If you’re looking for fantastic food, incredible art, lovely culture, and amazing activities year round, add these are the 10 European cities to visit and add to your bucket list.
Everyone says to visit London or Paris, but frankly, there are so many other European cities with more to offer (and often less crowds, to boot!) If you’re looking for some amazing European cities to visit other than the ‘typical’ recommendations, this list is perfect for you.
Whether its your first time or seventh visiting the continent, consider these fabulous cities on your next European adventure.
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Florence, Italy
The birthplace of the Renaissance is still just as relevant today as it was 700 years ago. In Florence you’ll find incredible art, fantastic Tuscan cuisine and wine, and winding streets that you could walk for days and never get bored. Florence is truly the best, most well rounded European city to visit for an incredible vacation.
Walk the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome atop the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, stop for a panini at Pino’s Sandwiches, and watch a perfect sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.
The perfect day trip from Florence would be a quick stint in the Tuscan countryside or a train journey to the iconic Cinque Terre.
MORE: 22 Things To Do In Florence, Italy While On Holiday
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known as the Jewel of the Adriatic for a reason, Dubrovnik’s Old Town truly transports you back in time. You won’t be able to get enough of the sparkling blue sea against terracotta roofs and towering walls.
Spend the morning walking the walls of Old Town Dubrovnik, hunt down a few Game of Thrones filming locations, and take a dip in the crystal clear and refreshing waters of the Adriatic beneath towering medieval walls.
MORE: How to Spend an Amazing 48 Hours in Dubrovnik
Budapest, Hungary
The capital city of Hungary has lively nightlife, an unrivaled spa culture, and an affordable draw to many looking for a budget friendly European destination. The city is famous for its underground caves below the streets and its stunning architecture.
Walk along the Danube and get unparalleled views of the famous Hungarian Parliament building from the fairytale Fisherman’s Bastion, soak in the relaxing thermal Szechenyi Baths, and sit down for a traditional Hungarian goulash.
MORE: Swimming in the Szechenyi Baths and Trying Traditional Hungarian Food
Prague, Czech Republic
Any city with a castle centerpiece is a European dream destination, and Prague absolutely fits that bill. Lovely to visit at any time of the year, there is so much to do in the Czech capital. Welcome to the Czech Republic where beer is truly cheaper than water!
Spend the day walking around the hauntingly gorgeous Prague Castle, climb to the top of Petrin Tower for the best views of the city, and meander down Charles Bridge to the Old Town Bridge Tower and beyond into Old Town Square.
A trip to Prague is incomplete without trying the Svíčková, drinking a Pilsner, and strolling through the neighborhood of Mala Strana to see the Lennon Wall and the Crawling Babies on the grounds of Museum Kampa.
The perfect day trip from Prague would be to the fairytale town of Český Krumlov.
MORE: The Charming Town Of Český Krumlov – One Day Guide
Ljubljana, Slovenia
One of the most underrated cities in Europe is the up and coming Ljubljana (pronounced loo·blee·aa·nuh). The capital city in the center of Slovenia is an absolute gem on the river Ljubljanica. Picture this: a castle overlooking everything, a river running through the middle of the old town, and the nicest people you’ve ever met around every corner.
Not to be missed in Ljubljana is are the winged beasts watching over town on the famous Dragon Bridge, a walk along the river to try the local Union Brewery at one of the many hip and laid back bars, and a visit to the ever present Ljubljana Castle.
And just a short drive or train ride away is the stunning Lake Bled that is a can’t miss in Slovenia!
MORE: Best Way to Spend One Day in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Edinburgh, Scotland
Stepping into Edinburgh is like walking into a storybook, or a Harry Potter Book for that matter! Filled with gorgeous architecture, hidden little alleyways, and centuries of history, Edinburgh is a dream.
Do a self guided or guided walking tour of the Royal Mile, stop at both ends of the Mile to explore Edinburgh Castle and Hollyrood House, relax in the Prince’s Street Gardens, and stroll through the beautiful Dean Village. Walk the famous Victoria St. down to Grassmarket where you’ll get stunning views of the castle, pictured here.
Be sure to try the national dish of Scotland, Haggis, and taste some true Scottish whiskey. And if you have the time, venture out of Edinburgh into the Scottish Highlands, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
MORE: Epic One Week Scotland Road Trip Itinerary
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the lively capital of the Catalunya region of Spain which ranges from the gorgeous Costa Brava to the majestic Pyrenees. On the coast is the lively city of Barcelona.
Admire Gaudí’s work around the city, eat lunch from the stalls of Mercado de la Boqueria, gape at the beauty of La Sagrada Familia, and get lost in the historic Gothic Quarter’s narrow and winding streets. Walk down to the port and take a cable car across the water for some of the best views of the city. Hop on the metro and visit sites like Gaudí’s Park Güell, while enjoying the amazingly and famously designed neighborhoods of the city.
If time allows, take a day trip to Costa Brava and visit the towns of Tossa de Mar or Calella de Palafrugell.
MORE: How You Should Spend 3 Days in Barcelona, Spain
Vienna, Austria
Filled with art, theater, history, and proximity to the Alps, Vienna is a well rounded European city you need to add to your bucket list.
Visit Schönbrunn Castle and eat lunch at the amazing Gloriette, spend your day wandering through the many amazing museums in the city, go to a concert at the Vienna State Opera, admire the massive St. Stephen’s Cathedral, indulge in Vienna’s coffee house culture, and spend some time walking along the Danube River.
If time allows, take a day trip to the postcard town of Hallstatt.
MORE: Austria Road Trip To Vienna & Salzburg
Istanbul, Türkiye
Though there are some that would not consider Istanbul a ‘European’ city, half of the city does lie on the European continent, while the other in Asia. Istanbul is actually the only major city in the world that exists on two continents.
On the European side of the city, visit Galta Tower, The Blue Mosque, The Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. Walk through the colorful neighborhood of Karaköy and eat at a rooftop restaurant for the best views of the city.
Take a ferry from one continent to another as you head over to the Asian side of the city. Here, walk around the Kadiköy district packed with restaurants and walking streets, try Turkish food like Pide, Lahmacun, Börek, and of course doner kebab.
MORE: A Magical 10 Day Trip to Turkey
Lucerne, Switzerland
This charming Swiss city is gorgeous year round and still small enough to feel quantity. It offers tons to do for anyone visiting Switzerland and is also a fantastic base for exploring the country.
Walk across the 690 year old Chapel Bridge, adventure to the top of Mount Pilatus, wander through the charming streets of Lucern’s Old Town, and explore around the beautiful Lake Lucerne surrounded by epic mountains.
If time allows, use Lucerne as a base for exploring more of Switzerland, like the nearby Interlakken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald. Take one of the many scenic train rides that Switzerland is known for, like the Bernina Express, and maybe even head into the capital city of Zürich to explore more of Switzerland’s culture and city scene.
MORE: One Of The Best Things To Do In Switzerland: Bernina Express Train
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