Europe is the continent where all dreams can come true thanks to the multiplicity of cultural and tourist attractions, in addition to the gastronomy that is so well known that many of its countries have throughout the world.
If you want to know about beautiful attributes, we invite you to read the content of this article. With him we will make a wonderful tour of the 35 most beautiful cities in Europe.
1. Amsterdam
The capital of the Netherlands is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has an extraordinary artistic heritage, which, together with the particular design of the canals that cross it and its peculiar houses with gabled facades, make it a unique and unforgettable city.
In Amsterdam we can find the so-called Museum District, where the Van Gogh Museum is located, with works by the famous native painter from the Netherlands; the Rijksmuseum Museum, with works by Rembrandt and Vermeer; finally, the Stedelijk Museum, whose sample is of modern art.
In Amsterdam there is a deep-rooted culture about traveling by bicycle and there are roads specially enabled to circulate on them, which are used by all kinds of people.
If you want to go shopping, the old city center has the best stores you could wish for. One of the activities that you cannot miss is traveling by boat through the city’s canals.
Also read our guide to Amsterdam in 3 days: what to see and what to do
2. Pomegranate
It is an important Spanish city and one of the most beautiful in Europe, all thanks to the Arab heritage that took root there.
The Alhambra Palace is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world and is part of “The 15 Wonders of the World”.
The Generalife Gardens were the resting place of the Nasrid kings. They are considered among the most beautiful gardens in the world with their beautiful and very colorful flowers, not to mention their buildings and wonderful patios.
Granada, in addition to being a cultural and artistic destination in Europe due to its magnificent monuments, is a must for ski fans.
3. Lisbon
Lisbon is anchored to the present time, but it seems to belong to another era, full of nostalgia through its narrow streets and its beautiful viewpoints.
The sky and the ocean become one on the horizon and the luminosity it provides invites us to travel to the past very easily, it is enough to look at its cobblestone floors and its houses with that air of yesteryear that makes them very special.
Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and, without a doubt, the muse of many poets and writers such as the Nobel laureate for Literature José Saramago.
4. Edinburgh
One of the most beautiful cities in Europe is Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. This city combines an old town from medieval times and a beautiful and dazzling Georgian new town with neoclassical buildings and beautiful gardens.
In the upper part of the city stands Edinburgh Castle, where the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny are kept, which was used during the coronation of the Kings of Scotland.
It is one of the cities where more tourists come each year in search of fun of all kinds, including nightlife. Edinburgh, at the same time, is full of culture, which has its highest point during the summer season, when the International Festival dedicated to the performing arts takes place.
5. Budapest
The so-called “Pearl of the Danube”, the capital of Hungary, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Visited by thousands of people, who also admire it for its incomparable beauty.
The Chain Bridge, built in the 19th century, serves as a link between the mountainous district of Buda and the flat area of Pest.
By funicular, you go up to the Castle Hill in the old city of Buda, where the visit to the Budapest History Museum allows you to learn how people lived in the city since the time of the Roman Empire.
In the Plaza de la Trinidad is the Matías Church (which dates back to the 13th century) and the turrets of the so-called Fishermen’s Bastion, from where panoramic views of the city are obtained.
Budapest has held the title of City of Spas since 1934 thanks to the fact that it has 118 springs (natural and artificial) and more than 70 million liters of thermal water flow from them daily with temperatures between 20 and 80 degrees Celsius.
6. Vienna
It is the musical city, as it was the birthplace of great composers such as Johan Strauss and Ludwig Van Beethoven. It is also home to the famous Vienna Opera.
Visiting Vienna, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, located on the banks of the Danube River, is a unique, unforgettable and very enriching experience.
The city is noted for its imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs.
The famous Sigmund Freud, father of psychoanalysis, was also born in Vienna.
7. Florence
Beautiful Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and, of course, in Europe. It is the capital of the Tuscany region and the birthplace of the extremely powerful Medici Family.
Florence is the seat of the birth of world art and architecture. Florence was born during the 14th century, the Renaissance movement and the historic center of the city is a World Heritage Site, decreed in 1982.
“El David” (by Michelangelo) is in the Gallery of the Academy of the city of Florence and in the Uffizi Gallery there is “The Birth of Venus”, the work of Botticelli, in addition to “The Annunciation”, by Leonardo Da Vinci. Vinci.
