10 Best places in Europe 2022

Discover your top European destinations to visit and find inspiration among European destinations perfect for a city break, a sunny vacation, a romantic getaway, shopping, culture or immersion in nature..

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a city for curious and adventurous souls. The city is a treasure trove of exciting secrets and natural joys. The proud green capital of Slovenia invites all vagabonds who are hungry for culture, art, entertainment, and large green areas, which provide a relaxed atmosphere.

It’s not just travellers from all over the world who visit Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Whole delegations of mayors, environmental advisers and town planners visit Ljubljana to understand the green miracle of this unique capital in Europe.

2. Marbella, Spain

Capital of the sun in Europe, Marbella is the preferred destination for travellers looking for relaxation, shopping, refined hotels and restaurants, also local handcrafts, golf, outdoor sports, elegance and refinement for unforgettable holidays.  

Thanks to the work carried out by the City Council, Marbella also attracts more than ever digital nomads, sports enthusiasts, gourmets, but also companies and investors. Marbella develops sustainable and responsible tourism of very high quality and is an example of good practice at European level. 

3. Amiens, France

Would you like to take an extraordinary journey in the footsteps of Jules Verne, find yourself in a peaceful haven of canals and floating gardens, discover the most beautiful and largest cathedral in France and enjoy a great family holiday? Look no further: Amiens is the destination to put at the top of your travel wish list.

Ideally located in the heart of the Paris-London-Brussels triangle, Amiens is a lovely town ranking as the 4th greenest city in France. As the only French city to have three UNESCO heritage listings and dominated by its imposing cathedral, Amiens shines with its stunning architecture and natural heritage. Amiens was the source of inspiration for Jules Verne when he settled here in 1871. The famous author left his mark on the city; his influence is visible in every corner of the streets in Amiens. 

Amiens is also home to an international garden festival to be discovered in the famous Hortillonnages site voted the most beautiful City Park in Europe.  The Hortillonnages, a 300-hectare green paradise in the heart of the city, can also be explored on foot, by bike, in a rowing boat, in a kayak or even on a paddle.

4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

As the main cultural centre of Bulgaria, Plovdiv deservedly won the title of European Capital of Culture 2019. 

The city is home to impressive monuments of antiquity – the 1st-century theatre, the Roman Stadium from the 2nd century, the Ancient Forum, fine examples of Roman mosaic heritage, seen in The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis (4-6th century) and in The Small Early Christian Basilica (4-6th century), and others.

Plovdiv is the city in which millennial history, culture and heritage are in harmony. Ancient and eternal, artistic and modern, cosmopolitan and romantic, this city is so captivating and full of life.

5. Leuven, Belgium

Welcome to Leuven, a picturesque city in the heart of Belgium, an ideal destination for an exciting all year round city break with your friends, family or individually.

Thanks to its rich and varied offering in heritage, art, culture, science, beer, gastronomy and shopping, this town is an invite to stroll and discover. Moreover, it’s very easily accessible and everything lies within walking or biking distance. The moment you walk out of the Leuven Railway Station, you can already feel the radiation of a hip & urban vibe in an historical setting, guaranteed to draw you into its vibrancy. 157 nationalities from all walks of life call it home and are the beating heart of this 21st century-old university town. 

6. Oradea, Romania

Oradea is a city that fully enjoys each season and pumps live energy in a surprising architectural landscape, becoming one of the region’s best-known destinations for slow and stress-free tourism.

Situated on the western Romanian border, at only 490 km from Vienna, Oradea breathed in the influence of the occident in every moment of its long history. The architectural patrimony in Oradea is so unique that the city has been voted the most beautiful Art Nouveau town in Europe.

Oradea is the city of the young, of health and relaxation. It was voted the “Most beautiful city in Romania”. Boosting an incredible events agenda that spread all year long, Oradea is the perfect destination for city break tourists. Cultural addicts can enjoy an impressive range of exhibitions in local museums and unwind during one of the Philharmonics or Oradea National Theatre performances. The Nymphaea Aqua Park is the perfect place to ‘recharge your batteries’, offering a whooping area of 7 hectares, 10 water slides and 15 pools. 

