Europe Unfiltered: My 12 Favorite Countries—And 3 That Left Me Disappointed
After countless train rides, café stops, and winding alleyway strolls, I’ve come to realize that not all European destinations live up to the hype. Some places charmed me instantly with their atmosphere, food, or unexpected warmth.
Others—despite the glowing travel brochures—felt a bit underwhelming or too polished for their own good. In this honest round-up, I’ll walk you through 12 countries that stole a piece of my heart, and 3 that, while still beautiful, didn’t quite match the magic I was hoping for.
Agree or disagree, that’s the fun of travel—every journey writes a different story.
1. Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice
Nothing prepared me for Iceland’s otherworldly beauty. Driving the Ring Road feels like traversing multiple planets in a single day – from black sand beaches to turquoise geothermal pools.
My favorite memory? Soaking in a remote hot spring under the midnight sun, completely alone except for a few curious sheep nearby. The landscape constantly surprises with its contrasts.
Despite the eye-watering prices (a simple sandwich can cost $20!), Iceland’s raw, untamed wilderness makes every króna worth it. I left feeling humbled by nature’s power and already planning my return during winter for the Northern Lights.
2. Switzerland: Precision-Perfect Alpine Paradise
Switzerland knocked me sideways with its postcard perfection. Every train arrives exactly on time, every chocolate tastes divine, and every mountain view seems impossibly beautiful.
Hiking through the Bernese Oberland, I stumbled upon a tiny mountain restaurant where an elderly couple served homemade cheese they’d produced from their own cows. These authentic moments balance out the country’s admittedly high prices.
What surprised me most was how multilingual and diverse Swiss culture is. Four official languages create distinct regional personalities within a country smaller than some US states. Switzerland isn’t just pretty – it’s fascinating.
3. Croatia: The Mediterranean’s Hidden Gem
Croatia won me over instantly with its perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Dubrovnik’s ancient walls rising from the sapphire Adriatic Sea create an unforgettable first impression.
Away from the coast, Plitvice Lakes National Park revealed cascading waterfalls connecting sixteen lakes in shades of emerald and turquoise. I spent hours wandering wooden pathways, mesmerized by the colors.
The food deserves special mention – fresh seafood, truffle-infused everything, and homemade rakija (fruit brandy) offered by welcoming locals. Croatia delivers Mediterranean magic without the crowds and prices of its western neighbors. I’ve recommended it to countless friends.
4. Spain: Passionate, Vibrant, and Deliciously Diverse
Spain’s diversity continually amazes me. Each region feels like its own country – from Catalonia’s fiercely independent spirit to Andalusia’s Moorish influences and Basque Country’s unique language and cuisine.
My favorite Spanish memory? Getting lost in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, stumbling upon a tiny bar where locals taught me to drink from a porron (wine pitcher) without spilling. I failed spectacularly but laughed harder than I had in years.
The Spanish approach to life – prioritizing connection, conversation, and enjoyment – resonates deeply with me. Their late-night dining culture initially seemed strange but now feels natural. Spain taught me to slow down and savor moments.
5. Portugal: Soulful Atlantic Charm
Portugal captivated me with its melancholic beauty and genuine warmth. Listening to fado music in a tiny Lisbon tavern, I felt the Portuguese concept of saudade – a bittersweet longing that permeates their culture.
The country offers incredible value compared to other Western European destinations. I stayed in a renovated palace in Porto for less than a basic hotel would cost in Paris. The seafood is extraordinary – grilled sardines, salt cod, and octopus rice dishes that still haunt my dreams.
What I treasure most about Portugal is its authenticity. Despite growing tourism, it maintains its soul and traditions. Even in busy areas, locals prioritize quality of life over tourist dollars.
6. Greece: Beautiful but Overhyped Disappointment
I hate admitting this, but Greece left me feeling underwhelmed. The iconic sites like the Acropolis were smaller than expected and swarming with selfie sticks. Santorini, while undeniably photogenic, felt like an Instagram backdrop rather than an authentic place.
My biggest disappointment came from the tourist-oriented food scene. Finding genuine local cuisine required serious effort, with many restaurants serving mediocre versions of Greek classics at inflated prices.
Don’t get me wrong – Greece has incredible history and some truly beautiful spots. Perhaps my expectations were too high or I visited at peak season. I’d give it another chance, but would explore lesser-known islands and mainland areas instead of the tourist hotspots.
7. France: Where Everyday Life Becomes Art
France taught me that beauty lies in the ordinary. Watching Parisians debate passionately over coffee, observing families enjoying lengthy Sunday lunches, or discovering a perfect village boulangerie – these simple moments reveal French cultural DNA.
Beyond Paris, I fell for Provence’s lavender fields and Dordogne’s prehistoric caves. The diversity surprised me – each region fiercely maintains its distinct cuisine and traditions.
Yes, I encountered the infamous French rudeness occasionally, but more often experienced kindness when I attempted even basic French phrases. France rewards curiosity and effort. My fondest memory? An elderly vineyard owner in Burgundy spending hours explaining his family’s winemaking traditions, despite my limited language skills.
8. Italy: Where Every Meal Becomes a Memory
Italy seduced me through my stomach first. The simplicity of Italian cuisine – where four perfect ingredients create flavors that haunt you forever – reflects their entire approach to life.
