Joyce Baetiong
The world is full of beautiful cities, and Europe is the home to many of those. Whether you’re drawn to rich culture, calm beaches, or fun activities, Europe has something to offer.
From Paris to Rome, exploring Europe will always surprise you with wonder and charm. It could be the perfect place for a European weekend trip or your first time visiting the continent. However, with more than 800 European cities, it can be hard to explore them all.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help you out. We’ve put together a list of the most beautiful cities in Europe that you can’t miss.
1. Paris, France
Paris, the “City of Love,” is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world. It’s the destination of most romantic films, novels, and songs, making its reputation as a place for lovers. You can also probably see plenty of couples getting engaged as the Eiffel Tower stands behind them.
Paris is popular for tourist destinations like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe. It also has a fashion week, during which fashionistas showcase their creativity. Try Paris’s baguette, macaron, and croissant and taste authentic flavors.
2. Ghent, Belgium
Visiting Ghent will make you feel like you’re inside a fairytale. Ghent features enchanting castles and intricate architecture that’ll take your breath away.
You can also see interconnected canals and historic buildings. It’s a great place to shop for Christmas gifts and score deals on souvenirs. While you’re there, explore Gravensteen, Saint Nicholas’ Church, and the Patershol district.
3. London, England
With landmarks and world-class museums, London has so much to offer. You can spot red buses, telephone booths, and even the Queen’s guard. Plus, it’s the setting of the famous movie Notting Hill, which makes it even more special to visit.
London houses popular sites like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, London Eye, and Buckingham Palace. Along with its beauty, London takes pride in its culinary excellence. Make sure to try London’s fish and chips for a complete experience.
4. Rome, Italy
Rome, the “Eternal City,” is filled with medieval history. You can visit the Coliseum, wander through the Vatican City, and see ancient ruins. If you’re a fan of the When in Rome movie, you can spot some familiar scenes around the area.
For the authentic Rome experience, you can toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Rome’s famous cuisine, like pasta and pizza, to tickle your taste buds.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is popular for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and amazing cuisine. With every turn of the head, you’ll be captivated by the intricate craftsmanship of every building.
Visit the Buda Castle and Parliament Buildings to appreciate their elegant designs. Try thermal baths and savor Hungarian cuisine to embrace the local culture. For a unique experience, try wine tastings and international documentary festivals.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a Mediterranean city with great architecture, beautiful beaches, and comfortable weather. Besides the sights, Barcelona is also a great destination for sports fans. It’s where Lionel Messi used to play for Barcelona’s football team.
Most of Gaudi’s architecture is in Barcelona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your trip, you can dip your toes at the beach, fulfill your creativity at the Miro museum, and enjoy Cal Pintxos’ famous pinchos for a delicious treat.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
There’s a good reason why Prague is a busy and crowded town. Prague is famous for its architecture from several periods, mostly from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras.
There are plenty of sites to visit in Prague. You can explore the Charles Bridge, walk around the Old Town Square, and stroll at Letna Park. To avoid the crowds at the tourist spots, wander around before 9 a.m. and enjoy the view privately.
8. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and appreciate music. Expect the city to light up during the holidays and fill the streets with vendors. I’d love to visit this city just to shop and see the birthplace of classical music.
Vienna was home to famous composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Strauss. You can attend traditional music concerts and enjoy the symphony. Don’t forget to taste Vienna’s popular local coffee and wiener schnitzel.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
There’s a good reason why Amsterdam is the “Venice of the North.” Along with beautiful buildings and interesting museums, Amsterdam also offers lovely canals. I can feel the romantic ambiance just by looking at the waters and boats.
Since Amsterdam is small, it’s the perfect city to stroll on foot or bicycle. Even if I get tired from walking, I enjoy the convenience of not having to commute from one location to another. While in Amsterdam, check out the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Vondelpark.
10. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a busy yet beautiful city you shouldn’t miss. It is the perfect city to explore on foot and see colorful buildings, calming beaches, and historical spots.
Lisbon has a low crime rate, which makes it safe for tourists and solo travelers. You can roam Oceanário de Lisboa, Alfama, and Moistero dos Jeronimos without worry.