7. London, UK

After Brexit, Covid and border closures, it is high time to rediscover London in 2022, one of Europe’s most extravagant destinations. Capital of the United Kingdom, London brings together like no other destination, traders, business people, eccentrics, artists, creators, designers and more. Its tourist offer goes well beyond Big Ben, the London Eye and Madame Tussauds, which will always delight young and old. London is also an atmosphere, parks of rare beauty ranked among the most attractive city parks in Europe.

Head for Portobello flea markets and colorful houses that are the backdrop to legendary films like “Notting Hill”. Discover the eccentric and colorful neighborhood of Camden Town. Stroll between the tidy commercial streets of Regent Street and Oxford Street to the designer, artistic and independent shopping districts of Carnaby Street or Covent Garden; do not miss the gay and LGBTQ district of Soho and marvel at the theater posters hosting world renowned musicals.

There are a thousand good reasons to visit London this year. Our favorite times to discover London is in spring and summer. It’s less crowded and the parks in the city center and surrounding areas like Richmond Park, are sublime with flowering plants ancient trees and deer roaming freely. 

8. Nijmegen, Netherlands

Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands with a city center full of important historical locations. And it’s not just a rich cultural history that Nijmegen has to offer: a large number of students, numerous events and festivals, unique hot spots and cosy restaurants all add up to an unprecedented liveliness in the city. Just put your feet in the sand at our city beach next to the river Waal, or relax at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes.

A large array of both chain stores and small and unique specialty stores will complete your Nijmegen experience, whether you’re here for a day or for the entire weekend. And don’t forget to have a drink and a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes.

This year treat yourself to a city break combining nature, culture, shopping, outings, gastronomy in one of the most sparkling destinations in Europe. Nijmegen is the Dutch destination that has received the most votes since the creation of this competition, ahead of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. It is also ranked Best Youth Destination in Europe.

9. Lahti Region – Finland

The city of Lahti is a gateway to the Finnish Lakeland – the largest in Europe. Finland has over 188,000 lakes and the water is the cleanest in the world. Lahti is located only an hour north of the capital Helsinki, the international airport and port and just 2.5 hours away from St Petersburg by train.

As European Green Capital, Lahti is a frontrunner in climate work and a pioneer in sustainable and smart solutions. In the Lahti region, you can experience pure and diverse nature sustainably.

From Lahti the waterway opens up from local lake Vesijärvi to the pure Lake Päijänne which is the second biggest lake in Finland, providing drinking water to the whole Helsinki region. 74% of the city area is covered by forest, while 11% consists of bodies of water. The best tap water in the world, filtered and purified naturally by the Salpausselkä ridges, is an everyday luxury for the people of Lahti. A Lakeland Finland holiday is all about relaxing in connection with nature. 

A Finnish traditional sauna, swim in open pure lakes, slow walks in the forest and nights in a private lakeside villa are essentials for every visit. The Lahti region is one of the busiest cottage holiday destinations in Finland.

10. Istanbul, Turkey

For decades, Istanbul has been ‘the destination’ for travellers looking for a change of scenery, authenticity, culture, traditions and a certain sweetness of life. 

Cosmopolitan city, straddling two shores and two continents, sparkling generous city, Istanbul remains, surprisingly, a city on a human scale. Steeped in an incredible historical past, it is teeming with exceptional sites such as the Topkapi Palace, the Maiden’s Tower and its legends, and sumptuous mosques open to curious visitors.There are plenty of off-beat sites for those who really want to soak up the native culture and leave tourist crowds behind.

A short trip across the Bosporus on one of the city’s typical ferries will land you at Üsküdar, a bustling town with many important examples of Ottoman architecture and some great food shopping. If you want to go further afield, the Bosporus ‘villages’ have much to offer: wooden Ottoman houses and the village ambience of Arnavutköy, the fortress of Rumeli Hisari with its unforgettable views over the water and fresh seafood.

During your stay in Turkey do not miss to visit the best hidden gems in Turkey such as the Cappadocia Region.

Do you want sun and relaxation? Discover the best beaches in Turkey. Extend your stay and discover the Best Castles in Turkey and Best Tours and Activities in Turkey for exceptional trips.