Europe may be a small continent, but it’s packed with a lot of interesting places to visit. So, what are the best European Destinations to visit in 2019? The below list includes well-known places that either us at LooknWalk or travel bloggers recommend. Ready to pack your bags?

Here are the 19 European destinations to visit in 2019:

• London
• Athens
• Paris
• Amsterdam
• Berlin
• Barcelona
• Prague
• Copenhagen
• Dublin
• Naples
• Edinburgh
• Stockholm
• Lisbon
• Vienna
• Budapest
• Venice
• Reykjavik
• Zagreb
• Bratislava

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: London

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London has always been one of the most interesting cities to visit in Europe. Brexit is just around the corner so keep your eyes peeled for any changes regarding the entry rules. At the very least your passport should be valid at least 6 months after your departure date.

Whether the prices for airfare and accommodation will go up or down is anyone’s guess there are still some amazing free things to do in London including visiting British Museum and seeing the change or Guards at Buckingham Palace.

Don’t leave England’s capital without eating some pub fare and wash it down with a pint (or two).

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Athens

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Athens is the city where I would return to any time. Between the amazing historical sites that keep you busy for days – enjoy the Acropolis and the Greek Agora at a slow pace – , the relaxed Royal Gardens, and amazing restaurants and tavernas to try in Athens , you’ve got your hands full.

Anyone who says you can see most of Athens in two days is a fool. A 5-day itinerary in Athens can easily accommodate a day trip to Aegina or to Cape Sounion, but it’s still pretty tight in packed.

Make sure you have some good walking shoes as the historical area is a huge pedestrian zone.

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Paris

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Paris is a popular destination for all seasons and if you haven’t been there yet, you really should put it on your list of European destinations to visit in 2019. While the Eiffel tower is probably the most popular landmark, you will find that there are a number of attractions in Paris that are definitely worth your while. Stroll down the Champs Elysees to take in the hectic and yet beautiful landscape, visit the Louvre to indulge in some of the most famous masterpieces in the world or visit the Notre Dame. The thing about Paris is that even though it is a little overwhelming at first you will find that there is something for everyone in the city making it one of the most visited cities in the world.

While the Louvre was my favorite place in all of Paris, I enjoyed sitting in the gardens near the Eiffel tower and munching on the delicious crepes that only the French know how to make. From savory to sweet, the French really turn cooking into an art. As a visitor, it is a delight to sit and indulge in the cuisine while you watch the world pass you by. One thing is for sure, no matter how long you plan to stay in Paris, you will find that it isn’t enough!

Penny from Globe Trove. Follow her on Facebook

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Amsterdam

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Amsterdam is one of the top European destinations that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. With its maze of canals, chaotic bike traffic and an open-minded culture, Amsterdam has a very unique vibe that you won’t find in any of the other big city in Europe.
Don’t miss the canals with the narrow 17th century Golden Age buildings. No matter how you choose to explore them: on foot or by boat, during the day or beautifully lit in the evening – the picturesque canals will be the highlight of your time in Amsterdam.

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without visiting one of its famous museums. I recommend Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, or Anna Frank house – all very different and each well worth a visit.
But there is so much more to Amsterdam than just the most famous landmarks! The best way to get the feel of what Amsterdam is really about, is to walk around the city and discover at least a few of its neighborhoods: the bustling central Amsterdam with historic buildings and busy shopping streets, the quiet quirky Jordaan neighborhood, or the vibrant lively Red Light district.

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European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Berlin

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Berlin is absolutely a must-see destination in Europe and should get on your bucket list if it’s not already there! I adore Berlin – I’ve been twice and even applied for a 3-year job there as I was finishing grad school. It is undoubtedly the only foreign city I would move to at the drop of a hat!

This gorgeous city has everything – loads of historical sites juxtaposing with the new, industrial components and post-war rebuilding. If the incredible cathedrals and synagogues, monuments, zillions of wonders housed in Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin Wall itself aren’t reason enough to visit, there’s even more, and still something for everyone!

