Europe, a continent rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, consistently awes travelers. From serene islands to hidden gems, Europe offers endless exploration. Its diverse attractions are a major draw, with iconic cities like Florence, Venice, Paris, and London topping many travel wish lists. Winter adds a unique charm to Europe’s urban landscapes, making it a year-round destination.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Europe is unparalleled. The Scottish Highlands, the majestic Alps, Provence’s idyllic villages, and the Adriatic and Aegean coasts showcase a stunning range of natural scenery. While popular destinations face tourism challenges, thoughtful planning ensures an unforgettable European journey. Here are 33 of the best cities to visit in Europe in 2025, offering a blend of iconic landmarks and unique experiences.
Tower Bridge and modern buildings in London
1. London, UK: A City of Endless Exploration
London, a city that constantly reinvents itself, offers a lifetime of discovery. Spanning the Thames, its historic districts and lush parks are home to royal palaces, grand cathedrals, and world-class museums and galleries. Add to this a vibrant theater scene, diverse culinary experiences, renowned sports venues, and exceptional shopping, and you’ll find it hard to leave.
To truly experience London, delve into its distinctive neighborhoods, from Shoreditch’s trendy clubs to Notting Hill’s picturesque streets. Extend your visit with day trips to the New Forest’s natural beauty, Bath’s Roman heritage, or Brighton’s creative vibe. London is a city that rewards deeper exploration.
2. Venice, Italy: Embrace the Serenity of Winter Canals
Venice in winter, with its crisp, sunny days and fewer crowds, reveals a unique and magical ambiance. Lose yourself in Dorsoduro’s quiet alleys, where history whispers around every corner. Explore artistic masterpieces at the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, showcasing Italian and European art legends.
Venice faces challenges from overtourism, emphasizing the need for responsible travel. Consider extending your stay beyond a day trip, perhaps encouraged by the new entry fee for day visitors, to more fully appreciate this extraordinary and delicate city.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris
3. Paris, France: The City of Light Beckons
Initially intended as a temporary marvel for the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower has become the quintessential symbol of Paris. The City of Light is a dream destination, offering legendary cuisine, captivating nightlife, and a vast array of museums, galleries, and markets.
Spend days exploring Paris’s diverse arrondissements, each with its unique character. Venture beyond the city on day trips to Monet’s inspiring garden at Giverny or the regal Palace of Versailles. Paris promises an unforgettable journey, no matter how you choose to explore.
4. Rome, Italy: Where Ancient History Meets Modern Life
From the iconic Colosseum to the ancient Roman Forum and the historic Via Appia Antica, Rome’s ancient ruins are profoundly moving. Two millennia ago, Rome stood as the heart of a vast empire, a stage for gladiatorial contests and imperial grandeur. Today, these sites evoke a haunting sense of history, inviting contemplation amidst the cobbled paths.
Yet, Rome is also vibrantly modern. Discover chic boutiques with Italian handbags and jewelry, enjoy aperitivo with locals at stylish bars, or explore the urban art in Ostiense and San Lorenzo. In this city of layers, new treasures are always waiting to be uncovered.
Street art in Berlin
5. Berlin, Germany: A City Reborn
Nearly four decades after the Berlin Wall’s fall, Berlin stands as a testament to transformation, a cosmopolitan city that once marked a Cold War frontier. Echoes of its divided past linger at the Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery’s Berlin Wall remnants, and the DDR Museum. These sites offer essential insights into Germany’s capital’s evolution. Beyond history, Berlin pulsates with modern energy, evident in its legendary club culture, unique independent shops, and trendy neighborhoods.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Walk the Walls of History
Dubrovnik’s claim to fame is its magnificent city wall, among the world’s most impressive. Encircling marble streets and ornate buildings, these 13th to 16th-century walls are remarkably preserved. Sunset views over terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea are breathtaking, painting unforgettable panoramas.
The city’s role in “Game of Thrones” has surged tourism, but Dubrovnik retains its authentic charm. Explore beyond the well-trodden paths to discover the city’s true essence and quieter corners outside the Old Town.
