The Top Places to Go in Europe in 2027
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I love the promise that a new year brings, and as a travel-obsessed Capricorn, I can’t help but imagine all the trips I’ll take in the coming 12 months.
Since 2024, I’ve been creating an annual list of the best places in Europe to visit in the upcoming year.
(Read the 2025 and 2026 lists here.)
MY METHODOLOGY IS PRETTY STRAIGHTFORWARD.
First, I reflect on my recent travels and the places that have piqued my curiosity.
The next step is a bit of research into the travel trends that forecasters are identifying, and any new, location-specific investments being made by major travel companies.
These first two steps allow me to assess the micro (personal) and macro (economy-wide) influences that will shape the coming year.
The final step is to take a look at the current destination landscape to understand which places might be at the peak of their popularity, and consider less-touristed locations that offer compelling alternatives.
Keep reading to see the trends that are shaping the year ahead, and my list of the top places to visit in Europe in 2027.
The Trends Shaping Travel in 2027
THESE ARE THE BIGGEST TRENDS I’M SEEING FOR 2027:
Small Town Stunners 🔎: Travelers want strong value for money and less crowds. Cities that punch above their weight in terms of the art, culture and dining that they offer visitors are drawing attention.
Uncut Gems 💎: Overtourism makes a place feel like an amusement park more than a vibrant, liveable city. Real, rugged destinations that eschew a saccharine sheen will continue to attract travelers seeking authenticity.
Restorative Retreats ❤️🩹: The “vacation you need a vacation from” is so 2022. Today’s travelers want to feel relaxed, inspired, and de-stressed when they return from a trip, whether it involves time spent in nature, a visit to the spa, or connecting with local artisans.
Culinary Travel 🍋: Gone are the days when food and wine were an afterthought of a trip. Today’s travelers are weighing a destination’s gastronomic bona fides before booking their flight.
Naples, Italy
Naples, Italy, with Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
Naples is a beguiling city, and something of a hold out among Italian destinations, unwilling to simply transform itself into a tourists’ paradise.
It wears its rough edges proudly, though, even in the midst of urban renewal that has seen formerly industrial areas attract billions in redevelopment aid.
THE CITY IS COURTING A REFINED CLIENTELE, HOSTING THE AMERICA’S CUP SAILING TOURNAMENT IN 2027 AS WELL AS THE OPENING OF A NEW 5-STAR HOTEL, ROCCO FORTE NAPLES.
But Naples' most charming experiences are still its most quotidian: eating Neapolitan pizza, strolling through the Rione Sanità neighborhood, or visiting the Sansevero Chapel Museum to see Giuseppe Sanmartino’s stunning “The Veiled Christ” sculpture.
Add in a day trip to Mount Vesuvius and the Pompeii ruins, or island hopping among Capri, Ischia, and Procida in the Gulf of Naples for an unforgettable Neapolitan escape.
Cádiz, Spain
Cádiz is connected to the mainland by a thin land strip.
DON’T BE SURPRISED TO FIND CÁDIZ POPPING UP ON A LOT OF 2027 DESTINATION LISTS.
Thanks to its location on the path of totality of the August 2027 total solar eclipse, this Andalusian port city will attract plenty of visitors.
Situated on the western edge of Andalusia, Cádiz is a compact peninsula connected to the mainline by a thin landstrip.
The narrow streets of La Viña, the old fisherman’s quarter, are ideal for wandering, while the beach at La Caleta offers glimpses of castles in the distance.
And with its almost caribbean vibes, there’s no need to wait for an eclipse to make the trip.
Montenegro
The Bay of Kotor in Montenegro.
The Balkans are one of the most exciting regions in European travel over the past few years, as multiple countries volley to replicate the success that Croatia experienced in the 2010s.
Last year, Albania was in the spotlight, but now Montenegro is commanding attention with its mix of lush mountainous landscapes with Adriatic beaches.
FROM THE BUDVA RIVIERA TO THE BAY OF KOTOR, ITS SEASIDE RESORTS ARE QUICKLY FILLING THE INSTAGRAM FEEDS OF TRAVELERS LOOKING FOR THE “NEW AND NEXT”.
It’s still very much a destination for early adopters, though, and it will require flight route expansion and more accommodations openings before it reaches critical mass.
If visiting before the crowds is your thing, though, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place than Montenegro.
Baden-Baden, Germany
The Belle Epoch architecture of Baden-Baden, Germany.
OF ALL THE GREAT SPA TOWNS OF EUROPE, NONE FEEL SO URGENT AS GERMANY’S BADEN-BADEN.
Tucked away in the Black Forest of Baden-Württemburg, its use as a resort goes back 2,000 years to the discovery of naturally occurring thermal springs by Roman soldiers.
Ever since, it’s attracted high stakes gamblers, Russian novelists, and English football WAGs.
And after an extensive two year renovation, the town’s luxurious five star hotel, Brenner’s Park-Hotel & Spa, is reopened to guests.
Whether you’re hiking in the Black Forest, taking in an opera at the Festspielhaus, or perusing modern art at Museum Frieder Burda, there is so much to do in between spa treatments and gourmet meals.
Crete, Greece
Crete offers all the highlights of a Greek holiday – beautiful beaches, dramatic mountains, and mouth-watering food – but without the ferries and half-day transfers that come with island hopping.
