Europe may not be as glamorous as other corners of the world, but it certainly has a lot going for it. In Europe, you’ll find some of the world’s best cities, some outstanding natural beauty, a high quality of life, and a diverse population with bags of history. Plus, it’s small enough that you can get around the continent relatively easily — and for not that much money, either.
The cities are where the continent excels. You can find a bit of everything. But what are the best cities in Europe? Let’s take a look at the top four. Warning: you might be planning a trip or two once you’ve finished reading!
London
London can have a pretty poor reputation among people in the UK, but the truth is that it’s one of the world’s great cities. It’s right up there with New York in terms of what it provides, global influence, and all-out cool. It doesn’t have great weather, it’s true, but the sheer number of world-class museums, restaurants, bars, and history more than makes up for those cloudy days. If it’s been a while since you visited England’s capital city, look at planning a trip — you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
Paris
Paris is a city that needs no introduction. Is it the most stylish city in Europe? You probably won’t find too many people arguing against that view. It’s got bags of history, it looks fantastic, it’s home to some of the world’s best art, and the weather is good, too. Perhaps the only downside is that it’s expensive, but the cost of visiting is worth it since this is a city that’s unlike any other on the planet. Visiting in late Spring for the best experience, when temperatures are agreeable and prices are slightly lower than the peak summer season.
Barcelona
To many people, Barcelona is the best city in Europe. It has an outstanding climate, art, a beach, and the mountains. Plus, it’s pretty much the perfect size — large enough to be interesting, but small enough that you can get around quickly and easily. It also offers a little something for everyone. Barcelona school trips are increasingly popular thanks to the city’s connection with outstanding art, while holidaymakers looking to relax and enjoy a cosmopolitan city will find that the capital of Catalonia strikes a perfect balance between the two. Plus, it’s pretty centrally located within Europe, so it’s extremely easy to get to, no matter where you’re based.
Rome
Rome is a city that delights on multiple levels. For one thing, it has bags of history on its side — this, after all, is where civilised European history began. But Rome isn’t a city that’s stuck in the past. While you’ll have plenty of historical sites to explore, you’ll also get to enjoy a thriving modern city that has a lot of energy and atmosphere. No one regrets spending a warm summer’s night exploring the wonders of Rome on foot, so if you’re looking for a romantic getaway this year, make it Rome.
I would say most popular cities!