Search

Trending European Travel Destinations South Africans Are Flocking To in 2025

Trending European Travel Destinations South Africans Are Flocking To in 2025

South African travellers are embracing wanderlust like never before, with many opting for unique destinations that offer rich cultural experiences, vibrant cityscapes, and unforgettable adventures.  Five standout European cities—Amsterdam, Dublin, Lisbon, Brussels, and Munich—are leading the pack as the must-visit international destinations this year. These hotspots not only cater to diverse interests but have also proven to be a massive hit with South African travellers. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines shares more about why these cities should definitely be on your travel bucket list.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam has long been a favourite destination for South African travellers, and it’s easy to see why. Renowned for its iconic canals, historic architecture, and vibrant art scene, this Dutch capital effortlessly bridges the past and present. Visitors can immerse themselves in the quirky De Pijp neighbourhood, explore world-class cultural treasures like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, or reflect on history with a visit to Anne Frank’s House. Food enthusiasts will delight in sampling Dutch treats such as stroopwafels, poffertjes, and herring, while nightlife seekers will revel in the city’s eclectic bar and music scene. With its bike-friendly streets and picturesque neighbourhoods, Amsterdam offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin’s warmth extends beyond its legendary pubs—it’s in the hospitality of its people and the stories they tell. This Irish capital is a treasure trove of culture and history, from the majestic Trinity College Library, home of the famous Book of Kells, to Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Irish music in the lively Temple Bar district or enjoy scenic day trips to the stunning Cliffs of Moher or the Wicklow Mountains. For South Africans, Dublin offers a unique opportunity to experience Irish charm firsthand while soaking in the city’s literary and musical legacy.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s golden light and soulful atmosphere make it a standout among European cities. Tourists are drawn to its affordable luxury, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine. For those looking to visit, wandering through Alfama’s maze-like streets, listening to the haunting melodies of fado music, and marvelling at the ornate architecture of Jerónimos Monastery is something you won’t want to miss. Lisbon’s tram rides, especially the famous Tram 28, offer a unique way to explore its hills and viewpoints. The city’s proximity to gorgeous beaches and nearby towns like Sintra and Cascais means travellers can enjoy both urban and coastal escapes.

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends old-world charisma with modern vibrancy. As the de facto capital of the European Union, this dynamic city boasts iconic landmarks such as the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Atomium, a striking architectural marvel. Visitors can indulge in Belgium’s world-renowned chocolate and waffles or savor some of the finest beers at a traditional café. Art and history enthusiasts will be enchanted by the city’s rich offerings, including the Magritte Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, and the quirky yet beloved Manneken-Pis statue. Food lovers should also not miss the chance to sample moules-frites, Belgium’s iconic mussels and fries dish. With its unique blend of cultures and its central location in Europe, Brussels is an essential stop for any traveller’s itinerary.

Munich, Germany

Germany continues to be a top destination for South African travellers, and Munich stands out as a city that perfectly captures the beauty of the country’s iconic Bavaria region. With its rich traditions, stunning surroundings, and lively urban atmosphere, Munich offers an unforgettable experience for tourists. Visitors can immerse themselves in history at Marienplatz, the iconic central square, or take a short trip to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle. The city is famed for its world-class beer halls, such as the legendary Hofbräuhaus, and its globally renowned festivals like Oktoberfest. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Alps provide breathtaking landscapes ideal for skiing, hiking, and exploring charming villages. Munich seamlessly combines history, culture, and adventure, making it a must-visit destination throughout the year.

Thanks to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, these amazing European destinations are just a flight away. With a quick and seamless connection in Amsterdam, South Africans can easily access the best of Europe and beyond, making their 2025 travel dreams a reality.

Get 10% Off Your Next Adventure with Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

To make exploring these trending destinations even more appealing, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are offering an exclusive promotion of 10% off flights from both Cape Town and Johannesburg to Europe and beyond. This special discount is available for bookings made on the Air France or KLM websites between January 7, 2025, and February 4, 2025, with a travel window from January 7, 2025, to April 30, 2025. Simply use the exclusive discount code ‘NEWJOURNEY’. Seats are limited, so don’t wait—secure your journey today. Terms and conditions apply.

For more articles like this click here. 

If you enjoyed this website then check out our other sites: Wedding and FunctionKids ConnectionThirsty TravelerBoat Trips for Africa, Bargain BuysBusiness Link. 

Need help with your online marketing then visit Agency One.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

About us

Actually, Home Food and Travel offers a lot more than just reviews of accommodation, restaurants, spas and adventure activities.  We also visit great destinations, receive advice from interior designers and stop to smell the roses and taste the coffee.

Our team of journalists are seasoned travels and love visiting the myriad of exciting places around South Africa.  Whether it is off the beaten track or in the heart of the top attractions of the country, we’ll be there,

Home Food and Travel advice on finding the right accommodation

So what is the right accommodation?  Well more often than not, it’s your travel budget that dictates the type of accommodation that you choose. 

Expensive is not always better.  Our team at Home Food and Travel will tell you that they have camped in areas with limited ablutions and had a wonderful holiday.  They have also spent a night in a five star hotel only to be disappointed because their expectations exceeded the experience.

The reason for your travels will also affect your choice.  A business trip requires different amenities to a beach holiday. 

Our articles, reviews and experiences can certainly help you make your decision.

Restaurants with a good mix of service, food and ambiance

To my mind a great restaurant offers three things – excellent service, great food and a wonderful ambiance.  Of these, service is the most important. 

No matter that the food is delicious and the setting delightful, poor service can ruin the occasion.  However, great service combined with mediocre meal and a plane jane restaurant can still be a pleasant night out.

We’ve eaten in restaurants that are really dirty but with incredible food and couldn’t help but give a rave review.  We’ve also hardly noticed what we ate because the setting was just amazing.

However, the best restaurants come with the best of service, food and ambiance.

Spas are the ultimate relaxation aid

How do you know when you have had a great spa experience?  The answer, of course, is when you doze off on the treatment table. 

Well that’s our theory anyway.  It also doesn’t take a grand location with enormous facilities for a spa to be really good

A small, personal spa that is owner run can result in the best massage you have ever experienced.  However, the grand spas in five star hotels offer unsurpassed facilities in an environment that just makes the stress in your shoulders and neck melt away before you even finish checking in.

Adventure!

You don’t have to be an adrenaline junky to enjoy an exciting experience.  In fact, what are commonly termed adventure activities usually have incredibly high safety standards and unblemished safety records.

Ziplining, bungy jumping and shark cage diving are all very safe.  It’s just that our mind tells us we are craaazzzzyyyy to be doing this.

On the road to great places of accommodation, restaurants, spas and adventure activities

If you’re driving, be safe and make use of all the wonderful farm stalls that populate South Africa’s open roads.

If you overhear somebody asking a lot of questions or see someone taking photos of empty bedrooms chances are it’s one of our Home Food and Travel team members.

We’re out looking or those great places of accommodation, restaurants, spas and adventure activities.

See you on the road!

 

Recent Posts

Archives