We’ve compiled our record of probably the most stunning cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This record isn’t another person’s opinion; these are one of the best European cities that we’ve got personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and while you see them, you’ll be able to click on by way of to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to allow you to select one of the best metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most definitely haven’t seen all of Europe, however we’ve got been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her beautiful structure and interesting historical past. In case you are searching for historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even beautiful seashores, we’ve received you lined.
Desk of Contents
1. Dubrovnik
Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and picturesque seashores that make it a really stunning place to go to. Town can also be residence to quite a few charming islands, together with the island of Lokrum, which is residence to a beautiful botanical backyard and a monastery that dates again to the twelfth century.
One of many principal issues that make Dubrovnik so stunning is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century. Stroll alongside the wall for panoramic metropolis views. Locations of curiosity embrace Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Rector’s Palace, and the Sponza Palace. Dubrovnik was additionally used as a filming location for Recreation of Thrones.
2. Porto, Portugal
Situated in Northern Portugal, Porto has skyrocketed to the highest of individuals’s record of cities to see once they go to Europe. The Medieval structure of Porto is what stands out on this pretty metropolis on the Douro River. This coastal metropolis has golden seashores by the ocean and grand boulevards alongside the river. Porto has reworked through the years to grow to be our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. Right this moment, it is usually one of the crucial visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll by way of its previous city, starting on the banks of the River Douro. Stroll its charming streets searching for a Fado efficiency, or hop on a river cruise to see its Medieval buildings from a unique angle.
Strolling alongside the bustling waterfront makes for a romantic night, sipping port wine takes you again in time, and don’t neglect to take the funicular up for panoramic views.
3. Paris, France
Paris is usually thought-about one of the crucial stunning cities on the earth. It’s undoubtedly on the high as a romantic metropolis, and we are able to’t assist however fall in love with it every time we go to time and again. It could appear cliché, however it should all the time be probably the most stunning metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can also be one of many few cities that we revisit frequently. Irrespective of what number of different cities we see, we nonetheless return to the Metropolis of Lights and gaze upon it with surprise and awe. We by no means tire of seeing totally different views of the Eiffel Tower, and going up for a champagne toast is one for the bucket record.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen holds a particular place in our hearts. This enchanting metropolis is a deal with to discover. With Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, The Little Mermaid, and an countless stream of canals, Copenhagen positively deserves to be named considered one of Europe’s most stunning cities. It is sort of a fairytale.
Nyhavn might be probably the most scenic cityscape of all of the Scandinavian cities we visited. This waterfront canal is situated within the Outdated City and is a must-see when visiting Copenhagen. Seventeenth-century townhouses line the canal full of historic sailboats. What makes these townhouses so distinctive is that they’re painted in shiny colours.
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5. Venice, Italy
Venice is among the greatest European cities to go to in the event you don’t go on a cruise. Touring independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a incredible expertise. Despite the fact that it’s identified for its canals, getting misplaced in its maze of slender cobblestone streets and again alleys is a part of the enjoyable of visiting this charming metropolis.
We spent six days exploring Venice, and it shortly grew to become considered one of our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We might watch cruise traces and bus excursions are available in for a day and zip proper again out earlier than that they had an opportunity to actually discover Venice. Taking boat journeys by way of the canals created a picture-perfect expertise, and having fun with quiet drinks on a bistro terrace felt like a dream.
6. Athens
Athens is residence to a number of the most well-known historic ruins on the earth, together with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and The Historical Agora. Nothing is extra breathtaking than sitting at a rooftop bar at Monastiraki Sq., trying on the Acropolis standing proudly over town.
There are numerous locations to soak up views of town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. The most effective locations, although, is to take the cable automobile as much as Lybitacus Hill. Make certain to remain within the metropolis heart to have the ability to stroll to all the common vacationer points of interest. It’s one of the crucial walkable capital cities in Europe, and we find it irresistible. Whether or not you have an interest in historical past, artwork, or simply having fun with the sights and sounds of a vibrant metropolis, Athens has one thing to give you.
7. Budapest, Hungary
Situated on the Danube River in Central Europe, guests will likely be in awe of the Budapest waterfront. Strolling over the chain bridge to witness the great thing about the Hungarian twin cities of Buda and Pest is pure perfection. When the lights come on in Budapest, make your method all the way down to the river and take within the splendor of the 2 cities.
