18 Unforgettable Experiences to Add to Your European Bucket List

What I love most about traveling through Europe isn’t just the landmarks. It’s the feeling of it all. It’s the way it stretches you and makes you feel like anything is possible. 

I’ve completely fallen in love with Europe though, head over heels, can’t-stop-talking-about-it kind of love.

So I might be slightly biased, but I can promise you this: from world-famous icons to unexpected hidden gems, Europe is filled with unforgettable experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.

These are 18 of my favourites:

Prefer video? Watch our Europe Bucket List video below.

We filmed these unforgettable Europe bucket list experiences across France, Austria, Italy, Scotland, Hungary, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and beyond.

In this article:

1. Shark Cage Diving in Barcelona

2. Europe's Magical Christmas Markets

3. Cruise to the Eiffel Tower (on the Seine River)

4. Neuschwanstein Castle

5. Stargaze on Mount Teide

6. Eat Pastel de Nata

7. Danube River Cruise

8. Visit the World's Oldest Zoo

9. Toss a Coin in The Trevi Fountain

10. Take a Cooking Class in Italy

11. Thermal Baths in Budapest

12. Black Sand Beach Tennerife

13. Explore the Old Town in Edinburgh, Scotland

14. Take a coach tour around the Itanlian Lakes

15. Krampus Parade, Salzberg

16. Ride the World's Oldest Ferris Wheel

17. Catle Walls San Marino

18. Smallest Country, The Vatican

1. Go Shark Cage Diving in Barcelona

If you’re looking for one of the most unforgettable adrenaline experiences in Europe, shark cage diving at Barcelona Aquarium deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Step inside a shark cage and come face-to-face with some of the ocean’s most powerful predators while surrounded by giant sharks, rays, and massive schools of fish inside one of Europe’s largest underwater tanks.

And I’m not going to lie to you…

Unfortunately, Google informed me that it is apparently possible to be scared to death, which did absolutely nothing for my nerves.

This is not normally the kind of adventure I would sign myself up for. But it was on my late son Braedon’s bucket list, and checking off the things he dreamed about has become deeply meaningful to me. 

So despite being absolutely terrified, I did it anyway.

And honestly?

It ended up being one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had.

There’s something surreal about standing underwater inches away from sharks while realizing you’re simultaneously scared, amazed, and completely alive all at once.

Inspired Tip: All of the diving equipment and wetsuits are provided, but don’t forget to bring your own shampoo, conditioner, and hairbrush afterward like I did. The post-shark-cage unbrushed wet-hair situation was humbling.

2. Explore Europe’s Magical Christmas Markets

Europe in December feels like stepping inside a real-life Hallmark movie. Historic town squares glow beneath thousands of twinkling lights, massive Christmas trees tower over cobblestone streets, and the scent of cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, and fresh pastries drifts through the cold air.

You’ll wander through rows of charming wooden stalls, decorated beautifully, filled with handmade ornaments, cozy winter gifts, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat. We’re talking giant cheesy pretzels the size of your head, smoky sausages, mouth watering langos, and warm chimney cakes covered in cinnamon sugar.

I was a little worried I might get bored after a few but that didn’t happen and I’m already counting down the days until we go again this year. There’s just something so enchanting about the markets that makes you feel like a kid again. Christmas carols echo through old town squares, locals gather with friends after work, and every market somehow feels both festive and deeply nostalgic at the same time. 

You might even stumble across something wonderfully random, like

Santa Claus playing the saxophone in the middle of Vienna.

The tradition of Christmas markets actually began in Germany in the 1300s but magic has spread across Europe. 

Other countries famous for incredible Christmas markets include:

• Austria

• France

• Czech Republic

• Switzerland

• The United Kingdom

  
  

Whether you’re sipping glühwein beneath the lights of Vienna, wandering through Strasbourg’s famous Christkindelsmärik, or getting snowed on in a tiny German village market, Europe at Christmas feels genuinely magical in a way that’s hard to explain until you experience it yourself.

