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35 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe That We’ve Seen

We’ve compiled our list of the most beautiful cities in Europe for years of visiting the continent. This list is not someone else’s opinion; these are the best European cities that we have personally visited in real life. We’ve seen and experienced all of these cities firsthand, and when you see them, you can click through to read more in-depth guides. So get ready to let us help you choose the best city to add to your European travel itinerary.

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One of the most beautiful cities in Europe is Venice, Italy

We most certainly haven’t seen all of Europe, but we wanted to do a round-up of Europe’s most beautiful cities….that we’ve seen so far. So without further adieu, enjoy our photos and memories of the most beautiful cities in Europe to visit… according to us!

Table of Contents

1. Dubrovnik

Located on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is surrounded by crystal clear waters and picturesque beaches that make it a truly beautiful place to visit. The city is also home to a number of charming islands, including the island of Lokrum, which is home to a beautiful botanical garden and a monastery that dates back to the 12th century.

One of the main things that make Dubrovnik so beautiful is its Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town is surrounded by a medieval wall that was built in the 13th century and is filled with narrow streets, charming squares, and beautiful buildings that are a testament to the city’s rich history.

The Old Town is also home to a number of important landmarks, including the Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Rector’s Palace, and the Sponza Palace. Dubrovnik was also used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik’s old city was used extensively for Kings Landing since season two and there are plenty of places that you will recognize.

2. Porto, Portugal

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The Medieval architecture of Porto is a lovely city on the Douro River. Taking a tram ride through the city takes you back in time. They are designated as heritage sites so tourists can enjoy historic transportation. When visiting Porto, make sure to take a stroll through its old town, beginning at the banks of the River Douro. Read: The Perfect One Day in Porto Itinerary

Taking a walk along the bustling waterfront makes for a romantic evening and don’t forget to take the funicular up for panoramic views. Lisbon may be one of the most popular cities to visit in Portugal, but Porto stole our hearts.

3. Paris, France

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Go up the Eiffel Tower for beautiful views of the city

Paris is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It may seem cliché, but it will always be the most beautiful city in Europe to us. No matter how many other cities we see, we still return to the City of Lights and gaze upon it with wonder and awe. We never tire of seeing different views of the Eiffel Tower and going up for a champagne toast is one for the bucket list.

Walking through the city streets at night is one of our favorite things to do, and each time we visit Paris, we are mesmerized by seeing the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night. With each visit to one of the most famous cities in the world, we find more art galleries to explore, and we always stumble upon a quiet corner to have a romantic escape. It is the cornerstone of what makes this city great.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

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One of the most beautiful cities to visit in Europe is Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen holds a special place in our hearts. This enchanting city is a treat to explore. With Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, The Little Mermaid, and an endless stream of canals, Copenhagen definitely deserves to be named one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. It is like a fairytale to walk around.

Nyhavn is probably the most scenic cityscape of all the Scandinavian cities we visited. This waterfront canal is located in the Old Town and is a must-see when visiting Copenhagen. 17th-century townhouses line the canal filled with historic sailboats. What makes these townhouses so unique is that they are painted in bright colors.

  • To see more of Copenhagen, check out:

5. Venice, Italy

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Venice is one of the best European cities to visit if you don’t go on a cruise. Traveling independently and staying overnight in the city is a fantastic experience. Even though it is known for its canals, getting lost in its maze of cobblestone streets and back alleys is part of the fun of visiting this charming city.

Many people don’t love Venice, but we think it is because they have never stayed there long enough. We spent six days exploring Venice, and it quickly became one of our favorite cities to visit in Europe. We would watch cruise lines and bus tours come in for a day and zip right back out before they had a chance to really explore Venice.

Taking boat trips through the canals created a picture-perfect experience, and enjoying quiet drinks on a bistro terrace felt like a dream. See what it’s like to see Venice by Private Water Taxi; it was our favorite tour.

