When someone tells me they’re thinking about visiting Europe, one of my favorite questions to ask is, “Where have you always dreamed of going?”

The answers are often familiar. Italy. France. England. And I understand why. There’s something exciting about finally seeing a place you’ve pictured for years.

But I also love introducing travelers to somewhere they hadn’t considered. If Europe is on your mind for 2027, come explore ten places that deserve a closer look. You might find a new favorite before you’ve even packed a bag.

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

If Slovenia hasn’t made it onto your travel list yet, I’d encourage you to give it a look. Ljubljana is a capital city that feels surprisingly approachable. The Ljubljanica River curves through the old center, and much of the area is set aside for pedestrians. That means you can actually enjoy the streets instead of spending the day watching for traffic.

Start around Prešeren Square and cross the Triple Bridge. Follow the river past outdoor cafés and you’ll soon understand why people enjoy simply spending time here. Ljubljana Castle sits above the city, and you can reach it by funicular if you don’t feel like tackling the hill. The Central Market is another good stop if you want to see a little of daily life.

I’d also make room for Lake Bled if your schedule allows. It’s an easy day trip by car, although it deserves longer if you enjoy lakeside walks. Slovenia is especially interesting when you’re planning a trip that includes Austria or northern Italy. You may find that adding one smaller country changes the pace of the entire vacation.

2. Porto, Portugal

Portugal has been on plenty of travel wish lists lately, but Porto deserves attention in its own right. This northern city rises above the Douro River, and the view from the waterfront is one you’ll want to stop and enjoy. Just know that Porto has hills. You’ll be glad you packed shoes you can comfortably walk in.

I would begin in Ribeira, the historic riverside neighborhood. From there you can see the Dom Luís I Bridge and the port-wine cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. The tiled São Bento railway station is worth stepping inside even if you’re not catching a train. And if you like bookstores, the famous Livraria Lello is beautiful, though you should expect other visitors to have the same idea.

The Douro Valley is another reason to linger. Its terraced vineyards and river scenery make a wonderful day trip, or even an overnight stay. I wouldn’t squeeze Porto into a single afternoon. Give it enough time for a long lunch and a little wandering without a schedule.

3. Annecy, France

Paris is wonderful, but France isn’t only about Paris. Annecy sits near the Alps, and it offers a completely different kind of trip. Canals wind through the old town, with colorful buildings leaning toward the water. It feels intimate in a way that a big city simply can’t.

Spend a morning walking through the Vieille Ville and browsing its shops. You’ll probably see the Palais de l’Île, the small historic building that seems to appear in every Annecy photograph. Then head toward Lake Annecy. The lake is known for its clear water, and on a sunny day the mountains make a beautiful backdrop for a walk or boat ride.

This is somewhere I’d consider for travelers who want a few slower days between busy sightseeing stops. It can pair well with time in Geneva or elsewhere in the French Alps. If you’re traveling during summer, book accommodations early. Lakeside towns are popular for a reason.

4. Bologna, Italy

If food is part of why you love to travel, we need to talk about Bologna. It’s in the Emilia-Romagna region, an area that takes its culinary traditions seriously. This is where you can sit down to tagliatelle al ragù and discover that the dish is quite different from the spaghetti Bolognese many of us grew up eating.

But please don’t spend your whole visit at the table. Bologna’s historic center is full of handsome buildings and miles of porticoes, the covered walkways that make strolling pleasant even when the weather isn’t perfect. Piazza Maggiore is a natural place to begin. The city’s university history stretches back centuries, and you can feel that lively student presence alongside the older architecture.

I often think of Bologna as a smart addition to an Italian itinerary because of its train connections. Florence, Venice and other northern cities are within reach. Rather than racing through another famous attraction, you could give yourself a day to explore a market and enjoy a proper meal. Sometimes that’s the part of Italy people remember most.

5. Bergen, Norway

For some travelers, the best part of a vacation is the scenery outside the window. If that’s you, take a serious look at Bergen. The city sits on Norway’s western coast, surrounded by hills and close to the fjord landscapes that make this part of the world so memorable.

Bryggen is the colorful historic waterfront you’ve probably seen in photographs. Its wooden buildings recall Bergen’s days as an important trading port. You can also ride the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen for a view over the city and surrounding water. Bergen is known for rainy weather, so a waterproof layer is a practical addition to your suitcase.

What makes Bergen especially appealing is what lies beyond it. Depending on the season and your itinerary, you can explore fjords by boat or combine the city with a scenic rail journey. I’d plan this trip around the experiences you most want rather than choosing dates first. The options change with the seasons, and the right timing makes a difference.

6. Kotor, Montenegro

I love suggesting places that make people say, ‘Wait, where is that?’ Kotor is one of them. It sits on the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, south of Croatia. The old town is tucked beneath steep mountains, and arriving by water can be a spectacular introduction.

