Europe has top-rated tourist attractions with a wide range of expenses depending on your likes. The entirety of the continent is something out of a book and is known for being scenic. Planning a vacation to Europe can be a little puzzling because of the wide range of options, so here are Europe’s 20 most beautiful and must-visit cities with a small list of their infamous attractions that you would not want to miss out on.
1. Bern, Switzerland
Bern is the capital city of Switzerland and beyond beautiful to boot. It is also the political centre of the country that houses the Parliament Building. The Old Town in Bern is a World Heritage Site under UNESCO which is beautifully preserved to the extent that you get a back-in-time sort of feel while walking through the streets.
While visiting Bern, you should not miss the Federal Palace, Bear Park, the Zytglogge clock tower, the Museum of Fine Arts or Kunstmuseum, and lastly, the Gurten. The city has a soothing atmosphere with calm and scenic vibes, which is sure to make a memorable vacation.
2. Athens, Greece
Athens is one of the most affordable cities in Europe, and it also has the most history. It is considered the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, science, and even the arts in Western civilization.
When you visit Greece, make it a point to visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Ancient Agora. The majority of these places, like the Parthenon, tend to open around 8 in the morning and are busy, but they are worth your time. So make sure you get in line at least 20 minutes before the opening time to ensure yourself a rather carefree visit.
3. Bruges, Belgium
Burges is a majestic place for a vacation, and if it is a couple’s trip, then you wouldn’t even wanna bat an eye before finalizing it. The place is full of medieval buildings, canals, and unparalleled aesthetics. The architecture that sets the city is something out of a dream.
Winters would be the best time to visit and glimpse the infamous Christmas market. Also, do not forget to visit the Bonifacius Bridge and the Begijnhof.
4. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the capital of Hungary and a hub for cultural and historical knowledge and beauty. It is widely known for its thermal baths, amazing cuisine, and detailed architecture. Budapest is also comparatively cheap as a vacation spot.
When you visit the city, do not forget to explore the Castle District or take a dip in the Gellert or Szechenyi thermal baths. The place is also home to multiple musical offerings, which are worth appreciating.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the official residence of the British monarch. It houses the highest courts and the Parliament House of Scotland, which makes it one of the costliest vacations you could ask for.
But it is worth the trip because you can enjoy the beauty of the city that houses Edinburgh Castle right on top of Castle Rock. Well, another place that you should visit in the city is Arthur’s Seat, a volcano located in Holyrood Park. You can also witness the remains of the medieval St Anthony’s Chapel here.
6. Bergen, Norway
Bergen is the capital of Norway and is known for being home to talented and successful artists. Compared to other places in Norway, Bergen is a bit expensive, but it is worth the money.
If you do visit, there are a few things that you definitely must try. One is taking a cruise to Mostraumen; it is quite a scenic experience, and you can also witness the waterfall there. Then we have scuba diving and a tour of the National Park and the Glacier Lake.
PS: You can also take a short excursion where you will be chasing the Hardangerfjord waterfalls.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is another city you should visit while planning a trip to Europe. The place is known for its museums, restaurants, nightclubs, and other attractions. In addition to being a beautiful city, it is also the economic and cultural centre of Denmark.
If you visit Denmark, visit Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park with rides, musicals, water shows, concerts, and games. Also, visit The Mermaid Statue, Rosenborg Castle, Frederik’s Church, and Borsen.
8. York, England
York, known as the Home of Chocolate and the most haunted city in Europe, is definitely worth visiting. Moreover, the city is also known for having the best racecourses in the country.
If you visit York, do not forget to get yourself a ticket for the National Railway Museum, which elaborates on the history of railways in Britain and the changes that brought about. You would also like to visit the York Castle Museum, Guildhall, King’s Manor, and the Ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.
9. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and is known for its museums, galleries, and theatres. The city houses the oldest philharmonic orchestras in the world. Furthermore, it is also known for having the most greenery in Europe.
There are multiple sites that one should not miss while visiting Ljubljana, but the ones you absolutely must add to your to-visit list are the Old Town, Triple Bridge, Preseren Square, River Ljubljanica Kanal, Dragon Bridge, and the Ljubljana Castle.
10. Seville, Spain
Seville is a city that will fill you with the true culture of Spain. It is also famous for its architecture, local wines, authentic tapas, and flamenco dancing. Compared to other cities in southern Spain, Seville is a rather expensive option, but it is worth the money, especially if you are going on a long vacation.
