Top 15 Things To Do In Europe That Every Backpacker Should Experience

There are so many things to do in Europe like several activities that will let you discover the continent better. See the dolphins in Madeira, learn the art of making chocolate in Brussels or be fascinated by the northern lighting in Iceland. Several tourists have taken a vote and have put Europe on their bucket list to visit. Discover the adventures in Europe and book your flight. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience with family, friends or on your own.

Best 15 Things To Do In Europe

There are several experiences to soak up. One lifetime is hardly enough to experience the adventures in Europe. As we dream of having taken trips in the past and looking forward to the future European jaunts, we can’t help ourselves but remember the experiences that have made us fall in love with Europe.

1. Walk On London’s Primrose Hill, UK

The city is popular for its royal parks, however, there is something special about taking a stroll on Primrose Hill. While walking up, look out for Shakespeare’s Tree, a tree that was planted in the year 1864 to honor Shakespeare; and watch the skyline from the top, it will be one of the best things to do in Europe. Time your walk for sunset as you can watch the sky grow orange over landmarks like the Millenium wheel, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Canary Wharf. It is the most ideal view that moves even the strong-hearted of Londoners- Lale Arikoglu.

Location: London Borough of Camden, UK

Famous for: Shakespeare’s Tree

Timings: All day long

2. Enjoy Pintxos And Surf In San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian, one of the many places to visit in Europe, has been named the greatest food city on earth for its smart approach to pintxos or a local tapa, with a ‘take and eat what you can’ style. Belly up at the Pintxos bar, grab a beer, and fill your stomach with snacks, the size of your head, made with fresh seafood, vegetables, and cheese, surrounded by surf beaches. You can sit for a couple of minutes to an hour- anything goes. It serves Michelin worth food, with flip flops and beach hair vibes. San Sebastian does have an unquestionable temptation.

Location: Spain

Famous For: Food

Best Time: April- July

3. Overindulge On A Water Taxi In Venice, Venice

Venice is an expensive city and the best honeymoon place in the world for a romantic getaway. Taking a water taxi is as good as taking a town car to move around the city. But there is no better way of getting to the airport to the hotel than jumping into an open-air boat after landing, with a couple of minutes to sit back and gazing at the grand buildings of Venice. Venice has set the stage for a visit in a way no other city offers. Bonus? Most of the city’s best hotels have a private dock and will send their own transportation for you. Splurging on a water taxi in Venice is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Europe.

Location: Venice

Famous for: Water taxi and Grand Docks at the hotels

Best Time: September- November

4. Bike Along Amsterdam’s Canals, Netherlands

Amsterdam is a city of two wheels as the residence move around on their bikes. Renting a bike and riding along the famous canals, like Prinsengracht, where one will see the 17th century canal houses and waterways. You can even take a peaceful ride through the Vondelpark, one of the top things to do in Europe, which is gorgeous during the spring and fall. Whatever you do, when making a turn, use your hands as turn signals and don’t stop in the middle of the bike lanes. In case you forget, the locals will remind you of the rules of the road.

Location: Netherlands

Famous for: Biking

Best time: April- May, September- November

5. Soak In A Thermal Bath In Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is known as the city of baths, especially the thermal baths: the architectural gems surrounded by a labyrinthine range of saunas, steam rooms; and warm pools whose mineral water springs right out of the ground. One of the most popular thermal baths is the Szechenyi Baths and is one of the most praised attractions. Even though the city is awash with thermal spas, the top things to do in Europe includes the famous Gellert and the Turkish, built in the 16th century Kiraly and Rudas Baths. The thermal bath is one of the biggest medicinal baths in Europe.

Location: Hungary

Famous for: Thermal Baths

Timings: 10 am or 12 pm, open all days of the week.

6. Hit The Slopes Of The Italian Dolomites, Italy

Spend a couple of days skiing down Cortina’s groomed slopes, one of the most fun-filled adventure activities in Europe. Make sure you break a few Aperols on the Rifugio Averau terrace- followed by great food and drinks in the town. Cortina allows people to ski home, shower, and step into something comfortable every evening, contrary to the French ski resorts where boots are often found under the table. You can begin at the Café La Suite, then P126, and then take in the cavalcade of dolce vita glamour parading at the Corso Italia, the winter scene softened by amber lights and a glass of red wine.

Location: Italy

Famous for: Skiing

Best time: May- June, Dec- April

Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Italy For A Kickass Experience

7. Go Island Hopping In Greece, Balkans, Europe

Go Greek Island hopping and even better if you don’t have a clue where you are going. Once you step of the ferry on various islands, most landlords wait at the dock with availability of apartment signs. You should go in June or September, arrive early and have your smartphone internet ready in case things don’t go as planned. Ios has a 60’s hippy vibe and Naxos is coated with twinkly lights at night. This will be something you will remember for a long time and one of the best things to do in Europe. The trip will be absolutely wonderful.

Location: Balkans, Southeastern Europe

Famous for: Island Hopping

Best time: June or September

Suggested Read: Things to Do In Dubai For An Exhilarating Vacation

8. Bike Ride Along The Coast In Cornwall, Europe

Go for a bike ride from Wadebridge to Padstow, an adventure activity in Europe, along the British coast in Cornwall, where one will get a glimpse of the sea which is several shades of blue and the land is wild and open. People can rent a bike from the bike rental shop at the beginning of the route. So, hop on your bike, make a pitstop at the roadside train carriage that offers amazing coffee, lemon drizzle cake, and flapjacks. Padstow is an incredibly pretty town. Queue up for a fresh catch or ride down the back streets for delicious meat pasties, and fish and chips that can be eaten sitting on the harbor wall watching the seagulls and boats come in.

