Your twenties are the perfect time to travel. You appreciate it more, you’re not really tied down, and you probably...
Best Museums in Edinburgh, Scotland
So you’ve landed in Edinburgh, dropped your bag at the hostel, and you’re ready for a pr...
Your twenties are the perfect time to travel. You appreciate it more, you’re not really tied down, and you probably have a little more money to splurge on a trip away. Europe is the best continent to travel whatever age you might be, but our twenties are our prime! Make the most of all the fun that Europe has to offer before you enter a world of careers and babies. From dancing in Dublin to bathing in Budapest, here are some amazing things to do in Europe before you hit 30.
Karaoke in an amphitheatre in Berlin
On a trip to the German capital, make sure you’re there on a Sunday for the Mauerpark Karaoke. What used to be a pretty small thing has snowballed into one of the best Sunday activities in Berlin! Those who are brave enough go down into the amphitheatre and sing their hearts out to an absolute banger – a real bucket list entry you’ve got to do before you hit 30.
Bottomless brunch in London
Bottomless brunch is a big thing in London, especially for twenty-somethings. We’re talking unlimited prosecco or mimosas with a tasty brunch, and they’re in restaurants and cafes everywhere. These days, boozy brunches don’t even have to break the bank. For example the bottomless brunch at Belushi’s is just £20 for food AND endless mimosas for two hours! If you fancy getting a bit tipsy in London without spending a fortune on expensive cocktails and club entry, bottomless brunches are the way to go – plus they’re that little bit more sophisticated.
Do the Irish jig in Dublin
Famous for pints of Guinness, unbelievable ‘craic’, and Irish dancing, you’ve got to get your jig on at least once during a trip to Dublin. The Irish capital has traditional pubs on every corner, hosting live music and the best whiskey and Guinness pours in the world! Try your best traditional Irish dancing along to the live music at the world famous Temple Bar where you know the bands are gonna be good as they only hire the best of the best.
Canal Party in Amsterdam
For big events throughout the year, Amsterdam turns into a giant party. Amsterdammers get on their canal boats, inviting others on board to party down the canals with crates of beer, music and an insane atmosphere. King’s Day is one of the biggest street parties in Europe, and definitely the biggest in Amsterdam, celebrating their King’s birthday with live music, street food and a sea of people dressed in the Netherlands’ national colour, orange. Thousands of people flock to Amsterdam for King’s Day at the end of every April to be part of the giant celebrations, and if you ever get the chance to go, it could be a real highlight of your twenties!
Watch the sunset at the Bunkers in Barcelona
Barcelona is a bucket list city in itself, but when you do make it there, be sure to save an evening for the Carmel Bunkers. Sunset at the bunkers is something special, with 360 panoramic views over the city and the ocean turning a stunning shade of orange. Check out our full Carmel Bunkers guide to find out more about it and how to get there.
Go on a bar crawl in Bruges
Belgium is a beer capital of the world, and Bruges is one of the best Belgian cities to experience it in local style. Enjoy the city of Bruges on a very cultured pub crawl – some of the oldest buildings in the city are pubs that are still serving the stuff! There are more than enough amazing beer bars to warrant a full day of touring the best beer in the city. Some are tucked away down tiny alleys and some have lovely little beer gardens, perfect for a sunny day.
Ride Europe’s oldest running roller coaster in Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens is home to Europe’s oldest operating wooden roller coaster, which also happens to be the 3rd oldest in the world. ‘The Roller Coaster’ dates all the way back to 1914, meaning it’s been zooming around for 105 years! When in Copenhagen, tick this off your pre-30 list. We recommend that you head to the theme park for after dark when the coaster tracks and decorative pagodas are all lit up and looking pretty magical!
