33 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (& Travel Hacks)
Some of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe can be found in the most unexpected of places. The hidden gems, the three-storey street art, the trolls roaming the fjords or the majestic palaces that once housed the royalties of Renaissance Europe.
This is a list of some of the most beautiful European places (cities included!) that I have been to over the years and which I loved. Loved not just for their beauty but also due to the stories behind them. The legends. Or even just the memories.
This is by no means a conclusive list. It’s just a list of places I have been to and would personally recommend (arranged by alphabet, because it’s so hard to rank them). And my travel hacks (wherever possible). Isn’t it always nice to learn about beautiful places and get some insider knowledge at the same time?
Have you been to any of these places? Do you have a personal favourite? I would love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!
And if you liked my list or want to use it for future European travel inspiration, why not pin and share this post? 🙂
Table of Contents
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is special to my heart because I once lived here.
Curating this list was so hard, especially because I was never a photo-taking sort of person before 2019 so some of my favourite photos were taken with a shabby iPhone 4 and bad angles!! 🙁
Nevertheless, I loved the places I have listed below and hope you do too.
Blenheim Palace, England
There are homes and there is… Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England.
One of the most stately and beautiful English estates I have ever visited and a World Heritage Site to boot.
Blenheim Palace was the childhood home of Winston Churchill, the former British premier. And nowadays, it is open for visits.
Two of my most favourite places was the Long Library, which housed a magnificent 19th-century organ (and where organ recitals are held!), and the vast, well-manicured gardens.
Cambridge, England
Oh, Cambridge, I have so many memories of you!
Whether it was my wobbly attempts at punting (never mastered it), late-night board game meetups, midnight kebabs with mayonnaise and chips by the Van of Life (or Van of Death), chomping down on free fudge along King’s Way (you can still get free fudge and watch them make fudge in front of you at Fudge Kitchen!) or sneaking into colleges without paying (more on that later)… Cambridge truly is a beauty.
One of the most beautiful cities not just in England, but Europe!
Every college is unique. Even the shops and cathedrals carry the same elegance and majesty. From the more intimate Corpus Christi College Chapel to the extravagant King’s College Cathedral where you can pop in for hauntingly majestic choir concerts and organ recitals.
Personally, it is the memories that make the city so special and nostalgic to me.
There are too many stunning views of Cambridge to pick so I chose the most classic one. Taken on the bridge leading into Trinity College.
Travel Tips (that you didn’t hear from me!!):
Unless you hold a valid Cambridge University student card, you need to pay an entrance fee to enter a Cambridge College. This applies even if you have a friend studying in that particular college.
However, you can sometimes get away with free entry if you do the following (p/s no promises!!):
- act confident when you enter, like you have been to the college grounds millions of times;
- DON’T dress like a tourist (e.g. hanging those jumbo-sized DLSR cameras on your neck);
- Don’t go during the summertime – because the 8-week student term is over and most of the Cambridge students will have gone on their well-deserved vacation; and
- Regardless of the above points, you just can’t get away with sneaking into certain colleges because the porters are really, really strict. Trinity College and St John’s come to mind.
And remember, you didn’t get these tips from me! 😉
Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities around.
Again a place I visited due to friends but ended up loving because of all the things I discovered.
For Instagrammable shots, I would recommend visiting:
- Bellahouston Park – it is 169 acres wide!;
- Doulton Fountain which stands outside the People’s Palace Museum and is the largest terracotta fountain in the world;
- Glasgow Botanical Gardens with its striking greenhouse designs;
- Glasgow Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Glasgow and still in use, which also offers specialised tours (you can even visit the organ loft!);
- the majestic Glasgow City Chambers overlooking George Square (join the free tour!), and is an iconic building that has long stood as a symbol of Glasgow’s wealth;
- Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery with around 3,500 tombs and located east of Glasgow;
- Glasgow School of Art, which boasts some of the most stunning architectural facades around, including three 65 feet oriel windows.
