Europe's most exciting cities for a city break
Are you planning a road trip through Europe? Or you just want to get away from it all and discover another exciting metropolis in Europe? You simply have to visit these cities in Europe:
Amsterdam
Barcelona
Berlin
Dublin
Hamburg
London
Madrid
Munich
Palermo
Paris
Prague
Rome
Vienna
1. amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum is one of the top sights in Amsterdam. The city is definitely one of the top city trips in Europe.
It is well known that Amsterdam is a great place to party. But the capital of the Netherlands (the seat of government is The Hague, by the way) has much more to offer than bicycles, good clubs, stylish bars, the famous red light district and the many coffee shops where you can legally buy and consume cannabis.
Amsterdam is a party city - but also a great destination for those who just want to stroll through a beautiful city, see the many sights and experience something.
Besides the red light district (preferably in the evening) and the coffee shops, the top highlights in Amsterdam include the famous Rijksmuseum, the amazing Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the world-famous canal belt.
It's simply great to stroll through the city and soak up the hustle and bustle on the streets. For us, Amsterdam is always worth a visit - and a top tip for an unforgettable city break in Europe.
Find out all about the best sights in Amsterdam in our extra article.
Barcelona
Park Güell is a top attraction in Barcelona and should not be missed on any trip to the Spanish metropolis.
For us, the Spanish metropolis of Barcelona is also one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Europe. Of course, a list of the most exciting city trips in Europe cannot do without Barcelona.
It is simply fun to stroll through the city, to listen to the sound of the water in a café by the sea and to look at the many impressive attractions of the city.
The imposing La Sagrada Familia alone makes a trip to the beautiful Mediterranean metropolis worthwhile. The huge church should actually be on the list of wonders of the world. You don't see something like La Sagrada Familia every day.
Other top sights in Barcelona include Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, the El Born district and the Parc de la Ciutadella. We highly recommend a city trip to Barcelona. We promise you: you will never forget this trip!
Take alook at our article on the most beautiful sights in Barcelona. Your next city trip can come.
3 Berlin
One of the most famous places in the once separated city is Checkpoint Charlie.
Of course, the German capital can't be left out of our list of the most exciting cities in Europe. You love Berlin - or you hate the Spree metropolis. There is nothing in between. I can say that - after all, I grew up in Berlin (yes, in the middle of the Kiez) and after 30 years I know all the highlights and also all the less beautiful places in this city of millions.
"Poor but sexy", said former mayor Klaus Wowereit. That still holds true today. By German standards, Berlin is pretty extreme - and exciting.
No other city in Germany is as fast-paced and innovative when it comes to nightlife . Berlin's party and club scene is legendary and world-famous. People from all over the world come to Berlin to party. The city is cheap and the clubs - such as Berghain, Tresor or Sisyphos - are second to none, not only in Europe but in the whole world. If you want to party for a day or two (I mean that literally), come to Berlin.
A trip to Berlin is also unforgettable from a culinary point of view. Hardly any other city in Europe has established such a diverse street food scene as Berlin. You can get delicious dishes (from all over the world) for as little as five or six euros. That, too, is probably a European record. After five days in Berlin, I have to go on a diet every time.
Berlin has a lot to offer culturally. In addition to countless museums and theatres , you can explore sights such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate or the East Side Gallery.
Compared to other European cities, however, Berlin comes off weak when it comes to "classic" sights such as St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or Prague Castle (in Prague, of course). If you're after imposing churches and other historical sights, Berlin is only partly for you. Berlin is and remains the party capital of the world.
Find out which sights you must see in Berlin on your city trip in our article.
When to go where?
Looking for more inspiration for your next (city) trip? Then we recommend "When is the best time to go where? The ultimate travel planner for every month" by Lonely Planet.
4 Dublin
Rain is simply part of Dublin. That's what gives the city its flair. But there are also plenty of sunny days - I promise!
Dublin is cold and wet? That's what many people think when they imagine the Irish capital. We spent a few days in Dublin in November and had everything - from rain to glorious sunshine and blue skies.
A bit of rain is simply part of Dublin - but the weather can also be different. In July and August, the thermometer sometimes jumps above the 20-degree mark. It is then wonderfully warm in the sun.
For us, Dublin is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. There is an incredible amount to discover in the metropolis. Among the top highlights are Trinity College with the "Old Library" (where you get that "Harry Potter" feeling), the Guinness Storehouse, the imposing St. Patrick's Cathedral and the museum prison Kilmainham Gaol.
Another reason for a city break in Dublin is the unique pub culture. Just wandering through the city from pub to pub and drinking a freshly tapped beer in a cosy atmosphere - incomparable. We can definitely recommend a trip to Dublin.
In our extra article you can read all about the best sights and highlights in Dublin that you should not miss.
5 Hamburg
The Landungsbrücken are a top sight in the northern German harbour metropolis.
