Travel Bucket List: 30 Places to Visit Before You Turn 30By Emily Mertens
From renowned capitals to hushed hidden gems, it’s about time you take a look at our ultimate bucket list travel adventures. Whether you’re planning an extravagant solo-trip or wanting to jet-hop with your best friend, make sure these destinations are ticked off if they haven’t been already. Here’s our top 30 places to visit before you turn 30:
1/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Paris, France
Paris is an absolute must destination to experience before you turn 30. Ditch the crowded attractions (the Eiffel Tower looks much better from a distance anyway) and instead head to the array of trendy coffee shops littered around the capital to truly feel like a local. An obvious yet popular choice – it’s safe to say most people have the City of Love on their bucket list.
Fly from London: In 1 hour 15 minutes.
2/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Rome, Italy
Let your inner-Lizzie McGuire loose (but don’t get your hopes up – you probably won’t get whisked away on a motorbike by a handsome stranger like in the film) and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain’s ice-cold waters. The Colosseum, Spanish steps and range of museums are just a few reasons as to why Rome has made it onto our top places to visit before you turn 30 list. Discover 5 of the best things you need to eat in Rome right here.
Fly from London: In 2 hours 30 minutes.
3/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Venice, Italy
With its singing gondoliers, famed cuisine and winding cobbled streets, Venice is another must-visit destination in Europe. Avoid the crowds and visit during May when the warmer weather is just starting to make an appearance. Make the most of the lack of transport and spend hours getting lost between churches and chapels – we’re almost certain you’ll stumble across many camouflaged gems.
Fly from London: In just over 2 hours.
4/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: New York, USA
The Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps, The City of Dreams. Famed for its towering skyline and engaging atmosphere, immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of this unique city. Take a jog along Central Park like Rachel and Phoebe from Friends, visit the must-see landmark that is the Statue of Liberty, and, of course, enjoy the huge variety of foods on offer. Discover the best things to do in New York on the official site here.
Fly from London: In just over 8 hours.
5/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Prague, Czech Republic
A small capital, Prague acts as the perfect weekend-break destination. Although a popular choice for stag dos, Prague can also host an intimate escape with a loved one – take a picturesque evening cruise and watch as the gleaming lights engulf the city. From architectural castles to the historic Charles Bridge, Prague is a city break that must be done.
Fly from London: In 2 hours.
6/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Budapest, Hungary
Number six on our places to visit before you turn 30 list is Budapest, a capital steeped in decades of history. Visitors may feel as if they have travelled back in time with its impressive monuments and historical landmarks. Relax in the Széchenyi thermal baths and cross the Danube bridge that connects Buda and Pest.
Fly from London: In 2 hours 30 minutes.
7/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Florence, Italy
A quintessentially beautiful city, Florence has captured the hearts of many art-enthusiasts with masterpieces dotted all around the Tuscan capital. A must visit before your thirties, make sure to have the Uffizi Gallery, the Gucci Garden, and Giotto’s Bell Tower on your to-do list. Oh, and don’t forget about all of the pasta you can eat. Discover how to spend the perfect 48-hours in Florence in this guide.
Fly from London: In just over two hours.
8/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Copenhagen, Denmark
With calming canals, packed harbours and brightly-coloured buildings (very reminiscent of CBeebies show Balamory), Copenhagen is a unique escape in Europe, making it number eight on our places to visit before you turn 30 list. Visit the Amalienborg, a stunning building housing the Danish royal family spanning four prestigious palaces. Head to the Tivoli Gardens for a thrilling range of amusements, concerts and picture-worthy gardens.
Fly from London: In just under two hours.
9/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Lisbon, Portugal
Known for its rich culture and world-class cuisine, Lisbon is a hotspot for foodies and those who enjoy a party. With a range of cool, chic bars scattered across the city, mix in with the locals to get a true feel for this capital. For Instagrammable brunches, go to Nicolau Lisbona and burger-fanatics can indulge in succulent Black Angus beef at Ground Burger – an absolute must.
Fly from London: In 2 hours 40 minutes.
