LAST UPDATED – 4/6/26 – Europe’s Best Destinations

When I was a kid, I used to look through National Geographic magazines and picture what it would be like to visit some of the faraway places that I saw on those pages.  Many of those places that I dreamed of exploring were beautiful cities and small towns throughout the continent of Europe. 

Among the things that Europe is not in short supply of are beautiful cities with a rich history and enchanting small towns that look like they come right out of storybooks.  Throw a dart at a map of Europe, and chances are that you will hit one.  Better yet, make sure you follow this series of articles as I am going to countdown 50 of Europe’s Top Destinations to Visit.

We are over halfway through my list of Europe’s top destinations, and so far, I have covered some really fantastic vacation destinations.  In this installment, I will continue counting down to my top destination in Europe by covering destinations 11-20 on my list.  To be honest, the destinations in this installment are some of my absolute favorite travel spots in Europe. 

Truth be told, I have so many favorite spots in Europe that it was extremely difficult for me to narrow this list down to just my top fifty.  If you feel like there are cities and towns that I have left off my list that would be in your Top 50, I would love to hear from you in the comments.  More importantly, I am sure that other readers would love to hear from you as well.

	The Top 50 Cities in Europe to Visit (41-50)
	The Top 50 Cities in Europe to Visit (31-40)
	The Top 50 Cities in Europe to Visit (21-30)
	The Top 50 Cities in Europe to Visit (11-20)
	The Top 50 Cities in Europe to Visit (1-10)

20. Tbilisi

Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, may not be on many travelers’ radar, but it deserves a spot among the top destinations in Europe. Though home to over a million people, Tbilisi retains a charming small-city feel while offering modern energy. Dating back to the 4th Century and known as one of Europe’s oldest wine regions, it blends ancient history with contemporary life.

History lovers will find plenty to explore—from Narikala Fortress and Mtatsminda Pantheon to the iconic Mother of Georgia statue. The city’s cathedrals, including Metekhi St. Virgin Church, Sioni Cathedral, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, are architectural marvels. Nature enthusiasts can wander the National Park and the lush Botanical Garden, then unwind in the famous Royal Baths.

For travelers seeking something new, Tbilisi offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and charm—an unforgettable addition to any European itinerary.

19. Edinburgh

United Kingdom

Edinburgh, Scotland, is one of my absolute favorite cities in Europe. It’s a place so rich in history, beauty, and culture that it easily ranks among the top destinations in Europe. Known as the world’s number‑one festival city and the birthplace of Harry Potter, Edinburgh captivates visitors with its medieval Old Town, elegant Georgian New Town, and endless pubs and eateries. Whether you come for history, culture, or festivals, the city offers something for every traveler.

With more than 112 parks and more trees than citizens, Edinburgh is one of the UK’s greenest cities. Outdoor lovers can explore Holyrood Park, the Fife Coastal Path, or take in views from Calton Hill. History buffs will find treasures like Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Fans of Harry Potter can visit The Elephant House café, where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the series, and spot familiar references along the Royal Mile. For a short trip beyond the city, Rosslyn Chapel—featured in The Da Vinci Code—is a must‑see. To learn how to visit this incredible city and why it remains one of Europe’s top destinations, check out my comprehensive Traveler’s Guide to Edinburgh below.

18. Nice

France

Many of the cities on my list of Europe’s top destinations have fascinating histories, but few are as colorful as Nice, France. Nicknamed la Belle (“the beautiful”), the name fits perfectly—Nice is stunning in every way.

Located on the French Riviera, its golden beaches, warm climate, and breathtaking coastline have drawn visitors for ages—literally. Fossil evidence shows people came here nearly 400,000 years ago while hunting woolly mammoths, making Nice one of the world’s oldest tourist spots. Today, it’s France’s second most popular destination after Paris, attracting millions for its hilltop views, charming cafés, and vibrant seaside.

Nice blends laid-back beach life with cosmopolitan energy better than any other city. Its smooth pebble beaches invite relaxation, while the Old Town and lively markets offer rich cultural experiences. Once part of Italy, Nice was ceded to France in 1860, and many locals still speak both languages—a mix reflected in its cuisine. Whether you come for the food, the views, or the history, it’s easy to see why Nice deserves its place among Europe’s top destinations.

17. Porto

Portugal

Famous for its port wine, seafood, and colorful riverside houses, Porto, Portugal, ranks among the top destinations in Europe—and one visit makes it clear why. Though smaller than Lisbon, it may be the country’s most vibrant city.
The Douro River’s banks are lined with stunning, multicolored homes, and Porto’s bridges—like the Maria Pia Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel—earned it the nickname City of Bridges.

Beyond its beauty, Porto is a culinary powerhouse. As the birthplace of Port Wine and home to exceptional seafood, dining at a riverfront café with a glass of port is a must. Architecture lovers will find treasures such as the Monument Church of St. Francis, Igreja do Carmo, and the ornate Chapel of Souls.

Scenic viewpoints like Cais da Ribeira showcase the city’s charm, while green spaces such as Jardins do Palácio de Cristal and Parque de Serralves offer peaceful escapes. With its color, cuisine, and culture, Porto truly deserves its place among Europe’s top destinations.

16. Copenhagen

Denmark

Denmark was one of the countries I was most excited to include on my list of top destinations in Europe. Though Danish pastries originated in Vienna, Denmark gave us Hans Christian Andersen, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, and the stunning city of Copenhagen.

