24 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime
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With 10.5 million km², Europe has some of the most dream-like locations ever. From panoramic views to miles and miles of crystal clear waters to deeply rooted history and culture, a trip to one of the cities here is nothing short of perfect. While all cities have their own unique personalities, some stand out.
1. Ghent, Belgium
The fourth-largest city of Belgium, Ghent, is a remarkable port city with enchanting castles, interwoven canals, and medieval buildings that take you back in time. During the winter, it has a Christmas market that attracts people worldwide.
Whether you explore the Disney castle like Gravensteen or visit St. Peter’s Abbey with the remains of a church stripped away of its wealth by the French revolutionary armies, you’ll have the best time.
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2. Lisbon, Portugal
This cosmopolitan city hits the sweet spot with its stunning architecture, like the Castle of São Jorge, with their emotional Fado music and the hustle and bustle of tram lines. The best way to explore Lisbon to the fullest is on foot, whether through a guided walking tour or a stroll through the narrow streets of the Alfama district.
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3. Rome, Italy
Rome is an ethereal city, home to ancient preservation and a popular tourist hotspot, with people being drawn to it like a magnet. If you’re visiting this gorgeous location, there’s one thing you have to do: eat Italian pasta from Urbana 47.
One trip is not enough to explore the place, so avoid conventional places like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican Museums. Instead, opt for hidden gems like Trajan’s Market, lined with several imperial monuments dating back to 100 AD.
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4. Paris, France
Home to the tall and looming Eiffel Tower, Paris is a phenomenal option for a romantic getaway. Apart from the standard places to see, there is a huge center called Pompidou filled with contemporary art for your inner creative to enjoy.
For some retro photography, visiting the Montmartre area is an excellent idea with its ambiance and general aesthetic. Don’t forget to take a stroll at Rue de l‘Abreuvoir, which is known to be the prettiest street in the city.
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5. Corfu, Greece
Do you know how postcards have the most spectacular sites displayed on them? That is precisely what Corfu is like in real life. Turquoise waters at Canal d’Amour, as far as the eye can see, make you want to stay here and never leave.
Legend has it that you’ll find your soulmate here. You can also kick back and relax on the stunning beaches of Cannon and Mouse islands or unleash your inner history lover on a trip to the Pantokrator Monastery.
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Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands
6. Barcelona, Spain
The multi-layered city of Barcelona is much more than an aesthetic vacation destination. While its mesmerizing beauty is unmatched, there’s more to do and see here than meets the eye. Venture on an artistic journey by visiting the Miro Museum with its eccentric art, and enjoy fresh, juicy seafood at Cal Pintxos for lunch.
Don’t miss out on the Gothic Quarter, which has stained glass windows, buildings protruding from the ground, and looming towers that make it look like the start of a movie scene.
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Read also: Top European Cities with Awesome Architecture
7. Bergen, Norway
Beyond the alluring waterfalls, Bergen is home to scenic views and unforgettable adventures. To immerse yourself fully in the city, take the iconic fjord cruise, the perfect spot to look at the location holistically and bask in the natural beauty.
For people with more energy and a young spirit, there are countless hiking trails like the Sherpa Steps to get atop Ulriken. It’s safe to say that Bergen is the complete package.
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Read also: Stunning Small Towns in the World
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia is dotted with several islands, but one of the most picture-perfect ones is Dubrovnik, with its pristine waters and beaches, which are jaw-dropping. There are a ton of historical landmarks that stand out. From the gorgeous Franciscan Monastery & Museum to the rustic Sponza Palace, the options here are endless.
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Read also: Instagrammable Cities in Europe
9. Istanbul, Turkey
One of the most culturally rich cities in the world, Istanbul is no stranger to beauty. Whether you’re visiting the grand Hagia Sophia Mosque with the finest Muslim architecture or splurging on handicrafts in the Grand Bazaar, everything has a distinct feel. There’s an endless amount of luxury hotels to stay in and an infinite number of places that leave you feeling breathless.
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10. Stockholm, Sweden
If you’ve never seen glamorous bars, you haven’t been to Stockholm. The bars here are stunning, with massive chandeliers and traditional belly dancers that woo you away. You’ll also find scenic sites perfect for your Instagram vacation reels, like Nackareservatet with its grassy meadows and Djurgården surrounded by water and greenery.
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11. Hallstatt, Austria
The lakeside village of Hallstatt is one of the most beloved tourist destinations in Europe. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this location feels like all the best parts of winter with its gorgeous blue skies and snowy mountain tops. If you’ve never been to a salt mine, get ready to be blown away with the oldest salt mine in the world. Don’t miss out on the 600 painted skulls at Hallstatt Charnel House.
