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Vienna does not have the most “hip” reputation as a European city trip city,- but is one of the most beautiful European cities in the classical sense of the word. The city on the Danube is the cultural, political and economic heart of Austria. The rich history can be seen in many beautiful museums and historic buildings. Vienna is also the world center of classical music, and the (former) home and workplace of famous composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. View in Vienna anyway: Schönbrunn Palace by Empress Sisi, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, the MuseumsQuartier, the Vienna State Opera, the famous Naschmarkt and the wineries in the Grinzing district.
The Hungarian capital Budapest is elegant and romantic, but at the same time dynamic and energetic. Old castles and classical palaces overlook full coffee houses and bars. Mongols, Turks, Austrians, Germans and Russians: they all left their mark on Budapest. Together with the proud Hungarians they have formed a city that attracts young and old. The two boroughs Buda (on the west bank of the Danube) and Pest (east bank) each have their own atmosphere. Buda is hilly and green. Here are the old royal palace and castle complex and the richer neighborhoods. The views from the Castle Hill, especially from the fishing bastion, are enormous. The flat Pest is the commercial heart of the city, full of busy shopping streets, large squares and stylish boulevards. Cultural life also takes place here, with countless museums, theaters, trendy bars and night clubs.
Picturesque, winding streets full of relief, but also beautiful shopping boulevards, squares full of terraces and fountains: Lisbon is one of the most romantic European cities for a city trip. The Portuguese capital extends over seven hills on the north side of the Tagus river. Our favorite neighborhood is the old Alfama neighborhood. In this maze of alleys, gates and staircases, where the laundry is hanging outside of the windows, fiery fado music sounds from small bars and it constantly smells of fresh garlic and fried fish. Here you can wander for hours without getting bored. Another must do is a ride on tram line 28, through the steep streets of the city center. Furthermore, you also have to visit the neo-gothic Elevador de Santa Justa and the Castelo de São Jorge.
Prague is and remains a classic among the most beautiful European cities. The city has a beautiful historic center full of sights, but that is not only what makes Prague so attractive. Browse old cobblestone streets in search of authentic pubs where the stove is high in autumn and winter, beer costs a euro and you satisfy your hunger with black pudding and liver. Taste that old Eastern European atmosphere and get drunk with the locals. After that, you still have time for Karelsburg, Prague Castle and the Old Town Square (“Staroměstské náměstí”) with its famous astronomical clock. Spring, summer, fall or winter: Prague keeps its atmosphere in all seasons.
The minarets, the street life, the people, the food, the views over the Bosphorus: Istanbul is fantastic. Perhaps the most exotic and vibrant city in Europe. The city is full of sights: the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofia, the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. But street life is just as fascinating. Flop down on a bench and watch shoe polishers, bread sellers, market traders, coffee drinkers and fishermen on the Bosphorus. Be pampered in a real Turkish hammam, visit the trendy night clubs in Beyoğlu and stroll through the traditional Kadikoy district, on the Asian side of Istanbul.
A rich culture and beautiful sights? Check! A charming old town? Check! Cozy terraces and trendy bars? A seaside location with extensive city beaches? Delicious tapas or fresh seafood? Check, check, check! The combination of city and beach, the fantastic atmosphere and the unique architectural masterpieces of Gaudi make Barcelona one of the most beautiful and coolest cities in Europe. Stroll down La Rambla, visit the Mercat de la Boqueria and plop down on Plaça Reial in the Gothic Barri Gòtic district. In the evening it is always pleasant and you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Rome is a true open-air museum and according to many the most beautiful city in Italy and perhaps also the most beautiful city in Europe. Here you will find the famous Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, Angel Castle, the Vittorio Emanuele monument and the Pantheon. And then there is the wonderful, chaotic street life of Rome, the atmospheric squares and streets, the excellent restaurants and the iconic espresso bars. Rome is a city you absolutely have to see