6. Athens

It took us three different visits to Athens before we really appreciated its beauty. The city is home to some of the most famous ancient ruins in the world, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and The Ancient Agora. There is nothing more breathtaking than sitting at a rooftop bar at Monastiraki Square, looking at the Acropolis standing proudly over the city.

There are many places to take in views of the city, with rooftop bars and patios all over Athens. One of the best places, though, is to take the cable car up to Lybitacus Hill for the overall best views of Athens. Make sure to stay in the city center to be able to walk to all of the popular tourist attractions. It’s one of the most walkable capital cities in Europe, and we love it. Whether you are interested in history, art, or just enjoying the sights and sounds of a vibrant city, Athens has something to offer you.

7. Budapest, Hungary

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Most Beautiful Cities in Europe: Budapest, Hungary

Located on the Danube River, visitors will be in awe of the Budapest waterfront. Walking over the chain bridge to witness the beauty of Buda and Pest is pure perfection. When the lights come on in Budapest, make your way down to the river and take in the splendor of the two cities.

The Hungarian Parliament shines at night as the Széchenyi Chain Bridge reflects in its waters, making for a magical scene. Budapest at night is truly one of the prettiest cities in Europe. Budapest is known for its thermal baths and ruin bars. These two tourist destinations are what make Budapest so unique.

8. Florence, Italy

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Florence, Italy, is a city of Art

Florence is truly a city of art and one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Europe. With every turn, you will run into sculptures or intricate etchings in the architecture. It’s a city where you can walk slowly through its cobbled streets while enjoying each and every building you lay eyes upon. Known for the Sculpture of David, the Ponte Vechhio and Fabulous cuisine, Florence is a city you’ll want to take your time to enjoy.

The Duomo stands proud in the city center, and endless cobblestone streets free from traffic make walking a pleasure. Make sure to spend more than a day trip when visiting Florence, spend several to really delve into the art and culture of this gorgeous metropolis.

9. Bergen, Norway

Most Beautiful Cities in Europe Bergen NorwayMost Beautiful Cities in Europe Bergen Norway

We think Bergen, Norway, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe due to its natural beauty. Surrounded by mountains, it is genuinely picture-perfect. The historic Bryggen Area makes for a picturesque waterfront. It may not be the apparent Norwegian city to visit in Europe (most people naturally think of Oslo first), but Bergen is undoubtedly one for the bucket list.

The first place you should visit in Bergen is Bryggen, the fairytale village of historic wooden houses lining the waterfront. This historic quarter of Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with good reason. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, picture-perfect views and old-world architecture. Make sure to take the cable car to the top of Mount Fløyen for amazing views of the city. When you see Bergen, you’ll agree that it may be one of the prettiest cities in Europe.

10. Brussels, Belgium

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Most Beautiful Cities in Europe: Brussels, Belgium.

Brussels was one of the first European cities we’ve ever visited, and I will never forget the feeling we had when we finally found the square. We had been walking the city streets and rounded a corner to see the famous Old Town Square. And the sight took our breath away. We revisited it a couple of years ago, and the feeling did not fade.

We still think that the Square of Brussels is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Its art nouveau buildings are some of the best in Europe. Horta Hotel Tassa was the first European building constructed in the Art Nouveau style. It’s an absolutely beautiful city filled with history and charm. Brussels, Belgium, is a charming city to visit, but it is the old town square that puts it near the top of our favorite of the beautiful cities in Europe.

11. Bruges, Belgium

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Often, people think Bruges is one of the most beautiful European cities. We visited Bruges in 1996 and honestly can’t remember thinking it was beautiful, but we thought we’d sneak it in after Brussels as a hidden gem of a European city to visit on this list. Luckily, we have had people write articles about Bruges for us; we did see the movie “In Bruges,” to gain further appreciation since our visit nearly 30 years ago. Check this out and see what you think!

12. Rome, Italy

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Rome made the list of beautiful cities to visit in Europe because of how ancient ruins weave through modern architecture. The Eternal City has a mix of old and new, leaving Roman history intact. They have incorporated the old Roman architecture into the plans of the city. Modern buildings spring up between ancient monuments, and we love it!

