the sleek, minimalistic Löyly with its sustainable Finish restaurant and lovely terrace? Or head to the charming Uunisaari, a short ferry ride away from Helsinki’s pier on Uunisaari island with its little beach and a cafe that serves local delicacies. Then, there’s Kulttuurisauna, a modernist homage to design legend Alvar Aalto and comes with a peaceful sea-facing courtyard for communing with locals. Wherever you decide to go, and whatever the weather, if there’s a body of water nearby, make sure you do as the Finns do and plunge in after – consider it your baptism. Arati Menon
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GettyGo surfing in Portugal
For a bucket list surfing experience, a lot of people head to Costa Rica or Hawaii. But Portugal has some of the best surfing in Europe, with charming little seaside villages to use as a home base. Just an hour’s drive north of Lisbon, Ericeira is home to the second World Surfing Reserve – meaning the waves are consistently great, and there are breaks for both beginners and experienced (even pro) surfers – which spans nearly five miles of coast. Even the poshest hotels in the area, like the new, design-forward Aethos and tranquil Immerso, have guests unloading surfboards at check-in; and beachfront bars, like the Ribeira d’Ilhas Surf Restaurant, are perfectly positioned for watching surfers in the water. Closer to Lisbon, you’ll find smooth waves in Cascais, or, drive further up the coast to Nazaré to see experts ride the “100-foot-wave” – the largest in the world. MS
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GettyTake a walk on London’s Primrose Hill
London is famous for its royal parks, but there’s something particularly special about a stroll on Primrose Hill. On the way up, look out for “Shakespeare’s Tree,” an oak that was first planted in 1864 to honor Shakespeare’s birth centuries before (it’s ceremoniously replaced by a new one every 100 years); and, if you can, save turning around to see the skyline until you get to the very top – it’ll be worth it. Time your walk for sunset and watch the sky grow orange over landmarks like Canary Wharf, the Millennium Wheel, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. It’s a view that moves even the most cynical of Londoners. Lale Arikoglu
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© Marco BottigelliEnjoy pintxos and surf in San Sebastián
San Sebastián has been dubbed the greatest food city on earth for its clever approach to pintxos, or local tapas, with a ‘grab and eat what you want’ style all its own. Belly up to a pintxos bar, get a beer and load up on snacks the size of your head, made with fresh seafood, vegetables, and cheese, surrounded by surf beaches. Stay for five minutes or an hour – anything goes. It’s Michelin-worthy food, with flip-flops and beach hair vibes. Erin Florio
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Jorg GreuelBike along Amsterdam’s canals
Amsterdam is a city on two wheels – for the city’s residents, getting around by bike is a way of life. Rent a bicycle and ride along famous canals, like the Prinsengracht, where you’ll get a glimpse of the 17th-century canal houses and waterways. Or take a more serene ride through the Vondelpark, which is especially beautiful in the spring and autumn. Whatever you do, remember to use your hands as turn signals when you’re on the road, and don’t stop in the middle of the bike lanes. Should you forget, locals will quickly remind you of the rules of the road. MS
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GettySoak in a thermal bath in Budapest
One of the greatest pleasures of Budapest is the city’s spectacular thermal baths: The architectural gems surround a labyrinthine network of saunas, steam rooms, and naturally warm pools whose mineral-infused water springs straight from the ground. Though the city is awash with these thermal spas, must-visits include the world-famous Gellert, and the Turkish-built 16th century Király and Rudas Baths. Natalie Holmes
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Marius Romanns/GettyDrive through Montenegro
The road that zig-zags up the mountains from the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro is remarkably scenic and totally adrenaline-inducing. But if you have a steady hand, rent a car to explore this tiny Balkan country on four wheels. On the way up from that famous bay, you’ll find roadside stands selling Njegusi prosciutto with views of the fjord-like formation below. Get a little higher and head inland, and the road will smooth out, or snake along the coast for endless sea views straight out of a Bond film. This charming little country has much of the appeal of neighbouring Croatia with fewer crowds, but these views make that feel like a matter of time. MS
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AlexlukinVisit Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands
