Europe boasts of myriad cultures, experiences, and incredible places to see across the continent. If you are an avid traveler searching for one perfect destination, this continent has plenty of the world’s most popular sights and lifetime opportunities off the beaten path.
From creative arts to romantic vacations, Europe is home to cities that will entice travelers. This guide covers Europe’s top 15 cities to visit, which will leave you mesmerized when you land in any of them. So, what are the best cities to visit in Europe?
Paris, France
Paris, also known as the “City of Light,” is undoubtedly the most romantic place on earth. As such, few cities come close. It is one place where almost everyone goes on vacation. It is home to arts, culture, and fashion in the world.
Best Places to Go Sightseeing
- Eiffel Tower: Fashioned like a colossal metallic tunic, the Eiffel Tower, France’s finest piece of architecture, effortlessly prevails over everything, making for the most beautiful view. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Europe.
- The Louvre Museum: Caressing works of art or exhibition spaces doesn’t get much better than the Louvre, home to over 35,000 pieces of art, including the Mona Lisa.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: An exquisitely designed Gothic cathedral where you can also get great views of Paris from the arranged towers.
- Montmartre: The charm-filled artistic centre of the city with the wonderful and stunning Basilique du Sacre-Coeur at its center.
Exciting Things to do
- Try doing a visual encompassing of Paris by travelling the Seine River so that you get to see all the highlights of Paris city.
- The Latin Quarter is one of the districts in Paris, which is characterized by a lively environment, with many book stores and restaurants:
- Have lunch in the Jardin des Tuileries or the yard beside the Eiffel Tower.
A Food Paradise
Every person thinks of eating in Paris, but even the Parisians do eat out from:
- Begin the day with croissants or bread filled with chocolate from the local bakery.
- Help yourself to the French onion soup, beef bourguignon, or even ratatouille at a nice small restaurant.
- Why settle for anything less when you can have macaroons, crème brûlée, or even a good bottle of Bordeaux?
Rome, Italy
Rome, also known as the eternal city, never fails to amaze people with its sites which are a combination of ancient remains, renaissance art, as well as exciting local life. The history attached to it as well as the culture makes it one of a kind and one of the top places to visit in Europe.
Important Places That Deserve A Visit While You’re In Rome
- Colosseum: Go inside the famous building that is the colosseum, a lot of people used to fight inside there, in those days it used to be amazing.
- Roman Forum: Come and see where the people used to gather in temples, basiliques and in public areas for a specified purpose during the roman empire.
- Trevi Fountain: Take a coin, and throw it while turning your back to the fountain if you want to assuredly come back to Rome.
- Vatican City: Remember to visit the Vatican to not miss out on the man-made wonders of the world, in relation to architecture st. Peter’s basilica is a striking example.
Unforgettable Things to Do
Rome is one of the best places to go in Italy, and things to explore here are diverse. Immerse yourself in the Trastevere region’s narrow cobblestone alleys and beautiful gardens and squares as you take a casual walk.
Take in the sun as it descends into the horizon at Pincio Terrace, which overlooks the magnificent Piazza del Popolo from afar.
You can also browse through the Campo de Fiori market to find unique souvenirs and exquisite artifacts made of leather.
What and Where to Eat in Rome
- Ensure you try the local cuisines of Rome as it is the best in Italy. Do not forget to:
- Indulge in freshly made pasta meals like cacao e pepe or carbonara, which are common in the region.
- Make sure to order a thin Roman pizza and eat along with your friends.
- Complete the course with tiramisu along with coffee or lemon elixir.
Barcelona, Spain
Embrace the beauty of Barcelona, which is filled with architectural beauty, a mix of the Mediterranean, cultural surroundings, and great creativity. There is always something for every traveler in Barcelona.
Barcelonas’ Architectural Landmarks
- Sagrada Familia: This basilica is Antoni Gaudí’s work of art and it is a masterpiece being a perfect combination of the gothic and modern styles.
- Park Güell: This is a radiant complex containing a garden filled with inventive ideas and different exposed elements.
- Casa Batlló: This building is yet another one of Gaudi’s designs, combining bright lights with unusual textures.
- The Gothic Quarter: See medieval streets and hidden courtyards by strolling in this time capsule.
Other Things to Do In Barcelona
- Walk along La Rambla, which is an attractive tourist space with a lot of street performers, shops, and cafes.
- Barceloneta Beach is such an amazing site for sunbathing and water sports.
- Eat fresh seafood and pastries from any local vendor at Boqueria Market.
Culinary Highlights
The cuisine of Barcelona is just as rich and diverse as its architecture:
- In the beginning, enjoy patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo.
