Many cities in Western Europe have never lost their charm in attracting many tourists. This region in Europe is culturally diverse from one country to another. Therefore, if you are making a road trip to Europe, you will get a different ambiance when visiting each of them. Do you want to export this journey? But you do not know where to go? Worry not! We have compiled a list of cities in Western Europe that will leave a mark on your heart once you visit them.
Where to visit in Western Europe?
Vienna, Austria
As the capital city of Austria, Vienna has so much to offer. Nestled along the Danube River, this city is rooted in rich history and arts. One was the mighty capital city of the Austrian Empire, and the city still retains its Baroque architecture on many of its buildings around the city.
Besides the architectural design, the city is known for its classical music culture, fine arts, museums, and coffee shops. Moreover, Vienna has also been voted the most liveable city in the world several times. One cannot argue with it because Vienna has all the categories of must-visit cities if you are looking for a travel destination in Western Europe.
Where to go: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, The Viennese giant Ferris wheel, Schönbrunn Palace, Schönbrunn Zoo, Palmenhaus, Museum of Natural History, Volksgarten, Stephansplatz, and Wiener Staatsoper.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall are the two best seasons for you to visit Vienna. You can enjoy Vienna’s beauty with a mild temperature, and otherwise, you need to expect high costs of accommodation rents during summer time.
Ghent, Belgium
Are you looking for a city that looks like it came right from a fairytale? This city has been gaining much attention lately due to its beautiful medieval architecture. This city is even dupped as the Hogwarts of Belgium for its resemblance to its depiction in the Harry Potter movie series. Welcome to Ghent, one of the most beautiful cities in Western Europe that many should know how lovely and charming the city is.
Why not? Besides its medieval look, the city offers plenty of fun activities for tourists to enjoy, like going on a canal cruise. Ghent is also prominent for its vast public squares and marketplace, such as Vrijdagmarkt. Do not forget to taste the famous and delicious Ghent dish Gentse Waterzooi, a perfect combination of river fish, potatoes, crème fraîche, and a few vegetables such as leek, celery, and carrots.
Where to go: Gravensteen, St. Michael’s Bridge, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, St. Bavo’s Abbey, Ghent Belfry, Graslei and Korenlei, Patershol, Vrijdagmarkt, St. Nicholas Church, Klein Turkije, and Kraanlei.
Best time to visit: Weather-wise, April to June and September to October are the best time to visit Ghent. The city is full of festivals during these months. However, you should notice that in May, September, and October, Ghent is packed with tourists. Hence, you need to expect the high prices of hotels and flights during these times.
Paris, France
This may sound, so cliche to put Paris as France’s best city to visit. The truth is, the city is really that magical, and there are a lot of reasons to visit it. Not only is Paris dupped as one of the most romantic cities in Western Europe, but also the world. Why not? The city is considered the epicenter of culture in France. It also offers high-quality mouthwatering delicacies and many adorable cafes with terraces.
There are also some tourist attractions that are so Instagrammable around the city. You can take some pictures of the background of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum. Also, do not miss out on capturing beautiful scenic views of the city from Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the highest point in Montmartre in Paris.
Where to go: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Versailles Palace, Latin Quarter, Seine River, Montmartre & Sacré Coeur, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Pompidou Center, Wall of Love, Disneyland, and Luxembourg Garden.
Best time to visit: During the summer months, expect that Paris will be crowded and full of tourists. Therefore, we highly recommend visiting Paris in April and October to avoid the crowds. Besides, the temperature is also warm and mild during this time.
Munich, Germany
Do you know that Munich was named the most liveable city in the world in 2018 by Monocle? It is not surprising since the city has many green and cozy beer gardens and clean subways everywhere. Moreover, its close proximity to the Alps makes it even more attractive. There are many lakes and rivers, so many places offer fun activities such as cycling, hiking, skiing, and sailing.
Besides being famous for its beer breweries, the city also holds an annual celebration of drinking beers called Oktoberfest. This festival has successfully made the city alive and thrived as a major tourist destination over the years. So, you should not miss this opportunity to drink beer as much as you want!
Where to go: Marienplatz, English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace, Residenz, Allianz Arena, Viktualienmarkt, BMW Museum, Olympiapark, Alte Pinakothek, Oktoberfest, St. Peter’s Church, Munchener Tierpark Hellabrunn, Neus Rahaus, Asamkirche, Eisbach Wave, and Olympic Tower.
Best time to visit: If you plan to visit Munich for its Oktoberfest celebration, you must visit the city from mid-September to early October. If you are more interested in visiting Munich with lesser crowds, March to May is the perfect time to go to Munich.
Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is known as one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Its capital city, Vaduz, is home to the current prince of Liechtenstein and the royal family. The city is located along the Rhine River, and the city is surrounded by mountainous areas, making it looks captivating. You can also expect fresh air to breathe when you visit this city. In fact, you can also explore the city for outdoor adventures such as skiing and hiking.
