41 Most Beautiful Cities In Europe To Visit
To be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe is pretty subjective, but there is no shortage of contenders. We’ve spent years traveling around Europe, exploring its historic cities and charming towns. The continent continues to draw us back to explore more and deeper each time.
Europe has us hooked. We love Europe for its architecture, art, piazzas, cafes, castles, history, and ruins. After visiting almost every European country, there are a few of our towns and cities that really stand out.
The Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
Florence, Italy
Florence, Firenze, is the capital of Tuscany and a highlight of any trip around Italy and easily one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. You have to add this city to your Italy itinerary if it’s not already.
The city is famous for its world-class cuisine, museums, works of art, and surrounding countryside. The architecture in Florence pulls you in and begs you to get lost in its historic heart. Florence is easily the most beautiful city in Northern Italy and will enchant any visitor.
History nuts will go nuts as Florence is known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance Period, and packed full of treasures. Say “hello” to David! When you walk the narrow, cobbled stone streets, it appears as if little has changed over the centuries with marble basilicas, dark chapels, gas lanterns, and enchanting frescos. You have the opportunity to get lost in time. There are so many things to do in Florence you could spend a month here and never get bored.
Florence Must-See: The Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore is the most beautiful cathedral in Italy.
Prague, Czech Republic
A strong argument could be made for Prague as the most beautiful city in Europe and the world, for that matter. The Czech capital is full of old buildings, churches, medieval bridges, and markets. With a bustling nightlife full of jazz, cocktail bars, and clubs, it’s easy to see why Prague draws in millions of tourists a year.
Prague Must Do: Walk the Charles Bridge at sunrise before the hordes of tourists arrive.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a town in Northern Belgium and is a picture-perfect European town to visit. I visited once on a day trip from Brussels, but I consistently think back to it as one of the best cities to visit in Europe. It was a stark contrast to dirty Brussels.
The best way to get around is to rent a bicycle. On a bike, you can explore the charming historic houses and canals; if it’s a nice day, you can easily take a boat tour through the canals or venture to the Koeleweimolen and Sint-Janshuismolen mills windmills. My favorite thing to do in Bruges is take a tour of the Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan to sip some local brew!
Bruges Must Do: Learn the history of fries at the Frietmuseum. Yes, there is actually a fry museum here.
Oia, Santorini, Greece
Just about everyone has heard of the beautiful Greek island of Santorini. The famous town of Oia is filled with whitewashed buildings topped by vivid blue roofs, all set on a cliff that overlooks the stunning Mediterranean Sea. What’s not to love? The town is easily the most picturesque of all of Greece and has been seen in photos worldwide.
Oia sits on a crescent-shaped clifftop that provides expansive views of the calm sea and volcanic center of Santorini. Most notable are the stunning sunsets that occur almost every day since the island has only a few cloudy days a year. It’s beloved by both Greeks and tourists alike, so be prepared for a crowded experience in the summer months, but don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do in Santorini.
Santorini Must Do: Walk down the neverending stairs to Amoudi Bay for a delicious meal and dip in the sea.
Rovinj, Croatia
It’s a mighty hard decision to pick the most beautiful city in Croatia, but Rovinj may take the cake. It should be a top choice when you are wondering where to go in Croatia. The colorful seaside town is like the bigger cousin to the Cinque Terre in Italy and makes Dubrovnik look like a Plain Jane. It attracts far fewer tourists than Dubrovnik, especially in the shoulder seasons.
Visitors should head to the old town of Rovinj, which is small and walkable. The Church of St. Euphemia is well worth visiting and free to the public. The real charm of Rovinj lies in its cobbled alleyways, ambiance, coastal air, and boutique stores.
Rovinj Must do: Have a coffee at Brasserie Adriatic for great views and posh vibes at an affordable price.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is on many lists as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is a popular backpacker spot, because it is such an affordable spot in Europe. It’s been nicknamed the “Paris of the East” because of its beautiful setting and unique architecture. The capital of Hungary is safe, youthful, and unlike anywhere else in Europe.
