We’ve compiled our listing of probably the most lovely cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This listing shouldn’t be another person’s opinion; these are the perfect European cities that now we have personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and once you see them, you’ll be able to click on by way of to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to assist you select the perfect metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most actually haven’t seen all of Europe, however now we have been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her gorgeous structure and engaging historical past. In case you are searching 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 really lovely place to go to. The town can be residence to quite a few 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 essential issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely is its Previous City, a UNESCO World Heritage Website that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century. Stroll alongside the wall for panoramic metropolis views. Locations of curiosity 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 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 develop into our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. At the moment, it’s also one of the vital visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll by way of its outdated city, starting on the banks of the River Douro.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 overlook to take the funicular up for panoramic views.
3. Paris, France
Paris is commonly thought-about one of the vital lovely cities on the planet. It’s undoubtedly on the prime as a romantic metropolis, and we will’t assist however fall in love with it each time we go to time and again. It could appear cliché, however it is going to all the time be probably the most lovely metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can be one of many few cities that we revisit commonly. 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 limitless 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 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 brilliant colours.
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5. Venice, Italy
Venice is among the greatest European cities to go to in the event you don’t go on a cruise. Touring independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a incredible expertise. Despite the fact that it’s identified for its canals, getting misplaced in its maze of slim cobblestone streets and again alleys is a part of the enjoyable of visiting this charming metropolis.
We spent six days exploring Venice, and it shortly turned one among 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 they’d an opportunity to essentially 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 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 absorb views of the town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. The most effective locations, although, is to take the cable automotive as much as Lybitacus Hill. Be sure to remain within the metropolis heart to have the ability to stroll to all the standard vacationer sights. It’s one of the vital walkable capital cities in Europe, and we adore it. Whether or not you have an interest in historical past, artwork, or simply having fun with the sights and sounds of a vibrant metropolis, Athens has one thing to give you.
7. Budapest, Hungary
Positioned on the Danube River in Central Europe, guests will probably 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 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 understood for its thermal baths and break 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 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’ll be able to stroll slowly by way of its cobbled streets whereas having fun with each constructing you lay eyes upon. Recognized for the Sculpture of David, the Ponte Vechhio and Fabulous delicacies, Florence is a metropolis you’ll need to take your time to get pleasure from.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis heart, and limitless streets free from visitors make strolling a pleasure. Be sure to spend greater than a day journey when visiting Florence, spend a number of to essentially delve into the artwork and tradition of this attractive metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We expect Bergen, Norway, is among 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 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 listing.
The primary place it is 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. Be sure to take the cable automotive to the highest of Mount Fløyen for wonderful views of the town. While 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 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 suppose that the Sq. of Brussels is among the most lovely squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are a number of the greatest in Europe. Horta Lodge 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, individuals suppose Bruges is among the most lovely European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and truthfully 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, now we have had individuals 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. Examine this out and see what you suppose!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the listing of lovely cities to go to in Europe due to how historic ruins weave by way of trendy structure. The Everlasting Metropolis has a mixture of outdated and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They’ve included the outdated Roman structure into the plans of the town. Fashionable buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we adore it!
Your entire outdated 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 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 typically heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was a stupendous metropolis in Europe, and after we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however in the event you step out of the primary path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chew or an inexpensive pint. Like all metropolis in Europe, the river affords 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’ll have all of it to your self. The city sq. is among the prettiest in Europe, and when you could have all of it to your self, it’s really breathtaking. Dave and I had 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’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 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 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 perfect 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 develop 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 one of the vital 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 lovely 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 spotted that it isn’t nearly a skyline of skyscrapers that makes a metropolis lovely; it’s the tradition and other people. The River Liffey snakes by way of the guts of the town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually absorb its allure.
Dublin has quiet parks for getaways, castles to discover, and a very good pub scene. The extra we journey to it, the extra 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 excellent for a stroll, making it an ideal strolling metropolis. In fact, you’ll be able to journey a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, now we have lots in frequent 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 situated 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 heart of the 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 gained’t overlook 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 comfortable that the town we visited was lovely, Tallinn. In case you are doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is unquestionably one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, a minimum of) 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 will’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historic wall, it has every thing you have to see when visiting a European Metropolis. In case you are touring by way of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your listing.
Learn extra: 6 Should-Have Experiences While you Go to 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 listing, 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 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 listing, Iceland was used as a filming location for Sport of Thrones. Despite the fact that Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and most of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons had been used within the standard collection. We had been enormous Sport of Thrones followers and visited many locations around the globe. 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 adore it. At first, we weren’t followers of Gaudi’s works, however as we received to know his work extra, we fell in love along with his revolutionary, colourful, and playful structure. The truth is, 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 stupendous waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is unquestionably one of the vital lovely 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 beautiful spot to absorb the sundown and watch the attractive individuals stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved outdated 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 stage for breathtaking views of the town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria throughout the vacation season, and it’s second to none on the subject of Christmas Markets. The town shines with lights and festivities. That is why Vienna is known as one of the vital 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 outlets. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Battle II and is taken into account one of the vital glamorous on the planet.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria stunned us. We didn’t count on to adore it a lot, however it’s Europe’s hidden gem. Munich is probably the most populous metropolis in Bavaria, and it’s a full of life city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and incredible structure. Munich is a metropolis stuffed with cobblestone streets which are excellent 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 Website and the political heart 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 coated, making purchasing nice in any kind of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our choice to incorporate it in our listing 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 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 slim streets and colourful homes and luxuriate in its vibrant cultural scene at one among its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, alternatively, is a extra trendy neighborhood that’s identified for its large boulevards and stylish buildings. In addition to its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be residence to quite a few 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 way of Spain and Italy years in the past and we wished we had stayed longer! One thing we love about European cities is how they don’t change the historic components of cities. In case you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re as we speak, and the outdated metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Individuals have taken notice of Seville another time because of Sport of Thrones, which used this location for the town of Mareen and places in Dorne. It’s no surprise Seville is among the most lovely locations in Europe!
28. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki was our last 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, 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 listing with out together with our favourite metropolis in Switzerland, Basel. Positioned on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the right mix of outdated and new. The historical past of the Previous City blends superbly with the up to date architectural designs all through the town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has a powerful Previous City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Previous Metropolis) to see the incredible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of 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 means to absorb the views of the 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 the town.
Some of the iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Citadel, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that provides breathtaking views of the town. The fort 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 affords panoramic views of this charming metropolis.
Europe is such an unlimited continent. It could be small in space, however it’s monumental in inhabitants and concrete facilities. From Russia to Greece or Northern Europe’s Scandinavia nations to Istanbul straddling two continents, there are such a lot of cities to go to in Europe it is going to take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have performed a tremendous job preserving their buildings and historical past, which performs a giant half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this listing. Need extra info on European Capital Cities? Take a look at 14 Greatest European Capital Cities To Go to