It’s not just a trip.

It’s a feeling and a whole VIBE!

Watch our 3 Part Video Series

3. Cruise to the Eiffel Tower (on the Seine River) 

I dreamed of visiting Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower since I was a little girl, so the entire experience felt surreal.

Cruising toward it along the Seine River is magical! 

As the boat glides past historic bridges and elegant Parisian architecture, the tower slowly rises into view like the grand finale of the city itself.

If you time it right, you’ll arrive just as the lights begin to sparkle against the night sky…a moment that genuinely feels cinematic. 

BBe Inspired Tip: Skip the dinner cruise and opt for the champagne cruise instead. You’ll save a lot of money and, honestly, probably eat much better food afterward at a local restaurant. Trust me on this one. The dinner cruise sounds romantic… but we’ve seriously had better meals at the airport.

4. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavarian Alp

Step into the “fairytale castle” high in Germany’s Bavarian Alps. 

Perched dramatically on a hilltop near Füssen, Neuschwanstein Castle became the real-life inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, Cinderella’s Castle, and even the iconic Disney logo.

With its soaring towers, cliffside setting, and breathtaking mountain backdrop, it’s easily one of the most beautiful and recognizable castles in Europe.

And while the outside views are incredible, the inside of the castle is somehow even more impressive.

The intricate handcrafted details make it feel more like walking through a fantasy novel than a real historical building. Unfortunately, photos and videos are not allowed inside the castle, which honestly just means you’ll have to experience it for yourself.

Important Tip: Book your Neuschwanstein Castle tickets well in advance.

Tours frequently sell out, especially during peak travel seasons. Visitors are only allowed inside as part of a guided tour. 

BBe Inspired Tip: Your tour guide may enthusiastically recommend a nearby restaurant for lunch. We tried it so you don’t have to. Save your money, grab a hot dog from one of the outdoor stands instead, and spend your time soaking in the incredible scenery.

5. Stargaze on Mount Teide (Tenerife, Spain)

Stargazing in Tenerife’s Mount Teide National Park feels like stepping onto another planet.

Above the clouds and far away from city lights, the night sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of constellations, planets, and shooting stars.

Mount Teide is known for having some of the clearest night skies in the world, and standing there beneath thousands of stars, is pretty incredible. It’s the kind of experience that makes you pause for a second and remember how massive and beautiful the universe really is.

There was something wondrous about standing on top of a volcano under one of the clearest night skies on Earth feeling both incredibly small and incredibly alive at the same time.

Inspired Tip: Dress warmer than you think you need to. It gets surprisingly cold at the top of the mountain, especially at night. And yes, Mount Teide is technically an active volcano, but don’t worry, it hasn’t erupted since 1909 and is carefully monitored by scientists.

6. Eat a Pastel de Nata in Lisbon, Portugal 

Before our trip, we kept hearing people rave about them while researching things to do in Lisbon. Honestly, we didn’t fully understand the hype. They don’t really look like anything special. 

Turns out… They’re scrumptilicious. 

Warm, creamy, flakey, slightly sweet, we were completely won over after the first bite and ended up eating our fair share of these sneaky delicious little tarts throughout Portugal.

For the most famous and authentic experience, head to Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon, where the original recipe dates back to the 1800s. Yes, there will probably be a line stretching outside the bakery, but don’t let that scare you away, it moves surprisingly fast and is absolutely worth it. You can also choose a shorter line if you just want to take them to go. 

BBe Inspired Tip: Eat them warm with cinnamon and icing sugar sprinkled on top. Trust me on this one.

And if you visit Pastéis de Belém, make sure to stop by the stunning Jerónimos Monastery, located less than a five-minute walk away. It’s one of the most beautiful landmarks in Lisbon and makes the perfect addition to your Portugal bucket list.

7. Take a Cruise on the Danube River

The Danube River flows through some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations, including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, making it one of the best ways to experience multiple countries in a single trip without constantly packing, navigating train stations, or changing hotels.

