13 best things to do in Europe – the ultimate bucket list

You'll always have Paris… if you go there, that is. Pic via Getty Images

Hitting the European continent for the first, fourth or fortieth time? Here are Escape’s must do’s.

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Words by David Smiedt for Escape

1. Worship in Barcelona

We don’t mean this in a religious sense – unless you want to of course. We are here to pay our respects to Antoni Gaudi, the architect whose characteristically fluid neo-Gothic buildings dot the city.

His most iconic work is the Sagrada Familia cathedral. Construction began in 1882 and is theoretically meant to finish in 2026.

For less than $200 per person, you can score a two-hour guided tour with all the goss, history and secret photo angles that the regular punters may not know about. Opt for an afternoon tour to make the most of the sunlight slanting through the stained glass windows.

You can book here.

Worship in Barcelona We don’t mean this in a religious sense - unless you want to of course. We are here to pay our respects to Antoni Gaudi, the architect whose characteristically fluid neo-Gothic buildings dot the city. His most iconic work is the Sagrada Familia cathedral. Construction began in 1882 and is theoretically meant to finish in 2026. For less than $200 per person, you can score a two-hour guided tour with all the goss, history and secret photo angles that the regular punters may not know about. Opt for an afternoon tour to make the most of the sunlight slanting through the stained glass windows. Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

2. Hit the snow in Interlaken, Switzerland

Just the names of the Swiss ski resorts – St Moritz, Zermatt, Gstaad, Verbier – evoke old-school alpine glamour. Not to mention lofty dusted backdrops and powder galore. The Swiss ski industry is a behemoth with myriad mountains, passes, terrains and resorts to suit every level and most budgets. But there’s also snowsport adjacent activities that add variety. We like the sound of a moonlit sled run through woodlands with frozen waterfall views before settling down to a fondue dinner.

You can book here.

Hit the snow in Interlaken, Switzerland Just the names of the Swiss ski resorts - St Moritz, Zermatt, Gstaad, Verbier - evoke old-school alpine glamour. Not to mention lofty dusted backdrops and powder galore. The Swiss ski industry is a behemoth with myriad mountains, passes, terrains and resorts to suit every level and most budgets. But there’s also snowsport adjacent activities that add variety. We like the sound of a moonlit sled run through woodlands with frozen waterfall views before settling down to a fondue dinner. Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

3. Scale the Eiffel Tower in Paris

This is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most iconic structures and given that it was meant to be temporary (plus sold for scrap by the same bloke twice), it’s a wonder that it still stands tall over the City Of Light/Love. You can buy a standard entry ticket but we suggest going on a tour that gets you both priority access and an insightful guide so you get the most from the experience.

You can book here.

Scale the Eiffel Tower in Paris This is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most iconic structures and given that it was meant to be temporary (plus sold for scrap by the same bloke twice), it’s a wonder that it still stands tall over the City Of Light/Love. You can buy a standard entry ticket but we suggest going on a tour that gets you both priority access and an insightful guide so you get the most from the experience. Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

4. Get your Sound of Music on in Salzburg

This perfectly pretty postcard town is not only the primary filming location for the beloved 1965 film but it’s also a mecca for Mozart devotees. A SOM tour is the go if you want to experience ‘some of your favourite things. Stops over the four-hour program include the Mirabell Gardens and the lakefront Schloss Leopoldskron that served as the Von Trapp home. A bonus are the lakes and peaks of the Salzkammergut region. And you can add an apple strudel class to the activity quicker than you can say ‘What is it Maria..”

You can book here.

Get your Sound of Music on in Salzburg This perfectly pretty postcard town is not only the primary filming location for the beloved 1965 film but it's also a mecca for Mozart devotees. A SOM tour is the go if you want to experience ‘some of your favourite things. Stops over the four-hour program include the Mirabell Gardens and the lakefront Schloss Leopoldskron that served as the Von Trapp home. A bonus are the lakes and peaks of the Salzkammergut region. And you can add an apple strudel class to the activity quicker than you can say ‘What is it Maria..” Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

5. Shop Prague’s Christmas market

Straddling the line between kitsch and cool, the capital of the Czech Republic does a fine line in Christmas markets. Iced biscuits the size of your head, warming gluhwein and myriad stalls nestled beneath the medieval Astronomical Clock. Throw in a gleaming Christmas tree and side street temptations like the Green Devil’s absinthe bar and you will no longer feel the cold.

You can book here.

Shop Prague’s Christmas market Straddling the line between kitsch and cool, the capital of the Czech Republic does a fine line in Christmas markets. Iced biscuits the size of your head, warming gluhwein and myriad stalls nestled beneath the medieval Astronomical Clock. Throw in a gleaming Christmas tree and side street temptations like the Green Devil’s absinthe bar and you will no longer feel the cold. Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

6. Bike Amsterdam

Garlanded with canals and with bike lanes throughout the centre, few cities are more suited for a peddle. We’d suggest heading to Vondelpark to get your two-wheeled confidence up before winding your way to Prinsengracht and its elegant 17th century canal houses. For something a bit more structured, this two-hour tour costs just over $50 and includes bike hire. But a quick word of warning – please think twice before sampling the wares of one of Amsterdam’s famous ‘cafes’ then jumping on a bike.

You can book here.

