Best hotels in Europe 2023
With glossy city-break options and high-glamour coastal havens, book a stay on the continent
Europe
Expert travel guides and holiday advice
Europe hosts 44 countries and so there are plenty of hotspots to explore throughout the continent. From Rome and Italy to Berlin and Germany, Europe is vast in its history. Whether you fancy a sunny setting on Spain's Barcelona beaches, or you're keen to hike up Switzerland's Matterhorn mountains, you can pick the holiday according to your preferences while in Europe. The Independent's travel experts have explored some of the best tourist attractions and hotels in Europe.
European Travel Inspiration
Stuck for travel inspiration? The Independents travel experts have curated the below travel destination roundups to help you decide on your next European trip from the best destinations by train to best apres-ski holiday destinations, budget destinations and more.
The best European holiday destinations to travel to by train
You don’t need to fly for a European break – avoid the plane and take the train this summer
The best European holiday destinations to travel to by train
You don’t need to fly for a European break – avoid the plane and take the train this summer
France
Whether you're visiting Toulouse or travelling to Paris, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout France.
The ultimate France travel guide
From sea to ski, culture to cuisine, our Gallic neighbour ticks just about every holiday box going
The ultimate France travel guide
From sea to ski, culture to cuisine, our Gallic neighbour ticks just about every holiday box going
Spain hotel reviews
Italy
From wine tasting in vineyards to shopping sprees, browse expert guides on what some of Italy's best cities have to offer.
The ultimate Italy travel guide
The boot is as much loved for its cuisine as it is for its ancient sights, romantic, art-filled cities, rural landscapes and bougie beach towns
The ultimate Italy travel guide
The boot is as much loved for its cuisine as it is for its ancient sights, romantic, art-filled cities, rural landscapes and bougie beach towns
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Germany
From Munich to Cologne, our travel experts have compiled handy guides on the best cities to visit in Germany.
The ultimate Germany travel guide
From the picturesque Black Forest to the pumping capital of Berlin, there’s more to entertain tourists than first meets the eye
The ultimate Germany travel guide
From the picturesque Black Forest to the pumping capital of Berlin, there’s more to entertain tourists than first meets the eye
Best Berlin hotels
Best hotels in Berlin 2023: stylish stays for all budgets
From burlesque-inspired boltholes to converted bathhouses, here are the best places to sleep in Europe’s coolest capital
Best budget hotels in Berlin
Fancy a city break that won’t break the bank? Here are 10 cheap and chic places to stay in the German capital
Portugal
From sandy stretches of the Algarve to picture-perfect cities like Porto, Portugal offers holiday experiences to suit every traveller. Our experts have reviewed hotels and tasted traditional cuisine across the country.
The ultimate Portugal travel guide
Sandy stretches, picture-perfect cities, rugged islands and superior surf swells: Portugal has something to suit every traveller
The ultimate Portugal travel guide
Sandy stretches, picture-perfect cities, rugged islands and superior surf swells: Portugal has something to suit every traveller
Portugal hotel reviews
Best Porto hotels for exploring Portugal’s second city on a budget
Whether you’re after some peace and quiet or a swish spa, Portugal’s second city has it all
Best hotels in Lisbon for partying relaxing and sightseeing
Our selection of the best hotels in the majestic Portugeuse capital
Greece
From buzzing nightlife in Mykonos to stunning sights of Santorini, there's so much to do across the wonderous Greek islands. Read our expert's travel guides on the best hotels and things to do
The ultimate Greece travel guide
From traditional idylls to party towns, hyper-luxe enclaves to low-key hippy hangouts, Greece’s myriad islands (and mainland) have something to offer every type of traveller
The ultimate Greece travel guide
From traditional idylls to party towns, hyper-luxe enclaves to low-key hippy hangouts, Greece’s myriad islands (and mainland) have something to offer every type of traveller
Croatia
From beautiful beaches to karst mountain ranges, Croatia boasts adventure and stunning scenery for all types of visitors.
The ultimate Croatia travel guide
From the iconic walled city of Dubrovnik to the Adriatic-adjacent darling of Istria, here’s where to explore on your next visit
The ultimate Croatia travel guide
From the iconic walled city of Dubrovnik to the Adriatic-adjacent darling of Istria, here’s where to explore on your next visit
Switzerland
Whether you're visiting Zurich or travelling to Bern, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout Switzerland.
