Have you ever walked through a city and felt like you were strolling through a giant storybook? The streets whisper tales, and every landmark has a history you can practically feel. We have picked 15 historical cities in Europe that are like history books brought to life. These places aren’t just cities; they’re living histories where every building has a story to reveal. Join us as we explore these historical gems, each with its own unique chapter in the grand tale of Europe. Get ready for a journey through time!
Europe is home to countless cities that have withstood the test of time. Many cities are thousands of years old, have a UNESCO status and are on a bucket list of visitors.
The best historical cities in Southern Europe
1. Athens
Nobody can deny that Athens is one of the most historical cities in Europe. The capital of Greece is one of the world’s oldest and one of the most famous cities. It got its name after the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom – Athena.
Maybe you don’t know, but this pretty city was once one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. This bustling metropolis was the cradle of Western civilization, a centre for the arts, education and philosophy. Athens is also the birthplace of democracy – they basically invented the idea of everyone having a say. Plus, who wouldn’t want to walk the same streets where Plato dropped his wisdom and Aristotle had his brainy moments?
Athens is a city rich in history and culture, with a modern energy that is hard to resist. And let’s not forget the souvlaki – it’s practically mandatory to try it when exploring the largest city in Greece.
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Tourists flock here to see the 5th century BC landmarks, such as a hilltop citadel Acropolis. It’s the most complete still-existing ancient Greek monumental complex. Also, don’t miss the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, showcasing thousands of years of history. Another highlight is the 11th-century Daphni Monastery, which has a UNESCO status.
2. Cordoba
Cordoba has seen more drama than a soap opera.
We also recommend you visit Cordoba in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia because this city has incredible historical value. Cordoba is one of the most historical cities in Europe and once rivalled Paris and Rome. If you don’t know, it was an important Roman city and a major Islamic centre during the Middle Ages.
Did you know that Cordoba has more UNESCO sites than anywhere else in the world? It has a mix of Roman, Moorish and Spanish cultures. Cordoba is most famous for its unusual Mezquita (mosque-cathedral), which shows how two religions and cultures have shaped Andalusia. Other world-famous landmarks are Medina Azahara, the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs and beautiful courtyards, which also have a UNESCO status.
Cordoba is rich in history and has fascinating architecture and narrow streets where history whispers from every corner. So, if you are into architectural mood swings and royal drama, add Cordoba to your bucket list.
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3. Rome
They say, ‘Rome was not built in a day for a reason’. In fact, it took several empires and civilizations to build this gorgeous city in Italy. According to legend, two twin brothers founded Rome over 28 centuries ago. The City of Seven Hills became the capital of the Roman Empire and remains one of the most historical cities in Europe.
You are right to think that many consider Rome the cradle of Western Christian culture. Rome is like a time machine, showing off its almost 2,000-year-old landmarks. The Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum and Vatican tell tales of gladiators, politics and religion. Plus, who wouldn’t want to toss a coin in the famous Trevi fountain and make a wish? So, grab your gladiator sandals and get ready for a history lesson with a side of Spaghetti Carbonara!
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4. Florence
One of the top historical cities in Europe is undoubtedly Florence. The capital of Italy’s Tuscany region is rich in cultural heritage, has iconic architecture and is the birthplace of the Renaissance. This gorgeous city was one of the most important cities in Europe during the Middle Ages. The powerful Medici family turned Florence into a Renaissance hub. This noble family were the patrons of the arts. They supported geniuses like Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli. Today, you can find the world-famous Uffizi Gallery artworks in their original offices.
Florence is not just any city – it is a living canvas where history, art and culture come together. No wonder it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tuscany.
You are right to think that the Medici transformed Florence and left an incredible mark on this city. With every step from the Ponte Vecchio to the Medici palaces in Florence, this city reveals works of great masters. Don’t miss the Medici-sponsored Florence Cathedral – it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Florence also has numerous museums and art galleries – make sure you put them on your bucket list.
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5. Istanbul
Byzantium, also known as New Rome and then as Constantinople and now Istanbul
Culture lovers, pack your bags for Istanbul because it’s one of the most historical cities (both in Europe and Asia). The capital of Türkiye has a rich history and more attractions than it has minarets (and that is a lot). Due to its locations between the East and the West, many civilizations have shaped its history. It was a popular stop on the Silk Route and the capital of the Byzantine Empire after the fall of Rome.
Istanbul has seen more makeovers than a celebrity on a red carpet. This city was the capital of not one, but two mega empires – Byzantine and Ottoman.
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You are right to think that Istanbul is like a cultural smoothie, blending Byzantine, Ottoman and modern flavours. Istanbul never stops to impress, and its attractions are unusual, too. The Hagia Sophia is a double agent -it couldn’t make up its mind, so it went from cathedral to mosque and tried both. Later, it became a museum. Since 2020, it is, again, a mosque.
The emperor Justinian the Great built the Hagia Sophia in the 6th century. After that, it became the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years (until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in Spain).
