It’s time to plan and execute our 2020 travel. If you’re stumped on where you should go next, consider somewhere in Europe. This continent offers both old and new architecture, amazing shopping, delicious foods and a chance to see how Europeans truly enjoy living.
Luckily for us, Travel & Leisure has released a list of the best places to travel in Europe in 2020. The list was compiled based on information from travel writers, advisors, and other travel experts.
According to a press release, the destinations are all “at the forefront of the global conversation” and “perennial favorite that are reinventing themselves in exciting ways.”
Here are the 10 European destinations you should visit in 2020:
Paros, Greece
If you are dreaming of traveling to Greece but want to avoid crowds, Paros is the ideal destination for your next vacation.
Stacey Leasca, a Travel & Leisure writer, says: “Paros is a place over-tourism forgot. The rugged Greek island, located smack in the middle of the Cyclades, can only be described as the cooler cousin of more populated islands like Mykonos and Santorini.”
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is a breeding ground for creatives in Georgia. This city is filled with artists, architects, chefs, and designers.
The capital city of Georgia is also seeing more wine bars and restaurants opening serving traditional Georgian cuisine.
Rijeka, Croatia
Another slept on European destination is Rijeka. Jonathan Thompson wrote for Travel & Leisure: “With amazing views of the Adriatic coast, blockbuster beaches, and a colorful Baroque heart — not to mention one of the world’s biggest Carnival celebrations — it’s a wonder that Rijeka isn’t better known.”
Thompson goes on to write, “But despite ticking pretty much every conceivable vacation box (toss in world-class museums, a bevy of top restaurants, and cinematic hikes in the surrounding mountains), it remains an under-the-radar Adriatic treasure.”
Lille, France
Lille is regarded as the World Capital of Design 2020 because of its advances in urban development.
Sarah Souli writes via Travel & Leisure: “The once-struggling industrial city of Lille is on its way to enjoying optimized public spaces thanks to a slew of sustainable design initiatives. It’s also quickly becoming a cosmopolitan oasis with new galleries, museums, restaurants, and boutiques.”
While in Lille, be sure to check out “La Piscine, an Art Deco indoor swimming pool turned art museum” and eateries serving mouthwatering French cuisine.
The Douro River, Portugal
You can visit The Douro River via a cruise with Viking River Cruises or explore on land.
Hannah Walhout writes via Travel & Leisure and shares: “On land, wineries like Quinta do Portal and Quinta do Seixo serve light reds, vinho verde, and the ubiquitous port. Stay in Porto at recent additions like the Art Deco stunner Le Monumental Palace or the art-filled Torel 1884, whose 12 rooms and 11 standalone apartments feature art inspired by fabrics, materials, and spices from faraway lands.”
Austria
Vienna has recently spent $240 million to redevelop the central train station and build new hotels.
“The country has reinvented itself, pouring resources into cutting-edge arts institutions while lovingly elevating the cultural jewels that made it so beloved in days gone by,” writes John Wray for Travel & Leisure.
Klitmøller, Denmark
This small Danish town is only a short trip driving to Thy National Park where you’ll see coastlines, lakes, forests, and dunes.
The town is regarded as “Cold Hawaii” because of its ideal conditions for surfing.
Manchester, United Kingdom
Manchester is one of the most rapid-growing cities in Europe and has an abundance of hip hotels like Hotel Brooklyn and Native Manchester.
Rome’s EUR District
Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR) is Rome’s business district. It was originally built in the 1930s for a World’s Far which never actually took place.
Today, it’s an ideal location for those who love architecture and exploring a commonly unseen side of Rome.
North Macedonia
This year, North Macedonia will be the host of Terra Madre Balkans, a food festival celebrating the “slow food” movement.
Courtney Lichterman writes for Travel & Leisure: “The newly renamed country has a wealth of historic sights, like the Kale (or fortress) in the capital, Skopje; Kokino, a megalithic observatory; and the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, on the outskirts of Bitola.”