20 European Capitals to Visit in 2023

The allure of the old continent never wanes: every year tourists from all over the world choose Europe for their cultural as well as relaxing trips.
Every major European city hides secret corners, little-known monuments and unmissable atmospheres that are worth discovering and savouring.
In addition to the most popular destinations, such as Rome, Paris, London or Berlin, it is advisable to learn more about others that are less frequented but can reserve pleasant surprises.
Here is the list of the most beautiful European capitals that you absolutely must visit in 2023!

1 - Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is classic and impressive, but also cheap and fun. It is nicknamed the'Paris of the East' for some of the city's landscapes and corners.
From the union of Buda and Pest, divided by the slow-flowing Danube, comes this majestic city, in the style of ancient Central Europe as well as Vienna and Prague. During the day, you can visit interesting museums and historical churches, and then immerse yourself in the fervent nightlife among the local clubs.
Monuments not to be missed are undoubtedly the Royal Palace housing the National Gallery, the Bastion and Matthias Church.
Budapest can also be a relaxing city, thanks to the many famous thermal baths that offer a unique experience, especially in winter, when the metropolis is covered in snow. In this case, remember to buy the 1-day pass to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths without queuing, otherwise you risk wasting too much precious time waiting in line!

The best time to visit Budapest, both for the cheaper prices and the more favourable climate, is during the intermediate seasons, particularly May, June and September.

Plan your trip to Budapest: costs and useful info

• Best time: March to June and September to November

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €45.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €240.00 per person - look at the offers

2 - Madrid, Spain

If you want to visit a European capital and are looking for a city full of entertainment and attractions by day and night, head to Madrid. It is truly the city of movida, where entertainment abounds night and day. This is the origin of some sayings related to the city, such as Madrid me mata (Madrid kills me) and Madrid nunca duerme (Madrid never sleeps)!

The city is not only carefree and fast-paced, but also holds precious masterpieces of art: Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Parque del Buen Retiro, the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor: these are just some of the many tourist and cultural attractions Madrid has to offer. For football lovers, a visit to the famous Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a must!
SEE ALSO: What to see in Madrid

Plan your trip to Madrid: costs and useful info

• Best time of year: Autumn or Spring

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €51.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €258.00 per person - look at the offers

3 - Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the most visited European cities and a popular destination especially for young people. This city is in fact famous for several aspects such as the very low cost of living, the large number of pubs and nightclubs, the guaranteed fun

To get to know Prague, you must visit its must-sees, such as the castle and the famous Astronomical Clock, and get lost in the winding streets of the Jewish quarter, masterfully recounted in Franz Kafka's novels.
Everywhere you will find cafés inviting you to come in and sit down, and you can take advantage of the boats for an excursion on the Vltava River.
The Gothic-style Charles Bridge and St Nicholas Church in the Lesser Quarter, a Baroque religious building, are magnificent.
If you are staying a few days, consider buying a Prague Card.

The best time to visit Prague is summer, preferably from June to September, but for lovers of cold, snow and the winter atmosphere typical of continental capitals, the best months are December and January, during which Prague is snowy and Christmassy.

Plan your trip to Prague: costs and useful info

• Best time of year: Summer, spring and winter

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €45.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €214.00 per person - see offers

4 - Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a hospitable city, on a human scale and full of things to see. It offers great museums of international renown, housed in former residences of the Habsburg dynasty, as well as a wonderful historic centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tour the city in a horse-drawn carriage, admire the works of Schiele and Klimt and enjoy the delicious Austrian sweets, perhaps at the Hotel Sacher where a taste of the legendary cake of the same name is a must.

Vienna is a very interesting city in many ways. It owes its charm to the Danube river that flows through it, to the many historical palaces, but also to the presence of influential figures such as Mozart, Beethoven and Freud, who left it a rich artistic and intellectual, and especially musical, heritage.
St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Ringstraße (19th century street along which there are numerous monuments), the State Opera, the Parliament, the City Hall and the many theatres will make your visit truly unforgettable.

