European Cities? What’s Hehh?
Yeah yeah yeah, as it turns out, they have cities in Europe too (#shocking I know). Some European cities are just the worst. Not these ones though! Never that.
Who needs a long drawn out and dumb intro? Time to get serious with it. Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
10. Vienna
I’m starting with Vienna, Austria. It’s a city with a long imperial past. That does something to you. Vienna’s probably the most elegant, stuck up and sophisticated of the German-speaking cities. At least, that’s the vibe it evokes image-wise.
In reality, the city has its grit, its charm, its tranquility in abundance. It’s when you break past the glass of fantasy, Vienna’s true wonders pop out at you. The book of Vienna’s story is far more immersive than its cover suggests.
For every Schonbrun and Belvedere Palace, decorating the sky with opulent odes to ingenuity, there’s the Hundertwasserhaus or riverside street art. There’s a more down to earth life in Vienna that’s just as tender to the wandering eye as a Wiener Schnitzel is to beleaguered fang.
9. Amsterdam
One of the most iconic European Cities without a doubt is this one; Amsterdam, Netherlands. Entering this author’s mind while watching an old episode of Anthony Bourdain’s The Layover, the whimsical brush he painted the city with turned out to be well-earned rather than overdoing it.
I dressed up as a cheese farmer here. It was at the cheese museum. Those were sentences I never figured I’d ever utter. Nevertheless, that was the extent of my dive in Amsterdam’s edges, I swear. And just look, it still ranks up there for the best cities of Europe.
Truthfully, I may have also, totally by accident of course, stumbled into the famous red light district. In between window shopping properties the sunnier side of the canals or parousing through world-class museums, I found time to sleep well and eat well in a city whose public transport, whether by boat, bike, or tram, leaves much to be desired. What’s left to desire? A second trip of course!
8. Copenhagen
Yeah it’s like alright I guess. Like Top 8 of European Cities or something like that.
[insert descriptive paragraph]
Nothing to see here. Let’s just move on.
7. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is likely one of the least known of the cities I’ve included in this list. It may not have the capital city grandeur of others on this list. It may have this author’s personal scorn like certain Danish cities we won’t mention again. But, it does have its own board game. And sometimes the root of all good in travel can be found in the least expected areas. Carcassonne is a hidden gem, a diamond in the rough of Southwest France.
The main jewel of the city is, well, la Cité. It’s an expansive medieval citadel that was expertly preserved and restored to peak glamor in the 19th century. If you want to experience a Renaissance Fair in real time, to travel into the deep past and step into what feels like a city-spanning amusement park, Carcassonne’s Cité de Carcassonne is undoubtedly a no-brainer. That’s why I enjoyed it so much. I’m a no-brainer.
In all seriousness, the rest of the city has less in the way of grand offerings but still maxes out the beauty and aura of a historic south of France city, making the whole package worth every kind of venture.
6. Tbilisi
If I were to choose the best European cities based on vibes and memories alone, Tbilisi might have just been number 1. Perhaps even less known internationally than Carcassonne, Tbilisi may be tied down by Georgia’s lack of PR when compared to most of Europe. However, what this does is lead most travellers, me included, to enter the city with an open mind, fresh for the taking.
And Tbilisi doesn’t hesitate when it comes to seduction. Across centuries, empires, struggles and successes, the city breathes the air of blended culture. From rustic wooden homes to ultramodern federal buildings accessible only via the equally futuristic Bridge of Peace, Tbilisi has it all.
And now, it’s going to do a Vienna and be compared to its cuisine now. The city is like a delicious Khinkali. Soft and warm on the outside and made to be delicately broken open to reveal a hearty core that enriches even the most hardened of spirits.
5. Stockholm
Despite not necessarily enjoying Stockholm as much as I would have liked from one of the best European cities, it cannot be argued that the city is worth its glowing reviews. The city is never lacking for sights, regardless of taste or tradition for any given traveller. Just say the word and Stockholm’s likely got it.
History – head to the city’s colorful Old Town called Gamla Stan. Nature – Trek up to the Skansen Open Air Museum. Weird stories – learn about a centuries-old shipwreck at the Vasa Museum. Culture – the Abba Museum is just a hop away. Bureaucracy – stop by City Hall, if that’s really what’s got you traveling.
Stockholm’s best explored in the Spring or Summer for the obvious drop in temperature that accompanies Sweden’s unforgiving winter months. However, as someone who has successfully visited the city in the worst of times, it’s safe to say that Stockholm rises to the occasion of great European city regardless of time period, season or circumstance. The city is smooth and light, visiting is like catching yourself in cool air that produces motivational melodies with one word verses; go.
