We’ve compiled our listing of probably the most stunning cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This listing just isn’t another person’s opinion; these are the perfect European cities that we now have personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and whenever 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 perfect metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most actually haven’t seen all of Europe, however we needed to do a round-up of Europe’s most stunning cities….that we’ve seen up to now. Cities with beautiful structure, a captivating historical past and a vibrant nightlife scene, we’ve received you lined.
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 residence to quite a few charming islands, together with the island of Lokrum, which is residence to a beautiful botanical backyard and a monastery that dates again to the twelfth century.
One of many primary issues that make Dubrovnik so stunning is its Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s surrounded by a medieval wall that was constructed within the thirteenth century.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 and over the Dalmatian coast. 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
The Medieval structure of Porto is what stands out on this beautiful metropolis on the Douro River. This coastal metropolis has reworked over time to develop into our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. At the moment, additionally it is 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 When visiting Porto, stroll by means of its outdated city, starting on the banks of the River Douro.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 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 overlook to take the funicular up for panoramic views.
3. Paris, France
Paris is usually thought-about some of the 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 each time we go to time and again. It could appear cliché, however it is going to at all times be probably the most stunning 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 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 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 limitless stream of canals, Copenhagen undoubtedly deserves to be named one in all Europe’s most stunning 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.
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5. Venice, Italy
Venice is without doubt one of 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 incredible expertise. Despite the fact that 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 grew to become one in all our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We might watch cruise strains and bus excursions are available 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 residence to a few of the most well-known historical 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., trying on the Acropolis standing proudly over town.
There are numerous locations to soak up views of town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. Probably the greatest locations, although, is to take the cable automobile as much as Lybitacus Hill. Be sure that to remain within the metropolis middle to have the ability to stroll to all the widespread vacationer sights. It’s some of the walkable capital cities in Europe, and we adore it. Whether or not you have an interest in historical past, artwork, or simply having fun with the sights and sounds of a vibrant metropolis, Athens has one thing to give you.
7. Budapest, Hungary
Situated on the Danube River in Central Europe, guests will likely 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 means right down to the river and take within the splendor of the 2 cities.
The Hungarian Parliament shines at night time because the Széchenyi Chain Bridge displays in its waters, making for a magical scene. Budapest at night time is actually one of many prettiest cities in Europe. Budapest is understood for its thermal baths and smash bars. These two vacationer locations are what make Budapest so distinctive.
8. Florence, Italy
Florence is actually a metropolis of artwork and some of the 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’ll be able to stroll slowly by means of 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 wish to take your time to get pleasure from.
The Duomo stands proud within the metropolis middle, and limitless streets free from site visitors make strolling a pleasure. Be sure that to spend greater than a day journey when visiting Florence, spend a number of to essentially delve into the artwork and tradition of this attractive metropolis.
9. Bergen, Norway
We expect Bergen, Norway, is without doubt one of the most stunning cities in Europe on account of 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 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 Web site with good motive. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Be sure that to take the cable automobile to the highest of Mount Fløyen for wonderful views of town. Once you see Bergen, you’ll agree that it could be one of many prettiest cities in Europe.
10. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels was one of many first European cities we’ve ever visited, and I’ll always remember the sensation we had after we lastly discovered the sq.. We had been strolling town streets and rounded a nook to see the well-known Outdated City Sq.. And the sight took our breath away. We revisited it a few years in the past, and the sensation didn’t fade.
We nonetheless suppose that the Sq. of Brussels is without doubt one of the most stunning squares in Europe. Its artwork nouveau buildings are a few of the greatest in Europe. Horta Lodge Tassa was the primary European constructing constructed within the Artwork Nouveau model. It’s a completely stunning 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 stunning cities in Europe.
11. Bruges, Belgium
Usually, folks suppose Bruges is without doubt one of the most stunning European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and actually 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 listing. Fortunately, we now have had folks write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the film “In Bruges,” to achieve additional appreciation since our go to practically 30 years in the past. Test this out and see what you suppose!
12. Rome, Italy
Rome made the listing of lovely cities to go to in Europe due to how historical ruins weave by means of trendy structure. The Everlasting Metropolis has a mixture of outdated and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They’ve included the outdated Roman structure into the plans of town. Trendy buildings spring up between historical monuments, and we adore it!
The whole outdated metropolis middle 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 whenever you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your listing of should go to cities in Europe, you gained’t be disenchanted. Hire or Purchase Roman Vacation starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome journey temper.
