There’s no denying my heart is in many ways in Europe. From the moment I stepped foot on the continent to my first time, biting into a croissant in Le Marais, there are so many times I have scattered pieces of my heart around this continent. And I’m convinced Europe is always calling me home. But as for the most beautiful cities in Europe, I can’t pick just a few.
Europe is full of fascinating cities. From capital cities like Budapest and Prague to the smaller cities of Alesund and Bruges. There are so many defining moments and “aha!” moments I’ve had on my solo adventures across Europe. If you’re anything like me and seek out the best, you’ve come to the right place. This is my definitive list of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Post updated April 2023.
The most beautiful cities in Europe
1. Florence, Italy
The capital of Italy’s region of Tuscany is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. After visiting a handful of times over the years, I’ve gotta say I wholeheartedly agree. Florence is home to so much living history from the Renaissance period. You’ll be forgiven for giving yourself whiplash as you try to look in every direction and soak it all in! Beyond the Cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio, be sure to allow time to get off the main tourist thoroughfare. As soon as you walk across one of the many bridges, a whole other world awaits. Outside of the city centre, you can discover public parks, libraries, and smaller art galleries.
2. Vienna, Austria
There are few cities I can say compare to the beauty of Paris but Vienna is one such city that comes close. It has been described to me as a cleaner version of the French capital and having visited both a number of times, I can’t argue with that. The coffee house culture is however my favourite aspect of Vienna. It has a way of transporting you to a previous era with how stuffy and old school it is. But somehow it is also affectionately welcomed with open arms. Even for the younger generation, coffee houses are on trend!
Read more: The central European trifecta: Visiting Vienna, Prague and Budapest
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
I’ve said it before and I’ll stand by it time after time, Edinburgh would have to be one of the most underrated cities in Europe, if not the most. There’s something so magical and ethereal about this city that wins the hearts of many (myself included) almost instantly or in my case, before you even arrive. Bonus: there are a bunch of Harry Potter locations in the city. This is where J. K. Rowling herself wrote much of her work in cafes, drawing inspiration from locations throughout Edinburgh.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is undeniably one of the most charming cities to visit the world over. With a unique mix of gothic, romanesque and renaissance architectures, this city has endless beauty. The Old Town is abuzz with visitors any time of year. Therefore if you are trying to escape the crowds, get off the beaten path. Many of my favourite finds in Prague cannot be found in guidebooks.
5. Munich, Germany
Visiting Germany for the first time is a feast for the senses. But if you’re looking for the most beautiful German city to visit, look no further than Munich. This romantic city in the South of Germany is characterised by its beer halls, cafe culture and charming architecture that makes the city beautiful despite the changing seasons. Year-round this is one of our top picks for the most beautiful cities in Europe.
6. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a city so beautiful, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a real life story book. Commonly regarded to as the most beautiful city in all of Europe, Bruges’ old world charm has an authenticity that isn’t often mimicked in cities when hoards of travellers find out about its’ existence but – somehow – it is managed to retain its’ charm.
7. Verona, Italy
When you arrive in Verona you might pass out in sheer disbelief of how a city can be so darn beautiful in such a casual, cool-girl kinda way. Verona is said to be the birthplace of Romeo and Juliet (although it is worth mentioning this is a contentious claim), however you’ll soon see how the rumour started when you spend more than five minutes in the place.
8. Annecy, France
Annecy is the kind of postcard town you think wouldn’t exist in real life but speaking from experience I can say with certainty that it is even more beautiful in person (hard to believe, I know!) Located in the southeast of France, the city overlooks Lake Annecy, has its’ own system of waterways and isn’t far from the alps, leaving it with a pinch-me backdrop to make it even more ethereal.
9. Budapest, Hungary
A city as lovely as Budapest, it’s no wonder the Hungarian capital has become a hot spot for travellers doing the loop around Europe. Just a three-hour train ride from Vienna, Budapest is an essential stop in central Europe not only for its unique and fascinating history but also for its grandeur and beauty that could rival even Paris. The city is sprawling but mostly walkable, as much of the attractions are centred around the Danube. Be sure to venture over the river to Buda and visit Castle Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion for the best views of the city from above.