- Govanhill Baths;
- Hunterian Museum, which is the oldest museum in Scotland;
- the red sandstone Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with its 22 themed, state-of-the-art art galleries;
- Mitchell Library, which is the largest public reference library in Scotland;
- the triumphal McLennan Arch;
- People’s Palace and Winter Gardens for recreation, and museum and art gallery wanderings;
- Queen’s Park – for a bird’s eye view of Glasgow;
- River Clyde, located at the heart of Glasgow’s historical industrial shipyards and factories area;
- Riverside Museum which was designed by the famed Zaha Hadid Architects, exhibiting over 3,000 transportation-related objects from bicycles strong along a long circular column of metal to trams, antique cars, prams and a Stormtrooper!
- Royal Exchange Square, which is a commercial square that is located at the heart of Glasgow
- SSE Hydro, a huge neon-coloured indoor arena that was officially opened by Rod Stewart in 2013
- St Aloysius Church, an opulent and visually stunning Roman Catholic parish church;
- Templeton on the Green – one of the most stunning red-bricked structures around (it is now a brewery); and
- the neo-gothic University of Glasgow (in particular, its cloisters, which are rumoured to be the inspiration for Hogwarts!!).
You can also:
- explore the theatre world of kinetic sculpture at Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, which consists of hundreds of carved figures and cloth that have been combined with music and light to tell a myriad of stories about life and death;
- hunt for street art by following the City Centre Mural Trail;
- climb the helical staircase of the Mackintosh Tower at the Lighthouse (Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture) for panoramic views of the city;
- shop along Buchanan Street and Princes Square;
- wander around atmospheric, cobblestoned Ashton Lane, and maybe even stop by for a drink at a bar; and
- visit a country manor known for its extensive Spanish art at Pollok House.
Hampton Court Palace, England
Another lovely palace just outside of London. Much of Hampton Court Palace was open for visits, including the Tudor kitchens, Great Hall, private chambers, chapel and 60 acres of formal gardens.
When I was there, there was even a mini live theatre where a number of actors enacted their roles as Tudor lords and servants.
We also found them wandering around the grounds!
Travel Tip:
If you intend to explore more than one royal palace when in England, consider purchasing a Historic Royal Palaces membership here. It is an annual member for £53/adult and gives you unlimited access to all of its historic royal palaces and 10% off Kew Gardens.
The palaces include Kensington Palace, Tower of London where the Crown Jewels are, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle. Pretty good value for money if you intend to visit several of these landmarks!
London, England
London is sprawling, quirky, majestic, historic and modern all rolled into one.
Depending on the borough you happen to be in, you will witness a different facade to London.
As a general guide, some of the most Instagrammable hotspots in London include Carnaby Street, St Paul’s Cathedral, Embankment (where you can walk on River Thames when the tide is out!), Covent Garden (flowers & opera!), South Kensington and so much more.
Travel Photography Hack:
To get the above St Paul’s Cathedral shot, look for One New Change, which is a mall and business office building that is full of interesting angles and glass.
Look for L.K. Bennett.
You will need to walk all the way to where a flight of stairs is headed to the basement. Bend down and you will get the angle!
Oh, and you can also take the lift to go up for a drink and another great view of St Paul’s. The security will check your bags first.
And if you go in the summer, there are free Wimbledon showings on the top floor!
Along with plump cushions and wooden stools on a small grassy lawn, with St Paul’s looming behind the screen. Not a bad way to pass a summer evening after a day of work.
Oxford, England
Oxford is as gorgeous like Cambridge, but it gives off a more big city vibe.
It might be just me but everything feels bigger. The streets are… wider? And the vibe is more commercial than student-esque but of course, that is just me.
I could be biased (spoiler alert: I am).
Nevertheless, Oxford absolutely makes it to the list of the most beautiful places in Europe for me because like Cambridge, it has its atmospheric colleges, cobbled alleyways, historic English pubs and so much more.
If you’re ever in England and looking for a day trip out from London, Oxford is a surefire win!
Stratford-Upon-Avon, England
In case you didn’t know, this quaint little English village is the birthplace of the poet William Shakespeares.
And yes, you do get to visit his home (for a price). But it’s all in the experience, no?
