We’ve compiled our record of probably the most lovely cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This record isn’t another person’s opinion; these are the most effective European cities that we’ve personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and if you see them, you possibly can click on via to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to assist you select the most effective metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most actually haven’t seen all of Europe, however we’ve been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her gorgeous structure and engaging 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
Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and picturesque seashores that make it a really lovely place to go to. The town can also be residence to quite a lot of charming islands, together with the island of Lokrum, which is residence to a stunning botanical backyard and a monastery that dates again to the twelfth century.
One of many principal issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely is its Previous City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century. Stroll alongside the wall for panoramic metropolis views. Locations of curiosity embrace Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Rector’s Palace, and the Sponza Palace. Dubrovnik was additionally used as a filming location for Recreation of Thrones.
2. Porto, Portugal
Situated in Northern Portugal, Porto has skyrocketed to the highest of individuals’s record of cities to see once they go to Europe. The Medieval structure of Porto is what stands out on this beautiful metropolis on the Douro River. This coastal metropolis has golden seashores by the ocean and grand boulevards alongside the river. Porto has reworked through the years to turn out to be our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. In the present day, it’s also probably the most visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll via its previous city, starting on the banks of the River Douro. Stroll its charming streets in the hunt for a Fado efficiency, or hop on a river cruise to see its Medieval buildings from a distinct 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 probably the most lovely cities on the planet. It’s undoubtedly on the prime as a romantic metropolis, and we are able to’t assist however fall in love with it at any time when we go to many times. It might appear cliché, however it would 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 usually. 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 positively deserves to be named considered one of 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 situated within the Previous 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 vivid colours.
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5. Venice, Italy
Venice is without doubt one of the finest European cities to go to if you happen to 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 turned considered one of our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We might watch cruise strains and bus excursions are available in for a day and zip proper again out earlier than they’d an opportunity to essentially 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 a number of the most well-known historic ruins on the planet, together with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and The Historic Agora. Nothing is extra breathtaking than sitting at a rooftop bar at Monastiraki Sq., wanting on the Acropolis standing proudly over town.
There are lots of locations to absorb views of town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. Among the best locations, although, is to take the cable automobile as much as Lybitacus Hill. Be certain that to remain within the metropolis heart to have the ability to stroll to all the widespread vacationer sights. It’s probably the most 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 likely be in awe of the Budapest waterfront. Strolling over the chain bridge to witness the great thing about the Hungarian twin cities of Buda and Pest is pure perfection. When the lights come on in Budapest, make your approach 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 really one of many prettiest cities in Europe. Budapest is thought for its thermal baths and smash bars. These two vacationer locations are what make Budapest so distinctive.
8. Florence, Italy
Florence is really a metropolis of artwork and probably the most 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 possibly can stroll slowly via its cobbled streets whereas having fun with every 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 take pleasure in.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis heart, and countless 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 essentially delve into the artwork and tradition of this beautiful metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We expect Bergen, Norway, is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Europe on account of its pure magnificence. Surrounded by mountains, it’s genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Space makes for a picturesque waterfront. It 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 you need to go to in Bergen is Bryggen, the fairytale village of historic picket homes lining the waterfront. This historic quarter of Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site with good cause. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Be certain that to take the cable automobile to the highest of Mount Fløyen for superb 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 lovely squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are a number of the finest in Europe. Horta Resort Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau model. It’s a fully lovely metropolis stuffed with historical past and allure, 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, folks assume 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’ve had folks write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to realize 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 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. Trendy buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we adore it!
