Europe has its fair share of boring and uninspiring cities, but it also has a great deal of captivating and beautiful ones that will make you fall in love with this continent.
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What Are the Characteristic of a Beautiful European City?
It’s easy to recognize spectacular cities if you traveled long enough. They are colorful and energetic. Have beautiful squares and a balance of large and small streets that should allow for getting lost, on occasion. They are big and yet compact and easy to explore. But most importantly, they have very distinct personalities that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
10 Most Beautiful European Cities
Because there are so many remarkable cities in Europe, the task of putting together a short list of must-sees is not easy. There will always be stunning places that are left out of such lists. With that in mind, here are my choices for the top 10 most beautiful cities to visit in Europe:
1. Rome, Italy
I can’t think of a greater and more beautiful city to visit in Europe than Rome. It’s the epitome of culture, history and charm. Full of architectural delights, impressive churches, and ancient ruins that blend perfectly with the modern architecture of the city. With its unparalleled history, Rome is the third most visited city in Europe.
READ NEXT: Best Areas to Stay in Rome as a Tourist
2. Florence, Italy
It’s easy to fall in love with Florence, the home of the Renaissance and the birthplace of our modern world. Its great history, magical gardens and abundance of art will steal your heart right away.
Florence is home to more than one million works of Renaissance (among them Michelangelo‘s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus), as well as some of the world’s most famous attractions, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and the Piazza della Signoria.
The city is also the birthplace of fashion brands like Gucci, Pucci, and Roberto Cavalli. Even though I return time and again, I still want to come back for more.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Spain’s capital, Barcelona, is one the most beautiful European cities, guaranteed to make the list of any European itinerary.
If what you want is a big dose of culture, Tapas and Sangria, Barcelona is you place. Or if you just want to spend some time on its beautiful beaches, that works too. Whatever your taste, Barcelona has you covered. Every time you go, you discover something new.
4. Paris, France
Paris is one of the most sought after destinations in Europe and for a good reason. It’s charming, rich in history, easy to walk, and very atmospheric. There is a lot to see and do here, so if plan to visit the city you should plan to spend a minimum three days in Paris.
Paris is so rich in museum, century-old museums, historic monuments, vast art collections and beautiful architecture that you’ll never end up of things to do here. To say nothing about the divine cuisine and multitude of chic cafés and restaurants that will spoil your taste buds.
READ NEXT: What to Buy in Paris: 15 Souvenirs You’ll Just Love!
5. Budapest, Hungary
Like with every place you visit, there are some that you’ll fall in love with instantly. For me, that was Budapest. For some reason, I liked it more than any other, but that doesn’t mean it will have the same effect on you.
The city’s grandiose architecture and rich history make Budapest one of the 10 most beautiful European cities.
Budapest is separated by the River Danube into Buda and Pest, two different parts with very distinctive personalities. Buda is the old the old, more historical of the city where you’ll find many of Budapest old town’s attractions. Budapest old town is also
Pest is the flat, more modern part on the east bank of the Danube. Here is where city really comes alive and the social life takes place. Here is where you’ll find many of Budapest attractions, shops, cultural venues, and the best restaurants in Budapest.
READ NEXT: 10 Interesting Fats About Budapest You May Not Know
6. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is not an easy place to sum up. First of all, it spreads on two continents: Europe and Asia. Istanbul is an interesting mix of Oriental and Western civilization where the former tends to overshadow the latter.
With its magnificent mosques, beautifully ornate palaces, tumultuous bazaars and miles of gorgeous waterfront views, Istanbul is undeniably a very unique and beautiful city. To say nothing of the delicious Turkish food you’ll find here.
7. Riga, Latvia
Riga is all about Art Nouveau architecture, a style that gave the city its trademark look. Intricate floral designs, expressive masks and elaborate geometric forms still decorate the building façades all over the city.