Stratford-Upon-Avon itself is a classic, cobblestoned (if you haven’t noticed, Europe is all about its cobblestones!) market town.
It is full of beauty and character and you can read up on the latest events happening via its official website here.
You can catch a show at the Swan Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage (wife of William Shakespeare), the oldest thatched tavern in town and a Holy Trinity Church.
In any event, it is a lovely town to explore but it is small so I won’t spend more than a day here. But take many pictures!
Warwick, England
When I think of Warwick, I think of three things:
- Warwick the city;
- The University of Warwick; and
- Warwick Castle.
Located in the West Midlands, Warwick draws the crowd because it is one of the photographic cities in England. Furthermore, thanks to the presence of Warwick University, Warwick is a city university and has the cosy, intimate vibe that you would be hard-pressed to get in say, London.
If you’re stopping by, be sure to visit the Market Place (the heart of the city), Swan Street and Smith Street. And of course, Warwick Castle remains a highlight – you can even watch its daily falconry shows!
For details on the latest happenings in Warwick, click here.
Other Parts of Europe
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest stood out for me not just because of its stunning Neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building by the River Danube (night river cruises are available if you want to see the Parliament lit up at night), but also because of the story of this gorgeous European city.
The story that left the deepest impression on me was the story of the bullet holes.
They are one of the features that stood out when we explored Budapest. Many buildings were rebuilt after the revolution BUT its facades are scored with holes.
Real bullet holes.
The locals had decided that rather than covering up the holes during the city-wide renovation, they would leave it there as a memorial of the tragedy of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Never again.
The weight of history was palpable in this place. A beautiful European city with a heavy, heavy history.
Cremona, Italy
Cremona is a little Italian town located just an hour outside of Milan and a personal favourite. You can use one word to describe this place: VIOLINS.
Cremona is the birthplace of violins, including Antonia Stradivari (the maker of the multi-million dollar Stradivarius violins).
To this day, there are hundreds of luthiers that continue to ply their trade here and I LOVE it.
You can come here and visit the Museo del Violin (The Violin Museum). See some real Strads. Or even better, put into one of the many luthier workshops around and try out some violins (if you can play!).
If not, make sure you visit the church which is one of the highlights of the town, as well as the city centre.
Travel Tip:
The tourist information centre is located by the corner of the plaza at the city centre. It has a list of all the luthiers in Cremona, including their name, address and contact details!!
It is definitely a place to hit first if you’re looking for a list. I couldn’t find that list online at all!
Flåm, Norway
Flåm is a little Norwegian village with some of the most spectacular fjords I have ever seen!
Not that you will ever be lacking in fjords while visiting Norway, so you know it is a big deal when I say Flåm’s fjords are especially spectacular.
If you are ever in Flåm, get on the 20.2 km Flåm Railway that goes between Myrdal and Flåm.
It is often described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world (read: highly commercialised & passengers consists almost entirely of tourists). It is also one of the world’s steepest railway tracks.
A highlight of the Flåm Railway is when everyone is encouraged to get down beside the MASSIVE Kjosfossen Waterfall. A piece of lilting Norwegian folk music will begin, followed by the appearance of a huldra on the rock ledge beside the Kjosfossen Waterfall.
A huldra is an elusive, Norwegian forest spirit that according to legends, lure men into the woods! So throughout the train journey, we were warned to keep an eye on the men haha.
Fun Story:
We had a DLSR camera and took a close up of the huldra, as did many others. Upon our journey back, we zoomed in and lo and behold, we made a shocking discovery. That face looked distinctly MALE!
The tour guide then revealed that it was not uncommon for males to also take on the role of a huldra as a summer job. That they all stayed at a little hut near the waterfall before taking a short path down for their quick waterfall performance.
Pretty hilarious, I’d say!
Florence, Italy
Florence is an ancient, gorgeous city full of quaint cobbled alleys, limestone archways, bridges and cathedrals to explore.
In such a sprawling city, one of the main highlights for me was the Ponte Vecchio, which is the oldest bridge in Florence.
