Top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe | city trips
It seems almost impossible to create a top 10 of the most beautiful cities in Europe and thus a recommendation for city breaks. Europe has so much to offer and certainly cannot be worked through with a list of 10 cities. Through the long history of Europe, many cities are known buildings of monumental dimensions – temples, churches, cathedrals and castles and city fortifications. The big cities and capitals of the European countries all have important landmarks, attractions and sights that are known beyond the city and country borders.
Every visitor has their preferences. Whether you are interested in architecture, art, history, food or music, there is always something to discover and experience in Europe.
Table of Contents
Top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe
There are so many beautiful cities in Europe that it’s hard to make a definitive list. However, here are some of the most beautiful cities in Europe that you should definitely visit:
- Paris, France
- Venice, Italy
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Rome, Italy
- Vienna, Austria
- Barcelona, Spain
- Berlin, Germany
- Budapest, Hungary
In addition, there are many other great cities in Europe that are worth a city trip. These include Florence in Italy, Edinburgh in Scotland, Kraków in Poland, Potsdam in Germany and Seville in Spain.
1. Paris – city on the Seine
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and one of the most visited metropolises. A city trip to Paris is a wonderful experience. Paris has something for everyone. Many wonderful sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe or the gleaming white Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. But the French cuisine is also world-famous and an experience that you should not miss. Paris has many local cafes and restaurants. Of course you can also shop in Paris. The city has a variety of shopping opportunities and is known for its fashion. For those who love culture and art, the city’s many museums will get their money’s worth. The world-famous Louvre alone is worth a trip to Paris. Then there are the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Rodin. And once you’re there, use the time and take a leisurely stroll along the Seine or, best of all, take a trip on a boat on the Seine. A unique experience.
2. Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and therefore also in Europe. The city built on water offers unforgettable experiences. Venice has an incredible cultural heritage and numerous sights that are best explored at night or in the early hours of the morning. This is when the beauty of the city unfolds at its greatest. The city is known in particular for St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. For a city break, you should definitely take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city. The city also has a rich cultural history. Be sure to visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. And of course you can also spoil yourself with culinary delights. Visit the local wine bars and taste the famous Prosecco.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
One of the most beautiful and most visited cities in Europe is Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The city has a fascinating history, beautiful architecture and a vibrant cultural scene that attracts young tourists in particular. The Old Town of Prague is beautiful and full of historical buildings and monuments. The Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge, the National Museum and the town hall with the astronomical clock are particularly worth mentioning. Prague Castle is one of the largest castles in the world. A visit is a must. You can already see it from afar. However, Prague is also known for the famous Czech beer and local dishes such as dumplings, goulash and roast pork. An evening cruise on the Vltava along the many Prague sights should not be missed, nor should you immerse yourself in Prague’s nightlife afterwards.
4. Stockholm, Sweden
The Swedish capital Stockholm is one of the most popular city break destinations in Europe. The beautiful old town of Stockholm is full of historical buildings and monuments. The main sights of the city include Stortorget, Stockholm Palace and Stockholm Cathedral. However, the city has other interesting architecture that is a mix of traditional and modern buildings. Be sure to try Swedish specialties like köttbullar (meatballs), smörgåsbord (sandwiches) and gravlax (smoked salmon), which you can get in the numerous local cafes and restaurants. We definitely recommend taking a boat tour through the archipelago of Stockholm. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and beautiful nature around Stockholm.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
One of the most visited cities in the world and Europe is the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. The city is known for the many branching, picturesque canals and bridges, colorful bicycles and tulip stands. They give the city an unmistakable, charming flair and a picturesque look. Museum and art lovers in particular will get their money’s worth in Amsterdam: in the museum district alone you will find the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum with works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as the Stedelijk Museum for modern art and many other museums that invite you to marvel. Those who visit Amsterdam should also visit places steeped in history such as the Anne Frank House. And of course a visit to the only floating flower market in the world is a must. Of course, the many canals also invite you to explore the city with a nice boat trip. And at night, a lively nightlife attracts many visitors to Amsterdam. That is why the city is also very popular with young visitors.
6. Rome, Italy
The Eternal City of Rome with its many sights is of course one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe. Located on the Tiber and built on seven hills, the Eternal City of Rome boasts nearly 3,000 years of world-class art, architecture and culture. Since 1871, the almost 3 million metropolis has been the capital of Italy. Countless sights such as the Colosseum, Rome’s most famous landmark, the Vatican – the smallest country in the world with St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, the historic center with Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain are a must-do during a visit Rome city trip. Plan enough time for this. There is also the famous Roman cuisine, including dishes such as spaghetti carbonara, cacio e pepe and saltimbocca alla romana, which invite you to linger in one of the many restaurants and cafes.
7. Vienna, Austria
One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, known for its architecture, history and culture is Vienna. The Austrian capital has a variety of sights, such as the Hofburg, the former residence of the Habsburg monarchs and today the political center of Austria. Or the architecture of the Ringstrasse with many of Vienna’s most famous sights. Among other things, the State Opera, the Parliament, the City Hall and the Art History Museum along the Ringstrasse. When you visit, you should definitely not miss a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. The palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also has a lot to offer in culinary terms. Vienna is known for the Viennese coffee house culture. try a cup of coffee and a piece of Sachertorte in one of the many well-known cafes. And those who like art and music should visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum with works by Vermeer, Caravaggio and Raffael or classical music and opera in the n of the State Opera.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Europe. It is therefore one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe. The city is particularly well-known for the Sagrada Familia, a masterpiece by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. To this day the church is unfinished. The impressive architecture can still be admired and visited. A walk in Park Güell, another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, is also a must when visiting Barcelona. Enjoy breathtaking views of Barcelona. You should also visit Casa Batlló, the Gothic Quarter and the seafront promenade of Barcelona. In addition, the city still has many highlights to offer, such as the Picasso Museum and the Eixample. The city is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
9. Berlin, Germany
The German metropolis and capital with around 3.7 million inhabitants is one of the most visited cities in the world and in Europe. Berlin is known for the many historical places, attractions and sights, but also for art, culture and nightlife. The city connects a lot and offers something for every visitor. Visit the many Berlin sights in the city, such as the Berlin TV Tower, the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate or the Museum Island. The East Side Gallery, on the remains of the Berlin Wall, attracts millions of tourists from all over the world every year. On a 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall you can admire 100 paintings by artists from all over the world. You can also take a boat trip on the Spree and admire the city’s architecture from the water. Berlin also offers a large number of museums. One of the best known is the Pergamon Museum. It houses an impressive collection of Middle Eastern and ancient antiquities. And when the sun goes down, immerse yourself in Berlin’s nightlife. Visit the lively alternative scene with many clubs, bars and galleries.
10. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the ninth largest city in the European Union and is also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Budapest is divided by the Danube and is connected by several bridges. The most famous of these is the Chain Bridge, which connects the two districts of Buda and Pest. A trip on the Danube is the best way to discover the many sights. These include the Parliament building, the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Matthias Church and the Castle Hill with the Castle Palace. The old town and the many historical buildings characterize the city. In addition, the city offers many other attractions, cafes and districts as well as places that can be discovered through you. Also visit Gellért Hill. On the mountain there is also the Gellért Baths, a thermal bath that is among the most beautiful in Europe.
There is so much to discover in the world. We have put together the best sights in the world for you and give you some inspiration for your next trip. Browse through the categories and then plan your next city break.