Top 9 Things To Do in Europe in 2026

By: Int2Cruises travel expert

Witness the world-famous architectural marvels, such as the Eiffel Tower (Paris) and the Sistine Chapel (Vatican City); enjoy thrilling experiences such as hiking up the Path of the Gods (Amalfi Coast) or rafting through the Austrian Alps; relish striking Continental cuisines, including butter potatoes, pizza, and waffles, and take your time to enjoy the spectacular events and festivals such as the Cannes Festival in France or the vibrant Octoberfest in Germany, which are among the top things to do in Europe.

Truly, when you are in Europe, you never get tired of exploring. To take the pressure off your overwhelm in choosing the best activities and experiences you can have, say, within the limited time you are at the destination, we have provided the top bucket list activities in Europe below.

1. Experience Lively Events & Festivals in Europe

Two major events for music lovers happening in Europe in 2026 are the annual music festival Primavera Sound 2026, known for its innovative and diverse musical experiences, in Barcelona, Spain, and Way Out West, in Gothenburg, Sweden, which delivers the best of rock, electronic, hip-hop, and indie music. Or, are you a sports fan? Visit Europe during the spectacular Monaco Grand Prix and the 2026 Winter Olympics (featuring the entry of ski mountaineering in the Olympics), which are on the horizon!

Then there are the yearly festivities, such as the larger-than-life Oktoberfest in Munich, bringing tourists in massive numbers. And, of course, you shouldn't miss out on Europe during the major festive periods, such as Christmas and New Year, to explore the buzzing Christmas markets in prime locations like Vienna and Prague.

Major Events Happening in Europe 2026:

• Vienna Opera Ball, Austria: 12 February

• 2026 Winter Olympics, Milano‑Cortina, Italy: 6–22 February

• Cannes Film Festival, France: 12–23 May

• Primavera Sound, Barcelona, Spain: 3–7 June

• Monaco Grand Prix: 5–7 June

• Tomorrowland, Belgium: 17–19 July

• Way Out West, Gothenburg, Sweden: 13–15 August

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland: August

• La Tomatina, Buñol, Spain: 26 August

• Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany: Mid-September to early/mid-October

• Venice Biennale, Italy: Spring to Autumn

2. Witness Iconic Landmarks & Architectural Marvels

Europe's world-renowned cities, such as Paris, Rome, Budapest, Amsterdam, Prague, and Berlin, have some of the most picturesque attractions, such as the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, and the Pantheon in Rome. Then there's the world-renowned Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, the world's largest art museum - a must on your Paris sightseeing. These are among the top things to see in Europe.

Take a group selfie with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And, who doesn't know about the Colosseum in Rome - the largest amphitheater ever built that once showcased spectacular gladiator contests and animal hunts. If you are a culture buff, do visit the Royal Mint of Spain, which is the famous Money Heist shooting location. Feel stunned when you are at the 1,000-year-old fortress, the Tower of London. Likewise, you will find endless top European tourist attractions to explore on your European tour.

Discover these Hidden Gems of Europe

Don't get satisfied just exploring the usual places tourists visit! On your Europe tour, wear your explorer's cap and get away from the usual tourist spots and head towards Europe's distant charms. Explore Colmar in France, which is filled with fairytale half-timbered houses, or head to Bruges in Belgium, which sells delicious chocolates and has canals. You get a unique perspective on Europe's culture and architecture, and get to savour authentic cuisines that you wouldn't find elsewhere.

3. Enjoy Breathtaking Nature Escapes

A wide scope of adventure experiences awaits you on your journey to Europe, starting with the picturesque lakes and mountains of Switzerland and the mysterious fjords of Norway. Then you may head to Iceland to experience the magnificent Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). If you are a hiking enthusiast, you will get plenty of opportunities, including the Path of the Gods (Amalfi Coast), Arthur's Seat (Edinburgh), and Besseggen Ridge (Norway). These are undoubtedly Europe's most popular places that will surely keep you engaged and uplifted during your time there.

Enjoy fantastic national parks such as Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, which has impressive Jurassic karst formations, and the magnificent Wild Taiga Park in Finland, home to the Eurasian brown bear, beavers, and flying squirrel. Also, if you'd like to enjoy the northern cold, head to Arctic regions such as Norway and witness the majestic glaciers and the polar bears in their natural habitat. Mount Titlis is another spectacular location that houses the highest elevation suspension bridge in Europe (also, the views from the Mount Titlis cable car are stellar).

