10 Best Theme Parks in Europe: Rides, Attractions & More

Imagine soaring at 130 km/h on a record-breaking roller coaster, stepping into a fairy tale kingdom, or experiencing the magic of Disney right in the heart of Europe. Whether you crave high-speed adrenaline rushes, immersive fantasy lands, or family-friendly fun, Europe is home to some of the most incredible theme parks in the world.

From the storybook charm of Efteling to the intensity of Europa-Park’s coasters and the iconic magic of Disneyland Paris, every park has something spectacular to offer.

But which ones truly stand out? Which rides should you absolutely not miss? And how can you make the most of your visit without spending hours in queues?

1. Disneyland Paris (France) – Magic, Mickey & More

The European home of Disney magic, Disneyland Paris is split into two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Whether you’re meeting characters, watching spectacular shows, or riding some of the most famous attractions in the world, there’s something for every visitor.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions:

• Big Thunder Mountain – A runaway train ride through the Wild West, reaching speeds of 60 km/h
• Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain – A high-speed indoor coaster launching from 0 to 70 km/h in seconds
• Phantom Manor – A ghostly journey with impressive special effects and a chilling storyline

Insider Tips:

• Arrive early – The park fills up fast, especially around midday.
• Use Premier Access – Skip long lines for major rides (€5-€18 per ride).
• Best Time to Visit – Avoid school holidays; weekdays in spring or autumn are perfect.

2. Europa-Park (Germany) – A Little Bit of Every Country

Europa-Park combines European cultures with thrilling rides, spreading across 18 themed areas. It’s Germany’s largest theme park, featuring over 100 attractions.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions:

• Silver Star – One of Europe’s tallest roller coasters at 73 meters high, reaching 130 km/h
• Blue Fire Megacoaster – A launched coaster hitting 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds
• Voletarium – A stunning flying theater ride offering a tour of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes

Insider Tips:

• Single-rider lines help cut wait times significantly.
• Hotel guests get early access, which is great for popular rides.
• Winter season is magical with Christmas markets and snow-covered decorations.

3. Efteling (Netherlands) – Fairytales Come to Life

Efteling is one of the oldest theme parks in the world, operating since 1952. It’s twice the size of Disneyland Paris, filled with fairy-tale charm and thrilling coasters.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions:

• Symbolica – A stunning dark ride inside a magical castle
• Baron 1898 – A 37.5-meter vertical drop coaster with speeds up to 90 km/h
• Droomvlucht – A dreamy dark ride filled with elves and floating castles

Insider Tips:

• Stay at Efteling Hotel – Early access to the park before crowds arrive.
• The Fairytale Forest is a must-see, featuring 29 different fairy-tale scenes.

4. PortAventura (Spain) – Sun, Thrills & Splashing Fun

PortAventura is Spain’s biggest theme park, covering 119 hectares. It also includes Ferrari Land, home to Europe’s fastest roller coaster.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions:

• Shambhala – Stands at 76 meters, reaching 134 km/h, one of the tallest coasters in Europe
• Furius Baco – Europe’s fastest launch coaster, hitting 135 km/h in 3 seconds
• Dragon Khan – Features 8 inversions, one of the most intense coasters on the continent

Insider Tips:

• Visit Ferrari Land – Experience Red Force, the 180 km/h launch coaster.
• Beat the heat – Go on water rides like Tutuki Splash and Grand Canyon Rapids.

5. Tivoli Gardens (Denmark) – The Old-School Classic

Tivoli Gardens, opened in 1843, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions:

• The Demon – A looping coaster hitting 80 km/h
• Rutschebanen – A 1914-built wooden coaster with a manually operated brake system
• The Flying Trunk – A dark ride through Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales

Insider Tips:

• Visit at night – Tivoli lights up beautifully after dark.
• Christmas time is magical, with markets and festive lights.

6. Liseberg (Sweden) – Scandinavia’s Best

Liseberg is home to some of Europe’s best roller coasters, including one of the top-ranked wooden coasters in the world.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions:

• Helix – A multi-inversion coaster hitting 100 km/h
• Balder – A wooden coaster with insane airtime moments
• Valkyria – A 50-meter vertical drop coaster

Insider Tips:

• Summer concerts – Big acts perform at Liseberg’s stage.
• Swedish treats – Try the cinnamon buns from Liseberg’s bakery!

7. Alton Towers (UK) – Twists, Turns & Surprises

Alton Towers is the UK’s biggest theme park, with some of the most creative rides in the world.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions:

• The Smiler – Holds the world record for most inversions (14)
• Nemesis – One of the best inverted coasters in the world
• Wicker Man – A wooden coaster with fire effects

Insider Tips:

• Stay at the on-site hotel for extra perks.
• Visit during Scarefest – Halloween events here are incredible.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the United Kingdom’s capital is one of the most expensive Europe cities?!

8. Phantasialand (Germany) – Imagination Meets Thrills

Phantasialand is where high-tech rides meet stunning theming. Every ride is deeply immersive, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions:

• Taron – The fastest multi-launch coaster in the world, reaching 117 km/h. It weaves through rock formations and tight curves with no brakes between launches.
• Chiapas – The log flume with the world’s steepest drop (53 degrees!), featuring 5 drops and a disco party scene inside a cave.
• Black Mamba – A suspended inverted coaster that flies right through rocky caverns and jungle scenery.
• F.L.Y. – The world’s first flying launch coaster, where you literally lie flat as if you’re soaring through the air.

Insider Tips:

• Stay at the on-site hotels – The themed hotels Matamba (African theme) and Ling Bao (Asian theme) make the trip even better.
• Taron gets crazy wait times – Ride it first thing in the morning.
• Visit Wintertraum (Winter Dream) in December – The park transforms into a stunning Christmas wonderland.

9. Gardaland (Italy) – Fun with a View

Gardaland is Italy’s biggest theme park, set in a stunning location near Lake Garda. It has a mix of high-speed roller coasters, immersive dark rides, and water attractions.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions:

• Raptor – A B&M Wing Coaster where the seats hang on the sides of the track, giving a unique free-floating experience. Features three inversions and speeds up to 90 km/h.
• Oblivion: The Black Hole – A 50-meter vertical drop coaster, similar to the one at Alton Towers, but with a sci-fi theme.
• Mammut – A family-friendly roller coaster themed around an Arctic expedition.
• Fuga da Atlantide – A massive shoot-the-chutes water ride with multiple drops, perfect for cooling down on hot Italian summer days.

Insider Tips:

• Visit in September or October – Peak summer crowds can be overwhelming.
• Lake Garda is nearby – A great spot for relaxing after the theme park adventure.
• Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium – A cool break from the rides, featuring over 5,000 sea creatures.

10. Legoland Billund (Denmark) – A Lego Lover’s Paradise

Legoland Billund is where the LEGO brand was born—this was the first-ever Legoland park, and it remains one of the best family-friendly parks in Europe.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions:

• The Dragon – A fun dark ride/roller coaster hybrid that starts with a journey through a LEGO castle before launching into twists and turns.
• Polar X-plorer – A family coaster featuring a surprise freefall drop where the track literally collapses beneath you!
• Miniland – The heart of Legoland, showcasing famous European landmarks built entirely out of LEGO bricks.
• Lego Canoe – A log flume ride with a big splash finale.

Insider Tips:

• Stay at the LEGO Hotel – The rooms are completely Lego-themed, from the beds to the decorations.
• Kids can get their first “driver’s license” at the interactive LEGO Driving School.
• Legoland Billund is next to Lalandia, a massive indoor water park—perfect for a second day of fun.