Looking for a cultural break in Europe, but not sure where to go?
At Travel Dudes, we’ve been lucky enough to visit some amazing cultural destinations around the world.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe and want something more than just a beach holiday or city break, we’ve gathered some of the best places to immerse yourself in history and culture.
Europe is full of interesting traditions, incredible art, and stunning architecture. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, visiting grand museums, or wandering through charming old towns, these cultural spots will give you a deeper connection to the places you visit.
And if you really want to dive deeper into a country’s culture, the best way is by talking to the locals. Make sure to bring a universal translator – it’s a must-have if you’re visiting a place where you don’t speak the language!
Here are our top five picks for a cultural fix in Europe that you won’t want to miss.
5 Must-See Countries in Europe for Cultural Enthusiasts
1. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is an amazing city if you’re looking for a cultural European destination. The city is known for its deep history, lively music scene, and love of literature.
Walking through Dublin, you’ll find beautiful old buildings, cozy pubs with live Irish music, and friendly locals – don’t be surprised if a stranger strikes up a conversation with you.
Dublin is one of the best cities to learn about Irish culture – the city has a lively vibe and the locals certainly know how to party. If you’re visiting Dublin during St Patrick’s Day on March 17th you can expect street parades, plenty of celebrations across the city and everywhere adorned with green decorations and lucky charms.
Ireland is generally a wet country – so you can expect rain all year round although the best time to visit is from late spring (May) to early autumn (September), when the weather is milder.
We recommend: Joining a walking tour to learn about Dublin’s history and discover hidden gems that you might miss on your own.
Three must-see things in Dublin:
- Trinity College Library: Home to the ancient Book of Kells.
- Dublin Castle: A historic site right in the city center.
- The Guinness Storehouse: Discover the history of Ireland’s most famous drink and enjoy the views from the rooftop bar.
2. Vienna, Austria
Known as the city of music and art, Vienna is famous for its grand architecture, classical music, and museums.
For first-time visitors to Europe, the city has a perfect blend of elegance and history, with beautiful palaces, charming coffeehouses, and a rich artistic scene. The vibe is sophisticated yet relaxed, and the city is easy to explore on foot or by its excellent public transport.
The best time to visit is in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant – although if you visit in December, then you’ll be able to catch the famous Christmas Markets.
We recommend: Visiting one of Vienna’s traditional coffeehouses for a slice of Sachertorte, a famous Austrian chocolate cake.
Three must-see things in Vienna, Austria:
- Schönbrunn Palace: A stunning Baroque palace with beautiful gardens.
- The Belvedere Museum: Home to Gustav Klimt’s famous painting, The Kiss.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city.
3. Athens, Greece
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, packed with ancient history and stunning ruins.
It’s the perfect spot to spend a few days before heading off to explore more of Greece or the islands.
The city seamlessly blends Greek history with the vibrant modern side of the city. You’ll find a a mix of historical landmarks, bustling markets, alongside and trendy bars and shops.
The best time to visit is in the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, and you can avoid the summer heat and crowds.
We recommend: Wearing comfortable shoes because Athens is a city best explored on foot, especially when visiting historical sites like the Acropolis. There are also plenty of hills to climb in the city for spectacular panoramic views.
Three must-see things in Athens, Greece:
- The Acropolis: The iconic hilltop ancient site featuring the Parthenon.
- Ancient Agora: Explore the ruins of what used to be Athens’ main marketplace.
- Plaka: A charming neighborhood with winding streets, shops, and traditional Greek food.
4. The Baltic Capitals (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
The Baltic capitals – Tallinn (Estonia), Riga (Latvia), and Vilnius (Lithuania) – are three fantastic cultural destinations in Europe and until 1991, were pretty much out of bounds to foreign visitors.
The three cities have close ties, and you can easily hop between the three of them in a week-long break. You can hire a car, hit the road, and explore some off-the-beaten-track places – don’t forget to pack a universal translator so you can speak to the locals.
They each have a blend of historical influences from Nordic, Slavic, and Western Europe and combine charming old towns and vibrant modern life. That said, each city has its own unique character, making it perfect for exploring different cultures in one trip.
The vibe is a mix of old-world charm with cobbled streets and gothic architecture, combined with trendy cafes, art galleries, and a thriving local scene.
The best time to visit is in summer (June to August) when the weather is warm, and outdoor festivals are in full swing.
We recommend: Allowing enough time to spend a few days in each of the three capitals, as they are well-connected and each offers a unique glimpse into Baltic culture and history.
Three must-see things in The Baltic Capitals:
- Tallinn’s Old Town: A beautifully preserved medieval city center.
- Riga’s Art Nouveau District: Stunning architecture and vibrant street life.
- Vilnius’ Gediminas Tower: Offering panoramic views of the city from a historic castle.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls, stunning architecture, and scenic coastal views.
For those looking for a mix of history and natural beauty, this city is perfect – it’s also a great destination for Game of Thrones fans, as lots of scenes from the series were filmed here.
The city is filled with winding stone streets, lively squares, and clear blue waters. You can even island hop over to Lokrum Island for a day of relaxation away from the crowds.
We recommend: Walking the ancient city walls early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Three must-see things in Dubrovnik, Croatia:
- The City Walls: Walk along the famous medieval fortifications.
- Rector’s Palace: A historic building with fascinating exhibits.
Lovrijenac Fortress: A stunning fortress offering great views of the Old Town and the sea.
