12 Glamorous Cities in Europe for the Ultimate Luxury Experience

One of the greatest things about traveling through Europe is its diversity. Europe has everything, from bustling cities and vibrant coastal towns to charming villages and lush countryside. However, most people don’t realize how diverse Europe is regarding travel styles. Whether you’re a budget-backer or a 5-star traveler, Europe has something to offer.

Backpacking offers the most authentic travel experience, but who doesn’t love traveling in luxury? From 5-star hotels offering elegance and ultimate comfort to upscale restaurants serving world-class cuisine, what’s not to like? With that in mind, here are 12 of Europe’s most luxurious cities for travelers seeking a more relaxed, upscale, and extravagant vacation experience.

Table of Contents

London, United Kingdom

The first European city on our list is London, one of the continent’s most expensive places. London is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a luxury experience, elegant 5-star hotels, celebrity treatment, and a wide range of things to do. If the English capital is good enough for the Royal Family, it’s undoubtedly good enough for us.

When you’re not getting lost exploring iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament, sip champagne at the top of the shard, spend your money in luxury retail outlets like Harrods and Selfridges, and tuck into a 5-star dining experience at your hotel in Mayfair or Park Lane.

Florence, Italy

Florence is a breathtaking city in Italy’s Tuscany region. With stunning natural surroundings, striking landmarks, treasure trove churches brimming with artifacts and wealth, and formidable galleries, the city oozes class, elegance, and luxury. However, it could be argued that the city is best known for its rich history and art.

Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, you’ll never tire of exploring the city’s fascinating sites, including Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and Uffizi Galleries. However, you won’t struggle to find an elegant Italian cafe or upscale restaurant to rest in if you start to get tired. Oh, and you’ll sleep comfortably at night because Florence is famed for its 5-star hotels.

Paris, France

You probably don’t need us to tell you that Paris is one of Europe’s most luxurious cities, but here we are. The French capital is well-known for offering travelers a luxury experience, from flagship haute-couture designers and elegant attractions like the Champs-Élysées to quaint patisseries selling delicious treats and galleries with multi-million dollar masterpieces.

However, one of the clearest signs that Paris is a luxurious destination is its number of Michelin-starred restaurants. A 2024 report discovered that Paris has the highest density of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe and the second most globally. There are more than 100 restaurants in the city with at least one star. Some of Paris’s best Michelin Star restaurants include Le Jules Verne, Le Cinq, and Le Pré Catelan.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of Europe’s most picturesque and romantic cities. It’s an excellent destination for honeymooning couples who seek a relaxed getaway. Better yet, Lisbon is much more affordable than cities like London and Paris but still offers luxurious accommodations and restaurants.

Don’t be surprised if you find a 5-star hotel in the city with a rooftop terrace and swimming pool with spectacular city views. In fact, Epic Sana Lisboa Hotel fits the bill. In Lisbon, you’ll spend most of your time exploring the main sights, eating authentic Portuguese food, and sipping local wines. Don’t miss Belém Tower, Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral, and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Monaco City, Monaco

Despite being the second smallest country in Europe, second to Vatican City, Monaco has a big reputation for being one of the most luxurious cities in the world. You only have to look at the super yacht-filled harbor to see how luxurious and wealthy the city is. A playground for the rich and famous, you’ll need big bucks to keep up in Monaco.

You’ll discover upscale restaurants, high-end designer boutiques, and impressive architecture at every corner. When you’re not living the A-list lifestyle, visit Monaco’s best attractions. Significant points of interest include Monte Carlo, Prince’s Palace of Monaco, Casino de Monte-Carlo, and Cathédrale de Monaco.

Vatican City

Okay, so you might not be able to stay in Vatican City, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of Europe’s most luxurious cities. As we mentioned previously, Vatican City also happens to be the smallest country in the world. Tucked away in Central Rome, Italy’s capital, this city is elegant, rich, and incredibly beautiful.