A medieval stone arch built over the Arno River, it is a bridge that connects the central city to the south bank of the River Arno, and even has shops built along the bridge!
I also loved the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its towering dome and multicoloured marble walls. It is the third-largest cathedral in the world and a must-see in this beautiful city.
Another important feature of Florence… the leather!!
Spoiler Alert: I used to hate leather. I didn’t like the feel of it nor the touch. Until I came to Florence. If you didn’t know, Florence is the city of leather. The smell of leather permeates the entire city and its street markets sell an incredible amount of leathergoods of all kinds, including leather shoes. I still have leather goods I bought from Florence years ago that are in perfect condition, albeit with a gorgeous patina due to the passing of time. If I was to pick an Italian city to return to, it’d be Florence. For its beauty, gelato and leather bags. |
Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden
Gamla Stan is Swedish for Old Town and it is one of the prettiest places I have ever seen.
Located in the archipelago that is Sweden, its tiny winding cobbled pathways and colourful 17th and 18th-century buildings are a wonder to visit.
There are so many art galleries, quaint cafes, shops and restaurants at every turn. It is also the location of the Storkyrkan Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
Definitely one of the prettiest European cities I’ve seen!
Geiranger Fjord, Norway
Helloo Norwegian fjord!
In a way, it is good that I didn’t get to visit all the fjords in Norway or I might be listing them all of them in my list of most beautiful places to visit in Europe!
Geiranger Fjord really stood out with me because we stayed at the fjord, right at the bottom of this valley by the river, for one evening.
It is 260 m deep and the snow-capped mountains that hug it soar at around 1700 metres high. Waterfalls, fjord farms, and above all, surreal tranquillity that you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, made Geirangerfjord a real standout for me.
Although unfortunately… there was a MEGA huge cruise ship in the docks at the time that we were there. 🙁
Golden Circle, Iceland
Iceland is hands down one of the most beautiful countries in the world, which is why it is no surprise that so many Icelandic sights ended up on this list.
If you have ever been to or researched about travelling to Iceland, you will have definitely heard about the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle essentially refers to a 300 km route that loops around the southern part of Iceland. It gained that name because of the many iconic landmarks that can be found along the route. Including the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach (where you can find real “diamonds”!!), Skógafoss Waterfall and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
The road itself, in my personal view, is little more than a country road. They are not wide and large swathes of them have no street lights.
However, the Golden Circle comes with some of the most stunning views.
Mordor-esque black pains. Mountainous glaciers. Fields of yellow lava rock. Or lush carpets of green and purple dotted with derelict farmhouses and tiny clusters of sheep.
P/S:
If you’re looking for tips on travelling to Iceland, check this post out. I’ve listed over 120+ travel hacks, including where to buy your alcohol, what to wear & look out for when driving along the Golden Circle! Or read this post instead for details of what you can do in Reykjavik while making day trips out to see all of the Golden Circle’s attractions.
Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland
My first introduction to a MEGA waterfall in Iceland and buy, Gullfoss Waterfall did not disappoint!
We could see the sprays from far away, heard its roar and were completely drenched by the time we made it around the bend towards the place where a wet and rocky area jutted out towards the waterfall.
This is nature at its most stunning, where approximately 459 cubic feet of water crash down this two-tiered waterfall.
The spray arising from all that power gives the whole place a misty, almost mystical feel. Until you get drenched!
But its majesty cannot be dampened.
Click here for a complete travel guide for visiting the Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland
The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is just one of those places that you have to visit.
Located in South Iceland on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park – Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe outside the arctic – it is one of the few places you can have an intimate encounter with an actual glacier lagoon.
The lagoon is full of huge chunks of floating glaciers, many of those freshly calved from the massive wall of ice at the edge of the glacier. The landscape is ever-changing, as the wall continues to collapse (climate change alert!!).
And the glaciers move towards the mouth before flowing out into the Atlantic Ocean.
You can come here for the view. Or better yet, hop on board an exciting board ride and explore the glaciers up close.
We went on such a boat ride and spotted wild seals swimming in the glacier and sunbathing on a large piece of ice!