10/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Berlin, Germany
A capital smothered in history and dictated into our history books at school, Berlin is a must for those who wish to know more. From Jewish memorials to a Berlin Wall memorial, take yourself out of the books and into the reality of where it all took place. For those unaffiliated with the history, instead enjoy the array of lush-green parks Berlin has on offer with an intimate picnic or take a look at the Bathing lakes for picture-worthy views.
Fly from London: In under two hours.
11/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Sydney, Australia
Sun, sand and sea, Sydney has all the s’s us Brits adore. Catch a memorable performance at the artistic Sydney Opera House, take a stroll along the scenic Harbour Bridge, or get your tan on at Bondi Beach – make sure to get a snap on the beach’s Instagrammable ‘Iceberg Pool’.
Fly from London: In under 22 hours plus 1 stop over
12/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Bali, Indonesia
A tropical paradise, Bali is a millennial favourite boasting pristine beaches, historic temples, colossal mountains and much more. Adrenaline junkies will thrive at the climb up Mount Batur’s active volcano, whereas animal-lovers can immerse themselves in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Every turn is as stunning as the next, with crystal-clear seas, outdoor tubs with boho vibes and hidden waterfalls. If we had to give just one tip it would be bring a camera.
Fly from London: In 15 hours and 30 minutes.
13/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Tokyo, Japan
Whether it’s to gaze at the beauty of cherry blossom season or to simply experience the most populated city in the world, Tokyo is steeped in culture. For luscious landscapes, head to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden spanned over 144-acres of beautifully maintained greenery. Ginza Six is a must for shopaholics – the new complex boasts intricate design as well as 241 shops to wonder into. Also, set to host the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Olympics 2022, sports-fans should book their tickets quicker than ever.
Fly from London: In under 12 hours.
14/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Dublin, Ireland
With one of the friendliest atmospheres in Europe, Dublin has made it onto our top places to visit before you turn 30 list – and for good reason. From energetic and traditional Irish music performed live across Temple Bar, to incredible burgers at Bunsen, Dublin acts as the perfect weekend escape. For a tour like no other, set sail on the Viking Splash Tour and get ready to ARRGH your way through the cities’ landmarks.
Fly from London: In 1 hour and 20 minutes.
15/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Barcelona, Spain
The Spanish capital combines a beach retreat with a sight-seeing spectacle. From the La Sagrada Familia to the colourful mosaics at Park Guell, there are many reasons why Barcelona should be on your bucket list.
Fly from London: In just over 2 hours.
16/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s coastal capital is the home to many gems. Take a dip in the wondrous geothermal Blue Lagoon, stay at The Retreat Hotel and enjoy your very own, private, slice of the blue spa. Always keep your eyes peeled, as the astonishing natural auroras that light up the sky could happen at any moment with good weather conditions.
Fly from London: In just over 3 hours.
17/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Auckland, New Zealand
Swamped in pure natural beauty, New Zealand makes it onto our list purely for the mesmerising views it offers. In awe of its’ range of beautiful islands, make sure to visit Waiheke for its hidden beaches, Great Barrier for its scenic views and Rotora for the nature reserves.
Fly from London: In under 24 hours, including 1 stop over.
18/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Ibiza, Spain
A stylish island filled with trendy bars, luxurious beach clubs and Instagrammable hotels. But, Ibiza is more than just a party destination. Make a visit to the natural cave, Cova de Can Marca, or take a short trip to Es Verda, a picturesque uninhabited limestone island. And boasting more than many captivating beachfronts, such as San Antonio, Cala Salda and Cala d’Hort, getting a tan won’t be a problem. Discover the “other” side of Ibiza in this 48-hour guide.
Fly from London: In under 2 hours and 30 minutes.
19/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Dubrovnik, Croatia
You may recognise Dubrovnik as the setting of Kings Landing for HBO’s thrilling Game of Thrones series, or you may even remember The Old Town as part of the filming location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. For those not visiting for its’ film history, instead enjoy monuments and clocktowers, or simply soak up the sun on a beach looking out towards the panoramic sea views.
Fly from London: In 2 hours and 45 minutes.
