30 top destinations in Europe before turning 30

So, I am turning 30 next week. I feel kind of like Rachel in Friends (if you know what I mean). It really is a milestone and I have mixed feelings about it. Parts of my 20s were a blur but parts of them have changed my life completely.

I graduated and had my first job, I made and lost some great friends, had numerous crushes before meeting my soulmate, and also realised my passion for travelling, I had only started to travel independently in my mid-20s, and since then there has been no turning back.

I wanted to jot down a few travel destinations that inspired me during my 20s and have really changed my life in more ways than one. This post is dedicated to every person of every age who has a passion to chase and that it is never too late.

1. Paris, France

I am ready to be a cliché when it comes to Paris. The reason I started travelling was Paris. I saved up all my pocket money to plan a trip to Paris. Eventually, it was a part of my first solo trip. Since then, I have been there a few times.

Everything you know about Paris from books and movies are true and it has much more to it. I have not been able to write a blog on it yet because it is simply overwhelming, but it is coming soon.

2. French Riviera, France

I cannot choose one city in the French Riviera that I did not absolutely love. I visited Eze, Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Antibes during my solo trip and fell in love with everything. It is one of the prettiest and most romantic places in Europe and should be on your bucket list.

Lavish palaces, ancient churches and pretty promenades along the sea makes up a beautiful vacation for any season.

3. Algarve, Portugal

We stayed in the Algarve region for a week in our most pocket friendly vacation ever. We learnt about the places from the locals which showed us how awe inspiring this place really is. Every corner awaits you with something unexpected.

The food is delectable, and the beaches are drool worthy. If I can ever get to live by the sea, I would choose Algarve in a heartbeat.

4. Bratislava, Slovakia

Initially Bratislava was just going to be a rest stop during our 2 week long trip through eastern Europe. We were so pleasantly surprised by the place we decided to stay for a couple of days.

The streets and churches are one of the most interesting I have ever visited. You see artwork in the least expected places, there are some grand castles, the food is to die for, and the people are extremely friendly.

5. Jungfrau, Switzerland

This was one of my recent discoveries. The Jungfrau is usually known for its famous peak, the Jungfraujoch but the Jungrau constitutes an entire region. I think I explored all of it except for the peak which may sound ironical but is not.

The Jungfrau area will not keep you idle for a moment with its grand views, exotic peaks, gorgeous villages, cogwheel trains and numerous cable cars. It truly is one of the places I am lucky to have visited.

6. Naxos, Greece

Greece is simply wonderful. I love everything about Greek islands but if I have to choose a favourite, I will choose Naxos in a blink. It has everything I dream of in a vacation. A rich history, cute little villages, wonderful people, cheap and delicious food and miles and miles of sandy beaches.

I felt like I belonged in this extraordinary island and could go back time and again.

7. Lapland, Finland

Lapland is known as winter wonderland. Rovaniemi is the most important city in Lapland. I fell in love with this place as soon as I entered my snow-covered Airbnb. You could literally see miles and miles of snow in this place.

You get to see reindeer and husky dogs and ride with them if you want to. (I have learnt it is good exercise for the animals to do this and they actually enjoy it. So, you might as well!) You get to visit the official head quarter of Santa Claus and meet him in person. And did I tell you about the Northern Lights. They appear in the night sky in winter and it is absolutely magical.

8. Piran, Slovenia

I read about Piran in a book whose name I cannot remember. But it has been on my bucket list for the longest time. I was there only for a day and it certainly was not enough. The streets, the bell tower and the sea bring out an authentic charm that has not been spoilt over time.

The town square boasts the statue of Tartini playing the violin instead of a knight on a horseback like the rest of Europe.

9. Nazaré, Portugal

I saw a documentary about surfing in the biggest waves in the world and came across Nazaré. It was love at first sight and went immediately on my bucket list.

Nazaré has 2 beaches on either side of a tall cliff. One is a family friendly beach with lots of sunshine and the other is a mystical beach with fog throughout the year. This is due to the cliff that affects the weather creating the big waves. It was truly an unreal experience to stand in the lighthouse and observe the waves.

10. Zermatt, Switzerland

I was told Zermatt is a touristic trap by many. But when I visited this paradise I was literally blown away. Some of the most scenic mountain views I have witness is here. There are unlimited activities you can do in the mountains with thrilling cable cars and cogwheel trains.

If you are in Switzerland, Zermatt is a must visit.

11. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is as pretty as its name. It hosts some of the best museums in Europe, grand cathedrals, an amusement park, a river view to die for and an ever bustling street. You will fall for it every time.