Chania has a charming old town and Venetian harbor, and is the perfect base for exploring western beaches like Balos and Elafonissi.
History buffs and architecture fans will enjoy Heraklion, while slow travelers will appreciate the laid-back vibe of Rethymno.
No matter where you visit, though, expect to eat well; Crete is the agricultural heart of Greece, delivering fresh seasonal produce, world-renown olive oil, and unique local cheeses.
ADD IN THE LOCAL SEAFOOD AVAILABLE AT COASTAL TAVERNAS, AND YOU’LL WANT TO EXTEND YOUR STAY EVEN LONGER.
Basel, Switzerland
Foundation Beyeler in Basel, Switzerland.
Basel is simultaneously massive (in a brand sense) and small (in the geographic sense), and all too often overlooked by travelers.
As the home of the Art Basel art fair-cum-lifestyle brand, its name has become synonymous with contemporary fine art and the excesses of modern art events.
But as a destination, the city exudes a quiet Swiss refinement, allowing its world class museums, era-spanning architecture, and charming old town to speak for itself.
Basel also boasts one of the most unique experiences in all of Europe – the ability to toss your belongings into a waterproof bag, jump into the Rhine river, and gently float alongside the current.
Marseille, France
FRANCE’S SECOND LARGEST CITY STILL FEELS IMMUNE TO THE KIND OF TOURISM-FUELED GENTRIFICATION THAT HAS SWEPT THROUGH MUCH OF PARIS.
Here you’ll pass urban auto repair shops that have yet to be transformed into matcha cafés, and its Cours Julien creative district is still anchored by local shops and eateries.
Better yet, Marseille is the gateway to the Massif des Calanques, an area of coastal limestone cliffs that form narrow valleys and inlets on the way to Cassis.
The laid-back, South of France vibe is infectious, and your only worries will be pre-ordering bouillabaisse and figuring out if you enjoy the taste of pastis.
Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest.
Budapest has seen a slew of new five star hotel openings in the last few years, and its food and wine scene continues to earn accolades.
But it wasn’t until the recent electoral defeat of its uber-conservative prime minister that the city truly began to feel open and welcoming to all travelers.
ADD IN NEW DIRECT FLIGHT ROUTES FROM THE UNITED STATES, AND IT FEELS LIKE BUDAPEST WILL BE A PLACE TO VISIT IN 2027.
Its grand architecture and famous thermal baths are still there, as are the early 21st century ruin bars.
But with the transformation of City Park into a cultural hub, with the new House of Music Hungary and Museum of Ethnography integrated into the landscape, the city feels more contemporary and fresh.
Utrecht, Netherlands
UTRECHT HAS LONG BEEN MENTIONED AS A SMALLER, LESS TOURISTED ALTERNATIVE TO AMSTERDAM.
And it delivers, with the same canal-side strolls, cozy cafés, and stroopwaffel stands, at a fraction of the cost and with less crowds.
But Utrecht has distinct charms, like the Museum Speelcock, a collection of antique music machines from barrel organs to diminutive music boxes, and Roman ruins under its Dom Tower.
The nearby Rietveld Schröder House, is a must for architecture enthusiasts, while the Oudegracht wharf delivers something that Amsterdam can’t: a two story canalside structure with eateries and shops built into the cellars.
Frankfurt, Germany
Half-timbered houses in the Altstadt of Frankfurt.
This one may seem biased, as I’ve lived in Frankfurt for the past seven years, but I promise it’s earned its place on this list!
2026 SAW A SLOW STREAM OF TREND STORIES ANNOUNCING FRANKFURT AS AN EMERGING MUST-VISIT DESTINATION.
But here on the ground, it was the opening of a Venchi ice cream location that really announced the city’s improved esteem.
(Anyone who travels through Europe a good deal will know that Venchi has locations in all of the most popular tourist districts.)
Frankfurt has all of the trappings of a must-visit destination, from world class museums to a thriving dining and nightlife scene.
There are plenty of enticing day-trips nearby, like the Rheingau wine region or the Darmstadt’s Artist Colony.
And did I mention the easy airport access?
Frankfurt International Airport is one of Europe’s busiest hubs, making Frankfurt a great choice for a stopover if you don’t have time for the long weekend it deserves.
Conclusion
I LOVE THE INSPIRATION THAT COMES WITH THE NEW YEAR.
And the inspiration phase of a new trip is pretty great, too.
You’re able to imagine your next dream vacation, without the stress of logistics or planning.
If you’re getting ready to move on from daydreaming, though, here are a few travel planning resources to help you get started with confidence.
For those feeling overwhelmed with, well, everything, the How to Plan a Trip to Europe email course is an 8-part series that delivers one bite-sized lesson on travel planning per day. Better yet, if you want to move through the material even quicker, you can complete each day’s homework assignment to receive the next lesson immediately.
If you’ve got the basic travel logistics sorted, but aren’t sure how to make the most of your time abroad, then our Europe Experience Planner is a great starting point.
It explains the different types of travel experiences on offer throughout Europe, including which experiences are best suited for certain personality types, as well as when to plan certain types of experiences into your itinerary.And if you’re still a little lost on where to travel to, then our Travel Personality Quiz will help you better understand your travel style, as well as the best destinations for your personality.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Notes From Europe newsletter, and bookmark our homepage for whenever the wanderlust strikes.
Until next time,
Angela
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