10. Barcelona, Spain
It didn’t take me long to fall in love with Barcelona, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Full of colour, magnificent Gaudi architecture and some of the best food you’ll find across Europe (patatas bravas anyone!?), there’s so much to love about this city. As far as beauty goes, you can’t beat the endless architectural marvels in Barcelona – its a picture perfect postcard waiting to happen. Rent a van in Barcelona and go to see the wonders of the city with friends.
11. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most visited cities and for good reason. Once known as the weed capital of the world (California’s legalisation and those that followed suit has kinda dulled it down), Amsterdam has a lively appeal that attracts young travellers with magnetic force. With its canals and famous canal houses, this is easily one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.
12. Paris, France
If you’ve been on this blog before, you’ll know first hand that my obsession with Paris is real. As real as it gets. If you can see Paris through the lens of the 1950’s, you’ll fall even more in love with the city of light – full of culture, art and a living literary history through its many cafes, bars, streets and sidewalks that have appeared in the works of the lost generation.
13. Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is one of those cities I knew I’d fall head over heels in love with but for one reason or another, it took me some time before I finally visited Greece. This party centre is as fun as it is beautiful – but for the best of Mykonos, be sure to explore in the early hours of the morning before the crowds take to the streets.
14. Valletta, Malta
I didn’t spend enough time in Malta but I’m itching to go back. This country is full of beautiful architecture, an impressive history, and some of the loveliest locals you’ll meet – they are proud to call Malta home and they can’t wait to share it with you. Valletta, the capital, is at the heart of this country and having been established in 1500, is as old as it looks.
15. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is one of the prettiest seaside cities and as classic as Nordic cities come. Nyhaven, the collection of colourful houses by the sea, is one of Europe’s most photographed spots and for good reason – it looks too beautiful to be real! However there is much more of this city to discover when you venture in to the city streets – castles, whimsical gardens and Danish pastries are just the beginning.
16. Stockholm, Sweden
When I visited Stockholm for the first time I knew it wouldn’t be the last. The capital of Sweden is so charming and quaint that you’d be forgiven for forgetting this is a city of almost one million inhabitants. The city encompasses 14 islands and thus much of it is surrounded by water – connected by bridges and illuminating effortlessly in the setting sun.
17. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is Europe’s fairytale town: the one and only city where you simple cannot, at any turn within the Old Town Walls, be surrounded by what feels like magic. There’s an original chemist selling unicorn dust, for a start.
18. Alesund, Norway
When you hear people talk of the prettiest city in Norway you never really hear them say Alesund. I’m changing that. Having had Bergen on my bucket list for quite some time, I was surprised to see the incredible Art Nouveau architecture of Alesund. And quite frankly, I was stunned that I had not stumbled upon it sooner. Having rebuilt after a fire in 1904, the city has managed to retain its authenticity and charm with ease.
19. Seville, Spain
Like most cities located on a body of water, Seville has a sense of romanticism about it that breeds a type of beauty indescribable by words alone. The city is set along the Guadalquivir river, characterised by narrow winding streets and Arabic influence. This mix of cultures and centuries makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and certainly amongst the top three most beautiful cities in Spain.
20. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Switzerland and just by looking at photos alone, it isn’t hard to see why. This city if charming with an attention to detail like no other.
21. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is still one of my favourite cities in Western Europe, despite becoming one of the most popular and trending cities im Europe over recent years (thanks in part to how affordable it is!) The city is bursting with colour and life at every turn, especially in the neighbourhood of Alfama.
22. Strasbourg, France
I wasn’t expecting to love Strasbourg nearly as much as I did and as such, considered it a stopover city en route to Colmar in the Alsace region. However this would have to be one of Europe’s most underrated, prettiest cities. Bordering Germany, the French city has a unique blend of architecture that you won’t find elsewhere.
23. Ghent, Belgium
Ghent will steal your heart in an instant. This university city is an interesting one: old in looks but young at heart, with a thriving student population that make this a really fun city to visit. Only a short train ride from Bruges, I would argue if you’re visiting one you must visit the other: they’re both so similar but yet so different!
