Europe’s cities are a traveler’s dream, each offering their own unique blend of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
From iconic capitals to hidden medieval gems, we’ve ranked the 50 most incredible bucket list cities in Europe based on popularity and must-see appeal.
Discover which European bucket list cities made the cut and start planning your next European escape below.
50 Bucket List Cities in Europe Ranked by Travel Experts
Here is our list of the to 50 most impressive cities in Europe that should be on your bucket list.
We have tried to sort them from most ‘bucket list worthy’ to least.
1. Paris, France: Iconic City of Light featuring the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and world-renowned cuisine and cafe culture.
2. London, England: Dynamic global capital with royal heritage, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, world-class museums, and diverse cultural scene.
3. Rome, Italy: Eternal City showcasing the Colosseum, Vatican City, Roman Forum, and centuries of art and architectural masterpieces.
Further Reading: 100 Things to do in Europe for Your Bucket List
4. Barcelona, Spain: Modernist wonderland with Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, vibrant Las Ramblas, and Mediterranean beach culture.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Canal ring city with Golden Age architecture, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and cycling culture.
6. Venice, Italy: Romantic canal city with St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, gondola-filled waterways, and Byzantine architectural influences.
Further Reading: Most Unique Cities in Europe
7. Florence, Italy: Birthplace of the Renaissance with Uffizi Gallery, Duomo cathedral, Michelangelo’s David, and Ponte Vecchio bridge.
8. Madrid, Spain: Spanish capital boasting the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and unmatched art and culinary scenes.
9. Berlin, Germany: Dynamic capital blending profound history with cutting-edge culture, featuring the Brandenburg Gate, East Side Gallery, Museum Island, and legendary nightlife.
Further Reading: Best Medieval Cities in Europe
10. Prague, Czech Republic: Fairytale capital with Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, astronomical clock, and perfectly preserved medieval architecture.
11. Istanbul, Turkey: Transcontinental metropolis where East meets West, featuring Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Bosphorus views.
12. Vienna, Austria: Imperial capital of music with Schönbrunn Palace, historic coffee houses, Spanish Riding School, and elegant architecture.
13. Athens, Greece: Cradle of democracy crowned by the Acropolis, featuring ancient ruins, Plaka neighborhood, and vibrant modern culture.
Further Reading: Best European Countries to Visit for First-Timers
14. Budapest, Hungary: Pearl of the Danube with thermal baths, Parliament building, Fisherman’s Bastion, and dramatic riverside setting.
15. Dubrovnik, Croatia: “Pearl of the Adriatic” enclosed by massive stone walls, featuring limestone streets and stunning Adriatic views.
16. Munich, Germany: Bavarian capital famous for Oktoberfest, beer halls, Marienplatz, and blend of traditional and modern culture.
Further Reading: Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences in Europe
17. Milan, Italy: Fashion and design capital featuring the magnificent Duomo cathedral, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, and world-class shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda.
18. Lisbon, Portugal: Hillside capital with historic trams, Moorish castle, Belém Tower, and soulful fado music scene.
19. Edinburgh, Scotland: Medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town create a dramatic cityscape, crowned by a castle perched on an extinct volcano.
20. Brussels, Belgium: European Union capital featuring the Grand Place, Art Nouveau architecture, comic book culture, and Belgian chocolate heritage.
Further Reading: Most Unusual Places in Europe to See
21. Copenhagen, Denmark: Design-conscious capital with colorful Nyhavn harbor, royal palaces, Tivoli Gardens, and cycling culture.
22. Dublin, Ireland: Charismatic capital with literary heritage, featuring Trinity College’s Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, and traditional pub culture.
23. Stockholm, Sweden: City built on islands combining medieval Gamla Stan with innovative modern design and ABBA museum.
Further Reading: Most Interesting Cities in the World
24. Hamburg, Germany: Historic Hanseatic port city with stunning modern HafenCity quarter, Speicherstadt warehouse district, and vibrant cultural scene.
