Europe

Expert travel guides and holiday advice

Europe is home to 44 countries and so there are plenty of hotspots to explore throughout the continent. From Rome and Italy to Berlin and Germany, Europe is vast in its history. Whether you fancy a sunny setting on Spain's Barcelona beaches, or you're keen to hike up Switzerland's Matterhorn mountains, you can pick the holiday according to your preferences while in Europe. The Independent's travel experts have explored some of the best tourist attractions and hotels in Europe.

European travel inspiration

Stuck for travel inspiration? The Independents travel experts have curated the below travel destination roundups to help you decide on your next European trip from the best destinations by train to best apres-ski holiday destinations, budget destinations and more.

France

Whether you're visiting Toulouse or travelling to Paris, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout France.

Spain

Expert city guides for you to read ahead of your next Spanish adventure.

Italy

From wine tasting in vineyards to shopping sprees, browse expert guides on what some of Italy's best cities have to offer.

Germany

From Munich to Cologne, our travel experts have compiled handy guides on the best cities to visit in Germany.

<p>The world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle</p>

The ultimate Germany travel guide

From the picturesque Black Forest to the pumping capital of Berlin, there’s more to entertain tourists than first meets the eye

The ultimate Germany travel guide

From the picturesque Black Forest to the pumping capital of Berlin, there’s more to entertain tourists than first meets the eye

<p>The world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle</p>

Best Berlin hotels

The roof terrace at the Hotel de Rome

Best hotels in Berlin 2023: stylish stays for all budgets

From burlesque-inspired boltholes to converted bathhouses, here are the best places to sleep in Europe’s coolest capital

Berlin is a city packed with history, culture and perfect for a city break

Best budget hotels in Berlin

Fancy a city break that won’t break the bank? Here are 10 cheap and chic places to stay in the German capital

Portugal

From sandy stretches of the Algarve to picture-perfect cities like Porto, Portugal offers holiday experiences to suit every traveller. Our experts have reviewed hotels and tasted traditional cuisine across the country.

Portugal hotel reviews

<p>The city is built into steep hillsides while still hugging the riverfront</p>

Best Porto hotels for exploring Portugal’s second city on a budget

Whether you’re after some peace and quiet or a swish spa, Portugal’s second city has it all

Portugal’s capital city benefits from fine weather almost all year round

Best hotels in Lisbon for partying relaxing and sightseeing

Our selection of the best hotels in the majestic Portugeuse capital 

Greece

From buzzing nightlife in Mykonos to stunning sights of Santorini, there's so much to do across the wonderous Greek islands. Read our expert's travel guides on the best hotels and things to do

<p>The Greek island of Santorini </p>

The ultimate Greece travel guide

From traditional idylls to party towns, hyper-luxe enclaves to low-key hippy hangouts, Greece’s myriad islands (and mainland) have something to offer every type of traveller

The ultimate Greece travel guide

From traditional idylls to party towns, hyper-luxe enclaves to low-key hippy hangouts, Greece’s myriad islands (and mainland) have something to offer every type of traveller

<p>The Greek island of Santorini </p>

Croatia

From beautiful beaches to karst mountain ranges, Croatia boasts adventure and stunning scenery for all types of visitors.

Switzerland

Whether you're visiting Zurich or travelling to Bern, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout Switzerland.

<p>Switzerland’s Bernina Express train</p>

The ultimate Switzerland travel guide

With world-class skiing, intriguing cities, scenic train rides and wide peaks and pastures of glorious nature, this European stunner has many underrated charms

The ultimate Switzerland travel guide

With world-class skiing, intriguing cities, scenic train rides and wide peaks and pastures of glorious nature, this European stunner has many underrated charms

<p>Switzerland’s Bernina Express train</p>

Sweden

From sustainable travel to characterful Stockholm, browse expert guides on the best sights, hotels and attractions that Sweden has to offer.

Belgium

Expert city guides for you to read ahead of your next holiday to Belgium.

Austria

Whether you're exploring musical history in Vienna or travelling to Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout Austria.

Malta

Malta is one of Europe's most popular travel destinations. Read expert guides on best things to do and where to stay in Malta, Gozo and Comino.

Finland

From meeting Father Christmas in Lapland to enjoying the best of Finnish culture in Helsinki, our travel experts have rounded up the best hotels and things to do across the country

<p>A cabin in pine-trimmed Finnish Lakeland</p>

The ultimate Finland travel guide

This trendy Nordic nation packs in an outdoorsy design capital, tiny islands and serene lakes with cabins and pines ‒ not to mention Lapland’s snowscapes and Northern Lights

The ultimate Finland travel guide

This trendy Nordic nation packs in an outdoorsy design capital, tiny islands and serene lakes with cabins and pines ‒ not to mention Lapland’s snowscapes and Northern Lights

<p>A cabin in pine-trimmed Finnish Lakeland</p>

Czech Republic

Expert city guides for you to read ahead of your next holiday to Prague, Ostrava or Brno.

Denmark

Whether you're on the hunt for delicious Danish pastries or visiting the iconic Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout Denmark.

Iceland

From beer spas to natural hot springs, ‘the land of ice and fire’ is a playground for adventurers and and nature lovers. Read expert guides on the best hotels, restaurants and things to do in Reykjavik and throughout Iceland.

<p>Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland</p>

The ultimate Iceland travel guide

Nicknamed ‘the land of ice and fire’ for its extreme landscapes, this remote island is a playground for adventure travellers and nature lovers

The ultimate Iceland travel guide

Nicknamed ‘the land of ice and fire’ for its extreme landscapes, this remote island is a playground for adventure travellers and nature lovers

<p>Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland</p>

Ireland

Whether you're looking for a ramble in Ireland's countryside, or you're after a lively city break in Dublin, Ireland is a great choice for a multi-stop tour or a nature-wrapped road trip. Our travel experts have found the best holidays and have reviewed the top hotels and chosen the best things to do that will suit any kind of traveller.

<p>Cliffs of Moher, County Clare</p>

The ultimate Ireland travel guide

Pure, rambling countryside, lively city breaks, wholesome food and pints and dramatic coastline - Ireland is a great choice for a multi-stop tour or nature-wrapped road trip

The ultimate Ireland travel guide

Pure, rambling countryside, lively city breaks, wholesome food and pints and dramatic coastline - Ireland is a great choice for a multi-stop tour or nature-wrapped road trip

<p>Cliffs of Moher, County Clare</p>

UK

From seaside breaks along the beautiful coastline to rambles in the glorious New Forest countryside, Britain offers the perfect escape for you. Our travel experts have reviewed hotels and compiled city guides across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

More Europe travel guides and latest news

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