Top 22 Best Places in Europe – Travel Summary 2019
2019 was a blissful and abundant year for us. Traveling is like conquering and unlocking a new skill for geeks like us. I’m very happy to introduce you to the best places in Europe that we’ve visited for the whole year of 2019.
Now, the question is, where did we go? What did we discover?
Honestly? We have discovered the real rare gem of Europe, and I know it’s not over yet. There are still thousands of places to unlock.
Enfin, (finally) I’ve chosen 22 places from all of the places that we’ve toured in revisited in 2019. Some of them are not yet posted here in the blog, but anyway, here is your chance to know more about our travel adventure in the prior year.
Among all the best places in Europe that we’ve visited, we have revisited France and Germany mostly. Followed by Austria and last but not least, we have also visited new countries, like Slovenia, Liechtenstein, and Monaco.
Top 22 Füssen Germany
Getting to Füssen Germany was not really on our original plan while visiting the Bavaria area of Germany. One day while searching online, I remember the day when we pass through the town of Füssen on our way to our hotel. So I’ve decided to give it a try, and there is it the magic happens.
Though it was only a few hours of visit, we had a really great time here and fully enjoyed the quick excursion. So I considered it as one of the best places in Europe.
Füssen lies just in the north of the Austrian border. It’s most proud of its Gothic castle, Hohes Schloss, and houses a regional art museum. Its museum of St. Mang’s abbey showcases Füssen’s violin, and lute-making industry.
Read more about adventure in Füssen Germany, the romantic Bavarian town.
Top 21 Bonn Germany
Bonn is the place that I would put on the best places in Europe in the top 21. We’ve visited Bonn in spring, the best part of it was the exposition of Beethoven statues at the center of the city, and it was quite impressive.
Another thing that I’ve enjoyed while visiting Bonn was the convenience of wandering its city center on foot.
Bonn can be found in western Germany, resting in the Rhine river. It’s known for the central Beethoven House, a memorial and museum honoring the composer’s birthplace.
In its environs are Bonn Minster, a church with a Romanesque cloister and Gothic elements, the pink-and-gold Altes Rathaus, or old city hall, and Poppelsdorf Palace housing a mineralogical museum. To the south is Haus der Geschichte with post-WWII history exhibits.
Top 20 Amsterdam the Netherlands
On our top 20, I’ve chosen Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. I’ve visited this beautiful city with a friend. It was super exciting since there were only two of us traveling.
Traveling to Amsterdam was the third time for me and 5th time in Holland. I would definitely put it on my list of best places in Europe.
Amsterdam is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age.
Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk.
This city has a lot of Cycling enthusiasts, it is actually one of the city’s main transportation since it has a numerous number of cycling paths.
Top 19 Koblenz Germany
Visiting Koblenz was our first time the same as Bonn, strolling in this city was a never-ending story of shopping spree. The center was considerably an enjoyable place to tour.
Koblenz is a German city situated on both banks of the Rhine, where it is joined by the Moselle. Koblenz was established as a Roman military post by Drusus around 8 B.C. Its name originates from the Latin confluentes, meaning the confluence of the two rivers.
Some of the interesting places to see are the Fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, Fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, Koblenz Cable Car, Forum Confluentes, the Old Castle (Alte Burg), Stolzenfels Castle, The Basilica of St. Castor, Ludwig Museum, and many more.
Get to know if Koblenz is worth visiting or not.
Top 18 Hohenschwangau Castle
Continuing our list of best places in Europe, next in line is the Hohenschwangau Castle. This castle is pretty less popular than Neuschwanstein. Well, at first I haven’t heard anything about this castle. But when I started to browse more details of the Schwangau area, Hohenschwangau Castle is one of its top tourist sites.
Hohenschwangau village settled in the southeastern state of Bavaria. Known for the Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Walt Disney. On the other hand, there’s the neo-Gothic Hohenschwangau Castle. It is the summer residence of King Ludwig II, with ornately furnished staterooms.
Both of these castles are built for 19th-century Bavarian kings. Read more about our travel adventure in Hohenschwangau Castle.
