Europe is blessed with so much natural beauty, history and cities that have stood the test of time. All of this means that there are top European cities to visit in 2019.
Whether you want to sample the sights of ancient Rome or the beauty of Riga in Latvia, there are plenty of European destinations for you to choose from. Any avid traveller will be spoilt for choice.
When you consider the history of Europe, from the Romans right through to World War Two, there is so much on offer that there is a city break for everyone. From relaxing breaks where you can amble along canals to sight-seeing trips through ancient cities where you can spend time embracing tours, museums and historic hot-spots.
Europe does not disappoint. And when you have a continent as vast as Europe the diversity will always be there for travellers to enjoy and explore.
Take your pick from the best cities to visit in Europe and find a city break that really ticks every box for you.
Rome, Italy
When it comes to exploring Italy, many people say that Rome is the place to visit and what a cracker this city is. It is home to amazing snippets of history such as the Pantheon, Colosseum and the Trevi fountain and you might find that you must make another trip back to cover it all.
There is so much see here that you won’t know where to turn but that is a good thing. Look through the history, but also explore the modern aspect of the city. This is a destination that is the ideal location for those who want a city break with a real difference.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do in Rome.
Stockholm, Sweden
If Sweden is on your list of countries to visit, make sure you explore Stockholm. This magnificent city is the political, cultural and economic centre of the country and it is steeped in beauty in every possible way. The stunning cobbled streets and the waterfront in the medieval city centre will have you hooked. While a boat trip around the surrounding islands will enable you to explore the natural beauty.
The Vasa Museum is a must-see. Here you can explore an intact 16th-century ship that was found on the ocean floor.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in Stockholm.
London, England
London is steeped in a huge amount of history that dates back centuries, but it still has its old-fashioned charm and style that gives the city its character.
Home to the royal family and old-fashioned phone boxes, you could be mistaken for being transported back in time. But that is until you see the modern architecture of the Shard or the Millennium Wheel.
However, despite its history, London is a modern city with a great shopping and social scene and some great landmarks including London Bridge, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Explore the centre of London, take an open top bus tour and find out all about how it became the city that it is today.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in London.
Barcelona, Spain
As far as places to visit in Europe goes, Barcelona is up there as one of the best. It captures everything that you could ever want from a city break. This Includes stunning mountain ranges, the glistening Mediterranean Sea and plenty of history and charm along the way.
There is an abundance of street tours for you to enjoy and the Sagrada Familia Church will capture your imagination.
This is a modern, vibrant city that comes with a laid-back atmosphere. Take the time to sample some tapas, take a stroll along La Rambla and rub shoulders with the local in the outdoor Boqueria market.
This is a city that won’t disappoint and what’s more, the sun is almost always shining.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in Barcelona.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
One of the top European destinations is Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The city is sliced open with canals. So, hopping on board a canal tour is something that you need to try for yourself as it provides you the chance to explore the city with very little effort.
You can experience real Dutch culture here, but it is also a city that is modern in many ways. Look around the Van Gough Museum, the Anne Frank House for a touch of history, and the Rijksmuseum.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in Amsterdam.
Prague, Czech Republic
This sophisticated city has a real attitude, but that is what makes it such an alluring European city destination.
It brings together a mixture of history and modern culture where you can take a lazy trip down the river or simply live like one of the locals by sampling one of the many pubs located in a cellar.
There is a real atmosphere in Prague that many cities cannot find and that is why it is one of the best European cities to visit.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in Prague.
Paris, France
When you think of Paris, it can conjure up so many visions of history, romance tradition and culture. Paris is a city that is filled with love, art, food and great sights to see. These include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and the Notre Dame.
There is so much to see here that you should try and stay for more than a weekend. The best way to take in the city is to book guided tours but that is not to say that you cannot go it alone.
The city is an eclectic mixture of all things good. Take that trip along the Seine and experience a delicious coffee and pastry in one of the boutique cafes and watch the Parisians go about their daily lives.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do in Paris.
Lisbon, Portugal
This capital city by the sea does not disappoint and that is why it is a popular city for tourists. It is filled with museums and history as well as attractions such as the Tower of Belem, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to also take a trip around the city on the recognisable yellow trams.
From sampling traditional Portuguese Coffee with a Pastel de Nata to exploring St George’s Castle and Santa Justa Elevator, Lisbon will leave you wanting more.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do in Lisbon.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is the place where the fun never stops and with so much on offer, it is no wonder that it is a popular tourist destination.
