Are you excited about going to Europe?  There are so many amazing places in Europe to explore.  In this post we are going to narrow down your choices based on the prettiest cities in Europe.  

I have been to Europe many times and I am already looking forward to my next trip (which isn’t until 2024)  Yes, I plan that far in advance!  There is a reason my blog is called Planningaway! 

Let’s help you choose the prettiest European cities to visit.  Because there are so many amazing cities in Europe this list will be focusing on two things. All of the cities will be in Western Europe and they will be categorized by the prettiest cities in Europe.  

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Bologna is often overlooked by tourists for Italy’s more famous cities, such as Venice, Rome or Florence. Escape the crowds and spend some time in this underrated city known as the culinary capital of Italy.

Taormina is not just one of the prettiest cities in Italy, it is also one of the prettiest cities in the whole of Europe. Set high up above the Mediterranean Sea, Taormina is in a stunning position in north east Sicily.

Things to Do in Taormina

In the centre of Taormina is a warren of pretty streets filled with enticing shops and cafes. If you’re visiting Sicily with kids, you’ll no doubt enjoy visiting nearby Mt Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

There are excellent views of Mt Etna from various vantage points throughout Taormina with the best view being from the incredible Greek – Roman amphitheater.

Taormina is a delightful city for an evening stroll through its piazzas where you can stop for an aperitif or coffee at one of the many bars. Piazza IV Aprile is particularly attractive.

Architecture

The architecture in Taormina is a mix of styles from Greek through to Baroque with Roman and Renaissance visible in the elegant streets. The city is wonderful to visit at any time of year but high summer is best avoided as it can get very busy.

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Palermo is the capital of the beautiful land of Sicily, which lies off the coast of Italy. Sicily is the perfect getaway with picture perfect beaches, wonderful street food and amazing architecture. Add to that the average of 6,8 hours of sun per day, every day of the year and you have yourself a winner.

Palermo Churches

Italy is very well known for their beautiful churches. Palermo took one look at the traditional Italian churches and just raised the bar even higher!

The churches here are quaint, filled with history and each and every one of them is a little different than the rest. Make sure to pop into the Church of the Gesu, San Giuseppe dei Teatini and the architectural gem that is the 12^th century Arab Normal Church of San Cataldo.

Architecture in Palermo

Speaking of Arab-Norman architecture in Palermo, you cannot leave without visiting is the Norman Palace. The oldest parts of the palace dates all the way back to the 9^th century thus making it making it the oldest royal residence in Europe to date.

The building is currently the seat of the of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. Make sure you take ample time to bath in the beauty of the Capella Palatina, believe me you will be happy you took the time!

This room is a one-of-a-kind architectural gem with colourful mosaics, wooden ceilings and beautifully detailed frescoes dusted with a generous sprinkling of brilliant gold. 

Street Food

Aside from being an absolutely stunning city, Palermo also contains one of the liveliest and most scrumptious streetfood scenes of the island. To get a taste of the traditional Arancina (a fried ball of rice filled with ragu, or in case you are vegetarian a la norma), go to the Antica Focacceria San Francesco located in the heart of the old city.

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Stockholm is one of the prettiest cities in Europe you can visit. The stunning Swedish capital is built on 14 islands, and its archipelago, at over 30,000 islands, is considered one of the most scenic on the planet.

Things to Do in Stockholm

There are many things to do in Stockholm that will help you discover the beauty, history, and architecture of the city. Climb the City Hall tower for magnificent aerial views. Visit Gamla Stan, the Old Town, where the red and gold facades will have you taking tons of photos.

Stockholm has two royal palaces: the one where the royals live, called Drottningholm, is modeled after Versailles, and has a beautiful location on the water. The Royal Palace in the Old Town, used for official purposes, is also impressive.

Stockholm’s Subway

Some of Stockholm’s most sought-after photo spots are actually in its subway! The Stockholm subway is called the longest art gallery in the world, because most of its stations have been decorated with colorful art. The tunnels of Tunnelbana are a must-visit when you are in Stockholm!

