We’ve compiled our record of essentially the most lovely cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This record isn’t another person’s opinion; these are the very best European cities that we’ve got personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and if you see them, you’ll be able to click on by way of to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to show you how to select the very best metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most definitely haven’t seen all of Europe, however we’ve got been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her beautiful structure and engaging historical past. If you’re searching for historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even beautiful seashores, we’ve bought you lined.
Table of Contents
1. Dubrovnik
Located on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and picturesque seashores that make it a very lovely place to go to. The metropolis can be house to quite a lot of 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 the primary issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely is its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century. Walk alongside the wall for panoramic metropolis views. Places of curiosity embrace Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Rector’s Palace, and the Sponza Palace. Dubrovnik was additionally used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
2. Porto, Portugal
Located 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 over time to turn into our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. Today, additionally it is some of the visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll by way of its previous city, starting on the banks of the River Douro. Stroll its charming streets in quest of a Fado efficiency, or hop on a river cruise to see its Medieval buildings from a special angle.
Walking 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 some of the lovely cities on the planet. It is undoubtedly on the high 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 could appear cliché, however it would all the time be essentially the most lovely metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can be one of many few cities that we revisit recurrently. No matter what number of different cities we see, we nonetheless return to the City of Lights and gaze upon it with surprise and awe. We by no means tire of seeing totally 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 infinite stream of canals, Copenhagen undoubtedly 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 Old Town 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 vibrant 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. Traveling independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a improbable expertise. Even although 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 would watch cruise strains 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 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 house to among the most well-known historical ruins on the planet, together with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and The Ancient Agora. Nothing is extra breathtaking than sitting at a rooftop bar at Monastiraki Square, wanting on the Acropolis standing proudly over the town.
There are many locations to absorb views of the town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. One of the very best locations, although, is to take the cable automobile as much as Lybitacus Hill. Make positive to remain within the metropolis middle to have the ability to stroll to all the widespread vacationer sights. It’s some of the walkable capital cities in Europe, and we like it. Whether 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
Located on the Danube River in Central Europe, guests shall be in awe of the Budapest waterfront. Walking 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 manner 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 wreck bars. These two vacationer locations are what make Budapest so distinctive.
8. Florence, Italy
Florence is really a metropolis of artwork and some of the 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. Known 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 middle, and infinite streets free from visitors make strolling a pleasure. Make positive 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 suppose Bergen, Norway, is likely one of the most lovely cities in Europe resulting from its pure magnificence. Surrounded by mountains, it’s genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Area 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 record.
The first place you need 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 Site with good purpose. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Make positive to take the cable automobile to the highest of Mount Fløyen for superb views of the town. When 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 Old Town Square. 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 Square of Brussels is likely one of the most lovely squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are among the greatest in Europe. Horta Hotel Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Art Nouveau fashion. It’s a completely lovely metropolis full of historical past and allure, 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
Often, folks suppose Bruges is likely one of the most lovely European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and actually 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. Luckily, we’ve got 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. Check this out and see what you suppose!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the record of lovely cities to go to in Europe due to how historical ruins weave by way of fashionable structure. The Eternal City has a mixture of previous and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They have integrated the previous Roman structure into the plans of the town. Modern buildings spring up between historical monuments, and we like it!
The complete previous metropolis middle of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witnessing locations just like the Colosseum, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica is on many a traveler’s bucket record. It is one awe-inspiring sight after one other if you go to this European City. So add Rome to your record of should go to cities in Europe, you received’t be dissatisfied. Rent or Buy Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome journey temper.
13. Prague, Czechia
We had typically heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was an attractive metropolis in Europe, and after we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Yes, it’s busy and crowded, however when you step out of the primary path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chew or an reasonably priced pint. Like any metropolis in Europe, the river presents essentially the most lovely views. The Prague Castle stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the stunning Vltava River of Eastern Europe.
If you get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you should have all of it to your self. The city sq. is likely one of the prettiest in Europe, and when you will 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 personal.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
When gazing upon the 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, additionally it is Europe’s largest metropolis. It is the Eastern 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 Old City is the proper 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 very best 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 very best sights of London are positioned on the water. We took water taxis and ferries, took within the metropolis’s magnificence from the river, and explored its world class museums. London has reworked previously 20 years to turn into a beautiful mixture of historic structure mixing with fashionable skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Big Ben and the Tower of London to the London Eye to The Shard and The Gherkin, London has some of the eclectic skylines in Europe, and it’s lovely. Do you agree?
