The 10 Best European Cities to Visit in 2024

Summer is finally here! Now that the sun has come out, the smell of barbecue is permeating, ice cream vans are playing their sweet music and the beaches are filling up. If you haven’t yet planned your Summer getaway, don’t fret. At Civitatis, we have you covered with our list of the best European cities to visit this year, including up-and-coming destinations, as well as some old favourites!

1. Athens, Greece

Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece, is a city where ancient history and modern life seamlessly blend. Visitors are drawn to its rich cultural heritage, embodied in landmarks such as the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon. These ancient structures offer a glimpse into Ancient Greece and the civilisation that has had such a profound impact on Western politics, philosophy and culture.

The most famous landmark in the city is the iconic Athens Acropolis, home to some of the most treasured ruins in the world—none more so than the stunning Parthenon. This 2,500-year-old temple was built during the golden age of Greece, using architectural techniques which continue to amaze visitors and scholars alike. See it for yourself on this Acropolis Guided Tour, during which you’ll also see the other temples on the site, including the Erecthium and the Temple of Athene Nike.

Greece is also home to one of the most beloved cuisines on the planet. From gyros to souvlaki to moussaka to halloumi—the capital city of Athens is sure to impress your tastebuds. For a guided experience, embark on this Athens Food Tour, on which you’ll be brought around to the best local, authentic street food stalls in the city. To learn how to make some of these dishes for yourself, try this Greek Cooking Class!

There’s more to Athens than that though! To get more ideas for your itinerary, check out our informed list of the  Top 10 Things to Do in Athens.

More activities in Athens with Civitatis.

2. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a city which remains slightly underrated among travellers. However, this fascinating city boasts a fascinating history, incredible architecture, wonderful thermal baths, a fantastic nightlife and much more!

A free walking tour of Budapest is a fantastic introduction to the city. On this tour, you’ll see the main sights of the city, from the Chain Bridge, to Freedom Square, to the city’s Parliament building—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the foremost tourist site and the crowning capital of the city is Buda Castle, which boasts incredible architecture and three fantastic museums: The Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and the National Széchényi Library. See it all for yourself on this Buda Castle Free Tour!

There really are so many things to see and do in Budapest. To get the most out of your trip at the best possible price, grab the Budapest Card tourist pass—which includes access to 30 of the top attractions, including the Lukács Spa (one of the oldest thermal baths in Budapest), as well as unlimited public transport and other discounts!

See more activities in Budapest.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

Venice, Amsterdam and Bruges are well known for their canals, but Copenhagen is another city with a beautiful network of canals, which is sometimes overlooked. Explore the city where the illustrious Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen lived and take a closer look at the Little Mermaid, the symbol of Copenhagen.

The best way to explore Copenhagen is by hopping aboard a boat and cruising along the canals. On this Copenhagen Canal Cruise, you’ll see the Opera House, the Amalienborg Palace, the Royal Library, the Stock Exchange and St. Saviour’s Church. You will cross the Nyhavn canal, once frequented by sailors and now dotted with colourful and popular clubs.

One of the jewels of Copenhagen is Tivoli Gardens. Opened in 1843, this is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world with 30 fun rides, various ballet and theatre performances, great food, of course, beautiful flowers! Grab your Tivoli Gardens Ticket today!

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4. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a captivating European tourist destination renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. Nestled along the Tagus River, this city boasts a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern attractions, making it one of the most popular European cities to visit.

There’s a lot to explore in this magical city. One of our favourite areas to explore is Alfama, the oldest district in the city, which is said to be the home of the traditional music genre of fado. On this Alfama Free Walking Tour, you can discover the history of this area through its narrow streets and colourful buildings. Learn how it survived the 1755 earthquake and also enjoy the Santa Luzia viewpoint for unbeatable views of the city. For a deeper dive into the music genre, check out this Fado Tour & Dinner.

To see the city from a different perspective, have a look at this Sunset Tagus Cruise, which will bring you past such landmarks as the 25th of April Bridge and the Cristo Rey Statue.

See more activities in Lisbon, or, check out our 2-day Lisbon itinerary!

5. Ljubljana, Slovenia

The picturesque capital of Slovenia will enchant you with its well-preserved historical centre and beautiful bridges spanning the Ljubljanica River. The city exudes a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere, thanks in part to the presence of university students who liven up the many cafés and bars of the city centre.