Plan your trip to Vienna: costs and useful info

• Best time of year: Spring and autumn

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €59.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €288.00 per person - see offers

5 - Berlin, Germany

The capital of Germany is a city that has been wounded, destroyed, rebuilt and become a key player in the history of Europe and the world over the last 60 years. Throughout the city there are more or less long stretches of what used to be the'wall' that prevented free movement between West Berlin and East Germany.
From the post-war period to 1989, Berlin was able to re-evaluate and rediscover its own treasures of human history, hidden by this dark period. Today, Berlin is also known as one of the capitals of electronic music, design and fashion.

The Reichstag Building is one of the main attractions, along with the Cathedral in the Mitte district, the Television Tower, and the famous Brandenburg Gate. Also not to be forgotten are the huge Tiergarten park, Alexanderplatz and the memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Berlin

Plan your trip to Berlin: costs and useful info

• Best time: May to September

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €35.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €190.00 per person - look at the offers

6 - London, United Kingdom

Suitable for tourists of all ages, the English capital is perfect for a cultural holiday thanks to its vast museum offerings, but it's also ideal for lovers of evening and night-time entertainment, for those who want to enjoy some peace and quiet in the lush parks (there are plenty of green areas) and for those who love shopping and/or markets, both food and vintage items.

You just have to decide where to start visiting this dynamic and multi-ethnic metropolis. There are numerous attractions and museums in London, including the extremely rich British Museum, the Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum.
For those who don't suffer from vertigo, we recommend a ride on the London Eye, the world's highest Ferris wheel, and then on to admire Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. You cannot leave London without a stroll through Camden Town, the district famous for its colourful markets.

If you are with children, don't miss the Harry Potter and Warner Bros Studios tour, to discover the locations and behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films amongst the extravagant sets, stage props and costumes used.

Plan your trip to London: costs and useful info

• Best time: Spring/Summer

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €43.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €232.00 per person - see offers

7 - Helsinki, Finland

It's the capital of Finland and the largest city in the entire Scandinavian nation, with almost 600 thousand inhabitants. Helsinki is a fascinating destination not only in winter, but can also be enjoyed in the warmer months of the year.
Despite the cold temperatures, it is during the colder months that the city reveals some of its most unique features, such as the Midnight Sun and the Aurora Borealis. The sea and lakes turn to ice, and many events take place.
In the summer, on the other hand, the sun never sets for almost two months: coming out of the disco at 4 a.m. and finding the sun is definitely an experience you can hardly do anywhere else!

Don't miss the main square, directly by the sea, Kauppatori, where a rich market takes place where you can buy original Finnish handicraft souvenirs. Also worth visiting are the imposing Orthodox Uzpenski Cathedral and Alexanderinkatu Street, the most famous street in Helsinki, where Father Christmas makes his parade on a reindeer-drawn sleigh at the start of the Christmas season.
SEE ALSO: Things to see in Helsinki

Plan your trip to Helsinki: costs and info

• Best time of year: Summer for the weather, Winter for the sports and Christmas

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €78.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €452.00 per person - look at the offers

8 - Lisbon, Portugal

Popular, indolent and melancholic like all great seaside cities, Lisbon is often underestimated but is full of charm. Explore the neighbourhoods from Bairro Alto to Baixa, passing through Belem and Chiado: here you can discover Lisbon's true cultural identity, listen to and fully appreciate the characteristic and melancholic fado played in some typical bars.
Furthermore, Lisbon is also crossed by the Tagus River, so a river cruise on the Tagus, perhaps at sunset, passing by the tower of Belem, is not to be missed.

Lisbon is also a gastronomic adventure: it is true that cod is one of the Portuguese capital's typical dishes, but the culinary offer is much wider and more varied! What you should know is that every self-respecting meal in Lisbon always starts with snacks, brought to the table even if you did not ask for them, and paid for only if actually eaten.