4. Venice
Venice Venice Venice. I could say so many things about this city. But what is there to add to one of the world’s most famous cities, let alone one of the most visited and coveted European cities in particular? Tucked in the northeast corner of Italy, the idea that Venice had a maritime empire bursting out its murky lagoon waters feels laughable until you stroll past grand marble masterpiece after grand marble masterpiece and ask yourself “how did they do this?”
If a whole city is a marvel of human engineering, a testament to our never ending grudge match against mother nature, what must the sights within the sight entail? They break the scale. What’s more is that Venice has no shortage. St Mark’s Square and Basilica. The Rialto Bridge, the Jewish quarter, the Arsenal. There’s too many to list to be frank about it.
This is a location that speaks in every saturated plaster facade and every leisurely ripple in the water. It’s language is the glowing romance it’s so known for. It stands on its own in the annals of famous cities and for that, I would be 100% remiss not to include it here.
3. Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg once represented the dream of Westernization for Russia, of looking to learn from others for one’s own growth. That spirit echoes throughout the city. It’s a city that is destined to leave an impression, whether through overwhelming imperial monuments or picturesque Baltic Sea viewpoints. Between the canals and the metros there’s already enough works of art to fill Saint Petersburg’s Hermitage. But then there’s that as well, the Hermitage.
The only thing to keep in mind with Saint Petersburg is that its opulence, its size and scope might just make even the most experienced traveler feel small. If your pride is based on competing with world class, former empire-leading cities, I’d suggest to stay away. However, if you want somewhere to casually float through vibrant nights rife with sound and color, the masses propping up each hour to a vodka-filled crescendo of excitement, then look no further than Saint Petersburg.
Just be ready for the moment it looks you back down and confidently states that it’s one of the greatest European cities out there. Then what will you do?
2. Seville
I heard it said once that Spain is Europe’s most exotic country. And one visit to Seville makes that argument appear at least somewhat compelling. Seville is the heart of Spain’s famous autonomous community of Andalusia, the one that used to be controlled for centuries by Moorish empires coming out of North Africa. That legacy gives Andalusia a character vastly different than other parts of Spain and the rest of Europe. And Seville, as the epicenter of it, is the shining beacon of all that heritage.
This style of European city is coated with narrow arrows, whitewashed routes and sights to rival any other city’s, from the iconic Alcazar to the main cathedral, created from an old mosque. Unmistakably Spanish brilliance mixes with Moroccan azures to create an eclectic and wholly unique experience.
Let’s not forget the less historic but equally enchanting Plaza de Espana, with its corridors outstretched like welcoming arms inviting the traveler into the city, especially if they arrive there first, as I did. Throw in the Torre del Oro and the Metropol Parasol and there’s your itinerary right there. Dance your way over to some Flamenco steps and get on with it.
1. Prague
And the European cities crown goes to Prague. It’s enigmatic, it’s different, it’s in the heart of the continent yet feels both like a crossroads and like a place that tells its own story. The city of 1000 spires is an institution, more of a mythical European traveler’s right of passage than a proper city. One that shouldn’t be real, couldn’t be real, it’s got this classic tinge that should make it untouchable. Yet the best thing about it is that it is touchable, it’s in your face. It’s easy to get wrapped up in.
Prague Castle looms large over the city from most points, giving you an obvious endgame to reach for every tourist. The Old Town Square is an essential visit too, and the photogenic types need to visit the Charles Bridge for their customary selfies and panoramas. The old Jewish Quarter is rich with history and heritage as well. Then the torture museum offers a darker take on historic life for those who can stomach it.
Plus, that’s not the only more out-of-the-box attraction in Prague. Being here, you can also reflect on those classic defenistrations that took place in the legendary city. Who knows, maybe even try your hand at one…
European Cities and you?
Well there you have it, the last of my picks in regards to the geatest European cities I have had the grace to go to and not die trying. Of course, and I hope this comes as a surprise to zero percent of Globe Junkie readers, but Europe has got, what some may call a lot, of cities. You probably wonder how I left off such greats as Chisinau or Himmelstadt but that’s what comment sections are there for.
What do European cities mean to you? What do you expect when you visit one? What does it take for one to become the best in your head? Let me know and who knows maybe that will be the spark. The spark that burns its name into the next adventure for the both of us. And we’ll find ourselves in European squares soon enough.
And we’ll find ourselves in European squares soon enough.
Thanks for sharing the list! I love the combination of very famous and iconic cities (Venice, Amsterdam) with lesser known but underrated ones (Carcassonne, Tbilisi) it really sheds a light on all types of European cities!