Just a short distance from the Italian border, this city is certainly one of the most beautiful in Europe. Ljubljana offers visitors a variety of things to do, from museums to cultural events and more. However, it’s almost enough to simply wander the city on foot and breathe in the beauty of its large parks and surrounding green hills.

To gain a deeper insight into this European capital city, you could explore the city accompanied by an expert guide on this Ljubljana Free Tour. To get more involved in the cultural side of the city, check out this Slovenian Folklore Show + Dinner, during which you’ll also learn the Polka and play traditional games.

See more activities in Ljubljana.

6. Prague, Czechia

The charm of Prague is undeniable: its Gothic bridges, Prague Castle towering above, the Jewish quarter and traditional restuarants make this fascinating European city one of the best to visit.

Among the city’s most iconic landmarks are the Astronomical Clock, the Powder Tower and the National Museum, all of which you can see as part of this Prague Free Tour with Civitatis. Also, don’t miss this free tour of Prague Castle—a wonderful complex of buildings and UNESCO World Heritage Site which stands above the city.

Before you leave, be sure to sample the local beers in the home of Pilsner! On this Prague Beer Culture Tour, you’ll discover two of the city’s major breweries, learn about their history and taste some of their products!

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7. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is nicknamed ‘the Phoenix City.’ Its history is marked by conflicts, destruction, and subsequent rebuilding. In spite of its troubled past, the city of Warsaw has become a vibrant city, celebrating both old and new.

The most famous location in Warsaw is undoubtedly the Market Square, entirely rebuilt after it was destroyed by bombings during World War II. At its centre stands a statue of a mermaid armed with a sword and shield, a symbol of the city tied to an ancient legend. See the square as part of this Free Walking Tour of Warsaw. Alternatively, visit the square and sit down in one of the square’s local restaurants or bars and listen to music being played by talented street performers.

Fans of classical music will be interested to know that Frédéric Chopin, Polish composer and pianist was born in this historic city. With Civitatis, you can learn more about the virtuoso’s life on this Chopin Walking Tour of Warsaw. Or, attend a Chopin Piano Concert and enjoy the soul-stirring music in the heart of the city.

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8. Valletta, Malta

Did you know that Malta’s capital city, Valletta, was founded by the Knights of St John in the 16th century? Incredibly, since then, Valletta hasn’t visually changed an awful lot, and has retained the historic buildings and layout, making it feel as though you’ve stepped into the past. Today, it enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status and welcomes more and more visitors each year, captivated by its rich history.

Discover the charm of this European capital with a guided tour of Valletta’s old town. Valletta is also the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of Malta. From here, you can embark on excursions to Mdina and the breathtaking Dingli Cliffs, or set sail for the picturesque islands of Gozo and Comino.

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9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, was founded in the late 13th century as a small fishing village. Over time, Amsterdam became a prominent centre of trade and culture. Today, this beautiful European city is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage, making it a fantastic one to visit.

One of the best ways to discover the charm of this European capital is with a guided cruise of Amsterdam’s historic canals, during which you’ll see lots of the city’s most beloved and significant landmarks, including the House with the Heads, the Anne Frank House and the Houseboat Museum. Another great part of visiting Amsterdam is that it’s so bike-friendly. On this Amsterdam Bike Tour, you can see the sights on two wheels!

Amsterdam is also the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of the Netherlands. From here, you can embark on a day trip to Bruges, or visit Zaanse Schans, to see this beautiful town’s windmills, which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

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10. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, the enchanting capital of Estonia, will charm you with its medieval Old Town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobbled streets, brightly coloured houses and medieval towers create a distinctly fairy-tale like atmosphere. But don’t be fooled, at nightfall this city truly comes to life. There are plenty of nightclubs that, especially in summer, liven up the streets with outdoor tables and great music.

Get the most out of this beautiful European city by purchasing the Tallinn Card, a pass for all public transport and some of the main attractions. You could also opt for a bike tour of Tallinn, to gain a deeper insight into the city, while getting some exercise on two wheels!

And while we’re in Estonia, let’s make special mention of the city of Tartu, nominated European Capital of Culture 2024. With its art museum and the university’s lovely botanical garden, Tartu, though not a capital city, is well worth a visit, especially if you’re in Estonia!

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There you have it! Those are our top 10 European cities to visit this year. Regardless of where you do end up travelling to, be sure to check out tours & experiences with Civitatis to get the most out of your travels. Did we miss somewhere? Leave a comment below with your favourite European capitals to visit.