Top 17 Sélestat, France
Sélestat has become one of my favorite towns in Alsace, France. It has the most expected highlights, especially its most looking forward storks living allover its town.
It’s our first time visiting Sélestat as well. We had so much fun enjoying the view of the stork with their huge nest on top of the buildings and houses in the center of the town. You can read our adventure in Sélestat, the land of Storks.
Sélestat is a commune in the north-east region of France. An administrative division of the Bas-Rhin department. The town lies on the Ill river, between the largest communes of Alsace, Strasbourg, and Mulhouse, 17 kilometers from the Rhine and the German border.
Top 16 Stolzenfels Castle
Proceeding on our next best places in Europe list is the Stolzenfels Castle. A very charming castle, located near Koblenz on the left bank of the Rhine in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Stolzenfels Castle is a former medieval fortress castle, turned into a palace. It was gifted to the Prussian Crown prince Frederick William in 1823. We visited this castle, and it was absolutely stunning! Some features of this castle resemble the castles of my favorites series, the Game of Thrones.
I would definitely recommend this place when visiting Koblenz, though the castle guided tour was quick, I still love the fact that they let us stroll in the interior part of the castle. It was amazing!
Check out our full visit to the Stolzenfels Castle.
Top 15 Obernai, France
Moving on, we have Obernai in Alsace, France. From our Alsace trip, Obernai is one of those towns that we have visited. It wasn’t actually our plan to visit here, but since the wine tasting place was located in this town, thus, we’ve decided to do a quick tour here.
Obernai is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department in Alsace in north-eastern France. It occupies the eastern slopes of the Vosges mountains.
Some of the top places to visit are Old six-bucket well (1579), Clocktower (Kappelturm), Wheat Market (Halle aux Blés), Romanesque house in the Rue des Pélerins, Old Synagogue, and many more.
Discover more about the charming beauty of Obernai, Alsace.
Top 14 Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
From our recent travel to Southern France, we went to faire un tour (visit) in a special place Notre-Dame of Sénanque Abbey, located near the village of Gordes in Vaucluse Provence.
This place is commonly known for its remarkable lavender fields. However, we went here after the lavender season. There weren’t lavender anymore, but it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to visit here.
Since the 12th century, the Abbey of Sénanque is one of the purest examples of the primitive Cistercian architecture. The Abbey shelters a community of Cistercian monks who lived according to the rule of Saint Benedict.
Guided tours (in French) are also available in the Abbey. I recommend you to proceed to the Bibliothèque of the Abbey. You’ll surely enjoy your time there, reading some of the rarest books.
Top 13 Vaduz Liechtenstein
Vaduz Liechtenstein would be on our top 13 on the list of best places in Europe to visit. Since I was telling about a lot of first times, visiting the new unlock country Liechtenstein, Vaduz (capital city) has left a remarkable memory for our 2019 travel escapade.
We drove to Vaduz from our visit to Bavaria and got a one day tour in its capital city. The most interesting part is that, seeing those strange car plate numbers with the letter (FL) representing its country. Which was also my first time seeing it.
Vaduz sits on the Rhine River near the Swiss border. One of its beautiful places to look up to is its Vaduz Castle dates back to the 12th century and is a royal family residence. Other places that you should check out are the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein displays modern art and the National Museum (houses archaeological and cultural artifacts)
Check out Things to do in Liechtenstein, Travel Guide for first-time visitors.
Top 12 Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Occupying the spot of top 12 is Fontaine-de-Vaucluse in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. From our recent family visit, we went to explore a new town in France, and it was this small with a very unique atmosphere town called Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
It is a perfect place to stroll with the family overlooking the rocky mountains surrounding the town. Don’t forget its picturesque scenery, and as well as it’s magnificent spring with crystal clear freshwater.
The name Vaucluse comes from the Latin phrase vallis clausa or closed valley. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (“spring of Vaucluse”) is built around the Fontaine de Vaucluse, a spring in a valley at the foot of the Vaucluse Mountains, between Saumane and Lagnes, not far from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. It is named after the spring, the source of the River Sorgue.
I would, without a doubt, recommend this small town. Though I haven’t posted anything about this travel adventure that we had, I promise to share it with you as soon as I can. More information about our whole experience will be out really soon.
