51 Best European Cities (I Visited Every Country — These Are Worth It)

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been curious about the world around me. And then, I grew up and made it possible to explore as much of it as possible.

I am from Romania, and after many different holidays abroad and then some months as a digital nomad in different European countries, I decided to set a goal of visiting all European countries. 

While it might seem foolish to spend all that money and create elaborate travel itineraries all across the continent, I did, in fact, visit all countries in Europe. 

How to Choose the Best Cities in Europe

How to choose where to go in Europe?

Well, that is a personal question and something you have to figure out for yourself.

I advocate for unique travel experiences, and have always believed that we are all different and each individual requires a different experience.

Each one of us will feel more drawn towards a certain type of experience, and that comes down to the type of person you are.

First-time vs repeat travellers

The very first question I want you to ask yourself is this: “Is this my first time in Europe, or am I travelling to experience Europe’s more off-the-beaten path?”

If you are visiting Europe for the first time, you will indeed have a hard time choosing what to see first.

But please don’t stress yourself, and don’t plan for one of those holidays where you run around all day trying to post check-ins on social media from 5 museums and 4 cafes. I’m warning you about this because … Europe doesn’t work like that.

I wrote this fantastic guide about the perfect 2-week European itinerary if you’re visiting for the first time. In those itineraries, you’ll find some of the most popular cities in Europe (some call them the best ever, but I ask, “The best for whom?”).

If you are over that initial hype and you’re returning to visit more of Europe, then I urge you to choose smaller cities, areas that can carry you through customs and authenticity. And I think you will highly benefit from this list of the best European cities.

If you’re tired of crowded European cities, you might want to consider coastal regions like Brittany. Here’s whether it’s actually worth visiting.

Budget vs luxury traveller

Let’s be honest with ourselves and decide before this trip the kind of trip this actually is.

Having set a budget will allow us to know where to go in Europe (and most importantly, where NOT to go.)

Just to give some examples, I wouldn’t recommend Reykjavik, Zurich, Oslo or Copenhagen if budget is a concern. And not because these aren’t considered some of the best places to visit in Europe, but because you can get so much more value for your budget if you decide to spend your holiday in other places in Europe.

Seasons

I feel non-Europeans aren’t that aware of the seasons we have in Europe and how some places are best in visit in certain seasons but terrible destinations in other seasons.

I have stated this before, and I think the internet is starting to catch up with me: I would never visit anywhere on the Mediterranean coast during the European summer.

The European summer is simply too hot to even walk on a beach in that part of the world. What’s mind-blowing is that the European summer is when everyone seems to want to go to Greece, Italy, Spain and the Mediterranean islands.

That means it’s hot, crazy expensive, and overcrowded. And no, that’s not fun and definitely not the essence of Europe.

My general rule (without getting into more details) is to visit northern Europe during the summer and southern Europe in the winter.

I am a comfy girl, and that’s why I wrote this guide on where to go in Europe in winter to feel warm (hint: it’s Southern European places).

Regions

Europe is blessed with all sorts of landscapes and different climates (and even microclimates on smaller islands).

Even in the high season, choosing a certain region of a country might make the difference between mass tourism and slow travel.

In the end, the best place to visit in Europe is the one that makes your soul feel alive.

And that’s why, after visiting all these places and cities in Europe, I can give you a hint of what each one feels like and, hopefully, you can decide if that is something that sparks curiosity inside you.

How do I know all the best European cities?

Because I was there, there isn’t a single city on this list that I haven’t visited.

I’m still working on my blogs and videos, and they are slowly coming out, but it takes that long because I travelled too fast and wasn’t able to publish them all in real time.

Not just that, I went on long road trips and took numerous flights, buses and trains to make it where I couldn’t or wouldn’t drive, and then in November 2023, I reached my goal of seeing and exploring all countries in Europe. 