Just a short ferry ride from Istanbul‘s Kabataş ferry dock lies a cluster of little-known islands that feel like stepping into a time warp. On Büyükada, the largest of the nine, you’ll find horse-drawn carriages, grand old mansions hidden behind trailing wisteria, coves to swim in, and markets to peruse. A walk up to Büyükada’s highest peak, Yücetepe, will reward you with brilliant views – the hubbub of Istanbul far away on the horizon. It’s easy to see why an exiled Leon Trotsky once chose this island as his refuge. LA
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anzelettiHit the slopes of the Italian Dolomites
Spend a few days skiing down Cortina’s groomed slopes – and make sure to break for a few Aperols on the Rifugio Averau terrace – followed by nights on the town with great food and drink. Unlike French ski resorts, where you’ll likely spot ski boots under the table, Cortina implores you to ski home, shower, and step into something smart each evening. Start at Cafe La Suite, then move onto P126, and make sure to take in the cavalcade of dolce vita glamour parading down Corso Italia, the winter scene warmed by soft amber lights and large glasses of red wine. Rosalyn Wikeley
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Marius RomanHave M’dina all to yourself at night
Between Gozo and Valletta, there’s plenty of reason to stick to the coasts in Malta. But the most enchanting spot anywhere on this Mediterranean island is smack in the middle in the walled city of M’dina. Founded by the Phoenicians and then conquered by the Romans, it’s a maze of secret passageways, palaces, and hidden doors. Visit at night, when any lingering day crowds have returned to the shores, and the entire stone village is bathed in a soft light. The pedestrian alleys are silent, the squares are empty, and you can almost feel the hundreds of years of history all around you. EF
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GettyGo skinny dipping in Sweden
When the sun rises at 3am in summer and Swedes wander home from a night on the town, post-club skinny dipping is considered perfectly lagom (acceptable). Favourite places to neatly fold your party gear and take the plunge? Of the 14+ islands that comprise the city of Stockholm, we’d pick the tiny coves west of Västerbron Bridge at the tip of Långholmen and off the small wooden jetties along Norr Mälarstrand on the southern shores of Kungsholmen. They’re both private and safe. The clean, clear, cool water is sure to tingle and recharge you for your journey home or that first-morning fika (coffee). David Jefferys
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MNStudioDrive the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, from Malin Head in the north to Mizenhead in the south, is an epic and beautiful drive along some of the most spectacular coastlines in Europe. Make sure to check out the Giant’s Causeway and The Dark Hedges in County Antrim, and pull over to eat at Wild Honey Inn in County Clare, and Ballynahinch Castle in Galway. There are some great beaches along the way, too, like Lough Swilly Beach near Rathmullen House in Donegal and Gurteen Beach in Connemara. Matt Buck
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vladsilverMarvel at glaciers in Norway
Norway’s Svalbard is a beautiful archipelago deep inside the Arctic Circle. Book a stay on an expedition ship, such as Quark Expeditions’ Ocean Adventurer, to get up close to epic glaciers, see giant-tusked walruses, and spot mighty polar bears against the white-on-white expanse. Speaking to the onboard scientists and naturalists, you also hear about – and witness – the stark reality of climate change. The takeaway lesson is that if we all make one change for good, the ripple effect could help to save this extraordinary region. Grainne McBride
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emicristeaExperience Prague’s Christmas markets
Head to Prague in winter to explore its wonderfully kitsch and in-your-face-festive Christmas markets, stopping for pretty iced biscuits and warming glühwein at stalls right in front of the medieval Astronomical Clock. In the icy evenings, Old Town Square is illuminated with sparkling lights, its impossibly big, adorned tree gleaming in the night. After hours, wind through the city’s storybook streets to grab a stool at speakeasy Tretter’s, or hole-in-the-wall absinthe bar Green Devil’s, whose doorway glows green like a witch’s cauldron. Leah Craig
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Janoka82Take a scenic boat ride in the French Riviera
Rent a small motor boat with a guide in Cassis Harbor, and take a ride over to Calanque d’En-Vau National Park for a secret swim. (You can also get there on foot, but the hike will take two hours.) Then, head over to Hôtel Les Roches Blanches for a rosé-filled lunch overlooking the Cote D’Azur. KS
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Vladislav ZolotovGet the best views of Venice from the rooftop at the Fondaco dei Tedeschi
