10 European Cities That Are Must-Sees and 10 You Can Skip

Dreaming of a trip to Europe? It’s a place filled with amazing sights, from ancient castles to super modern cities. Imagine eating pizza in Italy, seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle in Paris, or exploring cool, hidden streets you’ve only seen on social media.

The idea of backpacking through different countries, meeting new people, and making awesome memories is what it’s all about. It’s a huge continent with so many places to check out, and planning the perfect trip can feel like a big deal.

But here’s a secret: not every famous city is as incredible as it looks online. Some places are total game-changers that you’ll talk about forever, while others can be a bit of a letdown.

To help you plan the best trip ever, we’ve put together a list of cities you absolutely have to see and a few you might want to cross off your list. This way, you can spend your time and money on the spots that are truly worth it and avoid the ones that are all hype.

Bucharest – Romania

Bucharest is seriously underrated and way cooler than most people think. This Romanian city mixes old and new in the most amazing ways – you’ll see massive communist buildings right next to gorgeous old mansions that look like they belong in Paris.

The whole place has this edgy, artistic vibe that makes it perfect for exploring with friends and snapping tons of Instagram-worthy photos.

The best part? Everything is super affordable compared to other European capitals. You can tour the massive Palace of Parliament (it’s huge and kind of crazy), wander through the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets and cool cafes, or check out the trendy Herastrau Park.

Plus, Romanian food is delicious and the nightlife scene is totally underrated. Bucharest gives you that authentic European experience without the crazy crowds or expensive prices.

Lisbon – Portugal

Lisbon is hands down one of Europe’s most colorful and fun capitals. The city sits on seven hills overlooking the ocean, which means you get incredible views everywhere you turn.

Those famous yellow trams climbing steep cobblestone streets make for perfect TikTok content, and the pastel-colored buildings create the most beautiful backdrop for your photos.

You can spend hours just wandering around neighborhoods like Alfama, getting lost in tiny alleyways filled with street art and local shops.

What makes Lisbon even better is how budget-friendly it is compared to places like Paris or London. You can grab amazing pastéis de nata (those sweet custard tarts) for just a couple euros, and a full meal won’t break your bank account.

The nightlife scene is incredible too – from rooftop bars with ocean views to underground clubs that stay open until sunrise. Plus, if you need a beach day, the coast is just a short train ride away. Lisbon gives you big city vibes with that chill coastal energy.

Athens – Greece

Athens might seem crazy and overwhelming at first, but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. This ancient city is where democracy was born, and you can literally walk through thousands of years of history.

The Acropolis sitting high above the city is absolutely mind-blowing – seeing the Parthenon in person hits different than any photo you’ve seen.

But Athens isn’t just about old ruins; the street art scene is incredible, and you’ll find amazing graffiti on almost every corner that tells modern stories.

The best part about Athens is discovering all the cool neighborhoods that most tourists miss. Places like Exarchia have this rebellious, artsy vibe with cheap eats and vintage shops, while Anafiotika feels like a secret Greek island village hidden right in the middle of the busy city.

Greek food is amazing and super affordable – you can get a massive gyro for just a few euros. Sure, it can get loud and chaotic, but that energy is what makes Athens feel so alive and real compared to other European capitals.

Vilnius – Lithuania

Vilnius is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets that deserves way more hype. Lithuania’s capital has this amazing fairy-tale vibe with one of the largest old towns in Europe – think medieval streets, Gothic churches, and colorful buildings that look straight out of a Disney movie.

It’s way less crowded than places like Prague or Krakow, which means you can actually enjoy exploring without fighting through tourist crowds. Plus, everything is incredibly cheap, so your money goes much further here.

The city is surprisingly green and chill, with tons of parks where you can hang out between sightseeing. You can climb up Gediminas Tower for epic city views, explore the quirky self-declared Republic of Uzupis (it even has its own constitution!

), or just wander through the gorgeous Bernardine Garden. The local food scene is really cool too – think hearty comfort food and craft beer that won’t drain your travel budget. Vilnius gives you that authentic European experience without the tourist traps or crazy prices.