Exploring Europe's Best Cities

Planning a trip to Europe? This travel guide gives you an idea of which cities in Europe you should add to your bucket list. Expand your knowledge and discover where in Europe you would like to travel next.

Every city in Europe is different and has good and not-so-good qualities so hopefully, this blog will guide you in finding the perfect city for you. We are on a mission to find the best cities you can go to so in no particular order, let's get into it.

Athens

Starting strong, if you can't decide which city to visit this year then consider Athens! Athens is the capital of Greece and has a lot going for it such as busy bars and restaurants, sandy beaches and interesting history. This city is a great family destination as it has something for everyone.

If your idea of a trip away involves lots of sun then this is the perfect city due to its Mediterranean climate. The food alone is reason enough to book a trip to Athens. With souvlaki, fresh Greek salads, and moussaka on the menu, it’s a foodie’s paradise. Not only does this destination offer great history, cuisine and activities it's also a short flight from the UK.

Activities and Excursions

Athens is a city that rarely sleeps. Every month, something is happening somewhere, whether it’s a festival, show, or exhibition. Boat trips are popular in Athens and tourists like to book an Island hopping excursion when visiting to make the most of their trip.

If you only visit one landmark during your stay, make it the Acropolis, an awe-inspiring ancient citadel that overlooks the city. It’s thousands of years old and home to some seriously incredible ruins, including the world-famous Parthenon temple and the Theatre of Dionysus.

Cuisine

Greek cuisine is delicious with many of the best local dishes from Athens containing healthy doses of olive oil, creamy feta cheese, and various herbs and spices. Their wine is also very tasty and can be a lot cheaper than in the US or UK.

As a fast-food favourite, souvlaki can be found at takeaways and classy diners alike in the Greek capital, made with chunks of skewered pork served with pitta bread or gyros filled with onions and chopped tomatoes.

If you're in the mood for something lighter, salads are particularly popular in Greece, with many locals enjoying a portion with every meal. One of the most delicious salads in Athens is the choriatiki.

Nightlife

One thing’s for sure when the sun goes down in Athens, you won’t get bored, as the nightlife is legendary. But be prepared for a long night, as the bars don’t get going before 10 pm. Once they do, the options are endless.

One of the highlights is the Athens and Epidaurus Arts Festival (June to August), which comprises open-air theatre, opera, classical music, and dance performances, at various locations around Athens.

Beaches

You may not think of Athens as a beach destination, but there are plenty of sandy spots to top up your tan. The best place to catch some rays is Skalakia Agias Marinas, a gorgeous cove with golden sand and turquoise waters.

If you’re into water sports, a day trip to Vouliagmeni Beach is a must. As well as being one of the Attica coastline’s most glorious beaches, it has everything you need to enjoy a day on the water, from windsurfing and paddle boarding to boat hire.

Affordability

Due to Greece's recent financial difficulties, the prices of food, drinks, and alcohol have remained relatively low, so you’ll be pleasantly surprised when the bill arrives. Local wines are very cheap and equally as delicious as their imported counterparts.

There’s plenty to see and do without breaking the bank, too. If you’re lucky enough to be in the city on the first Sunday of the month, between November and March, you could see many of the major Greek archaeological landmarks like the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum for free.

The best time to visit

The peak season is summer, when Athens is packed with tourists, and hotel prices can be high. July and August are the hottest. The best time to visit is late spring (May) and fall (Sept-Oct) which is shoulder season. It's pleasant, with comfortable weather, no rain, and smaller crowds.

Rome

It's not a surprise that the capital of Italy is one of the best cities to explore in Europe. With all the popular attractions such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Roman crypts and catacombs it attracts loads of tourists each year. It is actually on our top flight destinations page too!

It’s one of the most famous cities in the world for a reason, but you can’t fully understand its magic until you’ve been there in person. This is a city where winding streets lead to beautiful temples, pasta gets brought out by the bucketload, and the people-watching opportunities never end.

Rome is also much, much bigger than you can imagine, so you’re going to want to have a plan in place. We recommend at least four days in Rome to get a feel for the city. If you're looking to book your flights to Rome, it couldn't be easier with Alternative Airlines.

Activities and Excursions

Of course, if you’re in Rome, you have to see the Colosseum. If you are a history lover then this is a great place to visit as local Romans used to come to see violent gladiator battles or animal hunts. We recommend buying tickets in advance, as the queues here can be crazy.