24. Rome, Italy
I will never forget the first time I visited Rome. It was with my father at 17 years of age and perhaps the single-most city I remember most: every detail. We were both visiting Europe for the first time and were in awe of the history – so much so that it almost feels like a dream looking back. We spent a week exploring the sights and eating our way into a carb-induced coma and I can say with certainty there’s only one thing I would do differently: wear better walking shoes.
25. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik became really popular around 5-6 years ago and has only increased in popularity since becoming one of the main shooting locations for HBO’s Game of Thrones. This city is as pretty as a postcard with an idyllic location on the seaside – a combination that can’t be beaten!
26. Warsaw, Poland
Despite being the capital, Warsaw is not the first city many travellers think of when visiting Poland. I too had fallen into this trap and considered Krakow the only city I desperately wanted to visit on my first time in the country some ten years ago. As it turns out, Warsaw is just as (if not more) beautiful to explore and has a wonderful old town that comes to life over the Christmas period.
27. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik was much smaller than I expected but also more beautiful than I could have imagined. The people in particular are extremely friendly and proud of their nation, eager to learn where you are from and what brought you to Iceland. Wandering the streets on foot is the best way to get around, just be sure to allow yourself to get lost – as this is where the magic happens!
28. Venice, Italy
This list would not be complete without Venice, one of Europe’s most visited and sought after cities to visit. The sinking city is said to have a time limit in place, so be sure to make it a priority if you want to see it before it goes!
29. Antwerp, Belgium
When I arrived in Antwerp I wasn’t sure what to expect because quite frankly, I hadn’t heard a thing about it. As it turns out this was one of my favourite cities to discover in Belgium: full of young people, extremely fashionable and fun to ride a bike around. The city centre is beautiful to stroll around and you could spend at least a couple of days doing just that.
30. London, United Kingdom
London will always be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and there’s no denying it has earned its title as one of the world’s most visited cities year after year. For the royal fans (myself included) there is much to see and do in support of the royal family, or you can simply spend a few hours walking the streets of Mayfair pretending to be posh (not a bad way to pass time if you’re so inclined!)
Like this? Now read:
8 Romantic Towns in Europe to Visit
The 18 Best Cities to Visit in Eastern Europe
Europe Bucket List: 50 Places you must visit
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
Wow- stunning photos! Especially the one of Reykjavik. I’ve been to several of these cities and I agree wholeheartedly with them being on the list. I wish Ferrara was on your list!
They’re in no order – just numbered for easy reference :)
Roma after Ghent, are you really sure?
Thanks for your website – so interesting. For me it would be impossible to list only three beautiful cities in Europe! My own choice in no particular order includes:
Vienna, Paris, Budapest, Edinburgh, Prague, Berlin, Istanbul, Bruges, Bratislava, Stockholm, Bergen, Tallinn, Riga, Munich, Heidelberg, Salzburg, Florence, Rome, Turin, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lyon, Strasbourg, Potsdam, Lübeck, Luxembourg, Dresden, Leipzig.
But I’m bound to have forgotten some, then there are others like Porto, Lisbon, Venice, Vilnius and Ljubljana that I haven’t visited yet.
Can’t wait for the pandemic to be over.
Do you have three favourite cities in Europe? Sound off in the comments to vote for your favourite European cities!
It is Art Nouveau/Jugend in Ålesund. Not Art deco
My list of Best Cities in Europe: 1. Paris, France 2. Rome, Italy 3. Moscow, Russia 4. Venice, Italy 5. Prague, Czech Republic 6. Budapest, Hungary 7. Istambul, Turkey 8. Florence, Italy 9. St Petersbourg, Russia 10. Cordoba, Spain 11. Vienna, Austria 12. Tallin, Estonia 13. London, England 14. Dubrovnik, Croatia 15. Berlin, Germany 16. Oia, Santorini – Greece 17. Edimbourgh, Scotland 18. Dresde, Germany 19. Split, Croatia 20. Barcelona, Spain 21. Amsterdam, Netherlands 22. Porto, Portugal 23. Copenhagen, Denmark 24. Kotor, Montenegro 25. Krakow, Poland 26. Stockholm, Sweden 27. Granada, Spain 28. Ghent, Belgium 29. Kyiv, Ukraine 30. Sibiu,… Read more »