And honestly? It completely exceeded our expectations.

We sailed Christmas Time on the Danube River Cruise, and it ended up being one of our favorite travel experiences we’ve ever had. Every stop felt magical. 

But what surprised us most was how quickly a river cruise starts to feel personal.

Unlike massive ocean cruises, River cruises with Avalon are smaller, quieter, and much more intimate. You actually get to know people. By the end of the trip, dinners start feeling like gatherings with friends. 

In fact, we loved the experience so much that we booked another river cruise the same week we got home.

And this time? We’re going with friends we actually met on the first cruise.

Which honestly says everything.

There’s just something special about slowing down long enough to really enjoy where you are instead of rushing through it.

BBe Inspired Tip: Spend time on the top deck while sailing, especially early in the morning or after sunset.

Get our FREE Guide Everything You Need to Know About Taking an Avalon River Cruise

8. Visit the World’s Oldest Zoo in Vienna

This might just be the cutest place on earth. Vienna’s Tiergarten Schönbrunn isn’t just a zoo though, it’s a piece of history. Founded in 1752, it’s the oldest zoo in the world and sits within the stunning grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking through its pathways feels like stepping into a blend of imperial history and modern conservation. It houses more than 700 animal species, giving you a glimpse of animals from every continent.

The best part in my opinion? The Pandas, hands down. They’re so cute, you’ll question whether they’re real while looking at them with your own eyes. 

You can feel good about visiting this zoo too as it is highly regarded for animal welfare and conservation and has even earned the Global Humane Certified™ distinction for its high standards of care and treatment of animals. 

BBe Inspired Tip: If you’re doing the Palace and the zoo, give yourself lots of time. You could easily spend multiple days there. It’s massive and there’s lots to see. 

9. Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain (Rome, Italy)

Legend says that tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain guarantees your return to Rome someday.

I haven’t made it back to Rome yet… but I have made it back to Italy, so maybe there’s something to the legend after all.

Travelers from all over the world gather here for the exact same reason: to make a wish and hope they’ll someday return to the Eternal City.

And honestly? It’s hard not to fall in love with Rome.

Inspired Tip: Go early in the morning if you want to truly enjoy the Trevi Fountain. The crowds build quickly throughout the day, especially during peak travel season, and sunrise is when it feels the most magical.

What makes this tradition even more special is that the coins collected from the fountain are donated to charities supporting food banks, shelters, and programs for low-income families in Rome. Those tiny wishes add up to more than 1 million euros every year.

The Trevi Fountain Ritual

According to tradition:

• Stand with your back facing the fountain

• Hold the coin in your right hand

• Toss it over your left shoulder

One coin is said to guarantee your return to Rome.

And honestly… after visiting, you’ll probably want that to be true.

10. Take a Cooking Class in Italy

If you’ve been thinking about taking a cooking class while traveling abroad, stop waiting.

We did our first one in Milan last year and absolutely loved every minute of it. Food is at the heart of Italian culture, and there’s no better way to experience it than by learning from the locals. 

You’ll make pizza from scratch with simple ingredients, meet new people, drink delicious wine and get in a few laughs too. 

The best part though? Sitting down afterward to share the meal you just created. We’ve tried a lot of pizza in Europe and this was some of the best we’ve had. 

Second best part? These sweet certificates we got; we’re basically certified pizza chefs now so if you’re looking for someone for your next party?! 

11. Soak in the Thermal Baths of Budapest, Hungary 

Known as the “City of Spas,” Budapest is built on natural thermal springs and has been famous for its healing bath culture for centuries. And honestly, there’s something incredibly delightful about relaxing in steaming outdoor pools while surrounded by grand historic architecture.

The most famous baths in Budapest are the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, instantly recognizable by their stunning yellow Neo-Baroque buildings and massive outdoor pools.

Visitors gather here year-round to relax in warm mineral-rich water, socialize with friends, and even play chess while sitting in the baths.

