13 Best European cities to spend a week in (Ultimate List)

If you’re wondering what the best European cities to spend a week in are, you’re in the right place. Spending a week in Europe is an absolute bucketlist dream, and there’s so many great spots to go — but how to choose?

I got you! After traveling Europe myself from the US, I’ve narrowed down some of the best European cities to visit for a week. 

I’ve narrowed down these cities based on safety, ease of transportation, cultural learning experiences, and more. Get ready to get some great travel inspiration for your week of travel adventures in Europe!

1. Dublin, Ireland

The capital of Ireland awaits! Trust me, Dublin is a city that will give you a week’s worth of experiences that will leave you wanting to stay and explore more of Ireland. You’ll be able to learn about Ireland’s history and explore other places in Ireland with Dublin as your base.

Top things to do with one week in Dublin

• Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells
• Tour the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy a pint
• Explore Dublin Castle and its gardens
• Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Take a stroll through Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest city parks
• Experience traditional Irish music in Temple Bar
• Visit Kilmainham Gaol for a glimpse into Irish history
• Take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher

Why Dublin is worth visiting

There is no shortage of things to do in Dublin. Dublin is one of the best European cities to spend a week in. Dublin happens to be a very walkable city with incredible sights to see and easy day trips to other Irish cities.

Start your week in Dublin by exploring iconic landmarks such as Trinity College and Dublin Castle. Take a stroll along the lively streets of Temple Bar, known for its pubs and live music. Make sure you visit the oldest pub in Ireland, and order up some authentic Irish food!

With a short time in Dublin, you can still see and do so much in the city.

Learn about the history of Ireland’s most famous beer at the Guinness Storehouse, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the Gravity Bar.

You can also about the history of Dublin at the Little Museum of Dublin. An entertaining local guide will walk you through the museum and give a presentation on its artifacts, as well as provide context on the history of Dublin before the 21st century. It’s a perfect intro to Dublin!

Walk through St. Stephen’s Green, and enjoy the natural beauty in the city. You can even walk over the bridge that is seen in the hit rom-com movie, Leap Year.

Lastly, take some time to explore the beautiful natural landscapes surrounding Dublin. Take a day trip to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher or visit the charming coastal towns. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views, and fresh sea air.

Make sure you explore all day trip options from Dublin before you go! There are so many incredible places that are just an easy day trip from Dublin.

2. Rome, Italy

Get ready to be amazed if you choose to visit Rome, a city that mixes ancient history with modern life. With a week here, you can see famous landmarks, try real Italian food, and see the city’s ancient wonders. Rome is truly a special destination in Europe to visit if you only have a week.

Top Things to do in Rome in one week

• Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum
• Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain
• Climb the Spanish Steps and explore the surrounding area
• Visit the Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient Roman temple
• Stroll through the picturesque Trastevere neighborhood
• Enjoy a view of the city from Gianicolo Hill
• Visit the Galleria Borghese for incredible sculptures and paintings

Why Rome is worth visiting

Start your journey by seeing the Colosseum, a symbol of ancient Roman skill. If you want to experience it fully, I highly recommend reading about the best Colosseum tours before you go!

Then, walk through the Roman Forum to feel the old world’s spirit. Don’t miss the Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica! Religious or not, people come all over the world to see it, and a spot you definitely shouldn’t miss.

If you love food, you will love Rome. Try wood-fired pizza and creamy carbonara! Explore the Trastevere and Campo de’ Fiori areas to find hidden spots and experience local neighborhoods in Rome.

Rome’s museums and galleries have amazing art, from the Borghese Gallery to the Capitoline Museums. Rome is full of art history, so make sure you check out some museums on your week in Rome!

For something different during your week in Rome, go on a day trip to the Amalfi Coast towns. These places will add more to your Rome trip, and you’ll get to see Italy’s coastal beauty.

Rome will capture your heart with its ruins, culture, and Italian charm. It’s a great city in Europe to spend a week, and will no doubt be unforgettable.

3. Paris, France

Paris, known as the City of Light, is every traveler’s dream city! A week in Paris lets you dive into its timeless beauty. Spend a week living out your Parisian dreams, walk along the Champs-Élysées, and see the Eiffel tower light up the night sky.

