The best theme parks in Europe

Europe is home to some of the world’s largest and best theme parks, offering breathtaking rides, fascinating attractions, and incredible shows for both young and old. The following list provides a complete overview of some of the best theme parks in Europe, which not only boast a highly active fan community but also attract numerous travelers from around the world each year, all in search of thrilling experiences. Each of these European theme parks stands out with its unique theme and design, often reflecting the specific characteristics of its home country, giving you a fascinating glimpse into the culture of your destination.

1. Disneyland Paris (Paris, France)

The most famous theme park in Europe is located near the French capital. Who hasn’t dreamed as a child of visiting Disneyland Paris, where magic truly comes to life? You enter here an enchanting world divided into four parts: Discoveryland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Adventureland. Discover 50 different attractions and snap selfies with the famous characters wandering through the park, such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, along with modern princesses and Disney heroes. 

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris

2. Legoland (Windsor, United Kingdom)

Dive into a world of adventure at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. This fantastic destination ranks among the best theme parks in Europe, offering over 55 rides, making it perfect for a day trip with children of all ages. Here, the little ones become knights, explorers, pilots, or test drivers. The main theme is, of course, LEGO bricks, used in every shape and color imaginable. 

3. Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Tivoli is one of the oldest and best-known theme parks in Europe. Even Walt Disney visited it for inspiration for his own theme parks. Tivoli stands out from other theme parks, as it offers concerts, theater performances, dance shows, and music festivals alongside its attractions. For relaxation, you can also stroll through the beautiful garden areas of the park.

Tivoli Amusement Park

4. Europa Park (Rust, Germany)

One of the best theme parks in Europe, located in Germany, is entirely themed around Europe! Here, you will find 15 different areas, each dedicated to a European country. Spanning 850,000 square meters, Europa Park offers over 100 attractions, 13 roller coasters, and numerous exciting shows. You can also find the ideal campsite here, set in a cowboy-and-Indian-themed adventure setting, making it feel like vacation mode starts before you even enter Europa Park.

5. Efteling (Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands)

The fairytale-themed Efteling park in the Netherlands enchants visitors from around the world. Young and old alike enjoy the magic here: the little ones play in the fairytale forest and take photos with its inhabitants. Discover attractions like Symbolica, De Droomvlucht, or other family-friendly rides. For the thrill-seekers, Efteling has roller coasters and other exciting attractions, making it one of the best theme parks in Europe for visitors of all kinds.

Efteling Amusement Park

 

PortAventura, one of the best theme parks in Europe, is among the most famous in Spain, attracting around four million visitors each year. Located south of Barcelona in Salou, Tarragona, it offers six themed worlds: Mediterrània, Polynesia, China, Mexico, Far West, and SésamoAventura, where Sesame Street can be found. The park includes everything from breathtaking roller coasters to water rides, child-friendly attractions, and mazes. Attractions like the “Furius Baco,” Europe’s fastest roller coaster reaching 135 km/h in just three seconds, and “Shambhala,” the tallest roller coaster in the park at 76 meters, are particularly noteworthy.

PortAventura theme park

 

Phantasialand in Brühl, a town between Cologne and Bonn, is another amazing park in Germany. It attracts millions of visitors each year and is famous for its thrilling rides and incredible shows. Some of its attractions even hold world records, such as “TARON,” the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster, or “RAIK,” the fastest family boomerang coaster. The park has six zones: Fantasy, Deep in Africa, Berlin, Mystery, Mexico, and Chinatown. Popular rides include the “Black Mamba” coaster with its many twists, “Maus au Chocolat,” where you shoot at mice in a cake factory with cones, and the “Temple of the Night Hawk,” where you ride a virtual hawk in the dark.

9. Gardaland (Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy)

In northeast Italy, Gardaland is not just a theme park but also houses a stunning aquarium! At the Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium, you can dive into the deep blue through a transparent marine tunnel, surrounded by sharks, rays, and exotic fish. Interactive pools among the rocks, 40 themed fish tanks, and other spectacular attractions await. For a full day of fun and thrills, combine the aquarium visit with an entry to Gardaland. The park offers attractions for the whole family, including the “Blue Tornado,” a roller coaster that gives you the sensation of being in a supersonic plane, “Shaman,” a double-loop roller coaster, and “Mammut,” where you race along tracks to avoid a mammoth.

Gardaland Theme Park

 

For thrilling adventures in Austria, don’t miss Area 47, an expansive outdoor theme park where extreme sports and incredible expeditions await. Dive into exploration by spelunking, whitewater rafting, and bungee jumping, or try other exciting activities like climbing in adventure parks, free-falling, and motocross. If you’re unsure where to start, take one of the park’s exciting tours, which guide you through the park’s extensive facilities to help you make the most of your experience. 

Each of these best theme parks in Europe offers something unique, from high-speed roller coasters to immersive cultural experiences. So, which one will you choose for your next adventure?