The Hungarian Parliament buildings dominate the Hungarian Capital and shines at evening because the Széchenyi Chain Bridge displays in its waters, making for a magical scene. Budapest at evening is actually one of many prettiest cities in Europe. Budapest is thought for its thermal baths and spoil bars. These two vacationer locations are what make Budapest so distinctive.
8. Florence, Italy
Florence is actually a metropolis of artwork and one of the crucial stunning cities to go to in Europe. With each flip, you’ll run into sculptures or intricate etchings within the structure. It’s a metropolis the place you’ll be able to stroll slowly by way of its cobbled streets whereas having fun with each constructing you lay eyes upon. Recognized for the Sculpture of David, the Ponte Vechhio and Fabulous delicacies, Florence is a metropolis you’ll wish to take your time to take pleasure in.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis heart, and countless streets free from visitors make strolling a pleasure. Make certain to spend greater than a day journey when visiting Florence, spend a number of to actually delve into the artwork and tradition of this beautiful metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We predict Bergen, Norway, is among the most stunning cities in Europe on account of its pure magnificence. Surrounded by mountains, it’s genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Space makes for a picturesque waterfront. It will not be the obvious Norwegian metropolis to go to in Europe (most individuals naturally consider Oslo first), however Bergen is undoubtedly one for the bucket record.
The primary place you need to go to in Bergen is Bryggen, the fairytale village of historic picket homes lining the waterfront. This historic quarter of Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site with good motive. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Make certain to take the cable automobile to the highest of Mount Fløyen for superb views of town. While you see Bergen, you’ll agree that it might be one of many prettiest cities in Europe.
10. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels was one of many first European cities we’ve ever visited, and I’ll always remember the sensation we had once we lastly discovered the sq.. We had been strolling town streets and rounded a nook to see the well-known Outdated City Sq.. And the sight took our breath away. We revisited it a few years in the past, and the sensation didn’t fade.
We nonetheless suppose that the Sq. of Brussels is among the most stunning squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are a number of the greatest in Europe. Horta Lodge Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau fashion. It’s a fully stunning metropolis full of historical past and allure, however it’s the metropolis sq. that places it close to the highest of our favourite of probably the most stunning cities in Europe.
11. Bruges, Belgium
Usually, folks suppose Bruges is among the most stunning European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and truthfully can’t bear in mind considering it was stunning, however we thought we’d sneak it in after Brussels as a hidden gem of a European metropolis to go to on this record. Fortunately, we’ve got had folks write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to achieve additional appreciation since our go to practically 30 years in the past. Check this out and see what you suppose!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the record of lovely cities to go to in Europe due to how historic ruins weave by way of fashionable structure. The Everlasting Metropolis has a mixture of previous and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They’ve integrated the previous Roman structure into the plans of town. Trendy buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we find it irresistible!
Your entire previous metropolis heart of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Witnessing locations just like the Colosseum, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica is on many a traveler’s bucket record. It’s one awe-inspiring sight after one other while you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your record of should go to cities in Europe, you received’t be upset. Rent or Buy Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome journey temper.
13. Prague, Czechia
We had usually heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was a fantastic metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however in the event you step out of the principle path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chunk or an reasonably priced pint. Like all metropolis in Europe, the river presents probably the most stunning views. The Prague Fortress stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the stunning Vltava River of Japanese Europe.
If you happen to get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you’ll have all of it to your self. The city sq. is among the prettiest in Europe, and when you’ve all of it to your self, it’s really breathtaking. Dave and I had been amazed to see that folks didn’t actually get began till after 9:00 am, which gave us loads of time to benefit from the stunning structure and medieval church buildings in non-public.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
When gazing upon town of Istanbul from our rooftop terrace at evening, it’s set afire with gentle. Istanbul is a metropolis with two personalities—one foot within the West with a European aptitude and the opposite foot within the East of Asia. Spanning two continents, it is usually Europe’s largest metropolis. It’s the Japanese affect that makes this metropolis so stunning.