Top things to do with one week in Paris

• Visit the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the view from the top
• Explore the Louvre Museum and see the Mona Lisa
• Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Stroll down the Champs-Élysées and visit the Arc de Triomphe
• Explore the charming Montmartre neighborhood and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
• Visit the Musée d’Orsay for impressionist art
• Walk along the Seine or take a Seine River cruise
• Explore the Palace of Versailles on a day trip

Why Paris is worth visiting

Every part of Paris has it’s own charm. Montmartre’s cobblestone streets feel like you’ve stepped back in time, and the trendy Marais show the city’s culture and art. The Notre Dame Cathedral is another must-visit on your week in Paris.

If you love art, you have so many options in Paris. Visit the Musée d’Orsay, and see famous works by Renoir, and Vincent Van Gogh. Or, visit the Louvre which is famous for Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of the Mona Lisa.

That said, there’s more to Paris than just its famous art and architectural spots. Day trips are also easy to take from Paris! Visit the Palace of Versailles from Paris and stroll through the gardens there. The countryside around Paris is also a beautiful place to visit.

For an end to your week in this beautiful European city, make sure you see the Eiffel tower at night. It sparkles its lights every hour on the hour! Walking by the Seine, trying a French crêpe, and enjoying the city’s vibe make a week in Paris memorable.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a magical place for a week-long visit. It’s filled with medieval architecture, like the famous Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. You can wander through Old Town and New Town, enjoy the arts, and try the local food for a deep dive into the city.

Top things to do with one week in Prague

• Explore Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
• Walk across Charles Bridge at sunrise or sunset
• Visit the Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock
• Explore the Jewish Quarter and its historic synagogues
• Visit the Franz Kafka Museum
• Enjoy a beer in a traditional Czech pub
• Take in the view from Petřín Lookout Tower
• Visit the colorful Lennon Wall

Why Prague is worth visiting for a week

Start your trip by seeing Prague’s landmarks. Walk across Charles Bridge for amazing views of the Vltava River and the city. Spend a day visiting the Prague Castle, the biggest ancient castle in the world, to learn about its history.

During your week, dive into Prague’s culture in Old Town. Walk through cobblestone streets, see medieval buildings, and visit the Old Town Square with its famous clock. Try traditional Czech food and Prague beer at a cozy pub.

For a different view, go to Petřín Hill Park and climb the Petřín Tower for city views. Also, make sure you see the John Lennon Memorial Wall, a symbol of peace and hope in the city.

Prague has incredible architecture that spans through the ages. End your week in Prague by exploring New Town’s modern side. It’s a great mix of history and modern life.

5. Florence, Italy

Italy makes the list of best cities in Europe to spend a week in twice! Florence is a city in the heart of Tuscany, full of art, architecture, and food. A week here will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into the Italian Renaissance.

Top things to do in Florence with one week

• Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see Renaissance masterpieces
• Climb to the top of the Duomo cathedral for panoramic city views
• See Michelangelo’s “David” statue at the Accademia Gallery
• Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio bridge and shop for gold jewelry
• Explore the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
• Wander through the San Lorenzo Market
• Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, the final resting place of Michelangelo
• Enjoy a sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking the city

Why Florence is worth visiting

Begin your journey to the Renaissance by visiting the Duomo, Florence’s famous cathedral. Then, climb to the top like I did for amazing views! Just a few blocks from the Duomo, you can find some of the best gelato in Florence!

During the week, make sure you visit the Accademia Gallery to marvel at Michelangelo’s David statue. To see more Italian Renaissance art, don’t miss the Uffizi Gallery. You’ll find works by Botticelli, Raphael, and Titian that are incredible to see in person.

Explore the markets like Mercato Centrale in Florence and get a feel for what it’s like to be a local. Don’t forget to wander over the Ponte Vecchio, a bridge filled with goldsmiths’ and artisan shops.

For a break from Florence’s cobblestone streets, visit the Boboli Gardens. This Renaissance garden is expansive, peaceful, and beautiful.

Outside of Florence, you can easily take time out of your week to explore Tuscany. Rent a car or take a day tour to see the hills, towns, and wineries. Or, take a day trip to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower, or go to Siena for its Gothic buildings and incredible Italian food.

