25 must-see cities in Europe

Europe, in addition to having a great history, is home to many of the most beautiful cities in the world. Cities that bring together everything a traveller could wish for: monuments and historic buildings, parks to relax, shops and original venues, museums, shopping streets, historic centres to get lost in, areas with a good atmosphere to have a drink, good gastronomy and all kinds of cultural and entertainment activities, with which to spend some unforgettable days. We have made a list of the 25 essential cities to visit in Europe to enjoy all kinds of experiences based on the many trips to Europe that we have made.

1. Rome

No city can compare its history with that of Rome, where time seems to have stood still. Visiting places such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum or Agrippa's Panthéon is like stepping back in time and into the bowels of history. One of our favourite places in the city is the Trastevere neighbourhood, where strolling through its narrow streets in the afternoon and eating in one of its trattorias, we assure you, is one of the best experiences you can have in the Eternal City.

2. Amsterdam

Amsterdam is another of the most essential cities to visit in Europe, perfect for cycling or boat along one of its many canals. Its historic centre and museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, or the Anne Frank House, are some of the many jewels that you can find in the city. Another thing that we would like to highlight and highlight is the good and liberal atmosphere that is breathed in every corner and place of the city.

3. Prague

Prague, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with a historic center that you will remember and to which you will want to return many times. A walking route starting from the Old Town Square with its spectacular Astronomical Clock, continuing through the Jewish Quarter and then crossing the Charles IV Bridge and going up to Prague Castle, through the bohemian district of Mala Strana, is one of the routes you cannot miss.

4. Lisbon

Lisbon, that romantic city with a decadent air, which makes you fall in love as soon as you visit it and which is another of our favorite cities in Europe.Getting lost at sunset in the Alfama neighborhood and entering a tavern to listen to a fado or dine on a good cod, is one of the best experiences that the city offers and that we advise you not to miss. You can't leave Lisbon without trying its delicious Pasteles de Bélem or seeing the city from one of its magnificent viewpoints. Of course, we warn you: Lisbon hooks you a lot.

5. Barcelona

Barcelona is the city we have visited the most times and where we always find a place, restaurant, shop or place that surprises us. A city with miles of beach, with good gastronomy, especially its rice dishes, fish and tapas, with the Ramblas and neighbourhoods to get lost in such as El Born, the Gothic or Gracia, good weather and with the best example of modernism thanks to the genius Gaudí. Do you dare to get to know it?

6. San Petersburgo

St. Petersburg, former capital of the Russian Empire, former Leningrad and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Full of famous museums, palaces, churches, well-kept parks and monuments, you will be amazed in a city with only 300 years of history. Some of its must-sees include attending an opera or ballet in one of its theaters, strolling along the Nevsky Avenue, visiting the Hermitage Museum, taking a cruise on the Neva River or being amazed by the sight of the Church of the Savior on the spilled blood.

7. Paris

Paris will always be at the top of the list of the best cities to visit in Europe and the most beautiful cities in France. A romantic city where you can stroll along the banks of the Seine, visit neighbourhoods such as Le Marais or Montmartre, see the Eiffel Tower from all possible viewpoints or have a croisant with a coffee on one of its beautiful terraces. You also can't miss the beautiful churches of Sainte Chapelle or Notre Dame, see all of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower,  get drunk on art in the Louvre and keep naming things until you have an endless list of experiences.

8. Bruges

Bruges, the city that always competes with Ghent in beauty, is one of the medieval jewels of Europe. These are the types of cities where the map is superfluous and where the best thing you can do is get lost in their streets and find some of the most charming corners of the city. A good alternative is to take a boat and walk along the different canals seeing the old and beautiful brick facades reflected on the water, thus having a new perspective of this incredible city.

9. London

London mixes its traditional customs with a multicultural and cosmopolitan atmosphere, where getting bored is impossible and which makes it one of the  most essential cities in England. With a wide range of cultural and entertainment options, where you can look for a bargain at the Portobello or Camden flea markets, ride the London Eye, photograph Big Ben or the red telephone booths or relax in its well-kept parks, they should be part of your daily life. And if you still want more, don't forget to cruise along the Thames, shop on Oxford Street, have a pint in a pub, cross Tower Bridge or visit a museum for free. Do you feel like it?

10. Cracovia

Krakow's Old Town  is one of the most beautiful in Europe, as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting the beautiful Market Square by night and day, climbing up Wawel Hill with the Wawel Royal Castle and the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas and St. Stanislaus, or touring the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz with its magnificent murals, are just some of the must-sees in the city.

11. Berlin

Berlin, a city that has been able to rise from the ashes of the Second World War and become a benchmark in Europe. More than just seeing monuments or strolling through its beautiful streets, Berlin offers you a cultural and entertainment offer that is difficult to match. You can't forget to visit places such as the Brandenburg Gate, the New and Pergamon museums, or visit its famous Wall converted today into an open-air art gallery.

12. Venice, one of the best cities to visit in Europe

Venice, the city of canals where getting lost in its alleys is almost a must and one of the most essential cities in Italy. Traveling along the Grand Canal by vaporetto, admiring the beauty of St. Mark's Square with its Basilica, visiting the Doge's Palace, riding a gondola, crossing the Rialto Bridge or reaching the beautiful neighboring island of Burano, are just some of the moments you will experience in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the world. Because of these characteristics, Venice is also one of the most visited cities in the world, with many Venetians even having to go and live abroad. Although this should not overwhelm you, if you move away from the most famous areas, you will be able to walk with the greatest peace of mind and get to know that other Venice.