I might not have visited all European territories and islands, but I have seen thousands of cities, driven through tens of thousands of cities, towns and villages, and lived for more than one month in at least nine European countries. 

I try my best to document my travels on my Instagram and YouTube channels, but they’re almost always behind my travels. I have travelled for so long and, sometimes, so fast that my online friends don’t even know where I am at the moment. 

But I don’t want to make this about myself as the ultimate travel expert in Europe, but I want to use this hard-earned knowledge with anyone looking for travel advice. 

I created a list, my list, of the best European cities that you need to experience at least once.

I’m not saying these are the only places in Europe you need to visit or that this top cannot change. But if you’re looking for exciting places to tour in Europe, this list has you covered (and it provides a great place to start planning a trip to Europe).

But I have personally been to all of these cities (to some of them, I’ve been a bunch of times), and they are all worth a visit. I might not love them all, but that’s mostly because of my personal stories and experiences in that city. 

But, as I also mentioned in my 3-week Europe itinerary for first-time visitors, I can’t deny that these cities are worth planning for and sometimes, spending a bit more to get there. 

And if you’re driving, I believe that many of these destinations can easily be connected during a Europe road trip across the continent.

Without further ado, here is my list of the best 51 European cities you need to visit and experience at least once. 

Best Cities to Visit in Europe for First-Time Visitors

1. Paris, France

Most first-time travellers to Europe choose Paris as one of their top destinations. I can’t blame them, as Paris is a centre of European culture and it offers so much, on so many different levels. 

Go visit Paris to see its art, museums, culture, food, and events. I should be on your list. But my only recommendation is that you should also try to visit other parts of France because France is not just Paris. I’ve visited Normandy and Brittany in June and July, and I think I found some of my new favourite regions in Europe.

As for Paris, if you are reading this, please do yourself a favour and check my personal guide for visiting the Louvre Museum to optimise your time (and save your energy).

2. Rome, Italy

This might be my favourite city in the world. While it is always busy and roamed by tourists, it’s charming to a degree that other places can only dream of. The old saying “all roads lead to Rome” is used for a reason.

Sure, Rome is busy and touristy, but wow, is it beautiful and worth it. 

3. London, United Kingdom

A travel and modern cultural centre of the world, London is a place you cannot skip. Here’s an efficient 2-day London itinerary for your first visit.

However, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in Europe, so I strongly advise that you carefully plan your visit. Because I want you to make the most out of it. London offers so much, it’s hard to choose what to do first and where to go or even stay. 

Ah, if you can splurge, make your time in London memorable by staying at one of these hotels in London with the most gorgeous views.

4. Barcelona, Spain

If there were a top of the most colourful cities of Europe, Barcelona would make it to the top three.

It wouldn’t be in the first place because of its Gothic quarter, which is unique and gorgeous, but has a certain greyness to it. 

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Judging by the crowds, Amsterdam is the capital of Europe.

Poor Van Gogh didn’t make it while he was alive, but he sure made Amsterdam famous, and the Van Gogh Museum must be the hardest museum to get into on the entire continent. I think only the Vatican and the Louvre can beat it at this point. 

6. Venice, Italy

Imagine a city like no other, where asphalt streets are taken out, and water canals replace them.

Instead of cars, we drive boats (and ride boat buses). It has museums and all kinds of attractions, and when you get bored, you visit nearby islands, which are also small villages.

Venice is colourful and exotic, and like every other city in Europe that has water canals, it uses its name as a nickname. That’s a status no other city has yet achieved in Europe. 

7. Prague, Czech Republic

It’s hard to describe one of the most beautiful cities in the world using just a few sentences.

I still haven’t met a traveller who can say that Prague isn’t one of the prettiest European cities. Because it is. In fact, most of the big travel bloggers who are still blogging today moved or want to move to Prague.

Its history, location, and architecture will charm you like you can’t imagine.

I know many expats who fell in love with Prague and decided to make it their home city. And for a traveller, that’s not something you can easily decide. 