Finally, don't miss the surroundings! Definitely make aday trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais, Unesco World Heritage Sites, among castles, palaces and natural parks.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Lisbon

Plan your trip to Lisbon: costs and useful info

• Best time: March to May and September to October

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €75.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €378.00 per person - see offers

9 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a city waiting to be discovered: multifaceted, colourful, lively, full of charm and contradictions, ideal for a city-break in Europe.
It has numerous attractions and places of interest for all tastes. For the young but also for the old there is the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, one of the main attractions. A popular destination is also the Little Mermaid statue together with the partially self-contained Free City of Christiania, located in the heart of Copenhagen.
A day at the Tivoli Amusement Park ( skip the line ticket recommended), the second oldest in the world, is a must for young and old alike!
Finally, you cannot miss aday trip to Hamlet Castle, passing through the landscapes of North Sealand and also visiting Frederiksborg Castle and the Viking Ship Museum.

It is an easy and safe city to visit. The city centre is quite small and can be easily covered on foot in a short time.

Plan your trip to Copenhagen: costs and useful info

• Best time: July to November

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €106.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €504.00 per person - see deals

10 - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Valiant, decisive, merciful. It is with these adjectives that the inhabitants of Amsterdam usually apostrophise the Dutch capital, the land of tulips, nightlife, art and culture.

Amsterdam has a canal system that has earned it the nickname'Venice of the North'. Just as a gondola ride in Venice is not to be missed, so is a canal cruise in Amsterdam One of the most popular tourist destinations, it has always been considered a symbol of fun, especially the'forbidden' kind, due to the presence of the famous'coffee shops' and nightlife in general (more info on discos, red-light clubs and special places).
But Amsterdam is also renowned for its many cultural activities, architecture and museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House.
To explore by bike, to immortalise in photographs, to experience day and night, don't miss the opportunity to get to know the thousand souls of Amsterdam.
And don't miss anexcursion to the Windmill villages such as Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Amsterdam

Plan your trip to Amsterdam: costs and useful info

• Best time: April and May, September to November

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €49.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €318.00 per person - see offers

11 - Athens, Greece

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and today is huge and crowded, but you can still breathe in the almost sacred atmosphere of Ancient Greece: art, philosophy, history, but above all politics and democracy were born and developed at the capital of Greece.

It is a city that offers much, both archaeologically and in terms of the sea, entertainment and good food.
Thefirst place to see is definitely the Acropolis, followed by the agora, the market with the temple dedicated to Hephaestus, the temple dedicated to Zeus and Hadrian's Arch.
There areover 50 museums, including the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, the Museum of Music, the Museum of War...
But the Greek capital, with its 4,000 years of culinary tradition, with its genuine and decisive flavours, its spices, will also know how to involve you in a truly unique gastronomic experience, and moreover at affordable prices.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Athens

Plan your trip to Athens: costs and useful info

• Best time: Spring

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €40.00 per room - see deals

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €238.00 per person - see offers

12 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Visiting Reykjavik actually means much more than visiting a European capital. In fact, it's a real stepping stone towards a journey that encompasses much of Iceland, starting with the Golden Circle, which includes parks, waterfalls, geothermal areas and natural pools.

It isEurope's northernmost capital, on Iceland's south-west coast, and overlooks the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Reykjavik is a modern, vibrant city surrounded by a unique Nordic landscape. But it is also characterised by an artistic spirit that is always on the move: there is no shortage of theatres, art galleries, green areas and museums. And then here, and from here, you can enjoy some of the most iconic experiences when it comes to northern landscapes, such as northern lights and whale watching.

Plan your trip to Reykjavik: costs and useful info

• Best time: May to September

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €85.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €722.00 per person - see offers

13 - Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw was called the Paris of the North in the 18th century and lies on the banks of the Vistula River.

It is a city full of contrasts, a perfect blend of old and new with historic buildings and more modern palaces next to each other. It is also one of the greenest cities in Europe, with over 79 parks and an area of 25% dedicated to lush gardens, green areas of various sizes, tree-lined avenues and squares adorned with flowers and ornamental plants.
Nearby, it is impossible not to plan aday trip to Auschwitz, the famous concentration camp.