As the heart of the thousand‑year‑old Danish Empire, Copenhagen brims with history—Amalienborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, and Christiansborg Palace showcase its grandeur. Yet it’s also a city of joy; the UN has repeatedly named Danes the world’s happiest people.

Copenhagen features Bakken, Europe’s oldest amusement park (1583), Tivoli Gardens (1843), and Den Blå Planet, Northern Europe’s largest aquarium. But its greatest draw is food: with 16 Michelin‑star restaurants, including the legendary smørrebrød spot with century‑old recipes and a Guinness‑record menu, it’s a paradise for gourmets. For history, happiness, and world‑class cuisine, Copenhagen, Denmark, belongs at the top of your European travel bucket list.

15. Ronda

Spain

Ronda, Spain, is one of those rare places so breathtaking that travelers instantly add it to their bucket lists. Perched on an Andalusian mountain plateau two hours from Seville and a half hour from Málaga, this village’s rolling hills, whitewashed buildings, and groves of orange and olive trees create a scene almost too beautiful to believe.

Famed writers Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles spent summers here, drawn by Ronda’s charm and its legendary El Tajo Gorge, which splits the city dramatically in two. The town also boasts one of Spain’s oldest and most beautiful bull rings, where Francisco Romero—father of Spanish bullfighting—introduced the sport in 1726, and where Madonna filmed Take a Bow in 1994.

Beyond its bullfighting heritage, Ronda offers stunning architecture and views: the Arab Baths, Mondragón Palace, and the Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the gorge. From Alameda del Tajo’s lookout, the valley unfolds in unforgettable beauty—proof that Ronda deserves its place among the top destinations in Europe.

14. Lauterbrunnen

Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, is so breathtakingly beautiful it feels straight out of a fairytale—and in fact, it helped inspire one. This small alpine town, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, was the muse for J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythical Rivendell. Looking down the valley, it’s easy to see why: 72 waterfalls tumble from sheer rock faces into a lush green valley framed by some of Europe’s tallest peaks.

Unlike Tolkien’s creation, Lauterbrunnen is very real—and one of Switzerland’s top tourist destinations. Its most famous waterfalls, Staubbach and Trümmelbach, draw visitors from around the world. Trümmelbach Falls, hidden inside the mountain itself, is among Europe’s most unique natural wonders.

The town offers peaceful mountain inns, quiet walks through the valley, and gondola rides to panoramic alpine vistas. Just a short train ride from Interlaken and Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen deserves a place near the top of your bucket list of Europe’s top destinations.

13. Amsterdam

Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands, has more canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris, making it one of Europe’s top destinations to travel. Built on 90 small islands supported by roughly 9,000 poles driven deep into sandy soil, the city’s foundation is as fascinating as its charm. With 165 canals stretching over 100 kilometers, more than 1,500 bars and cafés serving world‑class beer and food, and more museums per capita than any other city, Amsterdam offers endless ways to explore and enjoy.

Don’t miss the floating flower market, operating since 1862, where stalls rest on boats—a nod to the days when flowers were delivered by water. The city’s biking culture is equally iconic, with about one million bicycles for 821,000 residents, making cycling the best way to experience its bridges, canals, and narrow streets.

The Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht canals, built during the Dutch Golden Age, showcase Amsterdam’s most beautiful monumental buildings. When you’re ready to unwind, head to Kalverstraat for shopping, a cozy café for people‑watching, or a local bar to sample the city’s legendary microbrews. Amsterdam’s blend of history, beauty, and energy makes it a city you’ll quickly fall in love with.

12. Seville

Spain

Seville is one of Spain’s most captivating cities and a must on any list of the top destinations in Europe. With warm, sunny weather year-round, stunning architecture, and some of the best food in the country, it’s the cultural and artistic heart of southern Spain.

The city gave birth to two of Spain’s most iconic traditions—Flamenco and Tapas. Watching a Flamenco performance here is unforgettable, full of emotion and rhythm, while sampling tapas in Seville feels like tasting history itself.

Beyond food and dance, Seville dazzles with landmarks like the Catedral de Sevilla, Torre del Oro, and Plaza de Toros. The Plaza de España, with its ornate ceramic tiles and canals, is breathtaking—perfect for a carriage or boat ride. For a taste of local life, visit Mercado de Triana, the city’s best food market, and enjoy tapas while people-watching. Seville’s charm, culture, and beauty make it one of Europe’s most irresistible travel experiences.

11. Amalfi

Italy

The stunning city of Amalfi on Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a legendary destination, known as the birthplace of Wonder Woman and a favorite getaway for celebrities like the Kardashians. With its dramatic cliffs, colorful towns, and pristine beaches, the Amalfi Coast has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s top destinations. While famous coastlines like Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher or California’s Big Sur are breathtaking, few rival the sheer beauty of Amalfi’s seaside views.

Beyond its celebrity allure, the coast attracts travelers of all kinds—from backpackers exploring charming villages to visitors seeking relaxation on its sun‑kissed beaches. Each town offers a peaceful escape and incredible cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and the region’s signature lemons. No trip is complete without tasting Limoncello, the tart, refreshing liqueur that defines Amalfi’s flavor.

For history lovers, nearby Pompeii offers a haunting glimpse into the past. Buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the city’s preserved ruins reveal life frozen in time. Whether you come for the scenery, food, or history, the Amalfi Coast remains one of the most unforgettable spots on my list of Europe’s top destinations.

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