Best Season to enjoy Europe's Natural Beauty?

You will find parks and gardens across Europe filled with colourful flowers during the spring season, when winter's cold finally eases off, and it is a preferable time to enjoy the beautiful European natural sights. You are going to love spending time at the Dutch Tulip Fields (Netherlands) or Bluebell Woods (UK). The summer season is perfect for hikers and tourists to explore beautiful European landscapes far and wide. Almost every major European travel attraction, natural or otherwise, stays buzzing with crowds and people. Even the hotel and flight rates are high during this time because of the demand, which could be a major drawback.

In comparison, the Autumn season is relatively less crowded but equally pleasant for exploring the top European attractions. Go for the foresty region like the Black Forest in Germany or the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Europe is filled with premier winter destinations such as picturesque mountain villages in France and Spain, offering excellent snow-clad views along with adventure activities such as skiing.

4. Experience Thrilling Adventure Sports and Activities

Enjoy a vast range of adventure sports and activities in Europe due to diverse landscapes, from rugged terrains and mountain ranges to snowy landscapes and waterfalls. For paragliding and skydiving, the prime location is Interlaken in Switzerland, which is one of the best places to visit in the country (tip: get a Swiss travel pass for exploring the country affordably by train, bus, and boat). Snorkel at the incredible tectonic plates at Silfra Fissure, Iceland.

Besides, enjoy the thrill of high-speed ziplines across scenic gorges and parks in Croatia or rock climbing over the Cetina River, and so much more. Whereas, if the oceans call you, then Sagres or Ericeira in Portugal should be your go-to places for surfing. For rafting, you are going to love it in Tyrol in Austria. Lastly, if you would like to explore the wilderness in the remote landscapes, visit the Azores and the Faroe Islands.

Pro-tip: The location is the key to choosing the right adventure activity for you. As stated above, Switzerland is for Alps thrills, Italy for scenic flights, and likewise. Also, it is important that you go for the professional and certified operators so you can have the best experience with proper safety concerns in place.

5. Relish Fantastic Culinary & Local Food Experiences

Relish delectable cuisines from anywhere you stop by during your time in Europe, whether by having authentic pizza in Naples or trying delicious waffles and chocolates in Belgium. Beer lovers don't forget to have some German Beers in Munich and Cologne. And, when you are hanging out in the open, enjoy a refreshing picnic time at outdoor markets by savouring cheeses and olives. Spain is particularly well-known for tapas. It is recommended during your visit to Europe that you take food tours or cooking classes to add more flavour to your travel experience.

What are the major food locations across Europe?

Are you a big foodie? Or maybe just like to explore different cuisines? Then, make sure the following European tourist attractions are on your bucket list before you head for a trip.

• Bologna, Italy - the main centre to relish Italian cuisine

• San Sebastián, Spain - renowned for its pintxos (Basque tapas); several Michelin restaurants

• Bordeaux, France - the wine capital of the world

• Istanbul, Turkey - eclectic flavours blending Europe and Asia

• Dubrovnik, Croatia - heaven for seafood

6. Relax at Stunning Beaches

The beaches in Europe are vibrant and picturesque, perfect for a vacation with your family and friends. You will have a memorable time island-hopping in the majestic Mediterranean islands in Greece. One of the major highlights of your European tour has to be the thermal baths in Budapest. Whereas, in Portugal, you'd love sunbathing on Algarve beaches, where you'll find more rugged terrain and dramatic cliffs overlooking majestic oceans, springing massive waves. Popular beaches in Europe, which are also among the best tourist spots in Europe, are Tropea Beach, Italy; Platja De Muro, Spain; Zlatni Rat, Croatia; and Praia da Falesia, Portugal.

How to find the best beaches on your Europe tour?

The beaches in Europe are diverse and of all kinds. You should be picking depending on the type of experiences you'd like to have.

• French Riviera, Italy - for luxury and glam beach vibe

• Weymouth, UK - best for family-friendly beach sentiment

• Greek Islands, Crete & Mallorca, Spain - best for relaxation

• San Sebastian, Spain - for a vibrant and party-like city atmosphere

• Reynisfjara, Iceland; Naxos, Greece; & Istria, Croatia - best for views and scenery

7. Enjoy Shopping at Renowned Malls & Markets

Shopping enthusiasts will have the time of their lives at several major shopping venues spread across Europe. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, a buzzing trading centre, is a significant attraction with its mysterious labyrinthine alleys filled with stalls. Likewise, there's Plovdiv Old Town Market in Bulgaria; Via del Governo Vecchio, Rome; and Naschmarkt, Vienna, that take you on a time travel into Europe's glorious past as you enjoy shopping for cool and unique souvenirs to take back home.

