Europe is the best continent. The diversity it offers is immense. The history it contains is rich. The flavors it provides are succulent. It has something for everyone. With every country offering something different it’s hard to pick just one. Based on my travels, here you’ll read about 7 cities to visit in Europe.
I feel like people in Europe know how to live. With they joie de vivre and dolce far niente philosophies, they can live fulfilling lives. With so many amazing places to visit, I give you here 7 that are definitely worth exploring.
7 Incredible Cities To Visit In Europe
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria is a European city that should be in your “travel wish list” if it isn’t already. I loved this city, it is brimming with culture and arts. It is stunning to look at and it has plenty to explore and experience including the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, the quirky Hundertwasserhaus, the Haus der Musik (amazing interactive museum of music), the Albertina (art) Museum, experiencing the food at Naschmarkt, and more!
2. Val d’Isere, France
If you like skiing, Val d’Isère is a great and unique place to visit. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France, it lies 5 km (3 mi) from the border with Italy. It is located in the Savoie region with good transport connections in and out of Lyon, Geneva and Chambery.
The west and central areas of Val d’Isere display their famous “chalet” architecture, and the eastern area has mostly high-rise architecture. Along with Tignes, Val d’Isere is part of the “l’Espace Killy“, the self-titled “most beautiful ski area in the world”.
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin, was one of my favorite cities I visited during my 2-month European backpacking trip. It has so much to offer: history, architecture, great transportation, art, fun, and food.
I am not a fan of guided tours, but I took a bike tour here and it was great. I got to explore so many important places in Berlin like Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, Hitler’s Bunker, the Reichstag and more. The bike allowed to cut transportation time while learning from the guide at the same time. Plus the tour ended at a beergarden where I had my favorite beer drink ever (besides lambic beer), a Berliner Weisse . A Pub Crawl at night was a great way to meet people and meet the coolest bars in Berlin. I don’t see how anyone would not enjoy Berlin.
4. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is not at the top of the list when people think of European destinations, but it has so much to offer: castles, caves, Danube river, opera, shopping, food… Really everything you would want in a travel destination. Plus you’ll find that Budapest is a bargain compared to other European cities, because although Hungary is part of the European Union, it does not use the Euro as its currency, instead it uses the Forint (Ft, HUF).
My expectations were definitely surpassed when I visited in 2009, and it still remains one of my favorite places in Europe to visit. I imagine it’s a bit more touristy now than in 2009, but still not as much as other cities.
5. Rome, Italy
I feel like I don’t need to convince anyone to go to Rome.
Oh Italy, how enchanting can you be; from historical ruins, to impressive art, sublime food, amazing scenery, and wonderful night walks by the river with gelato in hand. I don’t know what it is about you that hypnotizes me and many others.
6. London, UK
If you’ve read my blog extensively, you might know already how much I love London. In fact, I wrote a post dedicated to my love for this city. In summary, those reasons include the museums, the international feel, the parks, the style, the people, the tube, the accent, the shopping and the tea.
I lived here for 1 year and I think it’s safe to say that the only thing I did not like about London was the price.
7. Madrid, Spain
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I only visited Madrid to visit a friend for a short time but Madrid is worthy of time. Madrid, as the people from there, is a passionate city. Watch and hear some Flamenco, take in the views from the cable car, get artsy by visiting the many museums like El Prado, savor the flavors by eating paella and sangria, stay up late (Madrileños are night owls), wander the Gran Vía (the Broadway of Madrid), and watch a football match where you’ll see some more of that passion I talk about…
Madrid and Spaniards will remind you that life is short and it should be enjoyed!
(Madrid image source)
So, where do you want to go next?
A New Life Wandering 
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You are my hero! My only wish before having kids was to travel abroad. Thanks for the info and amazing photos. Keeps me eager and motivated to go!
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Did you? 🙂 I’m happy to share.
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You are my hero! My only wish before having kids was to travel abroad. Thanks for the info and amazing photos. Keeps me eager and motivated to go!
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I love Rome and my daughter loves Budapest and each of us has not see the other’s first choice… needless to say planning a trip in Sept. either involves one or the other. I just can’t decide! Europe and its endless possibilities… we both agree that Amsterdam is a favourite as well.
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It would definitely be a tough choice between Rome and Budapest. Maybe you should just flip a coin because you would enjoy either one!
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I love Rome and my daughter loves Budapest and each of us has not see the other’s first choice… needless to say planning a trip in Sept. either involves one or the other. I just can’t decide! Europe and its endless possibilities… we both agree that Amsterdam is a favourite as well.
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Val d’Isere…. 🙂 Rome is one of my favourite cities as is Vienna. 🙂
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Val d’Isere…. 🙂 Rome is one of my favourite cities as is Vienna. 🙂
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Budapest not at the top of the list? It gets over 4 million visitors a year, more than Amsterdam or Prague! Dont know why people think places like Budapest are “undiscovered” when they are swamped with tourists.
http://blog.euromonitor.com/2013/01/top-100-cities-destination-ranking.html
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More than Amsterdam? That’s definitely a surprise. I guess I didn’t get that impression when I visited in 2008. Thanks for the knowledge.
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Well it depends a bit on how you count them. The point is that he notion of former Communist countries as a tourist no-man’s land is a couple of decades overdue.
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Great selections! Of those, my faves are London and Berlin.
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I think those would be in my top 3 too.
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Great selections! Of those, my faves are London and Berlin.
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This motivate me again to travel to Europe. Though Its getting postpone due to some or other reason but thanks Mani to encourage me.
Regards
TravelwithPal.com
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Agree with all of them, and also when you say that there is something for everyone in Europe and that people here know how to live. The European people definitely know how to enjoy life with simple things… just having a coffee on the sidewalk and watching people passing by, cooking, and doing a lot of outdoor activities 😀 and well, I can say that in Brazil is not like this.
Awesome post!
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Yes, exactly! Thanks for coming by!
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You’re welcome 😀 every time I have an extra time I like to stop by 😀
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Hey Mani!
Visited your blog for the first time and loved it instantaneously. I am planning to visit Europe next year and you surely helped in initial planning. I also love to write about my travels. Till now I have indian places in my travel blog. Hope to add others soon…
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Hi Akriti! Thanks for the visit and the kind words! I’m glad I could help. Happy adventures!
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Preciosas fotos.
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Gracias!
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Rome and London Yesss ❤ But you think Paris will not come in the top 7 ?? 😦 😦 I have not been to the other countries in the list but I have been to London,Paris,Switzerland,Germany,Netherlands,Belgium,Italy and Vatican City in Europe and I was totally in love with Paris and actually the whole of Europe. ❤ Infact two of them are part of my dream city 😀
https://gameplanhappilyeverafter.wordpress.com/2016/03/06/what-if-you-can-build-the-city-of-your-dreams/
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