When you’re trying to figure out the next city you should head to on your European expedition, well, you’re seriously spoilt for choice! You could send years trying to work your way around every large city on the continent, and you still wouldn’t be able to fully explore them and tick them off your list!
Of course, there are some which are more famous than others, and with good reason. That shouldn’t stop you from heading to the lesser known cities and checking out their hidden charms, but overall, the big hitters are out there for visitors to truly immerse themselves in, with some of the biggest named attractions, many of which are household names.
For your next European trip, check out these city suggestions, read up on the best attractions and see which ones call to you the most.
Paris
The city of love is beautiful, and it is worth a trip whether you are part of a couple or not! A city of fashion and food, glamour and sophistication, Paris is also full of cultural and historic monuments and attractions, such as the world famous Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum. Of course, shopping is amazing here, food is delicious, and night-life is seriously glam!
London
The epitome of Cool Britannia, London is also packed with landmarks to take in, such as Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace. You will need seriously comfortable walking shoes and a good knowledge of the Underground to get around, but you will also see some amazing sights, shop ‘til you drop, and experience that world famous London nightlife too.
Berlin
Berlin is steeped in sombre history, but it is also a vibrant and captivating city too. With the remnants of the Berlin Wall a major must visit, you can visit this city on a budget quite easily, because despite its large status, eating out and nightlife is surprisingly cheap! Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate are two other must visit places when you head to this German powerhouse city.
While there, visit Frankfurt. We used this guide here with a one day itinerary for Frankfurt.
Madrid
The capital of Spain is a wonderful city to visit, and a very upmarket and sophisticated choice too. The architecture is certainly very grand, which can be seen on the Royal Palace of Madrid, or you could choose to head to the Bernabeu Stadium, and enjoy a Real Madrid game! The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is a must visit for culture and history fans, and as with most cities, nightlife and shopping is out of this world.
Barcelona
This is one of the most iconic cities the world over, and with good reason. Visit Las Ramblas for gothic architecture and a Mediterranean pavement café vibe, however do beware of pickpockets in this part of the city. The gothic cathedral is a must visit, however do get there early in the day if you want to avoid queues! The Nou Camp is a must visit, as this stadium really does make your jaw drop, whether you catch a game or not. There are beaches a stone’s throw from the city centre, and plentiful accommodation on offer too.
Rome
If you’re looking for a city which is jam-packed with history, then they really don’t get much bigger than Rome! Close your eyes and you can hear times gone by, especially in places such as the Colosseum. Vatican City is a must visit, as well as the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and the Forum. Put simply, there is far too much to mention in Rome, and when you add in that amazing Italian food, you’re onto a real winner!
Istanbul
The melting pot of culture which sums up Istanbul makes this city a major must visit. This is the only city in the world which straddles two continents, with half in Europe, and half in Asia. Check out the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sofia, and the Blue Mosque as some of the city’s best and most beautiful attractions, as well as moving around the various neighbourhoods, such as Taksim, Besiktas, and Kadikoy, on the Asian side of the city, crossing over the Bosphorus, via a ferry.
These are just a few of the best cities to visit in Europe. You are not going to be able to see them all in one trip, unless you do some serious land covering, and plan your trip to perfection! The best trick is to pick one city on our list and then head there, spending enough time to really explore. You can’t say you have truly ‘been’ somewhere unless you have really explored it, not spent just one or two days there and having seen a few sights.
The huge landmass that makes up Europe is packed with cities to enjoy, and if you get to experience even only a handful, you are still very blessed indeed!