13. Madrid

Madrid is another of the cities we have visited the most times, and where we feel at home. Once you're here you can't miss the Gran Vía full of theatres, visit the Prado Museum, go to see the sunset at the Temple of Debod, look for a bargain at the Rastro, relax in the Retiro Park, have a beer on one of the terraces of La Plaza Mayor or immerse yourself in the atmosphere of any of the neighbourhoods during the day.  and especially at night.

14. Porto

Porto has nothing to envy to its neighbour Lisbon, and can also be considered one of the best getaways for a weekend. You can't leave the city of wine without entering the Lello e Irmão bookshop, one of the most beautiful in the world, climbing the Clérigos Tower to see the city at your feet, touring the Bolhao Market, eating a francesinha, tasting Port wine in one of the wineries of Vila Nova de Gaia or simply strolling along the banks of the Douro at sunset. There are many things to see in Porto and experiences that we are sure you will never forget.

15. Vienna

Vienna, the imperial and music city, is another of the cities to visit in Europe. The capital of Austria has many things to see and do such as riding a tram along the Ringstrasse, eating the famous Sacher cake at the Café Sacher, entering the Vienna Opera, visiting its spectacular palaces such as Schönbrunn with beautiful gardens, entering the Austrian National Library or having fun in the old Prater amusement park,  among many other things that will give you the best moments in the city.

16. Stockholm

Stockholm is one of those cities that at first glance makes you fall in love and then exceeds all the expectations you had placed on it. Surrounded by large canals and full of green areas where you can relax or have a picnic when the sun comes out, it is a perfect city to spend a few days. Its historic center, Gamla Stan, with its colorful houses and narrow alleys is a marvel, although you can't miss the Skansen open-air museum and the Vasa museum, or take a cruise along its canals, things that will make you fall in love, much more, with this incredible city.

17. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, located on the Dalmatian Coast, is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. The city, a World Heritage Site, stands out for its medieval historic centre and its incredible 13th-century walls. Despite the large number of tourists who invade the city, it is a key stop for cruise ships, we can still find times of the day in which to visit places with peace of mind. Walking along Stradun Street, visiting the Sponza Palace and the Church of San Blas, or taking a ferry to the Islet of Lokrum, are some of the must-sees.

18. Dublin

Dublin is a friendly city that welcomes you with open arms. It does not stand out for having to spend a lot of time visiting large buildings or monuments, the best thing you can do in the city is to enjoy its atmosphere. One of the best ways is to grab a pint of stout in the Temple Bar area. We also recommend visiting the Trinity College Library, walking down O'Connell Street, entering St. Patrick's Cathedral, relaxing in a park or seeing the Kilmainham Gaol.

19. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a welcoming city with the visitor, which, together with Dublin, stands out more for its great atmosphere than for its sightseeing. The city is divided between Old Town and New Town, where its grandiose castle stands out, a visit you can't miss in the city. Going into a tavern to have a pint, a whiskey or try haggis, are just some of its gastronomic essentials.
But when it comes to places to visit, you can't leave the city without visiting Holyrood Palace, walking along the Royal Mile or climbing Calton Hill at sunset, with incredible views of the city.

20. Budapest

Known as the Jewel of the Danube, Budapest is one of the must-see cities in Europe, without a doubt. Both day and night, the city is spectacular, where you can take a route visiting the part of Pest with its magnificent Parliament, tour the Central Market and relax in its spas. At sunset you can't miss crossing the Chain Bridge and climbing up to Buda Hill, where the Fisherman's Bastion is located, the best viewpoint in Budapest.

21. Moscow

Despite the Russian character, Moscow is an impressive city, full of great buildings and monuments, making it one of the most  important cities to visit in Europe. Red Square with Lenin's Mausoleum, St. Basil's Cathedral and Kremlin, is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world and is one of those places that we are sure you will remember forever. Seeing a show at the Bolshoi Theatre, touring the GUM, a luxury shopping mall, strolling along Arbat Street, entering the Museum of Cosmonautics or getting off the luxurious metro, are other gems that you can't miss in the city.

22. Istanbul

Istanbul, the city that lies between Asia and Europe, forming a perfect blend between the cultures of East and West, is one of those cities that catches you as soon as you set foot in them. The best thing about Istanbul is strolling through the streets, getting lost in its spice markets and bazaars, such as the spectacular Grand Bazaar, touring the Bosphorus by boat or quietly entering some of its magnificent mosques. We recommend climbing up Pierre Loti Hill at sunset and listening to the call to prayer while sipping mint tea. We assure you that you won't regret it.

23. Tallinn

Tallinn is a fairytale city and one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe, especially when covered by snow. With a very well-preserved historic centre and surrounded by a large wall with magnificent towers, in which the Plaza del Ayuntamiento stands out, this is an area where you can enjoy the liveliest atmosphere in the city, getting lost in the many alleys that await you full of surprises. We recommend you go up to Toompea, the upper part of the city, and go through all the lookouts, especially Patkuli, with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

24. Florence

Florence is an open-air museum where you can see art in every corner of its historic center. Go up at sunset to Piazzale Michelangelo with the best views of Florence, cross the Ponte Vecchio, walk calmly through Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo or Piazza Santa Croce, climb the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo's David,  or relaxing in the Boboli garden, are just some of its must-sees.

25. Athens

Just to see the Acropolis, with its impressive Parthenon, is worth a trip to Athens because the city where democracy emerged and the origin of Western civilization is a marvel despite its chaotic traffic. In addition to spending hours on the Acropolis, you can't leave Athens without strolling through the Monastiraki and Plaka neighborhoods, the oldest and liveliest in the city, visiting the Agora and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, or having a panoramic view of the city from Mount Lycabettus.

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