The entire old city center of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witnessing places like the Colosseum, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica is on many a traveler’s bucket list. It is one awe-inspiring sight after another when you visit this European City. So add Rome to your list of must visit cities in Europe, you won’t be disappointed. Rent or Buy Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn to get into your Rome travel mood.

13. Prague, Czechia

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We really fell in love with Prague. Such a beautiful city.

We had often heard that Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) was a beautiful city in Europe, and when we first laid eyes on her, she didn’t disappoint. Yes, it is busy and crowded, but if you step out of the main trail, you’ll find quiet spots to grab a bite or an affordable pint. Like any city in Europe, the river offers the most beautiful views. The Prague Castle stands proud overhead as the Charles Bridge spans the lovely Vltava River.

If you wake up early and walk around the city, you will have it all to yourself. The old town square is one of the prettiest in Europe, and when you have it all to yourself, it is truly breathtaking. Dave and I were amazed to see that people didn’t really get started until after 9:00 am, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful architecture in private.

14. Istanbul, Turkey

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Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia is such a beautiful city

When gazing upon the city of Istanbul from our rooftop terrace at night, it is set afire with light. Istanbul is a city with two personalities—one foot in the West with a European flair and the other foot in the East of Asia. Spanning two continents, it is also Europe’s largest city. It is the Eastern influence that makes this city so beautiful.

Mosques dot the cityscape as spires peek out from above the skyline. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia do not disappoint, and the Old City is the perfect place to get lost in time. Take a stroll through the Grand Baazar or go up to the top of Galata Tower for the best views of the city.

Visiting Istanbul is a rich cultural experience where the East meets the West. It’s an enormous city, yet it is easy to walk and navigate. If you can make it up to the Galata Tower to witness it from above, ensure you do. You’ll understand why we say it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

15. London, England

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Our favorite part of London was hanging out by the river, with Tower Bridge spanning the Thames. We took water taxis and ferries and took in the beauty of the city from the water and to explore its world class museums. London has transformed in the past 20 years to become a wonderful mix of historic architecture blending with modern skyscrapers. With Iconic Landmarks from Big Ben and the Tower of London to the London Eye to The Shard and The Gherkin, London has one of the most eclectic skylines in Europe, and it’s beautiful. Do you agree?

16. Dublin, Ireland

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It took me a while to add Dublin to my list of beautiful cities but Dublin is by far one of our favourite European cities. When I started compiling this, I only thought of skylines and places that took my breath away. But after visiting Dublin several times, I realized that it isn’t just about a skyline of skyscrapers that makes a city beautiful; it’s the culture and people. The River Liffey snakes through the heart of the city, and when going for a walk, one can really take in its charm.

Dublin has quiet parks for getaways, castles to explore, and an excellent pub scene. The more we travel to it, the more beautiful it becomes.

17. Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Dave and I visited Amsterdam before our travel blogging careers, but it left an impression. Known as the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is a city of picturesque canals. The colorful waterways make it one of the prettiest cities in Europe, and the canals are perfect for a stroll, making it a perfect walking city. Of course, you can ride a bicycle too! We feel a kinship with Amsterdam’s Liberal values. Being Canadian, we have a lot in common with the people of the Netherlands.

  • Read more about Amsterdam

18. Stockholm, Sweden

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Stockholm was one of our favorite cities in Scandinavia. The capital city of Sweden is located on the Baltic Sea, and the colorful buildings of the old town line the waterfront, taking your breath away.

What we love about Scandinavian towns is how there are amusement parks right in the center of the city, and Stockholm is no exception, with its grounds on the river. This northern city is connected by ferries that take visitors to 14 islands. You won’t forget your visit to Stockholm, it’s one of the best tourist destinations in northern Europe.

19. Tallinn, Estonia

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We only managed to pop over to Estonia for a day, but I am so happy that the city we visited was beautiful, Tallinn. If you are doing a Scandinavia tour, Tallinn is definitely one of the prettiest cities to visit (in northern Europe, at least) on the list.