Hop around the Greek islands
Pack a backpack and spend a week (or 10) hopping around Europe’s island paradise. The Greek islands have some of the most beautiful beaches on the continent, and some of the most jaw-dropping views. The cliffside blue and white houses of Santorini, the shipwreck off a pristine beach in Zakynthos, the beach bars in Mykonos, every island has its own unique identity. Whether you’re going away with a group of friends or your other half, the islands of Greece are a real treat to experience.
Twilight Picnic on the Champs de Mars in Paris
What’s more romantic than visiting the City of Love? A picnic beneath the glistening Eiffel Tower. Buy yourself some fresh bread and cheese, pack a bottle of wine and sit on a blanket to enjoy the iconic tower as it’s all lit up after dark. Paris is on every European bucket list, but this quintessentially Parisian thing to do is a highlight you just have to experience.
Row to the church on Lake Bled
Slovenia’s Lake Bled is one of the most idyllic stops on a tour of Europe. The turquoise blue water surrounds a little island, upon which stands a charming old church – nothing is more picture-perfect. Either hire a rowing boat to get to the centre, or don your swimmers, jump in and brave the swim (it’s longer than you’d think!).
Skydive over Interlaken
If you’re even a little bit intrigued to do a skydive, you have simply GOT to do it. Interlaken in Switzerland is Europe’s top spot for a bit of plane jumping, so whether it’s your first time or 500th time, it’s a real bucket list place to do it. After a 15 minute flight up to the right altitude, you’ll freefall over the two bright turquoise lakes and the famous peaks in the Swiss Alps. It’s a seriously spectacular skydive, but you can also paraglide, bungee jump, rock climb, kayak and way more in Interlaken, too.
Hike up Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh
If you’ve not been already, make sure Edinburgh gets a spot on your pre-30 hit list. The Scottish capital is full of history with countless quirky bars and cafes to keep you entertained for days. Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano where from the top you’ll find the most incredible views over Edinburgh. The hike doesn’t have to be too strenuous as there’s more than one route, but it would definitely make for a great hangover cure!
Relax in a thermal spa in Budapest
The capital of Hungary is famous for its ancient thermal baths, so when in Europe it would be rude not to. The most well known thermal spa in Budapest is called Szechenyi which is beautiful but it does get pretty packed with tourists. Veli Bej, Kiraly, Gellert and Rudas are still busy but much less visited, so you can lie back and relax in the warm water without people-dodging the whole time.
See the Christmas markets in Prague
Prague is incredible at every time of year, but if you’ve already been in summer then Christmas time is a whole different feeling. Prague is one of the best cities in Europe for Christmas markets, so if you’re trying to decide on a festive city break this December, you won’t regret it. The charming Christmas trinket stalls and local winter food carts take over the Old Town Square with a giant, lit up tree in the middle of it all.
Eat pastel de natas in Lisbon
For the major foodies out there, make Lisbon a priority. The city is stuffed with amazing restaurants that serve up some of the freshest seafood in Europe, but pastel de natas are at the top of every visitor’s must-eat list. The flaky pastry cases packed with creamy custard are like bites of heaven. Pasteis de Belem is the most famous place that serves them in the city, but you’ll find that pastry shops all over Lisbon bake them just as well.
Don your lederhosen for Oktoberfest in Munich
Oktoberfest is a massive folk festival in Germany where steins of beer and lederhosen fancy dress is the norm. Not just thousands, but millions of beer lovers attend Munich Oktoberfest every year to experience the biggest beer festival in the world. If you’re after something epic to do with a group of friends in Europe, Oktoberfest is a must!
Go on a European road trip
The ultimate before-you-hit-30 thing to do. Book a few weeks off work and set off on a European adventure. Europe lends itself perfectly to an epic, long road trip whether you’re going by car or train. You’ve got all these landlocked countries, plus they’re small enough to be able to cross in a matter of hours, days at most. Hire a car, map out a rough route and get driving. Otherwise, it’s never too late in life to go Interrailing! Buy your interrail pass and you don’t have to worry about foreign city driving, just hop between trains and you’ve got brand new cities at your fingertips.
