We’ve compiled our record of essentially the most stunning cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This record just isn’t another person’s opinion; these are the most effective European cities that we now have personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and whenever you see them, you possibly can click on via to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to allow you to select the most effective metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most definitely haven’t seen all of Europe, however we now have been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her gorgeous structure and interesting historical past. If you’re on the lookout for historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even gorgeous seashores, we’ve bought you coated.
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 very stunning place to go to. The town can be residence to plenty of 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One of many important issues that make Dubrovnik so stunning is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century.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 Sport 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 remodeled over time to change into our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. As we speak, it’s also some of the visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll via its outdated city, starting on the banks of the River Douro. Stroll its charming streets seeking a Fado efficiency, or hop on a river cruise to see its Medieval buildings from a special 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 commonly thought-about some of the stunning cities on this planet. It’s undoubtedly on the high as a romantic metropolis, and we are able to’t assist however fall in love with it each time we go to time and again. It might appear cliché, however it is going to all the time be essentially the most stunning metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can 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 completely 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 undoubtedly deserves to be named one among Europe’s most stunning cities. It is sort of a fairytale.
Nyhavn might be essentially the most scenic cityscape of all of the Scandinavian cities we visited. This waterfront canal is positioned 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 brilliant colours.
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5. Venice, Italy
Venice is without doubt one of the finest European cities to go to in case you don’t go on a cruise. Touring independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a implausible expertise. Although it’s identified for its canals, getting misplaced in its maze of slim cobblestone streets and again alleys is a part of the enjoyable of visiting this charming metropolis.
We spent six days exploring Venice, and it rapidly grew to become one among our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We’d 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 via 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 among the most well-known historic ruins on this planet, together with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and The Historic Agora. Nothing is extra breathtaking than sitting at a rooftop bar at Monastiraki Sq., trying on the Acropolis standing proudly over the town.
There are lots of locations to soak up views of the 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 sure that to remain within the metropolis middle to have the ability to stroll to all the standard vacationer sights. It’s some of the walkable capital cities in Europe, and we adore it. 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 probably be in awe of the Budapest waterfront. Strolling over the chain bridge to witness the fantastic thing about the Hungarian twin cities of Buda and Pest is pure perfection. When the lights come on in Budapest, make your method right down to the river and take within the splendor of the 2 cities.
The Hungarian Parliament buildings dominate the Hungarian Capital and shines at night time because the Széchenyi Chain Bridge displays in its waters, making for a magical scene. Budapest at night time is actually one of many prettiest cities in Europe. Budapest is thought for its thermal baths and break bars. These two vacationer locations are what make Budapest so distinctive.
8. Florence, Italy
Florence is actually a metropolis of artwork and some of the 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 possibly can stroll slowly via its cobbled streets whereas having fun with each constructing you lay eyes upon. Identified for the Sculpture of David, the Ponte Vechhio and Fabulous delicacies, Florence is a metropolis you’ll need to take your time to get pleasure from.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis middle, and countless streets free from site visitors make strolling a pleasure. Make sure that to spend greater than a day journey when visiting Florence, spend a number of to actually delve into the artwork and tradition of this attractive metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We expect Bergen, Norway, is without doubt one of the most stunning cities in Europe resulting from its pure magnificence. Surrounded by mountains, it’s genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Space makes for a picturesque waterfront. It is probably not 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 it is best 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 purpose. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Make sure that to take the cable automobile to the highest of Mount Fløyen for wonderful views of the town. Once you see Bergen, you’ll agree that it could 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 the 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 assume that the Sq. of Brussels is without doubt one of the most stunning squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are among the finest in Europe. Horta Resort Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau type. It’s a completely stunning metropolis full of historical past and appeal, however it’s the metropolis sq. that places it close to the highest of our favourite of essentially the most stunning cities in Europe.
11. Bruges, Belgium
Usually, folks assume Bruges is without doubt one of the most stunning European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and actually can’t keep in mind pondering 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 now have had folks write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to achieve additional appreciation since our go to almost 30 years in the past. Test this out and see what you assume!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the record of gorgeous cities to go to in Europe due to how historic ruins weave via fashionable structure. The Everlasting Metropolis has a mixture of outdated and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They’ve included the outdated Roman structure into the plans of the town. Trendy buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we adore it!
Your entire outdated metropolis middle 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 whenever you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your record of should go to cities in Europe, you received’t be dissatisfied. Hire or Purchase Roman Vacation 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 case you step out of the primary path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chew or an inexpensive pint. Like all metropolis in Europe, the river provides essentially the most stunning views. The Prague Citadel stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the beautiful Vltava River of Jap Europe.
