Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
Almost every meter of European lands is imbued with the spirit of antiquity and boasts unique places: cultural, historical, natural. Any traveler in his dreams strives to visit the most beautiful of them. Some European cities have such unique landscapes, architecture and even history that it would be a sin to miss the chance to visit them. Here are ten of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
A tourist's dream or top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe
| Nomination | a place | Town | rating |
| Rating of the most beautiful cities in Europe | 1 | Paris, France | 5.0 |
| 2 | Budapest, Hungary | 4.9 | |
| 3 | Prague, Czech Republic | 4.8 | |
| 4 | Venice, Italy | 4.7 | |
| 5 | Bern, Switzerland | 4.6 | |
| 6 | Barcelona, Spain | 4.5 | |
| 7 | Istanbul, Turkey | 4.4 | |
| 8 | Rome, Italy | 4.3 | |
| 9 | Innsbruck, Austria | 4.2 | |
| 10 | Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic | 4.1 |
Paris, France
Rating: 5.0
The most romantic and one of the most beautiful on the planet – Paris – the embodiment of elegance and luxury. It is the most visited city in the world: more than 50 million tourists come here every year. This is not surprising at all, because the ancient French capital can boast not only of 2000 years of history, but also an endless amount of factual evidence of this. Even 2 trips will not be enough to get acquainted with all its memorable places and unique sights. Paris is truly unique.
Paris is a comfortable cruise on the Seine, a picnic at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, admiring the unique architecture of the ancient and world famous Notre Dame Cathedral, acquaintance with the masterpieces of the Louvre – one of the largest and most visited art museums in the world: in 2018 the number of the doors of tourists exceeded 10 million.
Interesting fact. Partly thanks to Paris, the so-called 'Paris syndrome' appeared in the world – a mental disorder caused by the figurative discrepancy between the real city and the French capital, shown in films and literature. It often manifests itself in the Japanese.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous symbols of Paris today, and at one time it was the subject of heated debate. It was planned to demolish it 20 years after its construction. But first, radio antennas appeared there, and then crowds of tourists began to visit the attraction and all conversations died down at once. By the way, many famous personalities of their era once signed a petition that the tower disfigures the city's appearance. Among them were Alexandre Dumas, Charles Garnier and Guy de Maupassant.
It is noteworthy that the number of Paris in the world is not limited to one. Of course, we are talking about copies of a beautiful city built in other countries, including Russia – the Chelyabinsk region also has its own Paris.
Budapest, Hungary
Rating: 4.9
Founded in the days of the Roman Empire, the current Hungarian capital has been actively increasing the pace of development over the past few decades. In ancient times, this city was the administrative center – Aquincum, renamed Obuda. After some time, it merged with two other settlements – Pest and Buda. The result of this union over time was the formation of the modern name of the city – Budapest.
The insanely beautiful city, which has absorbed many cultural and historical monuments, deserves multiple visits. It is the only European capital that is also a resort. Here is the largest bath complex in Europe – the Széchenyi Bath. It is represented by 18 pools (3 of which are external), filled directly from mineral springs. This is a huge hydropathic establishment that receives patients from all over the world.
Interesting fact. Tram routes in Budapest are real record holders: they are officially considered the busiest on the planet. During rush hour, the carriages arrive at the stop with an interval of 1.5 minutes.
On the territory of Budapest there are not only many ancient historical buildings, but also a unique object of its kind – Vajdahunyad Castle – a whole architectural complex, presented in the form of a 'collection' of 20 buildings from all over the country. It was built to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarians' return to their homeland. Among them is the famous castle from Transylvania. Initially, the complex was wooden, but over time it acquired a stone form.
Prague, Czech Republic
Rating: 4.8
The magical Czech capital every year attracts millions of travelers enchanted by its beauty to its doorstep. Quiet cobbled streets, mysterious and harsh Gothic architecture, luxurious facades of Baroque buildings, bright red roofs of houses – all this has become a real symbol of the ancient (founded in 880 AD) and, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe .
Guests of the city have access to many different kinds of entertainment, as well as a lot of educational and aesthetically luxurious excursions: a walk along the Charles Bridge, a trip along the Vltava River, acquaintance with a whole series of ancient Gothic castles, as well as the opportunity to enjoy excellent Czech cuisine.