If you visit Seville, do not forget to visit Museo del Baile Flamenco, Casa de Pilatos, Catedral de Sevilla, and Real Alcazar.
11. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and is known for being a historical centre while also hosting dense woods making it look like a place literally out of a book. Though Tallinn comes under an expensive category when compared to the other cities surrounding it, it is still cheaper than Finland.
If you visit Tallinn, do not forget to visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, the oldest building in the city. It was said to have been built around 550, making it the world’s oldest yet inhabited Christian monastery.
12. Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is one of the places in Germany that holds on to a lot of Nazi history as it is basically situated towards the centre of the country and also has relevance to the Holy Roman Empire. It is also at the top of the list that names the best places to visit in Europe.
If you visit Nuremberg, do not forget to explore the art at Albrecht Durer’s House. Also, add Kaiserburg and the Palace of Justice to your to-visit list, as it would be one hell of an experience, especially if you have an interest in either history or art.
13. St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg is like a hub that holds onto relevant cultural, architectural, and historical units in Russia. Though it is not officially the capital city, it is considered the one. It is also the second largest city in Russia and is located on the Neva River.
If you visit Russia, add these locations to your list: Mariinsky Theater, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Hermitage Museum, Kazan Cathedral, Winter Palace, and Peterhof Palace.
14. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is the largest and capital city of Ireland, situated near the River Liffey. It is known for its tourism, cultural heritage, and traditional heritage. It is the best place to visit in Ireland if you want nature, history, fun, and culture.
The city is one of beauty and aesthetics and is filled with places you would not want to miss. One of the must-visit sites is The Books of Kells. Guinness Storehouse, Grafton Street, Kilmainham Gaol, Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the Dublin Castle.
15. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is known for hosting one of the best music festivals in northern Europe, the Iceland Airwaves. The city is full of life day and night, and the nightlife experience here is extraordinary. Though a visit to Iceland can be quite expensive compared to other places in Europe, it is worth the visit.
There are many things to explore in the city of Reykjavik. Some of the things I would like to suggest are taking a helicopter tour, hiking up glaciers, taking a dip in a natural hot pool, visiting the beach, and last but not least, visiting the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the largest church in Iceland.
16. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and is highly relevant in cultural, political, and economic terms. It is a beautiful place surrounded by greenery, pollution-free air, and clear water, making it seem unreal. The city’s architecture and aesthetics are commendable, too.
If you decide to visit Stockholm, do not forget to visit Moderna Museet, Skansen Open-Air Museum, Djurgarden, The Royal Palace, Abba Museum, the Sky View, and the Stockholm City Hall.
17. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The capital city of The Netherlands, Amsterdam, is known for its picturesque architecture, vibrant canals, amazing culture, and infamous attractions. It is also referred to as Sin City, for it houses the red light district, known around the globe for its prostitutional activities.
If you visit Amsterdam, do not forget to explore the big three: Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum. Also, do not forget to take a stroll around the ringed canals.
18. Annecy, France
Annecy is a French city located near Lake Annecy. It is known for its landscapes and its closeness to nature. The lake water here is ranked as the purest in all of Europe. Furthermore, it is not very expensive and offers an amazing and soothing experience. If you are planning a vacation to get closer to nature, then this is the right place for you.
If you visit Annecy, do not forget to explore its old town, the Cran-Gevrier. It is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and is filled with beautiful bridges, canals, and narrow yet aesthetic streets. Also do visit Musee-Chateau de l’Agglomeration d’Annecy and Theatre Bonlieu.
19. Valletta, Malta
Valletta is the capital of Malta and is known for preserving history and its open-air museum. The city’s architecture and aesthetics are so precious that just walking around it would seem like a whole trip.
Compared to Nordic countries and places like Malta, it is a relatively cheap destination and is just a place for backpacking.
If you visit Valletta, visiting a museum is a must, but because the city is full of them. I suggest you visit the National War Museum, which, as the name suggests, holds on to 7000 years of their military history, which can run back to the bronze age.
20. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is protected and preserved as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. The city has many historical landmarks and culture. Furthermore, it is also the location where the infamous show Game of Thrones was filmed.
When the expenses are compared, it is one of the most expensive cities to visit, but either way, it is worth the money. If you are a beach lover, this is just the place for you, and if you do visit the city, do not miss out on visiting the Lapad Beach, the city walls, and the Lokrum Island.
Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Rajeshwari_Das