The Berliner Philharmoniker is arguably the best orchestra on the planet, and definitely worth spending an evening, no matter the program (but if you can catch them on a Mahler night, you’ve hit the jackpot!)
Despite its deep (and unfortunately rather dark) history, the city is not at all stuck in the past. Berlin has a huge, famously tolerant population, all of whom seem to be out attending concerts, drinking, eating fantastic food, riding bikes on their notable bike lanes (careful where you walk, and keep an ear out for bells!).

2019 is the perfect year – spend some time learning, eating, reflecting, and enjoying life in Berlin!

Allison from Alli’s Grade Escape. Follow her on Instagram

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Barcelona

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If you’re looking for the best European destinations Barcelona in Spain must feature on your 2019 travel bucket list. Barcelona is blessed with a temperate climate all year round, tasty food, lively nightlife, a rich history, and friendly locals.

Barcelona has plenty to offer for art and architecture lovers, with Gaudí’s masterpieces dotted all over the city. The Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Casa Battlò are the most famous of Gaudí’s buildings in Barcelona. With their alternative architecture and colorful facades they attract millions of tourists every year.

The beauty of Barcelona isn’t limited to Gaudí, the Catalan city has plenty to offer for all types of tourists. If you’re a shopping fan you will love wandering around the stores and stalls of the famous “Rambla” and of the Gothic quarter. These streets also become the perfect location for your evening wanderings.

A must-try in Barcelona is eating out at a tapas or pinchos bar. Tapas are a traditional Spanish way of eating, where instead of having a main you have lots of little dishes. Pinchos are similar in concept where small bites are served skewered on pieces of bread at a buffet. You eat as much as you want and then pay depending on the number of skewers at your table. Wash it all down with a bit of sangria for a real Spanish experience.

There are also lots of free attractions in Barcelona. My favorite amongst them is Bunkers del Carmel, a park just on the outskirts of the city. If you visit on a weekend you are likely to find locals having picnics while enjoying the stunning view over Barcelona.

Greta from Greta’s Travels. Follow her on Instagram.

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Prague

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Walking down the cobblestone streets of Prague never ceases to make me feel like a fabulous style icon. Maybe it’s the Gothic and Romanesque architecture that surrounds me or how my shoes clack against the cobblestone, but I always feel at my best when in Prague.

Prague’s popularity has risen over the years, but yet, the city still remains authentic to its roots and avoids becoming a tourist trap. Down the cobbled streets, there are nods to the city’s historic past. Evidence of communism still remain, but the city is also interlaced with modern influences. It’s this delicate play between historic and modern that make Prague the ideal place to visit in the new year.

While visiting Prague, dive into the city’s musical history, which heavily celebrates Mozart, and catch a classical concert. Visitors should also explore aimlessly in the city and admire the different forms of architecture. A good trek to explore is from Old Town across the Charles Bridge to the Prague Castle.

Unlike other European cities, Prague seems a little more laid back and encapsulates historic moments. Prague is the ideal getaway for a romantic getaway or for a start of a Central European adventure. Prague has so much to offer and should definitely be on your must-travel-to list in 2019.

Martha from the Quirky Globetrotter . Follow her on Instagram.

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Copenhagen

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Copenhagen is an awesome city to visit year round, but I visited in winter. It was cold but absolutely gorgeous.

Nyhavn is picture perfect it’s no wonder it’s featured on pretty much every postcard. If you want a good view of the city, head up the Round Tower, a 17th-century building which holds the oldest functioning observatory in Europe! You should also climb the tower at Christiansborg Palace; the views are just stunning and it’s completely free to visit.

For fun, head to Tivoli Gardens and enjoy the amusement park, or head to Freetown Christiania, an alternative neighborhood.