Prague Old Town Square
7. Prague, Czechia: Medieval Charm and Modern Vibrancy
Prague, the Czech capital, is a captivating blend of allure and dynamism. Parts of the city retain a medieval atmosphere, with winding cobblestone streets, baroque architecture, and elegant bridges.
Prague Castle, a sprawling 1000-year-old fortress, is a highlight – the world’s largest ancient castle complex. While the Old Town offers iconic sights, venture into other neighborhoods to discover hidden gems and the city’s best culinary experiences.
8. Vienna, Austria: Imperial Grandeur and Musical Heritage
Vienna’s Hofburg Palace transports you to the age of empires. Explore imperial treasures, witness the Spanish Riding School’s ballet, and tour Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth’s chandelier-lit apartments. This palace, a legacy of the Habsburg Empire, rivals the Schönbrunn Palace and the baroque Belvedere Palace, all set amidst stunning gardens.
Amsterdam Canals at Dusk
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands: A City Defined by Water
Amsterdam’s deep connection to water is undeniable. Stroll along canals lined with houseboats or take a canal tour to appreciate the city from a unique perspective. Admire the architectural details adorning Amsterdam’s famous bridges and note inviting canalside cafes for later visits.
Effortless navigation makes Amsterdam perfect for exploring diverse neighborhoods and culinary hotspots. While Amsterdam offers many attractions, sometimes the best experiences are found in slowing down and soaking in the city’s unique atmosphere.
10. Budapest, Hungary: The Pearl of the Danube
Budapest, straddling the Danube, is arguably Eastern Europe’s most beautiful city. With the Buda Hills to the west and the Great Plain to the east, it boasts parks, stunning architecture, museums, thermal baths, and vibrant nightlife. Danube cruises and historic thermal baths add to Budapest’s allure.
Barcelona's Sagrada Família
11. Barcelona, Spain: Gaudí’s Masterpiece and Catalan Culture
Barcelona is celebrated for its Modernista architecture, notably Antoni Gaudí’s creations. His masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, remains a work in progress, blending Gothic and experimental styles. It’s a modern wonder, even in its incomplete state.
Barcelona offers more than just architecture, with tapas bars, art museums, historic neighborhoods, and beautiful beaches. Be mindful of tourism impacts and explore responsibly to appreciate the Catalan capital fully.
12. Lisbon, Portugal: Alfama’s Soulful Streets
Lisbon’s Alfama district, with its maze-like alleys and hidden courtyards, is a magical place to lose yourself in Lisbon’s essence. Discover small grocers, tiled buildings, and views of rooftops leading to the Tagus River. Enjoy local taverns, the aroma of grilled sardines, and the soulful sounds of fado, all while savoring Portuguese port wine.
Scottish Highlands Road Trip
13. The Scottish Highlands: Awe-Inspiring Landscapes
The Scottish Highlands offer breathtaking views, whether explored on foot, by rail, or by car. From Royal Deeside’s charm to Glen Coe’s majesty and Loch Ness’s mystery, the landscapes inspire awe. Castles, hiking trails, and Highland hospitality in pubs and hotels create lasting memories in Scotland’s unforgettable region.
14. Dublin, Ireland: Literary History and Lively Pubs
Dublin blends literary and historical landmarks with vibrant pub culture. Explore St Stephen’s Green, Kilmainham Gaol, and Trinity College, each steeped in history. Dublin’s pubs are legendary, perfect for enjoying a pint and Irish camaraderie. Visit the Guinness brewery for a true Dublin experience.
Sunset in Florence
15. Florence and Tuscany, Italy: Renaissance Art and Rolling Hills
Tuscany’s rolling hills, vineyards, and golden light embody Italy’s allure. Hilltop towns, stunning scenery, and exceptional food and wine define this region. Tuscany offers one of Europe’s greatest pleasures. Explore Chianti’s wines and Siena’s historic Piazza del Campo.