The nightlife scene in this city is booming with its unique ruin bars. Ruin bars are housed in abandoned buildings that date back to WWII and are a must-see even if you aren’t into bars. Budapest is also well known for its natural thermal baths, which you can find around the city.
Budapest Must do: Hit up Szimpla Kert - a famous ruin bar in Budapest.
Brasov, Romania
Brasov was another destination that we traveled to on the spur of the moment, but we ended up getting lost in the uniqueness of Transylvania. Brasov is positioned in the Carpathian Mountains, making it an outdoor destination in Europe.
It also has very mild summer temperatures making it a great place to escape the bolstering heat in other European cities. Winter sports and temperatures aside, Brasov is close to the Bran Castle, better known as one of “Dracula’s Castles.”
Brasov Must do: No trip to Brasov is complete without checking out Bran Castle.
Innsbruck, Austria
Beautiful Europe – That’s what I call the city of Innsbruck. There aren’t many cities in Europe quite like Innsbruck. It’s coined the title “Capital of Alps,” and it is easy to understand why once you set foot in the city. Flanked by the impressive Nordkette mountain range that towers over the city, nature never feels far away. It’s easily the most beautiful city in Europe during the winter when it’s blanketed in fresh snow.
It’s the only city where you can ski, explore a grand palace, window shop, and savor a strudel all in one day. There are plenty of things to do in Innsbruck with the Austrian Alps and a city rich in history. In many ways, it’s everything we love about Austria, all packed into a modern city and historic city.
We love the fact that you can be in a beautiful medieval old town and then within minutes places you in the heart of the Alps with cowbells ringing and fresh Alpine air.
Must do: Ski at one of the many resorts in the Olympia SkiWorld ski area.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is one of the most well-preserved old towns in all of Europe and one of the best cities in Europe! Cobblestone streets and medieval homes make up the historic district, but that doesn’t mean Tallinn is stuck behind the times!
Estonia has a bustling technology sector home to thousands of startups and e-businesses. It brings a young, hip vibe to residential neighborhoods with breweries, coffee shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
There are many sights to see in Tallinn and to make the most out of a trip we recommend at least two days. However, we were able to have a fun time with only a day. You can head to the buzzing Christmas market with folk dancers in the winter season, eat your way around the Medieval old town, check out the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, walk the city walls, ice skate, and more! The city center is very compact and easy to walk around.
Tallinn Must See: The lively Christmas markets around the holiday.
Venice, Italy
Love or hate Venice; there is no denying its popularity as the most romantic city in Europe. It is the most beautiful historic city on the planet, but tourists also besiege it. The sinking city is a network of 118 islands connected by bridges.
Buildings here are old, and if you manage to get away from the crowds, it feels as if you’ve stepped back five centuries. It is surreal, and after several visits, we love Venice.
In our opinion, Venice is best visited in the shoulder and offseasons. The canals of Venice are notorious for harboring a lot of waste, and in the summer, the smell can get pretty bad; however, in the cooler months, there are fewer tourists, less waste, and the scent is at bay. If you were to ask us Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, except in the summer months.
Must Do: Go to Libreria Acqua Alta, a hidden bookshop in the Castello district. It's one of the best things to do in Venice.
Seville, Spain
This gorgeous city in Southern Spain needs no introduction to Europe’s most beautiful places as it has been winning over hearts for decades. It’s the home of decadent gardens, flamenco dancing, and tapas, all set in a Mediterranean climate.
A fun Spain fact is that Seville claimed fame in pop culture for shooting locations in Game of Thrones. Our favorite time to visit Southern Spain is in October when most summer tourists are long gone, and central Europe is beginning to feel a lot like Fall.
Must Do: Take a romantic boat ride along the Guadalquivir River.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Not many think of the Lithuanian capital as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but travel there and be surprised. Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and the most populous city in the country. It’s a quaint city with a small population of half a million that allows it to feel welcoming. It’s the perfect place to get lost for a few days and a popular stop on the Baltic tour route.
