The top cities to visit during your Europe trip

Start your European vacation in the middle of the continent, in the historic yet edgy city of Berlin, often called the "grunge capital" of Germany.

Berlin's nightlife famously embraces its grunge aesthetic, and clubbing is more of a way of life than a weekend activity. The parties at Berlin's clubs usually start at midnight and ramp up within an hour or two, after which you can dance with your friends to bass-heavy techno until the sun comes up. Make sure to research the techno clubs you want to visit—the best ones often have selective entries and may require you to wait in a long queue.

When you're not dancing by night, there's plenty to do in Berlin during daylight. Spend the day with your friends exploring Berlin’s rich history through the Berlin Wall, the street art and graffiti culture at the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, museums on Museum Island, and more.

Although Oslo is the go-to destination in Norway for many visitors, Bergen, in the western part of the country, is an underrated spot to check out during your European vacation. While you might not consider Bergen among the cheap travel destinations in Europe, the hiking trails near the city are free and among the most beautiful in the world. Seven mountains surround the city, with popular beginner-friendly, advanced, or guided adventures available from the Fløibanen funicular, which departs from the city center.

Spend a day exploring the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf or take a boat tour to see some of Norway's fjords and waterfalls. If you plan on staying in Bergen a little longer, rent a car and drive from Bergen to Odda, or hike the famous Trolltunga (literal translation: Troll tongue) mountain with your friends.

If you want to explore Bergen but don’t want to pass on Oslo, ride the train and see the expansive, scenic sites of Norway as you travel through patches of rugged wilderness.

Located in southern Bulgaria, Plovdiv is the country's second-largest city, after Sofia, the capital. Plovdiv is known for its rich culture and history and is widely considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with remnants of the Roman, Byzantine, and Thracian eras. In the central city square, you'll find the ancient Stadium of Philippopolis, dating back to the 2nd century and once seating about 30,000 Roman spectators on its marble bleachers.

Now, as a modern cultural hub, Plovdiv has a youthful, creative population and a lively nightlife scene in the trendy Kapana district. To see some of the city's most popular bars or lesser-known local favourites, go on a guided pub crawl around the city.

The capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is a less-frequented but severely underrated destination. Like a city from a fairytale, Ljubljana is said to have been founded by the Greek hero Jason and the Argonauts after their conquest of the Golden Fleece.

Having survived the tumult of Europe since Antiquity, Ljubljana's history is still present in the pedestrian-only Old Town area. Tour the cobblestone streets to take in the mix of ancient, medieval, and Baroque sites, and climb the hill in the middle of the city to explore Ljubljana Castle, built in the 11th century. 

Ljubljana also enjoys international recognition for its sustainability, with three-quarters of the entire city dedicated to green space. Some culinary tours take you to the agricultural outskirts and local farms around Ljubljana, such as Grofija Tourist Farm, where they serve home-reared meats, produce from the orchard and garden, and bread made from the farm's wheat.

Paris may be the city of love, but there's much more to the city than just romance. After you’ve hit all the major landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, explore the real heart and soul of Paris.

Go on an adventure to find the different entrances of La Petite Ceinture, a now-defunct railway from the mid-1800s, or visit one of the over 70 museums in Paris with the Paris Museum Pass. Check out smaller museums, such as the Musée de l’Orangerie and Musée Cluny. Extend the adventure late into the night (or into the early morning) and go out in the Oberkampf district, known for its trendy bars, concert halls, and nightclubs.

A trip to London usually centers around visiting Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, or the London Eye, but the city has much more to offer if you take the lesser-worn paths. There are many restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues that represent London's cultural diversity, so make sure to take a step out of your comfort zone and discover something new. Don’t forget to try London's fish n’ chips, though—they are as good as they say—and be sure to grab a pint at one of London’s most famous watering holes, the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, which has seen the likes of literary legends Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Mark Twain.

Packed with historical architecture and a vibrant culture, Budapest is often known as the Paris of Eastern Europe. One of the most affordable European travel destinations, Budapest is popular for the Turkish thermal baths scattered throughout the city, culinary decadence, and medieval fortresses.

Go on a free walking tour to learn about the history behind the two parts of Budapest, Buda and Pest, or walk to the Fisherman’s Bastion for views of the city. Visit the gothic-style Hungarian Parliament Building, or spot it from across the Danube River. For a sample of the best local nightlife, explore Budapest's ruin pubs in the Jewish Quarter and enjoy a drink in the eclectic reclaimed buildings.

Visit Barcelona for mornings spent walking the Gothic Quarter's narrow streets, tapas and sangrias in the afternoon, and evenings on the beach or at a rooftop bar.

Make sure to explore Antoni Gaudí’s architectural influence on Barcelona. Still under construction since its beginning in 1882, the Sagrada Familia is one of the world's largest Catholic churches and among the most significant interpretations of Gothic architecture. Spanning 17 hectares, Gaudí's Park Güell is the city's largest green space and features colourful mosaic artwork and other architectural elements.

La Rambla is one of the busiest streets in Barcelona, lined with cafés, street performers, flower stands, and small shops stretching from Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront. La Boqueria Market is popular for fresh fruit, seafood, and quick tapas, while Barceloneta Beach offers a relaxing area to swim, rent bikes, or dine at beachfront restaurants.

See the best of Europe for yourself

The most daunting part about a trip through Europe is deciding where to start. There are countless other cities that are worth visiting on your Europe trip, but these are some of our favourites. Get inspired by the culture and history of these top travel destinations in Europe to help your travel plans make it out of the group chat and into action, and start your search for cheap flights for your trip.