- Better still, it is better to share a paella (preferably seafood paella) with friends or family.
- Or enjoy the Sangria with the taste of Cava, Spanish wine, while basking in the culture of the city.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The network of canals in Amsterdam – one of the best European cities – complemented by its culture and history cuts across several imaginations as to why Amsterdam is a hot spot in Europe most travelers seek out to visit. No doubt the atmosphere of the place combined with the surreal attractions is ideal for any kind of a traveler.
Must-Visit Landmarks
- Anne Frank House: Look deep into the past by stepping into the preserved annex where the Frank family went into hiding during World War II.
- Van Gogh Museum: Gaze upon the artworks of one of the most renowned artists, Vincent Van Gogh, ‘Sunflowers’ and ‘The Bedroom.’
- Rijksmuseum: Admire the Dutch Golden Age with the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer, among several other artists and their timeless works.
- Jordaan District: A posh area with ample art galleries, boutique outlets, and quiet cafes.
One-of-a-Kind Activities
- Tour the city on a bike: Considering there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam, use a bike so that you can take in the beauty of the city.
- Canal cruise: Being in the midst waterways of the City of Amsterdam whilst gazing at the city’s beautiful gabled houses
- NDSM Wharf: A place full of creativity, graffiti art, and undertaking several events.
Dutch Food Favorites
Amsterdam’s food culture is a combination of old and new worlds:
- Stroopwafels: Caramel-filled waffles: a perfect pair with coffee
- Bitterballen: Deep-fried and beer-flavored snacks
- Poffertjes: Small, round, and thick pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar that are sweet enough to satisfy cravings.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, also known as the” City of a Hundred Spires,” is a fairy tale destination not lacking in Gothic, Baroque andRomanesque styles. This is a city that never lags behind in historical value yet has a culture with a high tempo, making it a paradise of a place for any traveler.
Famous Historic Sites To See
- Prague Castle: Prague Castle is one of the biggest castle complexes in the world, and it has a beautiful view of the city.
- Charles Bridge: A stone bridge that bears 30 statutes and is great for a stroll around the city.
- Old Town Square: The location of The Astronomical Clock and many other historic buildings decorated in varying colors.
- St. Vitus Cathedral: It is one of the prominent Gothic-style buildings located in the area surrounding Prague Castle.
Experiences Not to Miss
- Stroll along Golden Lane; this street filled with tiny, colorful houses will leave you awed.
- Head toward the Jewish Quarter, which is a great place to visit and see beautiful synagogues.
- Go to Wenceslas Square, which is the center of Praga and is endlessly bustling with activity.
Czech Culinary Highlights
Prague food has always been filling and delicious.
- Have a taste of trdelník, which is a sweet roll filled with ice cream.
- Savour goulash and svíčková (beef with creamy sauce), among other traditional meals.
- Don’t forget to have a good Czech beer with your food; Pilsner and Budweiser Budvar are a must-try.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, which is also known as the ‘City of Music’, is the blend of rich history and modern culture. Vienna is not the biggest city in Europe, but one of them, popular for its art, classical music and.. you guessed it coffeshops, it is one explosive experience.
Iconic Sights
- Schönbrunn Palace: A gorgeous Baroque place comprised of a spectacular pair of gardens, a maze, and a zoo.
- St Stephen Cathedral: One of the most notable Gothic structures located in a major part of the city.
- Belvedere Palace: This apartment house has a lot of amazing art, including The Kiss by Klimt.
- Vienna StateOpera: If you are looking to watch famous opera singers or ballet dancers, look no further.
Must-Do Activities
- Go on the Riesenrad, which is a massive Ferris wheel that overlooks the entirety of Vienna.
- Wander through Naschmarkt, an exciting market filled with fresh produce and international cuisines.
- Watch a live performance in the same halls as the greats, like Mozart and Beethoven, and try to picture the scenes.
Culinary Highlights of Vienna
As much as the cultural aspect, Vienna is recognized for its culinary offerings as well:
- Take a slice of Sachertorte, which is rich and chocolate-creamy.
- Savor a repast of traditional Wiener Schnitzel with potato salad.
- Sit at any coffeehouse and order a Melange along with a strudel as dessert.
Budapest, Hungary
Hungary is one of the cheapest European countries to visit. Budapest is a stunning combination of contrast and diversity; it has multiple facets. While one extreme may be the renowned Buda castle, the other extreme consists of the colorful but equally famous ruin bars that the city has to offer.
Popular Attractions
- Buda Castle and Castle Hill – A geopolitical centerpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with scenic landscape highlights along the tata river.
