We’ve compiled our checklist of essentially the most lovely cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This checklist shouldn’t be another person’s opinion; these are the most effective European cities that we have now personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and while you see them, you’ll be able to click on by to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to provide help to select the most effective metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most definitely haven’t seen all of Europe, however we have now been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her beautiful structure and engaging historical past. In case you are in search of historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even beautiful seashores, we’ve received you coated.
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. Town 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One of many most important issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century.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 Sport of Thrones.
2. Porto, Portugal
Positioned in Northern Portugal, Porto has skyrocketed to the highest of individuals’s checklist of cities to see after 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 develop into our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. At the moment, it is usually probably the most 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 the hunt for a Fado efficiency, or hop on a river cruise to see its Medieval buildings from a special angle.
Strolling alongside the bustling waterfront makes for a romantic night, sipping port wine takes you again in time, and don’t neglect to take the funicular up for panoramic views.
3. Paris, France
Paris is usually thought-about probably the most lovely cities on this planet. It’s 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 repeatedly. It could appear cliché, however it’ll at all times be essentially the most lovely metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can be one of many few cities that we revisit repeatedly. 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 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 positively deserves to be named certainly 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 situated within the Outdated City and is a must-see when visiting Copenhagen. Seventeenth-century townhouses line the canal stuffed with historic sailboats. What makes these townhouses so distinctive is that they’re painted in shiny colours.
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5. Venice, Italy
Venice is among the greatest European cities to go to in the event you don’t go on a cruise. Touring independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a implausible expertise. Though 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 certainly one of our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We’d watch cruise traces and bus excursions are available in for a day and zip proper again out earlier than they’d an opportunity to actually 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 house to among the most well-known historical ruins on this planet, together with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and The Historical Agora. Nothing is extra breathtaking than sitting at a rooftop bar at Monastiraki Sq., trying on the Acropolis standing proudly over the town.
There are lots of locations to absorb views of the town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. The most effective locations, although, is to take the cable automobile as much as Lybitacus Hill. Make sure that to remain within the metropolis heart to have the ability to stroll to the entire in style vacationer points of interest. It’s probably the most 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
Positioned on the Danube River in Central Europe, guests will probably be in awe of the Budapest waterfront. Strolling over the chain bridge to witness the great thing about the Hungarian twin cities of Buda and Pest is pure perfection. When the lights come on in Budapest, make your approach 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 spoil bars. These two vacationer locations are what make Budapest so distinctive.
8. Florence, Italy
Florence is actually a metropolis of artwork and probably the most 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 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 site visitors make strolling a pleasure. Make sure that to spend greater than a day journey when visiting Florence, spend a number of to actually delve into the artwork and tradition of this attractive metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We expect Bergen, Norway, is among the most lovely cities in Europe 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 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 it’s best to go to in Bergen is Bryggen, the fairytale village of historic picket homes lining the waterfront. This historic quarter of Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site with good purpose. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Make sure that to take the cable automobile to the highest of Mount Fløyen for superb views of the 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 once we lastly discovered the sq.. We had been strolling the 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 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 type. It’s a completely lovely metropolis stuffed with historical past and attraction, 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
Usually, folks assume Bruges is among 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 have now had folks 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 lovely cities to go to in Europe due to how historical ruins weave by trendy 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 the town. Trendy buildings spring up between historical 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 while you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your checklist of should go to cities in Europe, you received’t be dissatisfied. Lease or Purchase Roman Vacation starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome journey temper.
13. Prague, Czechia
We had typically heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was a fantastic metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however in the event you step out of the 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.
Should you get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you should have all of it to your self. The city sq. is among the prettiest in Europe, and when you’ve got all of it to your self, it’s really breathtaking. Dave and I had been amazed to see that individuals didn’t actually get began till after 9:00 am, which gave us loads of time to benefit from the lovely structure and medieval church buildings in non-public.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
When gazing upon the town of Istanbul from our rooftop terrace at evening, it’s set afire with gentle. Istanbul is a metropolis with two personalities—one foot within the West with a European aptitude and the opposite foot within the East of Asia. Spanning two continents, it 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 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 most effective views of the town. Visiting Istanbul is a wealthy cultural expertise the place the East meets the West. It’s an unlimited 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 most effective 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 develop into an exquisite mixture of historic structure mixing with trendy skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Huge Ben and the Tower of London to the London Eye to The Shard and The Gherkin, London has probably the most 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 lovely 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 lovely; it’s the tradition and folks. The River Liffey snakes by the guts of the town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually absorb 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 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 known 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 good for a stroll, making it an ideal strolling metropolis. After all, you’ll be able to trip a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we have now so much in widespread with the folks 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 the 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 neglect your go to to Stockholm, it’s among the best vacationer locations in northern Europe.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
We solely managed to pop over to Estonia for a day, however I’m so completely happy that the town we visited was lovely, Tallinn. In case you are doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is unquestionably one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, at the very least) on the checklist.
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 are able to’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historical wall, it has all the things it is advisable see when visiting a European Metropolis. In case you are touring by Scandinavia, add Estonia to your checklist.
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 among 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 Sport of Thrones. Though Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and most of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons had been used within the in style collection. We had been big Sport of Thrones followers and visited many locations world wide. Take a look at this Sport 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 like it. At first, we weren’t followers of Gaudi’s works, however as we received 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 fantastic waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is unquestionably probably the most lovely 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 absorb 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 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 automobile as much as 803 meters above sea degree for breathtaking views of the town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria through the vacation season, and it’s second to none relating to Christmas Markets. Town shines with lights and festivities. This is the reason Vienna is known as probably the most 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 outside retailers. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Struggle II and is taken into account probably the most glamorous on this planet.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria shocked us. We didn’t count on 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 full of life city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and implausible structure. Munich is a metropolis stuffed with cobblestone streets which might be 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 Web site and the political heart of Switzerland. It is usually the capital metropolis of Switzerland. Bern doesn’t really feel like a political hub, although; this metropolis was made for strolling. The walkways of Bern are all coated, making buying nice in any kind 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, 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 revel in its vibrant cultural scene at certainly one of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, then again, is a extra trendy neighborhood that’s identified for its large boulevards and chic buildings. In addition to its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be house to quite a lot 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 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 elements of cities. Should you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re at the moment, and the outdated metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Folks have taken notice of Seville yet again due to Sport of Thrones, which used this location for the town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no surprise Seville is among 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 the 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 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 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 superbly with the modern architectural designs all through the town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has a powerful Outdated City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Outdated Metropolis) to see the implausible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of the town by its twin towers and pink sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by the town heart, and there’s no higher approach 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 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 the 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 the town. The fort 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 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’ll take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have executed 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 data on European Capital Cities? Take a look at 14 Greatest European Capital Cities To Go to