Western European cities are bound to end up on our bucket lists one way or another; the region is filled with picturesque towns, ancient monuments, dreamlike cities, and beautiful landscapes.

Arial shot of Luxembourg

When a region has countries like the U.K, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and the Netherlands, it can be difficult to pick out the perfect destination for you. We’ve curated a list of Western (and Southwestern) Europe destinations that each offer something unique based on what kind of traveller you are!

Heart of the World 

Some Western European cities have always been the heart of the world. These are the cities featured in countless movies, the cities that are brimming with culture, fashion, and love from all around the world. These include Paris, London, Brussels, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Amsterdam, and Milan. These cosmopolitan hubs are perfect for you if you love new perspectives, big cities, and a blend of local and global culture. 

A Brussels street

Cultural Hubs

Cultural hub cities are brimming with local culture, and are perfect for you if you truly want to immerse yourself in a Western European city and forget about the “real world” for a bit. These cities include Venice, Lisbon, Naples, Bruges, Cordoba, Granada, Marsaxlokk, and more.

Picturesque Towns

These destinations are an architecture and photography lover’s dream. It’s impossible to visit cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Florence, Vienna, Edinburgh, and Verona and not pause at every corner for a photograph. Moreover, these cities contain a little ‘je ne sais quoi’, and walking through their streets feels almost magical.

Arial shot of Amsterdam

Natural Landscapes

Magnificent mountains, endless outdoor activities, and picturesque natural landscapes—if this sounds like a dream vacation, then these places are perfect for you! Take a trip to Zürich, Jungfrau Region, Causeway Coast, the Scottish Highlands, or Algarve Coast.

Coastal Towns

Coastal towns are perfect for you if you love summer, good food and better wine, and a dreamlike, leisure vacation. This summer, book yourself a ticket to a city like Lake Como, Malta, Nice, Porto, Manarola, Portree, and Positano.

Arial shot of Manarola, Italy

Western Europe’s rich history, cultural ambiance, and picturesque cities are perfect for your next trip. So free up your camera storage, pick out your most comfortable shoes, and be sure to take in what the region offers!

 

Published by HOLR Magazine.