The city center is the most significant preserved example of baroque architecture in Europe. It’s littered with Catholic and Orthodox churches, and no matter where you are in the city, you can see the ever-present Gediminas’ Tower.
We had a few days worth of fun venturing into the many small cafes, breweries, charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The city is well worth a few days, and we can’t wait to return someday.
Vilnius Must Do: Take a day trip to Trakai Castle!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Full of row houses and canals, Copenhagen has an undeniable beauty. The city will win you over with modern cuisine, museums, and a plethora of parks. Copenhagen is known for its hip take on life, but it still has many historical wonders.
Just be warned, Copenhagen is likely the most expensive city to visit in Europe. Should you book a trip, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t spend more time.
Copenhagen Must Do: Visit the Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's first amusement parks that dates back to the 1800s.
Reykjavik, Iceland
One of our top Iceland travel tips is not to skip out on their capital city when visiting. Reykjavik is a charming city and well worth exploring for a few days. The capital of Iceland will be your entry point to anywhere else in the country, and 95% of trips will start and end here, so there’s no excuse not to explore. There are no skyscrapers or massive chains in Reykjavik. It has a small population of just over 120,000 people and when you walk around you will enjoy the quaintness of the city center.
During the day, it’s fun to stroll through the streets and immerse yourself in Icelandic life. I love admiring the architecture of Hallgrímskirkja church. This iconic church can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and is worth a step inside.
At night the city comes alive with a bustling nightlife that goes until the early morning hours. Going out in Reykjavik is a trip in the summer as the sun barely sets. Fun Iceland fact: Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state.
Must Do: Explore the island of "Fire and Ice" on a road trip in a camper van.
Saint-Malo, France
Hands down one of the most beautiful places in France, and all of in Europe for that matter! We didn’t know what to expect when we pulled into the charming and historic town of Saint-Malo, but were instantly blown away by its beauty.
This French port town is located in Brittany on the English Channel coast and is probably one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been. The walled city has a long history filled with piracy, war, and now tourism with a ferry serving the English Channel islands.
Saint-Malo is a great place for a day trip, but I recommend a few days of proper exploration to get the most out of your time. There is a lot of beauty waiting for you in Saint-Malo. It’s also the location of the best-selling book All the Light We Cannot See.
Saint Malo Must Do: Walk out to Grand Bé and Petit Bé
Verona, Italy
Perhaps not use one of the prettiest cities in Europe, but the entire world! Home to Romeo and Juliet Verona has plenty of reasons to inspire. The city is lovely with plenty to do and see. It has some fantastic Roman ruins, including the well-preserved Verona Arena that still holds operas throughout the summer.
It’s close access to the mountains, lakes, and beautifully preserved piazzas and churches. One could easily argue it’s the most lovely city in Italy, full of romance.
Verona Must Do: There aren't many places you can watch an opera in an ancient Roman arena.
Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey’s most famous city is one of the most amazing in the world. Fun Turkey fact – Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia, and the city crams in both cultures for everyone to experience.
You can actually take a ferry along the Bosphorus and literally take a photo between two continents – where else in the world can you do that? It has long served as the crossroads between the two continents and thus has an amazing amount of history, architecture, and culture.
Istanbul is a massive city, and even with two trips back here, we have yet even to scratch the surface of what Istanbul has to offer. It’s the perfect place to stroll along the Bosphorus and enjoy the old buildings and beautiful mosques nearby.
Must Do: Hang out in Cihangir, the perfect place to have a coffee and shop for some antiques.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The city of Amsterdam needs no introduction as it’s one of the most beautiful places in Europe in the summer. It is known as the Venice of the North because of its hundreds of canals. Amsterdam is nothing short of impressive and a must-see while in Europe. Whether you’re into history, architecture, partying, food, shopping, art, or cafes, there is something here for everyone.