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Basel is in the top 3 of largest cities of Switzerland, after Zurich and Geneva. With enough sights to keep you happy for a couple of days, the 180,000 inhabitants of this picturesque city located just south of the borders with France and Germany will make you feel welcome and safe.

A city trip to Basel is a great idea any time of the year, or visit Basel as the starting point for a Switzerland round trip. Basel has something for anyone, from art museums to cute boutiques to buvette food stalls.

Old Town

Basel’s old town is gorgeous; with cobblestone streets and well-maintained traditional houses. The Basel Minster and the Rhine River form a quaint picture together, moreover at sunset. In summer, many locals swim in the river. Or simply take one of the wooden non-motorized ferries to the other side.

Check out the frescoes inside the Town Hall, stroll around St. Alban, the University area, etc. 

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One of the ultimate best cities to visit in Europe is definitely Graz in Austria. This city is located in Styria, only about 2 hours away from the Austrian capital of Vienna.

Things to Do in Graz

There are plenty of exciting things to do in Graz! During a visit you will enjoy an impressive historical old town with many historic attractions, interesting museums and many shopping possibilities. The absolute highlight and a must see is the Schlossberg with its clock tower, which is enthroned high above the city and from where the best city views are. 

And not to forget the countless interesting museums, such as the Zeughaus, the Joanneum Quarter and the futuristic Kunsthaus (art house) at the Mur River.

Best you get yourself the Museum-Card, where you will have for only 12,00 Euros all important museums included.

Main Square

Really beautiful is the Main Square, the Hauptplatz of Graz, which is full of colorful city-houses and where the big Rathaus is  located. If you are there, don`t miss to try one of the traditional Austrian Sausages, which are offered on the food stands.

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Lübeck in Northern Germany: The Queen of the Hanseatic League, one of the Glories of the Empire – and probably the most underrated jewel in Europe’s treasure chest.

History of Lübeck

Even in its home country, not everyone knows that Lübeck was the most important trading city in northern Europe during the Middle Ages. Right here, merchant circles installed the Hanseatic League to maintain the guilds’ economic interests, diplomatic privileges, and protect the trade routes in 1159.

The best way to learn about the heyday of the Hanseatic League is a
visit to Lübeck’s fantastic European Hansemuseum.

Buildings and Architecture

Let’s face it, with wealth comes beauty. To this date, Lübeck’s wealth is reflected in the beautiful townhouses built alongside narrow cobblestone alleys.

Nicknamed the City of Seven Spires, there are amazing medieval churches like St. Mary’s, the epitome of the classic North German Brick Gothic. It actually set the standard for about 70 other churches in the Baltic region.

Prettiest City in Europe

All this makes Lübeck one of the prettiest cities in Europe.  My favorite feature, however, are Lübeck’s cute and cozy corridors and courtyards.

Due to lack of space, they were constructed in the backyards of the residential buildings rather for the poorest city dwellers. But since they are so picturesque, today, they are sought after living space.

Things to Do in Lübeck

No wonder the “Altstadtinsel”, the Old Town Island, has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1987. This island forms a hill between the rivers Trave and Wakenitz. On the Trave you can go by ferry all the way to Travemünde. An idyllic trip especially in summer, since there you can hit the beach and take a refreshing dip in the cool waves of the Baltic sea.

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Munich, Germany is definitely among the prettiest cities in Western Europe to visit. From the beautiful gardens to the impressive building architecture, the city will have you stopping at every corner to admire its beauty.

Marienplatz

Marienplatz, the central square in the city center, boasts incredible buildings with Gothic Architecture. Each building in this square is unique, and you will walk around in awe admiring the structures. The New Town Hall even has a unique mechanical knight show built-in that’s free to watch!

Gardens

The numerous gardens in the city are perfect for afternoon strolls, picnics, and are home to the famous beer gardens. At these beer gardens, you can taste traditional food and drink a large stein of beer while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding gardens.

In the middle of the city, there is a large garden that is home to a man-made surfing spot along the Eisbach channel. Here, you can try surfing the waves if you are experienced, or watch in awe from the side of the river!

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Seville, Spain is the capital of Andalusia and definitely one of the prettiest cities in Europe. This town is also the birthplace of flamenco and tapas, so if you’re interested in a highly cultural and historical experience, then definitely consider a 3-day Seville trip. 

