These European Cities Are Cultural Gems — With Festivals, Traditions, and History To Discover

If taking a city break for you is about immersing yourself in culture, then Europe has plenty of treats. From ancient Greek civilization or Catalan modernist architecture to fine or contemporary art galleries, here are some of the continent’s most artistic and enlightening cities.

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12 European Cities That Are Perfect for History Lovers

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26 Famous Landmarks in Greece Beyond the Acropolis

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London, UK 4/5

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Athens, Greece

As the capital of ancient Greek civilization and modern Greece, Athens offers the impressive hilltop Acropolis, plus other sites dating back to the 5th century BC. Its indoor museums include the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. Athens is named after Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, and today, it seamlessly blends the classical and the contemporary.

Visit the Acropolis Museum: The Acropolis Museum features sculptures, artifacts, and historical exhibits from ancient Athens. Admission is 20 EUR (23 USD) for adults, and it’s free for children under 5. The museum is open Monday from 08:00 to 16:00 and Tuesday to Sunday from 08:00 to 20:00.
Stroll Through the Plaka Neighborhood: Wander the streets of Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood. It’s filled with shops, traditional tavernas, and neoclassical buildings. While access is free, don’t miss landmarks such as Anafiotika, a Cycladic-style area within Plaka.

London, UK

London has some of the world’s best museums, many of which won’t cost you a penny in admission, and three are clustered close together in South Kensington. Its old buildings, city pubs, and royal palaces make it an open-air museum. With a thriving Theatreland plus vibrant art, music, and food scenes, you’ll never be stuck for inspiration in the UK capital.

Walk Tower Bridge: Visit Tower Bridge, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Entry to the Tower Bridge Exhibition costs 12.30 GBP (approximately 15 USD) for adults and is open daily from 09:30 to 18:00. Don’t miss the glass floor walkway offering a unique view of the Thames below.
Relax at Hyde Park: Stroll or cycle through Hyde Park, one of London’s eight iconic royal parks. Entry is free, and highlights include the Serpentine Lake and the Diana Memorial Fountain.

Barcelona, Spain

Born in the mid-19th century, the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí is responsible for much of how modern Barcelona looks. His structures can be seen all over the city, with the unfinished Sagrada Familia, the jewel in the crown. Barcelona also offers lively foodie and arts scenes, the historic Gothic Quarter, and a coastal location.

Visit La Boqueria Market: A food lover’s paradise, La Boqueria Market is filled with fresh produce, cured meats, and street food. Don’t miss freshly made fruit juices for 3 EUR (about 4 USD) at various stands. The market is located on Las Ramblas and open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:30.
Visit the Sagrada Familia: The iconic Sagrada Familia is Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and an unmissable attraction. General admission is 26 EUR (about 28 USD) for adults, and entry includes access to the basilica. Open daily, its hours vary slightly by season, typically from 09:00 to 20:00 in summer and until 18:00 in winter. Tickets should be bought online to secure your visit time.

Rome, Italy

If you go to Athens to delve deeper into Greek civilization, you must also visit Rome. It’s the Italian capital, home to the Vatican City, and central to the development of the old Roman Empire. Rome is packed with famous sights, including the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. It also offers interesting districts to explore, lovely gardens, riverside walks, and fabulous Italian food.

Throw a Coin in the Trevi Fountain: The Trevi Fountain is free to visit and remains open day and night. Legend says throwing a coin ensures your return to Rome. Visit in the evening to enjoy the fountain illuminated under the night sky.
Explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: The Vatican Museums house world-famous art collections, including Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Tickets cost 20 EUR (23 USD) and must be booked online. Open Monday through Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 16:00. Combine it with a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica for a complete Vatican City visit.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv in Bulgaria is a relative newcomer to lists covering Europe’s most cultural cities, but it offers abundant charm and history. For starters, it’s considered the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. Recently named a European Capital of Culture, Plovdiv is worth visiting for its incredible Roman amphitheater alone but can offer much more modern and classical culture.

Visit the Roman Theater: The Roman Theater of Plovdiv is one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world and frequently hosts concerts and performances. Entry costs 5 BGN (about 3 USD) for adults and is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00. If there’s a performance during your visit, try to attend for a unique experience.
Dine at Pavaj: For authentic Bulgarian cuisine in Kapana Creative District, head to Pavaj. This highly rated spot offers local dishes like shopska salad and kavarma, with prices starting at 10 BGN (approximately 6 USD). It’s open daily from 10:00 to 23:00, but reservations are advised due to its popularity.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel is Switzerland’s third-biggest city and is a cosmopolitan place with a multicultural population. Here, modern buildings contrast seamlessly with the historic structures of the Old Town. The renowned Art Basel festival and 40 museums are also reasons Basel is referred to as the Swiss cultural capital.

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Visit Fondation Beyeler: The Fondation Beyeler is Basel’s premier art museum featuring works by Monet, Picasso, and Rothko. Tickets cost 25 CHF (approximately 28 USD). It’s open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours until 20:00 on Wednesdays. Don’t miss its sculptured gardens and special exhibitions.
Dine at Restaurant Schlüsselzunft: For a taste of Swiss fine dining, visit Restaurant Schlüsselzunft, one of Basel’s oldest guild houses. Their classic Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with Rösti costs 41 CHF (around 46 USD). The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 to 23:00. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.

Paris, France

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Paris is known for romance, of course, but it can also offer visitors a cultural overdose. The city’s most famous gallery, The Louvre, is one of the most prized on the planet and home to far more than the Mona Lisa. Parisian icons like the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees, and the Notre Dame pin Paris on the cultural map.