Top 11 Salzburg Austria
In our top 11 best places in Europe is Salzburg Austria. Once again, a new city to add our visited list, so I’m so proud of our achievements as travelers. Salzburg has been on my list to visit, and finally, this wishlist came true in 2019.
On our European road trip, we conquered 2 countries Austria and Slovenia. We stayed in a hotel near the border of Austria and Germany. Salzburg was really pretty, a lot of beautiful places to visit, for me, it’s like a small Paris.
Salzburg features views of the Eastern Alps. The city is divided by the Salzach River, with medieval and baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City) on its left bank, facing the 19th-century Neustadt (New City) on its right. It is also known for it is the birthplace of famed composer Mozart.
Top 10 Monte Carlo Monaco
Down to our top 10 best places in Europe is Monte Carlo in Monaco. For the very first time, we vanquished more than 1,200 kilometers of a drive from Brussels to Monaco. Passing all the Péage (toll) places in France to Monaco, I wouldn’t say how much we paid (lol) but, it’s part of the adventure.
I remember before watching the Monte Carlo movie of Selena Gomez and, now, I’m here. It was such a pleasure to be able to visit this extravagant city.
One thing that I didn’t expect though was, the fact that it wasn’t that expensive as I have thought it would be. I know Monte Carlo is an expensive city, and Monaco is a prominent rich country. But in terms of prices, It wasn’t that expensive as when we were in Switzerland.
I would surely recommend visiting Monte Carlo. You’ll be enchanted by its beautiful sites like Monaco Cathedral, Napoleon Museum, Oceanographic Museum and aquarium, and many more.
Top 9 Gordes Vaucluse
Looking at the photo, you’ll probably think that it’s from Greece or Italy or Spain but No! It’s from Gordes Vaucluse, France. This magical town is located in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
The residents here are known as Gordiens. Have you heard about it before? I’m sure it’s your first time to hear it. It sounds like a greek or ancient name of heroes, right?
The territory of Gordes occupies some of the group of mountains and hills (Les Monts de Vaucluse) part in the valley of the Calavon (a local river) also called the Luberon Valley.
Wandering in this small town, made me feel like visiting Malta. It has that Game of Thrones vibe. From its narrow cobbled streets, ancient atmosphere, and the castle presence, it makes it more like a feeling to be part of the GOT series.
Top 8 Colmar Alsace
Meanwhile, after scrolling all the list of best places in Europe that we have visited, I have decided to add Colmar on the top 8. I would admit that Colmar has a different charm on me compared to other Alsatian towns. I really love our small excursion, and the gingerbread houses make me feel happy or in a good mood.
Colmar lies in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, near the border with Germany. Its old town has cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings.
Some places to check out are the Eglise Saint-Martin church, which stands on central Place de la Cathédrale. There’s Dominican Church, Synagogue of Colmar, and, of course, the Petit Venice which is very popular.
Read more about our adventure in this ravishing town of Colmar (France’s Little Venice)
Top 7 Village des Bories
Village des Bories, one of my favorite places, personally I find it very interesting. Its historical museum features a centuries-old village with some 28 stone structures. For history lovers like me, it’s a bonus to get to know about the ancient way of living in Europe.
Before being known as the Village des Bories, this village was 270 meters above sea level near Gordes was called Les Cabanes. Without a cemetery and church, this village is typical of temporary settlements in Mediterranean countries.
I will soon share with you our experience wandering in this extraordinary ancient village. And of course, I’ll spill some travel guides and tips for your future visit.
Top 6 Ljubljana Slovenia
Discovering a new country is like opening a present or unboxing a new product. Well, that’s how I describe that feeling. On our 7th spot is Ljubljana, Slovenia. As you all know, it’s our first time to visit this country. 2nd spot on our list of the longest city that we have reached by car apart from Monaco, up to 1,100 kilometers drive from Brussels.
Arriving at Ljubljana was so exciting, it is the capital and largest city of Slovenia. It is known for its university population and green spaces, including expansive Tivoli Park.
