We’ve compiled our listing of probably the most lovely cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This listing shouldn’t be another person’s opinion; these are the most effective 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’ll be able to click on by to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to make it easier to select the most effective 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 gorgeous structure and engaging historical past. In case you are in search of historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even gorgeous seashores, we’ve obtained 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 very lovely place to go to. The town can also be house to quite a few 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One of many fundamental issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century.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 embody Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Rector’s Palace, and the Sponza Palace. Dubrovnik was additionally used as a filming location for Recreation of Thrones.
2. Porto, Portugal
Positioned in Northern Portugal, Porto has skyrocketed to the highest of individuals’s listing 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 reworked through the years to turn into our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. Right now, it’s also one of the crucial visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll by its previous 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 usually thought-about one of the crucial 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 each time we go to time and again. It could appear cliché, however it should at all times be probably the most lovely metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can also be one of many few cities that we revisit frequently. 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 listing.
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 one in all 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 crammed with historic sailboats. What makes these townhouses so distinctive is that they’re painted in brilliant colours.
To see extra of Copenhagen, try:
5. Venice, Italy
Venice is among the finest European cities to go to if you happen to don’t go on a cruise. Touring independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a incredible expertise. 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 one in all 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 that they had 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 house to a few of the most well-known historic ruins on the planet, together with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and The Historic Agora. Nothing is extra breathtaking than sitting at a rooftop bar at Monastiraki Sq., wanting on the Acropolis standing proudly over the town.
There are various locations to soak up views of the town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. The most effective locations, although, is to take the cable automotive as much as Lybitacus Hill. Ensure to remain within the metropolis heart to have the ability to stroll to the entire standard vacationer points of interest. It’s one of the crucial 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 method 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 understood 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 crucial 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. 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 infinite streets free from visitors make strolling a pleasure. Ensure to spend greater than a day journey when visiting Florence, spend a number of to essentially delve into the artwork and tradition of this attractive metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We predict Bergen, Norway, is among the most lovely cities in Europe attributable to its pure magnificence. Surrounded by mountains, it’s genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Space makes for a picturesque waterfront. It is probably not the obvious Norwegian metropolis to go to in Europe (most individuals naturally consider Oslo first), however Bergen is undoubtedly one for the bucket listing.
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 cause. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Ensure to take the cable automotive to the highest of Mount Fløyen for wonderful views of the 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 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 a few of the finest in Europe. Horta Lodge Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau type. It’s a fully lovely metropolis crammed with historical past and appeal, 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
Typically, individuals assume Bruges is among the most lovely European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and truthfully 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 listing. Fortunately, we’ve got had individuals write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to achieve additional appreciation since our go to practically 30 years in the past. Examine this out and see what you assume!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the listing of lovely cities to go to in Europe due to how historic ruins weave by fashionable structure. The Everlasting Metropolis has a mixture of previous and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They’ve included the previous Roman structure into the plans of the town. Fashionable buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we like it!
The complete previous 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 listing. It’s one awe-inspiring sight after one other while you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your listing of should go to cities in Europe, you received’t be disillusioned. Lease or Purchase Roman Vacation starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome journey temper.
13. Prague, Czechia
We had usually heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was an attractive metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however if you happen to step out of the primary path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chunk or an reasonably priced pint. Like several 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.
Should you get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you’ll have all of it to your self. The city sq. is among the prettiest in Europe, and when you will have all of it to your self, it’s really breathtaking. Dave and I have 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 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 right 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 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 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 reworked prior to now 20 years to turn into an exquisite mixture of historic structure mixing with fashionable skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Massive Ben and the Tower of London to the London Eye to The Shard and The Gherkin, London has one of the crucial 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 listing of lovely cities however Dublin is by far one in all our favorite European cities. Once I began compiling this, I solely considered skylines and locations that took my breath away. However 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 other people. The River Liffey snakes by the guts of the town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually soak up 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. 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 excellent for a stroll, making it an ideal strolling metropolis. After all, you’ll be able to journey a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we’ve got rather a lot in widespread 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 previous 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 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 glad 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 least) on the listing.
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 every little thing you want to see when visiting a European Metropolis. In case you are touring by Scandinavia, add Estonia to your listing.
Learn extra: 6 Should-Have Experiences Once you Go to Estonia
20. Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting Iceland was a dream come true, and its capital metropolis, Reykjavik, is gorgeous. Reykjavik is among the smaller cities on our listing, however it packs a punch. Like lots of Europe’s lovely cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and plenty of buying, eating, and nightlife. It’s a metropolis that’s “quintessentially Nordic” and, when visiting Iceland, deserves a few days to discover.
Like many European Cities on this listing, Iceland was used as a filming location for Recreation of Thrones. Though Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and most of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons have been used within the standard collection. We have been large Recreation of Thrones followers and visited many locations around the globe. Take a look at this Recreation of Thrones Tour of Northern Eire that recreates a few of the scenes shot in Iceland.
21. Barcelona, Spain
The extra we go to Barcelona, the extra we like it. At first, we weren’t followers of Gaudi’s works, however as we obtained 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 necessary 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 one of the crucial 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 beautiful spot to soak up the sundown and watch the gorgeous individuals stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved previous city, numerous historic websites, and incomparable wealth. Strolling by the cobbled streets will take you again in time.
One in all 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 the town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria in the course of the vacation season, and it’s second to none in relation to Christmas Markets. The town shines with lights and festivities. For this reason Vienna is known as one of the crucial 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 outlets. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Battle II and is taken into account one of the crucial 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 probably the most populous metropolis in Bavaria, and it’s a full of life city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and incredible structure. Munich is a metropolis crammed with cobblestone streets which might be excellent for strolling within the Outdated City, and the picturesque squares make it simple to discover on foot or by bicycle.
25. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and the political heart of Switzerland. Additionally it is the capital metropolis of Switzerland. Bern doesn’t really feel like a political hub, although; this metropolis was made for strolling. The walkways of Bern are all coated, making buying nice in any kind of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our resolution to incorporate it in our listing 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, the town is house to quite a few 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 one in all its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, then again, is a extra fashionable neighborhood that’s identified for its large boulevards and chic buildings. In addition to its historic landmarks, Lisbon can also be house to quite a few fashionable buildings, such because the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which is the longest bridge in Europe.
27. Seville, Spain
We popped into Seville on a street journey by 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. Should you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re at this time, and the previous metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Folks have taken observe of Seville another time due to Recreation 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 last 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 listing with out together with our favourite metropolis in Switzerland, Basel. Positioned on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the right mix of previous and new. The historical past of the Outdated City blends fantastically with the up to date 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 incredible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of the town by its twin towers and purple sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by the town heart, and there’s no higher method to soak up 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 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 the town.
One of the vital iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Fort, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that gives breathtaking views of the 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 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 international locations 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 achieved an incredible job preserving their buildings and historical past, which performs an enormous half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this listing. Need extra info on European Capital Cities? Take a look at 14 Finest European Capital Cities To Go to