Last updated on at 05:48 am
Europe is stunning and we’ve listed the 10 best cities to visit in Europe.
In coming up with this list, we used 3 criteria: one, the city should be gorgeous; two, it should have something unique that’s still essentially European; and three, it should be budget-friendly. I am happy that all the cities below passed the three criteria.
So to sum up, what you’re about to see is the cream of the crop. All are grand, cosmopolitan, rich in history and culture, and oh-so-charming–indeed the best of Europe.
So prepare to be enchanted as we take you to the best cities to visit in Europe.
10 Best Cities to Visit in Europe
Rome
Start with the city that started it all: Rome.
The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica in The Vatican, The Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo—these and more make up majestic Rome.
This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a commission, at no additional cost to you, if you buy via them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see our Disclosure for more info.
Rome, the seat of the once mighty Romans who shaped a large portion of what Europe is today, is a must-see on the continent. As Europe’s first cultural center, it’s steeped with history, brimming with age-old architecture, and boasts of eclectic neighborhoods. And with good food and lively, passionate people, it’s a European city that’s one for the books.
Activities
Where to Stay
Amsterdam
With fascinating rings of canals, elegant gabled-top houses, and impressive architecture, Amsterdam in The Netherlands is distinctly European yet with a unique flavor of its own. These 17th-century canals make the city delightfully distinctive and gave rise to its other title: the Venice of the North.
Strolling along these bodies of water while surrounded by those historic, colorful gabled buildings is a delightful experience like no other. Add to that the city’s bike-friendly culture and laid-back, amiable people, and you’ll feel like you’re in a different world.
Where to Stay
Bruges
Bruges in the northern part of Belgium makes another gorgeous bucket list destination.
Just like Amsterdam, lovely canals intersperse its cobbled streets. Gabled-top houses line them as well. It has a more intimate feel to it, though, because of its small size and the fact that it’s one of the best-preserved pre-motorized cities in Europe. Exploring the city then can be done best on foot or atop a bike. It is yet another bike-friendly city in Europe.
Related Articles
With its rich history and plenty of cultural offerings, there’s no shortage of things to do when in Bruges.
Where to Stay
Venice
Venice is a city that’s one of a kind. It is like no other, even by European standards. Built on water, Venice is a mighty feat of engineering and determination. How a vibrant and important city (it was a major trade route back in the day) stood the test of the waters, so to speak, is one reason alone to see it.
With water comes the lovely canals and with the canals come the gondolas and the vaporettos, making Venice a romantic city too.
They say Venice is a sinking city, so see it before it goes underwater.
Where to Stay
Paris
Any “Best Cities to Visit in Europe” list would always be incomplete without Paris in it. And I mean always. Because Paris is simply one of the best cities in Europe, and probably the whole world.
Paris is beautiful (whatever season), rich in culture, has stunning architecture, sophisticated avenues—the list goes on. There are so many wonderful things to be seen and explored in this city, plenty of experiences to have, so much delicious food to try, and so much of the fascinating French culture to be learned that not even one visit is enough. I should know because I’ve been to Paris more than once and yet I’m still not done ticking off my list of things to do.
And, yes, Paris may not be the cheapest of European cities, but with the right planning and timing, you can visit it within a reasonable budget.
Activities
Where to Stay
Prague
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is dubbed the City of Spires because of the many spires lining its horizon. It’s famous for its medieval architecture, bohemian heritage, and a World Heritage historic center.
The city has a fairy tale and mystical feel to it with its castle on a hill, magnificent Charles Bridge, and other exquisite architecture.
Related Articles
There are lots of things to see and do in Prague, a few of which are a visit to Prague Castle, a walk along the scenic Charles Bridge, an exploration of the Old Town, the New Town, and the Lesser Town, and many more.
Where to Stay
Munich
For a taste of German culture, there’s no better way than to go the Munich route.
Munich is Bavaria’s capital and Germany’s most prosperous city. It is also known for its rich German culture, which is said to be unparalleled. It offers both history and modernity. History for its fine architecture and beer culture—it is in Munich where the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration is held. And modernity for being a big business center as well as a leader in innovation and engineering. BMW museum is located in Munich.
Where to Stay
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Europe is famous for its fairy tale villages and there’s no better way for a fine taste of the fairy tale than Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Rothenburg is a village on the Romantic Road in Bavaria, Germany, in the middle of Munich and Frankfurt. It is known for its medieval architecture, 14th-century town walls that have never been damaged, and untouched medieval atmosphere.
Related Articles
Half-timbered houses along cobbled streets are reminders of its 15th-century heyday. It’s an amazingly beautiful village that takes you back in time. And being compact, it’s easy to explore.
Where to Stay
Lucerne
A city on a lake against the backdrop of the mighty Swiss Alps makes Lucerne (or Luzern) a postcard-perfect stop on any great European trip.
Lucerne is a beautiful city in central Switzerland. It’s small, thus making it a joy to explore. Just a few of its attractions are the Lion Monument, which pays tribute to the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution in 1972, its old town, its lakeside views, and the place those William Tell stories happened. You can climb the nearby Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi via Lucerne as well.
Where to Stay
Madrid
Bustling cosmopolitan Madrid is your gateway to the vibrant Spanish culture.
Madrid, the capital of Spain and also its largest city, makes a great introduction to Spain. Its artistic and cultural heritage is dazzling and colorful. Examples are the Palacio Real de Madrid, which is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, and the Museo Nacional del Prado, one of the best museums in Europe.
Activities
Related Articles
When in Madrid, you can explore its many plazas, visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the stadium of the famous Spanish football team Real Madrid, watch some Flamenco shows, tour its fascinating mercados, binge on its many delicious Spanish cuisines, indulge in churros with rich hot chocolates, and many more.
Where to Stay
Wrapping Up Best Cities to Visit in Europe
So there you have it, the 10 best cities to visit in Europe. For more help planning your Europe trip, get these best-selling guides on Europe:
Don’t forget to Pin this post to share with others or bookmark it for later!
Follow me on:
Leave a Reply