Are you thinking of travelling to Europe and don't know where to start? In this article we'll tell you which cities in Europe are a must on your list.
One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to visiting Europe is: Where to go? Where to go? Where to stop? The reality is that it depends on you and the type of trip you want to undertake.
Although some cities in Europe stand out more than others, and the distances are shorter compared to other continents, the truth is that Europe is not as small as it seems, and it is advisable to define what to visit in advance, otherwise it can be uneconomical, unwise and quite stressful.
Which cities to visit in Europe?
On the one hand, we have the most popular destinations that nobody wants to miss, the classic European cities full of monuments and history, where great artists came out, where classic movies were filmed, where fashion and the most famous museums are set, which are full of tourists all year round. But at the same time, some less popular cities are quieter and more magical, and really worth seeing.
The truth is that Europe has too much to see. That's why, as frustrating as it sounds, too little time is not enough, or can be too exhausting.
On the other hand, there is the dilemma of whether to make a base or not. It should be noted that moving around a lot in a short time means not getting to know in depth, while basing yourself in one place and, from there, visiting the places you are most interested in, can be a great option. This is very personal and everything is valid.
In this article I tell you about some of the most visited cities in Europe on a first trip to the continent.
Top 10 must-see cities in Europe
If we have to choose which are the most beautiful cities in Europe or what we should visit, everything can be a dilemma or an adventure.
As we mentioned, the distances appear to be short, and they are, but you can't cover everything, so you have to choose.
Here is a list of the 10 cities in Europe that you can't miss, but it's good to know that there are many more magical places, and that it's impossible to visit them all in one trip. I would also like to add that this is my own selection of cities, which does not mean that there are others that might interest you more.
1. Lisbon: beach and art
Lisbon offers everything. There is an interesting and strange mix at the same time. From the cultural to the geographical, it's a European city you have to get to know.
The Portuguese capital has a different feel to other big European cities: it has a more relaxed pace of life due to its proximity to the beach, which by the way are incredible, very large and good for water sports.
Find out which are the best beaches in Lisbon in this article.
On the other hand, the Alfama or Alto neighbourhoods are a classic for tourists, as well as taking the yellow tram, another very popular ride.
If you are interested in learning more about Lisbon, you can read What to visit in and around Lisbon and My experience volunteering in Lisbon.
Volunteering in Lisbon is an excellent opportunity to get to know this magical city better.
2. Barcelona: one of Europe's favourite cities, and for good reason.
It is one of the craziest, most beautiful cities, full of interesting things to do. Barcelona has a life of its own.
It is a cosmopolitan city, so you can meet people from all over the world, and not just on holiday, but living there, because it is the most chosen European destination to stay, and not because of the economic possibilities, but for everything it has to offer.
Beyond the typical tourist attractions of Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Familia, the works of Gaudi and the National Art Museum of Catalonia; the cultural agenda of Barcelona is huge, there are always events, concerts, festivals, which are often free and you can find them on foot, making the streets and the city very lively.
At the same time, Barcelona is pure surprise, as it has a wonderful geography of beaches and mountains in the same city. Just a few kilometres away, you will find natural places, which make it one of the main cities to visit in Europe.
Organise your trip to Barcelona with these articles: The mega guide to travel to Barcelona, 10 things to do for free in Barcelona and Guide to travel to Barcelona: everything you need to know.
Barcelona is a city where most travellers would like to spend a long time, but many don't due to lack of budget. To save on accommodation, you can check out all the possibilities for volunteering in Barcelona, from volunteering in a family hostel to helping to look after dogs.
3. Madrid: Tapas in the Spanish capital
The Spanish capital has a wealth of museums, famous neighbourhoods to walk around, and millions of tapas bars.
Some of the neighbourhoods that are classics for young travellers are: Huertas, Malasaña, Chueca and Latina.
Madrid's nightlife is very attractive and lively, and is accompanied by some of the best gastronomy in Spain. Tapas and cañas are the highlight of the trip, and don't leave without trying a tinto de verano (red wine with lemon soda, a classic in the warmer months).
More about Madrid in The most complete guide to travel to Madrid.
Find out about all the volunteering opportunities in Madrid so you can stay for several weeks in the Spanish capital.
4. Rome: an open-air museum
A destination that may sound trite, but is a must is Rome. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
The Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, the Sant'Angelo Bridge, the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Navona are the most popular places, but there is much more.
You could say that Rome is an open-air museum, where you can find ruins, monuments and constructions so imposing that they surprise you.
In my experience, the most beautiful thing about Rome is walking and getting lost in its incredible little streets. You can find very good music and one of the best gastronomies in the world, and not only because of its fame, but also because of the importance given to food. On the other hand, there is a romantic air in every corner, and a very special magic that makes it a wonderful city.
Organise your trip to Rome with The ultimate guide to exploring Rome like a local.
There is so much to do in Rome, and a few days in Rome always leaves you with a taste of little. If you want to get to know Rome in depth, there are opportunities to volunteer in Rome.
5. Amsterdam: much more than the red light district
Another favourite European city for young people to study or try their luck is Amsterdam. It is quite small, but it has a lot to offer, so it is impossible to get bored.