Ljubljana has many museums, including the National Museum of Slovenia (displaying historic exhibitions) and the Museum of Modern Art, home to 20th-century Slovene paintings and sculptures.
Top 5 Linderhof Palace
One of the memorable travel experiences that I had in 2019 is my visit to Linderhof Palace in Ettal, Germany. Although my hubby and I visited in early summer. The place was still filled with snow, and it was freezing. I did enjoy our tour in this marvelous Palace.
Since you all know that I’m a huge fan of history, visiting a castle or palace would make me feel happy. Knowing about what history has left us, it just so amazing to learn and discover what have other people made or achieved back then.
Linderhof Palace is King Ludwig II’s 19th-century palace with ostentatious, mirror & chandelier-filled interiors. It’s considered as a replica of the Chateau de Versailles from King Louis XIV.
Read more about our adventure in this Royal Villa of the Bavarian King.
Top 4 Versailles Palace
Landing on the top 4 list of best places in Europe is the Versailles Palace. From our last topic, about Linderhof Palace, I would place Versailles in front of it. Simply, because we visited the Chateau de Versailles on my Birthday. Who would not forget it right?
We visited this enormous property of the King Lous XIV. The Palace of Versailles was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 until the start of the French Revolution in 1789.
It is located in the department of Yvelines, in the region of Île-de-France, about 20 kilometers southwest of the center of Paris.
The palace is now a historical monument and UNESCO World Heritage site, notable especially for the ceremonial Hall of Mirrors, the jewel-like Royal Opera, and the royal apartments (Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon), and the vast gardens of Versailles with fountains, canals, and geometric flower beds and groves, laid out by André le Nôtre.
Top 3 Neuschwanstein Castle
Lining up in our list of Castles and Palaces, here’s another Castle that we visited in 2019. Neuschwanstein Castle has exceptionally caught my attention and made my little princess dream came true. Every little girl’s dream is to live in a castle and wait for its prince charming to come to the rescue.
And for that, I’m very lucky to visit the fairytale look inspired Walt Disney castle of Sleeping Beauty with my prince charming (my hubby).
I feel so lucky to experience and learn a lot of things about the life history of the king of Bavaria (King Ludwig II, the “Mad King” or “Swan King.”) and all the sad stories about his death.
The castle is absolutely stunning inside and out. Ideal for photographers and Instagram posters, this place is just so magical and unreal. Check out our Travel Guide to Neuschwanstein Castle to know more about the details of our tour as well.
Top 2 Hallstatt Austria
We are almost at the top of the of our best places to visit in Europe. On our second spot is no other than Hallstatt, Austria. A small picturesque village that inspired the movie Frozen. Did you ever know that? I have no idea either, but I did know it just after my visit to this pretty little fantasy land.
Hallstatt settles on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region. It features a funicular railway connects to Salzwelten, an ancient salt mine with a subterranean salt lake, and Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform.
It has also a trail that leads to the Echern Valley glacier garden with glacial potholes and Waldbachstrub Waterfall. Hallstatt is a UNESCO heritage site and an important Austrian tourist attraction.
Top 1 Eguisheim Alsace
Finally, (Enfin) we are down to our top 1 best places in Europe, of course, according to our travel summary 2019. Eguisheim was one of our last destinations in December (Christmas Season) in Alsace, France.
I totally fell in love with this village. It’s just so unique and rare from all other towns that I’ve traveled.
I would unquestionably go back here over and over again if I could. This Gingerbread village just captured my heart and soul. For me, it’s like the world of Narnia, or should I say, the world of Faerieland from Maleficent.
Eguisheim has its own out of the world charm. This medieval village in France’s Alsace highlights its narrow, concentric streets of its old town with many preserved half-timbered houses.
Its central Château Saint-Léon is a centuries-old castle. On the other hand, its Southwest at Husseren-les-Châteaux is the ruins of the Three Castles of Eguisheim, which date from the Middle Ages.
What do you think of our Top 22 Best Places in Europe? Let me know what you think. And if you like to know more details about our visit to Eguisheim, check out the Magical World of Christmas Markets in Alsace.
Top 22 Best Places in Europe
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