If you’re set on making your dream trip to Europe happen this year, start planning now. Pick your destination and set your course. Europe is vast, full of wonders, and choosing just one place isn’t easy. But don’t fret. No matter where you go, you won’t regret it. Europe never fails those who seek it. To help you decide, here’s a list of places you shouldn’t miss.
Must-Visit European Gems for 2025
1. Monaco, Best European Destination 2025
EBD’s top pick is the ultimate escape, named Best Destination in Europe 2025. Travelers and tourism experts chose it as the must-see place of the year. This city on the French Riviera leads in luxury done right—sustainable, mindful, and built to last. It protects its seas, grows green, and keeps its beauty without waste. People want that now. They want more than glitter. They want meaning.
Monaco stands above the rest. More travelers have chosen it than any other Riviera spot since the start of the competition. It has what they seek—grandeur without guilt. Fine food, culture, sport, and endless events. A place to rest or revel. To escape or indulge. Whether for lovers, families, or those who want the best, Monaco delivers.
2. Riga, Latvia
Latvia’s capital is a city of great history. Riga attracts tourists who want to see beautiful places, history and the spirit of the real life. They refer to it as the ‘Paris of the North’ but it has the aura of a city that is unique. Streets lined with Art Nouveau. Markets full of color. A city that combines the old and the new in a harmonious manner.
Riga is the rising star of the Baltics. Being called the best Baltic destination, it quickly rises in the ranks of the most popular European resorts. Arrivals increased by 14% as people were attracted by its appeal, its development, its potential. In the middle of the city, there is the old town which seems to be preserved from the ancient times. A UNESCO site, its medieval landmarks—Riga Cathedral, the House of the Blackheads—tell stories in stone.
3. Dubrovnik & Cavtat, Croatia
Dubrovnik sits on the Adriatic, a city of stone and sea. It is the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and it earns the name. Ancient walls stand tall. The water is clear, deep, endless. History lingers in the air, in the streets of the old city, where cobblestones wind past baroque facades and quiet squares. A UNESCO site, it draws those who love the past and those who seek the finest—five-star hotels, fine dining, and hidden island retreats.
This year, Dubrovnik and Cavtat stood together. One, grand and storied. The other, calm and rare. Cavtat, called the “New St. Tropez,” is rising fast, a haven for those who want peace with their luxury. Its beaches are untouched, its boutique hotels quiet and refined. A quarter of American travelers chose it, drawn to its balance—exclusive, yet within reach.
For true luxury and quiet, go to Cavtat. Just a short drive from Dubrovnik, it is Europe’s Most Exclusive Destination. Fewer crowds, more peace. A place of beauty—a marina that shimmers, a waterfront made for slow walks, a town with history in its stones. It holds the Most Beautiful Bay in Europe, and it shows. For those who love the sea, Dubrovnik’s coast has it all. The soft sands of Banje Beach. The clear, blue depths of Sveti Jakov. A place to swim, to rest, to chase the sun.
4. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is a city of old and new. It pulls you in and does not let go. Spain’s capital is alive—its history deep, its art bold, its food unmatched. The nights last long, the streets hum with life. The energy never fades.
5. Namur, Belgium
Namur is rising. Once quiet, now full of life, it is one of Europe’s most forward-moving cities. A place where elegance meets nature. The capital of French-speaking Wallonia, it sits where the Meuse and Sambre rivers meet, offering history, fine food, and the great outdoors. Culture lovers come for its past. Nature lovers for its beauty. Couples for its charm.
Voted “Best City Break in Europe 2025,” Namur is no longer a secret. It is a city of ideas, of growth, of promise. Green spaces stretch wide, carbon-free goals push forward, and new businesses take root. It is a city to visit, but also one to stay in. With boutique hotels, fine dining, and stylish bars, it is the Romantic & Cultural Getaway of the year.
Read more updates at TheScoopVilla.
James Parker is a writer and curator of all things that make life a little more vibrant. Whether it’s whipping up delicious meals in the lifestyle, Home decor, or discovering hidden travel gems. On this blog, he shares tips, tricks, and personal anecdotes to help you navigate the wonderful world of men’s fashion, travel, food, etc.]