10 prettiest cities

extracted from : https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-cities-in-europe

10. Rome, Italy

Italy's capital city, Rome is unarguably best known for its magnificent Colosseum, a sprawling Roman forum that showcases the best of the region's Classical architecture. And the historical landmarks come thick and fast here, from the famed Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, a former Roman temple.

9. Palma, Spain

Backed by forest-clad mountains, Palma, in the western Mediterranean, is known for its sun-soaked beaches, meandering back alleys and the Gothic landmark of Santa Maria Cathedral. History buffs revel in the myriad fortresses here, from the Almudaina in the centre to Bellver Castle, its unique circular expanse perched on a hilltop to the west of the city.

8. Munich, Germany

Bavaria's capital of Munich is perhaps best-known for its Oktoberfest celebration, which takes place each year, where the city's streets and parks become a momentary home to beer halls and thousands of revellers enjoying the celebratory atmosphere that engulfs the Neo-Gothic architecture and parks.

7. Florence, Italy

Well-known for its rich culture, architectural marvels and Renaissance art, the city of Florence is peppered with galleries and museums, and at its centre, Duomo, the terracotta-tiled cathedral built by Brunelleschi with its famed bell tower the work of Giotto. Sleep over at one of the best hotels in Florence; start your day marvelling over works at the famous Uffizi Gallery and end it with a sundown aperitivo at one of the city's myriad rooftop bars. Bellissimo!

6. Istanbul, Turkey

Taking the top spot as Europe's best city in the 2021 Readers' Choice Awards, Istanbul has managed to hang onto a place in the top 10, and for good reason. Dubbed one of the most beautiful places in Turkey, visitors rave about the golden hour, where the sun illuminates the city's magnificent Blue Mosque.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Sandwiched between the sea and the mountains, Barcelona fans out from the central shopping of Las Ramblas – which runs down to the beach – and its varied landscape ranges from undulating parklands, like Park Güell, bespeckled with artwork, to boulevards where delis and cafés spill out onto cobbled pavements. The famed architecture here can be seen around every turn, from the fantastical Sagrada Família church to modernist sites designed by Gaudi.

4. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden – and its largest city – is made up of 14 islands, connected by 50 bridges, each with its own character and unique history. The old town, made up of cobblestone streets and amber-hued buildings, is home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, while around it, a meticulous ferry system transports visitors across the waters between each island.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, has long upheld its accolade of the happiest city in the world, known for its hardy community spirit, exciting foodie scene and myriad canals that link the city's various districts. From the 18th-century Rococo district – built during the reign of Frederick V and the site of the Amalienborg Palace – to Østerbro, perched on the outskirts of the city, built around Copenhagen’s medieval fortification.

2. Oslo, Norway

The citizens of Oslo are a population notably keen to showcase the best of their city to visitors, from the Oslo Cathedral – still used by the Norwegian Royal Family and the Norwegian Government for key events throughout the year – to Akershus Castle. Baroque architecture dots the city and in and amongst it, no less than 30 museums showcasing the city's history, art and political history, as well as myriad hiking trails around the rivers and gardens that wind their way around the outskirts.

1. San Sebastían, Spain

Spilling up and around the coastline of the Bay of Biscay, the resort town of San Sebastián in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country bags the top spot as Europe's best city to visit. It's an area known for its relaxed atmosphere, long stretches of honey-hued beaches and various foodie outposts with world-famous chefs at their helm.