To see Paris and die is no longer fashionable. Yes, the French capital is certainly beautiful and elegant, the Eiffel Tower is amazing and the Champs Elysees are beautiful, but all this has already been advertised a million times and is densely covered with tourists.
But there are plenty of other beautiful and quieter places to visit in Europe. Having studied the opinions of experienced travelers with The World Pursuit and Condé Nast Traveler, as well as based on personal impressions, we have compiled list of the most beautiful cities in Europe... This is not a rating in the traditional sense, since each city is beautiful in its own way, and no photograph can convey all the charm. You need to see it with your own eyes.
We have also prepared a list the most beautiful cities in Russia with photos and descriptions of amazing places.
Florence
The capital of Tuscany and one of the most interesting places in Italy. You must add this city to your Italian itinerary if it is not already there. Florence is renowned for its world-class cuisine, museums, art and picturesque surroundings.
Florentine architecture beckons you to get lost in the historic city center. And history buffs will probably go crazy with delight, as Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is filled with historical treasures. Say hello to one of the symbols of the Florentine Republic - the statue of David by Michelangelo Buonarroti.
As you walk down narrow cobblestone streets lined with marble basilicas, dark chapels, gas lanterns and charming frescoes, little seems to have changed over the centuries. In short, in Florence you really have the opportunity to get lost in time.
Oia, Santorini, Greece
According to Greek mythology, Santorini is a clod of earth that Triton, the son of Neptune, gave the Argonauts. They gave the island the name Callisti. Currently, the pearl of the island is the famous Greek resort town of Oia (or Oia). It is filled with snow-white buildings topped with bright blue roofs. The peculiarity of the island, which is actually an active sea volcano, has left its mark on urban architecture. Many of the houses have been dug into volcanic rock on a cliff face with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Oia is also famous for its amazing sunsets, which can be seen almost every day, as there are few cloudy days on the island. The city is loved by both Greeks and foreign tourists, so it is better to visit this paradise in early autumn or late spring, when there are fewer people.
Keep in mind that there is almost no nightlife in the city, making it ideal for a relaxing family getaway.
Budapest, Hungary
This city was nicknamed "Paris of the East" because of its beautiful nature and unique architecture. The capital of Hungary is safe, young and unlike any other European city.
A highlight of the local nightlife is the unique ruin pubs. They are housed in abandoned buildings from the Second World War, in the Erzsebetváros quarter.These pubs usually have no doors, but there are high tables at which guests can have a glass or two of intoxicating and go to another place. Many ruin pubs are open even during the day, where you can drink coffee and even dine.
Budapest is also famous for its thermal baths, which you can find throughout the city. You can swim there even in winter.
Venice, Italy
You can love or hate Venice, but both do not deny its popularity. It is one of the most beautiful historic cities on the planet, but it is also one of the most touristy places in the world.
The Sinking City is a network of 118 islands connected by bridges. The buildings here are old, and if you can get away from the crowd, it seems that you got there five centuries ago. It's pretty surreal.
Unfortunately, Venice's canals are notorious for being high in waste, and in the summer they smell can ruin your holiday experience. However, in cooler months there are fewer tourists, less waste, and no foul odor. So we can say that Venice is one of the most beautiful European cities, with the exception of the summer months.
Bruges, Belgium
This small, green city in northern Belgium contrasts sharply with the bustling Brussels. The best way to see all of its beauty is to rent a bike and cycle along the charming old houses and canals. If the day is sunny and warm, you can easily take a boat tour of the canals or go to the Koeleweimolen and Sint-Janshuismolen windmills.
Bruges is one of the best places for beer lovers. Take a guided tour of the Half Moon Brewery for a superb foamy drink.
Edinburgh, Scotland
It is a great alternative for those looking to explore a city that is just as interesting but less gloomy than London.
Edinburgh city center is divided into two parts: the disorderly development of medieval streets in the Old City and the beautifully constructed buildings of the New City in the style of classicism. Many buildings in the Old Town are covered in soot, which is a historical landmark in itself. After all, it has remained from medieval times, when it was heated with coal and wood.
Edinburgh is in many ways chaotic and full of contrasts, but this is part of its charm. It offers everything from world-class luxury hotels to fine dining, bustling pubs, designer shops and shops selling kilts, whiskey and a variety of souvenirs.
Helsinki, Finland
It is surprising that such a modern European city is very close to nature. It has a large amount of green space and the unique Temppeliaukio Church nestled in a natural rock. The unusual architecture allows for an incredible acoustic effect in the church hall.
And not far from the center of Helsinki there is a Botanical Garden, which has a whole system of artificial ponds, rose gardens and greenhouses.
Kotor, Montenegro
If you like seascapes but don't like noisy crowds, then Kotor is the place to go. This city, the first mention of which dates back to 168 BC. e., saw both the Romans and Serbs, was under the rule of the Venetian Republic, and was the scene of fierce battles between Austria-Hungary and Montenegro. And now it is a quiet and peaceful place, which is home to just over 13,000 people.
It is surrounded by stone walls and a moat, while inside the city walls you will find many churches, a maze of clean streets, stone houses and quiet piazzas.
The landscapes around Kotor are very reminiscent of the Norwegian fjords due to the natural beauty of the bay. But if you want truly fantastic views, do not be lazy to go to the tiny town of Perast (12 km from Kotor), where the most beautiful bay in Europe is located. Perast was once a rich port city, but now it is called the city of millionaires, because each building in it costs more than a million euros. And according to rumors, there are the estates of many Russian and foreign politicians and celebrities.
Vienna, Austria
If you are a culture and art connoisseur, then a trip to Vienna is a must. The noble charm of this city is made up of many beautiful components: from the State Opera (the largest opera house in the country) to the majestic Musikverein concert hall, from the magnificent Hofburg palace complex to the Town Hall (city hall) in neo-Gothic style.
Stroll through the vast parks, or admire the works of great masters at the Museum of Fine Arts. Don't forget to take your kids to the Prater, the Vienna version of Disneyland (albeit without disney secret room) - and enjoy the taste of schnitzel.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The carefree and fun city of Amsterdam needs no introduction. It is known as the "Venice of the North" because of its hundreds of canals and boats are everywhere. If you are traveling together, you can go for a romantic walk on the water.
There are interesting places for lovers of history, architecture, parties, delicious food, shopping, art and even carnal entertainment. But the beauty of this city lies not only in entertainment and canals, it is also in beautiful houses. Many of them are equipped with lifting hooks, with the help of which oversized loads were lifted up.
If you are looking for traditional attractions, check out the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Shipping Museum and Van Gogh Museum. In the evening, take a walk on the "Python" bridge, curved like a snake's body, and enjoy its view in the light of the lights.
All cities in our top 10 are worth visiting. However, there are no ugly cities in the world. Each of them has its own charm, there would be a desire to find it.