Florence is a city that is easy to spend a week in. It’s accessible and walkable, and a perfect base for exploring Tuscany and nearby cities. I warn you though—after spending a week in this beautiful European city, you may never want to leave.

6. London, England

Across the English Channel, London is a popular place for tourists to visit, and for good reason! London is full of history, culture, and modern life. It’s the British capital and a key global center. London has so much to offer and will give you a week in Europe with unforgettable experiences.

Best things to do in London with one week

• Visit the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels
• Explore the British Museum’s vast collection
• Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• Take a ride on the London Eye for panoramic views
• Visit Westminster Abbey and Big Ben
• Explore the Tate Modern and walk across the Millennium Bridge
• Stroll through Hyde Park and visit Kensington Palace
• Wander through Borough Market

Why London is worth visiting

With one week in London, you can see some of the most famous and popular tourist sites in Europe. Be amazed by Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s home, and watch the guard change. Then, visit the Tower of London, a site full of history that has been a royal palace, fortress, and prison.

Spend some time walking through London’s varied neighborhoods to understand the local atmosphere in London. Soho is lively, and known for its art, food, and LGBTQ+ community. The South Bank has beautiful views of the Thames, including the Big Ben and the London Eye.

You can explore a lot of London’s culture in one week! Check out the British Museum’s collection or the Tate Modern’s modern art. For theater fans, the West End is a dream, with many famous shows.

Immerse yourself in London’s food scene, from quaint pubs to Michelin-star restaurants. And make sure you have an afternoon tea experience while in London!

London’s history, culture, and endless exploration options lure millions of travelers to London every year. A week in London will just fly by, and next thing you know you’ll be planning a trip back.

7. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is perfect for a week-long trip to Europe with its beautiful buildings and many attractions. It’s easy to get around for travelers thanks to its small size and good public transport. You can hop on buses or use the light rail to see sightsee.

Top things to do with one week in Edinburgh

• Explore Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
• Hike up Arthur’s Seat for stunning views of the city
• Visit the National Museum of Scotland
• Take a spooky ghost tour of the underground vaults
• Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia
• Visit the Scottish National Gallery
• Walk through the charming Dean Village
• Take a day trip to see Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands

Why Edinburgh is worth visiting

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is an amazing place to visit for a week. The city of Edinburgh has so much history and incredible architecture. And it somehow looks mysterious, haunting, and whimsical all at once.

Start a week in Edinburgh by spending some time wandering down the Royal Mile, a historic street that connects Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. You’ll find lots of shops and landmarks like St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile.

Then, you’ll want to make sure you visit Edinburgh Castle! The castle rests on a big rock and has the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Scone (or Stone of Destiny). It’s a great place to take in that you’ve made it to Scotland.

If you love nature and not a city person, you’ll still love Edinburgh. During your week in Edinburgh, you can hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, for amazing views of the city. You can also visit Princes Street Gardens, which is a beautiful park in center of Edinburgh.

If you love learning about culture on your travels like I do — Visit the National Museum of Scotland to learn about the country’s history, art, and science. You can also see a show at the historic King’s Theatre or the modern Edinburgh Playhouse.

While you’re in Edinburgh, try traditional Scottish food at a local pub. Finally, visit Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for iconic monuments and the best views in the city.

Edinburgh’s mix of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it one of the best places to spend a week in Europe.

8. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the capital city, and the most common place to fly into Portugal. With a week to spend in Europe, Lisbon is a perfect place to go with coastal views, incredible food, Portuguese history and culture, and amazing day trips.

Top things to do in Lisbon with one week

• Ride the iconic Tram 28 through historic neighborhoods
• Visit São Jorge Castle for panoramic city views
• Explore the Belém district, including the Tower of Belém and Jerónimos Monastery
• Try traditional pastéis de nata
• Wander through the narrow streets of Alfama, the old Moorish quarter
• Visit the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of Europe’s largest aquariums
• Enjoy fado music in a traditional Fado restaurant
• Take a day trip to the colorful Pena Palace in Sintra

Why Lisbon is worth visiting

There are so many reasons why Lisbon is worth visiting and a great place to spend a week in Europe. For starters, you can see the Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. It highlights Portugal’s maritime past. Then, wander through Alfama, the oldest neighborhood, with its narrow streets and beautiful plazas. You can also visit Castelo de São Jorge for amazing views of the city and the Tagus River.