Keep warm in one of the city’s great museums: the National Museum of Denmark has some great historic exhibits, and the SMK Art Gallery is home to some really interesting pieces of work.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the dotted reminders of the famous fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. You can find the Little Mermaid by the old army barracks, and his statue stands proudly by the Town Hall and by Rosenborg Castle. He used to live at number 20 in Nyhavn, where he wrote The Princess and the Pea.

There’s so much to see and do in Copenhagen, you’d be mad not to visit this year!

Abbi from Spin The Windrose. Follow her on Instagram

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Dublin

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The city of Dublin, Ireland is a bustling metropolis with a lot of things to do. For beer lovers, the Guinness tour is a must, too. After the tour, you even get to pour your own glass of Guinness and enjoy it with a view of the city. A lot of the Dublin attractions are within walking distance of one another, making it easy to explore on foot. A great way to see these sights is to take a walking tour. There are multiple free walking tours of Dublin that will take you around Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, Trinity College, and more. In Trinity College, you will find The Book of Kells. This ancient text is a popular tourist attraction but is a little on the pricey side. Walking around Trinity College campus and admiring the architecture is free and worth a stroll. Just across the street is the Irish whiskey museum. They have tours and a bar where you can try several tasty whiskeys or cocktails. For nightlife, there isn’t a better place than the Temple Bar district. There is live music in multiple venues every night and great pub food. While you are exploring Dublin don’t forget to take a day to get out of Dublin. There are multiple small towns in the mountains or on the coast that are accessible by short train rides that just beg to be explored. Getting out of Dublin is a great way to get a taste of the idyllic Irish countryside and spending time in Dublin is a great way to see Irish history and culture while enjoying a pint of the best Guinness in the world.

Kaitlyn from Adventures of Kaitlyn and Nick. Follow them on Facebook.

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Naples

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Adding Naples, in the South of Italy, to your list of places to visit in 2019 is a really smart idea. Many historical buildings have been brought back to life in 2018 and next year will be reopened to the public: even the maintenance works at Theatre San Carlo will finally be over!

Napoli is already home to the art metro Toledo, known as the most beautiful metro station in Europe. The Duomo station that will open in 2019, according to a few insiders, might be the most beautiful in the world, competing even with the ones in Stockholm! You will be able to enjoy all the best things to see in Naples while admiring art galleries underground, only by buying a metro ticket.

Naples is still a budget destination in Europe: you can find cheap street food in the Centro Storico (the oldest part of the city), like “pizza a portafoglio” for 1.50€ or a whole bag of “taralli” for 2€.

Even if you don’t speak a word of Italian, Neapolitans will always make sure to find a way to communicate. It’s a really friendly destination that welcomes visitors from all over the world on a daily basis!

Dani from Travelling Dany. Follow her on Instagram.

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Edinburgh

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Because I travel so much, people often ask me what my favorite place in the world is. And without hesitation, I always respond by saying Edinburgh, Scotland.

That’s why, if I had to choose one place that you absolutely must visit in 2019, then Edinburgh would be it. No, it doesn’t have the glitz and glam of more famous cities like Paris, London, or New York City. Instead, this magical city has a quiet, dignified, historic beauty that is reflected in such iconic attractions as Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Mile.

Walk along these quaint cobbled streets and experience the intriguing history of places like the Real Mary King’s Close, a fascinating look into the historic buildings that lie underneath the city itself. Take a free ghost tour and learn about the darker side of Edinburgh and about the days when citizens routinely robbed graves and exploited the masses. Or, get off the beaten path entirely and explore more unusual Edinburgh attractions, like Dean’s Village, probably one of the most exquisitely photogenic places in all of Edinburgh.

So if you can only travel to one city in 2019, then Edinburgh should be it. Not only is the city beautiful and steeped in history, but the people are friendly, the food is amazing (Mimi’s Bakehouse has amazing scones FYI), the public transportation is easy to use, and the city is one of the places where you’ll feel totally at ease walking around at night. A magical destination that is the perfect way to start your year off right.