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Other highlights are the 6th-century Basilica Cistern, the Blue Mosque, the Galata Tower and the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. Don’t miss the residence of the sultans, Topkapi Palace, where you can see artefacts, such as Moses’s stuff. And the Grand Bazaar? One of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets has been trading since the Ottoman era.
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6. Malaga
If you are into history, Malaga in Spain is like a tapas menu – you will find a bit of everything here.
Another place you should visit is Malaga on the Costa del Sol. This gorgeous city has been a party spot for Phoenicians, Romans and Moors – its history spans about 2,800 years. Malaga is one of the most historical cities in Europe because it is famous for Andalusian culture. It gave the world Pablo Picasso and has many museums and galleries. This coastal city is also one of the best Mediterranean cities because it has balmy weather and beautiful sandy beaches.
Spend a day or two in Malaga and discover valuable monuments from the Islamic period. The highlights are the Alcazaba (one of the best-preserved Moorish fortress palaces in Spain) and the Gibralfaro Castle. Don’t miss the Museum of Malaga (the biggest museum in Andalusia), with an archaeology section, a Moorish section and a Spanish painting section.
But that is not all: find the Roman theatre – it is one of the few surviving Roman ruins in the south of Spain. And Malaga Cathedral? It’s one of the finest examples of the Spanish Renaissance, and its roof offers killer views.
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7. Barcelona
If Barcelona in Spain is calling your name, you should better answer that call! This pretty Catalan city has a unique identity, a rich history and some of the most famous buildings in the world. The architect Antoni Gaudi left an incredible mark on Barcelona. He has transformed it in a way that is surreal and gorgeous.
Did you know seven buildings designed by Gaudi are UNESCO sites? Gaudi buildings in Barcelona are rather unusual – they have organic forms, vibrant colours and many details. Four of the top ten tourist attractions in the city are his designs.
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The most famous of all attractions is, of course, the Sagrada Familia. This world’s biggest unfinished church is Gaudi’s grandest gig and one of the most famous landmarks in Spain. The world-famous Park Guell, with funky designs, colourful mosaics and curvy shapes, turns a hillside into a magical garden. And let’s not forget Gaudi’s designs Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. Both buildings don’t have straight lines or right angles and offer gorgeous views.
But Barcelona is not only about Gaudi. Visit the Gothic Quarter with narrow streets from the Medieval Ages, which preserves centuries of history. Then we have bustling La Rambla (Barcelona’s Champs-Elysee) and Camp Nou – a pilgrimage site for football enthusiasts. Barcelona also has many famous museums, such as the Picasso Museum, Barcelona City History Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. They have massive collections which attract millions of visitors every year. So, if you’re into history with a side of fiesta, Barcelona is a place to go!
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8. Granada
Did you know Granada was the last city reconquered by the Catholic Monarch in the 15th century?
Let us paint a picture of why Granada is one of the best historical cities in Europe. This pretty city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region is one of the gems in Europe due to its rich and diverse past.
Granada has beautiful churches and Islamic architecture which date back to the Moorish occupation. The city’s past is a cultural cocktail with Moorish, Christian and Jewish flavours. The star of the show is the Alhambra fortress, overlooking the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s one of the most famous landmarks with Islamic architecture. The Alhambra is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain.
Granada’s streets have stories from the Moorish period, and the UNESCO-listed Albaicín neighbourhood will transfer you back to medieval times. And Granada Cathedral? Work on this Spanish Renaissance church began on orders of the Catholic Monarchs. Also, don’t miss the Royal Chapel of Granada, the final resting place of the monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. So, Granada isn’t just the Alhambra, it’s like a Netflix series where each episode (or site) has its own captivating plot!
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The best historical cities in Western Europe
9. Paris
Paris also needs to be on the list of historical cities to visit in Europe because it is a global centre for art, gastronomy and culture. The capital of France has been the centre of European culture and fashion since the Middle Ages.
But Paris isn’t just the city of croissants and a fashion icon. It’s a living, breathing time capsule where every street corner has a tale to tell. Picture this: leafy boulevards with classic cafes, the Seine River flowing through the city. The Eiffel Tower has witnessed two World Wars, and the beautiful Norte-Dame Cathedral inspired many artists, including Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.
The Louvre isn’t just big – it is home to the Mona Lisa and other famous paintings.
Today, Paris is one of the largest European cities and is especially famous for its museums. They are home to some of the greatest works of art. That’s why many call it the ‘City of Art’’. The most famous museums are the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay and the Pompidou Centre Musee National d’Art. Also, don’t forget to visit the impressive Chateau de Versailles, the Hôtel des Invalides with Napoleon’s remains and the Arc de Triomphe.
10. Berlin
Berlin is also one of the most historical cities in Europe, particularly for its recent past. It has an infamous past. The capital of the Nazis dates back to the 13th century but is the most famous for its 20th-century history. The remnant of the Berlin Wall, which once divided families, serves as a reminder of the city’s Cold War past. Today, this once-fortified barrier with guard towers and spiky wire is a canvas for street art.
