Discover the top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe to visit in 2025
Find out which of the top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe you can visit and plan your trip to have an unforgettable experience.
Are you ready to travel around Europe? If your answer is yes, then it’s time for you to know the list of the top 10 most beautiful cities to visit! Here, you’ll find famous cities such as Paris, Vienna, Rome, Budapest, Prague, Lisbon, and Athens, among others. So, plan your next trip and share your favorite photos and memories on social media!
But that’s not all. We’ll give you some suggestions and tips for your trip so you can plan your adventure in the best possible way while maximizing your experience in each of these cities!
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Top 10 most beautiful cities to visit in Europe in 2025
Let’s talk about the top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe, which we have selected according to opinions from our experienced travelers; who after considering their adventures and experiences have fallen in love with each one of these destinations!
Athens, Greece: Old history and modern experiences
Athens is known as the cradle of democracy, and it is also home to the first theaters in the world. Here, many of the modern sciences, including philosophy, were born, making it a destination that’s worth visiting in-depth.
All visits to classic Athens should include the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, two historical destinations with many Greek stories behind them. Also, during your visit, don’t hesitate to visit the Theater of Dionysus, the National Garden, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Delphi, and the Panathenaic Stadium, among others!
Paris, France: The city of lights
Paris is the city of love. Over 30 million tourists visit the city yearly, attracted by its magnificent monuments, streets full of history, and boulevards.
This city is not only one of the most important gastronomy capitals in the world but also a tourist destination that seduces visitors with its romantic atmosphere and luxury.
There are many things to do in Paris, such as visiting the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palace of Versailles, Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe are among the main attractions for tourists!
Vienna, Austria: Imperial elegance and musical culture
Vienna has many tourist attractions, such as museums, monuments, palaces, churches, cathedrals, beautiful parks, and other cultural attractions.
You can enjoy musical events, museum exhibitions, important shows from philharmonic orchestras, art festivals, and palaces with unique culture and architecture in the city.
During your trip, walk around the city’s major streets and make sure to visit places like the Schönbrunn Palace, Naschmarkt, St. Charles Church, Vienna Opera House, Mozart’s House, Anker Clock, and Hofburg Palace.
Rome, Italy: An open-air museum
Rome is located in the heart of Italy, and its attractiveness goes beyond its architectural wonders and ancient ruins. With over two thousand years of history, Rome attracts visitors worldwide and promises a trip that will take you back and forth through time.
Among the most important things to do and visit in Rome, you should add to your list the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums, Castel Sant’Angelo, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the thermal baths of Caracalla, and the city’s catacombs!
Budapest, Hungary: The pearl of the Danube
Visiting Budapest means you’ll enjoy different attractions. While relaxing in the thermal baths, navigating the Danube River, or hiking in the nearby hills, you’ll find your surroundings filled with historical castles and ancient wineries.
But that’s not all you can do in Budapest. Some things you can add to your travel itinerary include visiting the Parliament Building, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the State Opera, the Central Market, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Széchenyi Thermal Baths are destinations you can’t miss!
Prague, Czech Republic: A fairy tale in the heart of Europe
Walking around Prague’s historic streets is enough for travelers to fall in love with one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval capitals. The city’s essence remains unaltered, with monasteries, churches, goth and baroque palaces, museums, towers, modern houses, and ancient breweries awaiting visitors.
But Prague has more to visit, such as the Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Church, Jewish Quarter, Klementinum Library, Wenceslas Square, and the Powder Gate Tower. Still, there are more things to do in Prague than you think!
Lisbon, Portugal: A city full of color
Castles, palaces, and historical manor houses coexist close to modern museums and contemporary art galleries in Lisbon. The mixture of architectural styles never misses the contact with history, which creates the perfect mix for photographers and travelers visiting Lisbon.
The colorful baroque buildings of Portugal’s capital combine with classical, medieval, and gothic buildings to create a unique landscape. Lisbon is a breathtaking city, but in particular, don’t forget to visit the Castelo de São Jorge, National Pantheon, Tram 28, Alfama Square, Miradouro da Graça, Portas do Sol, and the Miradouro da Santa Luzia.
Copenhagen, Denmark: A stylish destination
Copenhagen is known as the city of contrasts. The historical castles and royal palaces reflect the importance of the Danish Monarchy while coexisting with the Freetown Christiania, a hippie neighborhood known for having its own rules.
While planning your trip to Copenhagen, make sure to add the Rosenborg Castle, Nyhavn Canal, Copenhangen’s Little Mermaid, Tivoli Gardens, Amalienborg Palace, Frederik’s Church and the Church of Our Savior to your list!
Stockholm, Sweden: The capital of the archipelago
Stockholm is one of the world’s most unique and beautiful cities. It is surrounded by 14 nearby islands, accessible by 50 bridges, and offers a unique combination of history and modernity in the same place. The city is also home to the Dramaten, where local legends like Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman were discovered, and the Royal Palace, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.
