We’ve compiled our listing of essentially 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 now have personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and if you see them, you’ll be able to click on by means of 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 now have been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her gorgeous structure and interesting historical past. If you’re searching for historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even gorgeous seashores, we’ve received you coated.
Table 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
Located 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 metropolis can also be house to plenty 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 the principle issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely is its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed in the thirteenth century. Walk alongside the wall for panoramic metropolis views. Places of curiosity embrace Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Rector’s Palace, and the Sponza Palace. Dubrovnik was additionally used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
2. Porto, Portugal
Located 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 in this beautiful metropolis on the Douro River. This coastal metropolis has golden seashores by the ocean and grand boulevards alongside the river. Porto has reworked over time to develop into our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. Today, it’s also some of the visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll by means of its outdated city, starting on the banks of the River Douro. Stroll its charming streets in search of a Fado efficiency, or hop on a river cruise to see its Medieval buildings from a distinct angle.
Walking 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 some of the lovely cities in the world. It is undoubtedly on the prime as a romantic metropolis, and we are able to’t assist however fall in love with it each time we go to repeatedly. It could seem cliché, however it’ll all the time be essentially the most lovely metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can also be one of many few cities that we revisit usually. No matter what number of different cities we see, we nonetheless return to the City 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 essentially the most scenic cityscape of all of the Scandinavian cities we visited. This waterfront canal is positioned in the Old Town 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 vibrant 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. Traveling independently and staying in a single day in town is a improbable expertise. Even although it’s identified 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 rapidly turned one in all our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We would watch cruise strains and bus excursions come in for a day and zip proper again out earlier than that they had an opportunity to essentially discover Venice. Taking boat journeys by means 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 in the world, together with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and The Ancient Agora. Nothing is extra breathtaking than sitting at a rooftop bar at Monastiraki Square, wanting on the Acropolis standing proudly over town.
There are many locations to take in views of town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. One of the most effective locations, although, is to take the cable automotive as much as Lybitacus Hill. Make certain to remain in town heart to have the ability to stroll to the entire fashionable vacationer sights. It’s some of the walkable capital cities in Europe, and we like it. Whether 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
Located on the Danube River in Central Europe, guests can be in awe of the Budapest waterfront. Walking 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 right down to the river and take in 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 really one of many prettiest cities in Europe. Budapest is thought for its thermal baths and wreck bars. These two vacationer locations are what make Budapest so distinctive.
8. Florence, Italy
Florence is really a metropolis of artwork and some of the lovely cities to go to in Europe. With each flip, you’ll run into sculptures or intricate etchings in the structure. It’s a metropolis the place you’ll be able to stroll slowly by means of its cobbled streets whereas having fun with every constructing you lay eyes upon. Known 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 in town 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 essentially delve into the artwork and tradition of this attractive metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We suppose Bergen, Norway, is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Europe as a result of its pure magnificence. Surrounded by mountains, it’s genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Area 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 listing.
The first place it is 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 Site with good purpose. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Make certain to take the cable automotive to the highest of Mount Fløyen for wonderful views of town. When you see Bergen, you’ll agree that it might be one of many prettiest cities in Europe.
10. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels was one of many first European cities we’ve ever visited, and I’ll always remember the sensation we had once we lastly discovered the sq.. We had been strolling town streets and rounded a nook to see the well-known Old Town Square. And the sight took our breath away. We revisited it a few years in the past, and the sensation didn’t fade.
We nonetheless suppose that the Square 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 Hotel Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed in the Art Nouveau fashion. 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 essentially the most lovely cities in Europe.
11. Bruges, Belgium
Often, individuals suppose Bruges is without doubt one of the most lovely European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and actually can’t keep in mind considering 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. Luckily, we now have had individuals write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to realize additional appreciation since our go to practically 30 years in the past. Check this out and see what you suppose!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the listing of gorgeous cities to go to in Europe due to how historic ruins weave by means of trendy structure. The Eternal City has a mixture of outdated and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They have included the outdated Roman structure into the plans of town. Modern buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we like it!
The whole outdated metropolis heart of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witnessing locations just like the Colosseum, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica is on many a traveler’s bucket listing. It is one awe-inspiring sight after one other if you go to this European City. So add Rome to your listing of should go to cities in Europe, you gained’t be dissatisfied. Rent or Buy Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome journey temper.
13. Prague, Czechia
We had usually heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was a wonderful metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Yes, it’s busy and crowded, however when you step out of the principle path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chew or an inexpensive pint. Like any metropolis in Europe, the river presents essentially the most lovely views. The Prague Castle stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the beautiful Vltava River of Eastern Europe.
If you get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you should have all of it to your self. The city sq. is without doubt one of the prettiest in Europe, and when you might have all of it to your self, it’s actually 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 personal.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
When gazing upon town of Istanbul from our rooftop terrace at evening, it’s set afire with mild. Istanbul is a metropolis with two personalities—one foot in the West with a European aptitude and the opposite foot in the East of Asia. Spanning two continents, it’s also Europe’s largest metropolis. It is the Eastern 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 Old City is the proper place to get misplaced in time. Take a stroll by means of the Grand Baazar or go as much as the highest of Galata Tower for the most effective views of town. Visiting Istanbul is a wealthy cultural expertise the place the East meets the West. It’s an unlimited metropolis, but it’s straightforward to stroll and navigate.