It’s one of those experiences that feels both relaxing and uniquely European at the same time.

This was such a cool experience for us, although I’ll admit it was warmer than I expected. Since I’m basically allergic to hot water, my spa day ended a little earlier than planned.

Inspired Tip: Don’t forget to bring flip-flops. They’re required at the thermal baths, & if you forget them you’ll likely end up overpaying for a giant one-size-fits-all pair that feels approximately like wearing a men’s13 styrofoam canoe on your foot.

12. Swim at a Black Sand Beach in Tenerife

Tenerife’s volcanic landscape creates some of the most unique and dramatic beaches in Europe.

Unlike the soft golden beaches most people picture when they think of island vacations, Tenerife’s black sand beaches feel wild, rugged, and almost otherworldly. Formed from cooled volcanic lava over thousands of years, the deep black sand against the bright turquoise water creates a contrast that’s absolutely stunning in person.

One of the most beautiful spots to experience this is Playa de los Guios, a famous black sand beach in Tenerife surrounded by palm trees, volcanic rock, and incredible ocean views.

We grabbed ice cream, sat on the beach, and honestly could have stayed there for hours just taking it all in.

One of the most unforgettable parts is the view of the famous Los Gigantes Cliffs, which rise nearly 600 meters straight out of the Atlantic Ocean. Standing there looking up at them really makes you appreciate the raw power and beauty of nature.

BBe Inspired Tip: Tenerife’s black sand gets surprisingly hot in the sun, especially during the middle of the day, so sandals or flip-flops are definitely your friend unless you enjoy aggressively speed-walking across volcanic lava sand like we did.

13. Explore the Old Town in Edinburgh, Scotland

Walking through Edinburgh’s Old Town feels like stepping into another century.

Medieval stone buildings lean over narrow cobblestone streets, bagpipes echo through the air, and the towering silhouette of Edinburgh Castle watches over the city from above.

Edinburgh is one of those places that somehow manages to feel both grand and deeply cozy at the same time.

You can wander down the famous Royal Mile, explore Edinburgh Castle, take a ghost tour through the city (you will be disturbed by the things you learn), or duck into tiny pubs that feel like they haven’t changed in hundreds of years.

Travel has a strange way of making people feel both absent and deeply present at the same time.

And somehow Edinburgh felt especially good at holding both.

BBe Inspired Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Edinburgh’s Old Town is beautiful, but those steep hills and uneven cobblestone streets will humble you quickly. 

14. Take a Coach Tour to the Italian Lakes

Home to famous destinations like Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore, this part of Northern Italy feels almost impossibly beautiful. Picture pastel-colored villages tucked along the shoreline, elegant villas surrounded by gardens, dramatic mountain backdrops, and crystal-clear water reflecting it all like glass. And so many flowers spilling off balconies. 

It honestly feels like traveling through a real-life postcard.

We explored the region on a Globus motor coach tour, and it completely changed the way we think about guided travel. 

One of the best parts was getting to meet other travellers from around the world. There’s something really fun about spending your days exploring beautiful places together and then swapping stories over dinner at night. By the end of the tour, it felt less like traveling with strangers and more like traveling with a group of friends.

And honestly, there’s something incredibly nice about not having to worry about the logistics. You simply get to sit back, look out the window, and soak in the scenery.

Which, in the Italian Lakes region, is not difficult to do.

We loved it so much that we’re already planning another coach tour for 2027. 

Inspired Tip: Bring your camera, or make sure your phone storage is cleared out before you go. You will take an unreasonable number of photos here and somehow none of them will fully capture how beautiful it is in person.

15. Experience the Krampus Parade in Salzburg, Austria

If you’re looking for one of the most unique Christmas traditions in Europe, the Krampus Parade in Salzburg, Austria is something you’ll never forget.

