12 of My Favorite Amazing European Cities
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that I’m more of a nature and small town gal than a city gal.
So when I travel I gravitate to destinations where I can be in the natural world or to small towns and villages.
But there are some cities I really like — even love.
So in this post I’m going to offer up some of my favorite European cities.
I’m going to also mention a few that I wasn’t as impressed with, but that I’m willing to give a second chance — because I believe in second chances.
First I want to mention the only criteria I had — other than spending at least one night in the city — is that each city must have a population of 100,000 or more.
So are you ready to check out my list of amazing European cities?
Good.
Because I’m ready to share it!
And yes, there are more Italian cities on here because, well, it’s Italy!
Paris, France
I love Paris!
It really is my favorite city — at least so far.
I love walking around it.
I love the architecture.
And I love the atmosphere.
It’s at once energetic yet has that, “let’s slow down and enjoy life” vibe.
The museums are fabulous, the cafes are wonderful and the history is amazing.
While I’m not a huge fan of French food, I do love French cheese and wine.
And who doesn’t love a good croissant?!
Strolling around the various neighborhoods and popping into shops or coming upon a wee little park is the best.
As a photographer I love it!
Notre Dame is gorgeous so I’m so happy it is reopening.
I’m also a huge fan of the Panthéon and I love the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie.
I’ve stayed in the Latin Quarter and in Le Marais and enjoyed both for different reasons.
I’d love to try St Germain on my next visit which I hope is soon.
And I’d definitely love to stay for a month.
That’s how much this non-city gal loves Paris.
*Sigh*
Just thinking about Paris makes me smile.
It’s really one of the most amazing European cities.
Florence, Italy
I recently visited Florence, Firenze in Italian, for the third time.
This is the Renaissance city — and it’s gorgeous!
It’s been a while but it’s as beautiful as ever.
Walking through this Italian city is really like walking through an open air museum.
On my first visit I simply walked around for the 2 days I was there photographing all the beauty — Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s dome, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Repubblica and on and on.
On my second visit to Florence I thought I better get inside a few museums but I failed to enter any of the churches. 🤦♀️
I simply love just being outside in the streets.
While I enjoyed both the Uffizi and the Accademia (where the magnificent David is) I think I got more of a kick out of the Galileo Museum with all its scientific artifacts.
On that second visit I also walked up to Piazzale Michelangelo with its fabulous views across the city.
This third visit got me into the Duomo — Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s dome.
And I took a cooking / pasta making class.
I stayed in the Oltrarno this time and LOVED it!
But there is so much I have yet to see.
Like Paris, I think I could spend an entire month in this city.
Florence is truly one of my favorite cities in Europe.
Verona, Italy
I have now been to this city 3 times.
On my first visit to Verona I spent 2 nights here — and I truly fell in love with this city in the Veneto region of Italy.
Verona is filled with incredible historical sites, gorgeous churches, beautiful piazzi, outstanding wine and food and little streets to get lost on.
The Arena is the most famous attraction.
In summer, you can see opera performances in this ancient amphitheater — something that is high on my “must experience” list.
I visited Verona for the first time in early-mid September and attended a concert of a well-known pop star, Laura Pausini.
It was so much fun to be in this ancient arena with all the Italians singing along.
Sites such as Torre dei Lamberti, Basilica di Sant’ Anastasia, Piazza Bra and Piazza dei Signori are all high on the must see list.
I’d also add in Giardino Giusti, Chiesa Santa Maria in Organo and Chiesa San Zeno.
And do be sure to wander down the smaller lanes as I’m sure you’ll stumble upon something to interest you.
This is another one of those European cities I could spend a month in — easily.
Vicenza, Italy
I have to admit I almost neglected to put this Italian city on my list.
I spent a few nights here and loved it so much I went back for another night in the same year.
Another city in the Veneto region, Vicenza is smaller than Verona.
But I absolutely love it.
Here’s why: it felt much more authentic and far less touristy than Venice, which is where I had come from.
All around me I heard Italian — not English or German or Chinese.
I saw Italians on bicycles.
I saw Italians greeting each other.
Then there is the whole Palladio architecture thing to admire.
So many beautiful buildings!
The old town of Vicenza is pretty compact so it’s easy to get around.
I highly recommend a couple of days in this under-visited European city.
You’ll love it!
Venice, Italy
So I just mentioned Venice.
And while I had some issues with too many damn people in my short 2 day stay, I still love this European city.
It’s unique and simply stunning.