A summer day in Amsterdam is nearly impossible to top in any other city. Our favorite thing to do in Amsterdam is to sit canal-side in a quiet neighborhood, like Jordaan, and enjoy a cold Amstel. Or you could do even better with a boat cruise. Check out the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum if you’re looking for traditional sights.
Amsterdam Must do: If you go in April don't miss your chance to see the tulips bloom in Haarlem.
Honfleur, France
We didn’t know what to expect when we pulled into the small port town of Honfleur, France. This beautiful 17th-century harbor city has maintained its charm through the decades.
Honfleur remains a fishing port and marina. There’s so much to see and do in Honfleur that I suggest carving out at least three days to walk around the old cobbled streets and into the historic churches and monuments.
The Vieux Bassin Harbor is one of Honfleur’s best attractions and so fun to walk around. The harbor was established in 1681 by demolishing existing shoreline fortifications and enlarging the existing port. It is a trendy spot for sightseeing and amateur photography. The preserved historical housing that lines the water is beautifully reflected in calm water (especially at night when lights and lanterns are lit).
Honfleur Must Do: Take a gander into St Catherine’s Catholic Church.
Riga, Latvia
Riga is the Capital City of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic Block. More than one-third, 700,000 citizens, of all Latvians, live in and around the city. It was founded in the 11th Century as a base for the Northern Crusades. Almost nothing exists of the city from those days, asides from some nondescript stone walls that made up the original harbor.
For the first several hundred years, the city went back and forth between Swedish and Russian control until gaining its Independence in 1918 after the First World War.
However, after World War II, it fell behind the Iron Curtain and was forgotten largely by Americans and international travel. However, it is now bustling again and seeing a growing number of international tourists, even being made the European Culture Capital for 2014.
Don't Miss: Exploring the old town by foot, there's even free walking tours!
Krakow, Poland
One of the best places to visit in Europe! Krakow is one of the best-preserved cities in Europe because it was amazingly spared destruction in WWII.
The city lies in Southern Poland and has a tremendous medieval core and Jewish quarter. The central point of the city is the massive Ryenk Glówny (market square).
In the square, you’ll find the impressive Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era market, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church. It’s a gorgeous city, and best of all, it may be the most affordable to visit in Europe, so you get great bang for your buck.
Don't Miss: Having a drink at the unique Singer Cafe.
Edinburgh, Scotland
It’s tough to argue with the appeal of Edinburgh as it’s one of the most stunning cities in all of Europe. The Scottish capital is packed with a long and dark history and we always visit before heading into the Highlands on the North Coast 500. The city center is split in two between the jumble of medieval buildings in the old town and the perfectly lined Georgian buildings of New Town.
The city, in many ways, is a mess, but a beautiful one at that! It’s brimming with class, tourist sites, and character, and I assure you there is no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh.
The city contains many contrasts and offers everything from world-class art festivals to fine dining, rowdy pubs, designer shops, comedy clubs, luxury hotels, and hip coffee shops. It’s almost impossible for any visitor to have the same experience or opinion of Edinburgh. We tried our best to enjoy a bit of it all, but we’ll have to return someday with more time like all visitors.
Must Do: Head out to the beach at North Berwick - it's lovely!
Lagos, Portugal
Portugal is a year-round destination where vacationers and locals can be found body-surfing, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, water skiing, and surfing. We spent November and December based in Lagos searching for the best beaches in the Algarve and enjoyed every sun-kissed day to the fullest.
The coastline around Lagos has some of the tastiest waves, cleanest water, and most dramatic landscapes. A fun Portugal fact is that Lagos boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine each year! Not only are the beaches around Lagos fabulous, but the town is small, walkable, and sculpted by traditional architecture.
We would spend many days walking around Lagos, watching old Portuguese men play chess, enjoy their coffee, and soak in the sunshine.
Lagos Must Do: Rent a car and drive around the whole coast to see all the beautiful beaches!
