We’ve compiled our record of probably the most lovely cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This record just isn’t another person’s opinion; these are the perfect 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 may click on by way of to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to enable you select the perfect metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most actually 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 received you coated.
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 lovely place to go to. The town can also be residence to a variety 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One of many important issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Website that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century.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 record of cities to see once they go to Europe. The Medieval structure of Porto is what stands out on this beautiful metropolis on the Douro River. This coastal metropolis has golden seashores by the ocean and grand boulevards alongside the river. Porto has reworked over time to change into our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. At present, it is usually some of the 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 seeking 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 some of the lovely cities on the earth. It’s undoubtedly on the prime 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 could appear cliché, however it’ll all the time be probably the most lovely metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can also be one of many few cities that we revisit recurrently. 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 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 positively deserves to be named one among Europe’s most lovely 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 positioned within the Outdated City and is a must-see when visiting Copenhagen. Seventeenth-century townhouses line the canal crammed with historic sailboats. What makes these townhouses so distinctive is that they’re painted in vivid colours.
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5. Venice, Italy
Venice is without doubt one of the finest European cities to go to when you don’t go on a cruise. Touring independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a unbelievable expertise. Regardless that it’s recognized 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 rapidly grew to become one among our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We might watch cruise traces and bus excursions are available for a day and zip proper again out earlier than they’d 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 the town.
There are lots of locations to soak up views of the town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. Top-of-the-line locations, although, is to take the cable automotive as much as Lybitacus Hill. Ensure that to remain within the metropolis heart to have the ability to stroll to all the common vacationer points of interest. It’s some of the 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
Positioned on the Danube River in Central Europe, guests can 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 approach 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 evening because the Széchenyi Chain Bridge displays in its waters, making for a magical scene. Budapest at evening is really one of many prettiest cities in Europe. Budapest is thought for its thermal baths and wreck bars. These two vacationer locations are what make Budapest so distinctive.
8. Florence, Italy
Florence is really a metropolis of artwork and some of the lovely 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 may stroll slowly by way of its cobbled streets whereas having fun with every 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 get pleasure from.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis heart, and countless streets free from site visitors make strolling a pleasure. Ensure 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 predict Bergen, Norway, is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Europe because 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 it’s 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 Website with good motive. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Ensure that to take the cable automotive to the highest of Mount Fløyen for superb views of the town. If 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 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 suppose that the Sq. of Brussels is without doubt one of the most lovely squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are a number of the finest in Europe. Horta Lodge Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau model. It’s a completely lovely metropolis crammed with historical past and appeal, however it’s the metropolis sq. that places it close to the highest of our favourite of probably the most lovely cities in Europe.
11. Bruges, Belgium
Usually, individuals suppose Bruges is without doubt one of the most lovely European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and truthfully can’t bear in mind pondering it was lovely, 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 individuals 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. Examine this out and see what you suppose!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the record of gorgeous 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 included the previous Roman structure into the plans of the town. Fashionable buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we find it irresistible!
Your complete previous metropolis heart 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 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 disillusioned. Lease or Purchase Roman Vacation starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome journey temper.
13. Prague, Czechia
We had typically heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was an exquisite metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however when you step out of the principle path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chunk or an inexpensive pint. Like several metropolis in Europe, the river provides probably the most lovely 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 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 individuals didn’t actually get began till after 9:00 am, which gave us loads of time to benefit from the lovely structure and medieval church buildings in non-public.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
When gazing upon the 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 Jap affect that makes this metropolis so lovely.
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 the perfect views of the town. Visiting Istanbul is a wealthy cultural expertise the place the East meets the West. It’s an unlimited 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 perfect points of interest 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 reworked previously 20 years to change into 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 some of the eclectic skylines in Europe, and it’s lovely. 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. Once 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 lovely; it’s the tradition and folks. The River Liffey snakes by way of the center 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 lovely 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 may journey a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we now have lots in widespread with the individuals 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 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 the 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 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 completely satisfied that the town we visited was lovely, Tallinn. If you’re doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is unquestionably 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 every little thing it is advisable see when visiting a European Metropolis. If you’re touring by way of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your record.
Learn extra: 6 Should-Have Experiences If 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 lots of Europe’s lovely 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 Sport of Thrones. Regardless that Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and most of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons have been used within the common collection. We have been big Sport of Thrones followers and visited many locations all over the world. Take a look at this Sport of Thrones Tour of Northern Eire 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 along with his modern, colourful, and playful structure. In truth, 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 an exquisite waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is unquestionably some of the lovely 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 individuals 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 among 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 the town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria in the course of the vacation season, and it’s second to none with regards to Christmas Markets. The town shines with lights and festivities. This is the reason Vienna is known as some of the lovely 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 whilst you browse the strolling streets and out of doors retailers. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Warfare II and is taken into account some of the 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 unbelievable structure. Munich is a metropolis crammed with 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 Website 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 coated, making buying nice in any sort of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our resolution to incorporate it in our record of probably the most lovely cities we’ve ever visited.
26. Lisbon, Portugal
There are such a lot of lovely cities in Portugal that it’s difficult to decide on, however Lisbon is a star. Positioned on the Atlantic coast, the town is residence to a variety 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 slender streets and colourful homes and revel in its vibrant cultural scene at one among its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, however, is a extra trendy neighborhood that’s recognized for its large boulevards and stylish buildings. In addition to its historic landmarks, Lisbon can also be residence to a variety of 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 elements of cities. In case you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re at present, and the previous metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Individuals have taken observe of Seville once more due to Sport of Thrones, which used this location for the town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no marvel Seville is without doubt one of the most lovely 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 lovely, 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 distinguished 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 lovely metropolis after one other and we couldn’t finish our lovely cities in Europe record 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 Outdated City blends superbly with the modern architectural designs all through the town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has a powerful Outdated City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Outdated Metropolis) to see the unbelievable Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of the town by way of its twin towers and purple sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by way of the town heart, and there’s no higher approach to soak up the views of the 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 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.
Some of the iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Citadel, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that gives breathtaking views of the 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 provides panoramic views of this charming metropolis.
Europe is such an enormous continent. It could 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’ll take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have executed 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 Greatest European Capital Cities To Go to
