Europe is home to some of the world’s most amazing cities, ideal for long weekends, romantic breaks, or just exploring and soaking up the culture. These 5 best European cities to visit might spark your lust for travel. Maybe it’s foods from unique places you dream of, or the beauty that Europe offers, there is a city that fits just what you are looking for.
Visit one, visit a few, or plan an extended vacation and visit all five. There are so many things to do and see in Europe that no matter what you choose, you will have a unique travel experience.
Paris
The first of the best European cities to visit is Paris. It is the capital and largest city in France. A stylish, sophisticated, and romantic city, it boasts many sights to see, as well as some of Europe’s best shops and restaurants.
Located on the River Seine in the country’s north, Paris maintains much of its traditional architecture.
Filled with hidden squares, churches, cathedrals, and palaces mixing in well with more modern designs. Access to Paris is fairly simple by car, rail, or air. If you’re deciding to travel via an airplane, you can always make the flight extra special by taking a look into private jet cost per flight to make your trip that little more luxurious!
So many beautiful sights to see like these:
- Notre Dame – construction started in 1163 and was completed in 1345. Unique with its portals surrounded by his many sculptures and gargoyles that adorn the roof.
- Eiffel Tower – at 324 meters high and 1,665 steps to the top this is a sight to see for sure.
- Louvre – the most visited art museum in the world.
- Arc de Triomphe – built in the 19th century and the largest monument of its kind in the world.
- Disneyland Paris – did you know there is a Disney, in Paris. If you are a Disney lover you must check this out.
Those are just a few of the sights Paris has to offer. When choosing to visit, make a list of the must-see things, and if you finish that then research other fun attractions if you have time.
Rome
A vibrant city with timeless architecture and passionate culture, Rome is the largest city in Italy and also the capital.
Located on the Tiber and Aniene rivers near the Mediterranean Sea, Rome enjoys a warm, comfortable climate in which visitors can explore the city.
In addition to a rich history, Rome is also home to the Vatican City, a sovereign enclave within Rome, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the Pope.
Traveling around Rome is fairly easy on a network of trams, buses, and trains, although travel by car is not recommended.
While in Rome check out these sights:
- Colosseum – the largest amphitheater and was built during the Roman Empire. The Colosseum was inaugurated in 80 AD, it offered gladiator fights, executions, and animal hunts.
- Piazza Navona – a totally unique attraction that features three majestic fountains and surrounding mansions.
- St. Peter’s Square – also called Piazza San Pietro in Italian, is located in the Vatican at the feet of the Basilica. One of the most famous squares in the world.
- Sistine Chapel – designed by Michelangelo, is a must-see tourist attraction and is the greatest treasures of Vatican City.
- Catacombs – explore Rome’s various catacombs.
This list is just five great attractions but gives any Rome traveler a great start to really experience what Rome is. For an extra luxurious experience of Italy, click here for great villa options.
London
Our next of the best European cities to visit is London. One of the world’s major business and financial centers, London is also a cosmopolitan and energetic center for arts, culture, politics, and entertainment.
London’s population includes an extremely diverse range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and with over 300 languages being spoken it is the most linguistically diverse city in the world.
London also boasts a great number of important buildings and iconic landmarks, including world-famous museums, theatres, concert halls, galleries, and palaces.
Here are five I suggest putting on your must-see list:
- Hyde Park – the most famous park in London.
- Buckingham Palace – home to the British Royal family since 1837.
- London Eye – giant Ferris wheel that offers city-wide views.
- Westminster – the political hub of London Houses of Parliament and the world-famous Big Ben, the bell housed within the iconic clock tower, and it still chimes every hour.
- Tower Bridge – one of the most famous bascule bridges in the world, completed in 1894.
Absolutely no lack of sights to see with well over 50 attractions in London for those who have a good amount of time set aside to explore. If you have some more time, you can also tour Ireland which is an amazing country with breathtaking views and scenery.
Venice
Often referred to as the “city of canals“, Venice is the capital of the region of Veneto and of the province of Venice, in Northern Italy.
If water is your thing you will love this city that stretches across numerous small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea.
Venice has a very rich history and in previous centuries the Venetian Republic was a major sea power and a staging area for the Crusades.
During the Renaissance, Venice was a very important center of commerce and art.
As Europe’s largest car-free area, traveling around the city can only be done by boat or on foot.
Boasting many amazing attractions, check out these 5 for sure:
- Bridge of Sighs – in the heart of the city near the Piazza San Marco.
- Venetian Ghetto – filled with many synagogues, Jewish restaurants, delicious bakeries, and a museum.
- Campanile – take a ride to the top to see the whole city from the tallest building in all of Venice.
- St. Mark’s Square – known as the heart of Venice and a neat place to stand and take a panoramic picture to capture every attraction that surrounds you.
Don’t forget to feed the pigeons. - Rialto Bridge – great views while standing atop this bridge that spans the Grand Canal.
Filled with so much history, the most relaxing thing to do is catch a gondola ride and just let the water and sights give you a full Venice feel.
Barcelona
Being the capital city of Catalonia and the second-most populous city in Spain.
Located in the comarca of Barcelonès, along the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona benefits from a temperate Mediterranean climate.
Barcelona offers a range of tourist attractions:
- Sagrada Familia Church – located in the northern part of the city, with its 18 spindly towers soaring high above all the other buildings it is a can’t miss attraction.
- Barri Gòtic – the spiritual and secular center of the city.
- Casa Milà – also called the stone quarry, with unique curves and design it’s a must-see for everyone.
- Palau de la Música Catalana – a concert auditorium that is stunning inside and outside.
- The Magic Fountain – take in this choreographed light and fountain show.
Pack Your Bags
Now that you have a great list of the best European cities to visit, it’s time to pack your bags and make your plans. Have a budget to adhere to? You can easily travel on a budget and still enjoy it all.