The ultimate Switzerland travel guide
With world-class skiing, intriguing cities, scenic train rides and wide peaks and pastures of glorious nature, this European stunner has many underrated charms
The ultimate Switzerland travel guide
With world-class skiing, intriguing cities, scenic train rides and wide peaks and pastures of glorious nature, this European stunner has many underrated charms
Sweden
From sustainable travel to characterful Stockholm, browse expert guides on the best sights, hotels and attractions that Sweden has to offer.
Sweden travel guide: Everything you need to know
Hip cities, frozen lakes and the promise of the northern lights – the land of the midnight makes sun for a once-in-a-time travel destination
Sweden travel guide: Everything you need to know
Hip cities, frozen lakes and the promise of the northern lights – the land of the midnight makes sun for a once-in-a-time travel destination
Belgium
Expert city guides for you to read ahead of your next holiday to Belgium.
How to spend the perfect long weekend in Bruges this Christmas
Wrap up warm and hit the cobbled streets of Belgium’s most photogenic city this winter, advises Helen Coffey
How to spend the perfect long weekend in Bruges this Christmas
Wrap up warm and hit the cobbled streets of Belgium’s most photogenic city this winter, advises Helen Coffey
Austria
Whether you're exploring musical history in Vienna or travelling to Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout Austria.
Austria travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go
Explore music-loving Salzburg, exceptionally liveable Vienna, the idyllic lake district and pristine Alpine resorts
Austria travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go
Explore music-loving Salzburg, exceptionally liveable Vienna, the idyllic lake district and pristine Alpine resorts
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Malta
Malta is one of Europe's most popular travel destinations. Read expert guides on best things to do and where to stay in Malta, Gozo and Comino.
Finland
From meeting Father Christmas in Lapland to enjoying the best of Finnish culture in Helsinki, our travel experts have rounded up the best hotels and things to do across the country
The ultimate Finland travel guide
This trendy Nordic nation packs in an outdoorsy design capital, tiny islands and serene lakes with cabins and pines ‒ not to mention Lapland’s snowscapes and Northern Lights
The ultimate Finland travel guide
This trendy Nordic nation packs in an outdoorsy design capital, tiny islands and serene lakes with cabins and pines ‒ not to mention Lapland’s snowscapes and Northern Lights
Czech Republic
Expert city guides for you to read ahead of your next holiday to Prague, Ostrava or Brno.
Denmark
Whether you're on the hunt for delicious Danish pastries or visiting the iconic Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout Denmark.
Best hotels in Copenhagen for all budgets, location and style
Where to find stylish digs in the Danish capital
Best hotels in Copenhagen for all budgets, location and style
Where to find stylish digs in the Danish capital
Iceland
From beer spas to natural hot springs, ‘the land of ice and fire’ is a playground for adventurers and and nature lovers. Read expert guides on the best hotels, restaurants and things to do in Reykjavik and throughout Iceland.
The ultimate Iceland travel guide
Nicknamed ‘the land of ice and fire’ for its extreme landscapes, this remote island is a playground for adventure travellers and nature lovers
The ultimate Iceland travel guide
Nicknamed ‘the land of ice and fire’ for its extreme landscapes, this remote island is a playground for adventure travellers and nature lovers
Ireland
Whether you're looking for a ramble in Ireland's countryside, or you're after a lively city break in Dublin, Ireland is a great choice for a multi-stop tour or a nature-wrapped road trip. Our travel experts have found the best holidays and have reviewed the top hotels and chosen the best things to do that will suit any kind of traveller.
The ultimate Ireland travel guide
Pure, rambling countryside, lively city breaks, wholesome food and pints and dramatic coastline - Ireland is a great choice for a multi-stop tour or nature-wrapped road trip
The ultimate Ireland travel guide
Pure, rambling countryside, lively city breaks, wholesome food and pints and dramatic coastline - Ireland is a great choice for a multi-stop tour or nature-wrapped road trip
UK
From seaside breaks along the beautiful coastline to rambles in the glorious New Forest countryside, Britain offers the perfect escape for you. Our travel experts have reviewed hotels and compiled city guides across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The best UK holiday destinations for families
The British Isles have a plethora of child-friendly spots. Natalie Paris picks 10 of the best
The best UK holiday destinations for families
The British Isles have a plethora of child-friendly spots. Natalie Paris picks 10 of the best
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