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We’ve compiled our checklist of essentially the most stunning cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This checklist isn’t another person’s opinion; these are the very best European cities that we’ve personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and whenever you see them, you possibly can click on via to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to assist you select the very best metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most definitely haven’t seen all of Europe, however we’ve been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her gorgeous structure and interesting historical past. In case you are on the lookout for historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even gorgeous seashores, we’ve received you coated.
Desk of Contents
1. Dubrovnik
Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and picturesque seashores that make it a really stunning place to go to. Town can be dwelling to a lot of charming islands, together with the island of Lokrum, which is dwelling to a beautiful botanical backyard and a monastery that dates again to the twelfth century.
One of many foremost issues that make Dubrovnik so stunning is its Previous 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 Recreation of Thrones.
2. Porto, Portugal
Situated 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 beautiful 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 out to be our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. At present, additionally it is one of the vital visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll via its previous city, starting on the banks of the River Douro. Stroll its charming streets searching for a Fado efficiency, or hop on a river cruise to see its Medieval buildings from a distinct 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 of one of the vital stunning cities on the planet. It’s undoubtedly on the prime as a romantic metropolis, and we are able to’t assist however fall in love with it every time we go to repeatedly. It might appear cliché, however it’ll at all times be essentially the most stunning metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can be one of many few cities that we revisit commonly. Irrespective of what number of different cities we see, we nonetheless return to the Metropolis of Lights and gaze upon it with marvel 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 undoubtedly deserves to be named one among Europe’s most stunning 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 Previous 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 vibrant colours.
- To see extra of Copenhagen, take a look at:
5. Venice, Italy
Venice is likely one of the finest 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 incredible expertise. Despite the fact that 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 rapidly grew to become one among our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We’d watch cruise strains 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 via 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 dwelling to a number 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 absorb views of the town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. Top-of-the-line locations, although, is to take the cable automobile as much as Lybitacus Hill. Make certain to remain within the metropolis heart to have the ability to stroll to all the fashionable vacationer sights. It’s one of the vital 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
Situated on the Danube River in Central Europe, guests shall 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 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 thought for its thermal baths and destroy 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 vital stunning 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 via 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 wish to take your time to get pleasure from.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis heart, and infinite streets free from site visitors make strolling a pleasure. Make certain to spend greater than a day journey when visiting Florence, spend a number of to actually delve into the artwork and tradition of this beautiful metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We predict Bergen, Norway, is likely one of the most stunning cities in Europe as a result 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 wood 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. Make certain to take the cable automobile to the highest of Mount Fløyen for superb views of the town. If you see Bergen, you’ll agree that it could be one of many prettiest cities in Europe.
10. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels was one of many first European cities we’ve ever visited, and I’ll always remember the sensation we had after we lastly discovered the sq.. We had been strolling the town streets and rounded a nook to see the well-known Previous 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 likely one of the most stunning squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are a number of the finest in Europe. Horta Lodge Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau type. It’s a completely stunning metropolis stuffed with historical past and appeal, however it’s the metropolis sq. that places it close to the highest of our favourite of essentially the most stunning cities in Europe.
11. Bruges, Belgium
Typically, folks assume Bruges is likely one of the most stunning European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and truthfully can’t bear in mind considering it was stunning, 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 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. Examine 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 historic ruins weave via fashionable structure. The Everlasting Metropolis has a mixture of previous and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They’ve integrated the previous Roman structure into the plans of the town. Fashionable buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we adore it!
Your entire previous 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 checklist. It’s one awe-inspiring sight after one other whenever you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your checklist of should go to cities in Europe, you gained’t be disenchanted. 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 lovely metropolis in Europe, and after 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 primary path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chunk or an reasonably priced pint. Like all metropolis in Europe, the river presents essentially the most stunning views. The Prague Citadel stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the beautiful Vltava River of Japanese Europe.
In case you get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you’ll have all of it to your self. The city sq. is likely one of the prettiest in Europe, and when you’ve got 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 stunning 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, additionally it is Europe’s largest metropolis. It’s the Japanese affect that makes this metropolis so stunning.