Rome is known as the city of fountains – there are over 2,000 throughout the city, both big and small – but none is grander than the Trevi Fountain. Each year, millions of coins are tossed into the fountain: they're regularly collected and donated to charitable causes.

Between the endless things to do and multiple bowls of pasta you’ll devour on your trip to Rome, you might as well go shopping. Luckily for you, Rome takes shopping very seriously indeed. Via del Corso, Via Condotti, and Via Cola di Rienzo are some of the most famous shopping streets in Rome. Here you will find a mix of high-end boutiques, international brands, and local shops.

Cuisine

You might be wondering what the top food to eat in Rome is. Although the first food that comes to mind when thinking about Italy is pizza and pasta, there is so much more than that. There are four classic Roman pasta dishes: carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and alla Gricia.

The typical Roman breakfast consists of an Italian croissant (cornetto) and a small cappuccino! For dinner, the norm is to have either crispy roast meat, artichokes or pizza with a glass of wine. Make sure to venture out when looking for bars and restaurants as the places filled with tourists are usually more expensive.

Nightlife

From busy restaurants to cocktail hotspots Rome has a great nightlife. It’s no secret that Rome is as great for bar hopping as it is for eating your body weight in pasta and pizza.

Rome is filled with great clubs. But before you dance the night away, keep in mind that the real fun doesn't start till midnight! So take your time, enjoy an aperitivo, or maybe indulge in a wine-tasting experience.

Beaches

Typically, visitors don't come to Rome to go to the beach. But when summer heats up, it might be somewhere to consider.

Ostia is one of the closest beaches to Rome, and certainly the cheapest and easiest to get to. This makes it a convenient destination, but also one of the most crowded beaches near Rome. The atmosphere is casual and lively, with a variety of nightlife options.

A family-friendly option would be Santa Marinella. This is another beach near Rome that is very easy to reach with one train ride. It's not as loud as some other Rome beaches and lacks that party atmosphere.

Affordability

Although Rome isn't as expensive as London, Amsterdam or Edinburgh, it isn't a cheap city either. This is due to how popular the city is with tourists and all the attractions people come and pay to see.

Try planning your trip to Rome during the low tourist season (between November - March). This will make the prices of accommodation and transport reduced drastically.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Rome is from mid-March through to May, with fewer crowds and warm temperatures. Rome, the capital of Italy, experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a unique city to visit with beautiful canals, tons of museums, coffee shops, parks, bars and shops. We recommend spending a minimum of 3 days here to properly experience the art and culture. If you haven't yet been to the Netherlands then you are missing out!

Amsterdam lives up to its iconic reputation from busy Dam Square to popular street markets. Whether you visit to shop, discover museums or drink in bars there is always something for all ages. Did you know that there are 150 canals and a whopping 1,281 bridges in Amsterdam?

One thing about Amsterdam is that you are bound to get lots of exercise when walking around and it's bigger than you expect. There is the option to use trams to get from A to B but to save money we suggest hiring a bike.

Activities and Excursions

When in Amsterdam we recommend booking a boat trip down the canal to get a good view of the city or visit Anne Frank's house to learn more about Amsterdam during the war. If your idea of fun is shopping then you're in the right place. There are not only big brands and fashion chains but also up-and-coming designers and independent shops.

The museums are very popular in Amsterdam so make sure you visit one when in Amsterdam. A tour we recommend taking part in is the Heineken experience where you can get free beer and discover how it's brewed. A fun fact about Amsterdam is that every drop of Europe's most popular beer is made there.

Cuisine

A good reason to include Amsterdam in the list of best cities to visit in Europe is due to their cuisine. From mini pancakes to croquettes from a vending machine, Amsterdam offers the hungry traveller plenty of unique food experiences.

An all-around favourite is the frietjes which are thick-cut chips served in a piping hot paper cone slathered with any manner of tasty toppings. No visit to Amsterdam is complete without indulging in stroopwafels, iconic Dutch treats loved by locals and visitors alike.

Nightlife

Amsterdam in the nighttime is worth staying up for. Although it's packed with fun things to do during the day, at night it's another adventure on its own.

The red light district is a popular place for tourism on an evening where you can either pay for a tour or book tickets to a show. This is one of the reasons why Amsterdam is unique to other cities and the fact they ride around on bikes everywhere.

