We’ve compiled our checklist of probably the most stunning cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This checklist shouldn’t be 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 provide help to select the perfect 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 beautiful structure and interesting historical past. If you’re searching for historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even beautiful seashores, we’ve acquired 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 very stunning place to go to. The town can be residence to plenty of charming islands, together with the island of Lokrum, which is residence to a beautiful botanical backyard and a monastery that dates again to the twelfth century.
One of many foremost issues that make Dubrovnik so stunning is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century.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 embody 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 checklist 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 remodeled over time to turn out to be our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. As we speak, 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 When visiting Porto, stroll by means of its outdated city, starting on the banks of the River Douro.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 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 overlook to take the funicular up for panoramic views.
3. Paris, France
Paris is usually thought-about one of the vital stunning 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 can at all times be probably the most stunning metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can be one of many few cities that we revisit recurrently. Irrespective of what number of different cities we see, we nonetheless return to the Metropolis of Lights and gaze upon it with marvel and awe. We by no means tire of seeing completely different views of the Eiffel Tower, and going up for a champagne toast is one for the bucket 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 probably the most scenic cityscape of all of the Scandinavian cities we visited. This waterfront canal is situated within the Outdated City and is a must-see when visiting Copenhagen. Seventeenth-century townhouses line the canal full of 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 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 incredible expertise. Regardless 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 certainly one of our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We’d watch cruise traces and bus excursions are available for a day and zip proper again out earlier than that they had an opportunity to essentially 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 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 various locations to soak up views of town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. Among the finest 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 the entire fashionable vacationer points of interest. It’s one of the vital 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 shall 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 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 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 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 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 need to take your time to take pleasure in.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis heart, and infinite 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 attractive metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We predict Bergen, Norway, is among the most stunning cities in Europe resulting from 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 checklist.
The primary place it is best to go to in Bergen is Bryggen, the fairytale village of historic wood homes lining the waterfront. This historic quarter of Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site with good motive. 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 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 assume that the Sq. of Brussels is among the most stunning squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are a number of the finest in Europe. Horta Lodge Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau type. It’s a fully stunning metropolis full of historical past and attraction, however it’s the metropolis sq. that places it close to the highest of our favourite of probably the most stunning cities in Europe.
11. Bruges, Belgium
Typically, individuals assume Bruges is among the most stunning European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and actually can’t bear in mind considering 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’ve had individuals write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to achieve additional appreciation since our go to practically 30 years in the past. Verify this out and see what you assume!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the checklist of gorgeous cities to go to in Europe due to how historic ruins weave by means of fashionable 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 historic monuments, and we like it!
Your entire outdated 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 checklist. It’s one awe-inspiring sight after one other once you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your checklist 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 usually heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was an exquisite metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however if you happen to step out of the principle path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chew or an reasonably priced pint. Like all metropolis in Europe, the river provides probably the most stunning views. The Prague Fort stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the stunning Vltava River of Jap 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 have got all of it to your self, it’s actually breathtaking. Dave and I had 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 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 Jap 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 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 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 points of interest 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 remodeled previously 20 years to turn out to be a beautiful 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 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 gorgeous 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 instances, 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 guts of town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually soak up its attraction.
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, nevertheless 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 trip a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we’ve quite a bit in widespread with the individuals 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 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 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 overlook your go to to Stockholm, it’s among the finest vacationer locations in northern Europe.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
We solely managed to pop over to Estonia for a day, however I’m so completely satisfied that 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, no less than) on the checklist.
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 pieces it’s worthwhile to see when visiting a European Metropolis. If you’re touring by means of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your checklist.
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 among the smaller cities on our checklist, nevertheless it packs a punch. Like a lot of Europe’s stunning cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and plenty of buying, eating, and nightlife. It’s a metropolis that’s “quintessentially Nordic” and, when visiting Iceland, deserves a few days to discover.
Like many European Cities on this checklist, Iceland was used as a filming location for Recreation of Thrones. Regardless that Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and lots of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons had been used within the fashionable collection. We had been enormous Recreation of Thrones followers and visited many locations world wide. Try 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 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 together with his revolutionary, colourful, and playful structure. In truth, 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 an exquisite 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 gorgeous European metropolis of Zurich is a dream vacation spot. The picturesque setting on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River make for a stunning spot to soak up the sundown and watch the attractive individuals stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved 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 automobile as much as 803 meters above sea degree for breathtaking views of town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria through the vacation season, and it’s second to none relating to Christmas Markets. The town shines with lights and festivities. This is the reason 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 simple 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 Conflict 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 anticipate to like 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 incredible structure. Munich is a metropolis full of 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 heart of Switzerland. Additionally it is the capital metropolis of Switzerland. Bern doesn’t really feel like a political hub, although; this metropolis was made for strolling. The walkways of Bern are all coated, making buying nice in any sort of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our choice to incorporate it in our checklist of probably 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. Situated on the Atlantic coast, town is residence 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 slim streets and colourful homes and luxuriate in its vibrant cultural scene at certainly one of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, however, is a extra fashionable neighborhood that’s identified for its broad boulevards and chic buildings. Moreover its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be residence to plenty of fashionable 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 components of cities. In case you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as stunning as they’re at present, and the outdated metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Folks have taken observe of Seville yet again due to Recreation of Thrones, which used this location for town of Mareen and places in Dorne. It’s no marvel Seville is among the most stunning 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 stunning, too! The Helsinki Cathedral is the middle level of town, towering over the colourful buildings that line the waterfront.
We love how Scandinavians at all times have swimming swimming pools proper within the coronary heart of 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, buying, and loads of bistros and cafes.
29. Basel Switzerland
Switzerland has one stunning metropolis after one other and we couldn’t finish our stunning cities in Europe checklist with out together with our favourite metropolis in Switzerland, Basel. Situated on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the right mix of outdated and new. The historical past of the Outdated City blends superbly 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 heart, and there’s no higher approach 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 collection 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.
One of the crucial iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Fort, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that gives breathtaking views of town. The citadel is residence to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Future. The Scott Monument, a towering Victorian Gothic monument, is a well-liked attraction and provides panoramic views of this charming metropolis.
Europe is such an enormous continent. It could be small in space, however it’s 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 accomplished an incredible job preserving their buildings and historical past, which performs an enormous half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this checklist. Need extra data on European Capital Cities? Try 14 Greatest European Capital Cities To Go to
