Must-visit cities by travel vibe 

Europe trip ideas come in all flavors—whether you’re dancing till dawn, sipping espresso in quiet piazzas, or exploring local food markets. Going solo, with family, or your best friends? There’s a destination (and a MEININGER hotel) for every travel style.

We’re in Europe’s most exciting destinations, and we’ve organised them here by travel style. 😉 

Want to take it slow? Don’t miss our guide to Slow travel in Europe—perfect for exploring by train and soaking in every moment. 

Keep reading to plan your perfect trip 

based on what you really want to experience!

🚆 🌍 🎒

🎉 Must-cities for nightlife 

After-hours adventurers, this one’s for you: 

Berlin, Germany 

Iconic clubs, spontaneous street parties, and freedom to be yourself 24/7. 

Want the full lowdown? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Berlin’s Nightlife for the best clubs, hidden gems, and party tips around the clock. 

Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

From canals to cocktails to canal-boat cocktail parties (yes, those do exist!).

Budapest, Hungary 

Home of the ruin bars. Picture fairy lights, impressive architecture, and great cocktails. 

Copenhagen, Denmark 

Craft beer bars, waterfront hangouts, and a stylish underground scene. 

Hamburg, Germany 

Reeperbahn energy meets indie clubs and underground music festivals. 

Europe trip ideas: Disco balls hanging above a garden wall
Caught between greenery and glitter—where the party’s just getting started in Berlin

🌿 Must-cities for nature & outdoors 

Sometimes all you want is fresh air and fewer crowds: 

Salzburg, Austria 

Snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and all the Sound of Music energy. 

Munich, Germany 

Day trips to alpine lakes, hikes right out of the city, and beer gardens under chestnut trees. 

Innsbruck, Austria

Right in the heart of the Alps. Ski in winter, hike in summer, and enjoy postcard-perfect views year-round.  

🎨 Must-cities for art, culture & history 

For those who collect stories (and museum tickets): 

Vienna, Austria

Baroque everything, Habsburg grandeur, cozy cafés and instagrammable buildings. 

Rome, Italy

The ultimate destination: Ancient monuments, rich art, and delicious food all in one city.

Venice, Italy 

A floating masterpiece. Palazzos, centuries of art, and the world-famous carnival! 

Europe trip ideas: Opulent golden ceiling inside a Venetian palazzo
Step into a Venetian palazzo and look up—this ceiling steals the show

🍝 Must-cities for foodies 

Taste your way across the continent with these flavor-filled stops: 

Paris, France 

Baguettes, bistros, and the world’s best butter and croissants! 

Marseille, France 

Mediterranean markets, spice-rich cuisine, and serious seafood. 

Bordeaux, France

Wine country at its finest, plus farmers markets, duck confit, and yummy pastries.

🧳 Must-cities for solo explorers 

Freedom, flexibility, and feel-good vibes: 

Budapest, Hungary

Soak in a thermal bath, sip a rooftop spritz, and meet fellow solo adventurers at the ruin bars.

Cologne, Germany 

Effortless friendliness, riverside views, and a giant Gothic cathedral. 

Zurich, Switzerland 

Pristine, peaceful, and packed with lakeside strolls and art museums

🧸 Must-cities for family trips 

Kid-friendly, parent-approved: 

Frankfurt, Germany 

Skyscrapers meet science centers and sweet strolls along the Main River. 

Leipzig, Germany 

Parks, a world-class zoo, and chill cafés for grown-ups too. 

Heidelberg, Germany 

Castles, cobblestoned streets, and cable cars make this fairytale city a hit with all ages. 

👯‍♀️ Must-cities for you & your besties 

For unlimited fun, selfies, and unforgettable memories go to: 

Barcelona, Spain (new MEININGER hotel opening late 2025!) 

Beach mornings, tapas evenings, and Gaudí in between. 

Kraków, Poland 

Vibrant nightlife, cozy cafés, and AMAZING food. 

Marseille, France 

Sea views, great wine and food, and lots of shopping. 

Europe trip ideas: boats in Marseille’s old port with Notre-Dame on the hill
Golden hour lights up Marseille’s Old Port, with Notre-Dame de la Garde in the distance

✨ Cities worth the hype 

London, UK

Museums, musicals, and timeless landmarks all packed into one buzzing capital. 

How to get there:

Fly from Amsterdam or Paris in under 1.5 hours or hop on a train. Both cities have MEININGER Hotels with easy airport and train station access and daily budget flights and train rides to London.