13. Prague, Czechia
We had usually heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was a wonderful 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 provides probably the most stunning views. The Prague Citadel stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the beautiful Vltava River.
In the event you get up early and stroll across the metropolis, you should have all of it to your self. The outdated city sq. is without doubt one of the prettiest in Europe, and when you could 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 stunning structure in non-public.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
When gazing upon 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, 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 Outdated Metropolis 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 perfect 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 simple to stroll and navigate. If you can also make it as much as the Galata Tower to witness it from above, make sure you do. You’ll perceive why we are saying it is without doubt one of the most stunning cities in Europe.
15. London, England
Our favourite a part of London was hanging out by the river, with Tower Bridge spanning the Thames. We took water taxis and ferries and took in the great thing about town from the water and to discover its world class museums. London has reworked prior to now 20 years to develop into an exquisite mixture of historic structure mixing with trendy skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Large Ben and the Tower of London to the London Eye to The Shard and The Gherkin, London has some of the 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 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 instances, 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 by means of the guts of town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually absorb 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. In fact, you’ll be able to trip a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we now have so much in frequent with the folks 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 outdated city line the waterfront, taking your breath away.
What we love about Scandinavian cities is how there are amusement parks proper within the middle of town, and Stockholm isn’t any exception, with its grounds on the river. This northern metropolis is related by ferries that take guests to 14 islands. You gained’t overlook your go to to Stockholm, it’s the most effective vacationer locations in northern Europe.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
We solely managed to pop over to Estonia for a day, however I’m so glad that town we visited was stunning, Tallinn. If you’re doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is unquestionably one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, no less than) on the listing.
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 pieces that you must see when visiting a European Metropolis. If you’re touring by means of 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 without doubt one of the smaller cities on our listing, nevertheless it packs a punch. Like lots of Europe’s stunning cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and many 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 listing, Iceland was used as a filming location for Sport of Thrones. Despite the fact that Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed right here, and most of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons have been used within the widespread collection. We have been large Sport of Thrones followers and visited many locations all over the world. Take a look at this Sport 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 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 together with his revolutionary, colourful, and playful structure. The truth is, 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 unquestionably some of the stunning 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 folks stroll by. Zurich has all of it with a well-preserved outdated city, a wealthy historical past, and incomparable wealth. Strolling by means of the cobbled streets will take you again in time.
Considered one of our favourite issues to do in Zurich was to see it from above. Take the Felsenegg cable automobile as much as 803 meters above sea degree 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. Town shines with lights and festivities. Because of this Vienna is known as some of the stunning 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 out of doors retailers. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Struggle II and is taken into account some of the glamorous on the planet.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria shocked us. We didn’t count on to adore it a lot, however it’s Europe’s hidden gem. Munich is probably the most populous metropolis in Bavaria, and it’s a energetic city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and incredible structure. Munich is a metropolis crammed 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 middle 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 lined, making purchasing nice in any kind of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our choice to incorporate it in our listing of probably 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, town is residence 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 slim 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 trendy neighborhood that’s identified for its vast boulevards and stylish buildings. Apart from its historic landmarks, Lisbon can be residence to quite a few 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! One thing we love about European cities is how they don’t change the historic elements of cities. In the event you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as stunning as they’re as we speak, and the outdated metropolis of Seville isn’t any exception.
Folks have taken be aware of Seville over again due to Sport of Thrones, which used this location for town of Mareen and places in Dorne. It’s no marvel Seville is without doubt one of the most stunning locations in Europe!
28. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki was our ultimate 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 town, towering over the colourful buildings that line the waterfront.
We love how Scandinavians at all times have swimming swimming pools proper within the coronary heart of town. Helsinki has a outstanding 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 listing with out together with our favourite metropolis in Switzerland, Basel. Situated on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the proper mix of outdated and new. The historical past of the Outdated City blends fantastically with the modern architectural designs all through town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has an impressive Outdated City.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Outdated Metropolis) to see the incredible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of town by means of its twin towers and purple sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by means of town middle, and there’s no higher means to soak up the views of town than by both taking a ship tour or swimming within the river. (You heard me appropriately; one of many prime issues to do in Basel is to swim within the Rhine River.)
30. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is constructed atop a collection of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, offering panoramic views of the 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 town.
Some of the iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Citadel, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that provides breathtaking views of town. The fortress is residence to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Future. The Scott Monument, a towering Victorian Gothic monument, is a well-liked attraction and provides panoramic views of this charming metropolis.
Europe is such an enormous 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 is going to take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have finished a tremendous 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