A vacation to Europe

Planning a trip to Europe can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. To create an itinerary for a 2-week vacation, we need to consider your interests and preferences. Which countries would you like to visit? Are you interested in exploring historical sites, museums, or natural landscapes? Do you prefer a fast-paced itinerary or a more relaxed one?

There's no shortage of things to do in Europe: From riding an Alpine train in Switzerland and driving along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way to munching on falafel sandwiches in Paris, there are so many experiences to soak up. In fact, one lifetime feels like it’s hardly enough. As we stay closer to home for the time being, dreaming of trips past and eagerly looking forward to European jaunts of the future, we couldn't help but reminisce on the experiences that have made us fall in love with Europe time and time again. Below, we've narrowed down the continent's many places, dishes, and sights, into a list of favorite things to do in Europe.

Take a walk on London's Primrose Hill

The city is famous for its royal parks, but there’s something particularly special about a stroll on Primrose Hill. On the way up, look out for "Shakespeare’s Tree," an oak that was first planted in 1864 to honor Shakespeare’s birth centuries before (it’s ceremoniously replaced by a new one every 100 years); and, if you can, save turning around to see the skyline until you get to the very top—it’ll be worth it. Time your walk for sunset and watch the sky grow orange over landmarks like Canary Wharf, the Millennium Wheel, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. It’s a view that moves even the most cynical of Londoners

Enjoy pintxos and surf in San Sebastián

San Sebastián has been dubbed the greatest food city on earth for its clever approach to pintxos, or local tapas, with a 'grab and eat what you want' style all its own. Belly up to a pintxos bar, get a beer, and load up on snacks the size of your head, made with fresh seafood, vegetables, and cheese, surrounded by surf beaches. Stay for five minutes, or an hour—anything goes. t's Michelin-worthy food, with flip-flops and beach hair vibes.

Bike along Amsterdam's canals

Amsterdam is a city on two wheels—for the city's residents, getting around by bike is a way of life. Rent a bicycle and ride along famous canals, like the Prinsengracht, where you'll get a glimpse of the 17th century canal houses and waterways. Or take a more serene ride through the Vondelpark, which is especially beautiful in the spring and fall. Whatever you do, remember to use your hands as turn signals when you're on the road, and don't stop in the middle of the bike lanes. Should you forget, locals will quickly remind you of the rules of the road.

Soak in a thermal bath in Budapest

One of the greatest pleasures of Budapest is the city’s spectacular thermal baths: The architectural gems surround a labyrinthine network of saunas, steam rooms, and naturally warm pools whose mineral-infused water springs straight from the ground. Though the city is awash with these thermal spas, must-visits include the world-famous Gellert, and the Turkish-built 16th century Király and Rudas Baths.

Hit the slopes of the Italian Dolomites

Spend a few days skiing down Cortina's groomed slopes—and make sure to break for a few Aperols on the Rifugio Averau terrace—followed by nights on the town with great food and drink. Unlike French ski resorts, where you'll likely spot ski boots under the table, Cortina implores you to ski home, shower, and step into something smart each evening. Start at Cafe La Suite, then move onto P126, and make sure to take in the cavalcade of dolce vita glamour parading down Corso Italia, the winter scene warmed by soft amber lights and large glasses of red wine.

Bike ride along the coast in Cornwall

Bicycle from Wadebridge to Padstow, along the British coast in Cornwall, where the sea is a thousand shades of blue and the land is wild and open. There are bike rental shops at the start of the route, with bikes for all ages. Hop on, making a pitstop at the roadside train carriage [the Atlantic Coastal Express] that serves delicious coffee, lemon drizzle cake, flapjacks. Coming in to Padstow, the whitewashed town is incredibly pretty. Queue up for chef Rick Stein's fresh catch, or, frankly, amble the narrow back streets for local meat pasties (aka a meat hand pie) and fish and chips covered in salt and vinegar, which you can eat on the harbor wall watching the seagulls and boats come in.

Go skinny dipping in Sweden

When the sun rises at 3 a.m. in summer and Swedes wander home from a night on the town, post-club skinny dipping is considered perfectly lagom (acceptable). Favorite places to neatly fold your party gear and take the plunge? Of the 14+ islands that comprise the city, we'd pick the tiny coves west of Västerbron Bridge at the tip of Långholmen, and off the small, wooden jetties along Norr Mälarstrand on the southern shores of Kungsholmen. They’re both private and safe. The clean, clear, cool water is sure to tingle and recharge you for your journey home, or that first morning fika (coffee).

Drive the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland

Driving the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, from Malin Head in the north to Mizenhead in the south, is an epic and beautiful drive along some of the most spectacular coastline in Europe. Make sure to check out the Giant's Causeway and The Dark Hedges in County Antrim, and pull over to eat at Wild Honey Inn in County Clare, and Ballynahinch Castle in Galway. There are some great beaches along the way, too, like Lough Swilly beach near Rathmullen House in Donegal, and Gurteen Beach in Connemara.

Shop in Paris's Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood

Spend a morning over in Paris’s edgy Canal Saint-Martin, starting with a shopping trip down Rue de Marseille. French artisans A.P.C and sleek concept store Centre Commercial are must-hits—then queue up at Du Pain et des Idées for a pistachio l’escargot and the flakiest croissants.

Take a scenic boat ride in the French Riviera

Rent a small motor boat with a guide in Cassis Harbor, and take a ride over to Calanque d'En-Vau National Park for a secret swim. (You can also get there by foot, but the hike will take two hours.) Then, head over to Hotel Les Roches Blanches for a rosé-filled lunch overlooking the Cote D’Azur.

Have dinner at an all-you-can-eat cheese cave in Bordeaux

Baud et Millet in Bordeaux is a restaurant with an attached cheese cellar, featuring more than 100 cheeses to choose from. The all-you-can-eat cheese tasting gives you unlimited visits to the cheese cave, and comes with a simple salad and chunks of bread. All you need to do is pick a bottle of wine from the adjoining wine shop, and this meal is as good as it gets.