You can also venture just outside of Lisbon during the week to visit some incredible spots in Portugal. Sintra is a must-see just outside of Lisbon with Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors, and Quinta da Regaleira. You can also visit Cascais from Lisbon for its beautiful beaches and coastal scenery.

If you want a more ancient cultural experience, it’s easy to take a day trip from Lisbon to Óbidos and Tomar. Óbidos is an amazing place for travel photography with well-preserved walls and colorful houses. Tomar has the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO site built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century.

For a week in Europe, Lisbon is a perfect destination choice and one of the best European cities to spend a week in. If Portugal wasn’t on the top of your list to go, it should be now!

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Top things to do in one week in Amsterdam:

• Take a canal cruise to see the city from the water
• Visit the Anne Frank House for a moving historical experience
• Explore the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum for world-class art
• Wander through the charming Jordaan neighborhood
• Rent a bike and cycle through Vondelpark
• Visit the Royal Palace on Dam Square
• Take a day trip to see traditional windmills at Zaanse Schans

Why Amsterdam is worth visiting

Amsterdam deserves a spot on your bucket list and is definitely worth visiting. If you only have one week to spend in Amsterdam, never fear! You can pack a lot into a week here.

Start with a canal cruise to see the city from the water, giving you a fresh perspective of Amsterdam’s beautiful architecture. For a moving historical experience, visit the Anne Frank House.

If you love art, you’ll appreciate the world-class collections at the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Make sure you rent a bike and cycle through Vondelpark to enjoy Amsterdam like a local!

For a taste of traditional Dutch culture, take a day trip to Zaanse Schans to see the iconic windmills.

Amsterdam is worth visiting for bike rides, relaxation, and an exploration of Dutch culture alone. It’s undoubtedly one of the best European cities to spend a week in.

10. Vienna, Austria

Top things to do in Vienna

• Tour the Schönbrunn Palace and gardens
• See Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” at the Belvedere Palace
• Attend a classical music concert at the Musikverein or Staatsoper
• Visit the Hofburg Palace complex and the Spanish Riding School
• Stroll along the Ringstrasse boulevard and see the city’s grand buildings
• Shop at the Naschmarkt open-air market
• Linger over coffee and cake at a traditional Viennese coffeehouse
• Take a day trip to Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey

Why Vienna is worth visiting

Vienna’s modern life has somehow managed to avoid many problems that have rained down on other European cities. According to Britannica, it’s actually one of the least spoiled European cities.

Music geeks will immediately think of Vienna’s classical music scene, with echoes of Mozart and Beethoven filling the air. But if you’re an architecture-loving traveler, picture grand palaces like Schönbrunn and the Hofburg. Their incredible history and architecture stand alongside vibrant street art and contemporary cafes in Vienna.

The coffee culture here is legendary—think ornate coffeehouses and delicate pastries. Vienna also holds cultural treasures like the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the State Opera House, where you can still hear music of the past. Vienna is worth visiting for its timeless elegance, artistic innovation, and because it’s a place unlike any other.

Honorable Mentions

• Berlin, Germany
• Budapest, Hungary
• Porto, Portugal

Best European cities to spend a week in FAQ

Is 1 week enough for a Europe trip?

One week is plenty for a Europe trip. All of the cities on this list have great walkability and easy transportation options for travelers coming from other countries. The ease of travel in these cities are a ranking factor in making them the best cities in Europe to spend a week in!

How much will a 7 day Europe trip cost?

A seven day trip to Europe will vary in cost depending on your travel style and seasonality. Trips to Europe tend to be more expensive in the summer, and cost lower in the off-season. Travel cost in Europe also depends on your choice of accommodations! To get great deals on accommodations on my travels to Europe, I usually use Booking.

Final Thoughts

There are many fantastic places to go in Europe, and this list only scratches the surface! However, when you’re thinking about the best European cities to spend a week in, there are several factors to consider.

These factors include things like accessibility with ease of walking and public transportation at the forefront. Other factors include cultural sites to learn about the history and culture behind the place you plan to visit.

That said, I can tell you with certainty that if you have an open mind and a sense of adventure, no matter what city you choose in Europe, you’re sure to have a grand adventure.