Looking for inspiration on where to go on your next visit? We’ve put together 15 tips for the most beautiful cities in Europe that we think are worth a visit. It also includes useful tips on how to get to the city, where to stay and what not to miss.
Europe harbours many cities that deserve to be on the list of the most beautiful cities. In this list we have included major or large cities that are well connected and special.
It’s a long list, but we tried to capture each city as it affected us, what made it different and why it was worth visiting.
The most beautiful cities in Europe
1. London
It’s been many years since I first visited London. And even then, I was completely charmed by him. A clean city with beautiful architecture, where every neighbourhood tells its own story.
You can go to London all the time and you’ll still have plenty to discover. From iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the Palace of Westminster, to vibrant markets such as Camden Town, Brick Lane and Borough Market.
London is dotted with lush parks, fantastic museums and interesting attractions such as the Greenwich cable car and Warner Bross Studios, where Harry Potter was filmed.
In London, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in the world and soak up the multicultural atmosphere that runs through the city.
Useful tips for visiting London
Get inspired by the best places to visit in London. The article includes practical information on admission fees, opening times and how to avoid queues. You’ll also find links to our articles on transport in London, how to save money, etc. so you can plan your trip quickly and easily.
London is huge and 1-2 days is not nearly enough time to visit it. For a basic introduction to the city, we have created an itinerary for 3 days in London. Got more time? Here’s an itinerary of where to go in London in 5 days.
London is very easy to reach from Prague – there are several direct flights daily. Less than 2 hours and you’re there. With a wide range of options, you can choose the ideal flight for your budget and preferred time.
Accommodation in London 😴
2. Barcelona
We move on to the sunny waterfront of Spain, where Barcelona is located. If you’re thinking about where to go for warmth, sea and sunshine, Barcelona is the obvious choice. The local winters are reminiscent of the Czech spring, while in summer you can get quite sweaty.
Barcelona is the city of the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudí. Who doesn’t know the majestic Sagrada Familia, whose facades depict the life of Jesus Christ and stained glass windows create a perfect colour palette.
The city is also dotted with other Gaudí buildings, such as Casa Vicens, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and the fabulous Park Güell in the hills above the centre of Barcelona.
Barcelona has great tapas bars, long sandy beaches and endless things to do, from taking the cable car over the city to strolling the medieval streets.
Useful tips for visiting Barcelona
For a list of the most beautiful places to visit, see our article on what to see in Barcelona. It includes practical information such as entrance fees, a map and links to other articles about Barcelona (transport, how to get from the airport, where to stay, etc.).
Barcelona, like London, is a big city with lots of options. To make it easier to plan your trip, we have written an itinerary for 3 days in Barcelona or where to go in Barcelona in 4 days.
Barcelona has direct connections to Prague even in low season, with several flights a day in high season. Just 2.5 hours and you can enjoy the sunny weather on the Spanish coast.
3. Copenhagen
Are you surprised that Copenhagen is on the list of the most beautiful cities in Europe? If you’ve visited Copenhagen before, you’ll understand why it has pride of place among the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Copenhagen doesn’t have the spectacular sights of Rome or Paris. But Copenhagen has something you won’t find in many cities in Europe – a relaxed, calm and laid-back atmosphere.
Here you can take long walks along the waterfront, enjoy a cinnamon snail and take in the stylish windows. Copenhagen is incredibly hygge, with great cafes where you feel like snuggling up against the cold wind.
This is where gastronomic trends are set, so even if you’re not captivated by the city itself (which you won’t be), the delicious cuisine is sure to win you over.
And if you’re going abroad for the first time, Copenhagen is absolutely ideal – everything works perfectly, the airport is only a few dozen minutes away by metro and the city is very compact.
Useful tips for visiting Copenhagen
Get inspired the most beautiful places in Copenhagen or plan your trip with our itinerary, what to see in Copenhagen in 3 days.
Copenhagen can be reached all year round with direct flights from Prague in less than an hour and a half. And often at very good prices.
4. Rome – the most beautiful city in Europe
Rome certainly can’t be missing from the list of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It’s crazy touristy, the streets are a mess and not everything works as it should, but when you look at the incredible architecture you forget all the negatives.
Explore ancient Rome, with its imposing Colosseum, beautifully preserved Trajan’s Markets and the Pantheon, the oldest continuously functioning church in the world. The narrow cobbled streets lead you to the Castel Sant’Angelo or the Trevi Fountain, where you can toss a coin for good luck.
Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, is located right in Rome and is very easy to reach. Admire the majestic St Peter’s Basilica dominating the open square and visit the Vatican Museums, which house magnificent paintings by Raphael and Michelangelo.
Useful tips for visiting Rome
We have written a lot about Rome. Here are some tips, things to see in Rome including useful information on entrance fees, opening times and links to other articles about the city.
