Top European Cities to Explore in 2025

If you're considering a European trip for the summer of 2025, there are numerous amazing cities to explore. I've put together my top suggestions for the best cities to visit in Europe in 2025, based on what you're seeking from your journey.

Table of Contents

• Top Large Cities to visit in Europe

• The Best Coastal Places to Explore

• Top Destinations for Nature and Adventure Enthusiasts

• Top Picks for All-Around Destinations

Top Large Cities to Visit in Europe

Paris, France

Paris consistently ranks among the top three most visited cities in Europe, and for good reason. The city boasts some of the finest coffee and pastries, famous historic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and a top-tier shopping experience. Its charming streets and vibrant café culture create an ideal setting for leisurely walks along the Seine or discovering neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais. Paris presents an unparalleled mix of history, beauty, and vibrancy.

Rome, Italy

Rome is a city that genuinely offers it all—an extensive history, exceptional cuisine, diverse neighborhoods to discover, and vibrant nightlife. The city's historical landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, are among the most stunning in Europe. Additionally, its convenient train connections to many nearby cities make it an excellent starting point for your journey.

While there are so many top European cities ando explore and to pick from, both of these are the two cities I feel truly have it all from the history to incredible food to nightlight to activities. You could easily spend over a week or two in each of these places.

The Best Coastal Places to Explore

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca has the most stunning blue water I have ever seen in my life, with incredible coves around the island to explore with virtually no waves. After spending a day at the beach, Mallorca also offers vibrant city life in Palma or beautiful mountainous cities like Deià. The entire island is so beautiful and stands as one of my favorite places I’ve ever been.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik has one of the most charming old towns in Europe, surrounded by the beautiful Adriatic sea and 78 small islands. If traveling to Dubrovnik, there is so much to explore between the Elaphiti Islands, a day trip to Montenegro, and the activities within Dubrovnik itself. Nightlife is also very fun here if you are looking to party at night. Be sure to take a boat out on the water and watch the sunset from Buza Bar!

Capri, Italy

Capri is an island within the Amalfi Coast, just a short ferry ride away from Positano. Capri has some of the best beach clubs within the Amalfi Coast, along with its famous Blue Grotto, Monte Solaro Chairlift, and local limoncello. The crowds here during the afternoon can get very busy so I recommend staying here for the night to experience it before/after the tourist crowds. The Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly one of the most romantic and beautiful spots in Europe.

Top Destinations for Nature and Adventure Enthusiasts

Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken feels like a dream come to life, where you’re surrounded by glistening bright blue lakes and towering snow-capped mountains. The Swiss Alps has world-class hiking, cable car rides to stunning viewpoints, seemingly endless waterfalls, and walkable village towns that look like they could be a national park. If you are here, be sure to make the trip to Jungfraujoch which sits atop Europe’s highest peak, coining its name “the top of Europe”.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is one of the most unique countries to visit, with its volcanic landscapes and numerous natural wonders. Reykjavik has close proximity to so many of Iceland’s key sites like the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and grounds to view the Northern Lights. If you are looking to hike, see black sand beaches, glaciers, and waterfalls, this is the place to visit in 2025.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh combines its historic charm with easy access to stunning natural landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Pentlands to the rugged cliffs of Arthur’s Seat. I highly recommend taking a day trip to Loch Ness and hiking along the trails of the Scottish Highlands.

Top Picks for All-Around Destinations

Nice, France

Nice is the city that truly has everything – you’ll get the lively city with great shopping and food, beautiful beaches, and various day trips accessible by just a quick 10-20 minute train ride to cities like Monaco, Cannes, and the fairytale village of Eze. If you’re traveling during peak season, you’ll also enjoy fewer crowds in Nice in comparison to the bigger cities like Paris and Rome. If you’re undediced between a big city or a more coastal vacation, this is truly a two-for-one. I can’t recommend coming enough and spending a week enjoying all the nearby cities!

Seville, Spain

Seville is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Seville, located in Spain’s Andalusia region, is one of the most walkable cities with amazing short trips to go on from the city to Cadiz, Granada, and more. The main part of the city is almost entirely pedestrian roads, with beautiful architecture at each turn, the birthplace of flamenco, and some of the best tapas restaurants in Spain. Trust me – you will not regret coming here! Just be cautious of the time of year you visit since the summer months can get really hot

Lake Como, Italy

The moment I stepped onto the ferry in Como, I was absolutely stunned by the beauty of it. While you can obviously see the mountains surrounding the lake in various photos, I failed to realize beforehand that these are the Alps and are so much grander in person than what you can imagine. The charming towns up and down the lake are so lovely to explore, and there are great activities to fill your days. You’ll have beautiful villas to explore, boat rides on the water, and incredible food all around. It’s a place everyone will love with the ideal mix of relaxation and exploring.

Overall, there are so many amazing cities to visit in Europe and you truly can’t go wrong. Think about which historical sites you may be most interested in seeing, the culture you are looking to be most immersed in, and if you want someplace more city or coastal. Hopefully these gave you some ideas for your trip!