Your entire previous metropolis heart of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Witnessing locations just like the Colosseum, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica is on many a traveler’s bucket record. It’s one awe-inspiring sight after one other if you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your record of should go to cities in Europe, you received’t be upset. 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 a good looking metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however if you happen to 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 presents probably the most lovely views. The Prague Citadel stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the beautiful Vltava River of Japanese 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 may have all of it to your self, it’s actually 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 lovely structure and medieval church buildings in non-public.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
When gazing upon town of Istanbul from our rooftop terrace at evening, it’s set afire with gentle. Istanbul is a metropolis with two personalities—one foot within the West with a European aptitude and the opposite foot within the East of Asia. Spanning two continents, it’s also Europe’s largest metropolis. It’s the Japanese 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 Previous 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 town. Visiting Istanbul is a wealthy cultural expertise the place the East meets the West. It’s an infinite 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, the most effective sights of London are situated on the water. We took water taxis and ferries, took within the metropolis’s magnificence from the river, and explored its world class museums. London has reworked prior to now 20 years to turn out to be an exquisite mixture of historic structure mixing with trendy skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Massive Ben and the Tower of London to the London Eye to The Shard and The Gherkin, London has probably the most 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 considered one of our favorite European cities. After I began compiling this, I solely considered skylines and locations that took my breath away. However after visiting Dublin a number of instances, I 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 via the center of town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually soak up its allure.
Dublin has quiet parks for getaways, castles to discover, and a very good pub scene. The extra we journey to it, the extra 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 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. After all, you possibly can experience a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we’ve quite a bit in widespread with the folks of the Netherlands.
- Learn extra about Amsterdam
18. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was considered one of our favourite cities in Scandinavia. The capital metropolis of Sweden is situated on the Baltic Sea, and the colourful buildings of the previous city line the waterfront, taking your breath away.
What we love about Scandinavian cities is how there are amusement parks proper within the heart of town, and Stockholm 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 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 joyful that 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 all the things you might want 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 lovely cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and many purchasing, eating, and nightlife. It’s a metropolis that’s “quintessentially Nordic” and, when visiting Iceland, deserves a few days to discover.
Like many European Cities on this record, Iceland was used as a filming location for Recreation of Thrones. 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 widespread collection. We have been large Recreation of Thrones followers and visited many locations around the globe. Take a look at this Recreation 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 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 together with his progressive, colourful, and playful structure. In actual fact, Barcelona’s structure is so distinctive and essential that it 9 of its buildings are designated UNESCO World Heritage websites. Seven of which belong to Anotnie Gaudi himself.
With a good looking waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is unquestionably probably the most 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 beautiful spot to absorb 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 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 town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria through the vacation season, and it’s second to none in the case of Christmas Markets. The town shines with lights and festivities. For this reason Vienna is known as probably the most lovely 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 when you browse the strolling streets and out of doors retailers. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Battle II and is taken into account probably the most glamorous on the 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 probably the most populous metropolis in Bavaria, and it’s a vigorous city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and unbelievable structure. Munich is a metropolis stuffed with cobblestone streets which are good for strolling within the Previous City, and the picturesque squares make it straightforward to discover on foot or by bicycle.
25. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and the political heart of Switzerland. Additionally it is the capital metropolis of Switzerland. Bern doesn’t really feel like a political hub, although; this metropolis was made for strolling. The walkways of Bern are all coated, making purchasing nice in any kind 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. Situated on the Atlantic coast, town is residence to quite a lot 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 luxuriate in its vibrant cultural scene at considered one of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, then again, is a extra trendy neighborhood that’s recognized for its vast boulevards and stylish buildings. In addition to its historic landmarks, Lisbon can also be residence to quite a lot 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 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 components of cities. In case you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re right now, and the previous metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Individuals have taken observe of Seville yet again due to Recreation of Thrones, which used this location for town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no surprise Seville is without doubt one of the most lovely 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 lovely, 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, purchasing, 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. Situated 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 an impressive Previous City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Previous Metropolis) to see the unbelievable Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of town via its twin towers and purple sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts via town heart, and there’s no higher approach to absorb the views of town than by both taking a ship tour or swimming within the river. (You heard me accurately; 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 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.
Probably the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Citadel, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that gives breathtaking views of town. The fortress is residence to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Future. The Scott Monument, a towering Victorian Gothic monument, is a well-liked attraction and presents panoramic views of this charming metropolis.
Europe is such an 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 would 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 an enormous 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