Europe is a popular destination for tourists from all around the world. It boasts some of the most significant, remarkable, and influential cities on the planet. Despite its relatively small size, Europe is incredibly diverse as it is located between the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the vast Asian landmass.
The cities in Europe are famous for their historic landmarks, art, and architecture, making them a joy to explore. Additionally, there are plenty of fantastic bars, restaurants, shops, and museums to enjoy in every city, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in vibrant culinary and nightlife experiences.
25. Dublin
Dublin is a city in Ireland that has a rich history and is known for its lively nightlife. It is located near the River Liffey and has a diverse population. There are many interesting things to see in the city, such as Trinity College and Dublin Castle.
The city is famous for its drinking culture, so many tourists visit the Irish Whiskey Museum and the Guinness Storehouse. It is highly recommended to go out at night in the Temple Bar area, where you can experience the warm hospitality of Dublin’s locals in its lively pubs.
24. Brasov
Brasov, a city in the center of Romania, is known for its stunning surroundings of the Carpathian Mountains. The medieval Old Town is the main attraction, with Gothic church spires and ancient watchtowers lining its charming cobbled streets.
Inside the city walls, you’ll find adorable cafes, cozy bars, and traditional restaurants that perfectly match the relaxed atmosphere of Brasov. Additionally, there are numerous picturesque hiking trails that start from the city and take you through the majestic mountains and beautiful scenery.
Close by, you can also explore impressive Transylvanian castles and ski resorts. Overall, Brasov is a city that is definitely worth a visit if you get the chance.
23. Seville
Seville is a beautiful city in the southwest of Spain, located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. It has a rich history, heritage, and culture that you can explore. The city was once occupied by the Romans and the Moors, so there are many fascinating historical sights from different periods.
One example is the Alcazar of Seville, which is an elegant palace built on top of an old Muslim fort by Castilian Christians. Even though it has a deep history, Seville is also a vibrant and lively city, with many flamenco bars where you can have fun and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The best times to visit are during the Feria de Abril and Semana Santa, which are two of Spain’s most important festivals.
22. Venice
Venice is a special place with stunning art and architecture. It is made up of 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. The city has beautiful canals, palaces, and churches. Although it can be crowded, it is worth visiting during carnival time when people wear elaborate costumes and masks. Venice is one of the world’s greatest cities and a must-see destination in Italy.
21. Athens
Athens is often considered the birthplace of Western civilization. Many influential philosophers, including Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, lived and debated in the city. In places like the Agora and Acropolis, these renowned figures expanded on their ideas.
Surprisingly, both the Agora and Acropolis are still present after approximately 2,500 years. Athens is filled with a remarkable collection of ancient archaeological sites, showcasing its rich history and heritage. The city has a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, making it enjoyable to explore its streets filled with cafes and splendid street art.
20. Prague
Prague is a fascinating city situated on the banks of the Vistula River. Its Old Town is particularly amazing and a perfect place to stroll around. Despite the crowds of tourists, it’s essential to explore the historic streets made of cobblestones. One of the highlights is Charles Bridge, which shouldn’t be missed.
Additionally, the city offers captivating sights such as a grand castle and cathedral resting on a hill, providing a breathtaking view of Prague. Throughout the town, you’ll find interesting statues and art installations, adding to its charm. Don’t forget to savor the delicious local cuisine and try some Czech beers. Overall, Prague is definitely a destination worth visiting. .
19. Istanbul
Istanbul is a city that connects the East and the West because it is located on the Bosphorus Strait which separates Europe and Asia. It has been historically important and influential, with various names like Byzantium and Constantinople.
Many people were attracted to Istanbul because of its strategic position, which led to trade, wealth, and a bustling population. This resulted in the construction of impressive landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, showcasing the city’s power and prestige. The center of Istanbul is filled with beautiful artworks and architectural wonders.
Today, Istanbul is the largest city in Europe, with more than fifteen million people living there. If you want to experience the old side of Istanbul, make sure to visit the Grand Bazaar, where you’ll be surrounded by captivating sights, sounds, and smells from the market.
18. Rome
Rome is a city filled with ancient sites, ruins, and famous landmarks. It has a rich history that dates back over 3,000 years. One of its most famous monuments is the Colosseum. The Vatican Museums are also worth visiting because they have a large collection of incredible artworks.
Rome is not just a historical city, it is also lively and has many bars and restaurants. It is often considered a romantic and rewarding place to explore, and many people believe it is the best of what Europe has to offer.
