6 Best Places to Visit in Europe in 2026: Where to Go and How to Plan Your Journey

Europe continues to be one of the most exciting destinations for UK travellers, offering everything from historic cities and beautiful beaches to incredible food, culture and unforgettable experiences. With so many destinations to choose from in 2026, deciding where to go can be the hardest part.

Whether you are planning a relaxing summer escape, a city break filled with sightseeing or a longer European adventure, choosing the right destination and time of year can make all the difference. Here are six of the best places to visit in Europe in 2026, including when to go, what temperatures to expect and how to plan your journey.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Recommended time to visit: April to June or September to October

Typical temperatures:
Spring: 18°C to 25°C
Summer: 25°C to 30°C
Autumn: 20°C to 26°C

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations, combining colourful streets, historic neighbourhoods, delicious food and beautiful coastal views. Portugal’s capital is perfect for travellers who want a mix of culture, relaxation and adventure without needing a packed itinerary.

The city is famous for its traditional yellow trams, tiled buildings, viewpoints overlooking the River Tagus and charming areas such as Alfama and Bairro Alto. Beyond Lisbon itself, visitors can easily explore nearby destinations including the beaches of Cascais, the fairytale style palaces of Sintra and the dramatic coastline of Cabo da Roca.

How to plan your journey

Lisbon is well connected with regular flights from many UK airports, making it an easy destination for a short break or longer holiday. A three to five day trip is usually enough to experience the main attractions, although adding extra time allows you to explore the surrounding areas.

When packing for Lisbon, comfortable walking shoes are essential as the city is known for its steep hills and cobbled streets. Spring and early autumn are ideal times to visit because the weather is warm but the city is generally less crowded compared with the peak summer months.

Things to know

Lisbon is known for its relaxed atmosphere, affordable restaurants and excellent public transport. Try local favourites such as pastéis de nata, fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes while exploring the city’s neighbourhoods on foot.

For a more scenic experience, consider taking a day trip outside the city to discover Portugal’s coastline, historic villages and countryside.

2. Ljubljana and Lake Bled, Slovenia

Recommended time to visit: May to June or September

Typical temperatures:
Spring: 15°C to 24°C
Summer: 25°C to 30°C
Autumn: 15°C to 22°C

Slovenia is one of Europe’s hidden gems and is becoming increasingly popular with travellers looking for beautiful scenery without the crowds found in some of Europe’s larger destinations.

The capital city, Ljubljana, offers charming riverside cafés, colourful architecture and a relaxed atmosphere. Just over an hour away is Lake Bled, one of Europe’s most picturesque locations, surrounded by mountains with a famous island church sitting in the middle of the lake.

The country is ideal for outdoor lovers, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, kayaking and exploring dramatic landscapes such as Triglav National Park.

How to plan your journey

A seven day trip is a great way to experience Slovenia. Start in Ljubljana for a few days before travelling to Lake Bled and other nearby attractions such as Lake Bohinj, the Vintgar Gorge and the Julian Alps.

Slovenia is easy to explore by car, but public transport is also reliable between major towns. Hiring a car gives you more flexibility if you want to discover smaller villages and scenic viewpoints.

Things to know

Slovenia offers excellent value compared with many Western European destinations. It is a great choice for travellers who want beautiful scenery, good food and outdoor activities without paying the prices often found in more famous European locations.

May, June and September offer comfortable temperatures for walking and sightseeing while avoiding the busiest summer period.

3. Sicily, Italy

Recommended time to visit: May to June or September to October

Typical temperatures:
Spring: 20°C to 26°C
Summer: 30°C to 35°C
Autumn: 22°C to 28°C

Sicily offers a unique combination of beautiful beaches, ancient history, incredible food and dramatic landscapes. Italy’s largest island is perfect for travellers who want more than just a traditional beach holiday.

Visitors can explore historic cities such as Palermo and Syracuse, visit ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento, climb Mount Etna or relax on beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters.

Food is also a major part of the Sicilian experience, with local specialities including arancini, fresh seafood, pasta dishes and sweet treats such as cannoli.

How to plan your journey

Sicily is best explored over seven to ten days, especially if you want to visit multiple areas of the island. Popular routes include starting in Palermo and travelling east towards Cefalù, Catania, Taormina and Mount Etna.

