Where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists?

Asking yourself where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists? the answer is surprisingly simple. Europe is filled with parks, lakesides, mountain valleys, riversides, and gardens that welcome travelers to lay down a blanket, unpack local food, and enjoy the outdoors without needing a big budget. From Paris to Prague, from Italian coastlines to Alpine meadows, tourists can always find a spot where nature, history, and local culture come together. This post will take you through a detailed journey of where to go, how much to spend, what food to bring, and how to make your picnic in Europe unforgettable.

Why picnics in Europe are a must for tourists

Picnicking in Europe is not only cheap but also a way to feel local. Markets across European cities sell fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and wine that are perfect for a simple outdoor meal. Many famous attractions are surrounded by green spaces, which means you can save money on restaurants while enjoying million-dollar views. For tourists, the question of where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists is less about finding places and more about choosing from too many good ones.

Picnic spots in France for tourists

France is one of the easiest answers to where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists because its parks and countryside are legendary.

Paris

• Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower: A free place where tourists sit with baguettes and cheese while watching the tower sparkle at night. Budget is as low as 10 to 15 euros for food bought from local bakeries and supermarkets.
• Luxembourg Gardens: Perfect for families, with fountains, toy sailboats, and plenty of benches. Food markets nearby make it easy to pack a basket for under 20 euros.

French countryside

• Loire Valley riverbanks: Tourists enjoy castles in the background while eating by the river. Renting bikes to reach spots costs around 15 euros a day.
• Provence lavender fields: Best in summer, bring local olive bread, cheese, and wine for under 25 euros.

Picnic spots in Italy for tourists

Italy answers where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists with lakes, piazzas, and coastal views.

Rome

• Villa Borghese Gardens: Walking distance from Piazza di Spagna. Budget 12 to 18 euros for picnic food. Tourists often sit under pine trees while locals jog past.
• Janiculum Hill: Overlooks the whole city, quieter than central parks, and perfect for a romantic picnic.

Northern Italy

• Lake Como shores: Ferries cost 5 to 10 euros and tourists can eat panini while watching mountains meet the water.
• Cinque Terre terraces: Buy pesto focaccia for 5 euros and sit on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea.

Picnic spots in Spain for tourists

Spain also makes the list when asking where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists.

Barcelona

• Park Güell: Entry ticket is about 10 euros, but the views and Gaudí’s architecture make it worth it. Tourists sit on tiled benches with fruit from La Boqueria market.
• Ciutadella Park: Free entry, boats for 6 euros per half hour, and open lawns for group picnics.

Madrid

• Retiro Park: Rent a rowboat for 8 euros and picnic by the lake. Sandwiches and tapas from nearby markets cost 10 to 15 euros.
• Casa de Campo: Larger and wilder, great for tourists who want less crowd and more forest.

Picnic spots in Germany for tourists

Germany is often overlooked when asking where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists, but it has plenty of choices.

Berlin

• Tiergarten: Central, close to Brandenburg Gate. Supermarkets nearby sell pretzels and sausages for under 10 euros.
• Tempelhofer Feld: A former airport now turned into a public park. Tourists cycle on runways and picnic on wide fields.

Bavaria

• English Garden in Munich: Bigger than Central Park, with beer gardens and riverbanks. A picnic can cost 15 to 20 euros depending on beer and snacks.
• Neuschwanstein Castle surroundings: Tourists enjoy mountain air while eating simple picnics with local cheese.

Picnic spots in Switzerland for tourists

Switzerland quickly comes to mind when asking where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists because of its lakes and mountains.

Zurich

• Lake Zurich promenade: Local bakeries sell pretzels and pastries for under 12 euros. Tourists sit by the lake and feed swans.
• Uetliberg Mountain: Train ticket is 8 euros one way, and the picnic reward is the entire city view.

Interlaken

• Lake Brienz: Turquoise water makes the perfect backdrop. Picnic with chocolate, bread, and salami from supermarkets for 15 euros.
• Harder Kulm viewpoint: A funicular ride costs about 10 euros and tourists sit on benches facing the Alps.

Picnic spots in the United Kingdom for tourists

The UK gives several answers to where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists.

London

• Hyde Park: Free entry, picnic food costs 10 to 20 pounds depending on choices. Tourists sit near the Serpentine Lake.
• Primrose Hill: Famous for skyline views of the city. Best at sunset, with fish and chips or sandwiches from local shops.

Countryside

• Lake District: Hiking trails lead to quiet lakesides where tourists picnic with pies and tea for under 15 pounds.
• Scottish Highlands: Wild, free, and perfect for adventurous tourists who bring their own picnic supplies.

Picnic spots in Eastern Europe for tourists

When wondering where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists, the east should not be forgotten.

Czech Republic

• Letna Park in Prague: Overlooks Charles Bridge and the old town. Beer costs only 2 euros and sandwiches 5 euros.
• Kampa Island: A riverside picnic area with swans and historic buildings nearby.

Hungary

• Margaret Island in Budapest: A huge island park on the Danube. Bike rentals cost 8 euros per hour, picnics cost less than 15 euros.
• City Park: Close to famous baths and museums, making it easy to mix sightseeing with a picnic.

Picnic spots in the Balkans for tourists

Even smaller countries offer answers to where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists.

Croatia

• Dubrovnik cliffs: Tourists bring bakery snacks and sit above the Adriatic Sea. Costs less than 10 euros.
• Plitvice Lakes: Wooden paths over turquoise lakes make picnics unforgettable. Entry is 20 euros.

Slovenia

• Lake Bled: Tourists eat Bled cream cake by the water for under 5 euros. Picnic areas around the lake are free.
• Ljubljana Tivoli Park: Central, family friendly, and filled with walking paths.

How much to budget for picnics in Europe

Tourists asking where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists often also want to know the budget. On average, a picnic meal for two costs 15 to 25 euros in most European countries. Supermarkets like Lidl, Carrefour, or Coop offer picnic-ready food at good prices. Transport to parks may add another 5 to 15 euros depending on buses, metros, or bike rentals. Some special spots like gardens or castles may require entry fees from 5 to 20 euros.

Practical tips for tourists

• Always buy local food instead of international fast food. It’s cheaper and part of the experience.
• Carry reusable water bottles to save money.
• Visit morning markets to buy fresh fruit and pastries.
• Choose spots with toilets nearby if picnicking with kids.
• Bring small blankets or mats since many lawns can be damp.

Final thoughts

So, where are the best picnic spots in Europe for tourists? The honest truth is that there are hundreds, from famous parks like Luxembourg Gardens in Paris to quiet riversides in Eastern Europe. Each place gives tourists a chance to slow down, save money, and enjoy views that restaurants can never match. Whether you sit under the Eiffel Tower, by Lake Como, in Prague’s parks, or on the Scottish hills, Europe always delivers. For tourists, the best picnic spot is wherever good food, open space, and stunning scenery meet.