For a full insight into my zodiac boat ride experience, the best tours to book and everything else you need to know to replicate my experience, read my travel guide below:
Click here for a full travel guide to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Kerið Crater, Iceland
Kerið Crater is another Golden Circle / South Iceland attraction that deserves my spot on this list of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe.
It is a massive, 3000-year-old volcanic crater known for its aquamarine lake & vivid red/brown slopes. Stunning to see, and less than 10 seconds walk from the main entrance (which requires an entrance fee of ISK 400 (US 3)!).
You can hike all the way to the bottom, or around the mouth of a crater for different views. Or do the 10-second walk from the entrance, take you shot, and leave (which I did!). So I can tell you definitively that my Kerið Crater photo costs ISK 400!
Beirut Souk, Lebanon
(Ok, not quite Europe but… I haven’t managed to explore the Middle East all that much so I thought I’d sneak this in for now!)
Beirut Souks is a major commercial centre in the centre of Beirut and one of my most favourite cities to visit.
There are over 200 shops in Beirut Souks including some standard favourites like Zara, as well as delicious restaurants and cafes, cinema halls, Cosmocity (futuristic entertainment centre) and a science museum.
What I loved wasn’t just the stunning modern architecture but the way they married that with the ruins of the ancient souks and fallen columns. A way of preserving the past while moving forward towards the future.
P/S: “Souk” means “market” in Arabic.
Lillehammer Olympiapark, Norway
Lillehammer is a ski resort town in southern Norway and the site of the 1994 Winter Olympics.
The town itself is really tiny but the view from the ski lift is stunning, don’t you agree?
Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Kirkjufellsfoss (known as the “Church Mountain Falls”) is located close to the famous Kirkjufell Mountain, which has featured in many popular films and TV series including HBO’s Game of Thrones.
If you are ever in Grundarfjörður, which you will encounter if you go travelling along the Ring Road, then look out for this 463 m mountain!
The waterfall itself was quite a disappointment as it was rather small, but the backdrop against Mount Kirkjufell turned it into something magical.
Little surprise perhaps that it is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland!
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is the original Disneyland Castle. I kid you not.
This Fairytale Castle inspired Walt Disney in the creation of the Magic Kingdom in the Disneyland theme park in California, and it was truly magical!
We went in the winter so the entire mountain was coated in a thick layer of snow.
To get to Neuschwanstein Castle, we first had to get to the village of Hohenschwangau where the ticket counter was located (it also has a private car park).
From there, we walked around 30 minutes up a 1.5 km paved road (it’s quite steep) from the ticket office towards Neuschwanstein Castle.
I loved this option because it was a chance to get up close with a real Bavarian forest, which would not look out of place in a Grimms’ Fairy Tale.
For those who would rather not walk, alternative options include taking a horse-drawn carriage or via shuttle bus. The bus won’t run if there is snow or ice on the roads.
The journey itself was beautiful and so was the castle. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures within, but the soaring pillars, looming white walls and ornate interiors (like the throne room) all gave it that extra special something.
If you were to visit just one castle in Germany, I would recommend the Neuschwanstein Castle. Even if it’s just to say that you’ve been to the real Disneyland castle.
Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark
If you ever come to Copenhagen, you’re likely to have visited the Nyhavn Pier, which is located in the Old Town of Denmark’s capital city.
Nyhavn has a dark history despite being known nowadays for its bright and colourful facades. It was built by Swedish prisoners of war in the 16th century and was a working maritime port cum red light district for centuries.
Hans Christian Anderson later resided here in the 18th century. A fairytale author that the Danes are very very famous for.
In case you didn’t know, Hans Christian Anderson authored classics such as The Princess and the Pea and The Tinderbox.
Nowadays, it’s one of the prettiest, postcard-perfect canals I’ve been to. And full of posh restaurants, bars and live music venues to keep you entertained!
Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy
Piazza del Duomo (which means “Cathedral Square”) is the piazza to visit when in Milan.
The Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral, looms large and majestic over the Piazzo del Duomo, with Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II situated to its left. The Galleria is one of the most ornate and stunning shopping arcades you can find in Europe (hint: with lots of pricey restaurants!).