Kelly from Girl with the Passport. Follow her on Instagram

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Stockholm

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Stockholm sits at the center of one of nature’s most stunning creations, an archipelago of islands that stretches as far as the eye can see. The city embraces the water and I hope that on your visit you have the chance to embrace the water too.
Steeped in history, Stockholm is home to Sweden’s Royal Palace and Apartments where Sweden’s royal family still live today. One can tour the palace and apartments and see where the annual Nobel Prize dinner is held. Stockholm also has over 30 museums, including one dedicated solely to the music of ABBA and another dedicated to the only intact 17th-century ship that never made it out of port, sinking in the city harbor.

No visit to Stockholm is complete without a visit to the historic center, Gamla stan. Gamla stan boasts cobblestoned streets, colorful buildings, cafes and squares offering the perfect stop for a fika, a coffee, and kanelbullar, Sweden’s famous cinnamon buns. After your fika, search for the narrowest street in the city, whose width, at one point, is a mere 90 centimeters (35 in).

If you prefer a stronger drink, head over to the world’s very first permanent Ice Bar and sit atop a barstool made of ice while you sip your chilled cocktail.

With water everywhere, your visit must also include a tour of the archipelago. There are several water taxi and tours operators available to show you all the nooks and crannies that the outlying archipelago offers. And, the bonus, besides stunning views of the islands, you will see the city center from a different, glorious perspective. Hope to see you in Stockholm in 2019!

Shelly from Niche Travel Design. Follow her on Instagram.

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Lisbon

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It’s no surprise that Lisbon has become a firm favorite on European travel itineraries: it’s hard not to fall in love with Lisbon . From the beautiful tiled houses and steeply climbing streets, there’s a view better than the last one around every corner. Our favorite spot for evening views out over the city is from the grassy mound of Miradouro Santa Catarina, watching the fire fade out of the evening sky, listening to the sounds of guitars and singing and the chatter between tourists and locals alike, munching on snacks from a nearby food stall. Portuguese food is a lot about the fish – especially the cod – bacalao – which is not to be missed. Just remember to save space for plenty of the delicious pastel de nata pastries!

For an alternative view of Lisbon, take the ferry from the cais do sodre to the cacilhas, for a chance to appreciate the famous 25th of April suspension bridge. Given that Lisbon has become a lot more popular to visit in recent years, you can avoid some of the crowds by visiting during colder months (October – March) outside of weekends.

Ellie & Ravi from Soul Travel blog. Follow them on Instagram

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Vienna

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Vienna – everyone knows it to be a great Christmas Market destination. And while that is true – although I may just say it’s a bit overrated- there are a lot more things to do during summer.

If you love classical music, don’t miss the free concert by the Philharmonic Orchestra taking place at Schonbrunn Gardens. And while you are at it, show up early to visit the beautiful gardens.

There are not many free things to do in Vienna and you will need to consider quite a large budget to visit Austria’s capital but you must take a ride in the interest Ferries Wheel at Prater. And visit the museums. Some favorites include the Technology Museum, The Globes Museum, and the Papyrus Museum.

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Budapest

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If you are looking for history, impressive architecture, delicious food, fairytale castles and a whole lot of touristic attractions, Budapest should be on your 2019 list.

I’ve visited Hungary’s capital twice already and would always get back with an open heart since everything is so charming. From taking a boat ride on the Danube River to eating a simple yet filling langos, listening to a live jazz concert in one of the many cool bars, or even spending one night out in the famous ruin bars, Budapest offers all that and much more.
As far as expenses are concerned, my experience was very mixed and found that here is where you will find both extremely cheap bars and restaurants, with great vibes, but also high-end bistros, rooftop bars, hotels, and restaurants.

What else to do in Budapest? Climb the Citadella hill and see the city from above; spend one day at the Castle and go early in the morning at the Fisherman’s Bastion; take a sunset boat ride on the Danube River; take an iconic picture with the Parliament (one of the most iconic buildings there are), or go out for lunch at one of the many hip places in town.

