15 Best European cities for architecture lovers
For architecture lovers, Europe is the OG destination to explore. European architecture, with its many styles over the centuries, has been influenced by different political and social movements. This makes it not only great to look at but also essential to explore. Whether you’re into Gothic cathedrals, Baroque churches, Renaissance palazzos or Art Nouveau decor, there is a European city with your name on it.
With so many European cities with great architecture, it’s hard to pick the best European cities for architecture lovers. As someone who travels for architecture, being surrounded by gorgeous buildings, fountains and squares is my happy place. Since I’ve been to quite a few places all over Europe, for this post, I decided to include cities with the best architecture based on my personal preference and those commonly acknowledged as such.
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What qualifies destinations as the best cities for architecture?
For me, the best cities for architecture are defined by the variety of architectural styles, iconic buildings and monuments and a commitment to preserving these buildings. Maintenance and upkeep of historic properties, as well as access to them, are also key factors. I’m talking about museums, operas and theatres where you can experience their grandeur and history.
15 Cities for architecture lovers in Europe
Here are my picks for the best cities in Europe for architecture lovers.
Paris, France
There is no denying that Paris is a haven for architecture enthusiasts. With its iconic Houssmannian buildings and large boulevards, Paris’ design has been imitated by many others. The city is renowned for its iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Galeries Lafayette and the Grand Palais.
You can find Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, and modern architecture here. Paris is also where Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau started, and you can find examples of these styles all over the city. The Haussmannian buildings, characterized by their uniform, grand façades and intricate ironwork balconies, define the aesthetic of Parisian streets. No wonder so many other cities have tried to emulate the City of Lights.
Recommended architecture tours in Paris:
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is where Baroque, Gothic and Modernist architecture harmoniously coexist. As the cultural heart of Europe for decades, Vienna was built with all that Habsburg family money and evidence of that power is everywhere. One of my favourite things in Vienna was to walk around and enjoy the beauty around me. Vienna is gorgeous, from glamorous coffee houses and spectacular museums to grand monuments and tidy boulevards.
From the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Baroque splendour of the Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace to the Renaissance Revival of the Vienna State Opera and the Art Nouveau Secession Building, there is plenty for architecture lovers to admire.
London, United Kingdom
We can’t talk about cities for architecture lovers without mentioning London. With a mix of historical and contemporary styles, London is a city where architecture is a star attraction. It’s a beautiful city with layers of history on every corner, from the royal residences at Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace to historic markets such as Covent Garden and Leadenhall Market and cultural institutions like the British Museum and Tate Modern.
Here, you can explore the iconic Westminster Abbey, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, Christopher Wren’s Baroque masterpiece. If you’re more into modern architecture, then you have the Shard, designed by Renzo Piano, and the Gherkin, designed by Norman Foster. In addition, the city is home to pretty residential areas with colourful Victorian townhouses and a mix of Georgian and modernist homes.
Recommended architecture tours in London:
Rome, Italy
Rome is like a layered cake filled with different layers of history and architecture. It has no equals, which makes it a must-see destination for anyone interested in architecture and history. From the marvels of Roman engineering like the Pantheon and the Colosseum to the Baroque fountains and Renaissance palaces, there is something here for everyone.
I can never get tired of Rome. It’s a city filled with beauty around every corner. You can go back in time and explore the centuries that have left their mark on this incredible city, from the Romans to the popes and the powerful families that ruled here. You don’t even have to know much about architecture to admire everything Rome has to offer.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
While Amsterdam might not immediately come to mind when thinking about the best cities for architecture, it’s one that shouldn’t be missed. With its iconic canals, narrow homes with gabled facades and large windows, Amsterdam is a gorgeous city with plenty of charm.
As with any other city with lots of wealth behind it, Amsterdam offers the best of Dutch Golden Age architecture. It’s remained largely unchanged, so what you see today remains like it did in the 19th century. It’s a wonderful place to get lost in and explore the architecture around you. Whether you’re into the charm of the Rajksmusuem or prefer exploring the former homes of Dutch traders, there is a lot to keep you busy.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a fairy-tale city known for its Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. It’s a place that almost seems unreal, like being in a dream. The architecture in Prague got me from the moment I got there. It was like being in a candy store but for buildings, bridges and statues.
The city’s Old Town Square, featuring the Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church, is a great place to begin your journey. Don’t miss the Prague Castle complex, with its stunning St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge. The best part of exploring Prague is just wandering everywhere and letting yourself be delighted by discoveries around every corner.
Recommended architecture tours in Prague:
Gdansk, Poland
Poland still flies under the radar of many travellers to Europe, but it should be on top of the list of cities for architecture lovers. If you want to discover a gorgeous city with incredible architecture, head to Gdansk. It’s a city that is reminiscent of Amsterdam or Brussels but with its own charm and flavour.
Here, you can admire Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture that speaks of the wealth of the people who built it. The city’s Long Market, with its colourful, intricately designed townhouses and the Neptune fountain, is a must-see. Don’t miss the St. Mary’s Church, the largest brick church in the world, which stands as a testament to the city’s Gothic heritage.
Riga, Latvia
When it comes to architecture in Europe, most people think of the main cities like those listed above. That’s why I love discovering places that are not on everyone’s radar and offer architectural gems worth exploring. One of these places is Riga, Latvia’s charming capital and a city that blew me away.