Florence, or Firenze, boasts UNESCO-recognized art concentrations. Packed with museums, churches, and Renaissance streets, Florence is iconic, yet often crowded. Plan your visit for the best times to avoid peak tourism.
16. Copenhagen, Denmark: Scandinavian Cool and Design
Copenhagen epitomizes Scandinavian style, with a thriving design scene, Michelin-starred dining, hip cafes, stylish bars, and chic boutiques. World-class museums, galleries, and a historic harbor complete the perfect Scandinavian city break. While known for being pricey, Copenhagen offers budget-friendly options and free activities, like soaking up the city’s atmosphere.
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
17. Andalucía, Spain: Moorish Heritage and Spanish Soul
Andalucía, once al-Andalus, is rich with architecture from eight centuries of Islamic rule and subsequent Spanish history. Granada, Córdoba, and Seville are highlights of this culturally rich region. Granada’s Alhambra is a near-perfect example of Islamic architecture and a signature Spanish monument.
18. Ruins of Pompeii, Italy: A City Frozen in Time
Pompeii’s ruins, near Naples, offer a journey 2000 years into the past. Wander Roman streets, villas, bathhouses, markets, and theaters, all preserved by volcanic ash. The eerie silence and looming Vesuvius prompt reflection on the city’s final hours. Ongoing excavations continually reveal new insights into life in 79 CE.
Rainbow Street in Reykjavik
19. Reykjavík, Iceland: Quirky Capital of the North
Reykjavík, home to over half of Iceland’s population, is a city of quirky character and creativity. Despite its northern location, it boasts captivating art, rich cuisine, energetic nightlife, and a thriving music scene. Explore Viking history and use Reykjavík as a base for Iceland’s natural wonders.
Provence Hilltop Village
20. Provence, France: French Countryside Dreams
Provence embodies the French lifestyle ideal: fantastic food, wines, markets, and balmy evenings. Its villages have long been popular for those seeking a rustic, dreamy escape. Visit the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque with its lavender fields or enjoy café culture in Aix-en-Provence. Good living is always on the menu in Provence.
21. Swiss Alps, Switzerland: Mountain Majesty
The Swiss Alps, iconic on chocolate wrappers, are even more magical in person. The Matterhorn, the most famous peak, dominates Zermatt. Admire it from a café, hike alpine trails, or ski with the Matterhorn as your backdrop.
Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul
22. Istanbul, Türkiye: Crossroads of Civilizations
Istanbul, once capital of Byzantine and Ottoman empires, is a global city and ancient crossroads. Historic sites cluster in Sultanahmet – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar – and Süleymaniye Mosque crowns Eminönü hill. Explore diverse neighborhoods like Kadıköy or antique shops in Fener and Balat. Istanbul is also a gateway to day trips to Thrace’s wine region or Black Sea villages.
23. Athens, Greece: Ancient Wonders and Modern Delights
Greece is filled with ancient monuments, but Athens showcases the most iconic. The Acropolis, with the Parthenon and Theatre of Dionysos, embodies ancient Greek glory. Other ruins and museums enrich this vibrant city. Complement Athens’ historical wonders with its culinary scene, beaches, and nearby islands and hiking trails. Be aware of summer heat, which can affect site visits.
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria
24. Schloss Neuschwanstein, Germany: A Fairytale Castle Come to Life
Schloss Neuschwanstein in Bavaria appears straight from a fairytale. Its turrets, walls, and setting make it iconic – the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella castle. Near Füssen on the Romantic Road, it’s a perfect stop on a German road trip.
25. Greek Islands, Greece: Island Hopping Adventures
The Greek Islands are captivating, offering beaches, seas, history, and nightlife. While islands like Santorini and Mykonos face overtourism, many others offer quieter experiences. Explore the Ionian or Dodecanese Islands for unique island adventures. Plan your island hopping to find your perfect Greek island escape.
Ring of Kerry Family Beach
26. Ring of Kerry, Ireland: Ireland in a Circuit
The Ring of Kerry encapsulates Ireland’s essence in a 179km route. Wild landscapes, isolated beaches, ruined fortresses, and windswept mountains define this unique Irish journey.
