Do you have dreams of strolling through the cobblestone streets of a medieval city? Maybe enjoying the taste of freshly baked pastries while sipping wine in a little cafe?
Europe is full of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences, but with so many incredible countries, how do you decide where to go and what might not live up to the hype?
When I first started traveling internationally, I started small. Instead of trying to tackle a whole country and burning myself out, I focused on one city at a time. This allowed me to narrow down my favorite European cities and a couple that I would maybe skip if I were you.
My Picks for the Best Cities to Tour in Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon will always have a special place in my heart, as my dad’s family is from Portugal. I’ve been lucky enough to visit several times now and can’t recommend it enough. With Air Portugal’s (TAP) stopover program, adding Lisbon or Porto to a trip you’re already taking is super easy.
Lisbon has an awesome food scene going on right now. Make sure to try bacalhau (salted cod), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and all of the fresh seafood. Don’t miss Time Out Market, an incredible food hall featuring many of Lisbon’s great restaurants under one roof – handy if you’re short on time and want to try a little bit of everything.
Pro tip: Don’t ride the extremely popular vintage Tram 28. It will be overcrowded, and there will be a long line to wait on. It’s also a pickpocket’s dream. Instead, ride Tram 12, which is also one of those adorable vintage tram cars but not as popular. It picks up next to Tram 28 and makes a great 30-minute loop through the older part of Lisbon.
Munich, Germany
What do you think of when someone says “Munich?” Most people think of the very famous annual Oktoberfest celebration, but Munich has so much more than that to offer. The city’s architecture is stunning with landmarks such as the Nymphenburg Palace and the Marienplatz, Munich’s central square. Make sure to check out the neo-Gothic New Town Hall with its awesome Glockenspiel show.
Munich is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens, such as the huge English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks. You can take a stroll through the park, watch people surf (yep, you heard me), or stop by the Chinese Tower beer garden for food and music. You’ll notice a theme here, but don’t miss Munich’s food hall, Viktualienmarkt, for tons of different food stalls and to try beer from any of the six local breweries.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of those places that I can’t shut up about. I’ve been over half a dozen times and don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. The medieval Old Town has the huge Edinburgh Castle looming over it on top of its extinct volcano. The whole place just blows my mind every time I’m there. The castle is worth touring, but a bonus is being able to see the Scottish crown jewels, or Honours, as the Scots call them.
Edinburgh is famous for its Fringe Festival, the world’s largest performing arts festival, which takes place in August every year, along with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Between the two major events, August is absolutely packed with tourists and, in my opinion, is not the best time to go unless you’re specifically looking to attend one of those two events. I advise going in the fall or spring so you have the place to yourself.
Scotland itself is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of walks and hikes through absolutely jaw-dropping landscapes. Edinburgh, specifically, has Arthur’s Seat, a great hike at the base of the Royal Mile that will give you epic city views. Stop by Holyrood Distillery at the bottom of Arthur’s Seat for a wee dram of whisky to warm you up after your hike.
Florence, Italy
Florence is one of my favorite cities in Italy. I was immediately sucked in by all the art and history. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the magnificent Florence Cathedral or Duomo and its gorgeous dome designed by Brunelleschi. Michelangelo’s David is a must-see, along with the rest of the pieces in the Galleria dell’Accademia.
We can’t forget about the food when you go to Florence. The city is famous for its hearty Tuscan cuisine, featuring dishes like Florentine steak and ribollita. Stop by the Mercato Centrale (yet another food market), which offers a taste of local produce, cheeses, and wines.
I would definitely recommend taking a day trip to the Chianti region for wine tasting. Florence is also one of the best cities to tour in Europe because it’s easy to make your home base for some awesome day trips to other places in Italy.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of those cities that was meant to be seen from the water. I would suggest one of the first things you do is take a canal tour. From your boat, you’ll see all the different types of architecture that Amsterdam is known for, like the rows and rows of 17th-century merchant houses and, on the other end of the spectrum, the super-modern Palace of Justice.
I always stay in the museum quarter because it is easy to access from the airport and, of course, the museums. Oh, the museums! You could literally spend your entire visit in the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. There’s also the Anne Frank House, a powerful experience not to be missed.
Pro tip: You will, in fact, miss it if you don’t book several weeks in advance. The Anne Frank House sells out daily, so don’t be disappointed like I was on my first trip to Amsterdam.
London, England
My very first solo international trip was to London, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. London makes my list as one of the best cities to tour in Europe because it is very easy to navigate in terms of language and public transportation.
I’m a big British history nerd, so seeing Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria grew up, or Queen Elizabeth I’s burial place in Westminster Abbey was definitely high on my bucket list.
Additionally, touring the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Windsor Castle was so epic that I insist first-time travelers do the same. There are also a lot of great museums, like the British Museum, the V&A, and the Tate Modern, if that’s more your thing.