Bergen, Norway
Bergen is Norway’s second-most populous city, and it’s a charming example of a Nordic Village. The colorful harbor is lined with rows of wooden houses and surrounded by fjords.
Norway is one of the most fantastic countries to visit for any outdoors lover with its numerous hiking trails, mountains, and backcountry ski possibilities.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna has been voted the most liveable city in the world several times over, and it’s known for its abundantly happy citizens, which is one of the most awesome Austria facts. It’s a beautiful European city full of historic buildings and palaces, and one of the best places to visit in Austria.
Most notable is the Habsburgs Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and awe-inspiring gardens. Vienna opera house is known for being one of the best in the world, and don’t forget to try the famous Sachertorte (chocolate cake).
Bern, Switzerland
Switzerland’s capital is a breathtaking city that lies on the Aare River. Easily one of the best places to visit in Switzerland! While the city doesn’t lie in the Alps, they can be seen in the not too far distance in almost every direction. At its heart lies a charming Old City that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Helsinki, Finland
Few cities in Europe feel as forward-thinking as Helsinki. The Finns have pushed into the modern era and embraced design, food, and art. No place is this more evident than in Finland’s capital. It’s a marvelous city that delighted us with plenty of things to do.
For such a modern city, you never seem to be too far away from nature, though. The city features an astounding amount of green space as it’s spread out across a series of islands in the Baltic Sea. You have a brilliant mix when you add in the city’s delicious restaurants and Finn’s apparent affinity for having a good time. The Finns know how to live life with “kalsarikannit,” a word to describe sitting at home in your underwear drinking with no intention of going out – that made us laugh.
Helsinki is a wonderful city to explore, full of things to do and delicious food to eat. We spent a week here around Christmas time and could not have had a better time exploring a city and enjoying the European Christmas markets. Helsinki may not be your typical European city break destination, but it is well worth a memorable trip to Finland.
Must do: Go see Coco, she's at the Helsinki Zoo and is the oldest sloth in the world!
Galway, Ireland
This Irish city is the fifth largest in the country and a major vacation destination for those visiting Ireland. It’s drawn us back three times, and we know we will be back again in the future.
While many visitors flock to Dublin, I much prefer the vibe of Galway. It’s known as “The City of the Tribes” and feels much more Irish to me than the capital. There are so many things to do in Galway City center, and even some epic day trips from the city. A visit to Galway should be on every Ireland itinerary.
Galway Must Do: Go in September for the Galway Oyster Festival!
Paris, France
This couldn’t be a list of the most beautiful cities in Europe without the City of Love. You’ll find cafes, historic buildings, amazing cuisine, cobblestone streets, art districts, bards, and the Seine River in Paris. Of course, the most iconic is its signature landmark, the Eiffel Tower. It will always be one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a cultural icon.
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sarajevo was one of the first cities in Europe I visited. At the time, I instantly fell in love. It’s not a place that many travelers get to on their Eurotrip, but it’s certainly worthwhile and one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world. Despite being the center of a war zone twenty years ago, today it is the vibrant cultural hub of Bosnia and one of the best capital cities in Europe.
Sarajevo has been called the “Jerusalem of Europe” because of its strong religious identity. This is the only place I have ever been where I came across a mosque, synagogue, Catholic church, and Orthodox within five minutes walk of each other.
There’s some fabulous old and modern history here; it’s got a roaring nightlife scene, and it even played host to the 1984 Winter Olympics! If all those things don’t entice you to visit, maybe learning that it’s insanely affordable will.
Must Do: Go to Cafe Tito for a drink in an interesting setting.
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a well-preserved former Venetian city inhabited by less than 13,000 people. Once visitors pass through the city walls, a labyrinth of marbled streets, old lamps, stone houses, and quiet piazzas await them.
The ancient city is fortified and encompassed by imposing stone walls, while the town itself sits at the foot of a gorgeous Adriatic bay with the Dalmatian mountains rising high up above turquoise waters.