The Dome is undoubtedly one of its most beautiful and iconic monuments, designed by Brunelleschi. This is an impressive cathedral where the bell tower was designed by Gioto.
8. Istanbul
This city is one of the most beautiful in Europe and one of the largest in Turkey. It has the largest number of inhabitants.
The old part of the city shows signs of the cultural influence left by the various empires that ruled the area. In Sultanahmet there is the open-air Hippodrome from Roman times, where chariot races were held. It is also possible to admire the Egyptian obelisks that still remain in place.
The beautiful and iconic Basilica of Hagia Sophia, one of the most beautiful churches in the world, has a dome dating from the 6th century and contains unique Christian mosaics.
The historical areas of Istanbul were declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, including the one called Hagia Sophia.
9. London
London is one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom, as well as being its capital. It is a cosmopolitan city of the 21st century, with an accumulation of historical events dating back to the time of the Roman Empire.
London has monuments from different eras, such as the Palace of Parliament, Big Ben (the city’s iconic clock) and Westminster Abbey, the site selected to crown the British Kings, making a clear contrast with modern works such as the “London Eye” Ferris wheel. , from where you can see the entire city and the South Bank cultural complex.
London culture is kept up to date in terms of trends, both with regard to literary publications and staging of various kinds, and in general with any activity that involves the presence and advancement of culture.
London is one of the most visited cities in the world and Londoners strive to maintain their “British” essence, despite the influences they may receive from so many visitors, since many of them decide to stay and live in it.
Also read our guide on 15 monuments and places to visit in London
10. Paris
It is the so-called City of Light and the capital of France. One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, without a doubt. A place that lends itself to a romantic atmosphere and where, consequently, all lovers want to go sometime.
Its monuments are known and famous all over the world. As an example of this we can highlight the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. These and other spaces and monuments stand out in any publication referring to Paris.
Paris is the city of arts and gastronomy, of museums and churches, of fashion and glamour . One of the European cities that tourists love the most. In fact, many visitors are so enthralled that they want to live in it.
Also read our definitive guide on what to do in Paris in 7 days
11. Antwerp
Antwerp is cosmopolitan and owner of a unique style. It is a place that belongs to Belgium and has a port, which makes it open to all cultures and nationalities. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
It is the place where the best carvers, cutters and polishers of diamonds from all over the world are concentrated.
Antwerp is full of lively terraces, where people enjoy hanging out. Many young designer shops that have revolutionized the concepts of dress rules are found in this city. People in their best clothes ride bicycles on a daily basis.
It is the city where the Flemish painter Pedro Pablo Rubens was born and in his house, which dates back to the 17th century, paintings by him are exhibited.
Likewise, Antwerp has become a benchmark in terms of contemporary fashion.
12. Rome
The “Cittá Eterna” , has had through the centuries an unparalleled charm and a unique and inimitable beauty, what was once the Capital of the Roman Empire is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the world.
In Rome there are countless monuments that tell us about a past full of history and the fabulous life of the ancient Romans. Roman art, architecture and culture exert their influences on the rest of the world.
In Rome is the Vatican City, seat of the Catholic Church and from where the Pope exercises his ministry. The Vatican State, located in Rome, has churches such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum. The Sistine Chapel keeps, among other works, the frescoes painted by Michelangelo.
Despite its years, Rome attracts thousands of people who want to get to know it and enjoy all the good things it offers its visitors.
13. Witches
If you go to Belgium you can not miss Bruges, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and full of romance.
It is a small city, full of charm and coquetry, that invites you to walk through its cobblestone streets full of romance, thanks to the canals that cross it and where it is common to see swans swimming or resting.
Bruges has many buildings from medieval times and there is also a port, the fishing and trading center of Europe, it is called the Port of Zeebrugee.
The city hall, a building dating from the 14th century, has a carved ornamental ceiling. In the Plaza Markt Square there is a bell tower from the 13th century, with an organ that has 47 bells and a tower that is 83 meters high, from where you can have wonderful panoramic views.
14. Seville
It is the capital of Andalusia (Spain) and is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Seville is the cradle of flamenco and it is danced in all its spaces, especially in the Triana neighborhood.
