Europe isn't just a patchwork of must-see cities and postcard-perfect landscapes—it's home to some of the world’s most unforgettable must-do experiences. We're talking about the things people dream of doing their whole lives. These are moments of pure adrenaline, joy, awe and cultural connection that go beyond sightseeing. This isn't a list of best places to go—it's a list of things to do. Whether you're sabering champagne in the French countryside or watching the aurora swirl above the Arctic Circle, these Europe bucket-list experiences for couples, friends, and solos deliver stories you'll tell forever.
1. Run with the Bulls at San Fermín — Pamplona, Spain
Each July, during the weeklong San Fermín festival, Pamplona fills with parades, music and age-old rituals—most famously the early morning bull run. Runners sprint ahead of bulls through the old town’s narrow streets, carrying on a centuries-old tradition filled with risk, spectacle and pride.
2. Chug a Maß at Oktoberfest — Munich, Germany
From late September to early October, millions gather in Munich to celebrate the culture of Bavaria at the world’s largest beer festival. Raise a liter stein in massive tents, sing along to brass bands and dig into bratwurst and roast chicken in a tradition that’s been going strong since 1810.
3. Sled beneath the Northern Lights in Arctic Lapland— Finland
Between September and March, head to Finland’s Arctic region to see the aurora borealis dance across the winter skies. To make it truly unforgettable, join a husky or reindeer-sled safari through pristine wilderness. Ride into silence, gather around a fire and hear stories of Sami lore and solar magic.
4. Attend a Sparty at Széchenyi Baths — Budapest, Hungary
On select Saturdays from spring through fall, Budapest’s grandest thermal bathhouse transforms into a late-night party with lasers, DJs and crowds soaking in warm mineral pools. It’s a mashup of wellness and nightlife in a setting that dates back over a century.
5. Saber Champagne in the Champagne Region — France
Available year-round in Épernay and Reims, sabrage lets you open a champagne bottle with a blade—a dramatic tradition tied to Napoleonic lore. It’s the ultimate way to toast after a tour and tasting in the region where true Champagne is born.
6. Follow the Alpabzug Parade — Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Every September, Alpine villages celebrate the cows’ return from summer pastures. Adorned with flower crowns and giant bells, the animals parade through town in a festive tradition filled with music, folklore and the last flavors of Alpine summer.
7. Taste Port Wine in a Cellar — Porto, Portugal
Porto isn’t just a city—it’s the birthplace of port wine. In the cool riverside cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, just across from the old town, you can taste aged ports straight from the barrel and learn how this Portuguese fortified wine became the country’s most iconic export.
8. Experience the Dubrovnik Summer Festival — Croatia
From mid-July to late August, Dubrovnik’s old town transforms into a citywide stage for music, theater and dance. With performances set in fortresses, courtyards and cliffside squares, it’s a rare blend of culture and scenery you won’t find anywhere else.
9. Attend a Premier League Football Match — England
From August to May, stadiums across England roar to life with Premier League action. Whether you're watching a local rivalry or a championship clash, the chants, atmosphere and passion make it one of the most electric live experiences in Europe.
10. Celebrate Midsummer Night — Swedish Countryside, Sweden
On the weekend closest to June 21, Swedes mark the summer solstice with flower crowns, maypole dances and long outdoor feasts. Celebrated in the countryside under nearly endless daylight, Midsummer is the heart of Swedish summer tradition.
