The (Semi) Definitive Top 5 European Towns and Cities
- Marla Brannan
- Aug 28, 2019
- 3 min read
Ever since I saw Before Sunrise I have been enamored of Europe. The Richard Linklater film captured something beyond pretty locations and took me to a place of angsty romance. I needed to chase that feeling, and once I'd backpacked that first time, Eurail pass in hand, there was no going back.
There are too many to list, so here is my (Semi) Definitive List of Top 5 European Towns and Cities, in no particular order:
#5 Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
If you've never heard of Rick Steves, he writes a series of guidebooks, particularly covering Europe. His tag line is "Europe Through the Back Door." Just my style. So when he says this place is amazing and virtually untouristed, you book a room at the family-run hotel he suggests and go. This sweet town has all the charm of other Lake Como towns that are more well known like Bellagio, the lovely cyprus and boxwood lakeside gardens, views of the Swiss Alps, without the crowds and endless upscale tourist shops. Definitely worth a visit--and a place in my Top 5.
#4 Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
No city in the world looks and feels quite like Edinburgh in this one-of-a-kind country of kilts, bagpipes, wild mountains and single malt Scotch.
Victoria Street with its double decker buildings designed for the Victorians it's named for, Haymarket, Holyrood House, the divine Princes Street Gardens, even the touristy Royal Mile with its trinkets and pipers--it's enchanting. The ancient and the new cozy up next to each other in a relationship that shouldn't work, but does. If you're in the UK, consider Edinburgh. Even as an overnight side trip from London (the train is 5 and 1/2 hours) or York (only 161 miles away!), it's a must-see.
#3 Seville and the White Hill Towns, Andalusia, Spain
If you love places that feel like no other, Seville and the white hill towns of Andalusia are the perfect destination. If you think Italy when you hear the words "hill town," well, pretty much the only thing they have in common is being on a hill. Starched white buildings, narrow streets barely wide enough for a tiny car, and the most astounding local wines. For Americans a trip to look WEST over the Atlantic is a worthwhile and short jaunt.
Further north is multi-faceted, kaleidoscope Seville, all angled tiles and intense changing colors glowing in the sun. Going to a flamenco show is an absolute have-to and worth every penny. The expressive faces, bright dresses and passionate music reflect Seville to perfection.
#4 London, United Kingdom
The second UK city to make my list, London just might be my favorite place in the world. I could give you a long list of everything I love about it--the many parks and green spaces, theater, incredible art, shopping, history, warm pubs on a cold night and used book stores to lose yourself in for days--but I think the best thing I could say is it's the one city I want to live in before I die. It's my bucket list city. Downside: It's expensive even to visit, so be prepared. Upside: It's a wonderful hub to take day trips from and is fairly convenient to everything from Oxford to the White Cliffs of Dover.
#5 Amsterdam, Netherlands
On many best places lists, Amsterdam deserves every bit of applause it receives. The first city I visited on the continent, the only-in-Amsterdam sights and sounds--and the changing street names making finding your youth hostel a waking nightmare!--cemented my nascent wanderlust. In about a minute. But it's not just the canals, bikes and readily available cannabis, there's phenomenal art including the VanGogh Museum, and important historical sites like the Anne Frank House. Additionally, it's easy to get to as most larger American cities have direct flights into Schiphol airport.
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