10 European Cities That Deserve To Be On Your Travel Bucket List

Currently taking a mental vacation to these perfect destinations! “This is for the Editorial Fellowship.”

1. Chamonix, France

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Chamonix, France, is the perfect addition to your list of dream destinations. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the town is so quaint that it feels like you've stepped into a storybook. Chamonix is close to the border of France and Switzerland, and you can even take a bus from the airport in the Swiss capital city of Geneva to Chamonix in about 2 hours. Trust me, it is worth the trip!

2. Hallstatt, Austria

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Hallstatt may often be overshadowed by Austria's larger tourist cities, but it is well worth visiting. The town has been gaining tourist attraction in recent years for its' photogenic views and superb hospitality, making it an undeniable dream destination. You can shop, tour, and even go boating on the gorgeous Hallstatt Lake while spending a day in the town. Not to mention, Hallstatt is only a few hours south of Salzburg and is easily accessible by bus and train!

3. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Mostar is a beautiful city in the South-West corner of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city has recently seen an increase in visitors due, in part, to its memorable sights and culture. Home to the Stari Most (Old Bridge), one of the city's main tourist attractions involves local residents jumping off the bridge from a height of over 75 feet. You can actually get trained to jump off the bridge by the locals and take the risky dive if you're seeking extra thrills!

4. Valletta, Malta

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Valletta is about as understated as a city comes. Despite being the capital of the island nation, Malta, Valletta remains a reasonably unique locale for tourists. The Mediterranean Island, which sits between Italy and Libya, offers stunning sights and fantastic hospitality from the residents. Additionally, you can take a ferry ride from the southernmost tip of Italy, Pozzallo, to Valletta in under 2 hours!

5. Kingston upon Thames, The United Kingdom

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If you are looking for a chance to see a quieter side of life in The United Kingdom, Kingston upon Thames is a great destination. The city, only about half an hour outside of London, has many of the attributes of a tourist hotspot (with premier shopping and entertainment) but less hustle and bustle. You can walk around the town for hours, never get bored, and head back to London the next day!

6. Zagreb, Croatia

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The capital city of Croatia definitely deserves the hype of tourism. The town offers beautiful sights and a vibrant art scene with delicious cuisine, all at a reasonable price. It is also the second home of the Museum of Broken Relationships, a museum that pays homage to trinkets of lost love (be prepared for your visit by bringing some Kleenex)! Additionally, the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park sits 2 hours outside of Zagreb, and tours frequently run for a low cost and breathtaking experience!

7. Porto, Portugal

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The colorful city of Porto sits on the Iberian peninsula and is growing its tourism industry, making it the perfect new spot for tourists. Porto has several iconic cathedrals, monuments, palaces, and bridges, all of which are exquisite for touring and for photos. You can visit the Livraria Lello, a famous bookshop widely regarded for its' beauty, or the riverfront known as Cais de Ribeira for a view of the city.

8. Bled, Slovenia

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When traveling in Slovenia many tourists may choose to visit the capital city of Ljubljana, but Bled (only an hour away) deserves the attention just as much! Lake Bled offers one of the most magical insights into European History with its beautiful architecture and views. You can rent a rowboat to cross the lake and visit the Bled Island or even hike up to the Lake Bled castle for an aerial view of the town.

9. Antwerp, Belgium

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The City of Antwerp has incredible historical and architectural landmarks, only an hour away from the tourist hotspot of Brussels. You can visit any of its famous cathedrals or even shop in the growing fashion industry during a visit while indulging in the sumptuous Belgian cuisine. The Grote Markt and The Rubens House Museum are just a few options for spending a day exploring in the city.

10. Edinburgh, The United Kingdom

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Edinburgh, often overlooked by London city-goers, has many attractions that make it worthy of the trip! With tons of castles, museums, and dining options, Edinburgh has everything you want in a Scottish getaway. You can shop on The Royal Mile or even take a day trip to Loch Ness or the Scottish Highlands. And for any Outlander fans, you can take tours of famous locations from the series!