By Ingrid from Ingrid Zen Moments. Follow her on Instagram

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Venice

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For those of you who don’t know, Venice is not just a tourist city. It is a city you shouldn’t take for granted. My trip to Venice wasn’t planned and everything happened in a few seconds. This is probably the reason why it was the most spectacular city break I had been on so far. The vibe of the city is something you cannot describe. Venice is not about buildings built on wooden piles, bridges, and gondolas. Venice is about history, is about taking a boat ride and enjoying the architectural beauty that is simply out of this world.

What is more amazing about this city is that you don’t even need a guide or Google too much. Once you get out of the train, all you must do is to go straight. It is exhausting, especially during the summer when it is really hot, but there are plenty of stores and markets where you can buy some drinks. That road will take you straight to the center of Venice where you can find the Basilica di San Marco and trust me, you really want to be there.

But wait, there is much more than that. You can take the boat (bus) and visit the islands that actually surround Venice. Torcello, Murano, and Burano are some of the islands you must visit if you want this adventure to be 100% complete. The glass factory in Murano is impressive and legendary because, for a while, Murano was the main producer of glass in Europe. Moreover, they even offer a live demonstration of how they do the glass, its form, and its colors.

Mena . Find her on LinkedIn.

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Reykjavik

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Tourism to Reykjavik has been booming, and with endless airfare deals from Europe and North America, there’s no better time to visit than 2019. Whether you’re planning on spending a long layover in Reykjavik or using it as a base for exploring more of the country, there are plenty of things to do in Iceland’s capital. History fans will love learning about its Viking history at museums like the Settlement Exhibition, which houses a centuries-old longhouse that was unearthed on the spot or the Saga Museum, which tells several traditional sagas with life-sized wax figures. The historic city center is full of delicious restaurants serving traditional Icelandic dishes, as well as foods from around the world, and its bars and clubs come to life on weekend nights. Be sure to pay a visit to the Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik’s most iconic building, which was designed to mimic the basalt columns that are present in many parts of Iceland. The Perlan houses an exhibit on several of Iceland’s natural wonders as well as a free viewing deck that offers a great view overlooking the city. If you’re lucky, the Northern Lights can even be seen on bright nights.

Kris from Nomad by Trade. Follow her on Twitter

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Zagreb

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Zagreb is not usually the first location to come to mind when people think of Croatia, but it would be doing yourself a disservice to dismiss it from your destination list.

Zagreb is a city rich in history and culture, all of it surrounded by mountains and greenery. It’s a place where you will find a mix of Roman and medieval architecture, delicious gastronomy for the foodie in you, and a range of traditional to quirky museums – such as the museum of broken relationships. Needless to say, sightseeing in Zagreb is a must! Don’t miss St. Mark’s square, the Art Pavilion, and the Main Railway Station, and make sure to take the time to wander around the historic district stopping for coffee and treats along the way.

Perhaps because of its central location in Eastern Europe, Zagreb is a hub for numerous events attracting thousands of visitors every year. Hosting a variety of art, music and film festivals, it offers many popular events such as the INmusic festival, the Zagrebdox International Documentary Film Festival, and an award-winning Christmas Market.
Affordable accommodations, tasty food and a variety of fun things to do make Zagreb a top European destination that is good for the budget, the mind and the soul!

Janie from The Dime Travelers. Follow her on Instagram

European Destinations to Visit in 2019: Bratislava

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Why would you visit this tiny capital? Well, it’s mega easy to get to from Vienna or Budapest and it can be the perfect addition to Central Europe itinerary. And for Devin Castle, located close by and easily reachable by boat or by bicycle.
Bratislava is a small city which can be tackled easily in two days. The Blue Church is really charming and you can allow some good hours to check out Bratislava Castle, while the bank of the Danube offers some nice relaxing time to just take in the views and do some people watching, making that one of the best things to do for free in Bratislava.

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