In a nutshell
- We think a city break is always a good idea! In this article, we present our 22 favorite destinations for a city trip in Europe and give you our personal tips.
- In Europe you find cool, big cities like sand by the sea. We particularly like beautiful London and Paris!
- If you don’t like it quite so big, we also have a few medium-sized cities worth seeing for you. The laid-back atmosphere in Lisbon or the relaxed flair in Amsterdam are great destinations for a city break in Europe.
- Do you prefer to spend your city trips in smaller cities? Then stylish Brussels or impressive Florence, for example, are right up your street.
Our 22 Best Destinations for a City Trip in Europe
There are so many beautiful cities in Europe that are worth a city trip. But it really wasn’t difficult for us to choose our top 22 city break destinations.
The bigger challenge: how do we sort our list? According to personal taste or size?The easiest way seemed to be the size of the respective city.
That’s why we decided to structure the cities in our list according to population – from the largest metropolises in Europe to large, medium-sized and smaller cities in Europe that are really worth seeing.
Here is a preview of all 22 cities that made it onto our list!
Our 22 best European city break destinations
- Istanbul
- London
- Rome
- Paris
- Vienna
- Warsaw
- Budapest
- Barcelona
- Prague
- Naples
- Stockholm
- Amsterdam
- Valencia
- Seville
- Athens
- Copenhagen
- Lisbon
- Edinburgh
- Florence
- Ghent
- Venice
- Porto
Map of the most beautiful city destinations in Europe
We are about to present our top 22 of the most beautiful city break destinations in Europe. But first, we have prepared a map for you on which all the cities are marked. This will give you a better orientation.
Istanbul
With more than 15 million inhabitants, Istanbul is by far the largest city among our European destinations. So you can imagine the hustle and bustle of the city and that you could easily spend a few weeks here.
Istanbul is a great city trip if you want to experience something different than “always just Italy” What other city is located on two continents at the same time? Istanbul also has an incredibly rich history, as different cultures have settled here over the millennia. Pure multi-culturalism!
What we definitely recommend for your trip to Istanbul is a visit to a mosque, such as the Blue Mosque or the Hagia Sophia. And you simply have to experience the Grand Bazaar.
Our hotel tip for Istanbul
Witt Istanbul Suites is a very centrally located design hotel in Istanbul. The bed is super comfortable and the breakfast is really good.
London
We can actually recommend a city trip to London to anyone because there is hardly any other place as diverse as the British capital.
London’s roots go back to the year 50 AD and is therefore full of history.
You’ll also find many of the classics that you probably associate with England: from red double-decker buses, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Eye, The Shard, Westminster Abbey to Sherlock Holmes famous 221B Baker Street – the list of London’s most famous sights goes on and on.
At the same time, London is also known for its very alternative scene, as a magnet for young start-ups and an art metropolis. But there are also green parks and huge markets in London.
As you can see: there’s actually nothing in London that doesn’t exist!
Our hotel tip for London
The Z Hotel Strand is super centrally located and has a modern design. The rooms are small, but the hotel is really affordable for London.
Rome
A trip to Rome is not just a dream come true for every Latin student: the city is bursting at the seams with historical sites, and there is hardly any other place where you feel so close to 2,000 years of history.
Stroll through the Roman Forum with its many temples, find out how entire naval battles were re-enacted in the Colosseum or throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain for a dose of luck in life.
Rome offers you a greater concentration of ancient sights than almost any other city. But you can also simply let yourself drift through the lively streets.
Of course, the typical dolce vita also includes a glass of vino and a delicious pizza accompanied by Italian street music.
Our hotel tip for Rome
At the Rarity Suites, mom still cooks personally, and all rooms are furnished with great attention to detail. You have a great view over Rome from the small balconies.
Paris
Ah, Paris – the city of love. Apart from a lot of romance, the city can do so much more.
Paris is a fashion metropolis, a must for every art connoisseur (and those who want to become one) and a culinary delight. In short: Paris simply has style.
Although you’ll definitely have your finger on the pulse of the latest trends here, you’ll also find beautiful historic buildings and lots of history all around Paris.
The obligatory photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, a trip to the Louvre and a stroll along the famous Champs-Élysée shopping street are definitely a must in Paris.
But it gets particularly interesting when you venture into lesser-known corners and explore some of Paris’ hidden gems. Then you will come across truly extraordinary art installations, flea markets, green oases, restaurants with unique charm and much more.
Our hotel tip for Paris
Hotel Louison is perfect for first-time visitors. You’ll stay close to the highlights in stylish rooms decorated with great attention to detail.
Vienna
Vienna and us – it was love at first sight. Rarely have we seen a city that is simply beautiful. But that’s Vienna: simply beautiful.