Lisbon, Portugal

Terracotta rooftops, vintage trams, and golden-hour views over the Atlantic. 

How to get there:

Fly from Marseille; direct flights take around 2 hours. It’s an easy add-on if you’re staying at the MEININGER Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette and want to squeeze in some sunshine and seafood in Lisbon.

Prague, Czech Republic 

Cobbled lanes, fairytale towers, and historic charm in every step. 

How to get there: 

Take a direct train from Berlin, it’s about 4.5 hours, super scenic, and runs several times a day. All the MEININGER hotels in Berlin are the perfect base before heading to Prague. 😉

Europe trip ideas: FAQs

  • Where can I experience the best nightlife in Europe?

    For a fun night out, head to Berlin for world-famous clubs and a 24/7 party vibe. Amsterdam mixes cozy bars with canal-boat parties. In Budapest, explore the unique ruin bars filled with music and fairy lights. Copenhagen has trendy beer spots and underground venues, while Hamburg blends edgy Reeperbahn nights with indie festivals. MEININGER Hotels are close to the nightlife in all these cities.

  • Which European cities are best for nature and outdoor activities?

    Nature lovers will enjoy Salzburg for its mountains and fresh air. Munich offers lake day trips and green city parks. In Innsbruck, you’re right in the Alps—great for skiing, hiking, and amazing views. MEININGER Hotels in these cities give you easy access to outdoor adventures and a comfy stay.

  • What are the top cities in Europe for food lovers?

    In Paris, enjoy fresh croissants, creamy butter, and cozy bistros. Marseille offers bold Mediterranean dishes and seafood straight from the market. Bordeaux brings wine, farmers markets, and local specialties like duck confit. Stay at a MEININGER Hotel and eat your way through these tasty cities.

  • What are the best cities in Europe for solo travelers?

    Solo travel is easy and fun in Budapest—relax in thermal baths and meet people in lively bars. Cologne has friendly vibes and scenic river walks. Zurich is peaceful, clean, and great for exploring museums or enjoying lake views. MEININGER Hotels are safe and social, perfect for solo stays.

  • Which European cities are best for families?

    Frankfurt offers museums, riverside walks, and cool skyscrapers. In Leipzig, kids will love the zoo and green parks, while adults can relax in cafés. Heidelberg feels like a storybook with castles, cobbled streets, and fun cable car rides. MEININGER Hotels make family travel easy and stress-free.

  • Where should I travel with my best friends in Europe?

    Traveling with friends? Try Barcelona for beaches, tapas, and Gaudí’s art—our new hotel opens there in late 2025. Kraków has cozy cafés, nightlife, and great food. Marseille mixes sea views, shopping, and wine. MEININGER Hotels are right where the fun happens.

  • What are the best cities in Europe for art, culture, and history?

    Vienna charms with museums, palaces, and coffeehouses. Rome is full of ancient landmarks, art, and delicious food. Venice feels like a dream—canals, carnival, and historic beauty at every turn. Stay close to the culture with MEININGER Hotels.

  • What are some trending European cities to visit right now?

    London is always buzzing with sights, shows, and museums—easy to reach from Paris or Amsterdam. Lisbon offers sunshine, trams, and Atlantic views—just a short flight from Marseille. Prague is full of charm and only 4.5 hours by train from Berlin. MEININGER Hotels connect you to them all.

  • How can I plan my Euro-trip based on my travel style?

    Pick cities that match your vibe. Love parties? Go for Berlin or Budapest. Into culture? Choose Rome or Vienna. Nature fans should try Innsbruck or Salzburg. For food, head to Paris or Bordeaux. Wherever you go, there’s a MEININGER Hotel waiting.

  • Can I travel across Europe by train and take it slow?

    Yes! Train travel is easy, scenic, and eco-friendly. Go from Berlin to Prague in 4.5 hours or from Paris to Amsterdam in just over 3. It’s a great way to relax and see more. Many MEININGER Hotels are near train stations, making your journey super smooth.

🛎️ Where will you go first?

From foodie finds in Bordeaux to museum days in Vienna to canal sunsets in Amsterdam, MEININGER Hotels are right where you want to be!
Comfortable rooms, social spaces, city-central locations, and a price that leaves more for souvenirs, tours and other fun stuff. 

Book your next stay today!🧳✨ 

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