We’ve compiled our record of probably the most lovely cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This record shouldn’t be another person’s opinion; these are the perfect European cities that we now 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 enable 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 now have 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 acquired you lined.
Desk of Contents
1. Dubrovnik2. Porto, Portugal3. Paris, France4. Copenhagen, Denmark5. Venice, Italy6. Athens7. Budapest, Hungary8. Florence, Italy9. Bergen, Norway10. Brussels, Belgium11. Bruges, Belgium12. Rome, Italy13. Prague, Czechia14. Istanbul, Turkey15. London, England16. Dublin, Ireland17. Amsterdam, Netherlands18. Stockholm, Sweden19. Tallinn, Estonia20. Reykjavik, Iceland21. Barcelona, Spain22. Zurich Switzerland23. Vienna, Austria24. Munich, Germany25. Bern, Switzerland26. Lisbon, Portugal27. Seville, Spain28. Helsinki, Finland29. Basel Switzerland30. Edinburgh, Scotland
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 house to plenty of charming islands, together with the island of Lokrum, which is house to a stunning botanical backyard and a monastery that dates again to the twelfth century.
One of many important issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Website that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century.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 embody 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 record 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. At the moment, it is usually one of the 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 in the hunt for a Fado efficiency, or hop on a river cruise to see its Medieval buildings from a unique 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 of one of the 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 might appear cliché, however it’ll at all times be probably the most lovely 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 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 countless stream of canals, Copenhagen positively deserves to be named considered one of Europe’s most lovely cities. It is sort of a fairytale.
Nyhavn might be 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 without doubt one of the greatest European cities to go to when you don’t go on a cruise. Touring independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a improbable expertise. Despite the fact that it’s recognized 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 grew to become considered one of our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We might watch cruise traces 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 house 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 town.
There are a lot of locations to soak up views of town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. Among the best locations, although, is to take the cable automotive as much as Lybitacus Hill. Be sure that to remain within the metropolis heart to have the ability to stroll to all the common vacationer sights. It’s one of the 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 can 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 right down to the river and take within the splendor of the 2 cities.
The Hungarian Parliament buildings dominate the Hungarian Capital and shines at evening because the Széchenyi Chain Bridge displays in its waters, making for a magical scene. Budapest at evening is actually one of many prettiest cities in Europe. Budapest is understood for its thermal baths and smash 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 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. Identified 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 countless streets free from visitors make strolling a pleasure. Be sure 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 expect Bergen, Norway, is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Europe as a consequence of its pure magnificence. Surrounded by mountains, it’s genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Space makes for a picturesque waterfront. It will not be the obvious Norwegian metropolis to go to in Europe (most individuals naturally consider Oslo first), however Bergen is undoubtedly one for the bucket record.
The primary place you must 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 purpose. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Be sure that to take the cable automotive to the highest of Mount Fløyen for wonderful views of town. Whenever you see Bergen, you’ll agree that it could be one of many prettiest cities in Europe.
10. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels was one of many first European cities we’ve ever visited, and I’ll always remember the sensation we had after we lastly discovered the sq.. We had been strolling 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 without doubt one of 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 type. 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 probably the most lovely cities in Europe.
11. Bruges, Belgium
Usually, folks assume Bruges is without doubt one of the most lovely European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and actually can’t keep 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. Fortunately, we now have had folks write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to achieve additional appreciation since our go to almost 30 years in the past. Verify this out and see what you assume!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the record 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 town. Fashionable buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we adore it!
The complete 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 record. It’s one awe-inspiring sight after one other once you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your record of should go to cities in Europe, you gained’t be dissatisfied. Hire or Purchase Roman Vacation starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome journey temper.
13. Prague, Czechia
We had usually heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was a ravishing metropolis in Europe, and after we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however when you step out of the primary path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chunk or an reasonably priced pint. Like all metropolis in Europe, the river gives probably the most lovely views. The Prague Fort stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the beautiful Vltava River of Japanese Europe.
In the event you get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you’ll have all of it to your self. The city sq. is without doubt one of the prettiest in Europe, and when you’ve 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 personal.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
When gazing upon 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 is usually Europe’s largest metropolis. It’s the Japanese affect that makes this metropolis so lovely.
Mosques dot the cityscape as spires peek out from above the skyline. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia don’t disappoint, and the Outdated Metropolis is the right place to get misplaced in time. Take a stroll by way 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 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 remodeled prior to now 20 years to turn into an exquisite mixture of historic structure mixing with trendy skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Large 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 record of lovely cities however Dublin is by far considered 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 occasions, 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 way of the center of 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, however it left an impression. Often called the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is a metropolis of picturesque canals. The colourful waterways make it one of many prettiest cities in Europe, and the canals are good 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, we now have rather a lot in frequent with the folks of the Netherlands.
Learn extra about Amsterdam
18. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was considered one of our favourite cities in Scandinavia. The capital metropolis of Sweden is 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 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 pleased that 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, at the very least) on the record.
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 things you might want to see when visiting a European Metropolis. If you’re touring by way of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your record.
Learn extra: 6 Should-Have Experiences Whenever you Go to Estonia
20. Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting Iceland was a dream come true, and its capital metropolis, Reykjavik, is gorgeous. Reykjavik is without doubt one of the smaller cities on our record, however it packs a punch. Like lots of Europe’s lovely cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and many procuring, eating, and nightlife. It’s a metropolis that’s “quintessentially Nordic” and, when visiting Iceland, deserves a few days to discover.
Like many European Cities on this record, 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 lots of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons had been used within the common collection. We had been big 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 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 necessary that it 9 of its buildings are designated UNESCO World Heritage websites. Seven of which belong to Anotnie Gaudi himself.
With a ravishing waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is unquestionably 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 attractive folks 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.
Considered one of 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 degree for breathtaking views of town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria throughout 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 lovely capital cities in Europe. From its magnificent structure and spectacular museums to its musical historical past and artwork scene, it’s simple to see why Vienna is so well-known.
Bundle up and drink some mulled wine when you browse the strolling streets and outside retailers. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Battle II and is taken into account one of the glamorous on the planet.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria shocked us. We didn’t anticipate 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 energetic city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and improbable structure. Munich is a metropolis full of cobblestone streets which are good 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 Website and the political heart of Switzerland. It’s also the capital metropolis of Switzerland. Bern doesn’t really feel like a political hub, although; this metropolis was made for strolling. The walkways of Bern are all lined, making procuring nice in any kind of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our resolution to incorporate it in our record 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, town is house 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 revel in its vibrant cultural scene at considered one of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, however, is a extra trendy neighborhood that’s recognized for its huge boulevards and chic buildings. Apart from its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be house to plenty of trendy constructions, 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 the event you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re immediately, and the outdated metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Individuals have taken be aware of Seville over again due to Sport 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 at all times have swimming swimming pools proper within the coronary heart of town. Helsinki has a distinguished swimming gap on the canal. The water is so clear! Like so many cities we love, there are strolling streets, procuring, and loads of bistros and cafes.
29. Basel Switzerland
Switzerland has one lovely metropolis after one other and we couldn’t finish our lovely cities in Europe record 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 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 improbable Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of town by way of its twin towers and purple sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by way of 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 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.
Probably the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Fort, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that provides breathtaking views of town. The citadel is house to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Future. The Scott Monument, a towering Victorian Gothic monument, is a well-liked attraction and gives panoramic views of this charming metropolis.
Europe is such an enormous continent. It might 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’ll take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have performed 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. Need extra info on European Capital Cities? Take a look at 14 Finest European Capital Cities To Go to