- Parliament Building – Late night is the best time to admire the Neo Gothic piece of architecture.
- Fisherman’s Bastion – Saint’s castle features sprawling turrets that offer breathtaking views of other parts of the city.
- Széchenyi Thermal Baths – These thermal baths are very iconic and are great for soothing aching muscles.
Other Activities You Might Enjoy
- Enjoy a night boat cruise on the Danube to get a completely different perspective of the city.
- Venture around Szimpla Kert and the other dancing ruins in the Jewish Quarter for a perfect depiction of Budapest’s nightlife.
- Cross the Chain Bridge is a representation of the connection that the people of the country have.
Hungarian Cuisine
The food culture of Budapest is both delicious and filling:
- Taste goulash, the Hungarian specialty that is somewhere between a soup and a stew and that is something you will not forget.
- Langos, which is a deep-fried flatbread with sour cream and cheese, is another must-try food.
- Last but not least, buy a bottle of Tokaji wine, a famous dessert wine from Hungary.
Lisbon, Portugal
The beautiful city of Lisbon, which is also the capital of Portugal, is known for its tiles, trams and its coast: a perfect mixture of old and new with relaxed but thrilling energy, which makes it one of the perfect European cities to visit.
Key Attractions
- The Belem Tower: A prominent historic structure in Portugal that is associated with the country’s Age of Exploration.
- The Jerónimos Monastery: An exquisite example of Manueline style and is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The Alfama District: The oldest area of Lisbon, it has numerous narrow streets and is known for its Fado.
- The LX Factory: It is a place of creativity and has many shops, cafes, and street art.
Exciting Experiences
- Ride the city’s famous tram 28, which takes you through the city’s most beautiful areas.
- Views from Miradouro de Santa Catarina or from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte leave you speechless.
- Sitting by the waterfront at Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s most famous square, is simply a blessing.
Portuguese Delicacies
The Cuisine of Lisbon is rich and full of flavor:
- Try pastéis de nata, which are custard tarts with an unevenly caramelized top, butter, and cream.
- Savor the bacalhau, which is a salted cod that can be eaten in hundreds of styles.
- A great way to enhance the flavor of your meal is to use pão com chouriço and ginjinha, a sweet bite-sized cherry liqueur.
Munich, Germany
Munich is famous for being the Bavarian capital, which has both great traditions and modernity. German beer halls that are at least a hundred years old and new museums give plenty of attractions, thus making Munich one of the best places to travel in Europe regardless of the person’s interest.
Iconic Landmarks
- Marienplatz: It is one of the most well-known parts of the city, where the glockenspiel show is performed.
- Nymphenburg Palace: A Baroque palace set in the historical gardens that are vast in size, with many historical collections.
- English Garden: It is one of the biggest city-based parks across the globe and is widely available for joggers and Boating Enthusiasts.
- Oktoberfest Grounds: When the festival is out of season, the Theresienwiese location is a historical site that will never cease to entertain visitors.
Experiences Unique to Munich
- Check out one of the most popular places: the Deutsches Museum, which is a hub for science and technology with unmatched exhibits.
- Be an admirer of BMW Welt, a venue that every car fan dreams of visiting.
- Sip a beer at Hofbräuhaus, the most famous beer hall.
Food Highlights
- Enjoy the regional Weissbier with traditional bratwurst pretzels on its side.
- Have a taste of the diest, which offers weißwurst and sweet mustard along with it.
- Satisfy your hunger by bingeing on a Schweinshaxe, which is a German pork knuckle.
Munich is one of the most recognizable cities to visit in Europe thanks to its excellent scenery, historical background, and distinct culture.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is Scotland’s Jewel’s capital and is considered one of the most dastardly cities as it’s full of historical events. Having both the medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town it’s fair to say that Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Must-See Attractions
- Edinburgh Castle: Sits on Castle Rock and provides the best picturesque view over the whole city.
- Royal Mile: A popular street with numerous shops, pubs, and notable sites.
- Arthur’s Seat: It’s a hill created by a volcano that allows for both views and hiking.
- Holyrood Palace: Official residence for the Queen within Scotland.
What to do in Edinburgh
- Look into the underground vaults and witness the stories of ghost activity within the city.
- Partake in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as it is the largest arts festival in the world.
- Taste traditional Scottish food such as haggis or drink Scotch whisky.
Edinburgh is one of the best cities in Europe to travel to whether you are a person who is interested in history or simply attending events such as festivals.
Zurich, Switzerland
Aside from being a global center for banking and finance, Zurich is also blessed with gorgeous views and an in-depth cultural life. Furthermore, it is one of the top cities in the entire continent in regards to luxury and leisure.