During my time, I really just wandered about the streets, getting lost, ending up at dead ends, but loving the architecture.
I have all the photos to prove that!
My tip is to get up early and see the true Venice.
Watch the locals going off to work in the mornings.
See shopkeepers getting their deliveries and chatting it up with the guy or gal making those deliveries.
One morning I ran through the San Marco neighborhood including running through San Marco piazza.
It was quiet — and it’s my favorite memory of Venice.
Because when I returned to the piazza later that day, it was mobbed with people!
Venice is one of those European cities that many travelers have on their “must see” list so it suffers from over tourism.
So my advice is if you do go, try to go a bit out of season and do get out early in the morning.
York, England
To me, this is the best city in England.
I love York!
It’s just small enough to easily walk around to the main sites, yet large enough to have lots of amenities including a train station with loads of connections to other cities and towns.
The York Minster (cathedral) is a must as is a walk on the old city walls.
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter — and really, even if you’re not — you’ll want to wander through the Shambles which is a narrow lane with old buildings.
It’s very cool!
What I love about York is the diversity of things to do.
There is a gorgeous park, the Museum Gardens, which is loaded with plants and flowers to wander about.
You can attend Evensong at the York Minster.
If you’re into the railways then the National Railway Museum is a good choice.
There’s the JORVIK Viking Center.
Betty’s Tea Room is an iconic spot to experience the tea culture.
And there are pubs to have a pint or a cocktail.
York is definitely one of my favorite European cities.
Granada, Spain
This was my very first European city.
And it’s one of the cities that I most want to return to now that I’m a more experienced traveler.
For me the main draw is the Alhambra and it’s why I traveled here on that first European trip.
This is a stunning Moorish palace that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Do add the Generalife Gardens onto your tickets as these gardens are gorgeous!
I spent a bit of time wandering some of the streets — the Carrera del Darro and through the Albayzín which is the historical Arab quarter that is also a UNESCO site.
Since I only had 2 nights in Granada, I didn’t have time to do much else.
But there is a lot here outside of the spots I’ve already mentioned — the Granada Cathedral, the Palacio de la Madraza, some museums, lots of little streets with tapas bars and some incredible overlooks of the city (for my fellow photographers).
*Sigh*
I want to go back to Granada.
Seville, Spain
My second European city was Seville, Sevilla in Spanish.
This is another European city I would love to visit again as a more experienced traveler.
The Alcázar is one of the highlights for sure.
It’s a royal palace that started as a Moorish palace then went on to become the home to the Christian kings.
It’s not quite as grand as the Alhambra in Granada but it’s still incredibly impressive.
I’m sorry that I missed the Catedral de Sevilla — the grand cathedral.
It looks incredible and worthy of a couple of hours.
Next time!
I did, however, walk up the Giralda, the bell tower that is adjacent to the cathedral.
There are some wonderful views from it.
And I did visit Plaza de España which is a beautiful spot.
There is so much in this city in the Andalusia region — parks, churches, neighborhoods.
This European city is worthy of some time.
And needs another visit from yours truly.
Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s capital has to make it on my list.
While I really believe the countryside and the small towns of Ireland are the place to see the true Ireland, I do love Dublin for its history, its energy and for its people.
I have to admit that I tend to be with my friend so I do less touristy things in Dublin.
I do highly recommend spending time in St Stephens Green, the park in the heart of the city.
If you have a nice day, it’s a fabulous place to see the Irish out and about living daily life.
Grafton Street is nearby and is a hustle and bustle of locals and tourists alike with shops and cafes lining the pedestrian way.
I’m sure you’ll see buskers and musicians playing so stop and be entertained.
The Irish are definitely entertaining!
Trinity College is a must to see the Book of Kells and the Library.
Both are stunning!
On a recent visit I took an historical walking tour and went inside Dublin City Hall which I highly recommend.
It’s a beautiful building with statues of some important people from Irish history.
The tour finished at Dublin Castle which is a bit less castle like but is still cool.
The gardens around the castle are lovely!
I think the best thing to do in this European city is to wander some of the streets and pop into a cafe or a pub.
And Dublin is not too big so it’s an easy city to walk around.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
This European city is so charming.
It’s small and compact making it easy to get around on foot.
While there isn’t a ton in the way of sites, what Ljubljana has is a fun, social and hip vibe to it.
There are cafes and bars to sit at — outside along the river if weather permits — and have a tea or coffee or an adult beverage.
The castle up on the hill is worthy of some time as it’s quite interesting (get an audio guide)— plus the views of the city and to the mountains beyond are fantastic.
