Top 5 European Cities to Visit in Your 20s
In this article, I’ll be sharing my top 5 favorite European cities that I’ve visited in my 20s. These recommendations are based on my personal experiences and which cities I found had the best activities, people, food, and overall ambiance. Of course, there are plenty of amazing European cities I haven’t made it to yet, but these are my top picks so far!
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is my absolute top recommendation for people to visit in their 20s. I have a whole article with my Barcelona recommendations here, so I won’t go into too much detail. However, I will say that Barcelona has a little bit of everything. If you’re looking for a more laid-back trip, there are plenty of chic cocktail bars and stunning beaches. If you’re looking for a party-focused trip, the clubs here are unmatched, and the people are incredibly welcoming and outgoing. Since it’s a large metropolitan city, there are endless shops, neighborhoods, and restaurants to explore, along with museums and parks. Overall, Barcelona truly has something for everyone, and if you’ve been considering a visit, it’s a must-do in your 20s!
Amsterdam
I’ve visited Amsterdam multiple times since my boyfriend is Dutch, so I’ve had the chance to experience both girls’ trips and couples’ trips here. It’s safe to say that Amsterdam is an amazing city for your 20s! The nightlife is incredible if that’s something you’re looking for, but beyond that, the city offers a huge variety of restaurants, is very walkable, and has a vibrant young international community. Whether you want to explore the canals, visit museums, or enjoy cozy cafés, Amsterdam has something for everyone. I’ve done some great canal boat tours and the endless cozy streets make for a hours of exploring. I will always recommend this city to people who are wanting a bigger city with a more peaceful feeling.
London
I recently visited London for New Year’s and absolutely loved it! It’s a great destination to visit with friends or even as a solo traveler in your 20s. London feels much bigger than some of the other cities on this list, which means getting around can take more time, and you may need a few extra days to see everything on your list. There are endless museums, markets, and parks to explore, many of which are free! No matter which neighborhood you stay in, you’ll find an incredible variety of bars and restaurants to explore. However, the pub scene is unmatched—you could easily spend an entire night pub-hopping with friends. This city is guaranteed to be packed full of amazing activities.
Ibiza
Ibiza is the ultimate party destination in your 20s. I went a few years ago during peak season for a weekend, and honestly, three days here is the perfect amount—especially if you’re going out all day and night. The island is home to world-famous clubs like Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa, both of which were some of the most fun nights I’ve ever had. Even if clubbing isn’t your thing, Ibiza still has so much to offer, from stunning beaches and, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of boat rental options for groups, where you can go island hopping, scuba diving, or enjoy a sunset cruise with music and drinks. Ibiza also has a vibrant food scene, with everything from authentic Spanish tapas to trendy fusion restaurants. The island is breathtaking, and the vibes here are truly unmatched.
Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is another party island, but even if you’re not into nightlife, it’s absolutely stunning. I didn’t spend too much time here since I was doing a week-long boat tour through multiple Croatian islands (I did Yacht Week—highly recommend doing this in your 20s!), but Hvar was one of my favorite stops. The bars stay busy all night long, and there’s even Carpe Diem, a club on its own island! Beyond the nightlife, Croatia’s scenery and beaches are gorgeous and, in my opinion, underrated compared to Italy and other popular destinations. Plus, Croatia is much more affordable, making it a great option if you’re traveling on a budget.
What other European cities do I want to visit?
Europe has endless desirable destinations for visiting in your 20s. If you are looking for some more inspiration, these are the cities that are on my list to visit in my 20s. These have been recommended to me by friends and other avid travelers as some other must visit cities.
Budapest
Prague
Mallorca
Lisbon/Porto
If you’ve been to any of these cities, let me know your thoughts! Where’s your favorite place in Europe to visit in your 20s?