As far as cities go, this has to be one of the best because there is so much to see and do. When you have cathedrals, castles, museums and an atmosphere that puts you in the party mood, you might find that you won’t want to leave.
From friendly bars, plenty of Guinness and lively folk music, it is a captivating and magical place all rolled into one.
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Madrid, Spain
The capital of Spain is known for its artistic prowess. Madrid is one of those places that must be seen to be believed. From sights such as the Egyptian Temple of Debod to the great bear statue, the city has a lot to offer every person who sets foot in the city.
The city is filled with neo-Gothic architecture and it is home to the impressive Royal Palace. This is a city that is like no other place in Spain and so, it is one to add to the bucket list.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in Madrid.
Athens, Greece
The home of ancient Roman History and Greek mythology, Athens is a place that grabs your attention from the moment you arrive.
This bustling city is awash with ancient history and culture including the Parthenon and Acropolis as well as delicious Greek cuisine that is well worth trying.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in Athens.
Budapest, Hungary
When it comes to places to visit in Europe, maybe Budapest doesn’t spring to mind at first, but it should.
The architecture will blow you away and it is home to some of the most fascinating examples of Art Nouveau. The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage site which crosses the Danube river. Also the Central Market and Heroes’ Square are well worth a visit.
There are so many attractions here that you are spoilt for choice.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do in Budapest.
Istanbul, Turkey
As far as city breaks go, you might not have thought that Istanbul would be up there, but it must be because it is a place of beauty and wonder in equal measures.
From the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market as well as the many taverns serving local brew, it gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of this vibrant city. There are many cultural sites such as Galata Bridge to visit showing you why this is one of the top European destinations.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in Istanbul.
Edinburgh, Scotland
If you thought that Scotland was full of lochs and mountains, then you clearly haven’t been to Edinburgh. This medieval capital is awash with the history of castles and kings and it provides a real insight into real Scottish culture.
From art to music, comedy and great food, there is something for everyone. Take a tour to a Scotch whiskey distillery and explore the quaint cobbles of this wonderful city and find out why it has so much charm and character.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in Edinburgh.
Copenhagen, Denmark
When it comes to culinary experiences in Nordic countries, Copenhagen is the place to go. The city, which is built on canals, is a place of beauty. And proves that life can be orderly with the way in which the city is pedestrian and cyclist friendly. >
The people here are happy and that could be down to the fact that they lead comfortable lives. There are many tourist attractions of which many are free, one of which is a trip to the famous “Little Mermaid" statue.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do in Copenhagen.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin has the feel of a modern city, yet it has a lot of history ranging from romantic to war history. >
On visiting, a trip to the remains of the Berlin wall is a must and the official Weltzeituhr world clock. Learn about the Second World War and immerse yourself in the history of Napoleon or Beethoven.
This lively city is filled with atmosphere and charm in abundance.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in Berlin.
Venice, Italy
When you are thinking of places to go in Europe, then Venice has to be a consideration.
This is the ultimate romantic getaway where you can get lost in the meandering cobbled streets or take a trip on a gondola while taking in the many historic sites.
The Grand Canal is a worthwhile trip and the opera house is a must see if you can grab a performance. This is a city that captures the imagination, and has you hooked from the moment you arrive.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do and see in Venice.
Vienna, Austria
If you are looking for a destination that offers food, art, music and culture then you have it all right here. From the former Royal Residence to modern coffee shops there is a lot to see and do.
The architecture of the city is simply mesmerising. A walking tour will ensure that you get to see all the main sites including the Imperial Palace, State Opera House or the Kunsthistoriches Museum.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a country to marvel at and explore at the same time. Its natural beauty is breath-taking, and it is hard to comprehend until you see it for real.
Reykjavik is known to be one of the safest cities in the world. It brings with it a vibrant nightlife and music scene as well as geothermal hot springs.
While there is so much to offer in Reykjavik, you should venture out of the city to see some of the most amazing landscapes in Europe. There hundreds of waterfalls and volcanoes and at certain times of the year, guests can experience the wonders of the Northern Lights.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do in Reykjavik.
St. Petersburg, Russia
St Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia and is the beating heart of the country when it comes to culture.
It is intriguing and vast as it covers a huge area where you can explore an array of museums and art. This will provide you with the opportunity to learn all about the history of the city and the country.
After dark, St. Petersburg comes alive and has a unique atmosphere and nightlife that is well worth exploring. Take in the wonderful architecture as well as sights including the Winter Palace and Kazan Cathedral.
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Look at our guide to find more things to do in St. Petersburg.