Key Attractions
- Lake Zurich: A tranquil place suitable for boating and picnic activities.
- Old Town (Altstadt): An amazing place with its medieval architecture and stone-covered paths.
- Swiss National Museum: Exhibiting the history of human culture of the nation of Switzerland
- Uetliberg Mountain: A little walk or a quick train ride gets one to a vantage point with a striking view of Zurich.
Things to Do
- For another thrilling experience, ask for directions to the Lindt Chocolate Factory.
- When you are in Zurich, there is one place where you should not forget to visit the Swiss Alps.
- Stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world.
Although it is not one of the cheaper European countries to visit, Zurich does not disappoint when it comes to its fantastic beauty and wonderful experience, making it one of the top European cities to visit.
Stockholm, Sweden
Places to go in Europe are diverse, with Stockholm being a special one. Referred to as the “Venice of the North’, somehow Stockholm manages to maintain its tradition while at the same time remaining spectacularly advanced, don’t be surprised to find yourself wondering why you have never been there before. The city comprises fourteen interconnected islands all of which are connected by bridges.
Notable Sights
- Gamla Stan: The old town of Stockholm, with buildings of different colors and narrow passageways.
- Skansen Open Air Museum: Preserving the past, which showcases the elapsing lives of the people of Sweden.
- Royal Palace: Located in one of the biggest structures in Palace Europe.
Don’t Miss These Activities
- You can enjoy a boat trip and see more of the town from the river.
- Ride on Katarinahissen, which is a public outdoor glass elevator, to get the best view.
- Dine at an oceanfront restaurant and try out the native-spawned delicacies.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Having a combination of Danish coolness combined with Innovation, history, and sustainability makes Copenhagen a wonderful place to visit. It is a place that should be added in the traveling destinations while exploring places to visit inEurope.
Some Highlights to Visit
- Tivoli Gardens: One of the few remarkably oldest amusement gardens all across the globe.
- Nyhavn: Picturesque international port whose buildings are painted in several colors and have a lot of mariner ships.
- The Little Mermaid statue: This Tender being is set on the sea in Copenhagen as tribute to one of the city’s famous fable based on Hans Christian Andersen’s stories.
- Christiansborg Palace: Christiansborg Palace is the seat of the Danish Parliament and the Supreme Court of Denmark.
Copenhagen Highlights
- Intertwine with the locals and ride through the city: Copenhagen is one of the most visited destinations across Europe on a bike.
- Visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which is on the outskirts of the city.
- Indulge in Danish salad rolls and pastries, or try the widely famous smørrebrøštopen sandwich for a treat.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is one of the cities that can be called a fairy tale with its history, interesting culture and beautiful buildings.It is one of the most economical countries in Europe, thus its popularity among budget travelers.
Key Sights
- Wawel Castle: an iconic place associated with Polish kings and their history.
- Rynek Główny (Main Square): the biggest medieval square in Europe, encircled by ancient buildings.
- St. Mary’s Basilica: It has a beautiful interior, and every hour, one of its residents plays the trumpet.
- Kazimierz District: An attractive and busy area with several Jewish places and fashionable pubs.
Unique Experiences
- Taking a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau is a harsh but interesting history lesson.
- Mix pierogi and other activities to learn more about Polish gastronomy.
- Walk alongside the Vistula for picturesque landscapes and tranquility.
Krakow is not only the most recommended city in Europe for a holiday, but it is also significantly one of the most visited cities by people looking for cheap places in Europe to visit.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, widely regarded as the Croatian coast’s best preserved ancient town, is a remarkable seaside town. Because of the beauty of the places to go to in Europe, Dubrovnik will not be overshadowed by anyone.
Places to Visit
- City Walls: Stroll on these ancient walls and be treated with breathtaking sceneries both of the ocean and of the city.
- Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site set within a marble pavement and Baroque edifices.
- Lokrum Island: A remote island that is a short ferry ride away from the main island.
- Fort Lovrijenac: A remarkable fortress and also one of the Game of Thrones set.
Dubrovnik Activities
- Go kayaking into the clear Adriatic sea waters.
- Savour locally caught and cooked fish and seafood within restaurants that face the port.
- Visit the city when the sun is setting for some magical views.
Dubrovnik is still among the most attractive cities and one of the most sought after by tourists who are looking for the best of the European cities.
Friendly advice
Planning a trip on a budget? Trip.com’s exclusive promo code lets you save $10 on flights over $250. Use 2QLFLYTRIP10, but hurry—there are only 500 coupons available! This rare deal is valid for the US, UK, CA, and AU until March 31, 2025.
0 Comments