Inside the medieval walls you’ll find stone lanes, little squares and churches that tell the story of the town’s long history. There’s no need to rush through it. Walk until you find a café that looks inviting, then take a break. If you’re up for a strenuous climb, the fortifications above town offer remarkable views. Just be mindful of the heat and the number of steps.

Kotor is also a stop on some Mediterranean cruises, which can be a convenient way to get a first taste of Montenegro. If you’re visiting by ship, I’d check your time in port before committing to a long excursion. This is one destination where even a few hours can leave you wanting to come back.

7. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges really does look like the sort of town you’d expect to find in a storybook. There are canals, old brick buildings and quiet corners that seem made for an afternoon walk. It’s easy to reach from Brussels, which is why so many travelers come for the day.

Begin around the Markt, the city’s central square, then wander toward the canals. A boat ride gives you another view of the architecture, and there are plenty of chocolate shops along the way. You could easily spend an afternoon following your curiosity instead of a checklist. That may be the best way to enjoy it.

Here’s one thing I’d consider when planning: Bruges gets busy during the day. Staying overnight lets you see the town after many visitors have gone. If your schedule permits, an evening walk through the center can feel very different from a midday visit.

8. Seville, Spain

Seville has a warmth and energy that’s hard to explain until you experience southern Spain. It’s a city of grand historic landmarks, but it’s also a place where the evening can become an experience all its own. People gather in plazas, restaurants fill up and the pace shifts as the sun goes down.

The Royal Alcázar is one of the major sights I’d plan ahead for, and the cathedral is another. Make time for the Santa Cruz neighborhood, where narrow streets lead into small squares. And if you’ve never seen a flamenco performance, Seville is a meaningful place to experience this Andalusian tradition. I’d choose a reputable venue rather than simply the first show advertised near a tourist attraction.

The season matters here. Summer temperatures can be very high, so spring and autumn are often more comfortable for walking. If summer is your only option, we can build the day around early sightseeing and a slower afternoon. Good travel planning is often about working with a destination instead of fighting its climate.

9. Salzburg, Austria

Yes, Salzburg is connected to The Sound of Music. But even if you’ve never seen the film, there’s plenty to love here. The old town is filled with churches and historic buildings, and Hohensalzburg Fortress rises above the rooftops. The mountains in the distance remind you that you’re close to some spectacular countryside.

Mozart was born in Salzburg, so music is woven into the city’s identity. You can visit places connected to his life, explore the Mirabell Gardens and spend time along the Salzach River. I would leave some room in the schedule just to enjoy the setting. A city doesn’t always need another museum ticket to be memorable.

Salzburg works particularly well for travelers combining Austria and southern Germany. You can reach it by train from Munich, and the surrounding lake district offers lovely day-trip possibilities. If the countryside is important to you, consider staying more than one night.

10. Valletta, Malta

Malta is small enough to overlook on a map, but it has an extraordinary story. Its capital, Valletta, sits above the Grand Harbour and is packed with historic buildings. The city was founded by the Knights of St. John in the sixteenth century, and that history is still visible as you walk its streets.

Start with the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a beautiful harbor view. St. John’s Co-Cathedral is another important stop, especially for travelers interested in art and architecture. Valletta is compact, but its streets can be steep. Give yourself time to explore rather than assuming you’ll see everything in an hour or two.

I’d also encourage you to look beyond the capital. Mdina offers a very different atmosphere, and Malta’s coastline has its own appeal. For a longer Mediterranean vacation, Malta can be a fascinating destination on its own rather than just a brief cruise stop.

So, where will Europe take you?

You don’t have to squeeze five countries into seven days to have an incredible European vacation. Sometimes the best itinerary is the one that gives you room to enjoy where you are.

Maybe one of these places has you rethinking your plans. That’s one of my favorite parts of helping people travel: discovering possibilities they didn’t know they had. If you’re dreaming about Europe, I’d love to help you figure out what makes sense for your trip.

Until then, keep dreaming about where the world might take you next.

Jessica Coen
Sojourney Travel
Travel With Direction

Cover photo: Petar Milošević / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for display.

Travel research and useful planning resources

For up-to-date attraction information, access details, and seasonal planning, consult the official tourism resources for Ljubljana, Portugal, Annecy, Bologna, Bergen, Montenegro, Bruges, Seville, Salzburg, and Malta. Experiences, opening times and availability can change, so confirm details before travel.

Ready to plan your own adventure?

Have a destination in mind, or still deciding where to go? I’d love to help you turn the ideas into a trip that feels like yours. Tell me what you’re dreaming about, and we’ll start there.

Jessica Coen
Certified Charter Travel Advisor | Sojourney Travel
Plan your trip: Connect with Jessica and request a proposal
Email: jessica.coen@sojourneytravel.com