6 Reasons You Should Travel to Europe Right Now

For many people, Europe has long been a dream destination. 

With its rich history, top-rated tourist attractions, and numerous scenic wonders, Europe offers a wide array of travel experiences for both long and short trips. 

Despite being the second smallest continent in the world, it’s the perfect place to explore and make unforgettable memories. 

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the 6 top reasons to visit Europe to help you know more about the place and make the most of your next vacation. 

So, without further ado, let’s talk about why you should pay a visit and why the unique experiences that Europe has to offer can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 

Table of contents: 

1. Rich history
2. Majestic castles
3. Train rides 
4. Local fairs and markets
5. No border controls between Schengen States
6. Festivals 

1. Rich History 

Europe has an incredibly rich and diverse cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. 

This small continent is home to countless historic landmarks, from ancient ruins to world-famous museums. 

That’s why walking through the cobblestone streets and mediaeval alleys of Europe is like a journey through time.

There are countless destinations in Europe offering a deep dive into the region’s fascinating past – including Italy’s Roman ruins, the ancient Greek temples, and the megalithic temples of Malta, just to name a few.

What’s more beautiful about Europe is that the historic buildings and monuments are very well-preserved. Many of these buildings are still in use today, whether as private residences or repurposed spaces for a variety of uses. 

Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to enrich your life with more culture, Europe has something for everyone.    

2. Majestic Castles

Europe is home to some of the most majestic castles in the world which are not only a testament to the continent’s rich history but also a reflection of its cultural diversity. 

Some of the best castles in Europe include:

• Pena Palace of Sintra, Portugal, which is famous for its unique and colourful architecture and the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 

• The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, which is famous for its stunning fairy-tale-like appearance. The castle is also famous for inspiring the design of the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.

• Château de Chambord located in Centre-Val de Loire, France. The castle is well-known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and its grandeur, which make it one of the most impressive castles in the country.  

• The Corvin Castle located in Hunedoara, Romania. It is one of the largest castles in Europe and includes an impressive collection of mediaeval weaponry and armour.  

• The Hohenwerfen Castle, a mediaeval fortress located in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is famous for its stunning mountain setting and its impressive collection of historic artefacts and exhibits.

3. Train Rides

Train rides in Europe are one of the best ways to explore the continent. 

Europe has a connected rail system that links nearly every major city and offers a great alternative to flights. 

So sit back, relax, and relish the captivating views as you ride one of the following trains:

• The Glacier Express in Switzerland: This train ride takes you through the stunning Swiss Alps from St. Moritz to Zermatt. The journey takes around 8 hours and passes through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.

• The Orient Express: One of the most popular routes for the Orient Express begins in London, passes through Paris, and then continues on to Verona or Venice. This iconic train journey takes you back in time, offering a luxurious way to explore Europe. 

• The Bernina Express in Switzerland and Italy: This train ride takes you on a beautiful journey through the Swiss Alps and into northern Italy. You’ll cross high mountain passes and pass through charming villages along the way.

• The Arlberg Express in Austria: This train runs between Zurich, Switzerland, and Innsbruck, Austria. It passes through the picturesque Arlberg Pass and offers a great way to experience the beauty of the Austrian Alps. 

4. Local Fairs and Markets

If you’re looking for a memorable experience in Europe, local fairs and markets are a great way to experience the local culture, find unique souvenirs and crafts, and discover tasty treats.  

Whether you want to hunt down vintage bargains or nibble on street munchies, Europe has a myriad of markets to explore. 

Here are a few well-known markets and fairs in Europe that are worth checking out:

• Porta Portese market in Rome, Italy: This famous weekly flea market offers a variety of new and secondhand items, including clothing, accessories, and furniture. 

• Mercado de La Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain: This vibrant market located right in the heart of the city offers a great variety of fresh foods. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and immerse yourself in the local culture. 

• Marché aux Fleurs in Nice, France: This beautiful flower market is a real feast for the senses, offering a myriad of flower arrangements, bouquets, plants and fresh herbs.  

• Feira da Ladra in Lisbon, Portugal: As one of Lisbon’s most famous flea markets, Feira da Ladra is a great place to hunt for bargains, from antiques and vintage items to handmade goods and secondhand clothing. 

• Great Market Hall in Budapest, Hungary: This large indoor market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a myriad of fresh foods, Hungarian dishes and souvenirs.   

5. No Border Controls Between Schengen States

Did you know that there is no passport control between the Schengen member states?

If you need a Visa to enter Europe, you can actually travel freely within the 27 member countries of the Schengen Area once you have presented your Visa to the immigration officers upon arrival.  

For instance, if you want to visit Italy, France, Switzerland and Austria, you don’t need a Visa for each of these countries. 

All you need to do is apply for a Schengen Visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country that is your primary destination (or the country where you will be spending most days).

Once you have entered the Schengen Area, you can move between these countries without any internal borders. 

What’s more, a Schengen Visa allows you to enter other European countries that are not part of the Schengen Agreement, such as Cyprus and Romania. 

If you want to learn more about the Schengen Visa and how to start your application process, feel free to contact us or head over to our website. 

You can also check out our blog for more tips and inspiration.  

6. Festivals

Europe is well-known for its vibrant festivals that celebrate everything from music and arts to food and culture. 

These unique events draw festivalgoers from all over the world travelling far and wide to enjoy a unique and immersive cultural experience. 

While the list of festivals in Europe is endless, we have curated some of the best European festivals you must go to once in a lifetime: 

• The legendary Carnival of Venice where the streets come alive with colourful masks and elaborate costumes

• Tomorrowland festival in Belgium where the world’s best DJs come to perform and put on an unforgettable show 

• The Haro Wine festival in Spain that sees thousands of people taking part in the ultimate wine fight

• The legendary Oktoberfest in Germany that celebrates the Bavarian culture with plenty of beer tents and hearty traditional food

• Pizzafest in Naples where most pizzerias from Naples make thousands of different pizzas and compete for the title of the best pizza in town

• The Amsterdam Light Festival that showcases a variety of light installations and projections created by international and local artists

The Bottom Line

There are countless reasons why you should visit Europe, but perhaps the most compelling is the sheer diversity of awe-inspiring experiences it has to offer. 

From stunning landscapes to vibrant festivals and enticing local markets, visiting the continent will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re a lover of art, nature, or simply looking for an adventure, there are endless European travel destinations you should consider visiting on your next trip.    

If you’re looking to travel to Europe, let us help you secure your Schengen Visa with ease. Our experienced Visa services team is here to assist you every step of the way. Get your no-obligation consultation today and we will provide you with free advice to make sure your application has the best possible chance of success.