From ancient civilisations to modern capitals teeming with art and culture, ancient castles to tea plantations, Europe really has it all. The question is where to start? Read on to find a combination of European classics and lesser known gems to include on your next European backpacking adventure.
Berlin is a unique city that follows its own rules, quite unlike anything else that surrounds it. Incredible architecture, fascinating history and culture combine with one of Europe’s best party scenes to make it a must visit for any backpacker.
Discover the city on foot as part of a walking tour, taking in the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and the magnificent Reichstag building. Don’t miss the unique UNESCO heritage site of Museum Island – 5 world class museums gathered in one place.
Kreuzberg and Holzmarkt 25 are a treat for the stomach and ears with beer gardens, bakeries and concert halls. Be sure to visit the 1216m East Side Gallery, painted on the longest extant stretch of the Berlin wall.
Top Tip: Pick up a Berlin Welcome card to save cash on 180 sites as well as free entry to 30 more and unlimited use of public transport for the duration of the stay
Perfect to combine with: Munich, Amsterdam, Budapest
Creative and colourful, Budapest strikes a fantastic balance between sightseeing and great nightlife. Be sure to take in the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge, float past the Parliament building on a Danube cruise and head to Buda for stunning views from the Fisherman’s Bastion. After a day exploring take a dip in one of the many thermal baths around the city. Our favourites are the iconic yellow Széchenyi Medicinal Baths and the Rudas Bath, one the city’s oldest.
No Budapest visit would be complete without a visit to one of famous ruin bars: drinking establishments that have taken over rundown pre-war buildings, bringing them to life with distinctive anything goes design.
Top Tip: With amazing views and a rooftop bar that closes at 3am Rudas Bath Night Sessions are the perfect place to unwind on Friday and Saturday.
Perfect to combine with: Prague, Vienna, Berlin
What was once the centre of the ancient world is now the bustling hub of modern Greece- part cosmopolitan metropolis, part open air museum. Delve into Greek history and mythology on a visit to the Acropolis and the legendary Parthenon.
Beyond the sights there are plenty of neighbourhoods to explore: The Exarchia area is full of bars, restaurants and street art as well as the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important collections in the world. If you want to sample local brews and spirits or to stay up all night at a club- anything and everything can be found in the Psyri district.
Top Tip: Be sure to head to the Acropolis early early to beat the crowds, and the midday sun.
Perfect to combine with: Greek Island hopping.
Jump on a train in London and within a few short hours you can be stepping out of Amsterdam Centraal. Hop on a bike and explore the Netherlands’ beautiful capital, with its maze of canals, bridges and meandering streets. Photogenic Bloemenmarkt floating flower market along is a must see spot exploding with colour.
The Rijksmuseum and one hour canal cruise ticket is a great way to go to visit one of the cities iconic art galleries as well as taking to the water. The city is home to a host of other great galleries too including the Van Gough Museum, Stedelijk Modern Art Museum and Moco. The moving Anne Frank House is one of the world’s most visited museums, but tickets book early so be sure to book well in advance.
The city turns 750 in 2025 and there are events planned throughout the year so pack your bags and join the celebration!
Top Tip: The last Friday of every month is “Vincent on Friday” at the Van Gough Museum, with guest DJ’s, drinks, and themed events from 7 to 10 pm.
Perfect to combine with: Paris, Brussels, Berlin
One of the most liveable cities in the world, Denmark’s capital is just as welcoming to backpackers. Explore the streets and historic canals and allow plenty of time to stop at the many bakeries and cafes beckoning you in with the sweet smell of cinnamon and sugar along the way.
Copenhagen is the launchpad for the New Nordic Cuisine movement so eat your way round the city. Traditional pork, signature street food, foraged delicacies and the classic “Smørrebrød”, the choice is yours. Colourful Nyhaven was home to fairytale writer Hans Christian Anderson who lived in number 20, number 67 AND number 18! Take a trip to see the sculpture of the Little Mermaid, perhaps his most famous creation. Another favourite Anderson haunt, Tivoli Gardens, was the inspiration for Disney World.
Top Tip: Take a day trip to Roskilde. Learn about Viking history and finish with a trip around the harbour on a longship (dressing up optional).
Perfect to combine with: Malmo, Stockholm
Known as Europe’s Hawaii, the remote volcanic islands of the Azores boast incredible hikes, volcanic craters, mountains, lakes and hot springs as well as some of the world’s best whale watching, just two and a half hours flight from Lisbon.
The bustling Ponta Delgada is the point where Europe and the New World meet, its cobbled streets home to a burgeoning artisan food scene. Sample locally grown pineapples, soft cheeses and tender steak reared on the rolling fields surrounding the town. Head to the town of Furnas to try cozido, a meat and vegetable stew cooked underground for 5 hours and do as the locals do and take a dip in the hot springs while you wait. Elsewhere you will find pineapple plantations and Europe’s oldest tea plantation, whilst the multi-hued Sete Cidades lakes are all must-sees.
Top Tip: Tremor Festival in April combines art events and electronic music all around the island – think live soundtracked hikes to hidden gigs in the forests and shows inside of volcanoes.
Perfect to combine with: Terceira for a summer of festivals and swimming holes, mainland Portugal
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Ro Cemm Evans
Product Assistant
Ro is a Product Assistant, based in our Kensington head office. He has worked at Trailfinders since 2015. Ro has lived and travelled around the world but is happiest being in or on the water. His favourite destinations include Lake Constance, the Montreux Riviera, Vancouver Island and The Azores.
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