Tallinn was surprising. We didn’t really know what to expect when visiting Estonia, but it is an exciting country with a very rich history. We can’t wait to go back and see more! With its medieval square, high lookouts, and an ancient wall, it has everything you need to see when visiting a European City. If you are traveling through Scandinavia, add Estonia to your list.

Read more: 6 Must-Have Experiences When you Visit Estonia

20. Reykjavik, Iceland

Top things to do in Reykjavik IcelandTop things to do in Reykjavik Iceland

Visiting Iceland was a dream come true, and its capital city, Reykjavik, is beautiful. Reykjavik is one of the smaller cities on our list, but it packs a punch. Like many of Europe’s beautiful cities, Reykjavik has colorful buildings lining the waterfront, pedestrian avenues, and lots of shopping, dining, and nightlife. It is a city that is “quintessentially Nordic” and, when visiting Iceland, deserves a couple of days to explore.

Like many European Cities on this list, Iceland was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Even though Reykjavik wasn’t used, the crew stayed here, and many of the surrounding national parks, glaciers, and lagoons were used in the popular series. We were huge Game of Thrones fans and visited many destinations around the world. Check out this Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland that recreates some of the scenes shot in Iceland.

21. Barcelona, Spain

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Barcelona, Spain

The more we visit Barcelona, the more we love it. At first, we weren’t fans of Gaudi’s works, but as we got to know his work more, we fell in love with his innovative, colorful, and playful architecture. In fact, Barcelona’s architecture is so unique and important that it nine of its buildings are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Seven of which belong to Anotnie Gaudi himself.

With a beautiful waterfront, quiet parks, downtown walking streets, and bustling markets, Barcelona is definitely one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities we’ve visited in Europe.

  • Read more about Barcelona:

22. Zurich Switzerland

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The beautiful European city of Zurich is a dream destination. The picturesque setting on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River make for a gorgeous spot to take in the sunset and watch the beautiful people walk by. Zurich has it all with a well-preserved old town, a rich history, and incomparable wealth. Walking through the cobbled streets will take you back in time.

One of our favorite things to do in Zurich was to see it from above. Take the Felsenegg cable car up to 803 meters above sea level for breathtaking views of the city.

23. Vienna, Austria

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We visited Vienna, Austria during the holiday season, and it is second to none when it comes to Christmas Markets. The city shines with lights and festivities. This is why Vienna is referred to as one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe. From its magnificent architecture and impressive museums to its musical history and art scene, it is easy to see why Vienna is so famous.

Bundle up and drink some mulled wine while you browse the walking streets and outdoor shops. Vienna’s opera house was rebuilt after World War II and is considered one of the most glamorous in the world.

24. Munich, Germany

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Germany’s Bavaria surprised us. We didn’t expect to love it so much, but it is Europe’s hidden gem. Munich is the capital and most populous city in Bavaria, and it is a lively town with beer halls, a university, an expansive park, and fantastic architecture. Munich is a city filled with cobblestone streets that are perfect for walking in the Old Town and picturesque square making it easy to explore by foot or bicycle.

Just outside the city is Europe’s largest park, and there are plenty of beer halls and gardens. Plus, don’t forget the famous Glockenspiel located at Marienplatz. Read more:

25. Bern, Switzerland

Most Beautiful Cities in Europe Bern, SwitzerlandMost Beautiful Cities in Europe Bern, Switzerland
Most Beautiful Cities in Europe: Bern, Switzerland overlooks the Aare River

Bern, Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the political center of Switzerland. It is also the capital city of Switzerland. Bern doesn’t feel like a political hub, though; this city was made for walking. The walkways of Bern are all covered, making shopping pleasant in any type of weather. Seeing Bern from the Aare River reinforces our decision to include it in our list of the most beautiful cities we’ve ever visited.