Coffee shops also stay open during the evening and are busier than in the daytime. Taking a walk along the canal is an eye-opening experience and a lively atmosphere.

Beaches

You may not be prepared for a beach when you visit Amsterdam for a city break. However, just an hour away from the city centre, you’ll find some of the beaches in the Netherlands

Okay, the Netherlands might not be the first place that springs to mind when planning a beach holiday, but the Dutch are international champions at surprising people. There is an urban beach called NDSM, an industrial hotspot home to art exhibitions, cultural happenings and restaurants. There’s often live music playing and a decent selection of beer and burgers on offer.

Affordability

Amsterdam can be expensive. However, there are ways to travel on a budget. Visiting at quieter times, scouting out bargain fares (whether you come by air, boat, bus or train) and snapping up accommodation deals can have big rewards. Once you're in the city, finding cheap eats and discounts on attractions, and figuring out the best transport options will also keep costs down.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Amsterdam is considered to be between mid-March and September when the days are longer and brighter. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 22 C and an average low of 13 C.

Nice

Nice is the perfect city in Europe to visit for people of all ages, it's also well-placed to allow you to explore the beautiful French Riviera. A fun fact about this city in the South of France is that it has been a holiday hotspot for over 400,000 years. But up until the 1930s, wealthy visitors would flock here in winter, not summer.

The old town is not to be missed with its colourful buildings, wooden shutters and cobbled streets. For outdoor lovers, one of the best reasons to visit Nice is the range of hiking trails accessible from the city. With such incredible Mediterranean weather, it would be rude not to get out and about.

Activities and Excursions

From peaceful flower markets to medieval castles, there is so much to see and do in Nice. We have added Nice to the list of the best cities to travel to in Europe because of the amazing beaches, hot weather, great nightlife and most importantly, fun activities.

Visit Promenade des Anglais and mooch along the stretch to soak up the sights of the gorgeously blue Mediterranean Sea, stopping at one of the many bars and restaurants by the beach.

Cave de la Tour founded in 1947, is one of the city’s oldest wine bars. With local wines and varieties from across France, this is the place to be if you want to sample the region’s finest booze.

Cuisine

There are 3 main local foods to eat when visiting Nice and these are Socca, Ratatouille and Pissaladière. Socca is a chickpea and pancake, ratatouille is a vegetable stew that became world famous from the Disney movie and pissaladière is a caramelized onion tart. Prices for food and attractions in Nice are fairly reasonable by Western European standards.

Nightlife

Nice's nightlife offers something for everyone. From stylish rooftop bars overlooking the Mediterranean to energetic nightclubs, there's a perfect after-dark activity. Whether you prefer sipping cocktails by the sea, dancing until dawn, or exploring the historic Old Town, the city's nightlife offers a variety of experiences.

Opera de Nice located in the heart of the city, hosts performances including opera, ballet, classical concerts, and theatrical productions. Enjoy yourself in the world of fine arts and experience the magic of live performance in a historical setting.

Dance the night away at High Club, one of Nice's most popular nightclubs or listen to live music at Shapko Bar for a memorable night.

Beaches

The vast majority of Nice's coastline is taken up by public beaches, open all year, all the time and free to use. The beaches are gorgeous and attract lots of tourists each year due to them being clean, safe and well-maintained. Luckily, the beach is just 80 metres from the city centre, so transportation costs are minimal.

If you are travelling to Nice with children then consider the Sailboat beach is located near the Masséna Museum. This public beach of Nice hosts a restaurant and a playground for children.

Ponchettes Beach, located on the seafront facing the old town of Nice has lots of space for beach volleyball and is a popular spot for swimming.

Affordability

The French Riviera is many things, but cheap is not one of them, and Nice is one of the more expensive cities in Western Europe. Still, there are ways to keep your travel costs down. Summer – August especially – is the worst time to visit Nice if you want to remain budget-conscious.

Visiting markets for lunch can be cheaper than going out to restaurants to eat. When going out to bars, find ones that offer happy hours to make your evening slightly cheaper.

Consider booking flights to Nice with Alternative Airlines and using one of our Buy Now, Pay Later options to spread the cost and make your trip more affordable.

