19 Historic European Cities So Pretty, You’ll Forget to Take Pictures
Have you ever seen something so beautiful it put the world on hold? While these places always call for photos, some leave you in such awe that you forget you even brought a camera.
One of the things that makes a place beautiful and interesting is its history. They make the stories that are told come to life in front of your eyes.
Europe is a wellspring of historic and beautiful cities. Get to know more about this continent and what fascinating historic cities you have to see once in your life.
1. Rome, Italy
When you think of ancient architecture, Rome almost immediately pops into your mind. You see the rich heritage everywhere you go. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, this place is brimming with stunning architecture.
The Trevi Fountain’s picturesque Baroque art is one of the must-go attractions in this city. It’s said that the fountain grants wishes if you toss a coin over your shoulder. Try it yourself and see if your wish comes true.
2. Venice, Italy
Known as “The Floating City,” Venice continues to steal the hearts of many. Did you know that Venice has a total of 435 bridges? These beautifully crafted bridges help connect the city’s different islands.
Aside from the canals like The Grand Canal and Bridge of Sighs, you should also visit Teatro La Fenice. Like the city’s canals, this historic opera house will take your breath away. If you love classical music and gothic architecture, Venice delivers.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the only city to receive the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture. The architecture in this city leaves visitors in awe. You don’t want to miss the amazing cathedrals and temples like the Cathedral of Barcelona and Basílica de la Sagrada Família.
The place’s art and culture will make you want to absorb the entirety of this beautiful place. Enjoy walking around the city and bask in the beauty of the buildings.
4. Athens, Greece
Athens is at the forefront regarding the talks of history and philosophy. It’s the home of Greek mythology that many people enjoy and love. If you love mythology, you can’t miss the Parthenon, Acropolis, Agora, and other buildings in Athens.
Even just the names of these places take you back in time. It’s a city that never sleeps, and there’s plenty to do in and around the city, so you can easily spend a week here.
5. Bergen, Norway
Bergen has a rich history in trade because of its port. The city is surrounded by mountains that grant amazing views of the sky and the higher places. When the sky’s reflection touches the fjord, the place becomes a different level of pretty.
Did you know that Arendelle, the setting in the animated film Frozen, is inspired by locations in Norway like Bergen? This city is stunning, animated, or in real life, so please don’t forget to take pictures and take home the memories with you.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Stonewalls and the beautiful blue-green Adriatic Sea hug the city of Dubrovnik. Known as the “Pearl of Adriatic,” it’s the perfect place to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea’s breeze and beautiful views. The wall of Dubrovnik is a World Heritage Site, and the surrounding ocean makes the city even prettier.
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, this city was used in filming and is known as King’s Landing. The city’s wonderful architectural design is perfect for period films.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is famous for its historical and artistic buildings. One of its most historic landmarks is the Edinburgh Castle, which rests on top of a large rock. It’s one of the oldest castles in Europe, and it feels like seeing a castle straight from a fairytale book.
Reminiscent of Harry Potter’s world, the city makes you feel like you’re inside the book. The tall and stunning buildings around the city will make you believe in magic.
8. Nafplio, Greece
Nafplio is one of the oldest cities in Greece. It dates back to the prehistoric era, and the myth goes that it was founded by Nafplio, son of Poseidon. The surrounding water amplifies the beauty of its ancient buildings, cobbled walls, and paths.
This city is perfect for lovers as it’s said to be one of the most romantic cities in Greece. So, if you’re planning a romantic getaway, consider Nafplio as your next destination.
9. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv is the one of oldest cities in Europe. Its age comes with a diverse and rich culture from when it was first inhabited — around 6000 BCE. The city preserved many of its oldest historic architecture including the Old Town of Plovdiv.
The talent and love for art is alive and palpable in the city. Walk to the highest point of Old Town, and watch the full view of the city. The city becomes even more beautiful at night as the stars and lights are on.
10. Valletta, Malta
Valletta is a city intentionally built by knights as a fortress. This city houses some of the most artistic and thoroughly planned buildings. Make sure you don’t miss the breathtaking gardens and cathedrals when you walk around.
The architectural design reflects Malta’s culture and history perfectly. Another can’t-miss item is the art masterpiece, “The Beheading of Saint John,” which is also located in the city.
11. Granada, Spain
Granada houses the famous Alhambra Palace atop a hill in the heart of the city. Greenery enfolds this Islamic architecture and provides cool walkways around the palace. The beautiful gardens and fountains in the complex are perfect, especially during the summer when sunshine magnifies their beauty.
The narrow residential streets in the city give a close-up view of the vibrant houses around. Moreover, the Moroccan tea houses and shops around add to the Granada’s charm and vigor.
12. Krakow, Poland
Krakow has been one of the educational and cultural centers of Poland, which shaped the country’s identity. Even after many years, the city has preserved many of its architectural treasures. There’s no shortage of pretty places in this city.
The Vistula River that flows through the city makes your walk around calmer and scenic. This city is also filled with greenery, complementing the antique buildings that are found, like Wawel Castle and Main Market Square.
13. Florence, Italy
Florence has a strong artistic history and is sprinkled with many architectural marvels. The churches, museums, piazzas, and palaces display its heritage. This city is home to museums that shelter brilliant works by legendary artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
You will find life wherever you go — whether you’re walking around the streets or breathing in art in a museum. This city will not bore you.
14. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul has seen the end of the Byzantine Empire with the conquest of the Ottoman Empire. You will see the influence of these eras on the architecture and landscapes. The Blue Mosque and the Galata Tower are some of the most magnificent scenes in the city.
Both the buildings and Istanbul’s natural landscapes make the city glow. Cruise through the Bosphorus Strait and experience more of the city’s grace.
15. Cordoba, Spain
Cordoba is proof of peaceful religious coexistence; it was where people of different religions lived. The Great Mosque in spring is even lovelier because the flowers all around make the place pop. A little reminder: Don’t get distracted by the impressive interior and forget to take pictures.
Strolling through the Juderia is a sight all on its own. The refreshing, bright colors of the walls and the flowers on them leave you wanting more.
16. Turku, Finland
As one of Finland’s oldest cities, Turku is lush in history and culture. The Aura River surrounding the city provides for a calming bike ride. Strolling around the Turku Castle is enchanting, and the greenery around the castle makes it even better.
Turku Cathedral’s interior continues to amaze visitors because of its magical beauty. When the sun is almost set, and the buildings’ lights come on, the place glows and becomes entrancing.
17. Salzburg, Austria
Did you know that this city was the birthplace of musical legend Mozart? The beautiful historical melodies of the city include Fortress Hohensalzburg, a large medieval castle aloft the Festungsberg hill. Your way up can be challenging but the vistas along the way make it more than worth it.
Mirabell Palace’s architecture and the gardens surrounding it are also something you can’t miss. Its atmosphere and jaw-dropping structure make it popular among visitors.
18. Orvieto, Italy
Orvieto is an Italian hill town settled on a volcanic cliff. The city’s melodramatic setting makes it so attractive, especially when the skies change their color within the day. Duomo di Orvieto, a masterpiece of a cathedral, also rests within the bounds of the city.
The Cathedral’s gothic design, dotted with mosaics and stained glass, is remarkable. Trust me, it might be tough to get your eyes off it.
19. Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor was a fundamental city for maritime and trade during the Middle Ages because of its strategic location on the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska). Venetian architecture with the natural beauty of the bay, creates a stunning sight.
When you climb to Kotor’s fortifications, you get a panoramic view of the city. The sky kissing the bay makes you feel like you’re in a wallpaper photo.
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