Lonely Planet's best places in Europe 2015

Europe is the world’s second-smallest continent, but has the second-largest population. It has a landscape that ranges frozen tundra and forests of the north to the hot, dry hills of the Mediterranean region. Vast fertile grasslands stretch between the mountains of the Alps in the west and the Ural Mountains in the east, which separate Europe from Asia. Europe is a crowded continent, with over 40 different countries, so choosing the right destination can be overwhelming if you’re planning a trip.

Lonely Planet are here to help, and their experienced travel team have selected the best places in Europe to visit in 2015. Download the travel guides or choose a chapter. Enjoy!

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1. Akureyri, Iceland

Five years ago tourism to Iceland was low-key. Now, after a currency crash, two volcanic eruptions, and five seasons of Game of Thrones, Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and distinctive culture are firmly on the map.


It’s easy to see why this ramshackle yet chic city has been touted as the ‘new Berlin’: students, artists and entrepreneurs are flocking here in search of cheap digs and a fresh scene.


The Azores are a long way from anywhere, which helps to explain why they’re one of Europe’s best-kept travel secrets.


Laid-back Málaga boasts sunshine, beaches, seafood and a historic centre crammed with atmospheric alleyways. So far, so good. But one thing you might not have expected from a city that’s the gateway to the resort-lined Costa del Sol is a world-class cultural scene.


Wearing its elegant but crumbling facades as a badge of honour, Belgrade has emerged as Europe’s in-the-know destination in recent years. 


As host of Expo 2015, Milan might be hogging the headlines right now. But turn your sights west to the nearby region of Piedmont and you'll discover there's a lot going on in Turin.


Although it sits on the Caspian Sea between Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan’s capital Baku sees itself as a part of Europe... and it’s one of the continent's fastest-changing urban spaces.


With its photogenic canals, masterpiece-packed museums, ubiquitous bicycle paths, flower-filled markets, nightlife that needs no introduction, and a cosmopolitan foodie scene; there's never a bad time to visit Amsterdam.


Tromsø's star has been rising and rising in recent years. The ‘Arctic capital’ abounds with adventures thanks to snow-crowned mountains and big wilderness in its backyard.


Move over Lisbon – now everyone is talking about the Portuguese capital's bright, soulful, party-loving northern sister. Scooping awards left, right and centre as one of Europe's best (and cheapest) destinations, Porto has the verve of a city finding its creative feet.

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