Europe is the continent of diversity – and this is especially reflected in its cities. Here you will find some of the largest and most vibrant metropolises in the world, as well as idyllic small towns that breathe history and culture. Some cities captivate with their architecture, others with their cuisine or their extraordinary locations.

In the large metropolises of Europe, life pulsates – they are economic and cultural centers, have a rich history, and offer countless opportunities for tourists and locals alike. Each city has its own unique flair: Istanbul connects Europe and Asia – you can shop in the Grand Bazaar in the morning and enjoy the sunset over the Bosphorus in the evening. When we think of Paris, we think of romance, fashion, and art. London, on the other hand, offers a mix of historic landmarks and modern city life. From the Crown Jewels in the Tower to the skyscrapers of the City – there is always something to discover here.

These cities have the most inhabitants

City	Country	Population (approx.)	Highlights
Istanbul	Turkey	15.5 million	Bridge between Europe and Asia Hagia Sophia
Moscow	Russia	12.6 million	Red Square Kremlin huge boulevards
London	United Kingdom	9.5 million	Big Ben River Thames Global city of fashion and finance
Paris	France	11 million (metropolitan area)	Eiffel Tower, Louvre romantic streets
Madrid	Spain	3.3 million	Royal Palace vibrant tapas culture
Rome	Italy	2.8 million	ancient ruins Vatican City culinary capital

It's not only the size that makes a city attractive – some places are particularly popular with travelers. Barcelona is one of the absolute favorites, as Mediterranean flair meets impressive architecture here. The works of Antoni Gaudí, including the world-famous Sagrada Família, shape the cityscape, while the wide sandy beach is just a few minutes away from the old town. Amsterdam is also among the most visited cities in Europe. The canals, charming house façades, and relaxed cycling culture make the Dutch capital unique. Vienna delights with its imperial heritage, magnificent palaces, and famous café culture, while Prague, with its Gothic bridges and fairytale old town streets, is one of the best-preserved historic cities in Europe. In Northern Europe, Edinburgh attracts visitors with its medieval old town, majestic castle, and famous festivals. Further south, Lisbon fascinates with colorful streets, historic trams, and spectacular viewpoints over the Tagus River. Budapest, on the other hand, offers a mix of splendid architecture, thermal baths, and a vibrant nightlife along the Danube.

In Europe, there are numerous cities that are wholly or partially designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. They are particularly well-preserved, historically significant, or architecturally unique.

Some European cities are so unique and historically rich that they are protected as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bruges in Belgium is considered one of the most beautiful medieval cities in the world. Cobblestone streets, romantic canals, and well-preserved buildings from the 13th century allow visitors to immerse themselves in another time. Toledo in Spain, often referred to as the "City of Three Cultures," impresses with a blend of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic architecture.

The Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik is also on the UNESCO list. Its massive city walls, directly by the blue sea, are world-famous and have served as a backdrop for numerous films and series. Salzburg in Austria delights as the birthplace of Mozart, showcasing baroque architecture, while further north, Tallinn in Estonia is known as one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.

And that’s not all!

These cities are part of the UNESCO World Heritage

City	Country	World Heritage Site
Bruges	Belgium	Medieval Old Town
Toledo	Spain	Historic city with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim influences
Dubrovnik	Croatia	Complete Old Town, also known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic"
Salzburg	Austria	Baroque city, birthplace of Mozart
Tallinn	Estonia	One of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe
Kraków	Poland	Historic center with Wawel Castle and Jewish Quarter
Valletta	Malta	Fortified city with impressive palaces and churches

Sometimes it is the small places that exert a particularly great fascination. Europe has some tiny towns that still tell an exciting story or are located in a unique setting.

The officially smallest town in the world is Hum in Croatia, with just 30 inhabitants. Despite its size, it has a well-preserved city wall, a church, and even its own administration. In Belgium, there is Durbuy, a town with about 400 residents, known for its medieval architecture and picturesque surroundings in the Ardennes.

Spain can also boast a spectacular small town: Castellfollit de la Roca, a town with only around 1,000 inhabitants, perched on a narrow basalt cliff and offering one of the most impressive views in the country.

These towns are among the smallest in Europe

Town	Country	Population (approx.)	Special Feature
Hum	Croatia	30	Smallest town in the world
Durbuy	Belgium	400	Medieval old town, nature paradise
Castellfollit de la Roca	Spain	1,000	Built on a narrow rock cliff
Fira (Santorini)	Greece	2,000	White houses, view of the Aegean Sea
Lauterbrunnen	Switzerland	2,500	In an alpine valley with 72 waterfalls

Whether you want to experience the energy of a big city like London, discover the culture in Krakow, or enjoy the tranquility of a tiny town like Hum—Europe offers an impressive diversity. From historic UNESCO cities to vibrant metropolises, there is the perfect place for every taste. Anyone who travels through Europe will quickly realize: No city is like another—and that is exactly what makes the continent so fascinating!