16. Dublin, Ireland
It took me some time so as to add Dublin to my record of lovely cities however Dublin is by far considered one of our favorite European cities. When I began compiling this, I solely considered skylines and locations that took my breath away. But after visiting Dublin a number of occasions, 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 by way of the guts of the 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. Known because 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. Of course, you’ll be able to experience a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we’ve got so much in frequent with the folks of the Netherlands.
- Read 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 received’t overlook your go to to Stockholm, it’s top-of-the-line 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. If you’re doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is unquestionably one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, not less than) on the record.
Tallinn was stunning. We didn’t actually know what to anticipate when visiting Estonia, however it’s an thrilling nation with a really wealthy historical past. We can’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historical wall, it has all the things you must see when visiting a European City. If you’re touring by way of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your record.
Read extra: 6 Must-Have Experiences When you Visit Estonia
20. Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting Iceland was a dream come true, and its capital metropolis, Reykjavik, is gorgeous. Reykjavik is likely one of the smaller cities on our record, but it surely packs a punch. Like lots of Europe’s lovely cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and many buying, eating, and nightlife. It is 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 Game of Thrones. Even although Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and lots of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons have been used within the widespread collection. We have been enormous Game of Thrones followers and visited many locations world wide. Check out this Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland that recreates among 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 bought to know his work extra, we fell in love together with his revolutionary, colourful, and playful structure. In reality, 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 attractive waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is unquestionably some of the lovely and vibrant cities we’ve visited in Europe.
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22. Zurich Switzerland
The lovely 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 absorb the sundown and watch the gorgeous folks stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved previous city, numerous historic websites, and incomparable wealth. Walking by way of the cobbled streets will take you again in time.
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 the town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria in the course of the vacation season, and it’s second to none relating to Christmas Markets. The metropolis shines with lights and festivities. This is why Vienna is known as some of the 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 whilst you browse the strolling streets and out of doors outlets. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World War II and is taken into account some of the glamorous on the planet.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria shocked 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 vigorous city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and improbable structure. Munich is a metropolis full of cobblestone streets which can be excellent for strolling within the Old Town, and the picturesque squares make it simple to discover on foot or by bicycle.
25. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the political middle of Switzerland. It can be 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 buying nice in any sort of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our resolution to incorporate it in our record of essentially the most lovely cities we’ve ever visited.
26. Lisbon, Portugal
There are so many lovely cities in Portugal that it’s difficult to decide on, however Lisbon is a star. Located on the Atlantic coast, the town is house 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, alternatively, is a extra fashionable neighborhood that’s identified for its broad boulevards and chic buildings. Besides its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be house to quite a lot 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 highway journey by way of Spain and Italy years in the past and we wished we had stayed longer! Something we love about European cities is how they don’t change the historic elements of cities. If you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re in the present day, and the previous metropolis of Seville isn’t any exception.
People have taken notice of Seville once more due to Game of Thrones, which used this location for the town of Mareen and places in Dorne. It’s no surprise Seville is likely one of the most lovely locations in Europe!
28. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki was our remaining cease on our Scandinavian tour, and like all of the cities we visited in Northern Europe, it was 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, buying, 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. Located on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the proper mix of previous and new. The historical past of the Old Town blends fantastically with the modern architectural designs all through the town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has an impressive Old Town.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Old City) to see the improbable 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 middle, and there’s no higher manner to absorb 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 collection of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, offering panoramic views of the encompassing space. The Old Town 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 essentially the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that gives breathtaking views of the town. The fortress is house to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. 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 unlimited continent. It could also be small in space, however it’s huge in inhabitants and concrete facilities. From Russia to Greece or Northern Europe’s Scandinavia international locations to Istanbul straddling two continents, there are such a lot of cities to go to in Europe it would take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have completed an incredible job preserving their buildings and historical past, which performs an enormous half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this record. Want extra info on European Capital Cities? Check out 14 Best European Capital Cities To Visit