Wherever you go, there are magnificent buildings and exciting Viennese museums. The highlights in Vienna include Schönbrunn Palace, the Prater with its Ferris wheel and the Museumsquartier. Our Vienna insider tips are the Donauinsel and the Kahlenberg.
And yet, Vienna is not one of those European destinations where everything is designed for tourists. The city is liveable and lovable and it was definitely not our last time in Vienna.
Our hotel tip in Vienna
Motel One Wien-Staatsoper is our hotel tip for Vienna’s old town. The location is perfect, it’s beautifully designed, and offers great value for money.
Warsaw
Warsaw is probably not necessarily on many people’s list when they think about a city trip in Europe.
Yet, Warsaw is a super interesting and exciting city. As it was the scene of many moving events in the last century, it is full of history and culture.
And would you have expected Warsaw to have so many palaces, castles and parks? Yes, really! There are also many museums on historical or political topics.
At the same time, there are also very trendy corners, the Royal Route, Warsaw’s famous shopping street and lots of trendy cafés and bars.
Warsaw simply has a cool atmosphere. By the way, we loved the many old advertising signs on the roofs.
Our hotel tip in Warsaw
For a modern hotel close to all the main sights, we recommend the Hotel Indigo Warsaw.
Budapest
Strangely enough, Budapest is only on very few people’s wish list of European city breaks. Even though the city is one of the ten largest cities in the EU. A real insider tip?
The name comes from the two districts, Buda and Pest. In Buda you will find a whole district full of beautiful castles. Pest is the larger district and is home to a number of highlights such as the Hungarian Parliament and Heroes’ Square.
If you are in Budapest, you should definitely visit a synagogue, a real Budapest thermal bath and take a tour through the Jewish quarter, which has now been transformed into Budapest’s trendy district.
So, let’s go to Budapest, shall we?
Our hotel tip in Budapest
Maison Bistro & Hotel is located in Buda. It’s just a short walk to the Castle Palace, and you’ll stay in charming, lovingly decorated rooms.
Barcelona
Barcelona is definitely a classic among European travel destinations. The city is very touristy, but not without reason, as Barcelona is one of the most exciting cities in Europe.
Of course, Barcelona is best known for its impressive and sometimes crazy buildings. The most famous is certainly the huge Sagrada Família church by Antoni Gaudí. The other Gaudí buildings are even crazier, with their bright colors and strange shapes.
Barcelona is always bustling and very lively. This is particularly noticeable in the main squares of Barcelona’s most beautiful neighborhoods or on the shopping street La Rambla, for example.
But don’t be afraid to venture into more secluded, less hip corners – here you will find some real hidden gems in Barcelona. The more inconspicuous bars usually also serve the best tapas.
Our hotel tip for Barcelona:
The Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella is super stylish and has a top location in the hip El Born district.
Prague
Prague is one of our favorite travel destinations in Europe.
Not only does Prague have the best beer in the world, it also has a lot to offer for the eye and the camera. First and foremost, of course, the famous Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. But the Clementinum with the National Library is also one of the most beautiful photo spots in Prague for us.
Even though the old town is already very touristy, Prague really has a lot of charm and as soon as you leave the center a little, there are no more crowds of tourists.
Our hotel tip for Prague:
A design hotel in a perfect city center location is the NYX Hotel.
Naples
You’ve probably thought about a city trip to Rome or Venice before. But what about a trip to Naples? You definitely should. Naples is a super interesting city in the south of Italy.
The coolest thing about Naples is its underground. Beneath the city, there’s basically another city with hundreds of miles of tunnels, cisterns, chambers, and even churches. Yes, actual churches! The underground of Naples was built and expanded over several thousand years.
But there’s also plenty to discover above ground. Along Spaccanapoli, you’ll find churches, fashion boutiques, and restaurants. You can check out fortresses and take a trip to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.
Our hotel tip for Naples
We recommend Hotel Piazza Bellini right in the city center. It’s super pretty, really affordable, and you’ll have most of the sights right on your doorstep.
Stockholm
For a long time, Stockholm wasn’t even on our list when we were looking for great destinations for a city trip in Europe. Quite wrongly so!
The Swedish capital is simply beautiful. If only the winters up there weren’t so long and dark, we’d pack our bags and traveled to Stockholm straight away.
14 beautiful islands, super tasty Köttbullar and the best-preserved old town in Europe – who can say no to that?
Water belongs to Stockholm like the TV tower belongs to Berlin, so a boat trip through Stockholm is practically a must for every visitor. Particularly beautiful, but a little further out, are tours through the archipelago, the idyllic island paradise that separates Stockholm from the open sea.
