The Top Places to Go in Europe in 2025
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EACH NEW YEAR PRESENTS US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESET AND REASSESS.
Are we doing a good job of translating our wildest dreams into our daily reality?
Or are we letting day-to-day busyness take priority over what we really want?
The holiday season gives us a break from this cycle, and the chance to slow down and take stock of what really matters.
Along with my personal and business goals, the new year inspires me to think about the European destinations that I hope to visit in the coming months.
As we approach 2025, I’ve compiled a list of a dozen destinations that have been on my mind for the past 12 months.
THESE ARE PLACES THAT HAVE CAPTURED MY IMAGINATION AND QUICKLY ROSE TO THE TOP OF MY TRAVEL BUCKET LIST.
The individual reasons that I’m drawn to each destination are different, but my goal remains the same: make space in the new year to venture to these places and experience all they have to offer.
The Top Places to Go in Europe in 2025
Athens, Greece
THE ANCIENT CITY OF ATHENS IS SUDDENLY HOT AGAIN.
Travelers are flocking to the Greek capital for its UNESCO World Heritage site, the charm of its colorful neighborhoods, and to feast on Greek food and wine at its markets and eateries.
Personally, I can’t wait to tour through the monuments of the Acropolis, the most extensive and well preserved complex of ancient Greek architecture in the world.
From there, I’ll channel my inner Indiana Jones at the National Archaeological Museum, taking in its extensive collection of ancient Greek artifacts like pottery, sculptures, and the famed Mask of Agamemnon.
Athens is on my list for its fascinating ancient history and vibrant urban culture.
I CAN’T WAIT TO STROLL THROUGH THE NARROW STREETS OF THE PLAKA NEIGHBORHOOD, ADMIRING THE QUAINT SHOPS AND TRADITIONAL TAVERNAS OF THIS CHARMING PART OF TOWN.
For shopping, I’ll hit up the Monastriraki flea market in the heart of Athens, a place selling everything from handmade jewelry and souvenirs to antiques and bric-à-brac.
I want to spend time eating authentic Greek cuisine, things like souvlaki, spanakopita, and baklava, too, and might take a food tour to get a good introduction to Athenian food culture.
Athens is a fantastic combination of mild weather, fascinating history, and vibrant urban culture, where bustling neighborhoods bring this ancient city to life.
Antwerp, Belgium
ANTWERP IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL HIDDEN GEM DESTINATION.
Everyone who’s been tells me how fantastic it is, and yet the city is rarely sought out by American tourists.
There’s a passing familiarity with its reputation as a center for the diamond trade, but most visitors to Belgium prioritize Brussels, instead.
For me, Antwerp is a shopping destination that I can’t wait to explore.
I’m excited to discover Antwerp’s art and history…
… along with its unique shopping and architecture.
From Meir, Antwerp’s high street, to the Stadsfeestzaal and luxury boutiques along Schuttershofstraat, I’m excited to find unique homewares, artisan goods, and local clothing labels.
To get my museum fix, I’ll visit the KMSKA - Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp for their collection of Flemish masters, and the MAS Museum for its exhibits on the culture and history of Antwerp.
Though the museum house of Peter Paul Ruebens is closed until 2030 for renovations, its garden remains open - and is designed with input from gardening enthusiast and fashion designer Dries Van Noten.
THE CITY’S GROTE MARKT, ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY SQUARES IN EUROPE, IS HIGH ON MY LIST, AS IS THE CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF ANTWERP.
And of course I can’t wait to see the architectural marvel of Antwerp Central Station.
I’m excited to discover Antwerp’s design bona fides and unique shopping, with a bit of art and history on the side.
Biarritz, France
My interest in Biarritz is tied to the nostalgia of its 1960s surfing boom, when travelers flocked to this unassuming French town on the Basque coast.
By now, the story is more legend than anything else:
In 1956, a couple of Hollywood movie producers came to Biarritz to film an adaptation of a Hemingway novel.
The beach in Biarritz is tied to the birth of surfing in Europe.
UPON SEEING THE ROLLICKING WAVES, ONE OF THEM SENT FOR HIS SURF BOARD FROM L.A.
The sport caught on among a small group of friends who became known as les Tontons Surfeurs, or the “Uncles of Surfing.”
Before long, Americans and Australians were heading to Biarritz for the best surfing in Europe.
I don’t have aspirations to be a great surfer, but I do want to try the sport, and why not take lessons in the birthplace of European surfing?
I’ll stroll along La Grande Plage, swim in the Plage du Port Vieux, and take surf lessons at the Côte de Basque.
I want to see some of the major sites, too, like Rocher de la Vierge or Villa Belza.
THIS IS A SUMMER TRIP, FOR SURE, AND I CAN’T WAIT TO FINALLY VISIT BIARRITZ AND TRY SURFING!
Gdańsk, Poland
POLAND IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE, AND GDAŃSK, ITS LARGEST SEASIDE CITY, IS RIPE FOR A VISIT.
The city has a fascinating history, from its role as a major medieval seaport to the birth of the Solidarity movement, a shipyard trade union that contributed to the fall of Communism in Poland.