Riga became increasingly popular since 1991, when Latvia regained its independence. Riga is today a vibrant cosmopolitan city with lots of attractions like museums, fashionable restaurants and a very rich cultural life.
Besides its stunning architecture, the city brags about one of the most beautiful old towns, filled with winding alleyways and charming squares, old churches and museums.
READ NEXT: Dark Secrets of the Corner House – Riga’s Museum of Occupation
8. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is a metropolis on water. Despite spreading across 14 islands, the city seems very compact and easy to explore, with very good connections. Stockholm is clean, stylish and sophisticated, with impressive buildings, grand boulevards, and relaxing green spaces. It’s one of the most desirable cities to visit in Europe.
By virtue of its location on the shores of Lake Mälaren, Stockholm is one of the most beautiful European cities, although it never raised to the fame of Paris or London.
9. Dresden, Germany
Among the big European cities, Dresden is perhaps the most overlooked, although it is quite fascinating. One of the reasons is that at the end of World War II the city was almost destroyed.
The second reason is that after the war, when Germany was divided, Dresden ended up in the Russian sector and the city remained a pile of rubbish for years and years. But after the reunification of Germany in the early 1990s, Dresden changed for the better, rebuilding its old churches and beautiful buildings.
READ NEXT: The Singing Drain Pipes of Kunsthofpassage – Dresden’s Best Kept Secret
10. Prague, Czech Republic
If you like medieval cities you’ll love Prague. It is one of the best historically preserved cities in Europe, home to the oldest functioning astronomical clock and the tavern where Pilsner beer was first produced.
The “undiscovered” city in Central Europe had only emerged from behind the Iron Curtain of Communism in 1989, but since then millions of tourists flock to Prague every year. And why wouldn’t they? Prague’s Bohemian Old Town Square, the churches and the cobbled streets are so charming and inviting that it would be almost a sin not to walk around and enjoy the scene.
READ NEXT: Prague vs Budapest: How to Decide Which One to Visit
Inside Skansen Open Air Museum – Five Centuries of Swedish Traditions
Agness of Fit Travelling
What a great selection, Anda, I definitely agree with you.Florence and Barcelona are my favourite destinations!
Anda Galffy
Thank you, Agness.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
I haven’t been to just 3 on this list:)
Suze
Out of these, I haven’t been to Dresden and Sienna so would love to visit both – thanks for the tip! Europe really does have some amazing cities and I’d add Hamburg to the list but there are so many!
Anda Galffy
I know, Suze, the list of great European cities is endless indeed.
Jesper, The Biveros Effect
Nice to see Stockholm on the list. 🙂
Riga, Budapest and Prague are really worth a spot on the list, really impressive cities. So is Istanbul. I might add cities like Bratislava and Ljubljana, also really nice places. 🙂
Anda Galffy
I haven’t seen any of the two cities you suggested Jesper, but I’m sure there are way more cities to be added to this list.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
From this list, I have only been to Florence, Barcelona and Lucerne. I’ve been longing to join my husband on one of his semi-annual trips to Budapest for work but haven’t been able to make it happen, yet. Prague is also high on my wish list. I’ve never even considered Riga but will notice it more now that you’ve brought it up.
Anda Galffy
Budapest is a must, Michelle, so you should use one of your husband’s trips to tag along.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)
Wow, what a great list! Right away, two of our favorites: Florence and Barcelona! We need to work our way further east, though. Prague and Riga look gorgeous, and everything we’ve read make us think we’ll love them both! Thanks for the inspiration!
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
Great list. We have visited all of these except Riga, Lucerne and Dresden. They are all fabulous destinations.
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels
Great list! Unfortunately I’ve only been to 2 out of your recommended 10. There’s so much of the world I have yet to see! Would love to visit Prague and Istanbul sometime soon.
Anda Galffy
I’m with you on that, Bryna. I too have the feeling that life is not long enough for us to visit all the places we want.
Photo(Geo)grapher
What a wonderful selection of beautiful cities to visit.