This entire area is full of places to explore, including the Teatro alla Scala (or “La Scala”) which is around a 10 minutes walk away.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, South Iceland
If ever there was an award for one of the most stunning black beaches in Iceland, Reynisfjara would be right at the very top.
I’d never seen a black sand beach before Iceland – have you?! – and so the impact of seeing miles of black sand, coupled with the Dyrholaey Arch in the distance, the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks and basalt cave and columns left quite the memorable impression.
Even though Iceland isn’t actually part of Europe, I’ve still included all these gorgeous Icelandic sites because of its geographical proximity. 😉
Click here if you want a full travel guide to visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is unique because it allows visitors to walk around it, catching photographs of the 60 m waterfall from all angles.
It can get a little packed with visitors over the summer, but it is definitely a spectacular sight! There are also hiking trails around the area if you are up for a little exploration.
Just one of the many beautiful places to visit in Iceland. 😉
Click here for the full travel guide to visiting Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
Skógafoss Waterfall, South Iceland
Skógafoss is my FAVOURITE waterfall in South Iceland. Doesn’t this photo say it all?
This towering 60 m waterfall originated from two glaciers and is one where you can walk all the way up to its base… until you can’t because of the sheer force of the water & spray!
Rumour has it that treasure lies behind the Skógafoss Waterfall. And that a local managed to find it, grabbed it but escaped only with the ring of the treasure chest, which can be found in the Skógar Folk Museum.
Truth or myth? You decide! Or visit Skógafoss Waterfall yourself using this nifty, detailed Skógafoss travel guide.
The Sólheimajökull glacier was spectacular right from the get-go.
From the desolate stretch of black sand to the murky glacier lake, mountainous volcano ash-clad peaks to the steep glacier plane leading us to the peak.
Definitely one of the most amazing and beautiful places I have visited.
I even wrote an extensive travel guide about my Sólheimajökull glacier hiking experience here!
Stykkishólmur, Iceland
When Iceland says it has tiny villages, it is definitely tiny.
But Stykkishólmur, which is located north of Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland, stood out for me because of THIS view from above. Taken on Súgandisey Island.
Oh, and did I mention that access is totally free?
Directions to this view:
Leave your car at one of the many car park spaces near the harbour (where the Ferry Baldur loading area is). Walk towards the hill, and you will see a series of steps. Take the steps and explore the many trails upon the little island!
In particular, take a right. You get a postcard-perfect snapshot of one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
And if you turn left and venture further upwards, you will see the siren red Stykkishólmur Lighthouse, which is another iconic structure!
Just beware the VERY STRONG winds. They were so strong I thought I was going to be blown away!
Den Haag (The Hague), The Netherlands
There was something peaceful and homey about Den Haag (the Hague).
It is a big city, but it wasn’t so big that it felt overwhelming to cycle around its various landmarks. Stop for a herring. Visit one of its many, many museums. Or tour the House of Parliament! The ProDemos Visitor Center offers guided tours around the Ridderzaal, Dutch Senate and House of Representatives, which I highly recommend!
Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the Lange Voorhout (pic above)!
This L-shaped, linden tree-lined street is located in the old city centre and is full of Dutch renaissance buildings.
It is definitely one of the most stunning places I found in The Hague. Scratch that. In Europe!
Trollstigen, Norway
Do you remember the fairy tale of the trolls under the bridge?
Those trolls are said to have waited under the tiny bridge you can just glimpse in the upper right corner of the photo above!
It was FREEZING and raining while we were here, and the journey down the horrendous, curved road is not one to be repeated. But the view from the bottom of Trollstigen… almost makes the trip worth it?!
Verona, Italy
Verona is another lovely little Italian city that is worth a visit, and one with romance at its heart.
A grand old coliseum dominates the heart of the city that is full of pretty flower-wreathed limestone facades and perhaps most importantly, Juliet’s balcony. Juliet being one half of the world’s most notorious star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet.
