…here they are (in no particular order)

1. Hiking the Cinque Terre – Italy. This is one of the most beautiful places in the whole wide world (IMO, of course). You can hike between the 5 towns that are right along the sea, where you have such perfect views of the sea and towns and just the pure beauty of the area.  You won’t be sorry.  Also, the towns are beautiful in themselves.  You can also take a ferry/boat between the towns, which gives you a whole new picture-perfect vantage point from the sea.

2. Taking in the ancient ruins of Athens – Greece.  Athens was completely how I’d imagined. You step out of the subway from Monastiraki and come up to where the ruins and the modern-day coincide.  It was all terrific! But, especially for me, the Parthenon and Acropolis were completely mind-blowing.  Walking amidst it all was one of the experiences that I couldn’t believe I had the opportunity to experience. 

3. Ruin Pubs of Budapest – Hungary.  These are completely an experience on their own. Cheap beer (even in some, craft beer and cocktails) and a super cool and quirky vibe. They’re like you’ve walked into the strangest museum ever with unusual things on the walls, ceilings, and so on.  There is quite a variety now, but the most famous being Szimpla Kert, which can be a bit touristy, but still worth it nonetheless.  A great place to hang out and chat.

4. Watching the sunset from the castle walls of Dubrovnik – Croatia. It’s already cool you can walk the castle walls of Dubrovnik in the Old Town. To top it off, if you plan it around sunset you and several others (depending on the season) will be spending it taking in a sunset from a truly amazing vantage point.  There’s also a little cafe nearby where most people sit or stand where you can order a drink and enjoy it all the more so.  

5. Exploring Krka National Park – Croatia. (yes, Croatia has made it on the list twice)  There is so much beauty in Croatia. That being said, I was completely awe-struck by Krka National Park. Yes, I know it’s not as popular as the other beautiful Park in Croatia.  It felt slightly more untouched or more natural for some reason.  The falls there are so amazing. I could have stayed for days wandering around this park.  It’s a place you can spend a full day wandering and enjoying or just walking straight through in a couple of hours.

6. Relaxing the days away on the Albanian seaside– Albania.  There are so many beautiful spots and each one has something special to offer. I haven’t seen them all so I don’t think it’s fair to say which is the most beautiful. But, I think you can’t go wrong on the Albanian Riviera.  I absolutely loved Ksamil, but, Himara was amazing as well. I went in September which meant fewer crowds but still fantastic weather for sunning and swimming.

7. Soaking up the vibe of Friedrichshain in Berlin – Germany.  This area is so cool. If you love street art and seeing lots of weird things, places and characters – this place is for you. And, this is the area where you can explore a stretch of the Berlin Wall known as the  East Side Gallery. Which is a complete must.  It’s also full of cool bars, eateries, little shops and so on. There are so many spots to explore here, which can be done a few hours or much, much longer. 

8. Visiting the Louvre in Paris – France.  If you could visit only one museum in Europe, I think it would have to be this one. But, I’d honestly have a hard time choosing between it and The National Gallery in London.  I’ve been to the Louvre 3 times and would go again and again. If you are an appreciator of Art, it’s a must. No questions asked. And, of course, you must stare at Mona Lisa along with everyone else. Then, might I suggest going to a cafe for coffee and thinking about the beautiful art you’ve just experienced.

9. Have a Guinness & a whiskey in Dublin– Ireland. Simply, I love Ireland and have so many things to say about it. But, if there’s one experience you need, if I had to choose…well, you have to go to a pub in Dublin and order yourself a pint of Guinness and a whiskey (Irish, of course). The atmosphere in a pub in Ireland combined with the purest of Guinness is like nothing else. Friendly people and tasty drinks, what could be better?

10. Cevapi in Sarajevo – Bosnia.  Of course, you can have cevapi anywhere in the Balkans, but, it’s a must-eat in Bosnia.  So many cool eateries to have it in, depending on what kind of place or atmosphere you prefer.  Don’t forget the ajvar, kajmak, onions, and flatbread with it. Speaking of Bosnia, you might need to finish off with a Bosnian coffee aka Turkish coffee, as that’s not to be missed either!

11. Pizza in Italy – anywhere in Italy. Italy is such a perfect country.  And, you won’t have a bad pizza anywhere in the country. But, let’s just say at a small restaurant near the Trevi fountain washed down with a house red then wander around the Trevi fountain neighborhood after, gelato in hand. What could be better really!? Not much!

12. Experience the city of London – England.  I couldn’t narrow it down for a specific thing in London as it’s my favorite city. Visit the museums, have fish n chips & a pint, shop, go to Camden Town, see a show, head to Brick Lane for street art. There’s so much to do in this city.  I never get tired of it. The possibilities are endless. 

Of course, each of these has so many stories to go with them, including lots and lots of suggestions for each place and so on. But, these are some of my top European experiences so far. They may not be to your exact liking, but, oh so worth the experience. Taking in the beauty and culture of a place – through nature, art, people, food, and drink. Well, that sounds absolutely terrific to me! And, a fabulous way to have experiences while you travel, not just see sights.