Let’s not forget the West End, either. If you’re a theatre lover like myself, you have to go see a show while you’re in London. Don’t miss Borough Market to round out your trip, a foodie’s dream that has been there since the 12th century.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is often called the “City of a Hundred Spires” because of its stunning skyline of historic towers and churches. One of Prague’s must-see attractions is the Old Town Hall, with its Astronomical Clock, a medieval clock that tells the time and displays the sun and moon’s movement. Every hour, crowds gather to watch the clock’s procession of the Twelve Apostles.
Check out the Charles Bridge, which takes you across the Vltava River. From there, you can take a really nice walk or a funicular ride up to Petrin Hill. There, you’ll find lovely gardens and the Petrin Tower, a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower, with spectacular views over Prague.
Budapest, Hungary
Something I didn’t know about Budapest is that it’s actually two halves, with the hilly Buda district on one side and the flat Pest district on the other. The Danube River bisects the city. Kind of cool, right?
While you’re visiting, make sure to see the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, the beautiful Chain Bridge, and the city’s thermal baths, like Széchenyi and Gellért Baths. The Hungarian State Opera House and the Museum of Fine Arts are also must-visits for those looking for a little cultural night out.
Venice, Italy
Venice is one of those places where some travelers will roll their eyes and say it’s too touristy. Maybe it is, but I would still tell you to go because it’s touristy for a reason. It’s just incredibly beautiful.
With that in mind, you should know that Venice has recently established a day tripper tax. If you’re visiting from April to July, you’ll either have to pay a five-euro fee to enter, or your hotel or group tour will handle it. The idea is to minimize overcrowding and lessen the stress on Venice’s resources during peak season.
Whenever you visit, book “skip the line” tickets for things like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Even in the off-season, the lines can take up much of your time. There are also world-class museums to visit, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell’Accademia.
I would also highly recommend booking a cicchetti food tour. Cicchetti is similar to tapas. It is small plates or quick bites of something. Cicchetti is usually served with a glass of wine in the late afternoon/early evening. Booking a cicchetti tour with a local is a great way to try a little something from many restaurants, and you’ll always end up stopping at places you never would have found on your own.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The picturesque Nyhavn harbor, lined with colorful 17th-century townhouses, is your classic image of Copenhagen. However, Copenhagen is also renowned for its commitment to sustainability and innovative urban design. The city’s extensive cycling paths and green spaces, like the King’s Garden and Fælledparken, make it a great spot for lovers of the outdoors.
Things not to miss are the Rosenborg Castle and the Amalienborg Palace, the royal family’s residence. There’s also Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks and, some believe, Walt Disney’s inspiration.
You can’t talk about magic in Copenhagen, though, without mentioning Hans Christian Andersen. The Hans Christian Andersen Experience celebrates the writer’s life, and you can also see the statue of the Little Mermaid at the Langelinie Promenade.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is an absolute paradise for food lovers. It is famous for its culinary delights, including Belgian waffles, chocolates, and the always delicious moules-frites (mussels and fries). The city’s numerous markets, like the Sunday market at the Gare du Midi, offer a chance to taste local produce and international cuisine.
Brussels is also home to excellent museums such as the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the surrealist artist René Magritte, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, which house an impressive Flemish and Belgian art collection.
Make sure to see the Atomium, originally built for the 1958 Brussels World Expo. It is Belgium’s most popular tourist attraction, attracting 600,000 people a year. Going the whole way to the top offers incredible views of Brussels.
Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux in southwestern France is a must-visit destination for wine connoisseurs. The city is surrounded by some of the world’s most famous vineyards, producing renowned wines such as Château Margaux and Château Latour. You can book wine tours offering tastings and insights into winemaking.
However, Bordeaux isn’t just wine, as its historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, proves. You can visit the Place de la Bourse, where the fountain of the Three Graces is, and the Bordeaux Cathedral, a gorgeous Gothic church.
Unpopular Opinion: 3 European Cities That I’d Skip
Santorini, Greece
While Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets and picturesque white-washed buildings, it has become overwhelmingly crowded, especially during peak tourist season. The influx of visitors has led to inflated prices for accommodations, dining, and activities.
The charm of Santorini can often be overshadowed by the sheer number of tourists (and influencers), making it difficult to fully enjoy its beauty and serenity.
Paris, France
I know this will be controversial, but Paris can be a tough one for American tourists, not that we haven’t brought that on ourselves to some degree. I haven’t had great experiences with Parisian locals despite my best efforts.
The high prices for hotels, dining, and attractions can strain a travel budget, and the city’s most famous sites, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, are often packed with long lines and crowds.
Also, as of the summer of 2024, you should check before you go whether there are any strikes or protests that may disrupt your trip.
Rome, Italy
I hate to say it, but Rome is my least favorite place in Italy. It’s dirty, and the traffic is terrible. There’s graffiti on ancient monuments, which just blows my mind. It’s just not my jam. However, when I take people to Italy, I do stop in Rome briefly just so they can see the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, etc. There are some things you just can’t skip.
Obviously, there are way more incredible cities to tour in Europe than I could have possibly covered here, but hopefully, this will give you a great place to start when planning your next trip. The important thing is to pick a place and just get out there!
This article originally appeared on Travel Binger.
