24 Must-Visit European Cities To Add to Your Bucket List

ByGeorgia Konidari February 23, 2024September 19, 2024

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Are you drawing up a European bucket list? Then, you need to read the following guide, comprising these cities you must not miss. From perennial favorites like London, Paris, and Rome to lesser-known spots like Budapest, Dubrovnik, and Lisbon, here are the ones you need to tick off during your time on planet Earth.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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Lapped by the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a destination that belongs on every self-respecting traveler’s bucket list. For starters, walking along the city walls and delving deeper into the old town should not be missed. A day trip to Lokrum Island will also introduce you to another aspect of Croatia.

Rome, Italy

Big-hitting sites like the Colosseum ensure the Italian capital’s enduring popularity. It’s also home to a country within a city, The Vatican. Rome is jam-packed with ancient ruins and offers a vibrant art scene and a dash of the Italian dolce vita (good life). Then there’s pizza, pasta, gelato, coffee, and other culinary delights. If you can, avoid summer, as the heat can be stifling and the crowds just as suffocating.

Lisbon, Portugal

While the Portuguese capital is popular, it doesn’t have visitor numbers as high as European cities like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. Head to hilly Lisbon by the sea for pastel-painted buildings, historic structures like majestic São Jorge Castle, and a museum packed with ceramic tiles. You’ll also find beautiful beaches outside the city, making them ideal day trip destinations.

Copenhagen, Denmark

If you add one Scandinavian city to your European bucket list, you’d better make it Copenhagen. The hip Danish capital offers a cool coffee-and-pastry culture, far more than its fair share of boutique hotels and fine dining establishments, and infinite style when shopping for fashion and homeware. You can also dip in one of the city’s outdoor swimming spots in summer.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The fact that the canalside city of Amsterdam is a destination quite unlike any other just keeps those visitors coming. There’s the famous red light district, brown cafes for adults in search of hedonism, plus incredible gabled waterside architecture and an impressive arts heritage. Explore by bike if you want to live like a local.

Paris, France

The French capital is synonymous with both style and romance. Wandering hand-in-hand by the Seine, gaping at some of the most famous artwork in the world, and ascending the iconic Eiffel Tower are among the must-dos for loved-up couples in Paris. Then there’s the incomparable French foodie scene, some of Europe’s best shopping, and a landmark around every corner – or so it seems.

Barcelona, Spain

No other European city looks anything like Barcelona, thanks to the acclaimed architect and artist Antoni Gaudí. More works of his can be found here than anywhere else, though his most famous work – the Sagrada Família church – remains incomplete. Barcelona is also blessed with lovely beaches, fine parks, and the historic Barri Gòtic, aka the Gothic Quarter.

Prague, Czech Republic

Yes, the beer is cheap, but there are far more reasons to visit Prague than that. Also known as the City of a Hundred Spires, Prague offers an abundance of ancient architecture. Key sights include the 1402 Charles Bridge over the Vltava River, the baroque buildings of Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock, which dates back to medieval days. Though more expensive than it once was, the city remains remarkably affordable compared to other European hotspots.

London, UK

London is a popular destination all year round, though tourist numbers peak in summer, and winter can bring freezing temperatures. History is where it’s at here, a fair proportion of which centers on the British monarchy. But there’s so much to see beyond the royal palaces, including traditional English pubs, glittering riverside skyscrapers, and some of the finest parks on the planet. To get under London’s skin, explore a local neighborhood – the city is said to be a string of individual villages, each with its unique personality.

Athens, Greece

Athens can sadly be bypassed by those flocking to the Greek Islands on vacation, but it doesn’t deserve such a fate. The city was once at the heart of ancient Greek civilization, and many remnants of those days remain. Head to the hilltop Acropolis and its museum first to truly understand why this destination is so important – on a global and historical scale.

