Top Europe Place to Take Your Travel Scrapbook

Best Times to Visit, Weather Expectations, Top Things to See, What to Pack, and What to Save For Your Travel Scrapbook

Europe is a treasure trove of iconic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. Whether you’re chasing history, indulging in world-class cuisine, or soaking in scenic views, there’s a destination for every traveler. To help you make the most of your journey, we’ve created a guide to 20 must-visit European destinations. Plus, find tips on what to pack, the best time to go, and what keepsakes to save for your Travel Scrapbook Journal.

1. Paris, France

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) or Fall (September to November) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Weather Expectations: Winters are chilly but magical, with temperatures around 3–7°C (37–45°F). Summers are warm, averaging 25°C (77°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
• Musée d'Orsay
• Seine River Cruise
• Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
• Palace of Versailles
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket in spring or fall, and a stylish outfit for Parisian cafes. Don’t forget a portable phone charger for all your photo ops.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Eiffel Tower entry tickets, metro passes, a sketch of the city skyline, and pressed flowers from Luxembourg Gardens.

2. Rome, Italy

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) or Fall (September to November) for pleasant weather.
Weather Expectations: Summers are hot, reaching 30°C (86°F). Winters are mild, around 8–12°C (46–54°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Trevi Fountain
• Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica
• Sistine Chapel
• Pantheon
• Piazza Navona
• Campo de' Fiori
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Trastevere neighborhood

What to Pack: Lightweight clothing in summer, comfortable sandals for cobblestone streets, and a scarf for church visits.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Entry tickets to the Colosseum or Vatican, a photo of your Trevi Fountain wish, and postcards of ancient ruins.

3. Santorini, Greece

Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm weather and sunny skies.
Weather Expectations: Summers are hot and dry, around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Spring and fall are cooler but still beautiful.
Top 10 Things to See:

• Oia sunset views
• Fira to Oia hiking trail
• Red Beach and Black Sand Beach
• Akrotiri Archaeological Site
• Amoudi Bay
• Wine tours and tastings
• Ancient Thera
• Pyrgos village
• Nea Kameni volcanic island
• Traditional Greek tavernas

What to Pack: Swimsuits, sunscreen, a sunhat, and breathable clothes. A lightweight jacket for evening breezes.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Photos of the blue-domed churches, sea glass, and restaurant menus with your favorite dishes.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Best Time to Visit: May to June or September to October for warm weather and fewer crowds.
Weather Expectations: Summers reach 29°C (84°F), while winters are mild, averaging 10–15°C (50–59°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Sagrada Familia
• Park Güell
• La Rambla
• Gothic Quarter
• Barceloneta Beach
• Montjuïc Castle
• Camp Nou Stadium
• Casa Batlló
• Picasso Museum
• Mercado de La Boqueria

What to Pack: Comfortable sandals for walking, lightweight clothes, and swimwear for beach days.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Park Güell entry tickets, market receipts, and Polaroids of La Rambla’s street performers.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Best Time to Visit: April to May for tulip season or September for fewer tourists.
Weather Expectations: Summers are mild, around 22°C (72°F). Winters can be cold and wet, averaging 2–7°C (36–45°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Anne Frank House
• Van Gogh Museum
• Rijksmuseum
• Canal boat tour
• Bloemenmarkt (flower market)
• Vondelpark
• Jordaan neighborhood
• Dam Square
• A’DAM Lookout
• De Negen Straatjes shopping district

What to Pack: Waterproof shoes, an umbrella, and a sweater for cooler evenings.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Tulip petals, canal tour tickets, and Polaroid photos of the charming houseboats.

6. Prague, Czech Republic

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) or Fall (September to November) for pleasant weather.
Weather Expectations: Winters can drop to -1°C (30°F), while summers average 20–27°C (68–81°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Charles Bridge
• Prague Castle
• Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock
• St. Vitus Cathedral
• Lennon Wall
• Wenceslas Square
• Vyšehrad Castle
• Petrín Tower
• Dancing House
• Beer gardens

What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a travel-sized backpack, and layered clothing.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Photos of Charles Bridge at sunrise, beer garden coasters, and a sketch of the Astronomical Clock.