In case you get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you’ll have all of it to your self. The city sq. is without doubt one of the prettiest in Europe, and when you’ve all of it to your self, it’s actually breathtaking. Dave and I have been amazed to see that individuals 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 the town of Istanbul from our rooftop terrace at night time, 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’s also Europe’s largest metropolis. It’s the Jap 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 via the Grand Baazar or go as much as the highest of Galata Tower for the most effective views of the town. Visiting Istanbul is a wealthy cultural expertise the place the East meets the West. It’s an infinite metropolis, but it’s simple 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, the most effective sights of London are positioned 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 remodeled up to now 20 years to change into an exquisite mixture of historic structure mixing with fashionable skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Large Ben and the Tower of London to the London Eye to The Shard and The Gherkin, London has some of the 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 gorgeous cities however Dublin is by far one among 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 via the guts of the town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually soak up its appeal.
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, but it surely left an impression. Often known 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 excellent for a stroll, making it an ideal strolling metropolis. After all, you possibly can journey a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we now have quite a bit in widespread with the folks of the Netherlands.
- Learn extra about Amsterdam
18. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was one among our favourite cities in Scandinavia. The capital metropolis of Sweden is positioned on the Baltic Sea, and the colourful buildings of the outdated city line the waterfront, taking your breath away.
What we love about Scandinavian cities is how there are amusement parks proper within the middle of the town, and Stockholm isn’t any exception, with its grounds on the river. This northern metropolis is related by ferries that take guests to 14 islands. You received’t neglect your go to to Stockholm, it’s probably the greatest 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 the town we visited was stunning, Tallinn. If you’re doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is certainly one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, no less than) 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 are able to’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historic wall, it has every little thing it’s worthwhile to see when visiting a European Metropolis. If you’re touring via Scandinavia, add Estonia to your record.
Learn extra: 6 Should-Have Experiences Once you Go to Estonia
20. Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting Iceland was a dream come true, and its capital metropolis, Reykjavik, is gorgeous. Reykjavik is without doubt one of the smaller cities on our record, but it surely packs a punch. Like a lot of Europe’s stunning cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and plenty of procuring, 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 Sport of Thrones. Although Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and most of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons have been used within the standard collection. We have been enormous Sport of Thrones followers and visited many locations world wide. Take a look at this Sport of Thrones Tour of Northern Eire that recreates among the scenes shot in Iceland.
21. Barcelona, Spain
The extra we go to Barcelona, the extra we adore it. At first, we weren’t followers of Gaudi’s works, however as we bought to know his work extra, we fell in love together with his modern, colourful, and playful structure. Actually, 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 some of the 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 gorgeous folks stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved outdated city, numerous historic websites, and incomparable wealth. Strolling via the cobbled streets will take you again in time.
Certainly one of 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 the town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria in the course of the vacation season, and it’s second to none in the case of Christmas Markets. The town shines with lights and festivities. That is why Vienna is known as some of the stunning capital cities in Europe. From its magnificent structure and spectacular museums to its musical historical past and artwork scene, it’s simple to see why Vienna is so well-known.
Bundle up and drink some mulled wine when you browse the strolling streets and out of doors outlets. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Warfare II and is taken into account some of the glamorous on this planet.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria stunned us. We didn’t anticipate to adore it a lot, however it’s Europe’s hidden gem. Munich is essentially the most populous metropolis in Bavaria, and it’s a energetic city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and implausible structure. Munich is a metropolis full of cobblestone streets which might be excellent for strolling within the Outdated City, and the picturesque squares make it simple to discover on foot or by bicycle.
25. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and the political middle of Switzerland. It is usually 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 coated, making procuring nice in any kind of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our resolution to incorporate it in our record of essentially 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, the town is residence to plenty of spectacular buildings and landmarks, together with the Belem Tower overlooking the Tagus River and Jeronimos Monastery.
Go to the Alfama neighborhood to wander its slim streets and colourful homes and luxuriate in its vibrant cultural scene at one among its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, however, is a extra fashionable neighborhood that’s identified for its vast boulevards and stylish buildings. In addition to its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be residence to plenty of 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 via 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. In case you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as stunning as they’re right this moment, and the outdated metropolis of Seville isn’t any exception.
Folks have taken word of Seville over again due to Sport of Thrones, which used this location for the town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no surprise Seville is without doubt one of 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 the 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 the 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, procuring, and loads of bistros and cafes.
29. Basel Switzerland
Switzerland has one stunning metropolis 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 outdated and new. The historical past of the Outdated City blends fantastically with the modern architectural designs all through the town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has an impressive Outdated City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Outdated Metropolis) to see the implausible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of the town via its twin towers and pink sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts via the town middle, and there’s no higher method to soak up the views of the 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 collection 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 the town.
Probably the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Citadel, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that provides breathtaking views of the town. The fort 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 provides panoramic views of this charming metropolis.
Europe is such an enormous continent. It might be small in space, however it’s huge in inhabitants and concrete facilities. From Russia to Greece or Northern Europe’s Scandinavia international locations to Istanbul straddling two continents, there are such a lot of cities to go to in Europe it is going to take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have accomplished a tremendous job preserving their buildings and historical past, which performs a giant half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this record. Need extra data on European Capital Cities? Take a look at 14 Finest European Capital Cities To Go to
