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Continent guide

Europe travel guide

City breaks, island summers and Christmas markets, mostly a short flight from home

43countries (+1 territory)
1h–3h 30mflights from London
0 to +3 htime difference
Septemberbest-value month for most

Europe is the UK's back garden: most capitals are under three hours away, many are reachable by train, and a long weekend can take in Roman ruins, Alpine lakes or a Greek island.

Summer brings crowds and peak prices to the Mediterranean, so spring and early autumn are often the sweet spot. Winter is for skiing, northern lights in the Arctic north and festive markets in central Europe.

Map of Europe

Tap a country to open its guide. Highlighted: our top picks.

Top destinations in Europe

When to go: Europe month by month

March and September are the best-value months for the most destinations here: good weather without peak-season crowds or prices.

Jan: 3 countries at their best3JanFeb: 3 countries at their best3FebMar: 41 countries at their best41MarApr: 41 countries at their best41AprMay: 34 countries at their best34MayJun: 2 countries at their best2JunJul: 1 countries at their best1JulAug: 1 countries at their best1AugSep: 43 countries at their best43SepOct: 33 countries at their best33OctNov: 0 countries at their best0NovDec: 13 countries at their best13Dec
How many of Europe's 44 destinations are in their best-value season each month.

All 44 destinations in Europe