Things to Do in Seville

One of the top things to do in Seville is exploring the historical Seville Cathedral and its Giralda tower. The stunning cathedral used to be a mosque in 12th-century Moorish Spain, and today, it even houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Make sure to climb to the top of its Giralda tower to take in a beautiful view of the entire city!

Some of the other spectacular things to do in Seville include taking photos at the beautiful Plaza de España, visiting the majestic Alcázar palace, admiring the azulejos of Casa de Pilatos, and watching a flamenco show at a tablao! To get the full experience, don’t forget to enjoy some traditional tapas at Espacio Eslava or El Rinconcillo.

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If you are planning a visit to Spain, make sure to take a day to visit the small, medieval town, Toledo. Toledo is a great day trip from Madrid. The train ride is a quick 30 minutes.

Getting Lost

Once you pass the massive stone walls that encompass the town, it becomes a kid’s dream come true.   An unforgiving labyrinthine of ancient streets, with a large Cathedral located in the center of town.

It is also very easy to get lost in Toledo. Even with the advent of GPS and good old-fashioned maps, you will still most likely get lost. Don’t worry, all signs point back to the Cathedral.

Visitors will notice the many religions that once lived together in the small town, including a thriving Jewish community prior to the inquisition. Toledo was also once home to the famous artist, El Greco. His paintings can be found throughout the town and easily recognized by the elongated figures in his painting.

Don’t Miss This

Toledo is also well-known for its metal work and don’t be surprised if you end up buying a sword, they are sold everywhere. Make sure not to miss a treat of marzipan. Marzipan is a sweet almond candy usually formed in shapes of fruit with brightly, colored glazes.

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As the home of world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona is one of the prettiest cities in all of Europe! The ocean-side city in Spain is ripe with beautiful mosaic structures designed and built by Gaudí in glimmering, rainbow colors!

Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia are two of the most stunning of Gaudí’s creations in Barcelona. They are covered in magnificent mosaics and architectural features and cannot be missed!

Things to Do and See in Barcelona

Barcelona also has incredible beaches and views from Montjuic – don’t miss the water fountain show! Enjoy delicious Spanish food (Tapas! Paella!) and explore the city by foot or tour bus to see all that Barcelona has to offer. I recommend staying in the Las Ramblas area for easy access to many of the sites and fantastic shopping!

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Bilbao is a buzzing city. Once you start strolling through the streets, you can’t wait to turn another corner and discover more. Situated in the Basque country, the city’s surroundings are much greener than most other Spanish cities, like Seville or Madrid. – but the climate is accordingly chillier.

Bilbao is only twenty minutes away from the coast, and it’s also close to numerous ski areas. The city, famous for pintxos and the Guggenheim Museum, is tremendously diverse and super charming with vibrantly colorful facades and rich architectural beauty. Bilbao is without a doubt one of the prettiest cities in Europe and definitely worth a visit.

Things to Do in Bilbao

A must-visit during your Bilbao weekend trip is obviously the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, created by one of the world’s greatest architects, Frank Gehry. This architectural delight attracts a million visitors to the Basque region every year, and put the city on the map as one of Europe’s hottest weekend breaks. 

Prettiest City in Europe

While staying in Bilbao, ensure you get some beautiful photographs of the cityscape. Artxanda’s Cable Car brings you to Mount Artxanda, the most stunning viewpoint over the city. The cable car is within walking distance of the Guggenheim museum. It’s open every day from 7am to 10 pm, and runs up every 15 minutes. The ride will cost you just under 4 euros – definitely worth it for the gorgeous views.

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With an abundance of colorful buildings, incredible historical landmarks, museums, parks, and the Douro River alongside it, it’s undeniable that Porto is one of the prettiest cities in Europe.

It makes a fantastic weekend getaway, but you can also take a scenic road trip from Lisbon to Porto if you feel like spending a full week or two in Portugal.

Things to Do in Porto

The city itself offers a wide range of interesting and fun things to do and see in Porto. Start by visiting iconic spots like the Igreja do Carmo (and admire its stunning Azulejo tiles), the Lello Bookshop, the Bolhão Market, and the Crystal Palace gardens.