A bird’s-eye view of Venice can be challenging because, for one, high-rises don’t exist, and also because it’s incredibly easy to get swallowed by its street-level maze. But the terrace atop the luxury shopping mall Fondaco dei Tedeschi changes that. While serious temptation awaits on every floor (made worse on my last trip by a very attractive exchange rate), this place is worth going to just for the views from the rooftop terrace alone, for which free tickets for 15-minute slots are available on iPads on the third and fourth floors. Time it to just before sunset for maximum pleasure, and, if possible, on the hour to have a chorus of church bells drown out the collective gasp. After, head to Narazaria by the Rialto and grab a table near the canal for a Campari, plates of Cicchetti, and endless people-watching. AM
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szulmannSpend a day at Roman Beach outside Budapest
To do Budapest like a local in the summertime, head to this ramshackle promenade of food and drinks vendors in the woods along the Danube in North Buda, where the vibe is one part Fellini, one part Jersey Shore. You’ll sit on beach chairs on the pebbly banks eating fried fish and langos, those distinctly Hungarian hubcap-sized discs of fried bread, drinking Aperol spritzes or the local speciality, froccs, a mixture of wine and soda water. The return by riverboat ferry, with the wind in your hair and Parliament glowing in the late afternoon light, is one of the city’s greatest pleasures. Jesse Ashlock
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bluejayphotoSee the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland
See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland – or at least get pulled around a frozen lake in a sleigh by reindeer as you try to look for them. Be sure you have a camera ready, too (no one warns you that you can only see their swirling colours in photographs, and, pro tip, most cell phones will turn off in the cold). No matter your luck, warm up by trying out the world’s only sauna-gondola at Yllästo ski resort afterwards. BL
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Johner ImagesEnjoy art on the island of Varmdo
There are around 30,000 islands in Stockholm’s archipelago, but only one has an art gallery like Artipelag on Varmdo. Crafted from pine and partially stained with black tar, it blends into the woodland. Alongside exhibitions – from William Wegman Edmund de Waal – guests can forest bathe, play outdoor chess, and follow a boardwalk halfway around the island. The journey here by boat is a central part of an experience, as well, with Scandinavian sensitivities, including an appreciation of the great outdoors, contemporary architecture, and thought-provoking creativity on display. RJ
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Joe Daniel Price/GettySee Edinburgh from above by hiking Arthur’s Seat
I’ve hiked Arthur’s Seat twice now. My first time up was in 2017, right after my high school graduation, on a big family tour of Scotland – I was vegan at the time, and we made a big to-do about planning the whole excursion, finding a restaurant where we could all eat afterwards, and the like. That’s one way to do it. My second ascent came on the eve of my final day studying abroad in the city (it was March 2020, and, yes, my time there was cut short). My friends and I had yet to do the climb – we were waiting for warmer weather, we thought we had more time, yada yada. When we knew we’d soon be sent home, we took to the hills and spent our last day taking in an incomparable view of what is, in my mind, Europe’s most beautiful city. It’s not an easy walk, steep and muddy and uneven as it is, but a well-deserved rest at the top makes it all worthwhile. CH
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Clara Nila/GettyDiscover old-school Italian craftsmanship in Florence’s San Niccolo
San Niccolo, a neighbourhood in Florence’s Oltrarno (meaning the other side of the river Arno), is the city’s oldest district. Its medieval past echoes through the twisting old cobblestone streets, and it’s a peaceful reprieve from the more touristed areas. It’s the type of place you can reliably meet for coffee with a friend without having to fight for a seat at the bar, even in the high season like the month of June. But what’s most special about San Niccolo is how the ethic of Florence’s artists and artisans lives on in the neighbourhood’s studios, galleries, and workshops. This is where you go to buy an authentic leather jacket that you can’t get anywhere else, watch a jeweller or mosaic-maker at work, or visit Carla Bruttini’s Studio, where you will find street art showcasing the younger side of the city. Alex Erdekian
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Jasper JuinenGo to a 24-hour churro shop in Madrid
