The 20 best places for a picnic in Europe
Across the continent, locals turn parks, palace gardens, canal banks and castle lawns into open-air dining rooms. No fuss, no fancy setups – just good food, good company and time to slow down and enjoy the moment.
The pique-nique dates back to 17th-century France – originally meaning a potluck-style meal where everyone contributed – but each country has created its own version: from Italy's long, lazy merenda in the shade (often consisting of cold pasta and prosciutto), and Germany's dense rye sandwiches accompanied by Kaffeeklatsch (coffee chatter) in forest clearings, to Swedish fika featuring cinnamon buns.
Each picnic is a snapshot of local life and that's what makes it the ultimate travel activity. You get to taste regional flavours, watch the rhythms of everyday life and soak up the atmosphere without blowing your budget. In Europe, a picnic isn't just a meal – it's a front-row seat to your destination.
But where should you shake out your blanket and settle in for a feast and a good people-watching session? Aim for one of these 20 perfect European spots, and you're guaranteed an idyllic afternoon of calm, culture and crudités.
Looking for the finest picnic spots in the UK instead? You can find our hand-picked selection of those here.
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