Flights are available from the UK to several airports, including Palermo and Catania. Renting a car is recommended if you want to explore beaches, villages and countryside locations at your own pace.

Things to know

The summer months can become extremely hot, especially in July and August, so visiting in late spring or early autumn provides a more comfortable experience.

Sicily is ideal for travellers who want a slower paced holiday with a balance of sightseeing, relaxation and authentic Italian culture.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Recommended time to visit: May to September

Typical temperatures:
Spring: 12°C to 18°C
Summer: 20°C to 25°C
Autumn: 12°C to 18°C

Copenhagen is a fantastic European city break destination for 2026, offering colourful harbour views, world class food, historic attractions and a welcoming atmosphere.

The Danish capital is known for its colourful Nyhavn waterfront, cycling culture, beautiful parks and attractions such as Tivoli Gardens. It is also one of Europe’s best destinations for food lovers, with everything from traditional Danish bakeries to Michelin starred restaurants.

How to plan your journey

A long weekend is perfect for Copenhagen, although four or five days allows you to explore at a more relaxed pace. The city is compact and easy to navigate, with excellent public transport and plenty of attractions within walking distance.

Summer is the best time to visit because of the longer daylight hours and warmer weather. However, May and September are also great options for fewer crowds and slightly lower prices.

Things to know

Copenhagen is generally more expensive than many European cities, so planning your budget in advance is recommended. Many attractions are easy to enjoy for free, including exploring neighbourhoods, parks and waterfront areas.

The city is also a great base for day trips, including visiting castles, coastal towns and nearby destinations in Denmark and southern Sweden.

5. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Recommended time to visit: May to June or September

Typical temperatures:
Spring: 18°C to 25°C
Summer: 28°C to 32°C
Autumn: 20°C to 27°C

Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal destinations. Famous for its historic city walls, stunning sea views and charming old town, it offers a perfect combination of history and relaxation.

Visitors can walk around the ancient city walls, take a boat trip to nearby islands, enjoy fresh seafood by the harbour or relax on beaches overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

How to plan your journey

A four to seven day trip works well for Dubrovnik. Spend time exploring the old town before taking day trips to nearby islands and coastal areas.

Flights are available from the UK during the main travel season, and the city is easy to explore without a car. Comfortable shoes are recommended because many streets and pathways are made from stone.

Things to know

July and August are the busiest months, with large numbers of visitors arriving throughout the summer. Visiting in May, June or September allows you to enjoy warm weather while avoiding the biggest crowds.

Croatia is particularly appealing for travellers looking for a European destination with beautiful scenery, historic attractions and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

6. Valencia, Spain

Recommended time to visit: March to June or September to October

Typical temperatures:
Spring: 18°C to 25°C
Summer: 28°C to 32°C
Autumn: 22°C to 28°C

Valencia is one of Spain’s most underrated city destinations, offering a combination of beaches, history, modern architecture and incredible food.

Located on Spain’s eastern coast, Valencia provides the perfect balance between a city break and a beach holiday. Visitors can explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, relax on the city beaches, wander through the historic old town and enjoy authentic paella, which originated in the region.

How to plan your journey

A three to five day visit is ideal for Valencia. The city has excellent transport links and is easy to explore by walking, cycling or using public transport.

Spring and early autumn are particularly enjoyable because temperatures are warm without the intense summer heat. These months are also ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and spending time by the coast.

Things to know

Valencia often offers better value than Spain’s more famous destinations such as Barcelona and Madrid. It provides a more relaxed experience while still offering plenty of things to see and do.

Food lovers should make time to visit local markets, try traditional dishes and experience the city’s café culture.

Planning your European adventure for 2026

Choosing the right destination is only one part of planning a successful trip. Before travelling, think about the type of experience you want, whether that is relaxing by the sea, exploring historic cities or discovering hidden natural landscapes.

Booking flights and accommodation early can help secure better prices, especially for popular destinations during peak travel periods. It is also worth checking baggage allowances before travelling, as airlines often charge extra fees for larger luggage.

For longer European adventures, travelling with a luggage shipping service can be a convenient option, allowing you to send your bags ahead and avoid carrying heavy suitcases through airports, train stations and city streets.

Whether you choose the sunny streets of Lisbon, the mountain scenery of Slovenia or the coastal beauty of Croatia, Europe has plenty of unforgettable experiences waiting in 2026. Get a quote today!