17. Stockholm
Stockholm, the capital and largest city of Sweden, is situated on 14 islands, providing stunning views of waterways and green spaces throughout the city. Locals affectionately refer to it as the “beauty on water,” as it showcases a mixture of modern and traditional architectural styles.
Exploring the charming streets of the old town is a delightful experience, but it is also worth visiting the various museums in Stockholm. These museums offer intriguing insights into a wide range of topics, from art and the famous band Abba to spirits and Viking history.
Additionally, Stockholm exudes a stylish and trendy atmosphere, with sleek and modern bars, shops, and restaurants. The city boasts a vibrant music scene, with plenty of live performances and exciting nightclubs to enjoy. Stockholm truly has something for everyone.
16. Lisbon
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is a beautiful city situated on seven hills that slope towards the meeting point of the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is known for its hilly terrain and famous yellow trams that peacefully navigate its steep and cobbled streets.
Despite the devastation caused by the 1755 earthquake, Lisbon still proudly displays impressive architecture and important landmarks. One must-visit location is Castelo de Sao Jorge, which offers magnificent views of the city from its elevated position.
Lisbon is also known for its enjoyable Fado music nights and an abundance of delicious local dishes like Bacalau, attracting a growing number of tourists in recent years.
15. Saint Petersburg
St. Petersburg is a beautiful city located at the mouth of the Neva River in Russia. It was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and is known for its grand cathedrals and palaces. The city is surrounded by canals and waterways. One of the must-see attractions is the Hermitage Museum, which is world-class. St.
Petersburg is also famous for its incredible performing arts scene, including ballets, concerts, and operas. A visit to the city is not complete without experiencing these performances.
14. Bruges
Bruges, often called the ‘Venice of the North,’ is a delightful and romantic place to visit. The city is renowned for its enchanting canals that flow gracefully through its medieval center. As you wander along the charming cobbled streets, it feels like you are stepping into a different era, passing by impressive guild houses and ancient churches.
Besides its impressive museums, it is highly recommended to enjoy one of Belgium’s famous beers at the countless cafes scattered around the city’s squares. Since Bruges attracts crowds of day-trippers, it is worth considering staying overnight to have the opportunity to explore the city in peace. At night, the city is beautifully lit up, adding an extra touch of magic to its squares, streets, and churches.
13. Paris
Paris is known for being chic, stylish, and sophisticated, making it a popular city to visit in Europe. The city is filled with stunning artwork and architecture, including impressive statues, sculptures, and iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower. The Louvre, located in Paris, is the largest art museum in the world.
Situated on the banks of the Seine, the cosmopolitan capital of France is equally renowned for its delicious cuisine and high-end fashion shops. There are countless treasures in Paris waiting to be explored and enjoyed, so it’s best to take your time and savor the experience, much like enjoying a fine French wine.
12. Dubrovnik
During the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik and Venice were competing with each other for trade, power, and importance.
This led to the construction of many impressive buildings and monuments in Dubrovnik, earning it the nickname “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Today, Dubrovnik’s museums display remarkable art and historical artifacts due to its previous influence. Additionally, there are beautiful beaches nearby where visitors can relax.
While it can be crowded with tourists, there is a good reason why so many people choose to visit Dubrovnik. It is located in a scenic area surrounded by sparkling waters and stunning natural scenery, making it a top destination in Croatia.
11. Vienna
Vienna is a stunning and sophisticated city in Europe. Its rich history as the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the seat of the Hapsburgs is reflected in its impressive architecture and landmarks.
Over the centuries, Vienna has been filled with wealth and prosperity, resulting in the creation of magnificent palaces, beautiful parks, and noteworthy museums. Many of these attractions can be found along the Ringstrasse, a circular road that surrounds the city center.
Vienna is also known as the ‘City of Music’ due to its renowned composers, and watching a performance at the Vienna State Opera is truly a memorable experience.
10. Belgrade
Belgrade is a city located where the Danube and Sava rivers meet. Because of its important location, the city has been fought over, invaded, and destroyed many times throughout history. It has been ruled by different groups like the Ottomans, Hapsburgs, and was once the capital of Yugoslavia.
Because of this, Belgrade has a mix of different architectural styles and historical sights. One of the main attractions is the large and impressive fortress. There are also beautiful churches to visit, with the Temple of Saint Sava being the most impressive.
The city also has nice parks to relax in and the river banks are perfect for peaceful walks. Belgrade is known for its lively cafe culture and vibrant nightlife, making it the party capital of Southeastern Europe. Visiting this capital city of present-day Serbia is definitely worth it.
9. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is famous for its beautiful canals that flow through the city center. The charming town houses and historic streets also contribute to its popularity among tourists. The city is home to impressive museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, which display stunning artworks.
