The Largest Cities in Europe

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a vibrant city in northwest Turkey that is divided in two by the Bosporus Strait. The city encapsulates the modernity found in the West and the alluring mysticism of the East. Many marauding armies have taken turns ruling this magnificent city over the centuries, including the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and Ottomans. Visitors will find various physical remains of their tenures all over the city. Visitors will find that the locals have a refreshing generosity of spirit and infectious love for life. The city features several world-renowned attractions for visitors to check out, such as the Aya Sofya church, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and ancient Hippodrome.

Please note that the Russia Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State is at Level 4: Do Not Travel. A powerful balance of edginess and history, Moscow is the cosmopolitan capital city of Russia. This iconic city features everything from lively green spaces to grandiose cathedrals to futuristic skyscrapers to some of Europe’s oldest fortresses. The founding site of Moscow, Red Square and the Kremlin remain the beating heart of the city (and arguably, the nation) – geographically, historically, and spiritually. There are enough splendid attractions in Moscow to keep visitors busy for months; some of which include St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts. This vibrant city boasts an exquisite culinary scene, plenty of artistry and history, and a fervently pulsating nightlife.

Immersed in history, London is the bustling capital city of the United Kingdom, featuring eye-opening antiquity around every corner. The city’s structures are all striking displays in a beguiling and unique biography, with a great number of them – the Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Tower of London – being instantly recognizable landmarks. London is a determined innovator of culture and art, it’s a city full of imagination and ideas. Visitors will be surrounded by architectural grandeur in the city’s West End, which features ancient remains and charming pubs that punctuate London’s historic quarters. Visitors should also check out the Coca-Cola London Eye, SEA LIFE London, and The View from The Shard.

Saint Petersburg is a sprawling port city on the shores of the Baltic Sea in northwest Russia. The sheer history and grandeur of this nation’s imperial capital never fails to amaze anyone who visits. The city’s mighty Neva River, elegant canals, and 342 bridges, have unsurprisingly drawn comparisons to the city of Venice, Italy. The similarities don’t end there; the city’s historic center reveals canals lined with Italianate mansions, only broken up by striking plazas that are adorned with neoclassical and baroque palaces. Saint Petersburg offers a number of superlative attractions for visitors to explore, including The Hermitage, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Colonnade, and the Church on Spilled Blood. Please note that the Russia Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State is at Level 4: Do Not Travel.

The capital of Germany, Berlin has a rich history that dates all the way back to the 13th Century. The city’s combination of grit and glamour is sure to mesmerize anyone who explores its cutting-edge architecture, vibrant culture, fabulous food, tangible history, and intense parties. Truly the city that never sleeps, Berlin’s energetic nightlife caters to every age group, taste, and budget; from industrial techno temples to tiny basement clubs, and fancy cocktail caverns to chestnut-canopied beer gardens. Berlin is also a city that brims with wonderfully fascinating attractions for visitors to explore, including Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, and the Berlin Television Tower.

Spain’s central capital, Madrid, is a beautiful city known for its expansive, well-manicured parks, elegant boulevards, and magnificent architecture. Few cities on earth feature an artistic pedigree as pure as Madrid’s; art lover’s from all over the world return here time, and time again. Masterpieces by home-grown talents Velazquez and Goya adorn the walls within many of the city’s world-class galleries, along with other famous Spanish painters that include Miro, Dali, and Picasso. Madrid is also one of Europe’s richest culinary capitals, wholeheartedly embracing its innovation and creativity within Spain’s gastronomic revolution. The city features a number of attractions that are a must visit, such as Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, Gateway of the Sun, and the Royal Palace of Madrid.

With a history that started over 1,500 years ago, Kiev is the heart and soul of Ukraine. This capital city is bisected by the shimmering Dnieper River and is known for its secular monuments, religious architecture, and history museums. A wave of creativity has swept over this vibrant metropolis in the form of vintage cafés, urban art, and 24-hour parties. The budget-minded travelers will appreciate how easy the city’s entertainment and restaurants are on the wallet. The city is filled with a number of alluring attractions, such as Saint Sophia’s Cathedral, the Mystetskyi Arsenal art quarter, Saint Andrew’s Church, and the National Art Museum of Ukraine.

Rome is Italy’s capital city that is situated halfway between Florence and Naples, just a few miles inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea’s shimmering waters. The city offers a heady blend of awe-inspiring art, haunting ruins, and a vibrant street life. Italy’s energetic capital is among the world’s most inspiring and romantic cities. With roughly 3,000 years of meticulous urban development, Rome’s alluring cityscape provides an exhilarating spectacle. The city’s ancient icons that include the Pantheon, Roman Forum, and Colosseum, recall its golden age as the caput mundi (capital of the world). No trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel.

One of Europe’s major cities, Paris is the cosmopolitan capital of France, situated on the twisting Seine River. Paris’ monument-lined boulevards, classical bistros, boutiques, and museums, are being enhanced by a fresh wave of creative wine bars, multimedia galleries, tech start-ups, and design shops. Travelers making their first trip to this romantic city will enjoy iconic architecture, glorious food, stylish shopping, and many artistic treasures. The city’s illustrious artistic pedigree includes the likes of Van Gogh, Dali, Manet, Monet, Picasso, Rodin, and Renoir – to name a few. Some of the city’s top attractions include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Musee du Louvre, and Le Marais.

Once recognized as “Little Paris,” Bucharest is the charming capital city of Romania. This dynamic and energetic city offers excellent museums, lush-green and sprawling parks, and trendy cafés. The city’s blend of architectural styles that range from the 16th century up to present day are quite dizzying yet fascinating. The Lipscani district features a very energetic nightlife scene; the Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche Palace – from the 15th Century. No Bucharest experience would be complete without visiting some of the city’s famed attractions; such as The Old Town, Palace of the Parliament, Romanian Athenaeum, and Revolution Square.