12 European Capitals of Cool: Must-See Trendy Spots
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Some cities spring to mind immediately when thinking of fashionable European capitals. Think of Amsterdam as too cool for school, Copenhagen at the cutting-edge of Scandi style, and Berlin as a UNESCO City of Design.
But the continent’s eastern side has its fair share of stylish spots, including a small screen star and a winter fairytale. There are no rules saying that the capitals of cool must be cities, though. That’s why we’ve also listed the Med’s most sought-after island.
From one of the world’s fashion capitals to a timeless riverside spot, signature architecture, a youthful vibe, and world-famous icons, here are the must-see European destinations for your hip list.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Whether your idea of cool is taking a Game of Thrones tour, walking the old city walls, or sipping a chilled beer or cocktail with panoramic Adriatic views, Dubrovnik is one fashionable place to be. This trending city is one of the most Instagrammable cities on earth. Though clubs are few and far between, plenty of bars keep you busy until the small hours.
Read also: European Cities With Rich Cultural Heritage
Mykonos, Greece
Of all Mediterranean islands, Mykonos is up there with the coolest. Even the architecture is uber hip – think whitewashed sugar cube buildings clinging to hillsides and the famous “Little Venice” with scenic sunset views. Everything about it is fashionable, from the high-end boutiques to the late-night bars, the five-star hotels, the famous beach bars, and the fine-dining restaurants.
Read also: European Capitals of Culture
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
With its canal-side location and all those bridges and bikes, Amsterdam is one cool place – and that’s before you get to the city’s hip and happening neighborhoods.
From Westerpark cafes, De Baarsjes restaurants, and Bos en Lommer bars to pretty Oud-West parks, there are plenty of stylish spots to stumble upon. Don’t miss lively De Pijp, conveniently located in the center of the city. Fashionable things to do include brewery or food tours and canal cruises, as well as discovering different districts.
Read also: Must-Visit European Cities
Paris, France
Parisians are effortlessly cool, and their city is incredibly elegant. What could be cooler, too, than being at the center of the global fashion and beauty industries in Paris? Even the French accent is completely captivating – not to mention oh-so attractive. Ooh la la!
Read also: Instagrammable Spots in the Europe
Tallinn, Estonia
If your idea of cool includes cute, then the Estonian capital has buckets of appeal. The Baltic Sea location is a breeze in summer, while in winter, the snow-dusted streets are straight from a fairytale. To cap it all, this hip destination is an absolute steal compared to other fashionable European cities.
Read also: Amazing Small Towns in Europe
Berlin, Germany
From the modernist housing stock to the fact that it’s a UNESCO-named City of Design, Berlin is at the forefront of European fashion. Like Amsterdam, Berlin is also abundant in characterful neighborhoods, and must-visits include Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, and Neukölln. The German capital’s street art scene is also renowned. What canvas could be cooler than the Berlin Wall?
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Read also: Quirky Places in Europe
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Athens, Greece
If there’s anything more captivating than a city that combines one foot in the past with a futuristic outlook, then we don’t know what it is. Athens offers a lively arts scene, contemporary dining, and thriving nightlife, yet it is also home to some of the world’s most ancient—and appealing—ruins. Drop into any bar or cafe to experience the Greek capital’s youthful vibe.
Read also: Spring Getaways in Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark
For cutting-edge interior design and Danish fashion, head to Copenhagen. The locals certainly know how to dress and how to infuse any space with Scandi style. If trending clothing and interiors don’t appeal to you, cool things about Copenhagen include urban swimming spots for summer, 15 restaurants with Michelin stars, and a pair of the world’s oldest fairgrounds.
Read also: Pocket-Friendly European Destinations
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is cool in the most literal sense of the word. As the northernmost sovereign state capital on earth, it’s a chilly place. But it’s also a hip place to be, offering cutting-edge, contemporary architecture and a thriving arts scene. The setting, among snow-capped peaks and lava fields, also makes the Icelandic capital stand out.
Read also: Enchanting Fairytale Towns in Europe
London, UK
You only had to watch the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony to see that the UK city is a capital of cool. Think of all those iconic sights, too, like lines of red telephone boxes close to Parliament Square, the Gherkin, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe by the Thames; and union flags waving in the wind. From swish hotels serving up scrumptious afternoon teas to street art around Brick Lane, London is packed with trending things to see and do.
Read also: Gorgeous Cities To Visit in Europe
Vienna, Austria
Music history meets royal heritage in Vienna, making it a mecca for architecture and performing arts fans. This elegant city also has coffee culture nailed. It’s effortlessly, classically cool through and through, with an old-school charm that transcends both time and travel trends that come and go.
Read also: Best Cities for Solo Travelers in Europe
Barcelona, Spain
The unique Gaudi architecture makes Barcelona stand out from the crowd – and the historic Gothic Quarter in the center is also a pretty cool place. Add a glimmering ribbon of coastline, a modern foodie scene, and many late-night venues, and you have one seriously hot seaside city.
Read also: Hidden Gems in Southern Europe