Bike Amsterdam Garlanded with canals and with bike lanes throughout the centre, few cities are more suited for a peddle. We’d suggest heading to Vondelpark to get your two-wheeled confidence up before winding your way to Prinsengracht and its elegant 17th century canal houses. For something a bit more structured, this two-hour tour costs just over $50 and includes bike hire. But a quick word of warning - please think twice before sampling the wares of one of Amsterdam’s famous ‘cafes’ then jumping on a bike. Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

7. Eat up in San Sebastian

This resort town is only 60 square kilometres but it is home to eight Michelin starred restaurants. It is also the world capital of pintxos–- think delicious morsels held together by toothpicks and impaled on a slice of crusty bread. Add a golden scythe of beach and you’ll soon be wondering what you need to do to extend your stay. Of course, you want to head to where the locals eat instead of the tourist places and this chef-led five hour exploration will leave you super sated. Wash down your serve of crispy pigs ear with a Crianza from the La Rioja wine region.

You can book here.

Eat up in San Sebastian This resort town is only 60 square kilometres but it is home to eight Michelin starred restaurants. It is also the world capital of pintxos - think delicious morsels held together by toothpicks and impaled on a slice of crusty bread. Add a golden scythe of beach and you’ll soon be wondering what you need to do to extend your stay. Of course, you want to head to where the locals eat instead of the tourist places and this chef-led five hour exploration will leave you super sated. Wash down your serve of crispy pigs ear with a Crianza from the La Rioja wine region. Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

8. Discover the Croatian coastline

It’s the new Aegean. Only cheaper and less crowded. The waters off Split teem with exquisite temptations such as The Blue Cave and The Blue Lagoon on Budikovac Island, which not only beckons for snorkelers but also boasts one of the cutest bars on the entire Adriatic coast. The Pakleni chain which surrounds Hvar island is just as exquisite and Hvar itself is a bona fide Euro hot spot. Clearly, you will need a boat to do it all.

You can book here.

Discover the Croatian coastline It’s the new Agean. Only cheaper and less crowded. The waters off Split teem with exquisite temptations such as The Blue Cave and The Blue Lagoon on Budikovac Island, which not only beckons for snorkelers but also boasts one of the cutest bars on the entire Adriatic coast. The Pakleni chain which surrounds Hvar island is just as exquisite and Hvar itself is a bona fide Euro hot spot. Clearly, you will need a boat to do it all. Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

9. Raise a stein in Germany

Oktoberfest in Munich is one of the world’s great parties. Massive vibes, massive beers, what’s not to love? But you want more than just suds from your visit to a new city right? On this excursion, you get a 90-minute guided stroll around the buzzy city’s highlights, a tour of the Oktoberfest precinct, a four-hour reservation in one of the major tents and two litres of beer plus half a chicken. Score!

You can book here.

Raise a stein in Germany Oktoberfest in Munich is one of the world’s great parties. Massive vibes, massive beers, what’s not to love? But you want more than just suds from your visit to a new city right? On this excursion, you get a 90-minute guided stroll around the buzzy city’s highlights, a tour of the Oktoberfest precinct, a four-hour reservation in one of the major tents and two litres of beer plus half a chicken. Score! Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

10. Step back in time at the Colosseum in Rome

Sidestep the blokes outside dressed as gladiators – they will charge you big dollars for photos – and immerse yourself in living history. You don’t have to spend up big, either. A self-guided audio tour will enrich the experience without breaking the bank.

You can book here.

Step back in time at the Colosseum in Rome Sidestep the blokes outside dressed as gladiators - they will charge you big dollars for photos - and immerse yourself in living history. You don’t have to spend up big either. A self-guided audio tour will enrich the experience without breaking the bank. Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

11. Hit the dancefloor on Mykonos

With the possible exception of Ibiza, no destination parties harder – or more stylishly – than Mykonos. Its day clubs are legendary, the settings sublime and the people watching next level. Pick of the bunch is the ultra bougie Scorpios.

You can book here.

Hit the dancefloor on Mykonos With the possible exception of Ibiza, no destination parties harder - or more stylishly - than Mykonos. Its day clubs are legendary, the settings sublime and the people watching next level. Pick of the bunch is the ultra bougie Scorpios. Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

12. Marvel at the Northern Lights in Lapland

This spectacle is never guaranteed but the town of Rovaniemi has an exceptionally high strike rate. Better still, it’s remote enough that there’s practically zero light pollution. Especially when you’re about 20 clicks out of town where the tour takes place. Add a trad Lappish barbie and warming blueberry tea and you’re set.

You can book here.

Marvel at the Northern Lights in Lapland This spectacle is never guaranteed but the town of Rovaniemi has an exceptionally high strike rate. Better still, it’s remote enough that there’s practically zero light pollution. Especially when you’re about 20 clicks out of town where the tour takes place. Add a trad Lappish barbie and warming blueberry tea and you're set. Book here

Pic: as appeared on escape.com.au

13. Take tea in London

Central London is compact enough to wander about but there’s a lot to see and you will get footsore. Take a load off with afternoon tea beneath the vaulted ceiling of The British Museum’s Great Court. We’re talking home-made scones, clotted cream, pastries, cakes and loose leaf teas. It’s one of Britain’s greatest traditions. As in nicking things from other countries and popping them in museums. Just check out the Egyptian Room.

You can book here.