25. Zurich, Switzerland: Sophisticated lakeside metropolis with pristine Old Town, high-end shopping on Bahnhofstrasse, and gateway to the Alps.
26. Nice, France: Queen of the French Riviera with famous Promenade des Anglais, colorful Old Town, and year-round Mediterranean charm.
27. Porto, Portugal: Enchanting riverside city renowned for port wine cellars, colorful azulejo tiles, and the spectacular Dom Luis I Bridge.
Further Reading: Most Colorful Places in Europe to See
28. Reykjavik, Iceland: World’s northernmost capital combining colorful buildings with dramatic volcanic landscapes and Northern Lights viewing.
29. Saint Petersburg, Russia: Imperial capital with spectacular palaces, Hermitage Museum, elegant canals, and White Nights festival.
30. Lyon, France: Gastronomic capital with UNESCO-listed old town, featuring unique traboules (secret passages) and Roman ruins.
Further Reading: Best European Cities (as Voted by Travel Experts)
31. Salzburg, Austria: Mozart’s birthplace set against Alpine backdrop, featuring baroque churches, Sound of Music sites, and medieval fortress.
32. Seville, Spain: Moorish and Christian architectural masterpieces blend with flamenco culture in this passionate Andalusian capital.
33. Valencia, Spain: City of arts and sciences blending futuristic architecture with historic old town and birthplace of paella.
34. Bruges, Belgium: Medieval fairy tale city with winding canals, cobblestone streets, chocolate shops, and Gothic architecture.
35. Krakow, Poland: Medieval market square, Wawel Castle, and preserved Jewish quarter create one of Europe’s most complete historical centers.
36. Bologna, Italy: Medieval university city with Europe’s oldest university, iconic towers, and unrivaled culinary excellence.
37. Dresden, Germany: Baroque beauty risen from WWII ashes with restored Frauenkirche and world-class museums.
Further Reading: Best Weekend Trips in Europe
38. Tallinn, Estonia: Baltic beauty with one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval old towns, surrounded by ancient city walls.
39. Verona, Italy: Romeo and Juliet’s city with Roman arena and enchanting medieval center.
40. Split, Croatia: Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace forms the city’s living heart, where ancient walls house cafes, shops, and homes.
41. Oxford, England: City of dreaming spires with centuries-old colleges, botanical gardens, and literary heritage.
42. Bergen, Norway: Gateway to the fjords with its iconic UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, colorful wooden houses, and seven mountains backdrop.
Further Reading: Friendliest Countries in Europe
43. Ljubljana, Slovenia: Dragon-adorned capital with Art Nouveau architecture, medieval castle, and vibrant riverside cafes.
44. Lucerne, Switzerland: Medieval chapel bridge, lakeside setting, and surrounding Alps create picture-perfect Swiss scenery.
45. Siena, Italy: Medieval masterpiece with shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and black-and-white striped cathedral.
46. Kotor, Montenegro: Dramatic fjord-like bay setting with medieval walls climbing the mountainside above a perfectly preserved old town.
47. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Historic bridge city where Ottoman, Mediterranean, and European influences merge dramatically.
48. Segovia, Spain: Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale castle, and Gothic cathedral create a stunning historical ensemble.
49. Valletta, Malta: Fortress city built by the Knights of St. John, packed with baroque architecture and golden limestone buildings.
50. Toledo, Spain: Former capital perched dramatically above the Tagus River, where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage creates an extraordinary legacy.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cities to Travel in Europe
From iconic capitals to charming hidden gems, these best cities in Europe to visit offer something for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re drawn to the romantic canals of Venice, the historic streets of Prague, or the vibrant energy of Barcelona, each destination promises unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
Ready to dive deeper into European travel? Explore our Europe travel blog for detailed city guides, local tips, and insider recommendations to help plan your perfect European adventure.