The best time to visit

With its location on France's southeast Mediterranean coast, Nice enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and cool winters. The best time to visit Nice is in the summer when the weather is hot and sunny.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a lively city with lots to do and see such as parades, markets, live music, festivals and religious traditions. It’s hard to feel bored in Barcelona because the city has so much to offer to people with a variety of interests.

Barcelona is a popular destination for student travel as most things aren't as expensive as other cities. It also ranks as the 11th safest city in the world making it more of a family-friendly destination. Overall, there’s almost no major crime and the only one you need to watch out for is pickpocketing. After all, Barcelona is hugely popular with tourists.

Activities and Excursions

Sagrada Família is a catholic church and a popular tourist destination. A fun fact is that this church has taken over a century to build and it's still not finished. Once completed this will be one of the largest buildings in Europe.

We believe the reason Barcelona ranks high as the best city in Europe to visit is because of the activities. From catamaran day trips to busy bus tours around the city, it has it all. You can go and visit Barcelona's oldest city which started in 1217 or visit the Picasso Museum to pass some time.

Cuisine

When in Barcelona, make sure to walk down busy allies and markets to find where the locals eat. This is cheaper than eating at touristy restaurants and paying a more expensive bill.

Don't leave Catalonia without eating botifarra amb mongetes, which many Catalans consider their national dish. This pairing of white beans and sausage started in the 19th century in taverns all over Catalonia, but especially in Barcelona.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Spain is one of the best in the world and Barcelona, as well as Madrid, offer some of the country's most impressive nightclubs. Barcelona offers a wide variety of bars, discos and clubs offering all kinds of music, its atmosphere is alive and is different each night, especially at weekends, when the city is much more crowded!

Beaches

In Barcelona, there are 4.2 km of golden sandy beaches only 10 minutes from the city centre and 4 main beach areas. Barcelona beaches are among the best in Spain whether you're looking for thrilling water sports or just a space where you can relax by the gentle waves.

Barceloneta Beach is possibly Barcelona’s most popular and busy beach which features a stretch of seafood restaurants and tapas eateries.

Affordability

Barcelona can be more expensive than other Spanish cities however, it's considered cheaper than most European cities.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Barcelona is between May and June when the weather is warm but not too hot and there are a range of festivals and events for you to enjoy. Although Spain is one of the best places in Europe to visit in December.

Vienna

If you are wondering whether or not you should visit Vienna, the short answer is yes! Vienna, the capital of Austria, is also known as the music capital of the world, with thousands of music performances each year. You should spend at least 3 days in Vienna to be able to see most of the highlights without feeling rushed.

Vienna is a popular tourist destination, particularly for short city breaks. There are lots to do for both adults and children including music festivals, history museums, amusement parks and shopping.

It's a clean city and it's also considered very safe making it a good option for families and solo travellers. With dozens of parks, cathedrals and palaces this city is a refreshing place to visit with lots to see and do.

Activities and Excursions

There’s a solid reason why Schönbrunn Palace is Vienna’s most popular tourist spot. It’s gorgeous, and you can do a tour through the interior and see some pretty impressive European history.

Make sure to visit the rose garden in Volksgarten Park. It's a beautiful spot to visit and take plenty of pictures.

Visit the Vienna State Opera, one of the top opera addresses in the world and home to the very best in first-class productions. Guided tours are available on many days, offering an intimate window into the world of opera, not to mention the stunning architecture around it.

Cuisine

Vienna is known for its traditional dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet, and Tafelspitz, a hearty boiled beef in broth. For dessert, Sachertorte, a dense chocolate cake, and Apfelstrudel, a delicious apple pastry, are simply unmissable.

A fun fact is that the Wiener Schnitzel is so synonymous with the country that its name is protected by law; it can only be called Wiener Schnitzel when made with veal.

When visiting, if you are looking for a particularly refreshing option – whether at a wine tavern or elsewhere – ask for a “Weisser Spritzer”, which is half white wine, half carbonated water. This is a popular drink that the locals have.

Nightlife

One of the pros of visiting Vienna is experiencing the excellent nightlife there. There are all sorts of places to choose from such as cocktail bars, clubs, rooftop bars and pubs.

If you are looking for some suggestions on where to visit make sure to try out MOOONS Rooftop Bar. It has one of the best panoramic views of the city and is the perfect place to enjoy a drink on a warm summer evening basking in the beauty of Vienna. Another popular option is Flex, one of Vienna’s most iconic clubs. It has been hosting top-notch electronic music events, live performances and club nights since the 1990s.