Every December, the streets of Salzburg come alive with one of Europe’s oldest and most fascinating holiday traditions. During the parade, locals dress in elaborate hand-carved masks and terrifying costumes representing Krampus. He’s a horned, half-goat demon-like figure from Alpine folklore said to accompany Saint Nicholas.

According to tradition, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children while Krampus punishes the naughty ones, which honestly feels wildly different from the soft, cozy version of Christmas most of us grew up with.

And somehow… that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating.

The moment we learned about the Krampus Parade, we immediately added it to our Europe bucket list and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

The atmosphere is chaotic in the best possible way: bells echo through the streets, torches light up the night, crowds gather shoulder-to-shoulder in the old town, and Krampus figures roam through the city creating a mix of fear, excitement, and theatrical fun that feels unlike anything else we’ve experienced in Europe.

Oddly enough, there were tons of kids there too… and they didn’t even seem scared.

Honestly, they handled it better than some of the adults (by some I mean me).

BBe Inspired Tip: Get there early so you can get in the front.

16. Ride the World’s Oldest Ferris Wheel

Originally built in 1897, the Wiener Riesenrad is one of the oldest operating Ferris wheels in the world and has become one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks. It has survived wars, changing empires, and more than a century of history. 

Now, I should probably mention that I don’t exactly love heights. But I decided to flex my bravery muscles for this one, and I’m genuinely so glad I did because it ended up being a lovely time. 

As the Ferris wheel slowly rises above the city, Vienna unfolds beneath you, church spires, grand palaces, colourful rooftops, and the lively Prater amusement park stretching out in every direction. The views are absolutely incredible, especially around sunset when the city starts to glow.

And surprisingly… It really wasn’t scary at all. 

This is not your typical carnival Ferris wheel. The ride is slow, smooth, and designed more for taking in the scenery. 

And if you really want to elevate the experience, you can actually book an exclusive 90-minute candlelight dinner for two inside one of the giant ferris wheel cabins. Over the course of several slow rotations above Vienna, you’ll be served a multi-course super paired with panoramic views of the city. 

We didn’t do it ourselves, but if you want to add it to your European Bucket List, the cost starts around €507 for two people depending on the menu and wine selection. Honestly though? It does sound ridiculously romantic, doesn’t it? 

It would also make an unforgettable proposal spot if you’re into that sort of thing.

BBe Inspired Tip: After your ride, grab fresh churros covered in cinnamon and sugar from one of the stands nearby. Your taste buds will thank me. 

17. Climb Castle Walls in San Marino

With its medieval stone towers, winding cobblestone streets, and breathtaking panoramic views, visiting San Marino honestly feels a little like stepping back in time.

One of the highlights of visiting San Marino is exploring its famous medieval fortresses, especially the Three Towers of San Marino, which sit dramatically along the cliffs overlooking the country. The views from the castle walls are absolutely incredible and easily some of the most underrated in Europe.

BBe Inspired Tip: Spend the night if you can. Daytime in San Marino is beautiful, but after dinner when the crowds disappear the entire place becomes even more magical.

18. Visit the World’s Smallest Country: Vatican City

Established in 1929 and home to the Pope, Vatican City is the smallest independent country in the world, covering just 110 acres. To put that into perspective, it’s roughly eight times smaller than New York City’s Central Park. You can technically walk from one side of the country to the other in about 20 minutes, but trust me, you’ll want to slow down and take it all in.

Standing inside the Sistine Chapel and gazing up at Michelangelo’s famous ceiling fresco is one of those rare travel moments that genuinely leaves people speechless. No photo prepares you for the scale, detail, and sheer magnitude of it in person.

And then there’s St. Peter’s Basilica, which somehow manages to feel both overwhelmingly grand and deeply peaceful at the same time.

Vatican City may be the smallest country in the world, but its cultural and artistic impact is immeasurable. Millions of travelers visit every year to experience one of the most important historical sites in Europe.

And as a fun little bonus, on your way out you can stand with one foot in Vatican City and one foot in Italy, officially being in two countries at once.

Not many people can say that.

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