Check my Prague 3-day itinerary for more inspo.

8. Vienna, Austria

While many European itineraries choose not to include Vienna, I strongly encourage you to visit the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

There’s architecture like no other that influenced half of the continent (mostly the Eastern half). 

I also mentioned Vienna in my 3-week European itinerary because it has the perfect location if you want to visit multiple places in Europe. 

9. Budapest, Hungary

Not a lot of tourists visited Budapest until a few years ago, but now Budapest is present in all European institutions and charts.

It’s gorgeous beyond explanation, and it offers some fresh locations for those already tired of the same European trips between Paris and Rome. 

Best European cities for returning travellers

10. Florence, Italy

It’s almost impossible to capture the magic of Florence in just a few words.

Florence is easily one of the top cities in Europe.

However, I need to warn you that Florence is also overly touristy.

So I would advise you to visit it in spring or late autumn.

But I can’t blame any of the tourists. It’s the kind of place that art lovers, food lovers, and hopeless romantics dream about—and then come back to over and over again.

There’s something about the light, the pace, the way history surrounds you at every turn. For a city this small, it has an impact that stays with you forever.

11. Lisbon, Portugal

Once a heaven for digital nomads, Lisbon still offers so much to visitors, although it now has the rank of a top city in Europe.

I visited Lisbon twice, and I can say my two experiences were completely different because I chose to visit different parts of it.

As with other overly touristy cities on this list, I wouldn’t recommend going to Lisbon during the summer.

I visited in March and then in May, and both visits were nice in terms of temperature and acceptable tourist crowds.

I recommend spending at least 3 days in Lisbon, but you won’t be bored if you stay for even a week.

12. Athens, Greece

The capital of the former Hellenic empire has a lot to offer, and it’s, of course, home to one of the most famous ruins ever, the Acropolis.

It looks just like in the photos, but it’s a popular spot, and it’s often very crowded.

However, there are many other spots that deserve a visit in Athens, and one is the Acropolis Museum, which is a new museum, and I visited it last time I was there.

I spent a week in Athens some years ago, and I can’t wait to go back and see everything else that I missed.

Also, did you know that Athens is where democracy was invented? Yeah, I wrote more fun facts about Athens here.

13. Stockholm, Sweden

Before visiting Stockholm for the first time, I had heard people say it’s such a boring city.

But then I woke up one day and decided to spend my entire summer in and around Stockholm (I already confessed I love the Nordic culture).

And after 2 months in and around Stockholm, all I can say is that I would never say no to another trip to Stockholm.

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, and generally, it has a different vibe than the rest of the country (I did an entire road trip crossing Sweden from north to south during which I made another prolonged stop in Stockholm).

Of course, I wrote a guide on things to do in Stockholm.

The Nordics are distinct people, but the ones who win at that game are always the Swedes. From personal experience, don’t try to make a gift to a Swede, because you will mess his or her entire world.

But Stockholm is also where everything happens; it’s the New York equivalent of Northern Europe.

If money were no object, and if Sweden weren’t such a communist country, I would move to Stockholm.

14. Munich, Germany

I know many will dislike the rigid lifestyle of Bavaria, but Munich is popular with many central and southern European travellers. I’ve been there more than a few times, and I loved the atmosphere, the beer gardens, and the cute streets of the city.

The city has many cute streets and lots of historical sites to offer. I’d recommend booking a guided tour to get a better sense of the city, and then you can go explore on your own. As always, my favourite part was the palace (Munich Residence) because I love European palaces so much and I cannot resist them.

Check out my guide for the coolest places in Munich.

Best Coastal European cities

15. Dubrovnik, Croatia

I did a longer trip around the Balkans, and this Croatia road trip was a big part of it.

Definitely, you need to add Dubrovnik to your list of cities to visit in Europe.