Rome is full of monuments, museums and attractions. You would need at least a week to visit them. If you want to see the most beautiful places for which the city is famous, here is an itinerary for 3 days in Rome.
Rome is quick and easy to get to from Prague. There are several daily flights to choose from at very reasonable prices.
Hotels in Rome 😴
5. Budapest
Budapest is a beautiful city that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Gone are the days when you could enjoy sights like the Fisherman’s Bastion or the imposing Parliament with just a few others. Yet it’s still a city that has escaped the biggest crowds you’ll find in Rome or Barcelona.
And why is Budapest worth a visit? At the turn of 19. Budapest experienced a golden era in the 20th century, when it was one of the important centres of the monarchy in Austria-Hungary. As a reminder of that time, the monuments that were built at that time – the Parliament building, the Fisherman’s Bastion with Matthias Temple and Andrássy Avenue – remain today.
Wander the alleyways of the Jewish Quarter, visit the ruin bars, relax in the thermal baths and take an evening cruise on the Danube. Most importantly, try the local cuisine, because there are few places in Europe with as many great restaurants and cafés as Budapest.
Useful information for visiting Budapest
Get inspired the most beautiful places in Budapest , including a map and useful information.
The city is not as large as London or Barcelona. For the main points you will need a day or two, more days with a visit to the thermal baths. Here is the itinerary for 1 day in Budapest. In this article we have written where to go in Budapest in 2 days.
The advantage of Budapest is its accessibility. It is very easy to get here by bus or train, or by car. by car. If you prefer to fly, you’ll find several direct flights in the weeks between spring and autumn.
6. Lisbon
Lisbon is bursting with colour. It’s fun and colourful. Houses are decorated with tiles of different shapes, colours, motifs. A city of light that will entertain you with its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. It has a multicultural touch and the best scones with yolk cream Pastéis de Nata.
Even though it is not right by the sea and there are no bathing beaches, you will feel like you are on a sunny riviera by the sea thanks to the Tajo River. It winds along the banks to the local promenade, where you can sit on the steps and enjoy the view of the iconic Bridge 25th April with a statue of Jesus Christ above it.
After you’ve had your fill, head to one of the Miradouro viewpoints for more views. There are several of them and each offers such fantastic views that it is hard to pick the best one.
Useful tips for visiting Lisbon
Lisbon hides beautiful sights, interesting museums and unusual attractions. See the list of the most beautiful places in Lisbon.
The Portuguese capital is further away from Prague than other European cities. It takes 3.5 hours to get here by direct flight. You’ll find at least one direct flight a day all year round, and connecting flights in Zurich, Milan or Paris are also a good alternative.
7. Vienna
The city with the best cafes in the world. A city full of the grandeur of the Habsburg family and the true stories of emperors and empresses. A city as beautiful as Paris, but with smaller crowds. A historic, cosmopolitan and lively city. That’s what Vienna is like.
Visit world-famous museums and opulent palaces surrounded by colourful gardens. Enjoy a walk through the oldest zoo in the world, which was even named the most beautiful zoo in Europe. Or take a ride on the world’s oldest Russian bicycle, which has been here since the 19th century. century.
In addition, Vienna is home to a wide range of cultural attractions and activities, including some of the world’s most famous art galleries, a lively music and theatre scene and many international festivals. Over 450 annual balls are held here in a year alone.
Useful tips for visiting Vienna
Get inspired the most beautiful places to go in Vienna.
Vienna is not a city you get to know in a short time, although most visitors come here for a short trip. Just a visit to Schöbrunn Palace will set you back a whole day. Here is our itinerary for 3 days in Vienna to get to know the city and understand why it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
There are several daily bus and train lines to choose from, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Austrian capital in just a few hours.
8. Venice
Venice, Italy, a city with timeless charm, is famous for its intricate network of canals and bridges. Architectural gems such as the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Basilica, along with its rich history, attract tourists from all over the world.
And yes, it’s literally head to head in season. But if you go early in the morning or out of season, you’ll have Venice almost to yourself. It’s a beautiful city and it would be a shame to be put off visiting because of the crowds of tourists.
The local streets create a medieval labyrinth where you will get lost any moment. And actually, you won’t even mind. You will discover hidden corners and unique Venetian neighbourhoods. And the further you go, the more you’ll soak up the local atmosphere and taste Venetian specialities.
But it wouldn’t be a visit to Venice without a visit to the Doge’s Palace or St Mark’s Basilica. For the best view of the city, go up to the bell tower in Piazza San Marco. Or take a trip to the nearby islands of Burano and Murano, which are literally bursting with colour and have just the right sleepy atmosphere.