Some refer to the Bay of Kotor as being the southernmost Fjord in Europe, and with the stunning beauty of the bay, it is easy to see why. It’s a magical destination that feels as if you’ve taken a step back in time. We’ve been twice, and it still stands out as one of the prettiest places to visit in Europe. Make sure to make your way down to the harboring village of Perast while there; it’s equally as stunning.
Must Do: Don't leave Kotor without climbing 1350 steps to the Castle of San Giovanni
Annecy, France
Annecy is your ideal version of a French city not far from the mountain town of Chamonix. To walk its streets feels like something out of a storybook, and it’s a beautiful city to explore. Walk along the waterways of the city before popping into a cafe for lunch and a cafe.
Located in Southeast France, its proximity to the Alps provides a stunning backdrop on clear days and one of the most charming towns to visit in Europe in the winter.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana happens to be Slovenia’s largest city and capital, but you wouldn’t know it. It has been named the greenest European city and features the most extensive pedestrian city center that is just brimming with life. Citizens and tourists alike love to drink coffee and catch up by the gorgeous riverfront.
On our first day in Ljubljana, we spoke to a local who described her city as “a little girl who likes to play dress-up in her mother’s clothes. She’s beautiful and has refined elements but should never be taken too seriously.” The city center is brimming with cafes serving up the local specialty drink, a white coffee.
Must Do: One of the best things to do in Ljubljana is take the funicular train to the Ljubljana Castle after cafe hopping around the city.
Ohrid, North Macedonia
Many don’t think of North Macedonia as one of the best European countries to visit. However, they haven’t been to this gem. Ohrid is referred to as North Macedonia’s “crown jewel.” Ohrid is a small city surrounding the northern edge of Lake Ohrid, which is possibly one of the most beautiful lakes we have ever seen.
You can easily spend a few days here exploring the churches and relaxing in serenity along the quiet lake. A few days was not enough for us and we ended up spending a week in Ohrid. This city was one of our favorite destinations on our whole Balkan trip and we would add it to any Balkan travel itinerary.
Must Do: Anything on the lake. You'll be blown away by the beauty everywhere!
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
One of the best European cities to visit, as Luxembourg is well worth a visit. The city and country embody many quintessential European cities and countries. We were lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season, catch one of the season’s first snowfalls, and even take part in Luxembourg’s fabulous Christmas markets.
Luxembourg City is a mix of the old and new, with highrises rising all over the city and a pleasant old town located in the city’s heart. It’s a melting pot of nationalities, and you’ll often hear English on the streets as many foreigners come to work for banks and tech companies based in the city. It brings a pleasant expatriate vibe to vibe to the city and adds to its character.
Must Do: Have brunch at the Chocolate House for a delicious and unique hot chocolate.
Tirana, Albania
Albania may be one of the most underrated cities in Europe and should be a stop on anyone traveling the Balkan region. Not many people in Albania speak English, transportation is a complete mystery and pain, and it is one of the least developed countries in Europe.
Regardless of these minor setbacks, Albania simply amazed us and is single-handedly one of the best Eastern European cities to visit. When we arrived in the capital city, we felt like we had completely departed Europe. Tirana feels more like a European Bangkok. Tirana is packed with things to do and see good eats and amazing coffee shops (we are coffee snobs). Tirana is a cheap European capital city, and you can easily live like a king here with a basic budget.
Fun Albania fact – Tirana is also a very colorful city. Thanks to Tirana’s former mayor, Albania’s current prime minister, who ordered the painting of many old socialist buildings to liven up the city. We spent one entire day just snapping photos of vibrant buildings.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Not many people know that Bulgaria is home to one of the most interesting cities in Europe. Fun fact about Bulgaria is that the city of Plovdiv is thought to have been founded around 8,000 years ago, making it the oldest city in Europe!
Nowadays it’s the second largest city in Bulgaria, despite this it still maintains a certain historical charm about it. You’ll be able to see this while strolling the well-preserved Old Town as well as sights like the ancient Roman ruins! That’s right – Roman ruins aren’t only found in Italy!