Mosques dot the cityscape as spires peek out from above the skyline. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia don’t disappoint, and the Outdated Metropolis is the right place to get misplaced in time. Take a stroll by way of the Grand Baazar or go as much as the highest of Galata Tower for one of the best views of town. Visiting Istanbul is a wealthy cultural expertise the place the East meets the West. It’s an unlimited metropolis, but it’s straightforward to stroll and navigate.
15. London, England
Our favourite a part of London was hanging out by the river, with Tower Bridge spanning the Thames. Like most cities, one of the best points of interest of London are situated on the water. We took water taxis and ferries, took within the metropolis’s magnificence from the river, and explored its world class museums. London has reworked prior to now 20 years to grow to be an exquisite mixture of historic structure mixing with fashionable skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Huge Ben and the Tower of London to the London Eye to The Shard and The Gherkin, London has one of the crucial eclectic skylines in Europe, and it’s stunning. Do you agree?
16. Dublin, Eire
It took me some time so as to add Dublin to my record of lovely cities however Dublin is by far considered one of our favorite European cities. After I began compiling this, I solely considered skylines and locations that took my breath away. However after visiting Dublin a number of instances, I spotted that it isn’t nearly a skyline of skyscrapers that makes a metropolis stunning; it’s the tradition and folks. The River Liffey snakes by way of the center of town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually soak up its allure.
Dublin has quiet parks for getaways, castles to discover, and a very good pub scene. The extra we journey to it, the extra stunning it turns into.
17. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dave and I visited Amsterdam earlier than our journey running a blog careers, however it left an impression. Referred to as the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is a metropolis of picturesque canals. The colourful waterways make it one of many prettiest cities in Europe, and the canals are good for a stroll, making it an ideal strolling metropolis. After all, you’ll be able to journey a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we’ve got rather a lot in frequent with the folks of the Netherlands.
- Learn extra about Amsterdam
18. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was considered one of our favourite cities in Scandinavia. The capital metropolis of Sweden is situated on the Baltic Sea, and the colourful buildings of the previous city line the waterfront, taking your breath away.
What we love about Scandinavian cities is how there are amusement parks proper within the heart of town, and Stockholm isn’t any exception, with its grounds on the river. This northern metropolis is linked by ferries that take guests to 14 islands. You received’t neglect your go to to Stockholm, it’s top-of-the-line vacationer locations in northern Europe.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
We solely managed to pop over to Estonia for a day, however I’m so pleased that town we visited was stunning, Tallinn. In case you are doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is certainly one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, at the very least) on the record.
Tallinn was shocking. We didn’t actually know what to anticipate when visiting Estonia, however it’s an thrilling nation with a really wealthy historical past. We will’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historic wall, it has all the pieces it is advisable to see when visiting a European Metropolis. In case you are touring by way of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your record.
Learn extra: 6 Must-Have Experiences When you Visit Estonia
20. Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting Iceland was a dream come true, and its capital metropolis, Reykjavik, is gorgeous. Reykjavik is among the smaller cities on our record, however it packs a punch. Like lots of Europe’s stunning cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and plenty of buying, eating, and nightlife. It’s a metropolis that’s “quintessentially Nordic” and, when visiting Iceland, deserves a few days to discover.
Like many European Cities on this record, Iceland was used as a filming location for Recreation of Thrones. Despite the fact that Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and lots of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons had been used within the common sequence. We had been big Recreation of Thrones followers and visited many locations around the globe. Try this Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland that recreates a number of the scenes shot in Iceland.
21. Barcelona, Spain
The extra we go to Barcelona, the extra we find it irresistible. At first, we weren’t followers of Gaudi’s works, however as we received to know his work extra, we fell in love together with his progressive, colourful, and playful structure. In actual fact, Barcelona’s structure is so distinctive and essential that it 9 of its buildings are designated UNESCO World Heritage websites. Seven of which belong to Anotnie Gaudi himself.
With a fantastic waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is certainly one of the crucial stunning and vibrant cities we’ve visited in Europe.
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22. Zurich Switzerland
The attractive European metropolis of Zurich is a dream vacation spot. The picturesque setting on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River make for a beautiful spot to soak up the sundown and watch the attractive folks stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved previous city, numerous historic websites, and incomparable wealth. Strolling by way of the cobbled streets will take you again in time.