Another famous landmark is the 18th-century Brandenburg Gate. This fancy building was a symbol of German division during the Cold War. But after the Wall fell, it became a symbol of a reunified Germany. There is also the Holocaust Memorial attributed to the millions of murdered Jewish victims. Don’t forget to visit Checkpoint Charlie – a reminder of the crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. Also, explore the DDR Museum and the Jewish Museum – the largest Jewish museum in Europe.
But Berlin isn’t just about war – it’s a mecca for urban art, and many galleries have fantastic exhibitions. So, if you want a city with a taste of recent history, Berlin might be a perfect destination for you.
The best historical cities in Northern Europe
11. London
It’s not just the British Museum that makes London one of the most historical cities in Europe. The capital of the United Kingdom has 4 UNESCO Sites – Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich, Westminster Palace and Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens. London has over 190 museums – three of them are the top ten museums and galleries in the world.
London is one of the most visited cities in the world, and its history stretches back to Roman times. The Romans first built London almost 2,000 years ago, but the queen of a Celtic tribe burnt it to the ground a few years later. But there is still plenty to see, like the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the iconic Big Ben clock tower. Don’t forget to find Buckingham Palace and step into the Tower of London – it has more drama than a Netflix series. There is so much to see that even a double-decker bus tour can’t cover everything in one go.
The best historical cities in Eastern and Central Europe
12. Krakow
Every street in Krakow has a tale, and even the pigeons might have a history degree.
When most people think about historical cities in Europe, they often think of Rome, Istanbul or Athens. Krakow in Poland is somewhat forgotten, but it is definitely worth visiting because it survived two World Wars and the most devastating genocide in history.
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You are right to think that Krakow found itself under Nazi occupation. They disrupted the lives of thousands of people in the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz and established the Krakow Ghetto. A day trip to the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz, is a difficult place to visit. But you should go and see it if you want to better understand the horrors of the Holocaust.
Auschwitz became a horrifying symbol of the Holocaust.
But there is more to Krakow than Auschwitz and enough tales to keep storytellers busy for a lifetime. Did you know UNESCO-listed Krakow was the official capital of Poland until the 16th century? This pretty city has a beautifully preserved Old Town and the Wawel Castle, where Polish kings and queens lived for centuries. Follow the Royal Route (the route of the coronation procession of kings) – you will find many famous attractions here. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s Basilica and the Sukiennice Cloth Hall on one of the largest squares in Europe – Rynek Główny.
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13. Prague
If you travel to Central Europe, there’s no better city than Prague. The capital of Czechia is one of the best-preserved European cities. Its history covers more than a thousand years.
Prague was the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the residence of several Holy Roman Emperors, including Charles IV. Many landmarks come from this era, including the famous Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral. In 1918, after the Austro-Hungarian empire fell, Prague became the capital of Czechoslovakia. During the Velvet Revolution in 1989, people fought for freedom and put an end to communist rule. Now, Prague attracts millions of visitors from around the world.
The City of a Hundred Spires is the most famous for its beautiful Old Town Square with colourful baroque buildings. This is where you can find the oldest Astronomical Clock, ticking since the 15th century. Don’t miss Prague Castle – home to kings and presidents for over 1,000 years. Prague is a living museum shaped by kings and revolutions, making it one of the best city breaks. And the Czech beer? It’s the best in Europe.
14. Vienna
Vienna is also one of the historical cities in Europe, which you can explore during your holidays. This pretty city is rich in history – this city was a major player in the Habsburg dynasty. It ruled a vast chunk of Europe for centuries. Later, it became one of the two capitals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Habsburgs ran the show from fancy palaces like Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palace. Not only one of the most prominent dynasties in European history shaped Vienna’s skyline, but also politics.
Vienna has many attractions – you could hang out here for days. Emperor Franz Joseph made Vienna’s appearance way better, especially around Ringstrasse. And check out St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the tallest church in Austria. It’s seen some big moments in this country.
Music lovers, listen up – Vienna was the hotspot for Mozart, Beethoven, and other big music names. They lived here and played classical tunes in concert halls. Johann Strauss II was the waltz champ, composing over 500 of them and making Vienna the waltz capital.
15. Budapest
If there is one more historical city you should visit in Europe, it’s Budapest. Budapest is the heart and soul of Hungary. It’s rich in history, and its beautiful skyline makes it one of Europe’s finest cities. Although the city’s roots date back to Roman times, Budapest is mainly famous because it was one of the capitals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Budapest became one city in the 19th century when Buda (on the western banks of the Danube River) and Pest (on the east banks) united. After that, Budapest became the second-largest city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Why pick Budapest for a city break? Well, the Danube River’s banks are UNESCO-approved, and you’ve got beautiful landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle. Budapest is like a hot tub heaven with over 80 thermal baths. The Ottomans ruled here for nearly 150 years and left behind the famous Gellért Baths or Rudas Baths. Also, don’t miss the Szechenyi Baths – it is one of the biggest ones in Budapest and Europe. And, of course, take a walk on the fancy Chain Bridge – it links Buda and Pest, making the city even cooler!
Now you know what the best historical cities in Europe are!
What are your favourite historical cities in Europe? Did we miss anything? Please let us know in the comments below. If you like our post, save it to Pinterest.
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