But that’s not all, as Stockholm has countless hidden gems to explore. Worth a mention are the Östermalmstorg Square, Djurgården Island, Gröna Lund Amusement Park, Nordic Museum, Vasa Museum, and the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and if you’re traveling in spring, the Kungsträdgården is a must-visit too!
Amsterdam, Netherlands: The Venice of the North
Amsterdam is known for being a multicultural, inclusive, and welcoming city. But if we look back at history, it’s no surprise that it was a city strictly connected to trade in past centuries, similar to the city of Antwerp.
Apart from the beautiful Amsterdam Canals, where you can take a boat ride, you should also visit Jordaan Square, the Houseboat Museum, Leidseplein Square, Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, the Flower Market, and the Red Light District.
Tips to embark on a trip to the most beautiful cities in Europe
With the most beautiful European cities in mind, let’s move on to some tips to help you have an unforgettable experience during your trip!
Research and planning
Before traveling, research and plan what your days will look like; it’s a better way to maximize your experiences.
- Identify must-visit attractions: Look for each city’s main attractions and hidden gems. That way, you can prepare a list of what you want to visit, including each visit’s priority.
- Create an itinerary: Plan your days to maximize your time in each city. Don’t forget to include a combination of popular attractions and local experiences.
- Always check opening hours: The perfect itinerary requires verifying information, so double-check opening hours and days to avoid wasting time on your trip.
Travel documents
Every traveler needs to have their documents updated, so check which ones you need for traveling around the most beautiful cities in Europe.
- Passport and visa: Make sure you have a valid passport, and check if you need a visa to enter any of the countries you plan to visit to prepare your trip in advance.
Note: EU citizens can travel around the Schengen Area only with their national ID, passport, or driver’s license. Still, make sure all these documents are valid before your trip.
- Travel insurance: Ensure you get travel insurance for your trip, as you might need it in case of sickness, cancellations, or lost luggage.
Note: Travelers can request the European Health Insurance Card, but this one is only available for EU citizens.
Transport
Transport on your trip is quite important, so take time to book everything and find the ideal way to move around cities.
- Book flights and train trips in advance: Secure your trip by booking in time for the best prices and availability.
- Local transportation: Find the most economical and useful transportation method in each city, such as train, bus, or tram. If possible, consider getting a transport pass to save some extra money.
Accommodation
Don’t wait until the last minute to find the ideal place to stay; Europe is full of travelers, so book your accommodation on time!
- Book your accommodation in advance: Popular European cities are always full of visitors, especially in the high season.
- Find a central place to stay: Book your accommodation near the places you want to visit or at least close to public transport stations. This will make moving around and visiting attractions easier without spending too much money.
Luggage
Preparing your luggage is an important part of your trip, so pack accordingly for what you plan to do and visit.
- Pack according to the season: Make sure you pack and dress according to the season. Europe can be pretty cold or hot, so keep this in mind when preparing your luggage.
- Comfy shoes: In Europe, you’ll walk a lot. So, make sure to pack some comfy shoes to avoid getting your feet hurt.
Embrace culture
Local culture differs in each European country, so take your time to embrace it as part of your experience.
- Learn basic native phrases: English is quite common in Europe, but learning some basic native phrases can add a plus to your trip.
- Respect local customs: Each destination will have different customs, so respect them for a better experience, especially when visiting religious and historical places.
Safety
While Europe is often a safe place, there’s one tip you’ll need for the whole trip.
- Keep an eye on your belongings: Always keep an eye on your stuff, especially when visiting busy tourist destinations, as pickpocketing is common.
Internet connection
Internet during your trip is a must. Whether you’re planning to use social media or use maps, you’ll need it while visiting Europe’s most beautiful cities.
- Mobile data for your trip: Whether you plan to use roaming with your local mobile carrier or take an alternative such as an eSIM, mobile data is a must for your trip. Based on pricing and features, the Holafly eSIM for Europe is the ideal solution for traveling throughout the European Union. It has unlimited data and data plans starting at $5.90 and daily prices reaching $1.54 USD/day for long-term travelers.
- Maps and travel apps: Download maps from Google Maps and use the best travel apps to find ideal attractions and local restaurants.
Local experience
Don’t let others tell you how the local experience is, and try it yourself in every city you visit.
- Try the local cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to try the unique dishes and drinks from every city you visit.
- Go to local festivals and events: Plan your trip based on local festivals or check the calendar to get to live and connect with the culture of each city you visit.
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FAQs about the most beautiful cities in Europe
According to our travelers and tourists, the most beautiful cities in Europe are Athens, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Budapest, Prague, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Amsterdam. These cities get thousands of visitors annually with the promise of unforgettable vacations.
Overall, the 10 cities we’ve mentioned are the most beautiful to visit. But the first five options will leave you breathless, that’s for sure.
Lisbon is the ideal destination for a short trip. You can enjoy its local cuisine and beautiful architecture even on a short trip
The first spot on the list is Paris, France, which is the most visited city in Europe.
London is considered one of the most modern cities in Europe while balancing modernity and historical tradition, which is easily seen in the buildings throughout the city.