Europe is known for its beauty. While the most beautiful cities in Europe may be subject to some debate; there is no doubting the fact that these are all ancient cities built at a time when mankind was obsessed with beauty and splendor. Many of these old European cities have archaeological wonders on display; these are beautiful relics of past civilizations, carefully maintained for the enjoyment of the present and future generations.

Europe’s most beautiful cities are generally hubs of tourism; people from all over the world troop in, especially during the winter months, to stroll around in these beautiful cities and take pictures to share with their loved ones. The beauty of Europe cannot be dissociated from its culture; which is why when visitors behold the beautiful structures, there is always a bit of history to learn.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities In Europe

 1. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is generally agreed to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. This city probably has more interesting architecture per square mile than anywhere else on the continent. Aside from that, there are hilltop views, and beautiful markets to enjoy.

Prague was founded during the Roman era and continued to flourish into the Gothic period. This is why much of the buildings have an ancient European taste and style. The influences of the Medieval period also leave their mark on this city; some of the buildings were erected in the style of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Some of the must-see sites in Prague include the city center (which has now become a World Heritage Site), Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the National Theatre. Prague is a very peaceful city; it was even peaceful during the early 20th Century which saw lots of destruction in Europe. This is why most of the buildings and monuments

 2. Athens, Greece

Athens is the capital and largest city in Greece. This is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Europe. Athens is known for its ruins which are relics of the ancient Greek civilization. Athens was a center for the arts, learning, and philosophy. In Athens, you can find stone works dating back to 400 BC, as well as temples, sculptures, and so on.

Athens also has beautiful hillsides, beaches, shopping centers, and theatres. Even the city center is built to be impressive. You can check out the Cathedral of Athens, the New Acropolis Museum, and the Old Royal Palace.

Perhaps the most important structure in Athens is the Acropolis which is ideally located on a hill. This iconic structure is perhaps the most well-known symbol of ancient Greece. It contains several ancient buildings; the most important being the Parthenon- a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.

 3. Florence, Italy

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and Italy is perhaps the most beautiful country on the continent. Florence is more medieval than ancient; it flourished during that period, and that is why medieval architecture, especially of the Western European sort seems to dominate the city. During the medieval period; Florence was the richest city in Europe. It was the center of trade and finance; that explains why there are so many beautiful buildings reflecting the architecture of the time they were built.

Some important sites to visit are the Galleria degli Uffizi, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria. Florence is a center of culture, fashion, and beauty. There are several art galleries and museums in Florence, and they are modern reminders of the days of past glory. Many people who visit the city get to discover that Florence was the capital of Italy from 1865 to 1871.

 4. Paris, France

They say Paris is the city of lovers. Well, beauty and love tend to go hand in hand; it is, therefore, no surprise that Paris tends to stop people’s hearts with its breathtaking beauty and opulence. There are several culturally important sites to visit in Paris, but it seems that its greatest beauty emanates from the relaxed atmosphere. Visitors to Paris are taken aback by the leisurely pace of life in the city so they pause to smell the flowers and enjoy every moment of life.

The roads and streets are notably wide, and many of them are made with cobblestones. From the cafes, right on the wide streets, your eyes are met with beauty no matter what direction you turn. Even the people you meet on the streets are beautiful; they stroll along in twos, sharing smiles, hugs, and kisses in a scenery that is beautiful and loving.

Some of the must-see places in Paris include the Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. The city is one of the fashion centers of the world, and one of the places noted for its cuisine. A visit to Paris is not complete without checking out the cafes and restaurants.

 5. Porto, Portugal

Porto is unique for so many reasons. It is a city of natural beauty; the port; the topography, and the climate all combine to produce a masterpiece. Porto is principally a port city. Ships and boats of all sizes come into the port to pick up and to discharge all kinds of goods. Now, this is something you can find almost anywhere in the world. But what you cannot find so easily is the way the land rises gradually from the port, inland.

From the port to the city it seems as though you are climbing a hill. From your hotel room, you may be able to see the port; boats, ships, and barges going and coming like your very own pay-per-view performance. Places of interest in Porto include Casa da Música concert hall, Porto City Hall, Palácio da Bolsa, and Church of Saint Ildefonso.

 6. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is one of the most celebrated cities in Spain. It is also one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe, so there has to be some substance to the buzz. And there is! A visit to Barcelona is sure to provide enough memories for a lifetime. Some of the most iconic landmarks of Barcelona include the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, and Park Guel.

The Sagrada Familia is a huge basilica built by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudì. The building was started in 1882 and is still not finished. It is so beautiful that it has been made a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of the most famous stops in Barcelona is Picasso’s Museum; where you can find some of the painter’s most celebrated pieces.

 7. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and an interesting place to visit indeed. With a history dating more than 2500 years, Istanbul has been immersed in several different cultures; it has been called Byzantium, Constantinople, and New Rome. This has been the location of the capital of at least two ancient empires, and that is reflected in the beautiful buildings that seem to have very different cultural tastes.

Some of the interesting sights to visit in Istanbul include Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Galata Tower from where you can admire the views of the city. You can visit the shopping centers, and enjoy the famous coffee for which the city is known.

 8. Venice, Italy

Venice is an iconic city in Italy. Its beauty is not really in its buildings but in something else; the water. Venice is special because it is literally built on water; this is a city with 391-footbridges, interconnecting about 118 tiny islands. Venice is where you take your lover for a boat ride instead of a hike in the woods, or a ride in your car. Venice is a place of beauty and relaxation.

It is so popular that people line up to visit here because there are not many cities like this in the whole world. Must-see sites in Venice include the Piazza San Marco, where you’ll find the bell tower; and St Mark’s Cathedral.

 9. Bern, Switzerland

Bern is a charming city. It is the political center of Switzerland and is also one of the prettiest places on the continent. Built around the Aare River, it seems like the best place to enjoy the city is on a boat. That way, no matter which way you turn your head you are going to find something interesting to look at.

Some must-see sights in Bern include the Old City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Aare River, and the Bern Munster.

 10. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges in Belgium is peaceful and beautiful. This is such a great place to live; the whole city looks well planned and artfully designed. Bruges is a medieval city; many of the buildings went up between the 12th and 15th centuries. The impressive structures are accessible via cobblestone streets, tree-lined canals, and back roads that look like they are out of a Shakespearean novel.

Make sure to see the historic Center Square, and enjoy a coffee at any of the cafes lining the streets.

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Finally

The most beautiful cities in Europe will always spark some debate no matter what considerations are made. However, the priority should be on enjoying the beautiful scenery rather than making comparisons. If one is not too busy taking notes there is enough beauty to leave one in awe for the rest of his life in any one of these great European cities.

From Naijaquest the euphoria of having fun is aided by the beautiful views of the place you intend to catch fun.