Venice, Italy

Like Amsterdam, Venice is built on and around a network of canals, but that is where the similarities end. The Italian city has a different feel, reflecting that Dutch and Italian cultures can be worlds apart. There’s nowhere on earth quite like it, and delicious Italian food and coffee are thrown in. Go now while you can: one day, the city will sink beneath the surface, though hopefully not for a long time.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is two destinations in one. It comprises Buda and Pest, hence the name. The 1849 Chain Bridge, divided by the mighty Danube, connects the two districts. Hilly Buda has a medieval heart and is more peaceful than Pest. Pest is bigger, brasher, and busier. The two distinct areas were separate cities until 1873, when they joined forces and adjoined Óbuda.

Zermatt, Switzerland

If you want to see the mighty Matterhorn at least once in a lifetime, Zermatt is where it’s at. Beautiful Bahnhofstrasse is lined with lovely cafes, bars, and boutiques in the center of town. Zermatt is a destination for all seasons, with hiking popular in summer and skiing, curling, and ice skating available during winter.

Munich, Germany

Munich’s annual Oktoberfest is world-famous and a must for the bucket list of anyone into beer. But there’s more to discover, too. As the capital of Bavaria, Munich features ancient buildings, historic beer halls, a lovely old town, and some very fine museums.

Bruges, Belgium

If you visit only one city in the small country of Belgium – as many people do – then best make it Bruges. You can find fairytale views around every corner, including medieval buildings and cobbled streets. The canals and city squares are charming, so don’t miss the chance to visit at least one Belgian chocolatier.

Tallinn, Estonia

The compact Estonian capital is like something from a fairytale. Wandering the streets of the old town is delightful, and it’s a great place to find local bakeries, cafes, and restaurants specializing in Baltic cuisine. You can even shop for Unicorn horn dust at the oldest pharmacy on the continent.

Istanbul, Turkey

Located on both the outer fringes of Europe and the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the ultimate cultural melting pot. Onion domes, calls to prayer, and bustling souks characterize life in this exotic location, where Asia and Europe collide. The fact that there’s nowhere else quite like it makes Istanbul a bucket list must.

Vienna, Austria

If you’re seeking somewhere special, Vienna in Austria is about as elegant as it gets. This refined city on the banks of the Danube has a timeless feel and is perfect for a romantic break. The local cafes are a highlight. You can also sample a slice of Sachertorte at the hotel where the chocolate cake with apricot filling was invented.

Stockholm, Sweden

Like other Scandinavian capitals, Stockholm isn’t a cheap place to visit, but it’s worth stretching the budget to spend at least a weekend here. If you’re into design in any form, you’ll be in seventh heaven here. The charming old town features cobbled streets and warmly-hued homes, and the city is built on 14 islands, with over 50 bridges connecting them.

Moscow, Russia

Given the current situation in Russia, you might want to save this one for the future. But we simply had to include it, as there’s nowhere on earth like Red Square. This one will require some planning even in stable times due to strict visa requirements, but sights like the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral make it all worthwhile.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Pretty Ljubljana is sometimes cited as one of the continent’s most underrated cities. The Slovenian city is compact, charming, and packed with green spaces. A student population and plenty of museums help keep things interesting, whether you’re into socializing with the locals or discovering Slovenian history.

Florence, Italy

Along with Rome and Venice, Florence makes up the trio of must-visit Italian cities. It’s all about art and architecture here, plus, of course, delicious food. If you want to take a break between gazing in awe at the incredible paintings, sculptures, and buildings, head out into the Tuscan countryside for a day or more.

Berlin, Germany

As you might expect from its checkered past, the German capital is awash with political history. But it’s also the country’s capital of cool, with thriving arts and alternative scenes. Don’t miss delights such as the Golden Berliner Philharmonie and more obvious spots, like the remains of the Berlin Wall.

Edinburgh, UK

If you only head to one other city outside London in the UK, it has to be Edinburgh. The old town and Royal Mile are divided from the Georgian New Town by busy Princes Street, and both districts have so much history, culture, shopping, and dining to offer. You can also head to Leith for fresh air by the water or climb Arthur’s seat for unparalleled city views.

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Georgia Konidari

Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. Passionate about exploring the globe, she shares her insights and experiences to inspire fellow travelers. Her work and expertise have been featured in prominent outlets such as Fortune, Yahoo Finance, Daily Mail, the Associated Press Wire, Newsbreak, and numerous other publications. You can follow Georgia on Flipboard, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.