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7. Vienna, Austria

Best Time to Visit: April to May or September to October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Weather Expectations: Summers are warm, around 25°C (77°F), while winters are chilly, averaging 0–5°C (32–41°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Schönbrunn Palace
• Belvedere Palace
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Vienna State Opera
• Hofburg Imperial Palace
• Prater Amusement Park and Giant Ferris Wheel
• Naschmarkt
• Kunsthistorisches Museum
• Mozart’s House
• Danube River cruises

What to Pack: Comfortable shoes for exploring palaces, a light scarf, and smart-casual attire for concerts or opera nights.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Concert ticket stubs, pressed flowers from Schönbrunn gardens, and postcards featuring Vienna’s Baroque architecture.

8. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Best Time to Visit: May to June or September for warm weather and fewer tourists.
Weather Expectations: Summers are hot, around 30°C (86°F), while winters are mild, averaging 10–13°C (50–55°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Old Town and City Walls
• Lovrijenac Fortress
• Stradun (main street)
• Rector’s Palace
• Lokrum Island
• Cable car to Mount Srđ
• Dubrovnik Cathedral
• Game of Thrones filming locations
• Banje Beach
• Day trips to the Elafiti Islands

What to Pack: Swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and light, breathable clothing.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Ferry tickets to Lokrum, city wall entry passes, and photos of the stunning Adriatic coastline.

9. Edinburgh, Scotland

Best Time to Visit: May to September for warmer weather and festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe.
Weather Expectations: Summers are cool, around 19°C (66°F), while winters average 0–7°C (32–45°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Edinburgh Castle
• Arthur’s Seat
• Royal Mile
• Holyrood Palace
• Princes Street Gardens
• Scott Monument
• National Museum of Scotland
• Victoria Street (Harry Potter inspiration)
• Greyfriars Kirkyard
• Dean Village

What to Pack: Layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes for hiking Arthur’s Seat.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Castle admission tickets, dried wildflowers from Arthur’s Seat, and photos of the Royal Mile.

10. Reykjavik, Iceland

Best Time to Visit: November to March for the Northern Lights, or June to August for the Midnight Sun.
Weather Expectations: Winters are cold, averaging -1 to 2°C (30–36°F), while summers are cool, around 10–13°C (50–55°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Blue Lagoon
• Hallgrímskirkja Church
• Harpa Concert Hall
• Northern Lights tours
• Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir, Thingvellir)
• Sun Voyager sculpture
• Whale watching tours
• Laugavegur shopping street
• Perlan Museum
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (day trip)

What to Pack: Thermal layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and a good-quality camera for capturing the Northern Lights.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Photos of the Northern Lights, Golden Circle entry passes, and postcards featuring Icelandic landscapes.

11. Budapest, Hungary

Best Time to Visit: May to June or September to October for pleasant weather.
Weather Expectations: Summers are warm, averaging 26–30°C (78–86°F). Winters are cold, around 0–5°C (32–41°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Buda Castle
• Parliament Building
• Széchenyi Thermal Baths
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Chain Bridge
• St. Stephen’s Basilica
• Gellért Hill and Citadella
• Ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter
• Heroes’ Square
• Margaret Island

What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit for the thermal baths, and a light jacket for evenings.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Thermal bath tickets, ruin bar coasters, and photos of the illuminated Parliament at night.

12. Lisbon, Portugal

Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to October for mild weather and fewer tourists.
Weather Expectations: Summers reach 28°C (82°F), while winters average 10–15°C (50–59°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• São Jorge Castle
• Belém Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery
• Alfama district
• Tram 28 ride
• LX Factory (creative hub)
• Praça do Comércio
• Oceanário de Lisboa (aquarium)
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint
• Day trip to Sintra

What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes for hills, light clothes, and a reusable water bottle.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Tram 28 tickets, pastel de nata wrappers, and sketches of Alfama’s tiled streets.

13. Copenhagen, Denmark

Best Time to Visit: May to September for outdoor activities and festivals.
Weather Expectations: Summers are mild, around 21°C (70°F). Winters are cold, averaging 0–3°C (32–37°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Nyhavn harbor
• Tivoli Gardens
• The Little Mermaid statue
• Amalienborg Palace
• Christiansborg Palace
• Rundetårn (Round Tower)
• Freetown Christiania
• Copenhagen Zoo
• Strøget shopping street
• Rosenborg Castle

What to Pack: Layers, a waterproof jacket, and casual yet stylish outfits for cafes.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Tivoli Gardens tickets, Nyhavn harbor photos, and maps of Freetown Christiania.

