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16 Can’t-Miss European Destinations

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Europe has so many fabulous places to visit that it can be hard to choose a spot for your next escape. Here are some of Fodor’s favorite destinations.

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Paris

From Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower, the City of Light rewards repeat visits, whether you want to climb Montmartre, shop on Avenue Montaigne, or dine in great bistros.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Paris Travel Guide

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Amsterdam

A city of narrow houses, myriad canals, and flower markets, Amsterdam remains a great capital. Don’t miss the magnificently restored Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank’s House.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

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Provence

Fields of lavender, bustling farmers’ markets, and beautiful medieval villages have made Provence popular. Ancient Arles and Avignon’s Palais de Papes are stunning.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Provence Travel Guide

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County Kerry

Plenty of green helps make the countryside here quintessentially Irish. Drive the 110-mile Ring of Kerry, but also visit the market town of Kenmare or the Skellig Islands.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s The Southwest Travel Guide

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Copenhagen

Cafés and modern design shops abound in this walkable city. Tivoli Gardens is a top pick; the National Museum is one of Europe’s underrated treasures.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Copenhagen Travel Guide

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Amalfi Coast

The azure waters and picturesque towns of the Amalfi Coast have been a draw for writers, artists, and now tourists. The area is easy to explore by car or ferry; Positano is one of Fodor’s favorite seaside spots in Italy.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s The Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Naples Travel Guide

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Scotland

A trip to Edinburgh and the Great Glen will leave you wanting more. Ruined Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness is as deeply memorable as a wee dram of Scotch whiskey.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Scotland Travel Guide

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Barcelona

Gaudi’s creations, including colorful Park Guell, dominate the Catalonian capital. Stroll through El Barri Gòtic and take in excellent museums devoted to Picasso and Miró.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Barcelona Travel Guide

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Prague

The city’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Explore magnificent Prague Castle and the Jewish Quarter and be sure to lift a glass of Czech pilsner.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Prague Travel Guide

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London

The British capital can keep you occupied for weeks with iconic sights such as Big Ben. You can also shop, dine at trendy restaurants, or see West End shows.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s London Travel Guide

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Berner Oberland

Once you see this beautiful, mountainous region, you’ll understand Switzerland’s allure, whether in winter for skiing or in summer for hiking and sheer relaxation.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Berner Oberland Travel Guide

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Rome

With sights from the splendid Piazza Navona to magnificent churches to evocative ancient ruins, the Eternal City remains a top draw for travelers in Europe for good reason.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Rome Travel Guide

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Bavaria

Castles such as Neuschwanstein make mountainous southern Germany worth a trip. Bavaria is beautiful year round, including in winter when Christmas markets fill town squares.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Germany Travel Guide

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Dubrovnik

Croatia’s most popular destination is one of the world’s most beautiful fortified cities. This former Venetian outpost also stars as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Southern Dalmatia Travel Guide

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Iceland

Come to see the northern lights, the famous “Blue Lagoon,” the weirdly beautiful volcanic landscape, or vibrant Reykjavik. Once you’ve been here, you will never forget it.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Iceland Travel Guide

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Santorini

Skeptics need only visit Oia to see why a view is so important. Everyone’s favorite Greek island has great wine, comfortable small hotels, and loads of charm.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s The Cyclades Travel Guide