Where to find the best shopping venues?

If you want to do some nice shopping on your visit with your partner or a family, or you'd just like a good place to hang out, you should definitely visit these cool places to visit in Europe whenever it is feasible.

• Istanbul Cevahir, Turkey - the largest shopping centre in Europe

• Westfield London, UK - luxury + high-street fashion retail hub

• Westfield Centro, Germany - the country's largest shopping centre, filled with retail, restaurants & entertainment venues

• Marineda City, A Coruña, Spain - good-based if you're exploring north-western Spain

• Orio Center, Bergamo, Italy - combine Italian and international brands

• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy - the oldest active shopping arcade, perfect for history lovers

• Grand Bazaar, Istanbul - immersive cultural experience with its textiles, crafts, spices, & souvenirs

• Riga Central Market, Riga, Latvia - a grand traditional market with fresh products and local crafts

8. Experience Europe's River & Sea Cruises

Europe and the Mediterranean region are particularly famous for the river cruise experience, where you can sail through the iconic Danube (Austria - Hungary - Germany) or Portugal's magnificent Douro River. There is also the splendid Seine, France, and the majestic Rhine River (running from Germany to the Netherlands), which draws tourists from afar. Enjoy scenic landscapes consisting of castles, vineyards, and cliffs as you enjoy a luxury onboard experience on the cruise. Also, the cruises stop at the major UNESCO sites along the way, which you can stop by and explore for an immersive destination experience.

Top 5 Europe Cruises & Why Choose them?

• Royal Caribbean International - mega-ships; great for families

• NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) - freestyle cruising

• MSC Cruises - Europe's largest homegrown cruise line; affordable

• Disney Cruise Line - best experience for families with kids

• Princess Cruises - premium and relaxed experience; good for adults, couples

9. Explore Vibrant Nightlife & Live Entertainment

You cannot visit Europe without experiencing the vibrant nightlife and social experiences while you are in Berlin, Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, and Barcelona, which are the top cities to visit in Europe. These cities are filled with cabarets, rooftop bars, and jazz clubs, which make for a lot of entertaining experiences and are among the coolest places to visit in Europe. Specifically, when in Spain, partake in the wonderful flamenco nights, whereas in Vienna, you'd love the classical concerts. The vibe and crowd in Europe after dark is truly unmatched.

Top go-to venues for party-lovers in Europe:

If you love to party and you are in Europe, you have to try at least a few of these centres of fun and entertainment. You are going to love every moment you spend here.

• Ibiza, Spain - beach parties, EM, clubbing & everything in between.
Best nightclubs - Bar 1805, Lio, & Nikki Beach Ibiza.

• Berlin, Germany - international DJs, local bands, & fine brews
Best nightclubs - Sisyphos, Chalet & KitKat.

• Budapest, Hungary - fantastic drinks, cocktails, bands, dancers & more
Best nightclubs - Corvin, Kobuci, & Doboz.

• Belgrade, Serbia - summer river clubs & live acts
Best nightclubs - Freestyler, Money Club, & River Club.

• Praque, Czech Republic - river parties & grand clubs
Best nightclubs - Roxy, Chapeau Rouge, & Karlovy Lázně.

• Dublin, Ireland - over 800 pubs, street-party ambience
Best nightclubs - The Cobblestone, & Temple Bar.

• Edinburgh, Scotland - traditional pubs & whisky bars
Best nightclubs - Shanghai club, Panda & Sons.

Your Unforgettable Europe Tour Awaits

Europe in 2026 is packed with fantastic experiences - starting with world-famous events like the Cannes Film Festival, the Oktoberfest, and Tomorrowland. Tourists can visit any time of the year to witness the best sights in Europe, such as the Eiffel Tower, Vatican City, and the Colosseum. Adventure seekers can hike the Path of the Gods or chase the stunning Northern Lights in Iceland. Paragliding in Interlaken and surfing in Portugal are other attractive options. Add more magic to your journey by driving on scenic road trips and taking river cruises along the Danube or Rhine. Book your Europe tour to enjoy endless discovery at every turn.