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Read also: Charming Small Towns in Europe
12. Copenhagen, Denmark
For many people, Copenhagen is a top-tier city usually on their bucket list because it’s simply mesmerizing. It has its own version of Disney land named Tivoli Gardens, which offers roller-coasters, shows, and hearty snacks. Remember to walk at Nyhavn as it’s lined with multi-colored houses and pure water, making it too good to be true.
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Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List
13. Heidelberg, Germany
As soon as you step into Heidelberg, you’ll instantly fall head over heels for its quaint streets and fairytale-like atmosphere. It’s like you’re walking in paradise and exploring the city at the same time. With the magnificent Heidelberg Castle standing tall among the luscious green trees and the Heidelberg Zoo with more than 1,000 animals, there won’t be a dull moment.
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Read also: Hidden Romantic Getaways
14. Vienna, Austria
While Paris might be known for brewing romance, Vienna is also not that far behind in this department. Start your day by learning some ballet at Vienna State Opera, sharing a chocolate spa treatment, and planning a cute picnic together at the public park named Volksgarten. Don’t forget to rent a bike when you’re here because that will save you long walks and expensive taxi rides.
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Read also: Castles in Europe
15. Lucerne, Switzerland
If you’re looking for an eye-catching yet relaxing place to visit, Lucerne should be at the top of your list. You can see the grand Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre or enjoy a lovely Spreuerbrücke bridge promenade to absorb all the scenic beauty. If you want to add some spice with a pump of adrenaline, you can even enjoy snowboarding, hiking, paragliding, and water sports here.
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Read also: Hidden Islands in Europe
16. Vilnius, Lithuania
Located in Eastern Europe, Vilnius is a well-preserved Old Town deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find the city enchanting with vibrant artwork splattered across the buildings in Užupis and the tall Vilnius TV Tower standing in all its glory. We suggest you stay at the Hipster Hotel, which has pop art on its walls and isn’t very expensive.
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Read also: UNESCO World Heritage Sites To Visit in Your Lifetime
17. Trondheim, Norway
Home to the country’s top science and tech institutes, Trondheim is a former Viking stronghold, having a rich cultural and historical presence that attracts people from around the world. The Old Town Bridge is the perfect spot for selfies, and the Bakklandet Area is a cozy village that will make your jaw drop. If you want to adventure here, visit the Pirbadet Waterpark for a fun-filled evening.
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18. Porto, Portugal
The spectacular city of Porto is every traveler’s dream. With the infamous library of Livraria Lello that inspired JK Rowling, there are many fun little things to do here apart from taking in the beauty of the place. Sitting and enjoying the landscape around you, you can sip on some delicious local wine made in Douro Valley. Due to the hilly terrain, the sunsets here leave you awe-struck.
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19. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh has to be a fan-favorite spot in Europe because of its beautiful old town with architecture that looks like it’s from the famous Netflix show named Wednesday. With shades of gray all around, the place has pops of color, providing an eye-catching unique contrast. You should visit the massive St. Giles Cathedral or the New Grand Hotel, which mimics a Victorian villa.
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Read also: European Cities for Solo Travelers
20. Innsbruck, Austria
With undulating hills and pastel houses, Innsbruck is a must-visit for those who haven’t experienced it yet. It is known for the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, but there’s much more here than meets the eye.
The architecture here is a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, which makes it a pretty impressive little hub of culture and history. Don’t miss out on the Neuschwanstein Castle while you’re here.
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21. York, England
York is often overlooked when it comes to gorgeous cities, but it has a lot to offer. With narrow cobblestone streets encompassed by 13th-century walls and lined with several restaurants, bars, and cafes, this city should be at the top of your bucket list.
There are unique things to do here, like experiencing the carbon-negative gin tour or heading to the Jorvik Vikings Museum, perfect for history buffs to gush over.
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22. Prague, Czech Republic
Found northwest of the Czech Republic, this is the 13th greenest city in the world, making it peaceful and tranquil. You can visit the building, dating back to the 9th century, or even explore the Dancing House with its bizarre architecture. Whether you’re staying in the winter when it’s snowing or traveling in the summer, this place will blow you away.
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23. Florence, Italy
The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence, is packed with various galleries, historical sites, cafes, and museums, giving it its character. With places like Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio, the hustle and bustle of people is a clear indicator of just how popular it is. If you’re visiting the place, you should enjoy a mouth-watering meal at La Leggenda dei Frati.
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Read also: Top UNESCO Heritage Sites To Visit
24. Ljubljana, Slovenia
With places like the Ljubljana Castle standing erect in the heart of the city and Tivoli Park with its natural beauty, Ljubljana is an underrated city that often goes unnoticed. However, it offers the most stunning and picture-perfect views that are any photographer’s dream, along with Lake Bled’s pristine waters and floating chunks of land painting a phenomenal image.
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Read also: Historical Castles in Europe
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