Location: Europe

Famous for: Bike ride

Best time: June-September

9. Drive The Wild Atlantic Way In Ireland, Europe

Driving the wild Atlantic way in Ireland, one of the best adventure activities in Europe, from Mailin head in the north to Mizenhead in the south, is a pleasurable drive along some of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. You should visit Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges in County Clare; and finally eat at the Wild Honey Inn in County Clare, and Ballynahinch Castle in Galway. There are a few amazing beaches along the way like Lough Swilly beach in Donegal, and Gurteen beach in Connemara that even makes Ireland one of the best honeymoon places in Europe. Drive the wild Atlantic way. The drive is the most pleasurable way to gaze at some of the gorgeous views.

Location: Europe

Famous for: Beaches

Best time: September

10. Walk Your Way To Florence’s Best Views

Start your day with strolling in the Boboli gardens behind Palazzo Pitti, admiring the Renaissance sculptures. Follow the route over to Fort Belvedere and the Bardini gardens, a peaceful place above the historic city. The climb is quite a bit but the road finally leads to the gates in San Niccolò and the San Miniato al Monte Church. Give your palate a treat to the best pasta at Zeb in San Niccolò on the way back. The walk is pleasurable and peaceful as one gets to admire the beauty that surrounds Florence. People should make gazing at Florence’s best views the top things to do in Europe.

Location: Italy

Famous for: Renaissance Sculpture

Best time: May- September

11. Shop In Paris’s Canal Saint- Martin Neighborhood, France

Paris, besides being the most romantic country, it is popular for shopping. People from You should spend the morning at Paris’s edgy canal Saint Martin, beginning with shopping at Rue de Marseille. French Artisans and stylish stores are highly popular. After a fun shopping spree, you can fill your stomach with some of the best delicacies like pistachio escargot and croissants at Du Pain et des idees. Among the several places in Europe, Paris is one of the most popular to visit in Europe. Besides shopping, tourists should visit some of the most popular monuments in Paris. It will be a vacation to remember.

Location: France

Famous for: Shopping and Food

Best time: June- October

Suggested Read: Things To Do In France: Our Top Picks

12. Marvel At The Glaciers In Norway, Europe

Svalbard in Norway is an attractive archipelago, situated deep inside the Article Circle. Book your stay on the expedition ship like the Quark expeditions’ ocean adventurer, to get close to the beautiful glaciers, majestic walruses and see the mighty polar bears against the white expanse. You can even witness the stark reality of climate change. The best part about this trip is that we can make a good change, the ripple effect can save this magnificent region. Seeing the glaciers is definitely a once in a life time opportunity and experience. One shouldn’t miss out on it when planning a vacation in Europe.

Location: Europe

Famous for: Glaciers, walruses and polar bears

Best time: December- February

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Turkey For An Unforgettable Getaway

13. Experience The Wonders Of Prague’s Christmas Markets

Fly to Prague in the winters to discover the kirsch and festive Christmas markets, treating the taste buds with iced biscuits and warm gluhwein at the stalls right in front the Astronomical clock. The Old town square is illuminated with sparkling lights and adorned tree gleaming at night. After hours, stroll through the city’s storybook streets to get a stook at Treet’s or at Green Devil’s whose doors glow green like a witch’s cauldron. It is a sight to remember for years to come. One should not miss out such fun activities, as it only happens once in a lifetime.

Location: Czech Republic

Famous for: Iced Biscuits, Astronomical clock

Best time: November-December

14. Take A Scenic Boat Ride In The French Riviera, Europe

In Cassis Harbor, rent a small motor boat with a guide and ride over to Calanque d’En-Vau National Park for a relaxing swim. You could by foot, but the hike will take about 2 hours. Head over to Hotel Les Roches Blanches for a relaxed lunch, overlooking the Cote D’Azur. A boat ride is quite relaxing and pleasurable. It is something people often do when visiting France and is remembered for a long time. The best time to do the boat ride is October as the weather is amazing. Hence, enjoy the scenic boat ride while glazing at the gorgeous views.

Location: France

Famous for: Boat ride

Best Time: October

15. Spend A Day At The Roman Beach Outside Budapest, Hungary

When doing Budapest like a local during the summers, go to the ramshackle promenade of food and drinks vendors in the woods in North Buda, where the vibe is partially Feline and partially Jersey Shore. You can sit on the beach chairs on the banks feeding your stomach fried fish and langos. The specialty of this place is the Hungarian hubcap sized discs of fried bread, Aperol spritzes and froccs. Sit on the riverboat ferry with the wind in your face on the way back. It is one of the city’s best pleasures. Enjoy the day at the beach, as it is one of the most popular beaches in Europe.

Location: Hungary

Famous for: Fried Fish and Bread

Best time: June- August

Enjoy the walk on London’s primrose hill, spend a day on the beach in Budapest, drive the wild Atlantic way and so much more. These are some of the things to do in Europe, which are once in a lifetime experience. Visiting all these places, will definitely leave a memorable mark in our souls. All these places are quite special and so, make a list of all the cities you want to visit. With the bucket list in your hand, book your flight to Europe and enjoy the vacation.