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What Defines a Perfect City Vacation for Me?
For me, the ideal city getaway includes three essentials that elevate any trip
A Beautiful City
It may seem obvious, but the city has to be visually interesting and full of charm. By "interesting," I mean impressive architecture and a rich history. The city doesnโt have to be the trendiest spot, but it should captivate the eye and mind.
A Compact Center
I love cities built around a small, walkable center that makes it easy to explore major points of interest by foot. Thereโs nothing like stepping out of your hotel and immediately finding yourself in the heart of the action. Itโs also a great way to avoid dealing with public transportation, which can sometimes be a challenge for travelers abroad.
Great Food
Great food is an absolute must when I choose a destination! Whether it's fascinating local cuisine or a city with a sophisticated culinary scene and diverse restaurants, food can make or break a trip. Much of my travel planning centers around the local culinary offerings.
Hereโs my list of top five European cities to visit in 2025
5th Place: Budapest, Hungary
Recommended Trip Length 3-4 days
Budapest is a straightforward, delightful city with a relatively small center, leaving you wanting more. The city is split by the Danube River into Buda and Pest. This beautiful Eastern European capital offers historic sites, an impressive castle, a palace, and shopping at Eastern European prices. Budapest is also famous for its nightlife, with numerous bars, nightclubs, and a whole party scene.
4th Place: Athens, Greece
Recommended Trip Length 3-4 days
I discovered Athens during the pandemic, escaping lockdowns to find a truly incredible city. Athens charmed and surprised me with its compact, walkable center and rich history. Around every corner, thereโs a historic site, a place where democracy was born, the first marathon was run, or Christianity was founded. Beyond its history, Athens also boasts a vibrant nightlife with tavernas, restaurants, bars, and clubs.
3rd Place: Rome, Italy
Recommended Trip Length 3-4 days
Romeโs historical significance and heritage sites need no introduction. As one of the worldโs oldest cities, it was a central hub of trade and culture during the Roman Empire and continued as the heart of Catholicism, cultural, and economic life even after the empireโs fall. Today, Rome is bustling with tourists year-round. Its compact center puts most attractions within walking distance, making it easy to explore.
2nd Place: Lisbon, Portugal
Recommended Trip Length 4-5 days
Lisbon is stunning, with a unique charm that combines Western Europe and South America. Colorful buildings, music, and piรฑa colada stands on every street corner create an authentic, lively vibe. Although Lisbon is built on hills with plenty of ups and downs, itโs still a very walkable city, allowing you to hit most highlights without relying on public transport. We explored Lisbon for five days, taking it slow as a family with a baby. Generally, three days is enough, with an extra day if you want to take a trip to nearby Sintra.
1st Place: Madrid, Spain
Recommended Trip Length 3-4 days
Madrid was truly love at first sight for me. It may not be packed with heritage sites, making it perfect for spontaneous wanderings without the pressure of โmust-seeโ spots. The city is lively, with a late sunset around 10 p.m. Locals start their day late, having breakfast at 11 a.m. and continuously nibbling throughout the day. Spaniards usually meet friends outside rather than hosting at home, so cafes and tapas bars are always bustling with people. Madridโs flat layout is ideal for walking, so bring comfortable shoes!
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