Explore Montmartre: Discover the charming streets of Montmartre, home to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Entry into the basilica is free.
Dine at Chez Janou: Indulge in traditional Provençal cuisine at Chez Janou, located in the Marais District. Highlights include their ratatouille and the famous chocolate mousse, served from a giant bowl. Dishes start at 20 EUR (approximately 22 USD). Open daily from 12:00 to 23:00, reservations are essential for dinner.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a breathtakingly beautiful city, ideal for cultural vultures. For classical music concerts and opulent palaces, it can barely be bettered. The fairground rides, namely Vienna’s photogenic Ferris wheel, are aesthetically pleasing. Past residents include musicians Beethoven and Mozart and psychiatrist Sigmund Freud, and you can see Gustav Klimt’s most famous painting, The Kiss, here.

Explore the Sigmund Freud Museum: Located at his former home and office, the Sigmund Freud Museum provides a look into Freud’s life and work. Entry costs 15 EUR (approximately 17 USD) for adults, and the museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 to 18:00. Note that Tuesdays are closed.
Enjoy Coffee at Café Central: A visit to Vienna is incomplete without indulging at Café Central, a historic coffeehouse frequented by luminaries like Freud and Trotsky. Try their famous Apfelstrudel or Viennese Melange, with desserts starting at 8 EUR (around 9 USD). Open daily from 08:00 to 22:00, it’s worth the wait if there’s a queue.

Frankfurt, Germany

Much of Frankfurt, including the Altstadt, or old town, was reconstructed after World War II. The city offers many absorbing museums and is a hub for many things, including commerce and culture. The arts are big news, and a year-round festival program means there’s always plenty to see and do.

Visit the Städel Museum: The Städel Museum houses an impressive collection of European art, spanning over 700 years, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Richter. Tickets cost 18 EUR (approximately 19 USD), and it is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours until 21:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays. Audio guides are available for a deeper experience.
Try Apfelwein at Dauth-Schneider: For a taste of Frankfurt’s famous Apfelwein (German cider), visit Dauth-Schneider, a rustic, traditional tavern in the Sachsenhausen district. Pair your drink with a plate of Handkäse mit Musik (cheese in vinegar marinade) or Frankfurter Schnitzel. Dishes start at 15 EUR (approximately 16 USD). Open daily from 11:00 to 23:00.

Prague, Czech Republic

Known for its historic and visually appealing architecture, Prague also makes a great city break for those searching for culture. Whether it’s Czech cuisine, music concerts, lively nightlife, or other arts you’re interested in, Prague offers it all in spades. The cultural legacy of the past is also evident around every corner, and there are many Baroque and Gothic buildings to admire.

Visit Prague Castle: The Prague Castle complex is home to St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and the Old Royal Palace. Tickets for Circuit B, the most popular route, cost 250 CZK (approximately 12 USD) and allow access to the main highlights. It’s open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 in summer (April–October) and until 16:00 in winter (November–March). Allocate at least 3 hours for your visit.
Dine at Lokál Dlouhááá: For traditional Czech cuisine, head to Lokál Dlouhááá, a highly rated restaurant offering fresh, homemade takes on local dishes. Try the svíčková (beef sirloin in creamy sauce) or fried cheese, with prices starting at 230 CZK (about 10 USD). They serve some of the freshest Pilsner beer in the city. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 to 23:00.

Bilbao, Spain

In Spain, Bilbao is at the cutting edge of contemporary culture. The Guggenheim is one of the most revered modern art museums on the planet, and its 1997 opening was said to be responsible for the city’s regeneration.

Bilbao remains a traditional Spanish flavor, though, especially in the old town square each evening when locals socialize. The setting is also spectacular, among green mountains and by the port.

Catch a Performance at Teatro Arriaga: The historic Teatro Arriaga hosts operas, concerts, and plays inside its grand neo-Baroque building. Tickets vary by performance but typically start at 20 EUR (around 22 USD). The box office is open Monday to Sunday from 11:30 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00.
Try Pintxos at Café Iruña: Located near the city center, Café Iruña is famed for its classic Basque pintxos, such as gilda and Iberian ham bites. Prices start at 2 EUR (about 2 USD) per pintxo. The café, a century-old institution, features stunning Moorish-inspired decor and operates daily from 09:00 to 23:00, making it a perfect stop for lunch or an evening snack.

Florence, Italy

Florence is always a fail-safe option for those searching for culture and fine art. It was the capital of the Renaissance and, for a short while during the late 19th century, was also the Italian capital. Here, you can see iconic sights like Michelangelo’s David statue and the Birth of Venus by Botticelli.

If you have time, you could also venture into the glorious countryside to sample a slice of rural Tuscan culture.

Explore the Uffizi Gallery: The Uffizi Gallery houses masterpieces by Renaissance artists such as Botticelli, da Vinci, and Caravaggio. Tickets cost 25 EUR (about 27 USD) from March to October and 12 EUR (about 13 USD) from November to February. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 08:15 to 18:30. Allocate at least two hours to fully explore the highlights.
Have Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri: Treat yourself to authentic Italian gelato at Gelateria dei Neri, highly rated for its creamy and flavorful offerings. Try signature flavors like pistachio or stracciatella, with prices starting at 3 EUR (around 3 USD) for a scoop. Open daily from 11:00 to 23:00, it’s perfect for a sweet break while exploring the city.