Best Places to Visit in 2025: Europe's Top Destinations

Technically only half of Turkey is in Europe; the other half is in Asia. But there’s no doubt that it deserves a mention on this list, thanks in large part to that geographical quirk. Turkish culture is a captivating mix of different traditions and aesthetics; just look at the magnificent Hagia Sophia (constructed as a church, then used as a mosque, a museum and then back to a mosque), a symbolic fusion of the country’s various religious and cultural influences.

Put a fresh spin on your 2025 Turkey trip by combining it with a visit to The Caucasus, which we added to our ever–expanding destination list just last year. This region might not yet be on your radar, but its breathtaking scenery and up–and–coming cities are the perfect add–on to a Turkish vacation.

Within Turkey, we suggest heading to Cappadocia to see colourful hot air balloons fill the sky – watch them from the scenic terrace at The Museum Hotel or even hop into one for next-level views, before spending some time on the idyllic beaches of the Turkish Riviera. 

In Istanbul you can converse with vendors in the bustling Grand Bazaar, sample eclectic cuisine that incorporates elements from around the globe, and admire the sky-high minarets of the Blue Mosque. Our travel designer James strongly recommends the Peninsula Hotel, which overlooks the banks of the Bosphorus in the stylish Karaköy district.

Switzerland is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable countries, and its commitment to this cause carries over into tourism. The public transport system is powered in large part by renewable energy; locally sourced cuisine is the norm; and its cities are full of green spaces. In fact, the country’s ‘Swisstainable’ initiative aims to make it the most sustainable destination on earth, with specific objectives outlined for 2025.

As if that weren’t reason enough to visit, Switzerland is a haven of both wellness and adventure, from the snowy slopes of the Alps to its abundant spas and saunas. Visit from December to March for the winter season or April to September for spectacular hiking. Plus, its distinctive blend of German, French and Italian heritage makes for fascinating culture and culinary fusion.

Our favourite way to explore Switzerland is via scenic railway routes that pass through soaring mountains, steep valleys and storybook villages. The state-of-the-art GoldenPass Express launched exclusive journeys from Montreux to Interlaken in late 2022, and is now fully operational – we can’t recommend it enough.

The endless appeal of Spain isn’t exactly a secret, but this is the kind of country that’s worth going back to year after year. There are so many small villages, coastal enclaves, flourishing vineyards, ancient landmarks and volcanic islands to discover. Every region of this Mediterranean nation has its own distinctive culture, cuisine and even language in some cases.

In 2025, we’ve got our sights set on the north of Spain. Here you’ll find the culinary paradise of San Sebastian – practically overflowing with Michelin stars – and farther inland, the world-famous wine country of La Rioja. Our travel designers Kate and Meg were on the ground here in early 2024, successfully scoping out all the best spots for food and wine lovers.

Other parts of Spain are among the warmest places in Europe during winter, which runs from November to February. If you’re hoping for some winter sun in 2025, look south to the charming coastal city of Málaga. While the Balearic islands still remain largely seasonal, we expect them to be a big trend for 2025 as people seek to discover Mallorca’s picturesque beaches, slower pace of life, and barefoot luxury hotels.

Most visitors to England make a beeline for the capital. London remains one of the world’s great cities and is still the best place to begin your trip. In 2025 we’re excited about a whole host of brand new bespoke experiences here, including expert-guided walking tours that cover everything from Westminster Abbey and early Shakespearian history to intricate street art and the brilliant cultural diversity of modern London.

England is also ripe for off-the-beaten track adventures that showcase small villages, coastal walks and rural havens. In 2025 we’ll be keeping an eye on the Cotswolds, a region full of rolling hills, medieval villages, honey-hued buildings and English country gardens overflowing with roses, peonies and sweet peas, making it one of the prettiest places in Europe. The dramatic white cliffs and grand castles of the South Coast add a certain grandeur to beachside adventures.

We’re more committed than ever to travelling responsibly in 2025, and this is echoed by many of the hotels we recommend. The stately Chewton Glen sources fresh produce from its own garden; the glamorous Haymarket Hotel features exclusive eco-conscious bath products; and Dormy House is firmly committed to reducing energy use, supporting the local community and preserving the natural beauty around it.

Fresh from the spotlight of the Paris Olympics, France is a perennial favourite which draws travellers year after year. With a glut of new hotels and improved infrastructure brought about by hosting the games, 2025 is a great time to return.

Paris, of course, is supremely chic and romantic, with plenty of stylish accommodation to match. We’re always happy to return to Relais Christine, a timeless boutique hotel where every detail exudes elegance. But the City of Lights is also blooming with an array of alluring new properties, from the ultra-luxe Cheval Blanc to the colourful Le Grand Mazarin.

Beyond France’s illustrious capital, our travel designers highly recommend the Champagne region – and not just for sparkling wine. Its endless vineyards and undulating hills are speckled with lovely towns and centuries-old structures. There’s also Provence with its enchanting lavender fields, mild Mediterranean weather and the glittering Côte d’Azur, all of which make it one of the best places for a honeymoon in Europe.

Germany’s culturally exciting cities, medieval history, and fairytale castles along the River Rhine are among the many reasons why Germany is among the best places to visit in Europe. 

When it comes to cities, there’s the avant-garde capital of Berlin, the refined financial hub of Frankfurt, the charming historic centre of Munich and the riverside art haven of Dresden. Each one has its own unique atmosphere, but there are some common threads: rich cultural heritage, hearty local cuisine and truly magical Christmas markets in November and December. For a quieter getaway, seek out the bucolic countryside, quaint towns and folk festivals of Bavaria.

Our travel designers have highlighted their favourite properties in each city and region of Germany. They love the newly reopened Villa Kennedy in Frankfurt and Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin (don’t miss the extensive breakfast buffet). They also recommend the understated elegance of Beyond by Geisel in Munich and the rustic lofts of Chiemsee Chalet in Bavaria.

Imagine pristine expanses of snow, endless untouched forests and skies that glow with dancing waves of green light. All of this and more awaits you in Finland – which has been named the happiest country on earth for seven straight years as of 2024.

If you want to experience this winter wonderland in all its glory, visit from November to February. These winter months are also the best time of year to see the northern lights in Finnish Lapland. If you’re travelling with kids, make sure to stop by Rovaniemi to meet the ‘real’ Father Christmas and see plenty of reindeer (which are very real indeed). For a true treat, spend the night in a state-of-the-art glass igloo at the newly expanded Aurora Queen Resort in Saariselkä.

Apart from its rugged wilderness, Finland also has a distinctive cultural identity, including that of the Indigenous Sámi people. The tranquil capital of Helsinki is an essential stop thanks to its thriving dining scene, plethora of marvellous museums and lovely location on the Gulf of Finland. Stay at the brand new Hotel Maria for sophisticated style in the heart of the city.