27. Oslo, Norway: Contemporary Style and Viking History
Oslo strives to be Europe’s style capital, with the Opera House resembling an iceberg, public art, and museums from Viking history to modern Norway. Oslo is a destination in itself, not just a fjord gateway.
Stockholm Rooftop View in Winter
28. Stockholm, Sweden: Nordic Star on the Water
Stockholm, spread across 14 islands, is a stunning capital. It blends creativity, history, woodlands, and clean waterways. From Gamla Stan to progressive design, fashion, and food scenes, Stockholm offers a lesson in style. Museums and galleries showcase Viking treasures to contemporary art. Wintertime brings a fairytale magic to Stockholm’s snow-dusted buildings.
29. Tallinn, Estonia: Medieval Town with Modern Flair
Tallinn is both lively and peaceful, photogenic, and full of attractions – ancient churches, medieval streets, and merchant houses. Great food and culture add to its appeal. Tallinn balances its UNESCO-listed Old Town charm with modern developments, offering top restaurants and hotels, making it a seamless tourist destination.
Our Lady of the Rocks, Montenegro
30. Montenegro: Mediterranean Magic, Undiscovered
Montenegro offers Croatian-like beaches, Swiss Alps-like peaks, Colorado-like canyons, and Venetian-style palazzi in a compact Mediterranean setting. It’s a magical place with wild herbs, conifers, and blossoms perfuming the air. Venture beyond the coast to the northern mountains for untouched wilderness.
31. Bruges, Belgium: Fairy-Tale Medieval Town
Bruges is the epitome of a medieval town, with cobblestone lanes, canals, squares, towers, and churches. Popular year-round, visit midweek in winter (except Christmas) to avoid crowds and enjoy illuminated night views.
Reindeer in Lapland Winter
32. Lapland, Finland: Arctic Magic and Northern Lights
Lapland holds an intangible Arctic magic. Midnight sun, Sámi culture, aurora borealis, and reindeer define Finnish Lapland. Santa Claus resides here, near Rovaniemi, a gateway to the north. Lapland’s vast wilderness offers space, clean air, and big skies for exploration by foot, skis, or snowmobile.
33. The Albanian Riviera: Mediterranean’s Last Frontier
The Albanian Riviera, once a backpacker secret, is developing, but still offers opportunities for quieter beaches. While some beaches are busy in summer, patience can lead to discovering the empty shores that once defined this region.
Crowded Italian Beach
When is the Best Season to Visit Europe?
Europe’s vast terrain means the best time to visit varies. Consider your destination and tolerance for heat, cold, and crowds.
Summer in Europe
July and August are peak season, especially in France, Italy, Spain, and Greece. Mediterranean summers can be extremely hot, even causing closures at attractions like the Athens Acropolis. Southern France is crowded, and many businesses in France and even Paris close in August for local vacations. Northern Europe, like Scandinavia, is ideal in summer with long days and outdoor activities under the midnight sun. Summer is the most expensive season, so book accommodations early.
Spring and Autumn in Europe
Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are excellent times to visit. Fewer crowds and milder temperatures prevail, although Easter and spring school holidays can cause localized congestion. Italy remains busy year-round. These seasons are ideal for European escapes.
Winter in Europe
Winter brings skiers to the Alps and Christmas markets to cities. However, some summer destinations, like Greek islands, may have closures. For winter sun, consider the Balearic Islands, Canaries, and Malta.
French Alps Skiing
Can I Visit Multiple Countries in Europe During My Trip?
Europe is ideal for multi-country trips, thanks to land borders and efficient transport. Generations of travelers have explored Europe by road, rail, and bicycle. Travel duration and desired pace determine how much you can see. Europe is well-connected by rail, including night trains, offering eco-friendly travel. The Eurostar links continental Europe to Great Britain.
Be aware of Schengen Area rules, allowing 90-day visits within 180 days for visa holders. EU passport holders enjoy unrestricted travel.
