Europe is a treasure trove of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re looking for iconic destinations, budget-friendly adventures, or hidden gems, Europe has something for every traveller. Here’s my guide to some of the best cities in Europe for travel this year!
My year-long backpacking trip around Europe took me to 19 countries and I left with countless lifelong memories. There are too many amazing places to talk about in one article – and you can find more in-depth city highlights on my page – so this is just a few of my recommended picks for the best cities to travel to in Europe in 2024.
Whether you are jetting across the world to experience everything Europe has to offer for the first time, or a seasoned traveller looking to go someone new, this is a glimpse of some popular must-see destinations, budget-friendly options and under-the-radar locales.
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Must-see cities:
Paris, France
Why Visit?
The City of Light needs no introduction. Paris is synonymous with romance, history, and art. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the artistic treasures of the Louvre, Paris offers an endless array of attractions. Paris is truly one of the must-see cities to travel to, especially for first time travellers to Europe.
While you may experience crowds and odd days of heat during summer, the longer sunlight hours offer more time to explore the city and promises a laid-back Parisian experience. I promise you, the pain au chocolat will be worth it and you can’t miss the totally instagrammable Eiffel Tower sparkle show. Enjoy the sights, atmosphere and wicked culinary and nightlife scenes in the city of love!
Top attractions:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Travel tips:
- Consider visiting major attractions early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds
- Explore the lesser-known neighbourhoods like Le Marais for a more local experience
Rome, Italy
Why Visit?
Rome is a must-see for its rich history and culture. Visiting Rome is like stepping into a living history book, where every corner reveals stories of emperors, artists, and saints. With ancient ruins, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine, Rome captivates every visitor.
I was amazing by the well-preserved historical feel of the city, learnt a lot on a bike tour around the city with an amazing tour guide and ate the best pasta I had in Italy – a plate of Carbonara for only 6 euros from a tiny hole-in-the-wall place in the North of the city!
Top attractions:
- Colosseum
- Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Roman Forum
- Trevi Fountain
Travel tips:
- Make sure to purchase tickets for popular sites in advance to secure your place and skip the long lines. I didn’t think about booking until it was almost too late and could have missed touring the Colosseum!
- Go off the beaten track for bars and restaurants for the best quality and value. The restaurants right near the top attractions are always over-priced
Mid-level budget-friendly cities:
Porto, Portugal
Why Visit?
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a captivating destination known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Douro River, Porto’s historic centre, Ribeira, is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with narrow, cobbled streets, colourful houses, and lively squares.
The city is famous for its production of Port wine, fresh seafood dishes and old-world charm, as well as easily accessible beaches. I found it to be very walkable and a great budget-friendly European experience.
Top attractions:
- Riberia District
- Dom Luís I Bridge
- Livraria Lello
- Porto Cathedral
Travel tips:
- Taking a guided tour of the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia is a great way to learn about and taste the region’s famous wines
- This is certainly a city for walking or using public transport as narrow one-way streets can be challenging for driving. Public transport is plentiful and inexpensive
Budapest, Hungary
Why Visit?
Budapest, Hungary’s capital is a stunning unique city that pairs its rich history with a vibrant modern culture, perfect for travellers seeking quality experiences without breaking the bank. Located on the Danube River, Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, grand architecture and rich cultural scene.
This is one of those cities where I loved to simply walk around and marvel at picturesque buildings around each corner (the Parliament building on the river is truly stunning) and bustling cafes and shops down each alley. Sample traditional cuisine with dishes like goulash, lángos and chimney cakes. I went to Budapest a second time when going to Sziget music festival which is a totally worthwhile experience for festival lovers (6-day festival but you can grab 1 or 3 day passes as well).
Top attractions:
- Parliament Building
- Buda Castle
- Heroes’ Square
- Chain Bridge
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Travel tips:
- A Danube River cruise offers the chance to see the city’s landmarks from a unique perspective, especially beautiful at night when all the buildings are illuminated
- Explore the ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter for a unique nightlife experience in creatively repurposed historical buildings
Under the radar cities:
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Why Visit?
Ljubljana is a picturesque and eco-friendly capital with charming architecture and a relaxed vibe. Nestled in the heart of Europe and easily accessible, it’s perfect for those looking for an affordable escape from the more crowded tourist destinations.
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s largest city but has the friendly and welcoming vibe that comes with small capital cities. The compact size of the city makes it possible to see the sights in a day or two on foot and offers the option of fantastic day trips to nearby places, such as the picturesque Lake Bled.
Top attractions:
- Ljubljana Castle
- Triple Bridge
- Tivoli Park
- Dragon Bridge
Travel tips:
- Renting a bike is a great option to explore the city via extensive cycling paths
- Visit the Central Market for fresh local produce and artisanal goods (and wine!!!)
Bratislava, Slovakia
Why Visit?
With its blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and a relaxed atmosphere, Bratislava is a delightful and often overlooked gem in Central Europe. Located along the Danube River, Bratislava is characterised by its compact and walkable old town, filled with medieval towers, baroque palaces, and narrow, winding streets.
Bratislava is one of the best affordable options in Europe to travel to that’s easily accessible from a host of major cities. For me, this was only a day trip from Vienna (Europe’s two closet capital cities!) but after hearing tales of Bratislava’s epic nightlife from fellow travellers, I wish I had stayed for an evening. Popular with Bachelor parties!
Top attractions:
- Bratislava Castle
- Blue Church (St. Elizabeth’s Church)
- Michael’s Gate
- Old Town Hall
Travel tips:
- Explore the Old Town on foot to fully appreciate its medieval architecture and charming streets. Also has an affordable and efficient public transport system for the wider city
- Bratislava Castle offers a mix of historical exhibits and stunning panoramic views of the city and Danube River
Where to Stay?
Personally, I think the best accommodation option while travelling, especially if you are travelling on a budget, is hostels. You will most likely find the cheapest accommodation options, to ensure your precious funds stretch as long as possible. But it’s also a great way to meet other like-minded travellers in a social atmosphere, find accommodation in convenient locations without breaking the bank and gain local insights and recommendations from Hostel staff. Check out my guide to hostel travel here!
To start browsing some of the amazing hostels in the cities mentioned above (or worldwide!), check out Hostelworld now! If hostels aren’t your vibe, I’d recommend checking out Booking.com to browse hotels.
Summary
Europe is brimming with incredible destinations to visit in 2024. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic sights, the budget-friendly charm or hidden allure, there’s a perfect city for every type of traveller.
These are just a couple of the best cities in Europe to travel to! If you have the time and the passion for exploring, why not go everywhere! Europe’s great transport infrastructure makes travelling easy, so pack your bags and plan an itinerary that samples an enticing variety of destinations!