We’ve compiled our checklist of essentially the most lovely cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This checklist just isn’t another person’s opinion; these are the perfect European cities that we’ve got personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and while you see them, you possibly can click on by to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to allow you 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 got been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her beautiful structure and interesting historical past. If you’re in search of historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even beautiful seashores, we’ve obtained 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 various 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One of many fundamental issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century.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 Recreation of Thrones.
2. Porto, Portugal
Positioned 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 pretty metropolis on the Douro River. This coastal metropolis has golden seashores by the ocean and grand boulevards alongside the river. Porto has remodeled through the years to turn into our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. Right now, it’s also one of the visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll by its outdated city, starting on the banks of the River Douro.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.
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 of one of the lovely cities on the planet. It’s undoubtedly on the high as a romantic metropolis, and we will’t assist however fall in love with it at any time when we go to time and again. It could appear cliché, however it should all the time be essentially 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 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 countless stream of canals, Copenhagen positively deserves to be named one in all 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 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 without doubt one of the greatest European cities to go to for those who don’t go on a cruise. Touring independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a implausible expertise. 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 one in all our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We’d watch cruise strains and bus excursions are available for a day and zip proper again out earlier than they’d an opportunity to essentially discover Venice. Taking boat journeys by 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 among 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 town.
There are a lot of locations to soak up views of town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. Probably the greatest locations, although, is to take the cable automobile as much as Lybitacus Hill. Be sure to remain within the metropolis heart to have the ability to stroll to the entire common vacationer points of interest. It’s one of the walkable capital cities in Europe, and we find it irresistible. 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 likely 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 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 night time because the Széchenyi Chain Bridge displays in its waters, making for a magical scene. Budapest at night time is really one of many prettiest cities in Europe. Budapest is thought for its thermal baths and destroy 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 lovely cities to go to in Europe. With each flip, you’ll run into sculptures or intricate etchings within the structure. It’s a metropolis the place you possibly can stroll slowly by its cobbled streets whereas having fun with every constructing you lay eyes upon. Identified for the Sculpture of David, the Ponte Vechhio and Fabulous delicacies, Florence is a metropolis you’ll need to take your time to take pleasure in.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis heart, and countless streets free from visitors make strolling a pleasure. Be 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 predict Bergen, Norway, is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Europe on account of its pure magnificence. Surrounded by mountains, it’s genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Space makes for a picturesque waterfront. It might 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 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 Web site with good cause. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Be sure to take the cable automobile to the highest of Mount Fløyen for superb views of town. Once you see Bergen, you’ll agree that it might be one of many prettiest cities in Europe.
10. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels was one of many first European cities we’ve ever visited, and I’ll always remember the sensation we had once we lastly discovered the sq.. We had been strolling town streets and rounded a nook to see the well-known 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 without doubt one of the most lovely squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are among the greatest in Europe. Horta Resort Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau fashion. It’s a fully lovely metropolis full of 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
Typically, individuals suppose Bruges is without doubt 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 checklist. Fortunately, we’ve got had individuals write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to realize additional appreciation since our go to practically 30 years in the past. Test this out and see what you suppose!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the checklist of gorgeous cities to go to in Europe due to how historic ruins weave by 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. Fashionable buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we find it irresistible!
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 while 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 a gorgeous metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however for those who step out of the principle path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chew or an inexpensive pint. Like all 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.
When you get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you should have all of it to your self. The city sq. is without doubt one of the prettiest in Europe, and when you will have 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 lovely structure and medieval church buildings in personal.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
When gazing upon town of Istanbul from our rooftop terrace at night time, 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 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 proper place to get misplaced in time. Take a stroll by 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 unlimited 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 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 prior to now 20 years to turn into a beautiful mixture of historic structure mixing with fashionable 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 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 checklist of gorgeous cities however Dublin is by far one in all 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 lovely; it’s the tradition and folks. The River Liffey snakes by the guts of town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually absorb 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. Referred to as 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 possibly can 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 individuals of the Netherlands.
- Learn extra about Amsterdam
18. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was one in all 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 linked by ferries that take guests to 14 islands. You received’t overlook your go to to Stockholm, it’s probably the greatest vacationer locations in northern Europe.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
We solely managed to pop over to Estonia for a day, however I’m so joyful that town we visited was lovely, Tallinn. If you’re doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is certainly 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 are able to’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historic wall, it has all the pieces you could see when visiting a European Metropolis. If you’re touring by 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 without doubt one of the smaller cities on our checklist, however it packs a punch. Like a lot of Europe’s lovely cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and many 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. Although Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and lots of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons had been used within the common sequence. We had been large Recreation of Thrones followers and visited many locations around the globe. Try this Recreation of Thrones Tour of Northern Eire that recreates among the scenes shot in Iceland.
21. Barcelona, Spain
The extra we go to Barcelona, the extra we find it irresistible. At first, we weren’t followers of Gaudi’s works, however as we obtained to know his work extra, we fell in love together with his modern, 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 a gorgeous waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is certainly one of the 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 stunning spot to soak up the sundown and watch the gorgeous individuals stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved outdated city, numerous historic websites, and incomparable wealth. Strolling by the cobbled streets will take you again in time.
One in every of our favourite issues to do in Zurich was to see it from above. Take the Felsenegg cable automobile as much as 803 meters above sea stage for breathtaking views of town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria in the course of the vacation season, and it’s second to none in terms of Christmas Markets. The town shines with lights and festivities. Because of this Vienna is known as one of the 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 whilst you browse the strolling streets and outside retailers. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Struggle II and is taken into account one of the glamorous on the planet.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria shocked us. We didn’t count on to find it irresistible 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 implausible structure. Munich is a metropolis full of cobblestone streets which can be excellent for strolling within the Outdated City, and the picturesque squares make it straightforward to discover on foot or by bicycle.
25. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and the political heart of Switzerland. Additionally it is the capital metropolis of Switzerland. Bern doesn’t really feel like a political hub, although; this metropolis was made for strolling. The walkways of Bern are all coated, making buying nice in any sort of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our resolution to incorporate it in our checklist 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. Positioned on the Atlantic coast, town is residence to various 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 one in all its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, however, is a extra fashionable neighborhood that’s identified for its extensive boulevards and stylish buildings. In addition to its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be residence to various 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 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. When you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re in the present day, and the outdated metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Folks have taken notice of Seville once more due to Recreation of Thrones, which used this location for town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no surprise Seville is without doubt one of the most lovely locations in Europe!
28. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki was our closing cease on our Scandinavian tour, and like all of the cities we visited in Northern Europe, it was lovely, too! The Helsinki Cathedral is the middle level of town, towering over the colourful buildings that line the waterfront.
We love how Scandinavians all the time have swimming swimming pools proper within the coronary heart of town. Helsinki has a 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 checklist with out together with our favourite metropolis in Switzerland, Basel. Positioned on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the proper mix of outdated and new. The historical past of the Outdated City blends fantastically with the up to date architectural designs all through town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has an impressive Outdated City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Outdated Metropolis) to see the implausible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of town by its twin towers and pink sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by town heart, and there’s no higher means 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 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 encompassing 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.
Some of the iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Fort, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that provides breathtaking views of town. The fortress is residence to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Future. The Scott Monument, a towering Victorian Gothic monument, is a well-liked attraction and gives 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 should take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have finished a tremendous 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 info on European Capital Cities? Try 14 Finest European Capital Cities To Go to