Gdańsk, Poland’s largest seaside town, is brimming with history and summer charms.
This history is covered in-depth at both the Museum of WWII and the European Solidarity Center, two places I can’t wait to explore.
I want to stroll down the Długi Targ, a main medieval market square surrounded by buildings in the Polish Mannerist architecture style.
BEYOND SEEING SITES LIKE THE MAIN TOWN HALL, THE MEDIEVAL PORT CRANE, AND ARTUS COURT, I ALSO WANT TO TAKE A BOAT RIDE ALONG THE MOTŁAWA RIVER.
Gdańsk sounds like a dream in summer, so visiting the nearby Sopot for its sandy beaches and wooden pier.
Whenever I’m in Poland, I eat my fill of pierogi and żurek soup, but I also want to try gołąbki, or cabbage rolls, and pierniki, or Polish gingerbread.
I’ve been wanting to visit Gdańsk for a couple years now, and I’m excited to finally make the trip in 2025.
The Baltics | Riga, Latvia - Tallinn, Estonia - Vilnius, Lithuania
I’M LESS CONCERNED WITH WHICH BALTIC COUNTRY I VISIT IN 2025 THAN I AM WITH AT LEAST, FINALLY, TRAVELING TO ONE OF THEM, ANY OF THEM.
The region has been on my wish list for a while, but it keeps getting overlooked year after year.
The capital cities are in my sights for 2025: Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius, all for differing reasons.
Tallinn, Estonia has a medieval city center that still feels like a small town.
In Estonia, Tallinn is a medieval city with a fairytale feel, while the forests and coastal villages of Lahemaa National Park, and the boglands of Soomaa, are a dream for nature lovers.
THE ART NOUVEAU ARCHITECTURE OF RIGA, THE CAPITAL OF LATVIA, HAS BEEN BECKONING ME FOR YEARS.
The architecture of Riga, Latvia is a big draw for me.
I can’t wait to eat my way through the Riga Central Market, watch a movie at the gorgeous Splendid Palace cinema, and take a day trip to Sigulda.
And in Vilnius, the UNESCO-listed Old Town gives way to the artist republic of Užupis, while attractions like the Hill of Crosses and the KGB Museum demand a visit.
The Baltics are begging for a roadtrip, and fingers crossed, it will finally happen in 2025.
Turin, Italy
TURIN IS AN ELEGANT CITY THAT ANCHORS THE PIEDMONT REGION OF ITALY AND IS RENOWNED FOR ITS SOPHISTICATED CHARMS.
I can’t wait to scope out its Baroque architecture, world-class museums, and grand piazzas.
Turin sits just below the Alps in Northwestern Italy.
I want to experience all that Piedmontese cuisine has to offer, from agnolotti and vitello tonnato to cheeses like Castelmagno, Robiola di Roccaverano, or Montebore.
The local wines are exciting, too, Barolos and Barberas, and Turin’s historic cafes also serve bicerin, a traditional beverage of layered espresso, chocolate, and milk.
Turin is close to the Alps, and I’m hoping to swing through town during one of this winter’s ski trips - Courmayeur, perhaps?
Seville, Spain
SEVILLE, THE LAND OF FLAMENCO, ORANGE TREES, AND MUDÉJAR ARCHITECTURE, IS CALLING TO ME IN 2025.
I can’t wait to tour Seville’s most beautiful structures, like Seville Cathedral, the Alcázar of Seville, and the Metropol Parasol.
I want to watch a sunset over the Guadalquivir River and savor tapas and orange wine in Seville’s lively bars.
The Plaza de España is among the architectural sites I’m excited to see in Seville, Spain.
A flamenco performance is certainly on the cards, at a traditional venue like Tablao El Arenal, and maybe a late-night stroll through the Plaza de España.
I NEVER PASS UP A CHANCE TO SEE A VELÁZQUEZ PAINTING, SO I’LL MAKE TIME TO VISIT THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS OF SEVILLE, TOO.
Despite all there is to see, I’ll try to build extra time into my itinerary to simply wander through the Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood, just soaking up the ambiance and snapping a few photos.
Less touristy than Barcelona, Seville is on my list because it promises loads of history, amazing architecture, and plenty of sun.
Porto, Portugal
PORTO HAS LIVED IN MY IMAGINATION FOR YEARS, AND MY VISIT TO LISBON THIS YEAR HAD AN ELEMENT OF THE ANTICLIMACTIC FOR NOT INCLUDING THIS NORTHERN PORTUGAL CITY.
Folks often wonder which is better, Lisbon or Porto, but I think that’s a silly question.
Porto, Portugal sits along the Douro River, perfect for sunset cruises.
They’re different cities, each with their own vibe and unique attractions.
I’ll get my architecture and design fix by scoping out azulejos tiles throughout Porto, first at the blue-tiled churches throughout the city and then at São Bento Station.
Of course I have to stop by Livraria Lello, Porto’s beautiful bookstore with the stained glass skylight and that swoon-worthy carved staircase.