26. Lisbon, Portugal

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There are so many beautiful cities in Portugal that it is challenging to choose, but let’s go with the capital city, Lisbon. Located on the Atlantic coast, the city is home to a number of impressive buildings and landmarks, including the Belem Tower overlooking the Tagus River, Jeronimos Monastery, and the Sao Jorge Castle.

Besides its historic landmarks, Lisbon is also home to a number of modern structures, such as the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which is the longest bridge in Europe.

Go to the Alfama neighborhood to wander its narrow streets and colorful houses and enjoy its vibrant cultural scene at one of its Fado Bars. The Baixa neighborhood, on the other hand, is a more modern neighborhood that is known for its wide boulevards and elegant buildings.

27. Seville, Spain

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We popped into Seville on a road trip through Spain and Italy years ago. That was when we traveled to check off many places, and we wished we had stayed longer! Something we love about European cities is how they don’t change the historic parts of towns. If you’ve visited them before, they are just as beautiful as they are today, and the old city of Seville is no exception.

People have taken note of Seville all over again thanks to Game of Thrones, which used this location for the city of Mareen and locations in Dorne. It’s no wonder Seville is one of the most beautiful places in Europe!

28. Helsinki, Finland

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Helsinki was our final stop on our Scandinavian tour, and like all the cities we visited in Northern Europe, it was beautiful, too! The Helsinki Cathedral is the center point of the city, towering over the colorful buildings that line the waterfront.

We love how Scandinavians always have swimming pools right in the heart of the city. Helsinki has a prominent swimming hole at the canal. The water is so clean! Like so many cities we love, there are walking streets, shopping, and plenty of bistros and cafes.

31. Basel Switzerland

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Beaufitul Basel Switzerland

Switzerland has one beautiful city after another and we couldn’t end our beautiful cities in Europe list without including our favorite city in Switzerland, Basel. Located on the Rhine River, Basel, it has the perfect blend of old and new. The history of the Old Town blends beautifully with the contemporary architectural designs throughout the city. The cultural capital of Switzerland has a magnificent Old Town.

Take a tour of The Altstadt (Old City) to see the fantastic Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of the city through its twin towers and red sandstone walls. The Rhine River cuts through the city center, and there is no better way to take in the views of the city than by either taking a boat tour or swimming in the river. (You heard me correctly; one of the top things to do in Basel is to swim in the Rhine River.)

I know that Edinburgh is another beautiful city in Europe. Do you think it deserves to make the list?

32. Edinburgh, Scotland

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Edinburgh is built atop a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Old Town is a particularly picturesque area, with its winding medieval streets and towering castles and churches. The Royal Mile is a popular tourist destination that runs from High Street section of Old Town down. It is the oldest section of the city. The Royal Mile area itself is actually 5 separate streets within the Old Town and it is worth it to explore all of them

One of the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle, a medieval fortress perched atop a volcanic rock that offers breathtaking views of the city. The castle is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, a powerful symbol of the country’s royal heritage.

The Scott Monument, a towering Victorian Gothic monument, is a popular attraction and offers panoramic views of this charmoing city. The city’s many churches and cathedrals, including St. Giles Cathedral and Greyfriars Kirk, are also beautiful examples of architecture.

These are the most beautiful cities in Europe, according to Dave and Deb. Europe is such a vast continent. It may be small in area, but it is huge in population and urban centers. From Russia to Greece or Northern Europe’s Scandinavia countries to Istanbul straddling two continents, there are so many cities to visit in Europe it will take a lifetime to see them all.

Some European cities didn’t make the list, but we are constantly updating it each time we visit a new European destination. It can be challenging to narrow down which are the best cities in Europe to visit on beauty alone.

Enjoy browsing these beautiful cities?  Save this article to Pinterest for future travel planning.

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The Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Most European cities have done an amazing job preserving their buildings and history, which plays a big part in determining where they are places on this list. Want more information on European Capital Cities? Check out 14 Best European Capital Cities To Visit

Do you have any additions to our beautiful cities to visit in Europe? Do you think some of our suggestions are downright crazy? We want to know! 

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