Its historic center is the largest in Spain and one of the three largest in all of Europe; the other two are Genoa and Venice.
Among its most attractive tourist and historical sites is the Complex of Adorned Castles of the Alcázar (built at the time of the Moorish Almohad empire) and the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, built in the 18th century.
In the Cathedral of Seville, in Gothic style, is the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
The climate and the inhabitants of Seville are always the best allies for tourists who visit them.
15. Prague
The city of Prague is the famous capital of the Czech Republic and through which the Vltava River passes. The historic center of the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992. And it is that Prague looks like a city taken from a fairy tale.
It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is given the name of the “City of a Hundred Towers”. Of it, the Old Town Square stands out widely (because there you can find baroque buildings with very special colors), the Gothic-style churches and the Medieval Astronomical Clock (which offers a unique show every time it marks the beginning of a hour).
The pedestrian bridge of Carlos was completed in 1402 and on its edges it has multiple statues of saints belonging to Catholicism.
16. Venice
Some opinions let their preference be known about the city of canals and romanticism (Venice), and in fact, many describe it as the most beautiful city in all of Europe.
This beautiful and captivating city is made up of 118 small islands that are linked by more than 400 bridges.
Gondola rides through the canals that cross the entire city are one of the most beautiful experiences you can have and enjoy in Venice. Also, the gondolier plays beautiful melodies while rowing, so this will be an unforgettable moment.
Venice is full of monuments. Saint Mark’s Square is simply beautiful and Saint Mark’s Basilica has its floor covered in mosaics from the Byzantine era, while the Campanille bell tower allows you to see the red roofs of the houses.
Its peculiar architecture has turned Venice into a work of art.
17. Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark and it has a peculiar personality. It has attractions and entertainment for any type of visitors and tourists.
It is possible to visit it at any time of the year because it is always dressed to the nines to receive visitors. For this and many other details it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Frederiksstaden is located in the historic center of the city, it is a 17th century town where the Amalienborg Palace, residence of the royal family of Denmark, is located.
Nearby are the Christiansborg Palace and the Rosenborg Castle, both buildings from the Renaissance period, with large and beautiful gardens. The crown jewels are kept in the castle.
Copenhagen has been an important stage for jazz since the 1960s. Contemporary music also has a place and its stage is Sala Vega, chosen by Live magazine as the best concert hall in Europe.
The pedestrian areas of the city are improvised stages at night for the presentation of various artistic shows.
18. Stockholm
The city of the Nobel is Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. This wonderful city is made up of 14 islands linked together by more than 50 bridges. It is located in the Baltic Sea archipelago.
Stockholm retains its medieval-era city charm and pairs perfectly with modern and contemporary architecture.
In Stockholm, in the midst of avant-garde designs, a multitude of young rock fans converge with traditional rod fishermen, plying their trade from the various bridges or on one of its beaches.
The streets of the center are cobbled and through them you can access the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Stockholm, built in the 13th century; the Royal Palace of Stockholm and the Nobel Museum, the latter dedicated especially to the award of the same name.
In the city there are several ferries and tourist boats to facilitate the movement of people between the islands.
19. Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is the city of the “White Nights” and is one of the most beautiful in Europe. It was the capital of the empire for two centuries, founded by Pedro El Grande in 1703 and is populated with baroque-style palaces, beautiful cathedrals, located in dazzling streets and avenues and is the owner of one of the best museums in the world.
Today it continues with the tradition of being the cultural center of Russia, with places as extraordinary as the modern Mariinsky Theater, where ballet and opera performances are held, or the State Russian Museum, which has samples of national art, including icon paintings. orthodox to works of Kandinsky.
Saint Petersburg keeps the memory of the ostentatious and luxurious era of the tsars, mixed with the traces left by the revolution.
20. Berlin
The capital of Germany is a city full of contrasts, after being divided in two for many years due to the Berlin Wall. With the fall of this wall it became one again and has recovered its harmony and unification. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Its historical and cultural monuments make it a fascinating and surprising city for those who visit it, all thanks to the traces of contemporary history found in its streets and spaces.
In Berlin there is a monument dedicated to the Holocaust and some remains of the wall demolished in 1989 are preserved. The Brandenburg Gate is considered the “symbol of reunification” of the city.
