We’ve compiled our checklist of essentially the most stunning cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This checklist just isn’t another person’s opinion; these are one of the best European cities that we have now personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and if you see them, you’ll be able to click on by means of to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to enable you select one of the best metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most actually haven’t seen all of Europe, however we have now been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her beautiful structure and engaging historical past. If you’re on the lookout for historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even beautiful seashores, we’ve bought 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. Town can be dwelling to plenty of charming islands, together with the island of Lokrum, which is dwelling to a beautiful botanical backyard and a monastery that dates again to the twelfth century.
One of many major issues that make Dubrovnik so stunning is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Website that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century.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 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
Positioned in Northern Portugal, Porto has skyrocketed to the highest of individuals’s checklist of cities to see after 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 remodeled through the years to change into our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. Immediately, it’s also one of the vital visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll by means of its outdated city, starting on the banks of the River Douro.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-about one of the vital stunning 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 every time we go to repeatedly. It could appear cliché, however it would all the time be essentially the most stunning metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can be one of many few cities that we revisit usually. Regardless 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 checklist.
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 certainly one of 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 stuffed with 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 among the greatest European cities to go to for those who don’t go on a cruise. Touring independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a incredible expertise. Although 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 shortly grew to become certainly one of our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We’d watch cruise strains 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 means 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 dwelling to a few of the most well-known historical 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., 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. The most effective locations, although, is to take the cable automotive as much as Lybitacus Hill. Ensure that to remain within the metropolis middle to have the ability to stroll to the entire widespread vacationer sights. It’s one of the vital 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 fantastic thing about the Hungarian twin cities of Buda and Pest is pure perfection. When the lights come on in Budapest, make your means 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 damage 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 means of 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 wish to take your time to get pleasure from.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis middle, and infinite streets free from 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 expect Bergen, Norway, is among the most stunning cities in Europe as a consequence of 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 checklist.
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 cause. 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 town. If 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 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 few of the greatest in Europe. Horta Lodge Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau model. It’s a completely stunning metropolis stuffed with 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
Typically, folks suppose Bruges is among 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 checklist. Fortunately, we have now 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. Check this out and see what you suppose!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the checklist of lovely cities to go to in Europe due to how historical ruins weave by means of trendy structure. The Everlasting Metropolis has a mixture of outdated and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They’ve integrated the outdated Roman structure into the plans of town. Trendy buildings spring up between historical monuments, and we find it irresistible!
All the outdated 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 checklist. It’s one awe-inspiring sight after one other if you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your checklist 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 gorgeous metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however for those who step out of the primary path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chunk or an reasonably priced pint. Like every 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 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 got 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 town of Istanbul from our rooftop terrace at evening, 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 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 proper place to get misplaced in time. Take a stroll by means 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 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 previously 20 years to change into an exquisite 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 checklist of lovely cities however Dublin is by far certainly 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 occasions, 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 means of the center of 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 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 experience a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we have now so much in frequent with the folks of the Netherlands.
- Learn extra about Amsterdam
18. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was certainly one of 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 town, and Stockholm is not 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 among the best vacationer locations in northern Europe.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
We solely managed to pop over to Estonia for a day, however I’m so comfortable that town we visited was stunning, Tallinn. If you’re doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is unquestionably one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, at the least) on the checklist.
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 are able to’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historical wall, it has all the pieces it’s essential see when visiting a European Metropolis. If you’re touring by means of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your checklist.
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 checklist, but it surely packs a punch. Like lots 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 checklist, 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 widespread sequence. We have been big Sport of Thrones followers and visited many locations around the globe. Take a look at this Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland that recreates a few 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 bought 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 a gorgeous waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is unquestionably one of the vital 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 stunning spot to soak up the sundown and watch the attractive folks stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved outdated city, numerous historic websites, and incomparable wealth. Strolling by means 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 stage for breathtaking views of town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria in the course of the vacation season, and it’s second to none relating to Christmas Markets. Town shines with lights and festivities. Because of this 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 straightforward to see why Vienna is so well-known.
Bundle up and drink some mulled wine whilst you browse the strolling streets and outside retailers. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Struggle II and is taken into account one of the vital glamorous on the earth.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria stunned us. We didn’t anticipate to find it irresistible a lot, however it’s Europe’s hidden gem. Munich is essentially the most populous metropolis in Bavaria, and it’s a full of life city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and incredible structure. Munich is a metropolis stuffed with 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 Website 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 lined, making procuring nice in any kind of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our determination to incorporate it in our checklist 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. Positioned on the Atlantic coast, town is dwelling 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 slender streets and colourful homes and revel in its vibrant cultural scene at certainly one of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, then again, is a extra trendy neighborhood that’s recognized for its extensive boulevards and stylish buildings. Moreover its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be dwelling to plenty of trendy buildings, 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 means 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 as we speak, and the outdated metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Individuals have taken word of Seville over again because of Sport of Thrones, which used this location for town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no marvel Seville is among 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 distinguished 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 beautiful city after one other and we couldn’t finish our stunning cities in Europe checklist with out together with our favourite metropolis in Switzerland, Basel. Positioned on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the proper mix of outdated 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 a powerful Outdated City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Outdated Metropolis) to see the incredible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of town by means of its twin towers and pink sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by means of town middle, and there’s no higher means 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 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 Citadel, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that provides breathtaking views of town. The fortress is dwelling 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 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 would take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have completed an incredible job preserving their buildings and historical past, which performs a giant half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this checklist. Need extra data on European Capital Cities? Take a look at 14 Best European Capital Cities To Visit
