The Ultimate Brits European Travel Bucket List Dublin Reykjavik Iceland 

The Ultimate Brits' European Travel Bucket List

Clare Payne
Authored by Clare Payne
Posted: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - 00:00

The Ultimate Brits' European Travel Bucket List 

Rome, Brussels and Paris take the top three spots for most popular destinations on Brits' dream European travel bucket list 

To help you decide on the best destination to travel to next, Iceland's flagship airline, Icelandair has identified the top 20 most popular cities in Europe that Brits' dream of visiting. Looking at data scraped from Statista, Instagram, Twitter and Reddit, the team has analysed and ranked the cities based on the highest scores. 

The UK's Ultimate European Travel Bucket List:

Ranking 

Cities 

Country 

Reddit score 

Instagram score 

Twitter Score 

Search popularity score 

Overall score 

1

Rome 

Italy 

96

100

100

82

94

2

Brussels 

Belgium 

86

96

96

96

93

3

Paris

France 

82

91

91

91

89

4

Amsterdam

Netherlands 

100

46

77

100

81

5

Dublin

Republic of Ireland 

91

59

46

73

67

6

Hamburg

Germany 

55

77

77

50

65

7

Oslo

Norway

64

68

46

50

57

8

Budapest 

Hungary

73

59

46

50

57

9

Lisbon

Portugal

9

86

77

32

51

10

Sofia

Bulgaria 

68

46

1

50

41

11

Vienna 

Austria

50

41

46

32

42

12

Stockholm

Sweden

77

82

1

1

40

13

Salzburg 

Austria

23

5

46

82

39

14

Berlin

Germany 

46

32

46

32

39

15

Zagreb

Croatia

32

23

27

32

28

16

Athens

Greece 

36

23

46

1

26

17

Bern

Switzerland 

55

32

1

18

26

18

Copenhagen

Denmark

14

18

1

73

26

19

Reykjavik

Iceland

1

73

27

1

26

20

Warsaw

Poland 

36

5

1

50

23

1. Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy, also known as the Eternal City, is small enough to walk around in one day, making it a great weekend getaway. But that's not to say there isn't more than enough to do and see. 

The Ultimate Brits European Travel Bucket List Rome

The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped with some of the world's most famous fountains, architecture and churches, as well as home to the Colosseum and many works of Michelangelo.

The mild climate makes for a comfortable visit and means the sights can be enjoyed all year round. Not to mention the gelato and roman pizza. 

Best time of year to visit: Mid-March to May and September to November

Temperature: Hottest month 25.5°C (July), coldest month 8°C (Jan)

Cheapest Time of year to visit: September to February  

 

2. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, Belgium, also known as the political heart of Europe, is home to legendary jazz clubs, comic-book street art and quirky flea markets. All of this alongside the must-see museums, architecture, and famous statues, means there is something for everyone. 

The Ultimate Brits European Travel Bucket List Brussels Belgium

Home to not only the best Belgian waffles, famous frites and chocolate you can imagine, but most importantly the infamous beer. With an abundance of green space, there is plenty of scenery to take in while walking it off. 

Best time of year to visit: March to May and September to October 

Temperature: Hottest month 17.5°C (July), coldest month 2.5°C (February)

Cheapest Time of year to visit: Early November 

 

3. Paris, France

Paris, the capital of France, has been dubbed the most romantic city in the world and in the words of Audrey Hepburn, 'is always a good idea'.

The Ultimate Brits European Travel Bucket List Brussels Paris

Packed with landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral, the city is world-renowned and un-surprisingly so home to the Mona Lisa. 

Parisian cafés line the streets, with café culture engrained within their society and the luxury of high-end department stores merged with the flea market's vintage finds, Paris is a shopper's paradise (on every budget).

Best time of year to visit: April to June and October to early November

Temperature: Hottest month 20°C (July), coldest month 25°C (February)

Cheapest Time of year to visit: Mid January 

 

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands, is nicknamed the 'Venice of the North' for the beauty of its canals. Many tourists take a canal cruise, while for the Dutch, the canals are one of their everyday ways of getting around, as well as by bicycle. Famously, highway rules favour cyclists, and it is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.

The Ultimate Brits European Travel Bucket List Amsterdam

The Dutch capital has an impressive contemporary art scene and some of the best art galleries and museums in Europe, thanks to Amsterdam's steep history. The Dutch are welcoming, creative and relaxed and the nightlife won't disappoint regardless of if you want a few quiet beers or a wild club night.  

Best time of year to visit: April or September 

Temperature: Hottest month 16°C (July), coldest month 2°C (January)

Cheapest Time of year to visit: November, January and February

 

5. Dublin, Republic of Ireland

Dublin, the charming capital of Ireland takes it's spot in the top five. Although a small city, Dublin is bursting with character and is known worldwide. 

The Ultimate Brits European Travel Bucket List Dublin

Home to some of the most prolific writers in the world to have lived, including Oscar Wilde and James Joyce, the city is steeped in history as well as being home to 'the black stuff', otherwise known as the best Guinness to be served worldwide and entrenched in the Irish culture. 

As well as the many free musuems and galleries there are to visit, traditional live music is played most nights in many of the local pubs and Dubliners are said to be some of Europe's friendliest.

Best time of year to visit: June to August

Temperature: Hottest month 15.5°C (July), coldest month 5°C (January)

Cheapest Time of year to visit: January to February

 

Also, making the list is Iceland! 

19. Reykjavik, Iceland 

Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts on the lookout for unforgettable views, natural wonders, and marine wildlife to spot. Iceland offers volcanoes, waterfalls, fjords and the opportunity to go whale watching, followed by bathing in one of the infamous Icelandic Geothermal baths.

The Ultimate Brits European Travel Bucket List Reykjavik Iceland Blue Lagoon

Most famously, tourists flock from all over the world to gaze at the northern lights. The natural light display is visible throughout the winter, most notably between September and March. Tourists also speak of the infamous Icelandic Geothermal baths all over the world. Not only are the natural wonders all Iceland has to offer, but the cultural city also offers museums, top art galleries and an array of intricately coloured houses as well as great nightlife.

Best time of year to visit: July and August 

Temperature: Hottest month 11°C (July), coldest month 0°C (January)

Cheapest Time of year to visit: September to November and January to May

 

All images from Canva

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