Berlin has a great art scene and modern architectural buildings, including the Berlin Philharmonic headquarters, which sports a unique gold color and a design of panels descending from the ceiling.
21. Geneva
This city belonging to Switzerland is the center of world diplomacy and banking activities; The UN of the European continent has its headquarters in Geneva and the Red Cross has its main center there. In addition to these characteristics, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
It is located between the mountains of the Alps, highlighting Mont Blanc, as a kind of watchman of the city.
Despite being in Switzerland, Geneva has a great French influence, both in language and gastronomy, in addition to the bohemian neighborhoods that exist there. It is a place where life takes place in peace and tranquility.
22. Ljubljana
It is the capital of Slovenia, a fairly small city if we compare it with other European capitals. However, it is one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Ljubljana has a special and stately charm given by its Baroque-style palaces, Art Nouveau touches and a different and revolutionary urban design. It is possible to locate garden areas in the old area, in harmony with the classicism of the Mediterranean and its functionality.
In Ljubljana there is a large population of university students, as well as extensive green areas (Tivoli Park, for example).
The National Museum of Slovenia (with historical exhibits) and the Museum of Modern Art (with works by Slovenian artists of the 20th century) are examples of the museums in the city.
23. Krakow
This city is located in the south of Poland. It is famous for its medieval center (which is very well preserved) and for its Jewish quarter.
Krakow is a city of cobbled streets that preserves remains of walls from other times and its houses built with reddish stones.
The residents of Krakow and its visitors can enjoy a city full of treasures and that has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
24. Vilnius
The city of Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, well known for the baroque-style architecture of its buildings, which is widely represented in the medieval old town.
Some of its streets are covered with cobblestones and on its banks exhibit buildings of different designs, styles and periods. An example of this is the Vilnius Cathedral, made in the Vilnius neoclassical style or the Gothic Church of Saint Anne.
The 16th-century Puerta del Amanecer has a sanctuary where an image of the Virgin Mary is placed, who was at some point protector of the entrance to the original city.
Its mixture of styles has made some find it a certain resemblance to Paris or Prague, but Vilnius is unique and shines with its own light, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
25. Monte Carlo
Glamor and savoir faire accompany Monte Carlo at all times and this makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
It has a spectacular and world-renowned casino, which is recreated in the “Belle Époque”. It also has four five-star hotels, beautiful gardens, exclusive jewelry stores with the garments dreamed of by anyone and luxury cars circulating throughout the city.
All of this makes Monte Carlo the epicenter of life and fun for the rich and famous, who dedicate themselves to being in the so-called “Monte Carlo Golden Circle”.
The city of Monte Carlo is the best known in the Principality of Monaco, but due to its small size, it is very easy to cover the entire Principality in a short time.
26. Dubrovnik
Belonging to Croatia, Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This city is well known for its Old City, which is surrounded by stone walls that were completed in the 16th century.
All its buildings are in a good state of conservation and have different styles. As an example of this we have the Church of San Blas (which has a Baroque style), the Sponza Palace (which was built in a Renaissance style) and the Rector’s Palace (which is Gothic in style). This last palace is currently the headquarters of the History Museum.
Its cobbled streets are a clear invitation to walk through them without haste and enjoying the walk.
27. Salzburg
The city where the great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Salzburg is magical, full of the charm of Mozart’s music. The architecture, landscape, art and culture together with tradition and modernity make this city an unforgettable place that is hard to leave.
The narrow streets and baroque style squares are a World Heritage Site and the famous Salzburg Festivals (recognized in the world), as well as the traditions and activities in the Christmas season, make Salzburg a true work of art.
28. Athens
With more than 3000 years of history on it, Athens has a lot to tell. The capital of Greece is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Athens was the center of Ancient Greece, a great empire full of civilization, art, geopolitics, culture and social organization.
In Athens there are remains of the places that existed from the 5th century BC. C, including the Acropolis (which is an incomparable and unique monument) and the Parthenon (with its incomparable columns).
Walking through its streets is walking where Socrates, Aristotle, Euripides or Seneca once walked, to name some of the best philosophers in the history of mankind.
Both in the Acropolis Museum and in the National Archaeological Museum we can admire jewelry, sculptures, vases and many elements from Ancient Greece.