16. Valletta, Malta

La Valletta is the capital city of Malta. This rather small island in the Mediterranean Sea is charming, and I loved it so much during my first visit there that I decided I wanted to move there. And that’s why I visited Malta the second time, in only a span of a few months, looking for a job.

Fortunately for my blog, I didn’t get a job in Malta back then. But I still dream about it, and I still see many people asking on the internet how they can move to Malta.

I’ll admit that some visited Malta and didn’t particularly like it, but as it is with all destinations, not all places are for everyone.

I honestly think La Valletta and Malta in general are easy to get around and offer so much. I particularly like it because it is a great warm destination in Europe during winter, and that’s also the best time to visit it (or any other of the southern destinations in Europe). It’s got history, architecture and good and warm vibes.

Check out my guide about visiting Malta in winter.

17. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is literally a hidden gem on the Balkan road trip that I highly suggest to anyone who loves road trips in Europe. It’s much more authentic than most of the other destinations in Southern Europe (and has unexpectedly good food).

I visited Kotor during my road trip in the area, and I wish I had more time to explore it in depth, but I can tell you for sure, this city in Europe offers good vibes and very friendly locals.

18. Nice, France

France has many gorgeous cities, but Nice is one that many people love returning to. I believe Nice and the entire Azure coastline is a dream destination in Europe, and you have to avoid it like the plague during the summer months. But if you visit during shoulder season, you’ll love it.

I stayed in this small and cute Airbnb in Nice and walked all those old streets, climbed up the viewpoint and took the train to Monaco twice. Nice is one of the easiest and most well-rounded destinations on this entire European cities list, as it offers a beach, multiple towns and cities to visit as day trips, and the entire area is well-connected through public transport. You have gorgeous architecture and lots of cultural sites. But don’t go there during July or August.

Most Underrated Cities in Europe

19. Reykjavik, Iceland

Some say Reykjavik is boring and overrated, but I see it differently.

After staying in Reykjavik for over 5 weeks (during the summer, of course), I saw different parts of it, and as someone inspired by Nordic culture, Reykjavik made an impression on me.

I wrote many guides for visiting Iceland, including this guide for things to do in Reykjavik, which I know you will enjoy if you make it there.

20. San Marino, San Marino

I like visiting smaller places, more off-the-beaten-path destinations. That’s not to say San Marino doesn’t get tourists, because it does.

But San Marino is so much more manageable than a lot of other places, and it’s a perfect day trip if you’re around this part of Italy.

When I said I visited all countries in Europe, I truly meant it. I visited even the micro-states of Europe, and San Marino is one of the oldest republics we have around (it was founded in 301 A.D.).

Here’s my detailed guide on things to do in San Marino.

21. Tallinn, Estonia

The hidden gem of the Baltics is not so hidden anymore, as everyone simply falls in love with Tallinn, and that’s because of its well-preserved old town. You can still see the fortress walls, enjoy a guided tour, or even do a day trip to Helsinki by boat.

I still believe that Tallinn is underrated, although it does get its fair share of tourists these days.

I visited Tallinn a bunch of times, and each time I tend to enjoy it more than I did before. Last time I had more fredom to explore the creative quarter of Tallinn, and you can see how that looks like in my Tallinn video on Youtube.

22. Riga, Latvia

Riga is honestly one of my favourite cities in Europe.

You’ll see many social media influencers call it a hidden gem or underrated, but when I visited it for the first time during my Baltic road trip in 2019, I was truly blown away.

I’d pick Riga any day for a month-long digital nomad trip or a city break that offers architecture, culture, good food and shopping.

Locals are always so friendly, and the climate is much better than what we get these days in central and eastern Europe.

23. Krakow, Poland

I wanted to visit Krakow for the longest time, and after driving a few times through Poland (in some of my longer European road trips), I decided to stop for a day, and my mind was blown away. The first time I did was a guided tour of Krakow, which turned out to be a WW2 tour, but I guess this is the epicentre for that.

