Amazing and Fun Things To Do When Traveling Around Europe
There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Europe. The continent is as huge as it is lush with various offerings—the fortunate among us will make many trips in a lifetime to experience it all.
Who wouldn’t love to ski the slopes of the Italian Dolomites (which have some of the world's best snow) or drive the Golden Circle of Iceland on long summer days? You may easily visit numerous countries in one trip owing to stretches of high-speed rail and strong plane stopover programs, and you're likely to discover endless surprises along the route.
But where to begin—or where to go next? We have a few suggestions for what every traveller needs to do to enjoy the best of Europe.
Lake Bled/ Earth Trekkers
Swim at Slovenia's Lake Bled
Lake Bled, located in Slovenia's far northwestern region, is a living fantasy. Surrounded by the azure undulating slopes of the Julian Alps, the crystal clear lake is interrupted only by the tiny centre island, which is capped by its iconic medieval castle.
Though many may get aboard the traditional pletna boats, the greatest option is to plunge in: The water is Blue Flag level pure, warm in the summer, and even during peak season, it seems secluded. For those planning tours to Europe, Lake Bled offers a serene and unforgettable escape from the usual tourist hotspots.
Dance at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
The stunning Blackpool Tower Ballroom, one of the world's most beautiful ballrooms, encapsulates Blackpool's historic appeal perfectly. The Blackpool Tower is a genuine British institution. It is a landmark element of Blackpool's famed beachfront that continues to delight visitors today as it did when it was first built in 1894.
Victorian architect Frank Matcham designed Blackpool Tower Ballroom and is something that must be seen firsthand to understand. Its legendary afternoon tea dances take place every day, accompanied by a live organist. Bring your ballroom dancing shoes and hit the floor for a tango, waltz, or foxtrot, or just sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
Look for year-round themed nights where you can dance the night away to your favorite music, as well as fun family days out like the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
Spend the day at Roman Beach outside Budapest
In the summer, experience Budapest like a local by visiting this ramshackle promenade of food and drink sellers in the forests along the Danube in North Buda, where the ambiance is equal parts Fellini and Jersey Shore.
You can relax on beach chairs on the pebbly banks, eating fried fish and langos, those distinctively Hungarian hubcap-sized discs of fried bread, and drinking Aperol spritzes or the local speciality, froccs, a wine and soda water cocktail.
One of the city's greatest delights is the riverboat ferry ride back, with the wind in your hair and Parliament gleaming in the late afternoon sun.
Roman Beach/ Budapest
Get some of the best views of Venice from the rooftop of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi.
A bird's-eye view of Venice can be difficult because, for one thing, there are no high-rises, and it's quite easy to become lost in the city's street-level tangle. However, the terrace atop the upscale retail complex Fondaco dei Tedeschi modifies this.
While there is a tremendous temptation on every story, this building is worth visiting merely for the views from the rooftop terrace, which has complimentary tickets for 15-minute sessions accessible on iPads on the 3rd and 4th floors.
For optimal enjoyment, time it shortly before sunset, preferably on the hour, so that a chorus of church bells drowns out the collective scream. After that, go to Narazaria on the Rialto and find a table by the canal for a Campari, plates of Cicchetti, and endless people-watching.
Explore the slopes of the Italian Dolomites.
Spend a couple of days in luxury, skiing down Cortina's groomed slopes—and be sure to stop for a few Aperols on the Rifugio Averau terrace—followed by nights out on the town with delicious food and drink. Unlike French ski resorts, where you could find ski boots beneath the table, Cortina encourages you to ski home, shower, and put on something elegant each evening.
Start with Cafe La Suite, then continue to P126, and don't miss the cavalcade of dolce vita splendor marching along Corso Italia, the winter setting softened by gentle amber lighting and enormous glasses of red wine.
Visit Istanbul's Princes' Islands
A collection of little-known islands is just a short ferry trip from the city's Kabataş ferry pier and seems like entering into a time warp. Büyükada, the largest of the nine, has horse-drawn carriages, stately ancient homes hidden beneath trailing wisteria, coves to swim in, and marketplaces to explore.
A trip to Büyükada's highest mountain, Yücetepe, will reward you with stunning views of Istanbul on the horizon. It's easy to understand why an exiled Leon Trotsky picked this island as his hideaway.
Istanbul's Princes' Islands
Rent a vehicle in Iceland and travel along the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle, which spans 190 miles and begins in the capital Reykjavik (where you will almost certainly fly), is an excellent opportunity to experience southwest Iceland's magnificent topography and natural treasures.
From towering waterfalls to geothermal geysers and everything in between, you'll have the flexibility to explore at your own pace and—my personal favorite built-in feature—the opportunity to detour at any time.
Also, be sure to arrange for a few detours, particularly stops along various roads where you may pet wild Icelandic horses.
Explore Munich's English Garden
Munich's English Garden is nearly 900 acres larger than Central Park and, as such, offers unfathomable gems inside its huge grounds. The river surfers, who shed rain or shine, may be found in the Eisbachwelle, a surge near the garden's southern extremity.
It's all too tempting to spend a few hours watching them leave, but once you've had your fill, venture deeper into the foliage.
Almost any path you take will take you somewhere interesting—along the river to the Monopteros, a beautiful hilltop temple around which locals lounge on sunny days, or into the woods to the city's second-largest biergarten, Chinesicher Turm for a drink.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors and lifestyle. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she focuses on mindfulness.
Read her ideas about filling your home with positivity here.
