Paris is a riveting city brimming with beautiful architecture and iconic landmarks. The city is known as the romance capital of the world, making it the perfect destination and getaway for couples. However, it’s not just couples that can enjoy Paris, there are a huge range of activities and sights throughout the city to entertain everyone. Take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, browse the fine art in the Louvre Museum or explore the mysterious underground catacombs below the city.

Paris is also a shopping paradise for fashion enthusiasts, shop till you drop at some of the world’s most famous designer brands dotted along the Champ Elysees. Afterwards, be sure to find yourself a quaint Parisian café to enjoy a delicious croissant and coffee. With an efficient metro system and advanced travel network, getting around Paris is a super easy and stress free experience.

Barcelona is Spain’s most iconic city, situated on the country’s north east coast, boasting sweeping beaches and mesmerizing streets. Barcelona oozes vibrance and culture, a walk along Las Ramblas is the best way to truly soak up the city’s incredible atmosphere and character. The city centre is packed full of eccentric street performers, tantalising market stalls and quirky Spanish bars, the perfect combination for the ideal city break.

There’s plenty of things to see and do across Barcelona, soccer fans will head straight to Camp Nou, while sun worshippers will be bound for the city’s golden beaches. Barcelona is also home to a number of incredibly iconic buildings, La Sagrada Familia, Arc De Triomf, Casa Battlo and Sagrat Cor are just a handful of the incredible architectural masterpieces scattered throughout the city. Combined with the city’s welcoming locals, traditional culture and great weather, it’s easy to see why Barcelona is time and time again an ideal choice for anyone wanting to experience an all-round fantastic European city break.

Germany’s capital city, Berlin, is an excellent destination to visit and explore. Not only is the city well and truly planted in the European history books, but it’s also transformed in recent years into a modern hub of culture and diversity, packed full of thrilling activities and fantastic sights.

No trip to Berlin is complete without visiting the notorious Berlin Wall, dive into Berlin’s dark past and learn of the city’s iconic and gruesome history. Be sure to also check out the city’s other iconic structures, such as Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building. It’s not all just about landmarks in Berlin though, the city is also incredibly famous for its fantastic selection of beer and sausage! It’s common courtesy to sink a few steins of beer whilst visiting Berlin (Prost!). The city truly comes alive once the sun goes down, the locals really know how to party, nightclubs and bars line the city streets with pumping music and flowing drinks continuing well into the early hours, each and every night of the week.

Dubrovnik is one of the most elegantly preserved medieval cities in the world, located directly on the southern coast of Croatia, surrounded by the beautiful Adriatic Sea. The city’s main focal point is its distinctive Old Town, surrounded by stoned walls and lined with cobbled streets. It’s possible to feel like you’ve travelled back in time, as you roam and wander the medieval alleyways of Dubrovnik.

There’s plenty of things to see and do in the iconic city of Dubrovnik. Join a city walking tour and check out the many famous sights Dubrovnik has to offer, from famous Game of Thrones filming locations to exquisite architecture and a stunning coastline. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this fairy tale like city.

Wanting to get away from the main hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik’s city centre? Choose to take a ride on Dubrovnik’s cable car to the top of Mount Srd to soak up spectacular views of the city, check out the city’s notorious cliff bars and sink a few Croatian beers or head off land completely and embark on an island hopping boat tour adventure.

Krakow is an absolute European gem, showcasing everything the region of Eastern Europe has to offer and combining it into one beautifully presented city. Whether it’s European beer, cuisine, hospitality or history you’re after, Krakow has it all.

Krakow boasts a stunning Old Town, with the centre being home to the huge medieval square of Rynek Glowny, elegantly surrounded by impressive palaces and churches. There’s plenty of exploring to be done in Krakow’s Old Town, join an iconic Polish pub crawl, dine al fresco at boutique restaurants or take a short walk up to the mighty Wawel Castle, a stunning structure that’s stood the test of time since the early 13th Century.

There are plenty of places to visit outside of the city too, including the Wieliczka Salt Mines and the mountain region of Zakopane. Krakow is also located just a short drive from the sites of Auschwitz and Birkenau, offering an informative and eye opening tour into Poland’s difficult and treacherous past.

Making it into the top five, we have the world renowned city of Amsterdam! No list of European cities would be complete without mentioning this truly iconic city and its vibrant culture. Whether it’s a sightseeing cruise along the canals, a wild night in the red light district or a visit to the city’s many museums, whatever you fancy, Amsterdam has it all!

Nothing quite screams Amsterdam more than the city’s 900,000 bicycles! Hiring a bicycle or joining a cycling tour is one of the fastest and easiest ways to explore the city streets, whilst also truly embracing the authentic Amsterdam lifestyle. Another alternative mode of transport is the city’s highly efficient tram network, the well-coordinated system connects all areas of the city and tourist hotspots in a timely and efficient manner.