Anda Galffy
How many of them did you see already?
Brooke of Passport Couture
So glad you have Barcelona and Lucerne on your list–both are captivating and charming for different reasons, but they should not be missed! I still have yet to see Budapest, Istanbul, and Riga, but they have been on my mind for a long time. I’m glad you picked so many cities under the radar, it makes a visit to Europe more interesting.
Rhonda Albom
I am pleased to say that I have been to seven of these cities, and they are all attractive in my book as well. It was Prague that took me by surprise. I don’t know why but I just didn’t expect it to be that lovely. Also, where was that shot of Barcelona taken. I don’t recognize it at all.
Anda Galffy
That is Plaça d’Espanya and the photo was taken from the Museum Nacional d’Art of Catalunya, which is on a hill overlooking the plaza.
David
Very nice list Anda! I’ve been to all but Dresden and would happily go back to each and every one. I was a little surprised to see Siena in here but it is definitely worthy. Your shot from Riga is spectacular. I’m sure you could easily expand this out to 20. #theWeeklyPostcard
Anda Galffy
Ah, of course I could extend the list, David. The only problem is that the post becomes too long (ha,ha,ha!)
Debbra Dunning Brouillette
I haven’t done a lot of European travel since I have focused mostly on tropical destinations, and the European places I have visited aren’t on your list. There is so much of this world still to see!
Anda Galffy
I know, Debbie. I always get the feeling that life is too short for all the magnificent places in the world I’d love to visit.
Ava Meena
I’ve visited most of the cities on this list (or my husband has in his work travels), which makes me want to visit the others even more. I absolutely agree they are some of the best in travel and have all of those characteristics that make me want to return time and time again.
eileen g
I’ve only been to three. Guess I better get busy! you make the other 7 look very appealing.
Ahila
Stockholm has my heart but I’d love to visit Istanbul and Prague someday!
Ruth
Anda, I have been to 5 out of these 10. Not bad (I think). I know there are many more cities to visit and increases my desire to travel. Istanbul and Stockholm are high on my list. Other European cities I would like to visit are Lisbon and Copenhagen. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Anda Galffy
Not bad, indeed. There are so many beautiful European cities that I haven’t seen either. Hope to catch up someday.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
What a great list and I like that they’re all varied and in different European regions. We’ve only been to Florence, Lucerne and Prague on this list. We actually spent the first day of 2016 in Lucerne. We know we need to do more traveling around the area for sure. I would love to visit Stockholm and Sienna especially after how much you showcased Stockholm and its beauty.
Tracy McConnachie Collins
Some of my favourites in your list – Prague and Budapest in particular. I also love Rome, Split and Amsterdam. I have yet to visit Istanbul or Riga – definitely places i would love to visit. Beautiful photographs. #theweeklypostcard
Anda Galffy
The list of great European cities is endless, Tracy. there are so many I still need to see myself.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats
Hi Anda, I am currently in Barcelona! We are heading back to Istanbul in April but there are a few notable cities on this list that I’ve never been which I would love to visit.
Lolo
I’ve been to 6/10 – not bad! But the 4 I haven’t been to yet have been on my list FOREVER and I’m dying to go! Great list!! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Rosemary Kneipp
I quite agree – still missing Riga, Istanbul and Stockholm. I’m surprised Paris is not on your list :). If we stretch to twenty, I would add Seville, Lisbon and Sophia,
Anda Galffy
Paris, London, Rome and Venice were left out intentionally because they are so popular they don’t need an introduction. The first thing every traveler dreams of seeing is Paris. I love Seville too, but haven’t seen Lisbon or Sofia. Interesting that you mentioned Bulgaria’s capital. I would have never thought this would be an interesting city to visit. When I lived in Romania Bulgaria wasn’t a very desirable tourist destination. Maybe things have changed.
Laz
Ready to revisit all of the above! Great list and inspired descriptions make this o e of the best “X best” articles I have ever read!