The appeal of a 24-hour churro shop is, of course, that you can eat them no matter what time your plane gets into Madrid. Chocolateria San Gines has been around since 1894, serving some of the city’s absolute best churros. They’re always fresh and hot since they’re fried to order – and yes, you need the chocolate dipping sauce on the side. It’s a great break in the middle of a day of sightseeing (they also serve coffee if you need a pick-me-up) or an ideal after-dinner stop or midnight snack. Stephanie Wu
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Sylvain SonnetWatch the sun rise over the Charles Bridge
The historic Charles Bridge in Prague joins Old Town with Mala Strana over the Vltava River. While it’s stunning at all times of day, it is truly magic at sunrise. Whether you’re an early riser, or your evening somehow dissolved into dawn (after perhaps one too many absinthe cocktails at the Black Angel’s Bar in Old Town), watching the sunrise over the City of a Hundred Spires is a can’t-miss experience and one of the few times you’ll see the popular tourist site nearly empty. Mercedes Bleth
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sanatkarSnack – and sail – on the Bosphorus
Eat bread rolls crammed with fresh mackerel for a few lire in Istanbul’s Eminönü area. Local fishermen have allegedly been serving balık ekmek (‘fish bread’) direct from the water for two centuries. In 2019, when the boats were threatened with closure by city authorities, their popularity helped ensure they remained. Follow your fish feast with a boat ride across the Bosphorus from the European part of town to the Asian side. BL
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olaserSee art in Stockholm’s metro stations
The Stockholm metro system is said to be the world’s longest art gallery, spanning 60-plus miles with 90 of its 100 stations decked out with murals, tilework, mosaics, sculptures, and more. You can spend hours hopping from one station to the next – but it’s best to tour outside of peak commuting times. Some must-see stations include T-Centralen and Kungsträdgården on the Blue Line; Stadion, Mörby Centrum, and Tekniska Högskolan on the red line. It’s the perfect rainy day activity. MB
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Daria_SerdtsevaHave a meal in Ariccia
The biggest mystery about this hilltop village 30 minutes south of Rome is how it has managed to stay so widely off tourists’ radars. But the food here is why you travel to Italy in the first place: In summer, huge communal tables pack the central square, covered with platters of porchetta, vegetables, local cheeses, and heaping bowls of wild boar bolognese and carbonara (all Lazian specialities). The wine flows freely, the locals are always happy to share the tables, and, best of all, once you brag it upon returning home, even that obnoxious Italophile you work with who swears to know the boot better than anyone will be steaming with jealousy. EF
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Samantha T. PhotographyCliff jump in Croatia
While this side of the Adriatic can’t lay claim to many sandy beaches, what it does have in abundance is an incredible array of craggy karst cliffs – perfect for leaping off of into the warm sea below. There are many locally loved spots to launch from: Sacred Rock and Kamenjak Cape near Pula, Sveta Nedilja on Hvar, Odysseus cave on Mljet Island, and even the terrace of Buza Bar, along Dubrovnik’s city walls. RJ
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stanciucHike the Samaria Gorge in Crete
Hiking the Samaria Gorge in Crete, said to be the longest in Europe, is all downhill, so pretty much anyone can do it. But it’s more than 10 miles from the fragrant pine and cypress forests at the island’s highest elevation, past long-abandoned villages and castles, and through sheer rock walls that narrow to less than a dozen feet before you reach a wide black-sand beach on the Libyan Sea. This is your reward: a dip in the clean buoyant waters, followed by octopus, revithada, and cold Mythos beer at a nearby taverna. JA
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GettyHike the Caucasus in Georgia
Whether you’re a day hiker or a seasoned alpinist, there’s no better way to take in Georgia’s topography – and get a glimpse of local life, unfiltered – than by trekking through it. In Svaneti, the remote northwesterly province where locals get around on horseback and prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage guard towers dot the horizon, you can embark on a four-day walk from Mestia to Ushguli – the highest continually inhabited settlement in Europe – overnighting in family-run guest houses along the way. Benjamin Kemper
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AlbertoLoyoSwim in Slovenia’s Lake Bled
Tucked into the very north-west corner of Slovenia, Lake Bled is a fairytale come to life. Surrounded by the blue rolling mountains of the Julian Alps, the crystal clear water is punctuated only by the tiny central island, topped with its landmark medieval castle. Though many will hop on the traditional pletna boats, the best thing is to dive in: The water is Blue Flag level pristine, warm in the summer, and even in high season, it feels secluded. Charlotte Davey