Riga is famed for its Art Nouveau architecture, with more than a third of its buildings designed in this ornate style. The city’s Alberta Street is where you can explore intricate façades adorned with sculptures and elaborate detailing. There is also the Medieval Old Town with charming squares where you can immerse yourself in the past. Don’t miss the Gothic St. Peter’s Church and the Orthodox Nativity of Christ Cathedral with its golden domes.
Recommended architecture tours in Riga:
San Sebastián, SpainSan
San Sebastián was love at first sight for me. It’s a beautiful city with elegant buildings and ornate facades reminiscent of Paris. The mix of opulent Belle Époque, contemporary, rationalist and Basque architecture creates a visual feast for the eyes. It’s definitely a must-visit on my list of the best cities for architecture in Europe.
While San Sebastian has a great Old Town, walking along La Concha Bay offers a taste of the different architectural styles. The Basque Country has its own architectural traditions, which can also be found in some San Sebastian residential buildings. Add some rationalist, modern and avant-garde architectural designs, and you got yourself a truly visual feast.
Bilbao, Spain
Many people have told me I’d love Bilbao, and they were right. It’s a city filled with culture, history and great architecture. I felt like a kid in a candy store. Walking around, I understood why the city has been making waves for its architectural appeal and laid-back vibe.
Bilbao has transformed into a hub of contemporary architecture, thanks in part to the iconic Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry. This titanium-clad structure is a marvel of modern design and an iconic symbol of Bilbao. But there is so much more to explore. Bilbao is a great mix of old and new architecture, which makes it exciting to discover. Learn about Bilbao’s architecture and history with a walking tour.
Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique places I’ve ever visited. With its charming canals and a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Byzantine influences, it’s a city that has been unchanged for centuries. Whether strolling around the narrow streets, along the numerous canals or admiring it from the water, you will find beauty all around you.
You can’t miss the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the many stunning palazzos lining the canals. While Venice exudes old-world charm, you’ll also find many modern and contemporary/ structures that add another layer of interest. Venice truly is an architecture lover’s dream.
Recommended architecture tours in Venice:
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges has been called the most beautiful city in Europe and it’s easy to see why. With its medieval grandeur, winding canals and charming squares, it’s an architecture lover’s dream. Whether you’re people-watching in one of its squares or walking along the cobble-stoned streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Every three years, Bruges holds a massive contemporary art and architectural event called the Bruges Triennial. The event features temporary exhibitions by national and international artists that blend modernity with the city’s historic vibe. The 2024 Triennial edition takes place from April 13 through September 1. Sign up for an architectural walking tour of Bruges and learn more about the city’s history.
Florence, Italy
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a city that oozes beauty and art. It’s a beautiful city with a unique charm. Here, you can admire the Renaissance architecture that made the city what it is today, and you can’t help but walk away feeling awed. The powerful Medici family that ruled here used its money to leave a mark, and we can all be grateful to them for that.
From the iconic Florence Cathedral, with a dome designed by Brunelleschi, to the grandeur of the Uffizi Gallery, the Palazzo Vecchio and the numerous squares, Florence is stunning. You can find charming discoveries around every corner and live out your best architectural appreciation life.
Recommended architecture tours in Florence:
Edinburgh, Scotland
In many ways, Edinburgh looks like something out of a fairy tale. Yet, it offers a surprisingly diverse range of architectural styles, from Medieval to Victorian Gothic, Georgian and modern. Edinburgh is a treasure trove of architectural gems, from the imposing Edinburgh Castle perched on a volcanic rock to the elegant neoclassical streets of the 18th-century New Town.
Edinburgh’s iconic warm honey-coloured sandstone, which many buildings have been built from, lends a distinctive character and creates a sense of cohesion despite the variety of styles. While Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament are must-sees, the city’s architectural treasures extend far beyond them. Hidden alleys, charming squares and historic closes add to the architectural appeal. Learn more about Edinburgh’s city planning story as a model city with the Architecture and Money self-guided walking tour.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is renowned for its eclectic mix of architectural styles, from Gothic Revival and Baroque to Art Nouveau. With a long and rich history, it offers an experience for the senses and should be on every architecture lover’s list. Here, you can admire the sprawling complex of the Buda Castle and fall in love with the grandeur of the Neo-Renaissance Hungarian Parliament Building.
If Gothic is more your vibe, check out the spires of the Matthias Church. Love Art Nouveau? Don’t miss masterpieces like the Hungarian State Opera House or the Gellért Baths, where you can feel like you’ve travelled through time.
Recommended architecture tours in Budapest:
So, what are the best cities for architecture in Europe?
Europe has many great cities and towns with charming buildings, cobblestone streets and intricate churches. After all, with so much history, you’re bound to find many of them here. Whether you’re captivated by ancient ruins, Gothic cathedrals, or modern masterpieces, you’ll find many cities in Europe that have something to inspire your architectural exploration.
The ones I listed on my list of cities with the best architecture offer an unparalleled experience for architecture lovers. Each presents a unique blend of styles and historical periods, making them excellent city break destinations or places to explore for a more extended stay. Ultimately, the “best” city for architecture depends on your preferences. This list is a great place to get you started.