29. Oslo
The capital of Norway, Oslo, is unequivocally one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is located in the middle of nature. Today this city has the honor of being the “European Green Capital” of 2019.
Oslo offers attractions for everyone and is having a great gastronomic upturn, so much so that one of its restaurants has been awarded three Michelin stars. Some of the world’s best and most award-winning baristas and coffee producers are found in this beautiful city.
Oslo is a city that bets above all on nature, its care and preservation. It also has contemporary-style architecture (that makes it possible, for example, to walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House), artistic pieces, bicycle lanes and pedestrians.
30. Port
It is a city located in the coastal area of Portugal, recognized for its highly visible and imposing bridges and for the production of Port wine.
In the medieval area of Ribeira, with narrow cobblestone streets, merchant houses and cafes are located.
The Church of San Francisco is internally ornate in an extravagant Baroque style, with carvings of images covered in gold.
The Palacio de la Bolsa (built during the 19th century and where the stock market was once located) was built with the intention of making an impression on potential European investors. Its structure has a neoclassical style that brings beauty to the city.
Due to its lifestyle, its charm and everything it has to offer the visitor, including a good sip of its famous wine, Porto is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
31. Barcelona
This glamorous and cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is well known for its art and architecture.
In it is the famous church of the Sagrada Familia, designed by the no less famous architect, Antonio Gaudí, who also designed Park Güell or Casa Batlló.
The city has two important museums that exhibit their own works and those of other artists, such as the great Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. In addition, there are many other centers dedicated to art.
Barcelona has beautiful beaches, located very close to the city center and where you can rest and recover from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
32. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
We could not leave Las Palmas out of the most beautiful cities in Europe, although it is not literally located on the European continent, it belongs to it.
The city has the colonial neighborhood of Vegueta, which should not be ruled out when in Las Palmas, since the city was founded there in 1478.
Las Palmas is an important port for cruise ships from all over the world and it is possible to buy all kinds of items without paying taxes.
At Playa Las Canteras, a barrier reef that borders the beach protects bathers.
Among the most popular festivals in the city, is the Annual Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where many artists, tourists and residents who wear colorful costumes meet in the midst of lavish and crowded musical and dance shows.
33. Munich
Munich, in Germany, is the capital of Bavaria and is also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Its architecture shows us buildings from several centuries and various museums.
Munich is famous and known throughout the world for the celebration, during the month of October, of Oktoberfest and its beer halls, including the Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589, an icon of beer culture.
In its main square, Marienplatz, a musical show with xylophones is presented, in which stories from the 16th century are exposed.
34. Warsaw
After going through a past marked by tragedy, Warsaw has been like the Phoenix, since it has been reborn and is today one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Its historic center has been completely remodeled and rebuilt and today is a World Heritage Site, full of light and color.
The city also has the Museum of Polish Jewish History, the Palace of Culture and Science and many parks, where nature shines in all its splendor as a symbol of the rebirth of Warsaw.
35. Dublin
Dublin is a city full of coquetry, radiating color, with a magnificent atmosphere and manageable from every point of view. All this makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
The capital of Ireland has buildings dating from the 13th century, such as Dublin Castle or the imposing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, built in 1191.
The memories of the Celts are present when walking its streets, where it is possible to observe them. Also, a visit to the Guinness brewery, one of the world’s most famous, should not be missed.
What are the best countries to visit in Europe?
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Poland
- Austria
- Czech Republic
What places to visit in Europe in winter?
Saint Petersburg, Russia; Prague, Czech Republic, Berlin, Germany, Tromso, Norway, Tallinn, Estonia, Chamonix and France.
What is the largest city in Europe?
The largest city in Europe, based on the number of people residing there, is Istanbul, with just over 14 million inhabitants.
What are the summer months in Europe?
To best enjoy Europe, travel in summer, between the months of June to August.
Europe is one of the favorite continents when it comes to tourism, gastronomy and culture. But this time we have presented you the 35 most beautiful cities in Europe. Leave us your opinion and do not forget to make your contacts have this valuable information.
See also:
- Click to learn how to tour Europe in 10 days, visit the best cities
- These are the 10 tips for traveling alone in Europe
- Read our guide with useful tips and guide on how to travel by train in Europe