Member of the UNESCO World Heritage List, the 'city of towers' – the Czech capital charges everyone with an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. The amazing combination of ancient architecture and the spirit of modernity makes Prague a must-see on the tourist route for any traveler.
The city has managed to preserve its recognizable appearance thanks to a series of laws designed to preserve its appearance. So, the installation of satellite dishes on the roofs of houses is prohibited here, as well as the installation of modern PVC windows instead of classic wooden ones.
Interesting fact. It is in Prague that the very house is located where, according to legend, the famous warlock Faust lived. Numerous excursions are regularly organized here.
One of the most unusual and eye-catching modern buildings in Prague can compete with the famous works of the Spaniard Gaudi. It's about the 'Dancing House'. This is a two-tower complex, fancifully curved, as if in some kind of dance. As conceived by the architect, it symbolizes a dancing couple.
Venice, Italy
Rating: 4.7
Graceful and unforgettable – Venice is a city of hundreds of bridges, dotted with numerous canals instead of traditional streets. Well, where else can you find a Venetian-like atmosphere? The ancient Italian city is a real open-air museum. There are many valuable architectural objects, museums, beautiful buildings: even any residential building can be considered a historical monument. The local authorities take good care of the local architecture, regularly carrying out restoration work. Most of the city's buildings date from the 15-16th centuries.
Interesting fact. Venice has exactly 425 gondolas and the number of them is unchanged: this is what the local association of gondoliers has decided. This work is very difficult, but very profitable – a gondolier license costs a lot of money and is often inherited.
It was in Venice that the world famous traveler Marco Polo was born, who made many important geographical discoveries. And today his hometown is visited by millions of travelers from other countries: annually about 18 million people come to discover Venice.
Unfortunately, research by scientists in recent years shows that in a few decades the city will become uninhabitable, and in more than a hundred years it will completely go under water. It is because of the frequent flooding of the city and the gradual immersion in water under its own weight, it was rebuilt twice in its history.
Bern, Switzerland
Rating: 4.6
Although officially Bern is not the Swiss capital, it was secretly assigned this honorable role. A cozy, colorful and very beautiful city is located along the picturesque river bends of the Aare. The most significant and incredibly interesting is the historical part of the city, located among the hills of the river bend: the first settlers appeared here in the 12th century. It is noteworthy that a large share of the tourist income is brought to the city by the Swiss themselves, who are not averse to coming to good old Bern for the weekend to admire its beauty.
The city's panorama amazes the imagination of even experienced travelers: the roofs of houses are simply buried in lush vegetation, and its architectural forms are a real work of architectural art. It is not for nothing that the city is included in the list of unique ones according to UNESCO for its outstanding architectural planning.
One of the most iconic religious buildings in Switzerland and the tallest in the country is located in Bern – this is the Berne Cathedral with a height of about 101 meters. Its tower houses the heaviest bell in the country – it weighs as much as 10 tons.
Bern is also known as the birthplace of the world famous Swiss Toblerone chocolate, which is adored throughout Europe. It was created over 110 years ago and is still exclusively produced in Bern.
Barcelona, Spain
Rating: 4.5
The football capital of the world, the center of Catalonia and one of the most beautiful cities in Spain – Barcelona – a place with a difficult history and luxurious architecture. In ancient times, the Romans, Moors, Visigoths fought for the city, and then the descendants of the Frankish kings.
The bustling and colorful Barcelona may shock the unprepared traveler a bit with its overblown life, but it is truly a beautiful place. The city owes its unusual architecture to a talented creator – Gaudí. Most of the monuments in the Spanish capital are his work. One of his most ambitious projects, the Sagrada Familia temple, started back in 1882 and has not been completed to this day (construction is planned to be completed by 2026).
Most of the city's landmarks were built for the 1929 Expo. By the way, the famous Pablo Picasso Museum was opened in Barcelona at the uncompromising demand of the artist himself.
Interesting fact. Although Barcelona is a seaport, it became known as a beach resort just over a quarter of a century ago. It was then that the development of city beaches began (this was preparation for the 1992 Olympic Games). Until then, the coastline was entirely for industrial purposes. Surprisingly, Barcelona is currently voted the best beach resort by National Geographic.
The cultural essence of this beautiful, mesmerizing city can only be understood by plunging into its atmosphere. All the Gothic facades, the immortal architectural creations of Gaudí, the famous and largest stadium in Europe Camp Nou, numerous national festivals – all this is Barcelona.