Life in Poland is relatively inexpensive: leaving aside the period under Christmas and the month of May (the beginning of the high season), prices are all in all affordable at all times and it is not difficult to find direct air connections from Italy.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Warsaw

Organise your trip to Warsaw: costs and useful info

• Best time: June to August

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €42.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €254.00 per person - see offers

14 - Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is multicultural and rich in history. The main square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Grand Place, described by Victor Hugo as'the most beautiful square in the world'.
The Atomium is one of Brussels' iconic monuments and was built for the 1958 Universal Exhibition.

Brussels is also called the'European Village' because of the high concentration of shops, bars and restaurants where you can taste excellent chocolate and the famous Belgian beer.
Influenced by the Atlantic, the Belgian capital's climate is practically humid all year round. The best times to visit the Belgian capital are those that do not coincide with the most important holidays of the year, such as Christmas and New Year. For the rest, spring and autumn remain the best seasons.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Brussels

Plan your trip to Brussels: costs and useful info

• Best time of year: Spring and autumn

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €54.00 per room - see deals

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €272.00 per person - see offers

15 - Edinburgh, Scotland

It is a city of "dark", mysterious charm. Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is bound to captivate you with its mysterious atmosphere that permeates its streets, its monuments and the walls of its palaces, a successful mix of 19th-century, Gothic and medieval styles.

It is a city of a thousand faces, with a history stretching back thousands of years and with many legends accompanying it. The medieval charm of the Old Town, dominated by the ancient castle, precedes the Royal Mile, the most famous street in the centre that leads up to the fairy-tale Holyroodhouse Palace.
Edinburgh is also nightlife, ethnic and seafood restaurants and pints of beer, but also nature withArthur 's Seat, the most impressive and spectacular volcano in Scotland.
Scotland's capital city offers many wonders to see but also to taste. Pay attention to the times: lunch is served from 12:00 to 14:00 and dinner from 18:00 to 20:00.

And the surroundings? You certainly cannot miss anexcursion to the nearby Loch Ness! Yes, the one of the famous monster!
SEE ALSO: What to see in Edinburgh

Organise your trip to Edinburgh: costs and useful info

• Best time: Summer, from June to August

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €71.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €376,00 per person - look at the offers

16 - Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is a city-state that has always been synonymous with luxury and beauty. Monte Carlo is a city of luxury shops, museums and the famous casino.
Monte Carlo is certainly not a cheap place to stay. However, if you are a lover of luxury, here you will find a wide range of international chains ready to pamper and spoil you.

Love speed? The famous Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place here every year. Do you like fairy tales? The American actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier here. The centre can be easily walked around and you can admire the Palais Grimaldi, with its characteristic ceremony of the changing of the guard, which takes place at 11.55 a.m. every day.
For the more mundane, and for those who can afford it, a stroll through the shopping streets is recommended. And if you want to experience a VIP hour, you can always book a ride in a Ferrari!
SEE ALSO: What to see in Monte Carlo

Plan your trip to Monte Carlo: costs and useful info

• Best time of year: Spring or autumn, particularly in April and October

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €89.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €502.00 per person - look at the offers

17 - Rome, Italy

Rome is universally regarded as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world at any time of the year.
Rome's attractions are so many that it is impossible to list them all: the Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican and its Museums, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Imperial Forum, as well as the Pantheon, the Altar of the Fatherland and the splendid Sistine Chapel are only a small part of what it has to offer...

Rome can be visited at any time of year, certainly spring is the best season to avoid rain and humidity or the excessive summer heat.
But the capital also offers a respectable culinary culture, with traditional dishes that will have you licking your lips: bucatini alla gricia, trippa alla romana, spaghetti cacio e pepe, carbonara and porchetta are just a few of the unmissable specialities to be enjoyed in the eternal city.