Hamburg can't be left off our list of Europe's most must-see cities. Stroll through the historic Speicherstadt (with the Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway in the world) and get a fresh fish roll at the fish market after a long night on the Reeperbahn . These three experiences alone are worth a trip to Hamburg.
Other great attractions include the Landungsbrücken and the Port of Hamburg. A trip to the Schanzenviertel is also a must on a trip to Hamburg. Today, the "Schanze" is a popular trendy district with many great bars and restaurants.
Hamburg is also known for its great musicals. We have already seen a few productions and were always thrilled. The Lion King is the most famous production. Other well-known musicals are Pretty Woman, Wicked, The Ice Queen and Mamma Mia! A very special highlight: a shuttle ship takes you from the Landungsbrücken to the Stage Theatre in Hamburg harbour.
Find out which top attractions in Hamburg you should experience on your unforgettable city trip in our article. Do you want to discover Hamburg with children? Then we have the best tips for that too.
6 London
Tower Bridge is a very special highlight in London. By the way, you can see "The Shard" in the background.
London photographer David Bailey once said "If you're curious, London is a wonderful place". And he is right - there is an infinite amount to discover in the English metropolis on the Thames.
With around nine million inhabitants, London is a real metropolis. More than 14 million people live in the metropolitan region. So you see: London is huge. A long weekend is hardly enough to explore London even halfway.
What do you have to see on a city trip to the British capital? Among other things, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the skyscraper "The Shard" with its observation deck and St Paul's Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the world.
But it's not just the well-known sights that make London so extraordinary. You simply have to experience the flair of the city and let yourself drift with the flow of people. But somehow it never gets hectic. London is simply a very special city in Europe that you have to experience.
We show you the most beautiful sights in London, explain our insider tips for a London city trip and have London tips for Harry Potter fans.
7 Madrid
The Royal Palace in Madrid is a top sight in the Spanish metropolis.
When you hear Spain, you often think of Mallorca, Barcelona or Valencia. Thanks to Real Madrid and the many museums, a city trip to the Spanish capital Madrid often seems interesting only for football fans and art enthusiasts. Even if there is no sea in sight, Madrid has a lot to offer.
Absolutely worth seeing are the most beautiful barrios - that's how the city's districts are called in Spanish. The hipster quarter Malasaña scores with many cute restaurants, cafés and shops, while the adjacent gay and lesbian quarter Chueca is a hive of activity day and night. The supposedly most Madrilenian neighbourhood La Latina and the poets' quarter Barrio de las Letras are also in the centre, as is the neighbourhood Lavapiés, known as a melting pot of cultures and home to many Indian restaurants.
A little further away is the chic Barrio de Salamanca, where one designer shop follows another. But these are just a few examples of Madrid's diverse neighbourhoods. Just let yourself drift and explore the city's alleys on your own.
Classic Madrid sights include the Puerta del Sol (the city's central square), the Plaza Mayor with its many small shops and restaurants, the Royal Palace Palacio Real and the Almudena Cathedral.
8 Munich
View from the Old Peter to the New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche
In Munich , our adopted home, things are quite cosy. Munich is the stark contrast to Berlin and Hamburg. Munich is not called a village of millions for nothing. The city is rich, expensive and clean - quite different from Berlin, for example. The only time you see strange characters in Munich is during the Oktoberfest.
The Oktoberfest, with its historic rides such as the world-famous Ferris wheel, the Krinoline roundabout and the witches' swing, is one of the reasons why you should definitely visit the Bavarian capital. The largest folk festival in the world is a unique experience.
Other top highlights in Munich include the English Garden, the world-famous Munich City Hall with its Glockenspiel, the Viktualienmarkt, the Hofbräuhaus and BMW World (one of the most visited attractions in Germany).
You can find out which of Munich's sights you shouldn't miss on your city break and what you can experience in the individual districts of Schwabing, Maxvorstadt and Au-Haidhausen in the linked articles.
In addition, the Bavarian Alps are just outside Munich (on the most beautiful hikes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and on the hike to the Zugspitze). The beautiful Lake Garda - an Eldorado for hikers and climbers - is also not far away. For outdoor fans like us, Munich is the perfect city to live in. But of course, Munich is also a great place for a long weekend.
9. Palermo
The Chiesa di San Cataldo with its three red domes is one of the top sights in Palermo
Palermo, you may ask? Yes, Palermo is one of the most worth seeing cities in Europe for us. Sicily's capital is loud and dirty and not everyone's cup of tea. If you like clean and well-organised cities like Barcelona and don't like cities like Naples, give Palermo a wide berth.
We had to travel to Palermo twice to learn to love the city. But if you get involved with Palermo, you will discover many exciting places in the city. The food is terrific anyway.
Top sights include the impressive Admiral's Palace, the Chiesa di San Cataldo with its three characteristic red domes, the monastery of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, the Capuchin C rypt and the Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri.