15. London, England
Our favourite a part of London was hanging out by the river, with Tower Bridge spanning the Thames. Like most cities, the most effective sights of London are positioned on the water. We took water taxis and ferries, took in town’s magnificence from the river, and explored its world class museums. London has reworked in the previous 20 years to develop into a beautiful mixture of historic structure mixing with trendy skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Big Ben and the Tower of London to the London Eye to The Shard and The Gherkin, London has some of the eclectic skylines in Europe, and it’s lovely. Do you agree?
16. Dublin, Ireland
It took me some time so as to add Dublin to my listing of gorgeous cities however Dublin is by far one in all our favorite European cities. When I began compiling this, I solely considered skylines and locations that took my breath away. But 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 means of the guts of town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually take in 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. Known because 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. Of course, you’ll be able to experience a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we now have lots in widespread with the individuals of the Netherlands.
Read extra about Amsterdam
18. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was one in all our favourite cities in Scandinavia. The capital metropolis of Sweden is positioned 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 in the middle of town, and Stockholm isn’t any exception, with its grounds on the river. This northern metropolis is linked by ferries that take guests to 14 islands. You gained’t overlook your go to to Stockholm, it’s top-of-the-line 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 town we visited was lovely, Tallinn. If you’re doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is certainly one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, 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 can’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historic wall, it has the whole lot you might want to see when visiting a European City. If you’re touring by means of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your listing.
Read extra: 6 Must-Have Experiences When you Visit 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 listing, however it packs a punch. Like a lot of Europe’s lovely cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and many purchasing, eating, and nightlife. It is 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 Game of Thrones. Even although Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and most of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons have been used in the favored sequence. We have been large Game of Thrones followers and visited many locations around the globe. Check out this Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland that recreates a number 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 received to know his work extra, we fell in love along with his progressive, colourful, and playful structure. In reality, Barcelona’s structure is so distinctive and vital that it 9 of its buildings are designated UNESCO World Heritage websites. Seven of which belong to Anotnie Gaudi himself.
With a wonderful waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is certainly some of the lovely and vibrant cities we’ve visited in Europe.
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22. Zurich Switzerland
The lovely 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 take in the sundown and watch the attractive individuals stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved outdated city, numerous historic websites, and incomparable wealth. Walking by means of the cobbled streets will take you again in time.
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 stage for breathtaking views of town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria through the vacation season, and it’s second to none in terms of Christmas Markets. The metropolis shines with lights and festivities. This is why Vienna is known as some of the lovely capital cities in Europe. From its magnificent structure and spectacular museums to its musical historical past and artwork scene, it’s straightforward to see why Vienna is so well-known.
Bundle up and drink some mulled wine when you browse the strolling streets and out of doors outlets. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World War II and is taken into account some of the glamorous in the world.
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 essentially the most populous metropolis in Bavaria, and it’s a full of life city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and improbable structure. Munich is a metropolis full of cobblestone streets which might be good for strolling in the Old Town, and the picturesque squares make it straightforward to discover on foot or by bicycle.
25. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the political heart of Switzerland. It can also be 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 kind of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our choice to incorporate it in our listing of essentially the most lovely cities we’ve ever visited.
26. Lisbon, Portugal
There are so many lovely cities in Portugal that it’s difficult to decide on, however Lisbon is a star. Located 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 luxuriate in its vibrant cultural scene at one in all its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, however, is a extra trendy neighborhood that’s identified for its vast boulevards and stylish buildings. Besides its historic landmarks, Lisbon can also 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 highway journey by means of Spain and Italy years in the past and we wished we had stayed longer! Something we love about European cities is how they don’t change the historic components of cities. If you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re in the present day, and the outdated metropolis of Seville isn’t any exception.
People have taken notice of Seville over again due to Game of Thrones, which used this location for town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no surprise Seville is without doubt one of the most lovely locations in Europe!
28. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki was our closing cease on our Scandinavian tour, and like all of the cities we visited in Northern Europe, it was lovely, too! The Helsinki Cathedral is the middle level of town, towering over the colourful buildings that line the waterfront.
We love how Scandinavians all the time have swimming swimming pools proper in the guts 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, purchasing, 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. Located on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the proper mix of outdated and new. The historical past of the Old Town blends superbly with the up to date architectural designs all through town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has an impressive Old Town.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Old City) to see the improbable Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of town by means of its twin towers and crimson sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by means of town heart, and there’s no higher strategy to take in the views of town than by both taking a ship tour or swimming in the river. (You heard me appropriately; one of many prime issues to do in Basel is to swim in the Rhine River.)
30. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is constructed atop a sequence of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, offering panoramic views of the encompassing space. The Old Town 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.
One of essentially the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle, 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 Destiny. 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 could also 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 listing. Want extra data on European Capital Cities? Check out 14 Best European Capital Cities To Visit