Our hotel tip in Stockholm
The NOFO Hotel is located in the trendy district of Södermalm with plenty of options for going out in the evening.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a wonderful destination for a city trip and not one of those cities where you are busy checking out all the famous sights in Amsterdam. With its colorful flowers, narrow canals and cute cafés, the city is a sight in itself.
Especially in summer, a bike tour through Amsterdam is simply a dream, and you can really immerse yourself in the relaxed flair. Or why not visit a tulip farm like Keukenhof?
There are also so many really great museums in Amsterdam, such as the Anne Frank Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum etc.
And even for a trip with children in Amsterdam, the city has museums and other cool activities, such as the Nemo Science Museum or the WONDR Experience.
Of course, there are other sides to Amsterdam. You’ve probably heard of the red-light district De Wallen and the infamous coffee shops in Amsterdam.
Our hotel tip in Amsterdam
A very young and hip hotel with a good price-performance ratio is the Volkshotel Amsterdam. We can also recommend the Bob W in Amsterdam Noord. A super modern hotel without a reception, with its own parking garage if you are traveling by car like we did last time, and also room categories for families with children.
Valencia
Valencia is a great city trip destination in Europe if you want to combine your city break with a beach holiday. The city lies right on the Mediterranean and offers miles of sandy beaches.
On top of that, the old town is extremely beautiful: winding alleys, Gothic buildings, and charming squares. The old town is almost a sight in itself. Just let yourself wander through the streets.
For a complete contrast, head to the Ciutat de les Arts y les Ciències. The futuristic building looks really cool. It’s not just a building but houses, among other things, a huge aquarium, a 3D cinema and planetarium, a science museum, and an opera house. Really awesome!
Our hotel tip for Valencia
The MYR Puerta Serranos is a stylish hotel located right on the edge of the old town. The location is great, and the rooms are really cool and bright.
Seville
La Ciudad de la Alegría, or the City of Joy – if that isn’t the ideal destination!
But the name is definitely apt: whether in the bustling, colorful alleyways, enjoying vino and tapas in a bar or dancing flamenco on the Almeda de Hercules, there is always a good atmosphere in Seville.
But quite apart from the relaxed, easy-going atmosphere you feel around the city, there are beautiful palaces with more gardens than we could count and many other great buildings. But simply strolling through the alleyways with their narrow houses or along the Guadalquivir river is also a real experience.
We can only recommend a city trip to Seville. What’s more, the city embodies pretty much everything you think of when you think of Spain.
Our hotel tip for Seville
Lukanda Mariana is located in the heart of Seville’s old town. Great service and very beautiful, Mediterranean-style décor.
Athens
Do you want it to be as mild and Mediterranean as possible? Then Athens is the perfect city break in Europe.
From the Acropolis to the delicious Greek cuisine, there is plenty to discover in Athens. If you have more time, you could even include a beach vacation. And it’s less than a three-hour flight from Germany.
In addition to the Acropolis, you will find numerous other highlights in Athens, such as the Ancient Agora, where the ruins of theaters and schools that Socrates visited are lined up next to each other.
But Athens is not just ancient vases and statues of the gods, there are also lively, trendy districts such as Psyrri or the notoriously left-wing Exarchia.
Our hotel tip for Athens
The Sweet Home Hotel offers great value for money. The rooms are super cozy, and in the morning, a delicious breakfast awaits you. You can’t go wrong with this hotel.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the most liveable cities in Europe, and we can definitely agree with that. And simply perfect as a European travel destination!
The city simply exudes a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. You can also let yourself drift through the streets undisturbed, as Copenhagen belongs to cyclists and pedestrians, so to speak.
Copenhagen also has many trendy districts such as Nørrebro or Vesterbro, which are relatively reminiscent of Berlin. Things get really alternative in Christiania, an autonomous hippie settlement that is more or less a city within a city.
If you are looking for the classic attractions in Copenhagen, you should definitely stop by Nyhavn with its typical Danish colorful houses and the Little Mermaid.
Our hotel tip for Copenhagen
We really fell for the citizenM in Copenhagen. The hotel is super modern, centrally located, and offers great value for money by Copenhagen standards.
Lisbon
Lisbon is perfect for a European city trip in spring or fall.
When it is still uncomfortable here, the temperatures in Lisbon are often already or still summery, perfect for a trip to the beautiful beaches around Lisbon.
The city is not particularly big for a European capital, but it has an incredible amount to offer. If you are traveling to Lisbon with children, you will be surprised how relaxed a family vacation can be.
We could spend hours strolling through the narrow streets and soaking up the flair of the city. You should definitely plan a little more time so that you can go on excursions in the surrounding area of Lisbon, for example to Sintra or Cascais.