Palermo really does offer many highlights for those interested in culture. We can also recommend Sicily as a travel destination. You can find the most beautiful sights in Palermo in an extra article. By the way, we also have an insider tip for you: the wonderful tour through the artisans' quarter in Palermo.
10th Paris
The Eiffel Tower in the light of the setting sun
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Paris ? Of course, the Eiffel Tower. The steel colossus is the landmark of the French capital and world-famous. Every Paris tourist wants a photo with the Eiffel Tower. And yes, the Eiffel Tower is imposing and alone worth a trip to the Seine metropolis.
Paris enchants for other reasons as well. The city is teeming with sights. A long weekend is definitely not enough to discover all the attractions in Paris. This is also because the city attracts many tourists from all over the world. Waiting times at the top attractions are often several hours during peak season. That's why you should always buy your tickets in advance on the internet - it saves a lot of time.
Apart from the Eiffel Tower, the world-famous Musée du Louvre, the Church of Notre-Dame (after the catastrophic fire in 2019, the reopening will probably not take place until 2025 at the earliest), the former palace chapel of the former royal residence Sainte Chapelle, the catacombs, Montmartre with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the Panthéon are all worth seeing.
So you see, on a city trip to Paris with all the beautiful sights there is a lot to discover.
11 Prague
The view of the huge Prague Castle. The city on the Vltava is always worth a visit. We, at least, have fallen in love with Prague
Prague is definitely one of the most impressive cities in Europe for us. Even a whole week is hardly enough to explore the Czech capital. Prague offers many historical sights and attractions. Prague is also comparatively inexpensive. You can easily spend a week here without hurting your wallet too much.
We admit it openly: We have fallen in love with Prague. We highly recommend the metropolis on the beautiful Vltava for an unforgettable city trip. The best way to explore the city and its sheer endless historical sights is on foot. You'll discover something exciting around every corner.
The top highlights in Prague include the huge Prague Castle with the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral, the Charles Bridge, the Clementinum and the Jerusalem Synagogue.
Find out which top sights Prague has to offer in our article.
12 Rome
The Colosseum is probably the most famous landmark in Rome.
The Eternal City in the heart of Italy - Rome shines with thousands of years of history that make the entire metropolis on the Tiber almost a huge museum. The name "Eternal City" alone dates back to the first century BC!
There is an enormous amount to discover in the Italian capital. For example, the Piazza del Popolo. The "People's Square" was already the central northern entrance to the city in ancient times. You will find several famous sights here, such as the Obelisco Flaminio, the Porta del Pop olo and the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo with its adjacent Augustinian monastery. At the southern end of the square are the famous twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli from the 17th century.
Other highlights in Rome include the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. So you see: Rome is definitely worth a visit.
Find out which top attractions you should see in Rome and how to experience Rome in three days in our articles.
13 Vienna
The famous Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater is one of the top attractions of the Danube metropolis and should not be missed on any city trip.
Austria's capital Vienna is a must-see. The metropolis on the Danube scores with historical sights such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral with the catacombs or Belvedere Palace.
Another reason to travel to Vienna is the Viennese coffee house culture. This has even been part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage since 2011. Every visit to Vienna also includes trying a Sacher Tor te at least once. Where better to do this than at the Hotel Sacher in the Sacher Café on the famous Kärtner Straße? By the way, the Sacher Torte has been around since 1832 and is probably the most famous cake in the world.
In addition to the well-known top attractions, Vienna offers many more exciting things to do. How about a spooky cellar tour? Did you know that there is a huge network of cellars under Vienna?
We show you the most beautiful sights in Vienna that you should definitely see on a city trip. We also have the best Christmas markets in Vienna.
Tip: City trips on a budget
In which European metropolis can you go on a particularly inexpensive holiday?
Berlin, for one. A good 3-star hotel costs around 60 euros a night for a double room. We can recommend the Flottwell Berlin Hotel & Residenz am Park(check prices here*). You can stay even cheaper at The Circus Hostel(check prices here*). In Berlin, you'll find plenty of good snack bars and restaurants where you can eat delicious food for little money. You can also get to the German capital very cheaply by bus, train or carpool.
Prague is also a great place for a cheap city break. A nice 3-star hotel like the Don Giovanni Hotel Prague(check prices here*) starts at around 50 euros per night. Restaurants are comparatively cheap. You can also get to the Czech capital quickly and economically by train or bus.
At 50 euros per night in a double room, you'll find very inexpensive 4-star hotels in Palermo , such as the Astoria Palace(check prices here*) Pizza and pasta don't cost the earth. Only the journey is a bit more expensive - after all, you have to book a flight.
It's a similar story in Madrid. For a good 3-star hotel like the Hotel Nuevo Madrid(check prices here*), you need to budget around 50 euros per night. Cheap snacks can be found everywhere here, too. The only really convenient way to get here from Germany is by plane.