We’ve compiled our listing of probably the most stunning cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This listing just isn’t another person’s opinion; these are the very best European cities that we’ve personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and whenever 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 assist you to select the very best metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most definitely haven’t seen all of Europe, however we’ve been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her beautiful structure and interesting historical past. If you’re in search of historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even beautiful seashores, we’ve received you lined.
Desk of Contents
1. Dubrovnik
Positioned 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 also be house to various charming islands, together with the island of Lokrum, which is house to a stunning botanical backyard and a monastery that dates again to the twelfth century.
One of many fundamental issues that make Dubrovnik so stunning is its Previous City, a UNESCO World Heritage Website 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 embody 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
Positioned in Northern Portugal, Porto has skyrocketed to the highest of individuals’s listing 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 turn out to be our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. Immediately, it’s also one of the vital 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 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 of one of the vital stunning cities on the planet. It’s undoubtedly on the prime as a romantic metropolis, and we will’t assist however fall in love with it each time we go to many times. It might 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 marvel 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 listing.
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 infinite stream of canals, Copenhagen undoubtedly deserves to be named one in every 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 Previous 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 vibrant colours.
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5. Venice, Italy
Venice is without doubt one of the greatest European cities to go to should 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 turned one in every of our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We might watch cruise strains and bus excursions are available 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 house to a few of the most well-known historic ruins on the planet, together with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and The Historical Agora. Nothing is extra breathtaking than sitting at a rooftop bar at Monastiraki Sq., wanting on the Acropolis standing proudly over town.
There are numerous locations to soak up views of town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. Among the best locations, although, is to take the cable automotive as much as Lybitacus Hill. Be certain that to remain within the metropolis middle to have the ability to stroll to the entire standard vacationer points of interest. It’s one of the vital 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
Positioned on the Danube River in Central Europe, guests might 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 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 understood for its thermal baths and smash 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 vital 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 need to take your time to take pleasure in.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis middle, and infinite streets free from visitors make strolling a pleasure. Be certain 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 beautiful metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We expect Bergen, Norway, is without doubt one of the most stunning cities in Europe as a result of its pure magnificence. Surrounded by mountains, it’s genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Space makes for a picturesque waterfront. It might 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 listing.
The primary place you need to go to in Bergen is Bryggen, the fairytale village of historic wood homes lining the waterfront. This historic quarter of Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Website with good purpose. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Be certain that to take the cable automotive to the highest of Mount Fløyen for wonderful views of town. Once 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 Previous 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 a few of the greatest in Europe. Horta Resort Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau model. 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
Typically, 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 listing. Fortunately, we’ve had folks write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to realize additional appreciation since our go to practically 30 years in the past. Verify this out and see what you assume!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the listing of lovely cities to go to in Europe due to how historic ruins weave by way of trendy 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. Fashionable buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we adore it!
The whole previous metropolis middle of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Witnessing locations just like the Colosseum, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica is on many a traveler’s bucket listing. It’s one awe-inspiring sight after one other whenever you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your listing of should go to cities in Europe, you gained’t be dissatisfied. Lease 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 wonderful metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however should you step out of the primary path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chew or an reasonably priced pint. Like all metropolis in Europe, the river provides probably the most stunning views. The Prague Fortress stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the stunning Vltava River of Jap Europe.
For those who get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you should have all of it to your self. The city sq. is without doubt one of the prettiest in Europe, and when you’ve got all of it to your self, it’s really breathtaking. Dave and I have 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 night time, it’s set afire with mild. 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 Previous 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 the very best views of 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 very 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 remodeled up to now 20 years to turn out to be a beautiful mixture of historic structure mixing with trendy 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 vital 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 listing of lovely cities however Dublin is by far one in every 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 noticed 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 absorb 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, but it surely left an impression. Often called 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. In fact, you’ll be able to trip a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we’ve loads in widespread with the folks of the Netherlands.
- Learn extra about Amsterdam
18. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was one in every 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 middle of town, and Stockholm is not any exception, with its grounds on the river. This northern metropolis is related by ferries that take guests to 14 islands. You gained’t neglect your go to to Stockholm, it’s among the finest vacationer locations in northern Europe.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
We solely managed to pop over to Estonia for a day, however I’m so completely satisfied that 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 listing.
Tallinn was stunning. 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 every little thing you’ll want to see when visiting a European Metropolis. If you’re touring by way of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your listing.
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 listing, but it surely packs a punch. Like lots of Europe’s stunning cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and many 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 listing, Iceland was used as a filming location for Sport 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 have been used within the standard sequence. We have been large Sport of Thrones followers and visited many locations world wide. Take a look at this Sport of Thrones Tour of Northern Eire that recreates a few of 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 received to know his work extra, we fell in love along with his modern, colourful, and playful structure. Actually, Barcelona’s structure is so distinctive and vital that it 9 of its buildings are designated UNESCO World Heritage websites. Seven of which belong to Anotnie Gaudi himself.
With a wonderful waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is certainly one of the vital stunning and vibrant cities we’ve visited in Europe.
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22. Zurich Switzerland
The gorgeous European metropolis of Zurich is a dream vacation spot. The picturesque setting on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River make for a stunning 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 automotive as much as 803 meters above sea degree 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. The town shines with lights and festivities. That is why Vienna is known as one of the vital 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 outside outlets. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Battle II and is taken into account one of the vital glamorous on the planet.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria stunned us. We didn’t count on to adore it a lot, however it’s Europe’s hidden gem. Munich is probably the most populous metropolis in Bavaria, and it’s a vigorous 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 Previous 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 Website and the political middle of Switzerland. It’s also 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 resolution to incorporate it in our listing 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. Positioned on the Atlantic coast, town is house to various 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 one in every of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, then again, is a extra trendy neighborhood that’s identified for its extensive boulevards and chic buildings. In addition to its historic landmarks, Lisbon can also be house to various trendy constructions, such because the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which is the longest bridge in Europe.
27. Seville, Spain
We popped into Seville on a highway 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 components of cities. For those who’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as stunning as they’re at present, and the previous metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Folks have taken word of Seville yet again due to Sport of Thrones, which used this location for town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no marvel Seville is without doubt one of the most stunning locations in Europe!
28. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki was our remaining 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 stunning metropolis after one other and we couldn’t finish our stunning cities in Europe listing with out together with our favourite metropolis in Switzerland, Basel. Positioned on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the right mix of previous and new. The historical past of the Previous City blends superbly with the modern architectural designs all through town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has a powerful Previous City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Previous Metropolis) to see the incredible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of town by way of its twin towers and purple sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by way of town middle, 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 appropriately; one of many prime 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 encircling space. The Previous 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.
One of the iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Fortress, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that provides breathtaking views of town. The fort is house 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 unlimited 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 should take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have finished an incredible job preserving their buildings and historical past, which performs an enormous half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this listing. Need extra info on European Capital Cities? Take a look at 14 Finest European Capital Cities To Go to
