30 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe That We’ve Seen

We’ve compiled our checklist of essentially the most lovely 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 now have personally visited in actual life. We’ve seen and skilled all of those cities firsthand, and if you see them, you possibly can click on by way of to learn extra in-depth guides. So get able to allow us to allow you to select the very best 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 engaging historical past. If you’re in search of historic websites, a vibrant nightlife scene, and even gorgeous seashores, we’ve received you coated.

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 lovely place to go to. Town can also be dwelling to numerous charming islands, together with the island of Lokrum, which is dwelling to a stunning botanical backyard and a monastery that dates again to the twelfth century.

One of many principal issues that make Dubrovnik so lovely 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 Sport of Thrones.

2. Porto, Portugal

Situated in Northern Portugal, Porto has skyrocketed to the highest of individuals’s checklist of cities to see after 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 by way of its previous city, starting on the banks of the River Douro. Stroll its charming streets looking for a Fado efficiency, or hop on a river cruise to see its Medieval buildings from a unique angle.

Strolling alongside the bustling waterfront makes for a romantic night, sipping port wine takes you again in time, and don’t overlook to take the funicular up for panoramic views.

3. Paris, France

Paris is commonly thought-about one of the vital lovely cities on this planet. It’s undoubtedly on the prime as a romantic metropolis, and we will’t assist however fall in love with it every time we go to repeatedly. It might appear cliché, however it would 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 frequently. 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 positively deserves to be named one in every of 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 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 shiny colours.

• To see extra of Copenhagen, take a look at:

5. Venice, Italy

Venice is without doubt one of the finest European cities to go to in case you don’t go on a cruise. Touring independently and staying in a single day within the metropolis is a implausible 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 shortly turned one in every of 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 essentially discover Venice. Taking boat journeys by way 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 dwelling to a number of the most well-known historical ruins on this planet, together with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and The Historical Agora. Nothing is extra breathtaking than sitting at a rooftop bar at Monastiraki Sq., trying on the Acropolis standing proudly over town.

There are lots of locations to absorb views of town, with rooftop bars, and patios throughout Athens. Among the finest locations, although, is to take the cable automotive as much as Lybitacus Hill. Be sure that to remain within the metropolis middle to have the ability to stroll to all the standard vacationer points of interest. 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 means 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 night time because the Széchenyi Chain Bridge displays in its waters, making for a magical scene. Budapest at night time is really one of many prettiest cities in Europe. Budapest is thought for its thermal baths and destroy bars. These two vacationer locations are what make Budapest so distinctive.

8. Florence, Italy

Florence is really a metropolis of artwork and one of the vital lovely cities to go to in Europe. With each flip, you’ll run into sculptures or intricate etchings within the structure. It’s a metropolis the place you possibly can stroll slowly by way 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 infinite 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 predict Bergen, Norway, is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Europe because 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 is 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 cause. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world structure. Be sure that to take the cable automotive to the highest of Mount Fløyen for superb views of town. Whenever 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 once we lastly discovered the sq.. We had been strolling 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 without doubt one of the most lovely 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 lovely metropolis stuffed with historical past and attraction, 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

Typically, individuals assume Bruges is without doubt one of the most lovely European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and actually can’t bear in mind pondering it was lovely, however we thought we’d sneak it in after Brussels as a hidden gem of a European metropolis to go to on this checklist. Fortunately, 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 almost 30 years in the past. Check this out and see what you assume!

12. Rome, Italy

Rome made the checklist of gorgeous cities to go to in Europe due to how historical ruins weave by way of trendy structure. The Everlasting Metropolis has a mixture of previous and new, leaving Roman historical past intact. They’ve included the previous Roman structure into the plans of town. Fashionable buildings spring up between historical monuments, and we adore it!

The complete previous metropolis middle 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 if you go to this European Metropolis. So add Rome to your checklist 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 stupendous metropolis in Europe, and once we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s busy and crowded, however in case you step out of the primary path, you’ll discover quiet spots to seize a chew or an reasonably priced pint. Like all metropolis in Europe, the river presents essentially the most lovely views. The Prague Citadel stands proud overhead because the Charles Bridge spans the beautiful Vltava River of Japanese Europe.

In the event 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 could have all of it to your self, it’s really breathtaking. Dave and I have been amazed to see that individuals didn’t actually get began till after 9:00 am, which gave us loads of time to benefit from the lovely structure and medieval church buildings in non-public.

14. Istanbul, Turkey

When gazing upon town of Istanbul from our rooftop terrace at night time, 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 lovely.