20/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Las Vegas, USA
Some get married, some lose thousands of dollars, some call it the Disneyland for adults. Las Vegas is a city like no other, a playground if you will. From the Fountains of Bellagio, the captivating Grand Canyon, Gordon Ramsey’s infamous Hell’s Kitchen set, array of themed hotels and extravagant shows, as well as exactly 104 casinos, a trip to Las Vegas will be an unforgettable one to say the least.
Fly from London: In under 11 hours.
21/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Koh Samui, Thailand
Statues, temples and markets decorate this popular island, as well as its fine share of luxurious resorts and spas, deep rainforests and palm-fringed beaches. Find yourself a hidden away waterfall, visit the famous Big Buddha and board a boat across the Ang Thong Marine Park for some seriously-serene views.
Fly from London: In over 15 hours and 30 minutes, as well as 1 stop over.
22/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Santorini, Greece
Wake up to the striking sunrise across Santorini, a paradise for romantics. With a crisp white and blue-hue palette, this stylish Island will leave your Instagram feed looking bright and modern. From open air cinemas to hot springs, there’s much more to this Greek island than just pretty buildings.
Fly from London: In just under 4 hours.
23/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Malta
A small country plonked in-between Sicily and the North African coast, Malta is known for its beautiful lagoons and historic landmarks. To truly take in all of its charm, pick from the Comino lagoon, Azure Window or Blue Lagoon to part-take in snorkelling and scuba diving. For more sight-seeing, jump on a cruise to explore nearby caves, or for more in-land activities, visit the 16th-century St. John’s Cathedral.
Fly from London: In 3 hours and 20 minutes.
24/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Having large amounts of tourists flock to the city over the last couple of years, it’s no surprise that Amsterdam has made its way onto our 30 places to visit before you turn 30 list. From the whimsical canals, architecturally alluring buildings and the famed Red-Light District, Amsterdam is the perfect place to go to with partners or friends alike.
Fly from London: In 1 hour.
25/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Newquay, Cornwall
Newquay, the perfect coastal escape for those wanting to flee the hustle and bustle of city life. Renowned for the tranquil beaches and British cuisine hotspots, a peaceful weekend couldn’t be more appropriate at Newquay. From Pirates Quest to cocktail bars, this English hidden gem in definitely on our bucket list.
Fly from London: In just over 1 hour.
26/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Val d’Isere, France
Apart from the exceptional ski resorts, luxurious chalets and mountains of snow, Val d’Isere can host a great getaway for non-skiers, from the Vanoise National Park to dog sledding. With the panoramic French Alps as a backdrop, it’s fair to say Val d’Isere can act as a calming trip away before your thirties.
Fly from London: In 1 hour 30 minutes.
27/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Cancun, Mexico
An indulgent beach retreat, Cancun boasts some of the most exceptional sea views in the world. Clear-as-day turquois sea, soft-to-the-touch white sands, trendy hotels, what more could you ask for? Well, also being renowned for its nightlife, underground rivers and thrilling watersports, Cancun is a touristic haven.
Fly from London: In under 11 hours.
28/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Krakow, Poland
Markets, parks, a Salt Mine and cathedrals adorn this Polish city, boasting Gothic buildings and exciting cuisine. Make this uniquely quite city next on your European trip.
Fly from London: In just over 2 hours.
29/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: The Maldives
This luxurious country boasts almost 2,000 individual islands, some uninhabited. No matter which island you choose, expect to be stunned. With eye-catching resorts propped up above the gleaming Indian Ocean, the luxury on this island is paramount, with intimate privacy, over-the-sea hammocks and personal butlers. This trip that is a must-experience for all.
Fly from London: In just over 10 hours.
30/30 Places to visit before you turn 30: Giza, Egypt
This Egyptian city is home to the iconic pyramids and King Khufu’s historic tomb. Must-visits include The Great Sphinx, The Solar Boat Museum and Cairo Citadel. Swamped in desserts and heat, a trip to Giza will be very unique to any other on this ultimate bucket list.
Fly from London: In under 5 hours.