One in all our favourite issues to do in Zurich was to see it from above. Take the Felsenegg cable automobile as much as 803 meters above sea stage for breathtaking views of town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria through the vacation season, and it’s second to none in terms of Christmas Markets. Town shines with lights and festivities. That is why Vienna is known as one of the crucial stunning capital cities in Europe. From its magnificent structure and spectacular museums to its musical historical past and artwork scene, it’s straightforward to see why Vienna is so well-known.
Bundle up and drink some mulled wine whilst you browse the strolling streets and out of doors retailers. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Conflict II and is taken into account one of the crucial glamorous on the earth.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria shocked us. We didn’t anticipate to find it irresistible a lot, however it’s Europe’s hidden gem. Munich is probably the most populous metropolis in Bavaria, and it’s a energetic city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and incredible structure. Munich is a metropolis full of cobblestone streets which can be good for strolling within the Outdated City, and the picturesque squares make it straightforward to discover on foot or by bicycle.
25. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and the political heart of Switzerland. Additionally it is the capital metropolis of Switzerland. Bern doesn’t really feel like a political hub, although; this metropolis was made for strolling. The walkways of Bern are all lined, making buying nice in any kind of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our determination to incorporate it in our record of probably the most stunning cities we’ve ever visited.
26. Lisbon, Portugal
There are such a lot of stunning cities in Portugal that it’s difficult to decide on, however Lisbon is a star. Situated on the Atlantic coast, town is residence to quite a few spectacular buildings and landmarks, together with the Belem Tower overlooking the Tagus River and Jeronimos Monastery.
Go to the Alfama neighborhood to wander its slender streets and colourful homes and revel in its vibrant cultural scene at considered one of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, then again, is a extra fashionable neighborhood that’s identified for its vast boulevards and stylish buildings. In addition to its historic landmarks, Lisbon can also be residence to quite a few fashionable constructions, such because the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which is the longest bridge in Europe.
27. Seville, Spain
We popped into Seville on a street journey by way of Spain and Italy years in the past and we wished we had stayed longer! One thing we love about European cities is how they don’t change the historic elements of cities. If you happen to’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as stunning as they’re in the present day, and the previous metropolis of Seville isn’t any exception.
Individuals have taken observe of Seville once more because of Recreation of Thrones, which used this location for town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no surprise Seville is among the most stunning locations in Europe!
28. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki was our closing cease on our Scandinavian tour, and like all of the cities we visited in Northern Europe, it was stunning, too! The Helsinki Cathedral is the middle level of town, towering over the colourful buildings that line the waterfront.
We love how Scandinavians all the time have swimming swimming pools proper within the coronary heart of town. Helsinki has a outstanding swimming gap on the canal. The water is so clear! Like so many cities we love, there are strolling streets, buying, and loads of bistros and cafes.
29. Basel Switzerland
Switzerland has one beautiful city after one other and we couldn’t finish our stunning cities in Europe record with out together with our favourite metropolis in Switzerland, Basel. Situated on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the right mix of previous and new. The historical past of the Outdated City blends fantastically with the up to date architectural designs all through town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has an impressive Outdated City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Outdated Metropolis) to see the incredible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of town by way of its twin towers and pink sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by way of town heart, and there’s no higher method to soak up the views of town than by both taking a ship tour or swimming within the river. (You heard me accurately; one of many high issues to do in Basel is to swim within the Rhine River.)
30. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is constructed atop a sequence of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, offering panoramic views of the encompassing space. The Outdated City is a very picturesque space, with its winding medieval streets and towering castles and church buildings. The Royal Mile is the oldest part of town.
Probably the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Fortress, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that gives breathtaking views of town. The citadel is residence to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Future. The Scott Monument, a towering Victorian Gothic monument, is a well-liked attraction and presents panoramic views of this charming metropolis.
Europe is such an unlimited continent. It could be small in space, however it’s monumental in inhabitants and concrete facilities. From Russia to Greece or Northern Europe’s Scandinavia nations to Istanbul straddling two continents, there are such a lot of cities to go to in Europe it should take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have finished a tremendous job preserving their buildings and historical past, which performs an enormous half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this record. Need extra info on European Capital Cities? Try 14 Best European Capital Cities To Visit