I have been wanting to go back ever since, because I feel there are more stories to explore, and I truly enjoyed the architecture and friendliness of the local people. And Polish food is so so good.

24. Ljubljana, Slovenia

If anyone asks me about an underrated capital, I think Ljubljana is the first one that comes to mind. The views are gorgeous, you have this beautiful old centre, and then you can walk all the way up to the fortress. I simply love cities with fortresses, and luckily, European cities have a lot.

The food is also great (and the gelato), and that’s all thanks to their Italian neighbour, who also influenced the area quite a lot. It’s like you’re in Italy but without being in Italy.

25. Pula, Croatia

Some Europeans laugh about this city in Croatia because in different European languages the name is funny (reffers to a private part of the male). But this was the first of the bigger cities I visited on my road trip in Croatia, and I was blown away by its amphitheatre (one of the best preserved in the world).

Unlike Italy, these smaller cities on the other side of the Adriatic Sea are more relaxed, have fewer tourists (I visited in May) and are far easier to explore and admire.

Just to give you an idea of how easy this was, I parked right across the street from that famous amphitheatre, which is not something you can say about the Colosseum in Rome. Ok, it’s not the same, but visiting Pule for at least a day is definitely worth it.

26. Lviv, Ukraine

During my first longer international trips, I visited Ukraine, and I fell in love with it.

It was before the war in Ukraine, and I truly believe that Lviv deserves a few days of exploration. It’s clearly a more open city, as it features four different churches right in the centre of the city.

The place is vibing with good energy and all sorts of people, great food and lots of fun. There’s much for you to see, and if you ever get bored, you can rent a car and explore the surrounding castles near Lviv.

27. Gothenburg, Sweden

Not many see how much Sweden has to offer, but after visiting Gothenburg for the Way Out West festival in 2022, I fell in love with it. I was in Sweden for a long time and explored the southern part of the country extensively.

In a way, I wish Gothenburg had stayed the same, because it is cool, like an undiscovered combination of Stockholm and Berlin. Like many Scandinavian cities, this one too was made for living and enjoying a more peaceful life, but there’s something for everyone there.

There’s also the Liseberg amusement park, which many Norwegians claim to be one of the best in Scandinavia, even better than Gröna Lund in Stockholm (which I personally love so much).

28. Brasov, Romania

You’ll say I am biased, but I cannot ignore Romania and the beautiful cities it offers. As a Romanian, I’ve always thought of Brașov as the default destination for a holiday near the mountains.

But it’s more than that. Brasov has so many stories to share, such gorgeous historic buildings, and you’ll feel like a couple of days is not enough.

I visited Brasov more times than I can count, so here are my top things to do in Brasov. And of course, don’t miss the sunset from the Tampa mountain, which you can easily climb from the centre of the city.

29. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is almost too pretty to be real, which is also its problem. In summer, it’s completely overwhelmed by day trippers from Brussels. Visit in November or February, and you’ll have the canals almost to yourself. It’s small enough to walk entirely in one day but charming enough to justify two.

If you’re deciding between Ghent and Bruges, I spent a night in each and wrote an honest comparison here — they suit very different types of travellers.

30. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This is a history-heavy destination in Europe, and I believe history enthusiasts will love exploring it. right in the heart of the city, you’ll first the exact spot where it all started. The spot where the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was shot by Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914.

It’s easily one of the most memorable spots on the entire continent, and makes you realise the importance of everyday actions. The city offers so much more, including a very modern cable car ride to the Trebevic viewpoint.

31. Faro, Portugal

I’ve visited Faro a lot during my time as a nomad in the Algarve, and I think I now understand all the Brits who decided to buy houses around.

But what’s not to like about Faro? There, the wild nature, gorgeous deserted island and nature reservation, you can even see flamingos during winter. The food is always on point, and you’ll never get bored with the area if you rent a car.