What surprised me most was discovering Italy beyond the famous triangle of Rome-Florence-Venice. In Puglia, I stayed in a converted trullo (conical stone house) amongst ancient olive groves. Sicily revealed Greek temples better preserved than many in Greece itself.
Italians’ passion for debate, family, and regionalism charmed me completely. Their animated conversations about which town makes the best pasta shape or whether coffee should contain milk after morning hours reveal a culture that cares deeply about traditions. Italy isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly Italian.
9. Austria: Alpine Elegance with Musical Soul
Austria combines German efficiency with Mediterranean warmth in a uniquely appealing blend. Vienna’s coffee houses – where patrons linger for hours with a single melange – taught me the art of productive relaxation.
Hiking through the Tyrolean Alps revealed picture-perfect villages where traditional farming still thrives. I stumbled upon a local festival where men in lederhosen competed in wood-chopping contests while children danced to accordion music.
The musical heritage runs deep – attending a Mozart concert in the Salzburg palace where he once performed created goosebumps I’ll never forget. Austria balances its imperial past with modern innovation seamlessly. Even small towns offer cultural experiences that would be major attractions elsewhere.
10. Norway: Fjords, Folk Tales, and Future-Focused Living
Norway’s landscapes left me speechless. Cruising through Geirangerfjord, watching waterfalls cascade directly into mirror-like water beneath towering cliffs, I understood why Norse mythology features such powerful nature gods.
Beyond natural beauty, Norway’s social innovations impressed me deeply. Their prison system focuses on rehabilitation, their gender equality is world-leading, and their sovereign wealth fund ensures oil profits benefit future generations.
The high prices initially shocked me – $15 for a basic beer! – but I came to appreciate the reasoning: Norwegians prioritize fair wages and sustainable practices. Their traditional wooden stave churches and ultramodern architecture reflect a culture honoring its past while boldly embracing the future.
11. Netherlands: Flat Land, Colorful Thinking
I wanted to love the Netherlands. The picturesque canals, cycling culture, and famous Dutch directness seemed right up my alley. Unfortunately, my experience fell flat outside Amsterdam.
Rotterdam’s modern architecture impressed me, but many smaller towns felt interchangeable and lacked the charm I’d anticipated. Dutch cuisine – beyond stroopwafels and cheese – left me uninspired. Perhaps I missed something essential?
What disappointed me most was the commercialization of Dutch culture. Windmills and wooden shoes packaged as tourist experiences felt inauthentic. I recognize this might reflect poor planning on my part rather than the country itself. The Netherlands deserves another chance – next time with local guidance.
12. Denmark: Hygge-Filled Haven of Design and Happiness
Denmark taught me that simplicity can be revolutionary. Copenhagen’s bike-friendly streets, harbor swimming areas, and urban planning create a lifestyle that prioritizes wellbeing over consumption.
The Danish concept of hygge (cozy contentment) reveals itself everywhere – from candlelit cafés to thoughtfully designed public spaces. I visited during winter and was amazed how Danes embrace the darkness with outdoor fire pits and lantern-lit gardens.
Their design sensibility – functional, beautiful, and accessible – extends beyond furniture to their entire society. Visiting a Danish kindergarten, I saw how even spaces for children are created with respect and intention. Denmark isn’t flashy, but its quiet intelligence makes it one of Europe’s most livable countries.
13. Belgium: Underwhelming Despite the Chocolate
Belgium should have been a slam-dunk with its chocolate, beer, and medieval architecture. However, my time there left me strangely unmoved. Brussels felt like a city searching for identity – part administrative center, part tourist attraction, without the cohesion of other European capitals.
Bruges, while undeniably pretty, seemed preserved specifically for tourists rather than as a living, breathing city. The famous Belgian friendliness didn’t materialize during my visit, with several uncomfortable interactions with service staff.
The redeeming qualities were culinary – waffles with speculoos spread, frites with dozens of sauce options, and abbey-brewed beers. Still, I left feeling Belgium might be better experienced as a day trip rather than a destination itself.
14. Hungary: Thermal Waters and Turbulent History
Hungary surprised me with its complexity and contradictions. Budapest straddles the line between East and West – Ottoman Turkish baths exist alongside grand Hapsburg architecture and Soviet-era monuments.
My favorite discovery was Hungary’s thermal bath culture. Soaking in the 16th-century Király Baths among locals playing chess in steaming pools offered a glimpse into everyday Hungarian life. The country’s food deserves more international recognition – paprika-spiced goulash, langos (fried bread with toppings), and Tokaji wines were revelations.
Hungary’s complicated political situation created occasional tension during conversations with locals. Yet this complexity makes it fascinating – a nation continually reinventing itself while honoring traditions that have survived empires, wars, and revolutions.
15. Czech Republic: Bohemian Soul Beyond Prague
Czech Republic charmed me instantly with its fairytale aesthetics and no-nonsense attitude. Prague’s spires and astronomical clock justify their fame, but my heart belongs to lesser-known spots like Český Krumlov and Telč.
The beer culture transcends drinking – it’s a social institution. In small-town breweries, I watched multigenerational families gathering for Sunday lunch, sharing plates of goulash and dumplings while debating politics and sports.
What impressed me most was the Czech resilience and dry humor. Their history includes centuries of outside domination, yet they’ve maintained their language and identity. The puppetry traditions, folk art, and literature reflect a creative spirit that survived oppression. Czech Republic offers Central European magic without Western European prices.