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Northern Europe
Northern Europe is the most expensive region in Europe. 7 out of the 10 most expensive countries in Europe are here. From sweeping fjords in Norway, to medieval towns in the Baltics, and mega cities like London, if it fits in your budget, they are most certainly worth visiting.
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
The Nordics is home to dramatic landscapes from farmlands, fjords, forests, coastline and even volcanoes. Along with this, you have innovative cities and one of the highest standards of living in Europe. Milder summers compared to other parts of Europe keep crowds lower than Western or Southern Europe, and winter brings skiing, Christmas markets, snowmobile safaris, and the Northern Lights.
Recommendation
If it’s in your budget and you want something more nature-based than city-based, this is an easy recommendation. Find full in-depth guides at visitnordic.com.
England, Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland, Ireland
The UK and Ireland are home to bustling cities and quaint towns that are steeped in history — and arguably the best pub culture in the world. Both are however relatively expensive: accommodation and transport costs run quite high.
United Kingdom
Four genuinely different countries in one: England’s big cities, Scotland’s castles and nature, Wales and Northern Ireland’s history and landscapes.
Ireland
Ireland has 26 counties. From Dublin’s bustle to Galway’s charm you’ll find friendly people, live music, folklore, and a rich pub tradition. It’s cool and rainy even in the summer, but still a place people (including me) keep coming back to.
Recommendation
If you love friendly people and a good night out, Ireland especially is worth visiting. Find in-depth guides at visitbritain.com and discoverireland.ie.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
The Baltic States are full of medieval towns and a vibrant cultural scene. It sits on the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea and is considerably more affordable than most of Western and Northern Europe.
Recommendation
There is much less tourism here than in most of Europe year-round — it’s a genuinely quiet and authentic option, perfect for anyone wanting to explore off the beaten path.
Western Europe (France, Germany, Switzerland etc.)
Western Europe is a vibrant mix of history, culture and stunning nature. From the Gothic architecture found in Belgian towns, canals in the Netherlands, the castles of Germany, or the Alps crossing from France all the way to Austria, there is so much on offer.
France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland
This region is home to thousands of castles, beautiful old towns, hiking, skiing, and some of Europe’s best Christmas markets in December. The summer brings an up-beat city vibe and warm weather for dips in alpine lakes whiles winter turns the cities quiet and cheap — except December, when Christmas markets take over almost every square (Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland are the hotspots). The best time for skiing is in January/February. Make sure you avoid going on school holidays because prices and crowds spike.
Recommendation
There’s no wrong time of year to come to these parts. Each season is unique and offers something spectacular. Full in-depth guides coming soon to Go Look Outside.
Netherlands, Belgium, Luxumbourg
The Benelux Region is home to weaving canals, gothic old towns, and cities built for wandering on foot or by bike. The summertime can get busy, but rightly so as the cities and towns are upbeat and buzzing.
Recommendation
Bruges and Ghent (Belgium) look like film sets, and the Dutch canals live up to the postcards. Both countries offer some of the easiest, most walkable towns in Europe. Visit in the summer for the best vibes, or come back in autumn for a calmer experience.
Southern Europe (Iberia, Mediterranean etc.)
Southern Europe boasts some of the continent’s most popular destinations — especially in the summer when people want warm and sunny weather. Tourists flock to places like Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece. All four of these countries are in the top 5 most touristy places in Europe — deservedly so.
Portugal, Spain
Portugal and Spain are relatively more affordable compared to Northern and Western Europe. They’re home to amazing seafood, great meats, beautiful beaches and friendly people. Mild winters and hot summers make towns and cities here some of the busiest in Europe.
Recommendation
Go in May or September. You essentially get the same weather, far fewer people, and it’s noticeably cheaper.
Italy, Greece, Turkey
You’ll find some of the best food, beaches and nature in Europe here. This makes it hugely popular, especially in summer. It’s still quite cheap overall, particularly if you book early. The only negative is that peak summertime can get overwhelming in the main tourist centres (Athens, Rome, Venice, Istanbul).
Recommendation
I visited Greece and Italy during peak summer and the main tourist centres were packed to the brim. However, if you venture into the countryside, you’ll find quiet towns, beaches and even friendlier people. Or alternatively, visit in May/September to get warm weather with fewer crowds.
Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Romania, Balkans etc.)
Eastern Europe is home to a rich culture and some of the most beautiful places I have visited in my time in Europe. You get beautiful coastlines, medieval towns, and alpine mountains. Many parts of Eastern Europe (especially in the north-east) can get very cold and grey during the winter, so I would recommend going in the shoulder-seasons/summer.
Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia
Where Western and Eastern influences have blended for centuries — a genuine mix of Germanic, Slavic, and Hungarian traditions. Home to Prague, Budapest, and Warsaw: medieval castles, gothic old towns, lively cafés and nightlife, and genuinely affordable.
Recommendation
The winters here can get very cold and grey. I would recommend visiting anywhere between May-October to get the best experience.
Croatia, Albania, Montenegro & more
Croatia is by far the most visited — old towns, mountains, crystal water, islands — especially since adopting the Euro in 2023. Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Romania are catching up fast with similar scenery for less money. North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo are the least visited and least developed, but reward you with real quiet and near-zero tourism if you’re willing to hire a car.
Recommendation
The best time to visit is May to mid-June. Prices are cheaper, weather is good and you get far fewer crowds. I went to Montenegro in mid-June and it was perfect: great weather, great prices and barely any tourists.