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without visiting the quirky coffeeshops dotted around the city. Believe me, it’s super easy to lose track of time as you soak up the chilled atmosphere of these unorthodox spots. Don’t spend all your time in the coffeeshops though, be sure to also tick off all the other fantastic sights Amsterdam has to offer, from the intriguing Anne Frank and Van Gogh Museums to the city’s iconic canals and notorious red light district.

Bucharest is a city that’s often overlooked and exceptionally underrated, it’s actually one of my all-time favourite cities to visit. Not only is Bucharest one of the cheapest cities in the whole of Europe, but it’s also packed full of awesome sights and activities. Right in the heart of the city, you’ll find the vibrant and stylish cobbled streets of Bucharest’s Old Town. With beer prices in bars coming in at around one euro, you’re certainly guaranteed a fun-packed night out on the town in Bucharest.

Bucharest also has a simple and efficient tram system, ideal for connecting different parts of the city. No trip to Bucharest would be complete without a visit to the incredible Palace of Parliament. This astonishing structure is the heaviest building in the world, weighing in at a mind boggling four billion kilograms/nine billion pounds! Be sure to also check out the surrounding gardens and don’t forget to bring your camera along.

Another fantastic place to visit just outside of Bucharest’s city centre, is the beautiful Therme Bucharest, this place is the largest wellness and entertainment spa in Europe! With naturally heated indoor pools, swim up bars, lavish saunas and waterslides, Therme will well and truly end up being of the main highlights of your trip.

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, is like something out of a real life fairy tale, thanks to the city’s mystifying castle, cobbled streets and gothic architecture. There’s no better way to soak up Edinburgh’s iconic atmosphere than by taking a stroll along the Royal Mile through Edinburgh’s Old Town, whilst listening to the sound of traditional bagpipes as they fill the brisk Scottish air.

Edinburgh has a ton of fantastic activities to keep you busy, take a guided tour inside the famous Edinburgh Castle, head to the top of Calton Hill for amazing city views or head underground for a ghost tour of the city. The city boasts a fantastic nightlife scene too, with a whole heap of traditional pubs and bars spread across the city. Be sure to check out one of my favourite beer brands at the Scottish owned Brewdog Bar!

Edinburgh is also a gateway to the stunning Scottish Highlands, it’s extremely easy to join day trips and tours from the city centre, heading out towards Loch Ness and the scenic Highlands. Another option for exploring the highlands is to drive yourself, either in your own vehicle or in a hired one. You’ll be spoilt for choice whilst exploring the spectacular Highlands, Scotland is truly one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Be sure to check out the Edinburgh Travel Guide – 72 Hour Itinerary

Narrowly missing out on the top spot is the mesmerising city of Venice. Arguably one of the most well-known cities on the planet, Venice is a truly unique location, made up over 100 small islands, countless canals and 400 bridges. With absolutely zero roads, the only way to get around Venice is along the city’s iconic canals or simply by foot. Don’t be scared of getting lost in the winding, maze like alleyways of Venice, that’s all part of the fun when visiting this wonderful city.

Venice is home to one experience that’s on almost every traveller’s bucket list and that’s a traditional Gondola ride down the world renowned Grand Canal. You’ll get your own personal Gondolier rowing and singing for you as you pass under stunning Venetian bridges and along exquisitely beautiful canals. Another key highlight in Venice is the charming San Marco Square, home to the stunning San Marco Basilica and Campanile Tower, an iconic spot to appreciate beautiful views of Venice from above.

Budapest claims the number one spot as the best city break in Europe, thanks to its perfect combination of vibrant nightlife, iconic activities, beautiful sights and insanely low prices. Budapest oozes Eastern European character and culture, from the city’s stunning buildings and vibrant streets to its awesome activities and welcoming locals.

Budapest is famous for a whole heap of reasons, the city’s famous Szechenyi Thermal Baths are perfect for relaxing during the day and partying after the sun goes down, so too are the notorious ruins bars dotted around the city. These bars are open well into the early hours, each with their own super unique and vivid style, coupled with the benefit of Budapest’s crazy cheap alcohol prices, you’re in for a night to remember (or not, depending on how many drinks you decide to sink).

Another focal point of Budapest is the beautiful Danube River that runs directly through the city. Hop aboard a river cruise and check out the city’s iconic sights, the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Fisherman’s Bastion are just two of the impressive structures that line the Danube’s riverbanks. The city is also home to an array of delicious food, especially the country’s national dish, Beef Goulash, just make you sure you leave plenty of room for the cheap beer!