Our hotel tip in Lisbon
The Tempo FLH Hotels Lisboa is very centrally located, and the rooms are cozy with indirect lighting and bright colors.
Edinburgh
If you want to take a little time travel, Edinburgh is the perfect destination for your next city trip in Europe. The gray walls, old winding alleys, and impressive castles simply give you a very special feeling.
If you want to fully experience the atmosphere of this old, mystical city, you definitely should join a tour in Edinburgh. The ghost tours, true-crime tours, and Harry Potter tours fit the city perfectly.
The city lies right in the Highlands, and from Arthur’s Seat – an extinct volcano – you get the best view over the Highlands and the city.
Our hotel tip in Edinburgh
The Motel One is located in the center of Edinburgh and has the same cool vibe as Edinburgh itself. The hotel is not exactly cheap, especially in high season. But you should keep in mind that hotels in Edinburgh are generally quite expensive.
Florence
It doesn’t always have to be Rome. One of the most beautiful cities in Italy, perhaps even in the whole of Europe, is definitely Florence. A trip to Florence is especially great because you can also take a road trip through Tuscany.
The city’s landmark is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. But you will find many other great buildings throughout the city, such as the church of Santa Croce or Ponte Vecchio.
From Piazza Michelangelo, you have a truly breathtaking view of the sights in Florence and the River Arno, which meanders through the city. Add a glass of vino at sunset and the dolce vita is perfect.
Our hotel tip for Florence
For a hotel near all the major sights, we can recommend the Relais Condotta. It’s a wonderful hotel with a central location.
Ghent
Ghent is a really cool medieval city in Belgium. You experience its historic charm best in autumn or winter. The gloomy weather and the fog over the city make Ghent even more mystical.
The sights are beautiful either way. You can visit old townhouses, churches, and an ancient castle. Also, the city center of Ghent is completely car-free, so you can leisurely stroll through the old streets.
Don’t have any vacation days left for a long weekend? No problem with Ghent. You only need 1–2 days for the city. You can easily manage it in just one weekend.
Our hotel tip for Ghent
A cool hotel with great value for money is the Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Ghent. On the rooftop terrace, you can enjoy the view of Ghent with a cocktail in hand.
Venice
Venice is simply unique and definitely a great destination for a city trip in Europe!
Take a romantic gondola ride in Venice, enjoy the dolce vita with cicchetti and wine or explore one of the many surrounding islands – Venice has so much to offer!
A visit to the cathedral on St. Mark’s Square or the Doge’s Palace is of course a must. However, we recommend that you get off the beaten track a little. You can find authentic Venice in districts such as Cannaregio or Castello.
Or how about something a little more unusual? Take a look at the glassblowing workshops on Murano or the lace embroidery on the island of Burano or make your own Venetian mask in a mask workshop.
Our hotel tip for Venice
Stay in this small boutique hotel in the less touristy Santa Croce district and still be just a stone’s throw away from the top sights: Santa Croce Boutique Hotel.
Porto
In addition to Lisbon, Portugal has another absolute gem for a European city trip: Porto. For a long time, we had no idea that Porto was so worth seeing, but fortunately we were proven wrong.
Throughout the city, you will find entire buildings decorated with the beautiful blue azulejos. You’ll find cool street art, stylish wine cellars with the typical port wine and the sea is also just a stone’s throw away. Or how about a boat trip on the Douro?
Porto is certainly no longer a real insider tip, but the smaller city next to Lisbon is often forgotten. Quite wrongly, see for yourself!
Our hotel tip in Porto
The Baumhaus Serviced Apartments offer beautiful apartments in a lovingly renovated old building in a good location.
Find even more Destinations for a City Break in Europe
Want even more? No problem. You’ll find even more inspiration for your next city trip here:
Our Tips for City Trips in Europe at a Glance
You now know our favorite travel destinations for a city break in Europe. But we also have a few general tips for a city trip within Europe for you.
Find cheap flights
We use the Skyscanner flight search engine. Simply enter your departure and destination and Skyscanner will show you which flight with which airline and at what time is the cheapest for you.
Find cheap accommodation
We almost always book our hotels on booking.com. The selection is huge, the prices are usually the cheapest and booking.com’s service is really great if a problem does occur.
We used to book private rooms via Airbnb, but we rarely do that anymore. Airbnb’s customer service is really subterranean and the misappropriation of apartments is destroying the social fabric in many cities. We still like the basic idea, but unfortunately it has simply taken on too many excesses.
Pack properly for your city trip
A city trip is perfect for traveling with hand luggage only. It’s more comfortable and also saves money when flying.
What are your tips for a European city break?
You now know our 22 favorite cities in Europe. Of course, we are always on the lookout for new adventures and look forward to your tips. Where do we absolutely have to go soon?