Visually, it's a very picturesque city; it has many canals, I'd go so far as to say more than Venice, and a bicycle traffic that will make you want to rent one.
The artistic and cultural side of the city is at its best, as there are several museums to visit, such as the Maritime Museum, the Rijksmuseum, among others, and of course, the famous Anne Frank House.
As is well known, beyond all the picturesque and historical sights to be seen in Amsterdam, there is the legendary red light district and the famous coffee shopswhich, at least in my country, are a real eye-catcher.
Don't miss our guide to Amsterdam on a budget.
Whether it's being part of a hostel or helping to repair one of the classic houseboats, you can find different options for volunteering in Amsterdam.
6. Dublin: between gothic architecture and beers
The Irish capital is also a fairly small and concentrated city. However, it is a city with a lot to see.
Ireland's nightlife is incredible, with pubs everywhere, and most of them play live bands or musicians, delighting tourists with their classic Celtic music, making it a lively and vibrant city at night. The importance they place on music is admirable.
Among the classic walks are Trinity College, which is a "Harry Potter" school, where beyond its imposing facilities, people gather there to drink beer and stroll through the green fields; the Guinness factory, which is a classic tour; and the famous Temple Bar neighbourhood, which is not just a pub as many think.
As for parks, there's Phoenix Park, one of the largest in Europe, which is full of serfs. On the outskirts of Dublin, you can find plenty of nature spots, castles that are thousands of years old and beautiful towns that are good for a day trip and back.
Be sure to check out all the volunteering possibilities in Ireland if you want to spend a few weeks touring the country.
7. Berlin: getting to know the past and the present
Berlin is a multicultural city, full of artistic proposals and historical monuments. It is one of the most popular destinations for young people because of the famous nightlife that surrounds it.
On the one hand, as is well known, we can find the emblematic Berlin Wall, which I found very small and impressive at the same time, clearly because of its history, and because it is full of paintings by different artists, making it even more interesting. On the other hand, it is very common to visit the concentration camps, the holocaust memorial, and the Brandenburg gates.
Berlin is full of art galleries, as it is characterised by urban and alternative art, which is why it sets trends worldwide in all aspects related to design and fashion.
Be part of the staff of a hostel in Berlin and save on accommodation while you get to know the German capital.
8. Prague: a fairytale city
Prague is a World Heritage Site, and rightly so. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
It is so small that it can be covered in a day. The main attraction is the Charles IV Bridge, where many artists put on a thrilling show; you can also visit the castle, the cathedral and the astronomical clock, among many other attractions.
Prague is a journey back in time, romantic and original. It is a city of fairy tales and legends. Walking through the cobblestone streets at night, illuminated by the lights, is the best of walks.
Prague is a destination that is most enjoyable when you start to walk around it without haste and discover its corners that tourists pass by. For that, there is the opportunity to do one of the volunteer programmes in Prague.
9. London: free museums and cultural mix
London is one of the classics on a trip to Europe. It is a city with influences from all over the world, so you will see an exciting cultural mix.
The truth is that London is very big, so getting around by underground or bus is a must. And a lot of fun in my opinion.
There are several of the most important museums in the world, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum, all of them with free entrance. There are also several very characteristic neighbourhoods such as Notting Hills and Camden Town, with many shops, restaurants, markets, theatres, and a diversity of options that you will never fully get to know.
I recommend you read the Guide to visiting London on a budget and 20 things to do for free in London.
We all know that the English capital is a destination that can be very expensive, but by volunteering in London you will be saving on the biggest expense: accommodation. On top of this, with the tips in the recommended articles, you'll spend a lot less than you thought you would.
10. Athens: a trip steeped in history
Full of history, the capital of Greece is an ideal destination if you enjoy visiting museums and archaeological sites that marked one of the most important empires of mankind.
The Parthenon is the star of the city, but other sites such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Zeus and the Panathinaikó Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held, are also not to be missed.
But not only that, Athens is a city full of life and colour, as well as being the gateway to many of the wonders that Greece has to offer, such as its famous islands.
To get a deeper knowledge of this wonderful destination, there is the possibility of volunteering in Athens, for example, helping in the daily tasks of a hostel.
Travel volunteering in Europe
In addition to the volunteering options with Worldpackers that we looked at in each of these 10 European cities, there are also many more across the continent.
Volunteering not only saves you money on accommodation, but also allows you to learn new skills, practice languages and meet travellers from all over the world, while having a much deeper cultural immersion than if you are just passing through.
Volunteering opportunities in Europe are varied, whether it's working in hostels, being part of an ecovillage or helping with permaculture projects, among many other options.
So which cities in Europe do we travel to?
It is difficult to choose which cities in Europe to visit. However, the choice is a bit personal, and there is something for everyone. But yes, they all have their charm and history, and it's good to walk around and get lost in them to get to know them well.
Time is key in these trips, and I particularly believe that less is more, sometimes it's better to visit fewer cities and get to know them well. That's the best way to travel.
Keep travelling around Europe with these articles:
How to travel Europe in 20 days on a budget.
Tips for travelling alone in Europe.
How to travel to Europe on a budget.