In addition to its rich history, Plovdiv is a vibrant cultural center, with numerous art galleries, museums, and performance venue and hosts festivals and events throughout the year, including the International Fair Plovdiv, the Plovdiv Jazz Fest, and the Kapana Fest.
Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Tórshavn, the capital city of the Faroe Islands, offers a captivating blend of history and modernity. As a city with roots dating back to the Viking era, it boasts a charming ambiance characterized by winding streets and historic dwellings with grass-thatched roofs dating back to the 1500s.
Tórshavn is an excellent base for any travel around the Faroe Islands (and where a majority of hotels are); it’s renowned for its excellent restaurants, making it an ideal destination to enjoy some time in. If you are already traveling all the way to the Faroe Islands, there’s really no way you can miss Tórshavn anyway!
Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia is a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. While most of Georgia is located in the western region of Asia, known as Transcaucasia, a small portion of its territory lies in Eastern Europe.
The capital city of Georgia is Tbilisi, and it’s one of the best value destinations in the world. It is located in the eastern part of the country and has a much more European feel to it than Asia. It’s a fabulous city to spend a few days and offers visitors an interesting cultural experience unlike anywhere else they have been in Europe. On top of this, Georgian cuisine is delicious and fresh, and you can find all kinds of delicious restaurants in Tbilisi – all for a very affordable price.
We recommend spending time in Old Tbilisi, also known as Dzveli Tbilisi. This vast area is renowned for its meandering alleys, historic Tbilisi-style houses, and the bustling Jan Shardeni Street.
The Narikala Fortress and colossal Mother of Georgia statue stands tall on a hilltop and is very hard to miss. You can take a cable car all the way up here, which is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.
Munich, Germany
Any time of year is a good time to visit Munich, one of Europe’s most exciting cities. There is always plenty to do here, like visiting the historic Marienplatz, the grand Nymphenburg Palace, the majestic Munich Residenz, the informative Deutsches Museum, and the impressive Frauenkirche.
However the great thing about Munich is you really don’t have to do anything if you don’t want – just strolling the city is a fun time. When you’re tired of walking, you can always hop into the Hofbräuhaus München – yes that’s the famous Munich beerhouse that comes alive, especially during Oktoberfest in October.
Nice, Côte d’Azur
Nice is one of the more recognizable places on the French Riviera and is likely where you will start or end your journey to the Côte d’Azur if you fly into the area and don’t arrive from elsewhere in France. The Aéroport de Nice services flights from around the world!
Besides being a transport hub, this beautiful and historic gem on the Mediterranean Coast is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and blends French and Italian cultures seamlessly. You’ll find Nice on the eastern end of the Riviera and while there, you’ll see stunning architecture, dine on exquisite food and relax in pretty gardens.
Wander the streets of Vieux Nice, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais as the sun goes down, visit the Marc Chagall National Museum and kick back in the sun on one of those amazing beaches the area is known for.
Cities in Europe FAQ
What is the Most Beautiful City in Europe?
All of the cities on this list are extremely beautiful. Perhaps the most well known are Florence and Paris.
What is the Most Unique City in Europe?
With it’s mix of cultures, we’ve never been anywhere quite as unique as Tbilisi, Georgia. Other unique cities are Reykjavik, Istanbul, and Edinburgh.
What is the #1 Tourist Spot in Europe?
The Eiffel Tower in Paris consistently ranks as the most touristy spot in Europe.
What is the Most Laid-Back European City?
The Nordic countries really nail a laid back vibe. We find Copenhagen and Reykjavik the most laid back cities in Europe.
What is the Safest city in Europe?
Copenhagen consistently ranks as the safest city in Europe.
Where is the Cheapest City in Europe?
You can find great value in Prague, Budapest, Krakow, and Tbilisi!
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
Where’s Moscow and st. Petersburg? They’re incredible.