Useful tips for visiting Venice
Check out our tips on what to see in Venice. Or take inspiration from our itineraries to help you plan your trip – here’s an itinerary for 1 day in Venice And with more time, we’ve created an itinerary for 2 days in Venice.
Venice can be reached by air in less than an hour and a half. Venice is also easily accessible by car thanks to its location in northern Italy.
Hotels in Venice 😴
9. Amsterdam
Amsterdam enchanted me with its atmosphere. Friendly, warm and calm. You feel so good here that you don’t want to leave.
Romantic canals that surround houses like something out of a Gingerbread House, renowned museums and excellent cafés that often have long queues. These are just some of the reasons why Amsterdam is worth a visit.
The city is known for its liberal politics, legal marijuana and prostitution. On the other hand, it’s a city full of history, beautiful buildings, romantic canals and details that make you want to keep looking around.
Amsterdam, with its canals, is like Venice, but colder and windier. And with more greenery, which we lacked in Venice.
Useful tips for visiting Amsterdam
Looking for inspiration for interesting places? Here are tips on the best places to visit in Amsterdam. To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve put together an itinerary for 3 days in Amsterdam.
Like Copenhagen, Amsterdam is ideal for first-time travellers. Everything is perfectly labelled, easy to use and easily accessible. From the airport you are in the centre in 15 minutes. The town itself is compact and easily walkable.
By air, you can be in Amsterdam from Prague in 1.5 hours. In addition, you have several direct flights a day to choose from, as Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is an important international airport.
10. Paris – the most beautiful city in Europe
Paris, the city of love, where the Seine cuts its way through the monuments. When I think of Paris, I think of the winding streets of Montmartre, the world-famous art museums and the flowering gardens that are the perfect escape from the bustling centre.
History, culture and elegance literally radiate from every corner of the city. It is a city that will captivate even the most unromantic with its charm.
Narrow cobbled streets flow into wide avenues lined with luxury boutiques. Each square has its own bakery on the corner, where you can pop in for a French baguette or croissant and have breakfast on the banks of the Seine or in the park under the Eiffel Tower. In Paris, they just know how to do it.
Useful tips for visiting Paris
Paris is not just the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. There are so many places to visit that you could easily spend a whole month here. If you only have a few days, here is our itinerary for 3 days in Paris.
Or get inspired the most beautiful places in Paris including useful information on admission fees, maps and links to more articles on transport in the city, Disneyland, Versailles and how to enjoy your visit to Paris.
Getting to Paris is very easy. The city is served by 3 airports, so there are several direct flights from Prague every day throughout the year.
11. Madrid
At first glance, Madrid looks like Vienna. A clean, elegant city, with magnificent buildings and renowned museums that line lush parks and gardens.
But once you weave your way into the local neighbourhoods, you’ll feel a strong Spanish vibe. Vibrant squares, with narrow streets lined with Spanish flags, colourful planters and lots of greenery winding along ornate cornices.
In Madrid, don’t miss the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Almudena, a hilltop complex lined with gardens. Stroll along Plaza Mayor or Gran Vía and enjoy the sunset at the Debod Temple, an important Egyptian monument in Madrid.
Madrid may not have the beaches of Barcelona, but it charmed us even more. It still retains its authentic face while perfectly satisfying the demands of a tourist town.
Useful tips for visiting Madrid
Get inspired the most beautiful places in Madrid including useful information on admission fees, opening times and links to more articles about the Spanish capital.
The narrowest part of Madrid can be walked in one day, but that would be a shame as you only get a taste of a small part of the city. 3-4 days are ideal for getting to know the city better – here’s an itinerary for 3 days in Madrid.
Direct flights to Madrid are available from Prague all year round, with several flights a day in summer.
12. Prague
We can all probably agree that Prague cannot be missing from the list of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Few towns have such a perfectly preserved medieval core, which is a joy to explore.
Prague’s special charm is that it can transport you back in time through its cobbled streets and historic squares, while offering a contemporary, vibrant experience thanks to its thriving art scene and diverse cuisine.
Stroll along the Vltava River, climb Hradčany and enjoy the view from the towers, from the Petřín lookout tower to the Malostranská mostecká tower, each offering a view of the city that will never tire.
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to lush parks such as Stromovka, Rieger’s Sady or Grébovka. And don’t miss Vyšehrad, with its special charm and the beautiful Basilica of St. Peter and Paul.
Useful tips for visiting Prague
We have visited and written tips for 30 places to visit in Prague, where we have also included the most beautiful gardens and the best views in Prague.
According to surveys, 1.5 days is the average time tourists spend in Prague. During this time you can walk through the old town and visit Prague Castle. But you won’t miss Vyšehrad, beautiful parks and other places that make Prague Prague Prague. If you don’t have more time, here is the itinerary for 1 day in Prague. With more time, our article with tips on what to see in Prague in 2 days will help you plan .