I wrote all about my time in the area, including what the best places in the Algarve are, and I strongly suggest you visit in March/April.

Best European cities for nightlife

32. Berlin, Germany

If multiculturalism were a feature of cities from around the world, then Berlin would be its capital.

A few decades ago, Berlin was the place to visit if budget was a concern.

However, I can’t really say that Berlin is a cheap city. Sure, it’s definitely more affordable than other Northern German cities (like Hamburg), but it’s not the budget-friendly, broke-artist-welcoming centre it used to be.

But Berlin is still one of the coolest cities to visit in Europe.

It might be just one city, but it’s packed with cultures from all around the globe. You only need to take this self-guided walking tour in Berlin to understand what I’m talking about.

33. Sofia, Bulgaria

The capital of Bulgaria isn’t a hidden gem to digital nomads from all over the world, but you might still not be aware that Eastern Europe hides such beautiful and affordable cities.

As a Romanian, I was never taught that our neighbours have such beautiful cities and places, but as a traveller, I found that I love visiting Bulgaria and I go there with every chance I get.

I even wrote a Bulgaria road trip itinerary, which is perfect if you’re planning your first visit to this country, and of course, it includes Sofia and all there is to do around it.

34. Belgrade, Serbia

Ok, Belgrade is one of the best places to visit in Europe if you are looking for a crazy night out. The nightlife in Serbia is at a different level, and many are just learning that about Belgrade.

I was blown away by all the bars, restaurants and clubs that I discovered during my first trip to Belgrade some years ago. But there’s more to it than the nightlife. There’s a great fortress by the Danube which is free to visit and so much more.

35. Porto, Portugal

Porto is one of those cities that sneaks up on you. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, but the combination of the colourful tiled buildings stacked on the hillside, the Douro River running through it, and the general laid-back vibe of the people made it hard to leave.

It’s smaller and more manageable than Lisbon, and honestly, I think that works in its favour. You can walk most of it, get lost in the Ribeira district, and then reward yourself with a glass of port wine right where it’s made — in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river.

Like most Portuguese cities, avoid it in July and August. But in spring or autumn, Porto might just be the most charming city in all of Southern Europe.

Check out my Portugal itinerary to see how I integrated Porto into a longer trip.

36. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, my hometown, is the gateway to Romania and home to the second-heaviest building in the world.

Many think my hometown is a bit boring, but if I add up all the things you can do in Bucharest and include a few day trips from there, I have to disagree. Dracula’s Castle can be visited on a day trip from Bucharest, and then in the evening, relax at one of the largest spas in southeastern Europe, Therme.

The food is genuinely good, we have lots of culture to offer, and most locals speak English. I still believe Bucharest is an underrated city in Europe, and there will be so much growth from this point forward.

Best Northern European Cities

37. Bergen, Norway

I admit, Bergen has gotten a bit touristy, and I think the main culprit is the cruises that stop there on a daily basis. Locals complain that the fish market is now run by foreigners who charge inflated prices for everyday fish.

But if you are aware of the tourist traps, you’ll get a glimpse of the Nordic lifestyle and explore the “birthplace” of black metal. Right next to the city is the stave church that was burnt down by one of the members of a Norwegian black metal band (Varg Vikernes of the band Burzum), who then used the photo of the place for his EP.

The church you see today is a replica of the church he burnt, and fans from all over the world come to this place and see it as some sort of altar of the Black Metal fandom.

I know this isn’t your typical tourist destination, but I promise there are fortresses and museums and nice parts of the city as well. It’s just that my partner is a huge music geek and makes me go to all these weird places, and that’s how I know. If you’ve been following my vlogs, I’m talking about Edi, and he is a music reviewer at Alt77.com.

38. Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg is another Nordic city where the chances of rain are higher, but if you visit during the summer, you might get lucky and actually enjoy a stroll in the city. I love Hamburg and admire the fancy part of it. The port area has a certain charm and melancholy that I cannot really express in words, but you can also get a fish sandwich to fill in that gap if needed.