Do take a walking tour as you’ll learn a lot about the history of Slovenia and the city.
My favorite thing about Ljubljana — beside the fact that it’s just a very livable and lively city — is the Central Market.
The food here is fresh and local and it’s where the locals shop too.
So you really can live like a local in Ljubljana.
It’s definitely one of my favorite European cities.
Edinburgh, Scotland
I spent 2 nights here on my first visit in 2017 and was not overly impressed.
I know.
I hear you saying, “What? How could you not love Edinburgh?”
So many people love this European city.
But I had come from walking the West Highland Way and spending time after the walk in some of the stunning Scottish countryside.
It was just too busy for me.
So I decided I didn’t like it.
Fast forward to January 2022 (still in the midst of the pandemic) when I spent 5 nights in Edinburgh and…
I really enjoyed my time in the Scottish capital.
I visited the castle, toured the Royal Mile with Bo Fraser of Scotland Your Way, hiked up Arthur’s Seat, walked around Dean Village and along the Water of Leith and did the Scottish Whisky Experience tour and tasting.
Plus I wandered about Greyfriars Kirkyard and Grassmarket.
I’ve now stayed in Edinburgh a couple more nights and have warmed to it.
This is why it’s now on my favorite European cities list.
But I’ll still choose spending time in the rural landscapes and small towns of Scotland — or on one of the stunning islands over Edinburgh.
But I have to admit that I do now like the Scottish capital.
Strasbourg, France
One quick day trip to this city in France left me wanting more.
I really love Strasbourg.
I’d love to go back.
The mix of French and German in the architecture and the food is awesome.
I thoroughly enjoyed wandering the streets, popping into shops and churches and eating some tasty food.
Of course, my experience was enhanced by being with friends on this day trip.
We had a lot of fun.
The cathedral is amazing!
And of course, there are delicious wines to drink too.
Strasbourg is one of the European cities I would love to — and plan to — spend more time in.
Just beautiful!
European cities not on the list … yet
Rome, Italy
Because I only spent 1 very quick night here and had little time to explore in the late afternoon, Rome doesn’t make my list.
But I would love to go back as I think it will make my favorite European cities list.
While it’s much bigger and more chaotic than Florence, there is so much history in Rome and so many experiences to have.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Another city that I spent a quick night in is Belfast.
I was with my Irish friend and we were having a girl’s night with some of her friends.
We had a wonderful meal with drinks afterward, stayed in a very nice hotel and went to St George’s Market the next morning.
But I didn’t get to really see the city so it’s not on my list.
I would love to go back and spend a few days to experience more of the capital of Northern Ireland as I do think it would make my favorite European cities list.
London, England
I know so many people who love London.
I didn’t.
While I certainly didn’t hate it, it just seems so, so … overwhelming.
I liked a few things about it when I found some fun little small alleyways to wander down.
But it’s so big and so sprawling.
It’s way bigger than Paris, from a geographical standpoint.
However, I would go back and find the right neighborhood to stay in.
I did enjoy the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Gallery.
The cruise down the Thames to Greenwich was fab as was Greenwich itself.
In fact, that might have been my favorite spot in the London area.
I’ll go back for sure.
I’m not sure it will make it onto the list of favorite European cities, but I’m willing to at least give it another look.
Istanbul, Turkey
I’m torn over Istanbul.
There are some things I love so much about it, that it’s sort of on my list of favorite European cities.
Then it’s just so damn big and sprawling and filled with traffic that it’s not.
The Sultanahmet district is where some of the main sites such as the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya and Topkapi Palace are.
I love this area as it’s easy to walk around and experience a lot.
But it’s busy.
Istanbul is beautiful but it’s huge — and very crowded.
I spent 5 nights here and it was certainly worth it.
But that was plenty.
Big, bustling, crowded cities just aren’t my thing.
Milan, Italy
I visited Milan, Milano, for the first time way back in 2008.
It was a quick night just to catch the train to Paris the next day.
Admittedly, I didn’t think much of it.
It was a big city that didn’t seem to have a lot of character — at least at that time.
Fast forward to October 2024 when I spent 2 nights in this Italian city.
Again, I was catching a train, this time to Switzerland.
I decided to take a tour of the Milan Duomo — the magnificent cathedral.
And I have to admit, I’ve warmed up to Milan.
It’s not on my list of favorite European cities, but I’m wondering if I spend a wee bit more time here if it could be.
Milano does have a bit of charm.