The Anne Frank Museum is also a significant attraction, providing insights into the past. Amsterdam is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and has a reputation for being an inclusive and forward-thinking place.
King’s Day is a particularly exciting time to visit, as the entire city turns orange and people come together to celebrate the monarch’s birthday.
8. London
London is a well-known city that influences popular culture. It has been featured in many movies and has famous landmarks like Big Ben. The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene with free museums. London is multicultural and has a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars. It also offers great shopping opportunities.
Whether you enjoy sports, theater, architecture, musicals, or the Royal family, London has something for everyone.
7. Warsaw
After being destroyed in WWII, Warsaw has undergone an impressive recovery. It is now one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the EU. The city stretches across a large area along the Vistula River and includes beautiful green parks amidst its communist-era buildings.
The Old Town, which was reconstructed meticulously, is particularly remarkable. You shouldn’t miss the breathtaking views from the top of the imposing Palace of Culture and Science.
Warsaw is not only famous for its affordable and welcoming milk bars that hark back to the Communist era but also for its growing number of stylish vodka bars and trendy nightclubs. As a result, it has become a popular tourist destination and it’s easy to understand why.
6. Copenhagen
Copenhagen, located across the Orseund Strait from Malmo in Sweden, has a rich history connected to the surrounding water. Its strategic location has transformed it from a small fishing village into a trendy, sophisticated city. The most famous part of Copenhagen is Nyhavn, a waterfront area from the 17th century.
Nyhavn is lined with charming colorful houses and features historic wooden ships, as well as lively cafes and outdoor terraces along the canal. From here, visitors can enjoy sightseeing cruises in the beautiful nearby canals.
Furthermore, Copenhagen’s museums are well-known for their impressive collection of Viking artifacts and art from all over the world. Considered to be one of the best places to live, Denmark’s capital is equally enjoyable to visit and explore.
5. Berlin
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is known for its vibrant and inclusive nightlife, offering a variety of lively bars and trendy clubs. Over the years, the city has undergone rapid changes and development, with new buildings appearing everywhere. This is because many empty spaces were left after Berlin was heavily bombed during World War II.
Despite the presence of gritty and graffiti-covered buildings, there are still numerous significant historical sites to explore, including the Berlin Wall and Holocaust memorial. Due to its multicultural nature, Berlin offers a diverse culinary and cultural experience that is worth immersing yourself in. The city is incredibly welcoming and caters to all interests.
4. Tallinn
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located on the Gulf of Finland and has become a popular tourist destination. The main attraction is the beautiful Old Town, which feels like something out of a fairy tale. Within the walled city, you can find many historic sights to explore, including the Toompea Castle complex.
Due to its location near Scandinavia, Russia, and Central Europe, Tallinn exhibits a mix of different architectural and cultural influences. Despite being fought over by European powers for centuries, the city has managed to preserve its beauty and charm, making it one of the most well-preserved cities in the region.
3. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a stunning city on the coast with breathtaking views of the sea. It is known for its impressive Georgian buildings, Gothic churches, and Edinburgh Castle that stand tall on rocky hills and cliffs.
This remarkable landscape makes it an exciting place to explore, especially the bustling Royal Mile which is filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Edinburgh has a rich history in art, literature, philosophy, and science, so it’s no wonder that the best time to visit is during The Fringe.
This festival, held in August, is the world’s largest arts and culture event where you can enjoy incredible comedy, music, and theater shows.
2. Budapest
Hungary’s capital is made up of two old cities, Buda and Pest, which are situated on opposite sides of the Danube River. This city is renowned for its stunning beauty and is considered one of the most attractive cities in Europe.
Many magnificent buildings and monuments can be found throughout the city, as it was once the residence of Hungarian kings and the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. One of the main attractions is the Parliament Building, which stands out with its Gothic style architecture and enormous size.
Moreover, Budapest is famous for its thermal bathhouses, and the Szechenyi Baths are particularly popular for relaxation. Additionally, the city is well-known for its unique ruin bars, making it a great place for nightlife. With an abundance of things to see and do, it’s no wonder why Budapest is such a popular destination.
1. Barcelona
Barcelona is a beautiful and pleasant city with a warm and inviting climate. It has a rich history and is home to many historic sights, including Roman ruins and the stunning Gothic quarter. The city’s streets showcase a mix of architectural styles, exemplified by Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia.
Barcelona is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with amazing museums and galleries displaying fine artworks by Catalan masters like Dali and Miro. Additionally, the city is famous for its soccer team and lively nightlife.