12. Berlin, Germany

Berlin has a very sad history and you can see it in every part of it. There is a lingering melancholy about this place that sticks for a long time. Besides, it hosts some of the grandest structures in whole of Germany including the Brandenberg Gate and the Reichstag Building. The Berlin Wall is now an art lovers paradise.

13. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Everyone who visits Amsterdam always returns for it is never enough. Amsterdam is filled with energy 24 hours of the day. You will see more cycles than any other transport in the city.

They also have some magnificent museums, a series of pretty canals, a red-light district and numerous coffee shops. Amsterdam will entertain you any time of the year.

14. Bruges and Ghent, Belgium

Bruges and Ghent are just a few miles from each other but both of them are astonishing and unique in their own ways. I visited them both in a day and could not decide which one I liked more. I would love to go back and walk on the cobblestoned alleys again.

15. Rome, Italy

If Paris has a part of my heart, Rome has the other part. I love Rome so much that I keep going back. The city is enriched with history, art, and culture. The walks, the food and the wine will make you fall for it time and again.

16. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is one of the most underrated places in Europe. The city itself is charming with its quaint cafes and pretty bridges across canals. Also, there is a huge scope for some amazing day trips like Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge from the city.

17. Venice, Italy

I think Venice is on everyone's bucket list. It is one of the most photogenic cities in the world. I loved every part of it, the canals, the narrow streets, the churches, and the souvenirs.

I was overwhelmed to visit Venice during a carnival because it was extremely crowded. I would definitely like to go back again to see the city from another angle.

18. Pisa, Italy

Everyone visits Pisa for the Leaning Tower but there is so much more to Pisa. I go back to Pisa time and again just to live in the city. The streets are always bustling with energy and there are innumerable pretty churches. The riverside is my favourite and I always make sure to witness all my sunsets by the river.

The bars are filled with energy and great music throughout the night and the people are so friendly you would never want to leave.

19. Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria is the magical getaway in Germany. It is truly one of the prettiest places I have ever visited. Beautiful villages, lush meadows, grand cathedrals and some of the most beautiful castles make up this gem of a place called Bavaria.

20. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has one of the most scenic castles in Europe with an extra ordinary town square. It has historic structures everywhere you go including some of the prettiest bridges. It also has a very happening night life and is one of the coolest places to visit.

21. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is overhyped but it is so worth it. Dreamy views of the sea from a volcanic caldera decorated with an array of blue and white buildings. This is a perfect destination and I loved everything about it. I cannot wait to walk in the zigzagged cobblestoned alleys in Oia and enjoy a magnificent sunset.

22. Budapest

Budapest was hugely affected by the second world war but it has not brought down its spirit a bit. The city boasts some of the grandest bridges and castles in Europe. The riverside is spectacular in the night time with its bright lights and street musicians.

23. Athens, Greece

Athens is a wonderland for Greek Mythology enthusiasts as it is home to the most famous ancient monuments like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, to name a few. My trip to Athens was one of the most rewarding trips ever.

24. Lisbon, Portugal

If you love winding streets, quirky tram rides and mouth-watering food, you will love Lisbon. It is a city with many mysteries. It has some amazing views of the sea, a massive square, an old town, several grand churches, and many other attractions that will keep you busy.

25. Verona, Italy

The first trip I ever made in Europe was to Verona. The castle, the river view, Juliet's balcony, the Arena, and the squares transports you to another time.

There are bustling bars and restaurants along with art exhibitions to keep you busy throughout the day.

26. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a very lively city with too much to explore. It has a flourishing port, innumerable grand buildings by Gaudi himself, a historic football stadium and several museums. One trip is simply not enough to see it all.

27. Sóller, Spain

Sóller is a little port town in the island of Mallorca. It is one of the most authentic Spanish locality that you get to visit in a vintage train and tram. I was absolutely blown over with the charm of this place.

28. Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is extremely pretty and extremely expensive, quite the contrary thing to say. I burnt a huge hole in my pocket on my trip to Mykonos but it was so worth it.

Mykonos is a picture perfect city with pretty white houses, exotic windmills and sea views to die for. The cobblestoned streets are meant for people to get lost in the most beautiful way possible.

29. Porto, Portugal

Porto is the city of bridges, port wine and a spectacular riviera. I liked the essence of Porto, how it was simple yet special in its own way. Porto is also the place where I saw a simple railway station ornamented to make it look like a piece of art.

30. Milan, Italy

Milan is the first foreign place I called home. I loved each and everything about living there. Recently, I visited Milan as a tourist and got equally charmed. The gelatos, Duomo, shopping streets, museums, cafes, bars, and the people will always have my heart.

Let me know which of these are on your bucket list. :)

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