While Juliet has always been a figment of William Shakespeare’s imagination, that hasn’t stopped people from attributing this house as being the home of Juliet. And the balcony as the romantic place where Romeo climbed to profess his love.
It is a HUGELY popular place for tourists, and there the walls of the tunnel leading into the small courtyard where the balcony is are filled with love-filled graffiti.
While I’m not too sure about the graffiti and buying into the commercialised love of Romeo & Juliet, I thought that Verona itself was such a beautiful place to visit.
Viking Valley, Norway
Allow me to introduce another Norwegian fjord took my breath away: the Viking Valley.
This UNESCO World Heritage Norwegian fjord is postcard-perfect from every angle.
The best way to see the Viking Valley is via a ferry cruise. It was a leisurely cruise and we went to the top deck to capture all the many angles. The deep valleys. The quaint Norwegian hamlets that dotted the bottom of each slope.
Hard to believe that this is real, but it is.
Conclusion
Let me know in the comments if you liked any of the places above or if you think some other place deserves a spot!
I had to cull some of my options given my lack of photos but Europe is magical. There are so many beautiful spots to explore that listing just 33 was always going to be an impossible task. BUT it is a good starting point, at least in my personal opinion!
Other Beautiful Places to Visit
If you are looking for more pretty, magical places to explore (and not just in Europe!), why not visit the following:
- Kuching, Malaysia – for some of the most stunning street art I have ever seen, including augmented reality street art!
- Gua Tempurung Cave, Perak, Malaysia – only the largest & most gorgeous limestone cave you will find in Malaysia! If you aren’t claustrophobic & up for an adventure, I strongly recommend going on the 4-hour caving adventure. You will NOT forget it!!
- Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – where you can find a classic skywalk Instagram pose you don’t want to miss!
- Skógafoss Waterfall, Iceland – because who doesn’t to stand right beside a roaring waterfall & try to find the treasure hiding behind it?
- Sólheimajökull Glacier, Iceland – hiking on ice in a place that looks like it came straight out of Land Before Time (oh childhood memories)? Yes, please!
Pin / Share this Guide to the 33 Most Beautiful Places in Europe to Visit
if you have enjoyed reading this post, don’t forget to pin and share my list of 33 most beautiful places in Europe to visit for future travel inspiration!
P/S: If you’re looking for recommendations outside of Europe, check out this post – a list of destinations recommended by travel bloggers, complete with insider knowledge on the best local places to visit, experience, eat & do. 🙂
10 Comments
Rudy @ Backpack & Snorkel
I hope your travels will bring you to France, Spain and Portugal. You will see a lot of amazing places over there, too.
Iuliya
I’ve actually been to all three places, Rudy! Sadly I lost all of my photos and the few that I have are really low quality 🙁 or they would definitely be on this list too!
Kelly
This post came in handy. I haven’t been to Europe yet but will be starting on Europe next year. I have to say that I prefer small towns over cities. I liked Cambridge and Stratford. We also have a Stratford in Canada named after your Stratford.
Iuliya
How interesting that you have a place called Stratford too! Is it a commercial area? I would highly recommend Cambridge! It’s a lovely, lovely place. You can’t go wrong with visiting any country in Europe 🙂
Michelle
Well, I can happily say that I have been to several of these, but you have definitely added several to my list! I did fall in love with the leather in Florence as well. It is all so beautiful and well crafted.
Iuliya
Glad that I added to your list! Florence’s leather is the BEST! 🙂
Kavita Favelle
What an epic list. I particularly like the photography hacks, where you share tips for capturing those extra special views or angles. I’ve been to many of the destinations but added Norway to my list.
Iuliya
Norway is fantastic and sooooo photogenic!! Hope you get to visit soon.
Razena
Florence and Milan are two of my favorite cities too! The one that clinched it for though and has me planning a trip next year is the photo of the Houses of Parliament in Budapest. I think a night cruise would be a fantastic way to see it.
Iuliya
AMAZING! So happy to hear. I LOVED Hungary, especially the food (goulash!) but the House of Parliament is definitely a standout. Although there might be a crowd depending on when you go!