Plan your trip to Rome: costs and useful info

• Best time: Spring

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €32.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €194.00 per person - look at the offers

18 - Stockholm, Sweden

If you don't fear the cold and want to visit one of Europe's most elegant and charming cities, head to Stockholm. Sweden's capital is orderly and efficient, easy to visit on foot even if served by excellent public transport, rich in culture, tradition but also innovation.
All of Stockholm's history is encapsulated in the medieval streets of the old city, Gamla Stan. The Royal Palace, Gothic churches, but also bars, cafés, restaurants and Swedish design shops contribute to the unique Nordic atmosphere.
Don't miss the exclusive boutiques, shops and department stores in Östermalm or, if you are a fan of Stieg Larsson and the films inspired by the Millennium trilogy, you can't miss the Millennium Tour organised through the streets of Södermalm.
In summer in the city the sun stays up until late in the evening: 19 hours of daylight available to explore parks, canals, design and architecture!
SEE ALSO: What to see in Stockholm

Plan your trip to Stockholm: costs and useful info

• Best time of year: Summer for those seeking a mild climate but Winter for winter sports enthusiasts

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €60.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €300.00 per person - see offers

19 - Paris, France

Always considered the centre of romance, so much so that it is also known as the capital of lovers, Paris has countless activities to do and places to visit, for every type of tourist.
There is nothing to say about Paris that hasn't already been said. It is one of the most beautiful and visited cities in the world. The Musée D'Orsay and the Louvre are the city's most famous museums, and the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral are symbols not only of Paris but of the whole of France.

The secret to visiting Paris properly is to leave prepared and avoid tourist traps such as restaurants and clubs that charge stratospheric prices for less than excellent quality.
Also, if you are with children, don't forget to visit Disneyland! We absolutely recommend the 1-day ticket with fastpass for the attractions, otherwise the risk is to get stuck for hours in the queue!
SEE ALSO: What to see in Paris

Plan your trip to Paris: costs and useful info

• Best time: June to August

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €54.00 per room - see offers

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €268.00 per person - see offers

20 - Dublin, Ireland

Known for being a city on a human scale, Dublin is a popular destination for young and old alike. Elegant and never over-the-top, Ireland's capital is also the country's largest and most populous city. Its pubs and beer are world-famous, as is the easy-going spirit of its citizens. Despite the leaden weather, the atmosphere is always sunny and cheerful!
Dublin holds great surprises, it is literature, history and friendliness. You can stop and enjoy the view over the River Liffey from the iconic Ha'penny Bridge footbridge, or head to the Powerscourt Shopping Centre for a unique shopping experience.

Must-sees include Trinity College, the Castle and St Patrick's Cathedral, but one of the landmarks is undoubtedly the Guinness Storehouse, the world's most famous stout brewery!
Nearby, visit the famous Cliffs of Moher.
Not to be missed in spring is St. Patrick's Day, on 17 March. And don't forget to toast with a cold beer!
SEE ALSO: What to see in Dublin

Plan your trip to Dublin: costs and useful info

• Best time: Spring for St Patrick's Day, Summer

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €87.00 per room - see deals

• Flight + hotel (5 days/4 nights): from €444.00 per person - see deals

Other European cities and destinations to visit

• Low-cost capitals: Need a holiday but don't have much budget? Discover cheap destinations and cities in Europe.

• Cities to visit in 3 days: there are some cities and capitals that lend themselves more than others to being visited in a weekend. A romantic or solo getaway to appreciate some of Europe's gems. Curious? Here's where to go!

• Destinations to visit at Christmas: those that, dressed in white, acquire more charm than a snow queen. From the inevitable Vienna and Budapest to the romantic Bruges and Salzburg... here are the European cities to visit at Christmas!

• Most romantic cities: and if your goal is to break your loved one's heart, then it's best to go for the 'sure thing' by choosing the perfect destination for an unforgettable stay. Get ready for long walks hand in hand and tender kisses in the moonlight. Here are the most romantic cities!

• Cities with the best nightlife: if you're not quite the romantic river cruise or museum and cultural weekend type, or simply looking for the ultimate in fun, here are the 20 best cities for nightlife! The ones that wake up at night and go to sleep during the day, the ones that festivals and parties are not just for the weekend!

All other European Capitals