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For starters, it’s believed Vatican City’s wealth is between $10 to $15 billion, although we don’t need facts to tell us how luxurious and wealthy the city is. We can clearly see how luxurious the city is simply by looking at it. Vatican City features world-class architecture like St. Peter’s Basilica, art masterpieces by Michelangelo, and religious treasures worth millions. No wonder the Pope lives there.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

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If you’ve always wanted to enjoy the millionaire lifestyle but don’t have the funds, don’t worry, neither do I; head to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. This picture-perfect city offers travelers a luxury experience without the hefty price tags we find in Paris and London. You can expect more affordable 5-star hotels, high-end restaurants, and many things to do.

Just a 40-minute drive from Lake Bled, Ljubljana is known for its vibrant green spaces, traditional buildings with orange tiled roofs, an Old Town, and the picturesque Ljubljanica River, lined by quaint cafes and restaurants. Notable attractions in the city include the National Museum of Slovenia, Ljubljana Castle, and Tivoli Park.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, the Austrian capital, is the next luxurious European city on our list. Lying on the Danube River, this beautiful city is famed for its art history, imperial palaces, and timeless charm. Oozing elegance and sophistication, it was once home to Sigmund Freud, Beethoven, and Mozart, so we’d argue it’s good enough for anyone.

You’ll spend most of your time in Vienna strolling along the Danube River, admiring imperial palaces, exploring the museums in the Museum Quartier, and getting lost in Innere Stadt, the city’s Old Town and the epitome of luxury living. In Innere Stadt, you’ll find many luxury properties and 5-star hotels. Must-see attractions in Vienna include Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, Albertina, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark’s extravagant capital city, is a fascinating destination with vibrant architecture, beautiful scenery, and modern luxury. When I visited Copenhagen, I traveled on a tight budget, but even then, I got a sense of the city’s luxury and elegance. The city has everything from pristine palaces and decadent hotels to 5-star restaurants and gorgeous parks.

Better yet, Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most walkable cities. You can easily walk between the city’s most famous attractions on foot. When you need to reach somewhere further away, jump on a ferry or canal cruise boat. Points of interest include Nyhavn Waterfront, Amalienborg Palace, the Natural Museum of Denmark, and the Little Mermaid Statue.

Marbella, Spain

Marbella, a coastal city and resort area in southern Spain, has long been a sought-after vacation destination with the rich and famous. With its breathtaking beaches, turquoise waters, luxury villas, and glitz and glam lifestyle, thousands of celebrities flock to the city yearly, especially soccer players and their families.

For the most luxurious experience, stay in Puerto Banus, a stunning marina in Marbella’s Nueva Andalucían neighborhood. You’ll find high-end boutiques, a yacht-filled harbor, luxury accommodations, and world-class restaurants here. Other luxury places in Marbella include the Golden Mile, Marbella East, and Marbella Center. You’ll spend most of your vacation in the city sunbathing, shopping, sipping cocktails, and eating delicious food.

Milan, Italy

Milan is the perfect destination if you love the finer things in life, like high-end clothing and perfumes, 5-star cuisine, and world-class art. Famed for its luxury fashion brands and historical architecture, this sophisticated city oozes class. Honestly, I felt a little out of place during my visit because everyone looked so good.

No matter where you go in the city, you’ll see locals dressed in beautiful outfits, impressive architectural masterpieces, and upscale restaurants serving incredible food. Although, I was still content with my authentic Italian pizza instead of lobster. Noteworthy points of interest in Milan include Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, and Parco Sempione.

Zurich, Switzerland

The final European city on our list is Zurich, the capital of Switzerland. Often considered one of the world’s most expensive countries, this city is known worldwide for its thriving financial district. However, from a tourism standpoint, it’s best known for its beautiful architecture, gorgeous natural scenery, and high-end hotels.

A trip to Zurich will set you back, but the city is worth the extra costs. You’ll enjoy exploring the city’s castles, forts, palaces, museums, and churches. Sitting on either side of the picturesque Limmat River, Alstadt (Old Town) is a great place to start your adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for Grossmünster, Lindenhof, and Rathaus (Town Hall). In the evening, settle down in 1 of 90 Michelin Star restaurants before retiring to your 5-star hotel.