Just a bit.
Munich, Germany
One of the most recent cities in Europe I visited is Munich, München, Germany.
And I know some of you are going to be disappointed it’s not on my favorite European cities list.
I just can’t quite put it there yet.
While it was okay, I just didn’t love it.
It was a bit too busy for me.
Now, granted, I was there over a weekend and a weekend that seem to have some sort of festival or celebration going on.
I did enjoy the Viktualienmarkt with all the tasty food.
And St Peter’s Church is beautiful and its tower is cool to go up to get the views.
The Marienplatz clock tower is okay.
I know.
Some of you are like, “What?”
Again, I think it was just the crowds for me.
I’m certainly willing to visit again and see if I feel the same way.
But after being in the Black Forest then the Bavarian Alps area, Munich was simply okay.
Geneva, Switzerland
I traveled to this international city in 2014 as I had a friend living there at the time.
The trip was more about seeing my friend and Switzerland in general than spending time in Geneva specifically.
And while I like Geneva, I just didn’t quite “connect” with this European city.
That’s why it’s not on my favorite list.
However,t here are things I really like about it.
Old Town Geneva is really lovely.
And the area along the lake with the gardens is beautiful.
So I liked it, but not enough to put it on my list.
I spent part of a day here recently and have to admit, I warmed up to it a bit more.
Mostly because of my friend and the lovely lunch we had.
And the fact that the public transportation system is amazing — in all of Switzerland.
Do I think you should go to Geneva if you have the chance?
YES!
It is worthy of some time for sure.
It just isn’t quite on my list of favorite European cities.
Final thoughts on my favorite European cities
So there is the list of my favorite cities.
And then those other cities I’ve traveled to but that left me not as impressed.
Again, I stress that I’m not a big city person.
I don’t mind a bit of time in the cities, but my happy place is in the landscape or seascape.
I’d love to hear about your favorite European cities.
Drop them in the comments below.
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What a fun post! I have beeen to several of the cities you list, although not all and I concur that they were fantastic. I particularly loved Seville, but would love to visit Granada. In Italy, MY favorite city is Rome. I loved Florence too. Venice was interesting in its uniqueness but way too crowded and touristy for my taste. I would add Split, Croatia to your list and Budapest, Hungary.
Both of those cities are on my list!
Italy is at the top of my bucket list, such a beautiful place to explore. I can’t wait to go and those pictures are so inspiring. I’m just waiting for Italy to open up.
Italy is definitely gorgeous with beautiful cities. And while I enjoy the cities, I will say the small towns and villages and the varied landscape are even better!
This list is great! I am very happy to see Granada on your list, it’s one of my favourites places too. I love the Alhambra and the vibe of the city. It has something about it. Also, York is an incredible city that I keep going back to all the time.
I’d love to visit Granada again and York again. Great cities!
Amazing list you’ve put together! I definitely agree with the Spanish cities you’ve chosen. Florence has been on my list for a while now so hopefully I can plan a trip soon!
I love Florence!
Great list! It’s easy to see that you love Italy…but I would love to visit (or re-visit) each and every one of your choices.
I’ve also spent more time in Italy. But the Italian cities are pretty special…
All of these spots are so beautiful! I’m happy to say I’ve visited a lot of these spots, but there are definitely still more to see. 🙂
There’s always more to see!
Those Italian cities are everything I dream about going to Europe for. We unfortunately had our trip canceled last year to Italy, so I get very excited to read about and see all the pictures!
While I do love the Italian cities, the villages and countryside are even better! So be sure you get a mix of both!!
I’m so happy to see York on your list! It’s such a beautiful city! I’m lucky to live less than an hour away and it is one of my favourite places to visit. I also love Paris and Dublin. I put off visiting Dublin for years because I didn’t think I’d like it but I visited with work and fell in love! Barcelona is another one of my absolute favourites. It’s a beautiful city! Thanks for sharing your favourite European cities!
I truly love York and have dreams of spending a week in the city then a couple of week in the countryside since I didn’t get to do that. But York just spoke to me. I hope to get back as my digital nomad life is becoming a reality. I love it. And you are lucky to live so close!
London has so much to offer. You’re right it’s not Paris, but I see that as a good thing! So much history, so many things to see. You could spend your whole life vacationing in London and hardly repeat yourself. As you can guess I love it there. Give the old girl another try!
I know others who also love London as you do, Chip. So I’m sure I’ll give it another try as I also missed some key sites. I did have a great walking tour though. I’ll go back for sure!