Published 21st Nov. 2024
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Europe’s cities have shaped the world in myriad ways, from the birth of political democracy in Athens to the rise of Enlightenment in Paris. However, this rich history is only a fraction of its charm – these urban areas are also undeniably beautiful. With over 800 cities across the continent, deciding which wins the prize for the prettiest is a long-debated subject; the most beautiful cities in Europe range from sangria-infused Seville to the fjord-framed Alesund. And while we can’t whittle it down to one, our Europe travel experts have picked ten of the best to add to your bucket list…
Italy boasts an abundance of pretty cities; however, Florence is an obvious addition to our list of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Overflowing with Renaissance art, the city’s Italian beauty is bound to mesmerise with its charming cobble-stoned streets and intricate architecture, while equal amounts of splendour are to be found inside its many art galleries and frescoed chapels.
Discover more of the most beautiful cities in Italy.
What makes Romania such a captivating country is how different it is from the rest of Europe – and Brasov, its storybook city, perfectly captures that charm. Kate, our Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist for Romania, says that it’s the ‘colourful ramshackle houses, laid-back locals and traditional guesthouses which make for a truly original and authentic stay’, all of which you’ll have no issue finding in Brasov.
As Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto has all of the Iberian Peninsula’s personality without the added pressure of being its capital. The city’s archaic medieval walls are adorned with beautiful street art in the form of azulejos (hand-painted tiles), and the enchanting historic centre lends itself to being explored on foot. Porto is also a delight for the tastebuds, with treats like pastel de natas (custard tarts) and Francesinha (cheese-topped ham and steak sandwich) up for grabs.
Paris is considered one of the prettiest European cities for very good reason. The fashionable French capital is aptly nicknamed the ‘City of Love’ and sometimes the ‘City of Light’, thanks to its romantic tree-lined boulevards and luminescent landmarks. It’s safe to say that Paris boasts a certain je ne sais quoi which has long seduced travellers.
Discover our list of the most beautiful cities in France.
Istanbul’s beauty can be found in its landmarks’ impressive exteriors and equally mesmerising mosaiced interiors. The most iconic is undoubtedly the Byzantine Hagia Sophia (now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site), which features a magnificent dome adorned with breathtaking mosaics dating back to the sixth century. Like most Turkish cities, it also buzzes with busy bazaars, where you’ll find intricately woven carpets and fragrant spices.
Seville seduces with its marvellous mix of Mudejar architecture, Gothic cathedrals and flamboyant flamenco clubs. The charismatic capital of Andalucia is an excellent introduction to this well-loved Spanish region; master the art of flamenco at an intimate bar or indulge in authentic sangria and tapas in a picturesque plaza surrounded by the buzz of city life.
Discover more of the most beautiful cities in Spain.
Known by locals as the ‘beauty on the water’, Stockholm spans 14 islands connected by a network of over 50 bridges. The Scandinavian nations are renowned for their impeccable sense of style, and the Swedish capital is no exception; Stockholm’s historic centre of Gamla Stan resembles something out of a storybook, while contemporary touches infuse the city with a dynamic and modern feel.
Discover the best cities in Sweden.
Encased by a ribbon of historic city walls built in the ninth century, Croatia’s Dubrovnik is a maze of ancient brick buildings with ochre-hued rooftops. Equally enchanting is the nearby forested island of Lokrum (a ten-minute ferry ride from the city), filled with olive and pine trees and famed for being a prominent backdrop in the television show Game of Thrones. After all, you can’t reach the big screen without being one of the prettiest European cities.
Cradled between long-standing favourites Croatia and Italy, Slovenia is often overlooked as a holiday destination – but it’s about time it had its moment in the sunshine. Ljubljana, the country’s capital, is a delightful patchwork of hilltop castles, baroque architecture and cobbled town squares, often likened to a pocket-sized Prague. It’s also a stone’s throw from Lake Bled, a breathtakingly beautiful body of water surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Rounding off our list of the most beautiful cities in Europe is the peaceful coastal city of Alesund. Less well-known than some of Norway’s other urban areas, this verdant archipelago rises from the Atlantic like a scene from a fairy tale. Its iconic Art Nouveau buildings were built after a devasting fire in 1904, their colourful facades soon becoming the city’s defining feature. But that’s not all – framed by fjords and mountains, Alesund is a dream for photographers, nature lovers and anyone looking for a pretty Norwegian paradise.
Written by Luisa Watts.
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