Beaches

Although Vienna is not situated by the sea, beaches – also by natural bodies of water – are a permanent feature in summer. There is always music, a young crowd and food at Vienna beach clubs.

Vienna is known for its old buildings and cultural sites. However, when the weather is hot, you might want to consider adding a visit to the beaches near Vienna during your trip. There are lots of sandy shoreline locations, outdoor pools, and wave pools that you can visit during your trip to Vienna.

Affordability

As the capital city of one of the world’s richest nations, you might expect Vienna to be expensive. But it’s not when compared to London, which usually slots into the EU at just above average, price-wise.

Some ways to make your trip to Vienna more affordable include eating at street markets, walking or cycling instead of taking public transport and going sightseeing instead of paying for guided tours.

Another way to make your trip cheaper would be going out of peak times. Read our blog on finding the cheapest day to buy flights for more information.

The best time to visit

July and August are the warmest months with an average temperature of 24°C that rarely drops below 14°C at night. Autumn is another pleasant time to pack your bags and travel to Vienna. It’s not as hot as the summer, but the good weather hasn’t completely disappeared either.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is Denmark's capital and one of the best cities to visit in Europe. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or food or enjoying Copenhagen’s unique atmosphere, the city offers something for everyone which makes it a great destination.

It’s a scenic city, and there are plenty of waterfront areas offering opportunities for boat tours, and green spaces which offer amazing views and places to relax. Another plus is that the whole city is bike-friendly and extremely walkable.

Activities and Excursions

Why not take a trip to some of the most popular spots in Copenhagen?  There are so many of them. If you are into museums, there are quite a few. For example, the Hirschsprung Collection and the National Gallery are close to the station.

How about castles? Amalienborg, Christianborg Castle and Rosenborg Castle are a must-see. Enjoy the water at Amager Beach or one of the harbour baths. On a warm day in Copenhagen, get there early or you might not be able to find a spot on the sand!  

For more information on activities and excursions, check out our blog on fun free things to do in Copenhagen.

Cuisine

Copenhagen's food has something for everyone from booming street food to fancy restaurants. The must-try traditional dishes in Copenhagen include smørrebrød, a Danish open-faced sandwich, frikadeller (Danish meatballs), and the Danish hot dog. Other notable dishes include flæskesteg, a juicy roast pork with crispy crackling, and forlorn hare, a meatloaf-style dish.

Nightlife

Copenhagen nightlife offers everything from mainstream discos, through glamorous venues, hip bars and underground clubs. Check out Friday's Rock in Tivoli.  Every Friday evening, Tivoli puts on a show and features artists from various musical genres - both national and international music.

At night the streets are filled with diners who seek out their favourite restaurants and meet up with friends. Stop by and join the party.  

Beaches

It’s easy to see why Amager Beach Park has won the hearts of the locals and visitors alike. Located just 5 km from the city centre, it’s an ideal spot for not only luxurious beach life but also for different events and water sports like kayaking and windsurfing.

Make sure to head down to Svanemølle Beach. It opened in 2010 and has since become a popular escape among locals who flock there to enjoy a dip into the seawater year-round.

Affordability

Although Copenhagen is known for being an expensive city, it is possible to make it more affordable. For example, visiting out of peak times such as March-May the price of flights will be cheaper.

The average cost per day is around £80. However, street food is sometimes a more affordable option than eating out at restaurants.

If you want to look for ways to find cheaper flight tickets to Copenhagen then read our blog on how airlines price flights to discover any tips or tricks.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Copenhagen would be in the spring or the summer. You can expect long, bright days and nights (the sun only sets for a few hours) and comfortable temperatures with no extreme heat.

Final thoughts on best cities to visit in Europe

As we can all agree, Europe is home to some of the most wonderful cities. Each city in Europe offers a unique history, cuisine, nightlife and experience. Athens has beautiful ancient landmarks, Barcelona offers lively festivals, Rome has delicious food, Nice has a wonderful old town, Amsterdam has a lively art scene, Vienna offers classical music and Copenhagen has a peaceful atmosphere.

Book flights to cities in Europe

If you are looking to book flights to any of these exciting destinations then you are in the right place! At Alternative Airlines we offer 40+ different payment options to choose from. You can also pay in the currency of your choice (including Euros), from anywhere in the world when booking with Alternative Airlines.