Istanbul, Turkey
Rating: 4.4
Located on two continents at once, Istanbul is known as a meeting place for two bright and radically different cultures – Christian and Muslim. It is a source of valuable historical heritage and a city simply magnificent in its pompous beauty.
The European part of Istanbul is separated from the Asian part by the Bosphorus, through which bridges are thrown, physically and symbolically connecting the city together. Istanbul is a real treasure trove of luxurious palace and park complexes, magnificent mosques and beautiful bridges.
During its long life, the city has repeatedly passed from hand to hand, was home to representatives of all kinds of cultures and nationalities, so it is not surprising that a great many different monuments have been preserved here. Istanbul is the historical legacy of 4 ancient empires.
Topkapi Palace (the largest since the Ottoman Empire) is one of the largest in the world. The former residence of the Sultan, after the collapse of the empire, turned into a museum, together with the adjacent buildings and parks, occupies a colossal area – more than 700,000 m2. By the way, the Istanbul bazaar is also considered one of the largest in Europe and is impressive not only in size, but also in assortment: there are more than 4,000 stores on 66 streets.
Rome, Italy
Rating: 4.3
Our rating could not do without the bewitching, powerful in its ancient splendor Rome, which once became the birthplace of Western civilization. On the banks of the Tiber in ancient times, the Roman Empire was formed, which later played a key role in the development of most modern European states.
Millions of travelers come here to feel the very ancient Roman spirit and to contemplate with their own eyes the remnants of the former greatness of the ancient empire. Having been here, one cannot but visit the famous Colosseum, the Roman Forum – the heart of the ancient state, a lot of luxurious Baroque architecture and, of course, the stronghold of the entire Christian world – the dwarf country-enclave of the Vatican.
The number of attractions that deserve the attention of a tourist is simply colossal and one trip here is clearly not enough. Each time the city becomes more attractive, more sincere and dearer. Here is one of the most ancient historical monuments of the planet and the only ancient Roman monument in a perfectly preserved form – the Roman Pantheon. And the city itself is considered one of the oldest in the world: it was founded (scary to think) in 753 BC.
Interesting fact. Few people know one curious fact about the Roman Colosseum. Every night here it is customary to scatter stones on the ground near it, since many tourists are not averse to taking with them a 'piece' of an ancient historical monument. If not for this prudent measure, the building would have been dismantled by stone long ago. By the way, a similar practice is used in Greek Athens.
Innsbruck, Austria
Rating: 4.2
Innsbruck – an incredible combination of luxurious Austrian Baroque with snow-white peaks – is a real highlight of Tyrol, founded over 800 years ago. But the ski resort known throughout Europe is attractive not only in the winter season. With the arrival of summer, he radically changes his 'appearance', starting to live a quiet, comfortable life. A summer trip to this beautiful city will be a real discovery: Innsbruck makes you fall in love at first sight with its bright alpine landscapes.
This is a real city of contrasts: old houses here side by side with ultra-modern buildings of shopping centers and residential complexes. Visiting Innsbruck, you can both enjoy trips to SPA and jewelry stores (by the way, there is a Swarovski Museum), and try your hand at local fishing or swim in crystal clear Alpine lakes. And, of course, one of the obligatory tasks of anyone visiting Innsbruck is to get on the Nordkette cable car: the city is simply mesmerizing from a bird's eye view.
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Rating: 4.1
Not far from the Austrian border, a beautiful Czech city is modestly located – incredibly original, cozy and flourishing. Graceful streets cherish the memory of ancient times embodied in old buildings. An international music festival and a jazz music festival are held annually in the city.
A tiny island of the Middle Ages will be a real discovery for connoisseurs of rude, but at the same time, fascinating architecture: many historical monuments are concentrated here. For example, the 8-century Krumlov Castle, the Church of St. Vitus, the regional museum, as well as several examples of strict Czech Gothic. Since 1992, Cesky Krumlov has been a member of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Interesting fact. The historic city center, as well as the local castle, are considered some of the most colorful horror movie filming locations in the world.
At one time, the city was visited by a famous storyteller: Hans Christian Andersen was so strongly inspired by the beauty of Cesky Krumlov that later in his work he often mentioned local landscapes.
There is a museum in the town dedicated to the only mineral – moldavite, named after the German 'moldau' (Vltava river). The Czechs gave the stone a more accurate name – vltavin. This mineral was formed when a meteorite hit the ground.
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