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TPopovaWitness Zaandam’s quirky architecture
When in Amsterdam, make the easy day trip to the nearby town of Zaandam. It’s less than a 30-minute drive from the city, but home to whimsical architecture and a quaint downtown drag right on the bank of the Zaan River. Plus, the town has plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to explore. (Pro tip: Stay at the Zaan Hotel for a superb breakfast and even more superb in-room walk-in shower.) LK
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John Philip HarperSail into Capri’s shimmering Blue Grotto
An unmatched southern Italy travel experience is a dip inside Capri’s legendary blue grotto. Ride a rowboat into the mouth of the rocky cave carved into the cliff face of the island, and you’ll be immersed in un-earthly, dazzling, fluorescent blue light. The grotto is one of the few in the world that has the correct dimensions for the light to strike the water at the perfect angle to refract a brilliant display of blues. Follow the experience with a boat ride around the island, then hop on land for limoncello drinking and celebrity spotting. AE
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minemeroDo a food-inspired road trip through Portugal
There’s so much to see and eat in Portugal, from inhaling egg tarts in Belem and sipping on Port in Porto to dining on 10 euro piri piri chicken meals on the streets of Lisbon. But the good news? In a small European country, it’s easy to hop from one city to another in a matter of hours. Rent a car and guide yourself through the country on a food- and drink-inspired road trip. At the end of it all, make sure to stock up on tinned fish, like olive-oil-soaked sardines, to take home with you – you’ll even find them for sale in the airport. MS
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DaLiuTour the Tower of London
The bloodshed! The beheadings! The Tower of London is a favourite site in all of Europe – and you don’t have to be a history geek to be totally blown away by it. That is in part thanks to the Beefeaters, who give the tours and guard the grounds: They are an encyclopedia of knowledge on all the happenings of this infamous London attraction, delivered with classic British wit that will leave you utterly charmed, even when examining the spikes that once displayed human heads just near the prison cells. EF
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Andres PaabosTake a pedal boat out on Lake Annecy
Located in a picturesque French town seemingly plucked straight out of a Disney movie, Lake Annecy is France’s third-largest lake and a must-visit. Explore the crystal-clean water via pedal boat, which you can rent from a local vendor on the shores, and pedal yourself out to take in the stunning views. Afterwards, be sure to explore the town of Annecy, and wander through the cobblestoned streets, and along the twisting canals. LK
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Westend61Enjoy a restorative dip in Lake Altaussee
This is wholesome Austrian countryside and a wellness mecca for its restorative alpine air. While winter is made of off-piste skiing and skating along frozen lakes, Altaussee’s lesser-known season is perhaps its most alluring: Come in summer for rambling Alpine hikes through meadows carpeted in wild flowers and dizzying valley views, rewarded with an invigorating plunge into Austria’s Lake Altaussee (and maybe a cool local brew overlooking that glassy lake). RW
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Hemis / Alamy Stock PhotoShop for vintage treasure in Berlin
Set on the former no-man’s-land between East and West Berlin, this chaotic Sunday flea market now welcomes a melting pot of locals and visitors. The seemingly endless lanes of stalls sell everything from attic junk to collectable figures, vinyl and clubwear while busking musicians provide the soundtrack. (It’s a bit like a scene from Mad Max but with fewer flamethrowers for sale.) When it gets to be too much, head to the amphitheatre for the regular 3pm Bearpit Karaoke session, when anyone can clamber up and showcase their favourite sing-a-longs, egged on by organiser Joe Hatchiban. It’s raw, impulsive, and so much better than The Voice. RJ
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Chio PhotographySpend a rainy London day inside a 19th-century wine bar
Gordon’s is the type of place that makes you pray for a rainy day while visiting London (good news: you’ll probably get it). The oldest wine bar in the city, it’s just off the Thames in Embankment next to the tourist-friendly Covent Garden. But this place is a local favourite – the hard-to-find staircase keeps tourists away. Inside, cavernous rooms with wooden tables are lit by single candles, forming warm, cosy dens; and making it exactly the type of place you want to hole up inside with a bottle of, say, cabernet and plate of Brie and camembert. Luckily, this place has all three, and the cheese comes with crusty bread, pickles, and spreads. On summer evenings, when that rain lets up, the string of tables hugging the outdoor wall along the river become the only ones in town that matter. It beats a pub, hand’s down, every time. EF