Mosques dot the cityscape as spires peek out from above the skyline. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia don’t disappoint, and the Previous Metropolis is the right place to get misplaced in time. Take a stroll via the Grand Baazar or go as much as the highest of Galata Tower for the very best views of the town. Visiting Istanbul is a wealthy cultural expertise the place the East meets the West. It’s an infinite metropolis, but it’s 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 very best 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 out to be a beautiful 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 vital eclectic skylines in Europe, and it’s stunning. 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 one among 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 noticed that it isn’t nearly a skyline of skyscrapers that makes a metropolis stunning; it’s the tradition and other people. The River Liffey snakes via 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 stunning it turns into.
17. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dave and I visited Amsterdam earlier than our journey running a blog careers, nevertheless 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. After all, you possibly can experience a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we’ve so much in frequent with the folks of the Netherlands.
- Learn extra about Amsterdam
18. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was one among 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 related by ferries that take guests to 14 islands. You gained’t neglect your go to to Stockholm, it’s among the finest vacationer locations in northern Europe.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
We solely managed to pop over to Estonia for a day, however I’m so blissful that the town we visited was stunning, Tallinn. In case you are doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is unquestionably one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, not 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 will’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historic wall, it has every little thing you have to see when visiting a European Metropolis. In case you are touring via Scandinavia, add Estonia to your checklist.
Learn extra: 6 Should-Have Experiences If you Go to Estonia
20. Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting Iceland was a dream come true, and its capital metropolis, Reykjavik, is gorgeous. Reykjavik is likely one of the smaller cities on our checklist, nevertheless it packs a punch. Like a lot of Europe’s stunning cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and plenty of purchasing, 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. Despite the fact that Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and most of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons had been used within the fashionable sequence. We had been big 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 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 received to know his work extra, we fell in love along with his modern, colourful, and playful structure. In reality, Barcelona’s structure is so distinctive and essential that it 9 of its buildings are designated UNESCO World Heritage websites. Seven of which belong to Anotnie Gaudi himself.
With a lovely waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is unquestionably one of the vital stunning and vibrant cities we’ve visited in Europe.
- Learn extra about Barcelona:
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 absorb the sundown and watch the attractive folks stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved previous city, numerous historic websites, and incomparable wealth. Strolling via 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 automobile as much as 803 meters above sea stage for breathtaking views of the town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria in the course of the vacation season, and it’s second to none on the subject of Christmas Markets. Town shines with lights and festivities. For this reason Vienna is known as one of the vital stunning 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 when you browse the strolling streets and out of doors retailers. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Warfare II and is taken into account one of the vital 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 essentially 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 stuffed with cobblestone streets which might be good for strolling within the Previous 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 Website 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 purchasing 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 stunning cities we’ve ever visited.
26. Lisbon, Portugal
There are such a lot of stunning cities in Portugal that it’s difficult to decide on, however Lisbon is a star. Situated on the Atlantic coast, the town is dwelling to 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 one among its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, then again, is a extra fashionable neighborhood that’s identified for its extensive boulevards and stylish buildings. In addition to its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be dwelling to a lot of fashionable buildings, such because the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which is the longest bridge in Europe.
27. Seville, Spain
We popped into Seville on a highway journey via 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. In case you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as stunning as they’re right now, and the previous metropolis of Seville is not any exception.
Folks have taken notice of Seville once more because of Recreation of Thrones, which used this location for the town of Mareen and places in Dorne. It’s no marvel Seville is likely one of the most stunning 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 stunning, 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 distinguished swimming gap on the canal. The water is so clear! Like so many cities we love, there are strolling streets, purchasing, and loads of bistros and cafes.
29. Basel Switzerland
Switzerland has one stunning metropolis after one other and we couldn’t finish our stunning cities in Europe checklist with out together with our favourite metropolis in Switzerland, Basel. Situated on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the right mix of previous and new. The historical past of the Previous City blends superbly with the up to date architectural designs all through the town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has a powerful Previous City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Previous Metropolis) to see the incredible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of the town via its twin towers and purple sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts via 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 accurately; one of many prime 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 encircling space. The Previous 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.
Some of the iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Citadel, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that provides breathtaking views of the town. The fort is dwelling to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Future. The Scott Monument, a towering Victorian Gothic monument, is a well-liked attraction and presents panoramic views of this charming metropolis.
Europe is such an unlimited continent. It might 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 achieved an incredible job preserving their buildings and historical past, which performs a giant half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this checklist. Need extra info on European Capital Cities? Take a look at 14 Greatest European Capital Cities To Go to
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