14. Cinque Terre, Italy

Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Weather Expectations: Summers are warm, around 25–30°C (77–86°F). Winters are mild, averaging 10–13°C (50–55°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Monterosso al Mare beaches
• Vernazza harbor
• Manarola village views
• Riomaggiore cliffside houses
• Corniglia terraces
• Cinque Terre hiking trails
• Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Path)
• Local wine vineyards
• Sunset boat tours
• Fresh seafood restaurants

What to Pack: Sturdy hiking shoes, light clothing, a sunhat, and a reusable water bottle.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Vineyard wine labels, postcards from each village, and a sketch of the colorful houses.

15. Istanbul, Turkey

Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to November for mild weather.
Weather Expectations: Summers are hot, around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Winters are cool, averaging 5–10°C (41–50°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Hagia Sophia
• Blue Mosque
• Topkapi Palace
• Grand Bazaar
• Bosphorus cruise
• Basilica Cistern
• Galata Tower
• Spice Bazaar
• Dolmabahçe Palace
• Balat neighborhood

What to Pack: Modest clothing for mosque visits, comfortable shoes for walking, and a light scarf.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Bazaar receipts, pressed spices in wax paper, and photos of the Bosphorus at sunset.

16. Salzburg, Austria

Best Time to Visit: May to September for outdoor activities or December for Christmas markets.
Weather Expectations: Summers are warm, averaging 24°C (75°F). Winters are cold, around 0°C (32°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Mirabell Palace and Gardens
• Salzburg Fortress
• Mozart’s birthplace
• Hellbrunn Palace
• Salzburg Cathedral
• Getreidegasse shopping street
• St. Peter’s Abbey
• Sound of Music filming locations
• Untersberg Mountain
• Residenzplatz square

What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and a small bag for souvenirs.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Tickets to the fortress, Sound of Music tour maps, and photos of Mirabell Gardens.

17. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Best Time to Visit: June to September for warm weather and water activities.
Weather Expectations: Summers are mild, around 25°C (77°F). Winters are cold, averaging -1°C (30°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Bled Castle
• Church of the Assumption on Bled Island
• Vintgar Gorge
• Lake Bled Pletna boat rides
• Ojstrica viewpoint hike
• Straža Bled tobogganing
• Triglav National Park
• Bled Cream Cake (a must-try dessert)
• Biking around the lake
• Day trips to Bohinj Lake

What to Pack: Comfortable hiking shoes, a swimsuit, and layers for cooler evenings.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Pletna boat tickets, pressed flowers, and photos of the lake from Ojstrica.

18. Berlin, Germany

Best Time to Visit: May to September for outdoor activities and festivals.
Weather Expectations: Summers are warm, around 24°C (75°F). Winters are cold, averaging 1–4°C (33–39°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Brandenburg Gate
• Berlin Wall Memorial
• East Side Gallery
• Reichstag Building
• Museum Island
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Alexanderplatz and TV Tower
• Tiergarten Park
• Charlottenburg Palace
• Holocaust Memorial

What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and a backpack for day trips.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Photos of street art, Berlin Wall tickets, and coasters from local beer gardens.

19. Bruges, Belgium

Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to November for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Weather Expectations: Summers are mild, averaging 21°C (70°F). Winters are cool, around 4–7°C (39–45°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Belfry of Bruges
• Market Square
• Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Lake of Love (Minnewater)
• Groeningemuseum
• Choco-Story Museum
• Windmills along Kruisvest
• Beer tastings at De Halve Maan Brewery
• Canal boat tours
• Historic center walking tours

What to Pack: Layers, an umbrella, and comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Brewery coasters, chocolate wrappers, and canal tour tickets.

20. Zurich, Switzerland

Best Time to Visit: June to August for warm weather or December to February for winter sports.
Weather Expectations: Summers are warm, around 24°C (75°F). Winters are cold, averaging 0°C (32°F).
Top 10 Things to See:

• Lake Zurich
• Old Town (Altstadt)
• Bahnhofstrasse shopping street
• Uetliberg Mountain
• Swiss National Museum
• Fraumünster Church
• Kunsthaus Zurich
• Lindenhof Hill
• Zurich Zoo
• Day trips to Rhine Falls

What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, layers for cooler evenings, and hiking gear if visiting the Alps.

What to Save for Your Travel Scrapbook: Boat cruise tickets, photos of Old Town, and pressed alpine flowers.

Capture Your European Adventures in Your  Travel Scrapbook

Your Travel Scrapbook Journal is the perfect way to preserve your European travels. Fill it with colorful maps, country checklists, journaling pages, and scrapbook sections for tickets, photos, and keepsakes. Whether you’re strolling through the streets of Paris or hiking in the Alps, this journal helps you turn every trip into a lasting memory.