I CAN’T WAIT TO TRAIPSE THROUGH THE NARROW STREETS OF THE HISTORIC RIBEIRA DISTRICT, STOPPING FOR SAMPLES OF PORT AND GRILLED SARDINES.
A day trip to the Douro Valley might also be on the itinerary, but a sunset cruise past the Dom Luís I Bridge is definitely making the cut.
I know that it’s grown in popularity in recent years, but Porto seems like a hidden gem destination that I just can’t wait to explore.
Lapland, Finland
When it comes to winter sports, the term snow-sure gets thrown around a lot - but what’s more snow sure than Finland’s Lapland, its northernmost region with a subarctic climate?
I’VE ALWAYS DREAMT OF SEEING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, BUT AFTER WRITING ABOUT WINTER SNOW ACTIVITIES FOR NON-SKIERS, I REALIZED I HAD TO GET MYSELF TO LAPLAND.
The northern lights viewed from Lapland, Finland.
The region is perfect for so many winter snow activities, like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and of course, snagging a nighttime view of the northern lights.
Within this winter wonderland, I’ve settled on Rovaniemi as a destination, and as an added bonus, it will likely include a stopover in Helsinki.
For accommodations, there are glass igloos and luxury hotels with in-room saunas on offer, though I have a feeling I’ll be opting for the latter.
Though Lapland has hiking trails and midnight sun in summer, this is a trip I want to take in winter.
Fingers crossed I don’t freeze!
Slovakia | The High Tatras, Košice, Bratislava, Nitrianksa
I TRIED TO CHOOSE JUST ONE DESTINATION IN SLOVAKIA FOR THIS LIST, BUT IT WAS AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK.
As a Slovak-American, this small, central European country has loomed large in my imagination since I was a little girl.
My travel goal for 2025 is to explore the country beyond its capitol, Bratislava…
… to places like the High Tatra mountains, in the north of the country.
Every year since I’ve lived in Europe, I’ve dreamt about skiing in the High Tatra mountains, or visiting the Nitrianksa to sample its buzzy wine.
I can’t wait to go back to Bratislava, and finally explore the country’s second city, Košice.
Though easy to travel to, the humble reputation of Slovakia has allowed it to fall from my travel focus year after year.
MY RESOLUTION FOR 2025 IS TO EXPLORE AS MANY PARTS OF SLOVAKIA AS I CAN.
Genoa, Italy
AN OFT-OVERLOOKED ITALIAN PORT CITY, GENOA HAS BEEN ATTRACTING TRAVELERS LOOKING FOR URBAN ESCAPES UNSPOILED BY OVERTOURISM.
I can’t wait to stroll Genoa’s caruggi, or narrow alleyways, which are traditionally residential but today feature hip bars and cafes.
The city has an extensive collection of preserved grand palaces, like Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Reale, that are available to tour.
Genoa is home to well-preserved grand palaces and narrow alleyways called carrugi.
While I usually eschew climbing tower steps for views of a city, I will take the lift up to the top of Spianata Castelletto for unrivaled views of Genoa.
My experience with Ligurian cuisine is mostly limited to pesto and focaccia, so I want to add more Ligurian dishes to my repertoire - like pesto trofie and pansoti is salsa di noci - and wash them down with local Vermentino wines.
I want to walk along the Corso Italia, a seaside promenade, while the afternoon begins to turn into dusk.
I’M NOT SURE IF I’LL HAVE TIME FOR A DAY TRIP TO PORTOFINO, BUT NEVER SAY NEVER…
Genoa entices with the promise of adding a new regional layer to my Italian understanding.
Leipzig, Germany
A COUPLE YEARS AGO, I DECIDED THAT I WANTED TO BUY ART DIRECTLY FROM ARTISTS, AND MY RESEARCH LED ME TO LEIPZIG.
It has a vibrant arts scene, where the relatively low cost of living allows artists to live and work in peace.
Leipzig is full of interesting buildings and history, like Germany’s equivalent of the Supreme Court.
I want to explore the trendy Plagwitz district, known for its cafes and canals, while soaking in the city’s street art and nightlife.
Leipzig has several historic arcade shopping areas, like Specks Hof and the Mädlerpassage, that I’ll check out, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig.
For food, I need to stop by Auerbachs Keller, a legendary Leipzig tavern made famous in Goethe’s novel Faust.
There’s so much more that Leipzig has to offer, and I can’t wait to explore!
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate your stamina!
My list of the top places to go in Europe in 2025 is by no means short - I’m not sure how feasible it is to tackle all this travel in one calendar year, to be honest.
BUT DREAM BIG, EH?
Now that I’ve articulated the places I want to travel to in 2025, I plan on taking a weekend and planning all that travel - for the entire year.
The urge for a quick weekend trip is often damped by high last-minute prices.
Hopefully advance planning will allow me to find some travel deals.
I ALSO WANT TO MAXIMIZE MY TIME OFF BY STRATEGICALLY TAKING PTO DAYS CLOSE TO NATIONAL HOLIDAYS.
More on that topic at a later date… 😉
As always, thanks for reading along!
xx,
Angela