We’ve compiled our listing of essentially the most lovely cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This listing isn’t another person’s opinion; these are the perfect European cities that we’ve personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and once you see them, you may click on by means of to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to make it easier to select the perfect 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 engaging historical past. In case you are searching for historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even beautiful seashores, we’ve acquired you lined.
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. Town can be house to quite a few charming islands, together with the island of Lokrum, which is house to a beautiful botanical backyard and a monastery that dates again to the twelfth century.
One of many predominant issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century. Stroll alongside the wall for panoramic metropolis views. Locations of curiosity embrace Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Rector’s Palace, and the Sponza Palace. Dubrovnik was additionally used as a filming location for Sport of Thrones.
2. Porto, Portugal
Situated in Northern Portugal, Porto has skyrocketed to the highest of individuals’s listing 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 grow to be our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. Right this moment, additionally it is one of the crucial visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll by means 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 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 of one of the crucial lovely cities on this planet. It’s undoubtedly on the high as a romantic metropolis, and we will’t assist however fall in love with it every time we go to repeatedly. It might appear cliché, however it can all the time be essentially the most lovely metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can be one of many few cities that we revisit repeatedly. Regardless 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 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 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 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 likely one of the greatest 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 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 considered one of 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 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 house to a number of the most well-known historical ruins on this planet, 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 a lot of locations to soak up views of the town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. Among the best locations, although, is to take the cable automobile as much as Lybitacus Hill. Ensure that to remain within the metropolis middle to have the ability to stroll to all the fashionable vacationer sights. It’s one of the crucial walkable capital cities in Europe, and we like 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 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 manner 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 understood for its thermal baths and damage bars. These two vacationer locations are what make Budapest so distinctive.
8. Florence, Italy
Florence is really a metropolis of artwork and one of the crucial 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 means 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 middle, 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 beautiful metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We predict Bergen, Norway, is likely 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 listing.
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. Ensure that to take the cable automobile to the highest of Mount Fløyen for superb views of the town. Whenever 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 after 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 likely one of the most lovely squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are a number of the greatest in Europe. Horta Resort Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau fashion. It’s a fully lovely 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 lovely cities in Europe.
11. Bruges, Belgium
Usually, folks suppose Bruges is likely one of the most lovely European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and actually can’t bear in mind considering 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 listing. Fortunately, we’ve had folks write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to achieve additional appreciation since our go to almost 30 years in the past. Verify this out and see what you suppose!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the listing of gorgeous cities to go to in Europe due to how historical ruins weave by means of fashionable 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 the town. Trendy buildings spring up between historical monuments, and we like it!
Your complete previous metropolis middle of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Witnessing locations just like the Colosseum, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica is on many a traveler’s bucket listing. It’s one awe-inspiring sight after one other once you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your listing of should go to cities in Europe, you gained’t be disillusioned. Hire or Purchase Roman Vacation starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome journey temper.
13. Prague, Czechia
We had usually heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was a gorgeous metropolis in Europe, and after 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 reasonably priced pint. Like several metropolis in Europe, the river gives essentially the most lovely views. The Prague Fort 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 likely 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 lovely structure and medieval church buildings in personal.
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, additionally it is 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 Outdated Metropolis is the right 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 the perfect views of the town. Visiting Istanbul is a wealthy cultural expertise the place the East meets the West. It’s an infinite metropolis, but it’s simple to stroll and navigate.
15. London, England
Our favourite a part of London was hanging out by the river, with Tower Bridge spanning the Thames. Like most cities, the perfect 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 reworked prior to now 20 years to grow to be an exquisite mixture of historic structure mixing with fashionable skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Massive Ben and the Tower of London to the London Eye to The Shard and The Gherkin, London has one of the crucial 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 listing of gorgeous cities however Dublin is by far considered one of 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 spotted 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 means of the guts of the town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually soak up its appeal.
Dublin has quiet parks for getaways, castles to discover, and a very good pub scene. The extra we journey to it, the extra lovely it turns into.
17. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dave and I visited Amsterdam earlier than our journey running a blog careers, however it 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 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’ve rather a lot in frequent 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 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 middle of the town, and Stockholm isn’t any exception, with its grounds on the river. This northern metropolis is related by ferries that take guests to 14 islands. You gained’t neglect your go to to Stockholm, it’s the most effective vacationer locations in northern Europe.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
We solely managed to pop over to Estonia for a day, however I’m so pleased that the town we visited was lovely, Tallinn. In case you are doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is certainly one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, at the very least) on the listing.
Tallinn was shocking. We didn’t actually know what to anticipate when visiting Estonia, however it’s an thrilling nation with a really wealthy historical past. We are able to’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historical wall, it has the whole lot you must see when visiting a European Metropolis. In case you are touring by means of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your listing.
Learn extra: 6 Should-Have Experiences Whenever you Go to Estonia
20. Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting Iceland was a dream come true, and its capital metropolis, Reykjavik, is gorgeous. Reykjavik is likely one of the smaller cities on our listing, however it packs a punch. Like lots of Europe’s lovely 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 listing, Iceland was used as a filming location for Sport of Thrones. Regardless 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 fashionable sequence. We have been large Sport of Thrones followers and visited many locations all over the world. Try 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 like it. At first, we weren’t followers of Gaudi’s works, however as we acquired to know his work extra, we fell in love along with his revolutionary, colourful, and playful structure. In actual fact, 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 certainly one of the crucial 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 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 means of the cobbled streets will take you again in time.
Considered 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 degree for breathtaking views of the town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria through the vacation season, and it’s second to none in the case of Christmas Markets. Town shines with lights and festivities. That is why Vienna is known as one of the crucial 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 when you browse the strolling streets and outside outlets. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Struggle II and is taken into account one of the crucial glamorous on this planet.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria stunned us. We didn’t anticipate to like it a lot, however it’s Europe’s hidden gem. Munich is essentially the most populous metropolis in Bavaria, and it’s a energetic city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and unbelievable structure. Munich is a metropolis stuffed 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 Web site and the political middle 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 lined, making procuring nice in any sort of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our resolution to incorporate it in our listing of essentially 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, the town is house to quite a few 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 considered one of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, however, is a extra fashionable neighborhood that’s identified for its extensive boulevards and chic buildings. Apart from its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be house to quite a few fashionable constructions, such because the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which is the longest bridge in Europe.
27. Seville, Spain
We popped into Seville on a highway 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 components of cities. If you happen to’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re immediately, and the previous metropolis of Seville isn’t any exception.
Folks have taken be aware of Seville another time due to Sport of Thrones, which used this location for the town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no surprise Seville is likely one of the most lovely locations in Europe!
28. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki was our ultimate 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 outstanding swimming gap on the canal. The water is so clear! Like so many cities we love, there are strolling streets, procuring, and loads of bistros and cafes.
29. Basel Switzerland
Switzerland has one lovely metropolis after one other and we couldn’t finish our lovely cities in Europe listing 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 Outdated City blends fantastically with the modern architectural designs all through the town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has an impressive Outdated City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Outdated Metropolis) to see the unbelievable Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of the town by means of its twin towers and pink sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by means of the town middle, and there’s no higher manner 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 high 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 the town.
One of the crucial iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Fort, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that gives breathtaking views of the town. The citadel 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 gives panoramic views of this charming metropolis.
Europe is such an unlimited continent. It might be small in space, however it’s monumental 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 can take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have achieved 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 data on European Capital Cities? Try 14 Greatest European Capital Cities To Go to
