The Most Scenic European Cities of 2024
Many people’s New Year's resolution is to travel more in 2024. So, to kick off the new year, we went to work to find some beautiful places for you visit on your next vacation. Check out Oasis Insurance’s list of the most scenic Europe cities of 2024.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” and many people travel to here to see its Medieval architecture. The Historic Centre of Bruges is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Market Square in Old Bruges looks especially beautiful when the Christmas market is set up. Travellers will get the best view in Bruges by climbing to the top of the Belfry of Bruges. Another way to experience the beauty of this city is by taking a boat tour on the canal. Make sure you explore the chocolatiers and lace shops, two things that Bruges is well known for.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The city of Dubrovnik is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Medieval walled city is described as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and is one of the trendier Mediterranean destinations. It is a popular filming location for many films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones. The harbour itself is an iconic landmark and you can take in the best view of it from the cable car. You should consider taking a walking tour of the city to see all the unique buildings. If you want to spend the afternoon at the beach, there are many to choose from, with Banje beach, Sveti Jakov beach, and the Copacabana beach being tourist favourites. There are several small islands near to Dubrovnik, and if you want to visit them, you can take a boat tour or rent a kayak and go with a group.
Bern, Switzerland
Bern is one of the most stunning cities in Switzerland, but what really makes it stand out is the Old City. It’s partially surrounded by the vibrant blue water of the Aare River. Its most prominent landmarks are the Zytglogge clock tower, the gothic Münster Cathedral, and the Parliament Building. If you wander around the old city, you’ll find several 16th century fountains, the Bern Rose Garden, and the Bear Park. The Untertorbrücke, Bern’s oldest bridge, connects the Old Town to the rest of the city. While most places are within walking distance, many people like to explore Bern by bike. You can even hike or take a 30-minute funicular ride up to Gurten mountain, where you can visit the playground, eat at Gurtners, go hiking and mountain biking, and see the Ägerten castle ruins.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the capital of Hungary, and it’s full of neoclassical, neo-renaissance, baroque, and gothic buildings. The Museum of Applied Arts building is a work of art in and of itself, and you’ll find other interesting buildings dotted around the city. Wander around the Castle Hill (Várhegy) area and take the funicular up to see Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion. The Hungarian Parliament building is situated on the edge of the Danube River and the Hungarian State Opera House is located on Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út). From there, you can follow the avenue to City Park, where you’ll get to see Vajdahunyad Castle, the Capital Circus of Budapest building, and the Széchenyi thermal bath, one of the many thermal spas in Budapest. City Park is perhaps the best known for the City Park Ice Rink, which is open during the winter months. Two other scenic places you should visit in Budapest are Gellért Hill and Margaret Island.
Pärnu, Estonia
This coastal city is the perfect place to spend a summer vacation. Many people flock to Pärnu Beach to swim and surf in the Baltic Sea. If you head into the Old Town, you’ll see many of the vibrant wooden buildings. Some of Pärnu’s oldest buildings are the Almshouse (Seegi Maja), Mohr Granary, and the Red Tower. Stop by Pärnu Vallikäär park to see the 18th century Tallinn Gate and walk along the bridge over the moat. You’ll find the most interesting shops and restaurants around Rüütli Street and you can spend a relaxing day at Pärnu Mud Baths.
Matera, Italy
Once upon a time, Matera was referred to as “the shame of Italy”. Now, it has been transformed into a popular tourist destination known as the “city of caves”. The small dwellings and churches that were carved into the rock can still be visited today, and while some people still live in them, other dwellings have been opened as hotels and museums. The “Senza Nidd” ancient cave house is one such example. Many of these buildings can be seen in the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano districts in Sassi di Matera. If you’re interested in learning more about these caves and the city of Matera, you can go to the Casa Cava cultural centre, the Domenico Ridola archaeological museum, and stop by the Palazzo Lanfranchi (Lanfranchi Palace Art Museum) in the Piazza Giovanni Pascoli. For a full view of the city, head to Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli. While you’re there, you should go to Murgia National Park to see the rock churches, prehistoric caves, and the Gravina di Matera.
Zaragoza, Spain
Zargoza was once a Roman city called Caesaraugusta, and you can see the ruins at the Caesaraugusta Forum Museum, the Caesaraugusta Theater Museum, and the Caesaraugusta River Harbor Museum. On Avenida de César Augusto, you will find the Puerta del Carmen, and a short walk from there is the Aljafería Palace. Zargoza is home to two towering cathedrals, the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and the Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Goya Museum, Labordeta Grand Park, and the Patio de la Infanta.
Reykjavik, Iceland
If you want to see the heart of the city, wander around Laugavegur, Bankastræti, Skólavörðustígur, and Austurstræti streets. Another great way to see the city centre is to do a walking tour of the "Neighborhood of the Gods", an area with streets named after several Norse gods. The Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon thermal spas are where many visitors and locals go to unwind and rejuvenate. If you want to spend some time outdoors, there are many horse riding and hiking trails in Heiðmörk nature reserve. While there, make sure you check out the Rauðhólar ("red hills"), the Maríuhellar Lava Caves, and the Elliðavatn lake. If you want to see the aurora borealis, the best place to spot it is near the Grótta Island Lighthouse. Reykjavik is also a great place for spotting puffins and whale watching.