13. Edinburgh
I visited Edinburgh a few years ago. I still remember how much I enjoyed the rawness of the city and the Scots in plaid kilts on the Royal Mile below the castle.
Edinburgh perfectly captures the atmosphere of the whole of Scotland. The fresh wind whips your face, you climb or descend downhill thanks to the undulating terrain here, and enjoy the places where the Middle Ages and the later Georgian period are imprinted.
Edinburgh was named the most beautiful and best city to visit in 2022 by Time Out magazine. That sounds like a good reason to visit the Scottish capital. What do you think?
And if you love Harry Potter, there’s nothing to worry about. After all, Edinburgh was the biggest inspiration for author JK Rowling.
Useful tips for visiting Edinburgh
Get inspired by Edinburgh’s most beautiful places. Lots of people go to Edinburgh for a day trip. However, in this time you can only visit Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile and dine in a traditional Scottish pub. I recommend at least 2-3 days to better explore the city.
What’s more, Edinburgh is the perfect base for exploring Scotland – there are plenty of attractions nearby or you can join an organised trip that takes place throughout the year. In the article above you will find useful information for the city and the whole of Scotland.
Edinburgh can be reached by several direct flights per week, or by. In the low season, there are direct flights to Glasgow, which is just an hour from Edinburgh by train or bus.
In addition to direct flights, you can also take advantage of connecting flights in London, which are a good alternative in terms of time and cost. You can also fly to Manchester and then take a direct train to Edinburgh.
14. Berlin
Looking at Berlin, you may have wondered what it does on the list of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Shouldn’t it be Munich or Dresden if we are talking about Germany?
Berlin is fun, chaotic and a bit dirty and ugly in places (like most big cities). But that’s the beauty of it. Because Berlin will entertain you.
I can think of no other city in Europe whose history is as brutal and glorious as Berlin’s. When you visit Berlin, you will feel it so much that it sometimes gives you the chills. It’s like an open-air museum that makes you think all the time.
Despite its history, marked mainly by World War II and the Cold War, Berlin has become a multicultural and vibrant city. Berlin is even considered a world centre for culture and creative industries.
Take a walk around the Spree River, which is lined with interesting modern architecture. Visit Museum Island with its cathedral and famous museums, the New Museum being one of the best I have ever visited. And end your day at Potsdamer Platz, where you’ll have a view of the city in the palm of your hand.
Useful tips for visiting Berlin
Looking for inspiration on what to see in the German capital? Here are our picks for the best places to see in Berlin. We’ve also put together an itinerary and route map of where to go in Berlin in 3 days.
Berlin is easily accessible by car, bus and train. In the articles above you will find all the information you need for transport to Berlin and in the city itself.
15. Florence – the most beautiful city in Europe
If Berlin surprised you on the list of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Florence will probably surprise few.
Florence is a romantic and lively place. The heart of Tuscany in Italy, a Renaissance city where the modern era began.
The whole city is literally an art museum and you don’t know where to look first. It is one of the most beautiful cities we have ever visited. And it’s not just us, because the whole centre of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery, a world-famous art museum with an exceptional collection of Italian Renaissance art, and climb to the top of the Duomo dome for a fantastic view of the city. Explore the historic centre and discover Florence’s most beautiful sites, including the Ponte Vecchio and the Accademia Gallery, which houses the Statue of David, one of Michelangelo’s most famous works.
Useful information for visiting Florence
Here are the most beautiful places, to see in Florence.
Florence is not big and you can walk through the old town in one day. But if you want to visit the art galleries, admire the Boboli or Bardini gardens and get a better feel for the city, set aside at least 2-3 days in Florence. In addition, Florence is very touristy and queues at some places are unavoidable, thus extending the time to explore the city.
Florence has its own airport, but a short runway, so not everyone can land here. In the spring to autumn season, you can take advantage of frequent flights to Pisa or Bologna. From both cities, Florence can be reached in 30-60 minutes by train.
A popular option is also a car, with which you can then explore the whole of Tuscany.
These were our picks for the most beautiful cities in Europe. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More tips on beautiful cities in Europe
SPAIN: Another city in Spain worth seeing is Valencia. With a well-preserved historic centre and a modern museum complex that is unlike anything you’ll see in Europe. After you’ve explored the town, you can spend time on one of the beautiful beaches in the area.
Or head further south to Malaga, a popular seaside resort with plenty of history and things to do nearby. In Andalusia, near Malaga, you can visit Seville, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, or Granada with its majestic Alhambra fortress.
SWEDEN: Stockholm is a royal city spread out over islands where you can sail freely by boat. It has a well-preserved historic core lined with colourful houses, lots of greenery and a royal palace that is one of the most magnificent palaces in Europe.