Then a stop at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg at sunset is one of the best urban scenes a city can offer. A true wonder of modern architecture, and it’s all free. I’ve never been inside, though, so I must do that next time I go to Hamburg. The Speicherstadt is the world’s largest warehouse district, and it gives you an idea of how big and important these water trades were and still are to the modern economy.

39. Belfast, Northern Ireland

I hope you think of the Titanic when anyone reminds you of the city of Belfast. A rather quiet city, with a timid style that serves fish and chips wherever you go. I visited Belfast brifly on my way to Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

I think I am a bit biased because I seem to prefer Nordic cities. But what’s left to do after you’ve tried all distractions, if not to revisit history and contemplate it?

40. Dublin, Ireland

Of course, I cannot leave Dublin out of it. I know people complain about it a lot, but I loved it.

It rained a lot during my visits to Dublin, but that’s a known fact. If not, I’m telling you now that Nordic cities tend to have more rain. But if you’re like me and stay away from the sun anyway, you won’t mind it that much. Also, these places are built for rain, so it will only feel normal. But if you love beer and pubs, there’s no better spot for you than Dublin.

Best European cities for shopping

41. Copenhagen, Denmark

I first visited Copenhagen years ago, when I was doing my voluntary Erasmus+ service (look it up if you’re European), and I remember the shock I was in when I realised how expensive it all was.

I know it will be crazy expensive, but back then, there weren’t mobile apps to show you your bank account balance. But I was there with friends, stayed at a friend’s, and rapidly found out the budget things to do in Copenhagen.

And more importantly, how to survive on a budget there.

But years later, I made it back, and this time I was more prepared.

And I did all the things a tourist does in Copenhagen. And this is my guide for the things to do in Copenhagen.

And, just as during my first visit, I fell in love with Copenhagen. Except that this time, I was hungry all the time, and I could take the train and even visit the surrounding area.

Again, this is a lovely visit if you want to explore more of the Nordic culture, as each Nordic capital offers a very different vibe.

42. Milan, Italy

Milan, or the world capital of Fashion, is oversaturated with tourists, but I think it’s still worth a spot. And it is the gateway to Lake Como and other beautiful areas around.

The Duomo in Milan is worth the trip, and the view from the rooftop is worth it. Like, when are you going to walk on a rooftop of a church ever again? You won’t, trust me, because I’ve been to all the big churches and cathedrals in europe and some will let you go up the tower, but that’s it.

And you have all the shopping here, it’s heaven for shopping addicts. Better yet, maybe don’t go to Milan if you have a problem with shopping.

Best European cities for Culture

43. Seville, Spain

Spain is the promised land; everyone wants to go there all the time. Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a marvellous city, and you will love every corner of it. The palace is gorgeous; you can spend an entire day inside. Then you have the cathedral and the museums. The food is so so good, and you can then relax with a glass of sangria.

Honestly, I understand why every single European has a secret dream of selling everything they own and moving anywhere in Spain.

Meanwhile, I have this guide on how to spend 2 days in Seville. I think it’s a good start.

44. Istanbul, Turkey

After visiting Istanbul a bunch of times, I can still find new places to explore each time I visit.

Last time I visited, I went with my mum, bought the Istanbul Tourist Pass, and we still haven’t done all the touristy stuff.

Istanbul is such a huge city, a real metropolis, and one that deserves multiple visits.

I love Turkish people, and they are always friendly, although this is such a touristy city.

Locals are always eager to help, the food is always over the top, even at local eateries, and you could never be bored.

However, Istanbul can be overwhelming.

That’s why I urge you to make a plan for your visit, before you get there, so that you don’t waste any time and make the most out of your visit.

45. Valencia, Spain

As with the other Spanish cities, Valencia did not disappoint. If anything, it left me a bit confused because as I was walking on the streets, I found myself near the roundabout, and all these people were going in, and I decided to follow them, only to discover that they still have live bullfights inside.