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Peter Barritt / Alamy Stock PhotoSee Paris’s other great museum
If the snaking line at The Louvre makes you want to run in the other direction, we have good news: it’s not the only world-class art experience in the city. Instead, head to the Musée Picasso. The museum spans the entirety of a 17th-century historic home in the Marais, and when you’re not walking down baroque staircases or sitting in the sun-drenched cobblestone courtyard, you’re gawking at Picasso’s iconic ceramics, playful doodles, and greatest masterpieces – just a slice of the 5,000 works that make up the museum’s beloved collection. LA
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sculpiesTake a train high into the Swiss Alps
Take the train from Geneva up through the mountains to the beautiful, very glamorous Gstaad. You’ll pass a shining luminescent lake before arriving at the station, high in the peaks and covered in snow. There is something incredibly transformative about the slow winding of the train up into the skies. Once there, walk into the centre of town to the centuries-old wooden chalet that is the Olden – there, dine on raclette and red wine where David Niven, Elizabeth Taylor, and Roger Moore used to hang out. Melinda Stevens
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Courtesy Baud et MilletHave dinner at an all-you-can-eat cheese cave in Bordeaux
Baud et Millet in Bordeaux is a restaurant with an attached cheese cellar featuring more than 100 cheeses to choose from. The all-you-can-eat cheese tasting gives you unlimited visits to the cheese cave and comes with a simple salad and chunks of bread. All you need to do is pick a bottle of wine from the adjoining wine shop, and this meal is as good as it gets. SW
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Sferenc Horvath/UnsplashVisit a local bar in Malta’s capital city
I find many travellers are sceptical about visiting a country whose coastline you can walk in just one day. But, if you’re already in Europe, or thinking of indulging in a Euro-trip any time soon, trust me on this one. Malta is as charming as it is steeped in history. If you’re able to stay for a few days, visit each and every golden and medieval town by bus from Mdina to Cittadella. Dip in the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea, and check out local art shops, especially in Attard, for an impressive sight of traditional glass-making centres. At night, stargaze along the ports, wander through the alleyways and up the historic cathedral steps of St. Julien’s. But no matter what you do, when in Malta, check out hip hangout spot Gugar in the heart of the city capital, Valletta. Even the walk to the joint will make you swoon. Dance your heart out with strangers to street jazz performers. Chat with well-travelled artists outside cafes and bistros. Sit in or outside in a group-styled setting home to decorative gems, groovy jams, and great company. Their menu offers a wide array of tasty delights, but don’t miss out on their take on the classic Maltese Ftira sandwich. You will probably dream about it for the rest of time (I know I will). Jessica Chapel
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Howard Kingsnorth/GettySee London from its highest public garden
London has no shortage of beautiful viewpoints to take in every inch of the busy city. If you’re looking to get an amazing view on a budget, head 35 floors up to the Sky Garden. It’s the capital’s highest public garden and it’s free to enter (as long as you make a reservation). When I graduated from university, I took my entire family up here to give them an overview of the city that I lived in for four years. Not only does it give you a good layout of London’s skyline but there are also two restaurants and two bars so you can really take in the whole experience with friends, family, or on your own. Kayla Brock
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GettyVisit the Murano glass factory in Venice
One of the stand-out activities from my first trip to Italy was a visit to the Murano Glass Factory. To reach the factory, visitors take a ferry to Murano Island (you can either grab a public boat, book a taxi through Murano, or book the activity as part of a tour). Once there, you’ll watch a glassblowing demonstration – my family and I were mesmerised by this – and then walk around the showroom and shop to see the various art made, from a bowl of cherries to animal sculptures and chandeliers. Sure, you can purchase Murano art all around Venice (and beyond), but it feels even more special after seeing the delicate way in which it is made. Madison Flager
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