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 proper place to get misplaced in time. Take a stroll by way of the Grand Baazar or go as much as the highest of Galata Tower for the very best views of 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 points of interest of London are positioned 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 up to now 20 years to turn out to be an exquisite mixture of historic structure mixing with trendy skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Huge 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 lovely. Do you agree?

16. Dublin, Eire

It took me some time so as to add Dublin to my checklist of gorgeous cities however Dublin is by far one in every of our favorite European cities. Once I began compiling this, I solely considered skylines and locations that took my breath away. However after visiting Dublin a number of occasions, I spotted that it isn’t nearly a skyline of skyscrapers that makes a metropolis lovely; it’s the tradition and folks. The River Liffey snakes by way of the guts of town, and when going for a stroll, one can actually absorb its attraction.

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. Generally known as the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is a metropolis of picturesque canals. The colourful waterways make it one of many prettiest cities in Europe, and the canals are good for a stroll, making it an ideal strolling metropolis. After all, you possibly can journey a bicycle too! We really feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we now have rather a lot in frequent with the individuals of the Netherlands.

• Learn extra about Amsterdam

18. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm was one in every of our favourite cities in Scandinavia. The capital metropolis of Sweden is positioned 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 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 received’t overlook 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 completely happy that town we visited was lovely, Tallinn. If you’re doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is unquestionably one of many prettiest cities to go to (in northern Europe, at the very least) on the checklist.

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 you must see when visiting a European Metropolis. If you’re touring by way of Scandinavia, add Estonia to your checklist.

Learn 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 checklist, however it packs a punch. Like lots of Europe’s lovely cities, Reykjavik has colourful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and many buying, eating, and nightlife. It’s a metropolis that’s “quintessentially Nordic” and, when visiting Iceland, deserves a few days to discover.

Like many European Cities on this checklist, 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 lots of the surrounding nationwide parks, glaciers, and lagoons have been used within the standard collection. We have been enormous Sport of Thrones followers and visited many locations around the globe. Take a look at 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 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 actual fact, 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 stupendous waterfront, quiet parks, downtown strolling streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is unquestionably one of the vital lovely and vibrant cities we’ve visited in Europe.

• Learn extra about Barcelona:

22. Zurich Switzerland

The gorgeous 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 absorb the sundown and watch the gorgeous individuals stroll by. Zurich has all of it, with a well-preserved previous city, numerous historic websites, and incomparable wealth. Strolling by way of the cobbled streets will take you again in time.

One in every 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 degree for breathtaking views of town.

23. Vienna, Austria

We visited Vienna, Austria in the course of the vacation season, and it’s second to none relating to Christmas Markets. Town shines with lights and festivities. For this reason Vienna is known as one of the vital 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 whilst you browse the strolling streets and out of doors outlets. Vienna’s opera home was rebuilt after World Warfare II and is taken into account one of the vital glamorous on this 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 vigorous city with beer halls, a college, an expansive park, and implausible 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 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 coated, making buying nice in any kind of climate. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our determination to incorporate it in our checklist of essentially the most lovely cities we’ve ever visited.

26. Lisbon, Portugal

There are such a lot of lovely cities in Portugal that it’s difficult to decide on, however Lisbon is a star. Situated on the Atlantic coast, town is dwelling to numerous spectacular buildings and landmarks, together with the Belem Tower overlooking the Tagus River and Jeronimos Monastery.

Go to the Alfama neighborhood to wander its slender streets and colourful homes and luxuriate in its vibrant cultural scene at one in every of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, then again, is a extra trendy neighborhood that’s identified for its huge boulevards and chic buildings. Apart from its historic landmarks, Lisbon can also be dwelling to numerous 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 way 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 components of cities. In the event you’ve visited them earlier than, they’re simply as lovely as they’re at this time, and the previous metropolis of Seville isn’t any exception.

Folks have taken word 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 lovely 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 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 within the coronary heart 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, buying, and loads of bistros and cafes.

29. Basel Switzerland

Switzerland has one beautiful city after one other and we couldn’t finish our lovely cities in Europe checklist with out together with our favourite metropolis in Switzerland, Basel. Situated on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the proper mix of previous and new. The historical past of the Previous City blends superbly with the modern architectural designs all through town. The cultural capital of Switzerland has a powerful Previous City.

Take a tour of The Altstadt (Previous Metropolis) to see the implausible Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of town by way of its twin towers and purple sandstone partitions. The Rhine River cuts by way of town middle, and there’s no higher means to absorb the views of 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 collection 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 town.

One of the vital iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Citadel, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that gives breathtaking views of town. The citadel 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 enormous continent. It might 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 would 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 a giant half in figuring out the place they’re locations on this checklist. Need extra data on European Capital Cities? Take a look at 14 Best European Capital Cities To Visit