It was like I was watching National Geographic, and honestly, I couldn’t stay for too long because that’s not for me. But they have other attractions as well, including the world-famous Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, which has that recognisable architecture and is so photogenic.

Please go inside those Catholic churches because you will be amazed. Also, don’t eat the oranges on the street.

46. Split, Croatia

If I were to choose one overly touristic city on this entire list, it would be Split. But it’s for good reason. It’s in Split that cruises stop, sailing trips start and where remarkable Roman buildings still stand (like Diocletian’s Palace).

I’m not really for crowded places, but Split is still worth the trip, is gorgous, and if you plan your trip right, you can enjoy a perfect holiday by the Adriatic coastline in Croatia. Check out my 7-day Croatia itinerary to check out the other cool stops on this coastline.

47. St. Petersburg, Russia

Here’s a controversial one, but I believe that Saint Petersburg is Europe’s cultural capital. That’s it.

There’s no denying that Russia has offered some of the most iconic writers and artists, and there’s a lot to be admired in Saint Petersburg. I truly hope the war ends so that the world starts visiting Russia once again and sees that art knows no borders and has no grudges.

Both the Winter Palace (The Hermitage Museum) and the Peterhof (summer palace) are gorgeous and deserve a visit. Note that these are massive museums, and you should reserve a day for each.

I wrote a guide on visiting Saint Petersburg in Russia.

48. Moscow, Russia

I will continue with this heresy of featuring russian cities on my list, but I cannot deny that the Kremlin deserves a visit from anyone who considers themselves a traveller and a culture aficionado. Also, if you go to Russia for one of these places, you should include the other one as well.

Moscow looks cold and uninviting, and there are a lot of things that are different compared to the rest of Europe. But if you have never seen a communist city and you admire Russian cinematography, I think it goes without saying that Russia’s capital is a must-see, and you will not get to explore such places anywhere else on Earth.

Even the ride on the metro is an adventure, as Moscow has the deepest metro system in the world. Yes, it takes a while to get down. But most of the metro stations are gorgeous, like a true museum gallery. You have to see it to understand it.

I wrote a guide on what it’s like to visit Russia for the first time. I hope this helps.

Best European Cities for food

49. Bologna, Italy

On my first trip to Bologna, I was not aware that I would not be eating such delicious pasta again anytime soon. The food, the wine, the people in queues for the best food in the food market, the constant swarm around, it all tells you that you have arrived in food heaven, and you should not leave.

Luckily, Italy will delight you with great food everywhere you go, but remember that each region specialises in something different, so for tortellini and homemade pasta, you must visit Bologna.

50. Tbilisi, Georgia

Not many see the Caucasus as part of Europe, but I do. Tbilisi was an unexpected surprise, and I loved exploring it. I even got a haircut in Tbilisi, as I was travelling so much at that time.

The Mtatsminda Park offers some of the best views over the city, and also the Narikala Fortress and the statue of Mother Georgia have great views over the city.

I think this city is still very much underrated, as most tourists are Russian-speaking from neighbouring countries. I found it funny how the souvenir shops were selling magnets with Stalin (he was born in Georgia). There are lots of little quirks and things, including cultural and culinary, that make this place special and remarkable.

I think Georgia deserves a visit if you’re over the overly touristic European cities and want a more authentic vibe. I wrote a guide on travelling to Tbilisi for the first time, and you can get a better idea about what I’m talking about from that.

51. Baku, Azerbaijan

I am going to be very honest and say that I did not expect Baku to be such a modern and badass city. I loved it, it’s a mix of Paris and some Nordic city, the architecture is very pleasant and makes the entire city very walkable.

I did some tours in and around the city, and they did not disappoint. I wrote all about things to know when visiting Baku for the first time, and I think you are missing out if you’re not visiting Baku during your next trip in the area.