Liechtenstein is a tiny country, so you can explore every place from north to south within a short distance. However, the capital city itself has its distinctive feature. Vaduz still maintains eclectic architectural styles, from 12th-century Romanesque castles to contemporary buildings and homes.
Where to go: Government House, City Hall, the National Art Gallery, the National Museum, Vaduz Castle, The Cathedral of St. Florin, Old Rhine Bridge, Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, The Red House, Parliament Building, and Gutenberg Castle.
Best time to visit: If you are up to winter sports, the end of November is the perfect time to go to Vaduz because most Alpine resorts are open during these times. There are also Christmas markets in Vaduz that you must visit.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Luxembourg city is the next stop for must-visit cities in Western Europe that you must put on your travel bucket list. The city still has its stunning medieval looks, which you can find in many buildings. Despite its small size, the city is home to various astonishing views and attractions.
Moreover, you can explore the capital city and the country as a whole freely. This is because all public transportation modes in Luxembourg are free. So, you can take a ride by bus, train, and tram all over the country’s territory without spending any penny. This is a perfect tip for traveling on a budget.
Where to go: Le Chemin de la Corniche, Grund, Pfaffenthal Lift, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Casemates du Bock, Pont Adolphe, National Museum of Art and History, Grand Ducal Palace, and Mudam Luxembourg Modern Art Museum.
Best time to visit: You can visit the city all year round without worrying about the weather. However, spring and fall are the best time to visit the city, and thus, you may expect the peak of tourists during these times.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
To begin with, Monaco is a city-state country and is the second smallest country in the world. Monte Carlo is an area in this country with many entertainment and hospitality destinations. Therefore, paying a visit to Monte Carlo during your trip here is a must.
Monte Carlo is located on a prominent escarpment at the end of the Maritime Alps in the French Riviera. In this area, you will find the world-famous Place du Casino. This gambling center successfully made Monte Carlo widely known for its extravagant display and reckless dispersal of wealth. So, if you want to try your luck, Monte Carlo is the best place to go.
Where to go: Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, Casino of Monte-Carlo, The Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III, Monaco Grand Prix, Casino Square, Jardin du Casino, Monte Carlo Harbor, Japanese Gardens, and Saint Paul’s Anglican Church Monaco.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit this area is April or October because you can enjoy the balmy and pleasing water if you are more into outdoor activities.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Many people would recommend you visit Amsterdam if you go to the Netherlands. Amsterdam is one of many cities in Western Europe with beautiful canals that are very popular and romantic. You can also enjoy its quirky architecture, museums, cute coffee shops, and even its infamous Red Light District. There are simply a lot of fun activities in this city.
You know that the Netherlands is very fond of its biking culture. Even in Amsterdam, you can also explore the city by walking or biking. With the best experience that people can get from some tourist attractions, no wonder the city has gained a lot of popularity as one of many cities in Western Europe worth visiting.
Where to go: Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, The Jordaan, A’dam Lookout, Vondelpark, Amsterdam Boat Adventures, Friendship Amsterdam, NEMO Science Museum, Rembrandt House Museum, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and Heineken Experience.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Amsterdam is April or September. During spring, there are some national holidays with some festivities, such as Konnisdag. On the other hand, some hotels are more affordable in September, and you can expect fewer tourists during this time.
Bern, Switzerland
Bern in Switzerland is the last city in Western Europe that is best for tourists, and the city is very beautiful and definitely worth visiting. In fact, Bern’s magnificent old town is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Bern is very picturesque, and you can capture its beauty in every single corner of the city. Settled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, you can enjoy many winter activities with your friends and family in this adorable medieval town. You can go skiing, hiking, or even sightseeing around the city. Once you step foot here, you will love the city immediately.
Where to go: Old City, Rose Garden (Rosengarten), Cathedral at Munsterplatz/St. Vincent (Munster Kirche), Clock Tower – Zytglogge, Aare River, Bernisches Historisches Museum – Einstein Museum, Federal Palace, Bern’s Bear Park (Barenpark), Einstein Museum and Historical Museum of Bern, The Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts), and Bern Münster.
Best time to visit: If you plan to go skiing or hiking in Bern, you must definitely go during the wintertime. However, if you are more into sightseeing and other outdoor activities such as swimming through the Aare River, then the summertime from June to August is the perfect time to go. This is the best time to watch the bears at the Bärenpark. Lastly, if you are more into Swiss culture, then you need to visit Bern in March for the Museumsnacht event and on the second Wednesday of November to experience a Ziblemarit onion market.
Planning to go to Western Europe?
Now, after you have learned a lot about must-visiting cities in Western Europe, have you had a plan to visit them immediately? But you are not sure how you start making an itinerary for that?
Worry not! JoinMyTrip has everything you need for your journey exploring Western Europe. We have the best travel buddies that will guide you through the perfect adventures you will never forget. There are many fun activities included in the packages that will fulfill your wanderlust desire. What are you waiting for? Book with us now!