11. Florence, Italy
Florence is truly wonderful for its character and beauty. Besides the cobblestone streets, Florence is the best place to see fine architecture and detailed sculptures.
Explore the Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Ponte Vecchio to appreciate their elegance. When you visit Florence, plan a trip for at least 2 or 3 days to fully explore this beautiful town.
12. Venice, Italy
While Paris has the Eiffel Tower for a romantic ambiance, Venice offers the Grand Canal. Don’t worry if you find the Grand Canal overcrowded, as Venice offers 150 more canals for you to enjoy.
Besides the canals, visit Ponte di Rialto and Saint Mark’s Basilica for an architectural treat. Don’t forget to explore their local cuisine to taste heavenly flavors. From fancy restaurants to tasty street food, there’s something for everyone.
13. Corfu, Greece
Visiting Corfu in Greece will make you feel like you’re looking at a postcard. With its clear blue waters and tropical buildings, Corfu is a treat for the eyes.
Corfu offers quick access to beautiful beaches, perfect for a relaxing break from your tour. While you’re there, stroll around the Old Fortress of Corfu, Loggas Beach, or the Corfu Museum of Asian Art.
14. Bergen, Norway
This may sound biased, but I think Bergen is Europe’s most beautiful city. Bergen is unique because it’s surrounded by nature. It’s an urban town close to mountains filled with serene hiking trails, giving visitors the best of both worlds.
Visit Bryggen to see beautiful waterfront wooden houses, which add a peaceful charm to the environment. You can also take a cable car to Mount Fløyen and enjoy the stunning view from above.
15. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is the largest city in Europe, and it’s located in both Europe and Asia. With its diversity, Istanbul is definitely a unique city.
You can visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque to admire the finest Muslim Architecture or splurge on goods in its grand bazaar. While in Istanbul, you can also visit the Galata Tower, Blue Mosque, and Egyptian Bazaar.
16. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, is surely a beautiful place to visit. Stockholm is full of colorful buildings and stunning waterfront views.
Make sure to visit the Royal Palace to embrace its fantastic architecture. You can also explore museums like Vasa Museum, Skansen, and ABBA The Museum to explore their art and culture.
17. Copenhagen, Denmark
Visiting Copenhagen should be on your bucket list as it’s one of the most gorgeous places in Europe. We cannot emphasize enough how naturally beautiful this city is. Copenhagen is also one of the world’s safest cities, perfect for solo travelers.
Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen’s “Disneyland.” With a fun roller coaster, tasty snacks, and an entertaining show, you can enjoy the city’s beauty in many ways while having lots of fun. You can also visit the Round Tower and see the city from a different angle.
18. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is no stranger to beauty. Built on top of extinct volcanoes, it gives you a panoramic view. It feels like you’re in an observatory.
In Edinburgh, you can also explore the city’s castles and beautiful architecture. Visit Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Scott Monument.
19. Bern, Switzerland
Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a political center. While the place feels serious and strict, it’s actually a beautiful city to explore. In Bern, I felt like I was in a fairytale movie as the place looked magical.
Bern’s walkways are usually covered, so it’s convenient to walk even on rainy days. To embrace Switzerland’s unique culture, check out the Bear Pit, Cathedral of Bern, and Zytglogge.
20. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Another safe and beautiful city to visit is Ljubljana in Slovenia. You can take thousands of photos and still be in awe of its natural beauty.
Stop at Ljubljana Castle for intricate architecture, Saint Nicholas’s Cathedral for gorgeous scenery, and Kongresni Trg to appreciate its surroundings. Visiting Ljubljana makes you feel like you’re inside a wallpaper, as every inch is vibrant and charming.
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Amsterdam, with its iconic canals, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, is a top destination for travelers from around the world.
When planning your visit to this beautiful city, choosing the right hotel can significantly enhance your experience. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best hotels in Amsterdam, their neighborhoods, and why you should consider staying at them.
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While cities like Rome and Florence are often top of mind when planning an Italian getaway, there are many hidden gems and underrated destinations throughout the country.
Once you’ve packed your bags (I’m a fan of Beis luggage) and set your work calendar to OOO, it’s time to embark on the trip of a lifetime, and this guide to the best places to visit in Italy will help you create the perfect Italy itinerary.