Absorb the views of the city from lookout points like the Clérigos Tower and the Virtudes Garden, and visit some amazing museums like Soares dos Reis National Museum and the Serralves Museum.

Don’t forget to also wander freely around charming neighborhoods like Ribeira and Baixa, and of course, indulge yourself with a glass of exquisite port wine while visiting some local wineries.

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London is an iconic city on many travelers’ bucket list. This city is filled with many well-known sights that are must sees, but there are also many lesser known destinations that should be on your list!

Hidden Gems in London

London is home to Buckingham Palace and Big Ben as well as hidden gems such as a small garden in a historic church courtyard. The history is alive in this city and ready to be taken on by travel lovers.  It makes the list of prettiest cities in western Europe because no matter where you go the beautiful history is all around.  

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I think Bath with its beautiful Georgian architecture is a contender for one of the prettiest cities in Western Europe. It is the only English city to be given UNESCO world heritage status.

History of Bath

There is a Celtic legend that the hot springs were discovered by a swineherd named Bladudd who used the hot mud to cure a skin disease. Bath guide books usually date the history back to the Romans who built a large bath complex, much of which still survives.

The magnificent Bath abbey is medieval and the medieval legacy is also preserved in the names of the roads Eastgate, Westgate, Southgate and Northgate.

Captivating monumental landscapes, gloriously preserved architectures, cobbled streets and a bustling centre, Edinburgh is one of the prettiest cities in Western Europe that can never fail to impress you.

The city is also a host to a variety of renowned events held throughout the city mostly during summers. It’s an amazing city to explore on foot thanks to its vibrant and lively streets.

Things to Do in Edinburgh

The iconic Royal Mile that stretches between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace has many fascinating museums, boutique stores, interesting cafes and restaurants to explore.

A short hike to Arthur’s Seat boasts the best and enchanting views of the city. Some of the other best places in Edinburgh that would certainly leave you mesmerized are the Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Royal Yacht Britannia, Summerhall, Giles Cathedral, Carlton Hill and the Scottish Galleries.

The best time to visit Edinburgh is June till August when the average temperature ranges from 10 °C to 19 °C, which is pleasantly cool and perfect to enjoy the beautiful landmarks of the city.

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Lyon really does not have it easy in the shadow of the much better known tourist destinations in France like Paris, the Côte d’Azur or Brittany – but wrongly. You find great things to do in Lyon for one day – or easily more.

The old town “Vieux Lyon”; on the river makes Lyon one of the prettiest cities in Europe.

The region at the confluence of the Rhone and Saône rivers has been populated since Roman times.  The old town, with its magnificent Renaissance buildings and the Saint-Jean Cathedral, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Croix-Rousse or Presqu’île de Lyon

Other exciting districts such as Croix-Rousse or Presqu’île de Lyon border on Vieux Lyon, as an island completely framed by the rivers. In the hip district of Croix-Rousse you have great views of the old town and the Fourvière hill with the magnificent basilica.

Explore the Streets of Lyon

The many traboules in the city.  Partly hidden passages and stairways between houses or streets, are particularly exciting.  In Presqu’île de Lyon, some streets with their bright, neat houses are reminiscent of Paris.

Things to Do In Lyon

The centers are the town hall and the spacious Place Bellecour, from which you can start further discovery tours.

You shouldn’t miss one highlight: The view from Fourvière Hill over Vieux Lyon and, in good weather, as far as the Alps – including Montblanc, the highest mountain in Europe.

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Nice is one of the cities that comes to mind when you think of prettiest cities in Europe. Located along the Mediterranean coast near to the Hollywood famous Cannes, Nice is known for its beaches and great Mediterranean weather, its old town charm and many more. 

Things to Do in Nice

Walk along Promenade des Anglais, one of the popular walking/ cycling routes the runs from city to airport.

Located next to Promenade des Anglais is Nice’s old town Vieux Ville, a historic district and one of the popular tourist hub. 

Explore the old town, its picturesque narrow streets and admire the bright coloured buildings which has retained its charm for centuries.  Old town is also a commercial hub filled with many souvenir shops, flower, veggies and fruit markets and is dotted with many restaurants.

