We’ve compiled our listing of essentially the most stunning cities in Europe from years of visiting the continent. This listing will not be another person’s opinion; these are one of the best European cities that now we have personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and once you see them, you may click on via to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to enable you select one of the best metropolis so as to add to your European journey itinerary.
We most actually haven’t seen all of Europe, however now we have been to most of them. We selected these cities for his or her beautiful structure and interesting historical past. If you might be on the lookout for historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even beautiful seashores, we’ve obtained 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 stunning place to go to. The metropolis can also 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 the primary issues that make Dubrovnik so stunning 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 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 grow to be our favourite romantic metropolis in Europe. Today, it’s also one of the visited cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, stroll via its previous 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 special angle.
Walking alongside the bustling waterfront makes for a romantic night, sipping port wine takes you again in time, and don’t neglect to take the funicular up for panoramic views.
3. Paris, France
Paris is usually thought-about one of the stunning cities in the world. It is 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 seem cliché, however it’ll all the time be essentially the most stunning metropolis in Europe to us. Paris can also be one of many few cities that we revisit often. 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 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 infinite stream of canals, Copenhagen undoubtedly deserves to be named one in every of 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 in the Old Town 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 vivid colours.
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5. Venice, Italy
Venice is likely one of the greatest European cities to go to if you happen to don’t go on a cruise. Traveling independently and staying in a single day in the town is a implausible expertise. Even although it’s recognized 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 every of our favourite cities to go to in Europe. We would watch cruise traces and bus excursions come 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 residence 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, trying on the Acropolis standing proudly over the town.
There are many locations to take in views of the town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. One of one of the best locations, although, is to take the cable automobile as much as Lybitacus Hill. Make positive to remain in the town middle to have the ability to stroll to the entire standard vacationer points of interest. It’s one 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 might be in awe of the Budapest waterfront. Walking 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 method all the way 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 spoil 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 stunning 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 may stroll slowly via 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 get pleasure from.
The Duomo stands proud in the town middle, and infinite streets free from site visitors make strolling a pleasure. Make positive 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 assume Bergen, Norway, is likely one of the most stunning cities in Europe resulting from its pure magnificence. Surrounded by mountains, it’s genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Area 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 first place you need 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 motive. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Make positive to take the cable automobile to the highest of Mount Fløyen for superb views of the 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 after we lastly discovered the sq.. We had been strolling the 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 assume that the Square of Brussels is likely one of the most stunning 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 fully stunning metropolis crammed with historical past and allure, 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
Often, folks assume Bruges is likely one of the most stunning European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and actually can’t keep 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. Luckily, now we 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. Check 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 via trendy structure. The Eternal City has a mixture of previous and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They have included the previous Roman structure into the plans of the town. Modern buildings spring up between historic monuments, and we like it!
The complete previous metropolis middle 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 once you go to this European City. So add Rome to your listing of should go to cities in Europe, you received’t be dissatisfied. Rent or Buy Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome journey temper.
13. Prague, Czechia
We had typically heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was a wonderful metropolis in Europe, and after we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Yes, it’s busy and crowded, however if you happen to step out of the primary path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chew or an inexpensive pint. Like any metropolis in Europe, the river gives essentially the most stunning views. The Prague Castle stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the stunning 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 likely one of the prettiest in Europe, and when you’ve got all of it to your self, it’s really breathtaking. Dave and I had been amazed to see that 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 personal.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
When gazing upon the 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 stunning.
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 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 one of the best views of the town. Visiting Istanbul is a wealthy cultural expertise the place the East meets the West. It’s an unlimited metropolis, but it’s simple to stroll and navigate.
15. London, England
Our favourite a part of London was hanging out by the river, with Tower Bridge spanning the Thames. Like most cities, one of the best points of interest of London are situated on the water. We took water taxis and ferries, took in the town’s magnificence from the river, and explored its world class museums. London has reworked in the previous 20 years to grow to be an exquisite 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 one of the eclectic skylines in Europe, and it’s stunning. Do you agree?
16. Dublin, Ireland
It took me some time so as to add Dublin to my listing of lovely cities however Dublin is by far one in every of 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 instances, I noticed that it isn’t nearly a skyline of skyscrapers that makes a metropolis stunning; it’s the tradition and folks. The River Liffey snakes via the guts of the 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 stunning it turns into.
17. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dave and I visited Amsterdam earlier than our journey running a blog careers, but it surely 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 excellent for a stroll, making it an ideal strolling metropolis. Of course, you may journey a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, now we have lots in frequent with the folks of the Netherlands.
Read extra about Amsterdam
18. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm was one in every of 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 in the middle of the 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 received’t neglect 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 the town we visited was stunning, Tallinn. If you might be doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is unquestionably one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, a minimum of) 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 can’t wait to return and see extra! With its medieval sq., excessive lookouts, and an historic wall, it has all the pieces it’s essential to see when visiting a European City. If you might be touring via 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 likely one of the smaller cities on our listing, but it surely packs a punch. Like a lot of Europe’s stunning cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and plenty of procuring, 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 had been used in the favored sequence. We had 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 obtained 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 necessary 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 one of the stunning and vibrant cities we’ve visited in Europe.
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22. Zurich Switzerland
The stunning 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 take in the sundown and watch the gorgeous folks stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved previous city, numerous historic websites, and incomparable wealth. Walking via 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 automobile as much as 803 meters above sea stage for breathtaking views of the town.
23. Vienna, Austria
We visited Vienna, Austria throughout the vacation season, and it’s second to none in the case of Christmas Markets. The metropolis shines with lights and festivities. This is why Vienna is known as one 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 when you browse the strolling streets and outside retailers. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World War II and is taken into account one of the glamorous in the world.
24. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Bavaria stunned 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 energetic city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and implausible structure. Munich is a metropolis crammed with cobblestone streets which might be excellent for strolling in the Old Town, and the picturesque squares make it simple to discover on foot or by bicycle.
25. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the political middle 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 procuring nice in any sort of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our resolution to incorporate it in our listing of essentially the most stunning cities we’ve ever visited.
26. Lisbon, Portugal
There are so many stunning cities in Portugal that it’s difficult to decide on, however Lisbon is a star. Located on the Atlantic coast, the 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 revel in its vibrant cultural scene at one in every of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, alternatively, is a extra trendy neighborhood that’s recognized for its extensive boulevards and chic buildings. Besides its historic landmarks, Lisbon can also be residence to quite a few trendy 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! 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 stunning as they’re as we speak, and the previous metropolis of Seville isn’t any exception.
People have taken notice of Seville once more due to Game of Thrones, which used this location for the town of Mareen and areas in Dorne. It’s no surprise Seville is likely one of the most stunning locations in Europe!
28. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki was our remaining 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 all the time have swimming swimming pools proper in the guts 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, procuring, 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. Located on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the right mix of previous and new. The historical past of the Old Town blends superbly with the modern architectural designs all through the town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has a powerful Old Town.
Take a tour of The Altstadt (Old City) to see the implausible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of the town via its twin towers and pink sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts via the town middle, and there’s no higher method to take in the views of the town than by both taking a ship tour or swimming in the river. (You heard me accurately; one of many high 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 the 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 the town. The fortress is residence to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. 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 enormous continent. It could also 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’ll take a lifetime to see all of them.
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Most European cities have executed a tremendous job preserving their buildings and historical past, which performs a giant half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this listing. Want extra info on European Capital Cities? Check out 14 Best European Capital Cities To Visit