 Yet another thing to do in Nice will be to visit the famous Fennochio ice cream shop that serve lip smacking varieties of ice creams and sorbets. 

Cote d’Azur Region

Nice is dotted with many apartments and hotels and is a great place to explore the Cote d’Azur region. With a warm Mediterranean weather, Nice is a great city to explore all through the year.  

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One of my favorite cities in Europe is the beautiful Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. While this UNESCO World Heritage site may not be a household name, Luxembourg holds a special place in our hearts. It’s the birthplace of my husband’s mother and  grandparents.

Bordered by Germany, France and Belgium, Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe (smaller than Rhode Island) – and one of the prettiest with a long history.

The fortified Old City of Luxembourg was founded in 963, and while it’s very modern with a bustling business center, the city still maintains a small village medieval charm.

Best Places to Visit in Luxembourg City

Here are the best places to visit in Luxembourg City to take in its beauty, history, architecture in a fairytale setting.

• Le Chemin de la Corniche: For the best views of Luxembourg, stroll along the ancient fortress walls of Le Chemin de la Corniche.
• The Grund: Green spaces take up a third of Luxembourg City. The Grund is where you can walk along paths surrounded by trees, flowers, historic buildings and bridges.
• The Bock Casemates: Here you’ll find miles of 17 th -century underground tunnels, which were instrumental in defending Luxembourg through many centuries.
• The Adolphe Bridge: You’ll fall in love with the beautiful double-decked Adolphe Bridge – one of Luxembourg’s most iconic sights and architectural beauties.
• Grand Ducal Palace: This historical castle is the official residence of the Grand Duke and Duchess. The ruins of the former Castle of the Counts of Luxembourg are nearby.
• Dräi Eechelen Museum: You’ll find seven museums within a mile of each other in Luxembourg. One of our favorites is the fortified Dräi Eechelen, which was originally built in
  the 1730s and offers a permanent exhibit: Fortress, History, Identity.

These are just a few of the most beautiful and historical places to visit in Luxembourg City – one of the prettiest fairytale cities in Europe. And it’s also one of my son’s favorite family getaways.

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One of the prettiest cities in Western Europe is Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a very picturesque city with a lot to offer. There is beautiful architecture. There are lovely canal houses and canals. Moreover, the canal belt is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the City

When you walk through the city you feel as if you are going back in time. The city is beautiful in every season! In summer, you can find gorgeous flowers along the canals. But, Amsterdam is pretty in winter too. Especially when it’s snowing, the city looks like a fairy tale!

Museums in Amsterdam

Another pretty part of the city lies in its museum collections. There are many museums in Amsterdam with beautiful artworks. For example, there are many paintings by Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

Besides that, the city has some beautiful parks throughout the city. For example, the Vondelpark is especially beautiful! Furthermore, the city is very photogenic and there are many beautiful Instagram photo spots in Amsterdam

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Ghent is one of Belgium’s oldest, prettiest and most historically interesting cities, yet it’s often overlooked by the more popular Bruges and Brussels. 

Imagine a city full of cathedrals and towers that dates back to the Middle Ages, old cobble streets home to many restaurants and bars, and a canal that’s twisting in and out of the city center. Ghent is surely one of Western Europe’s prettiest cities.

Things to Do in Ghent

There are plenty of things to do in Ghent.  You can easily spend a full day or two exploring this lively city. You can go up Belgium’s oldest belfry for the best lookout over Ghent. From here you can spot the old Gravensteen castle, the gothic St Nicholas’ church and the beautiful St Bavo’s cathedral. The St Bavo’s cathedral is also home to one of Europe’s most iconic art pieces, “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”. In short, there are so many interesting old buildings to explore in Ghent.

Ghent truly deserves a visit from anyone who wants to explore the less travelled places around Europe, yet don’t want to compromise with beauty and history.

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These truly are the prettiest cities in Europe!  I hope that you have lots of ideas now, of where you want to explore on your next trip to Europe. A road trip across Europe, train travel, or flying from destination to destination are great ways to explore all of these cities. Have so much fun!

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