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Prague, Czech Republic. Consistently voted one of the best cities in the world, the Czech capital is home to impressive architecture, hilltop views and charming markets. Pro tip: Get to the old town between 6am and 7am (before the other tourists are awake), when the city has a magical atmosphere and the air is full of anticipation.

Porto, Portugal. Before you start writing angry emails about why we didn’t include Lisbon on this list, hear us out: Portugal’s second largest city is experiencing some serious downturn. Wine lovers have been keeping an eye on its secrets for years, but more recently creative types have been flocking to Porto, thanks to the city’s stunning architecture (yes, there’s a lot of tiles) and public art. Don’t miss the artsy Lello bookstore, said to be the home of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, or the Leça da Palmeiras Piscinas de Mares (tidal pools), a concrete swimming complex that contrasts with Porto’s famous beaches and granite coast.

Bern, Switzerland. Not only is Bern the political capital of Switzerland, it’s also one of the most beautiful places in the whole country. Built around the River Aare, the city offers stunning views from almost every angle, with covered walkways and a charming old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Be sure to stop off at Bern Cathedral and the famous 13th-century Zytglogge (clock tower).

Athens, Greece. A visit to Athens’ world-famous ruins will transport you back in time to Ancient Greece, where stone carvings date back to 400 B.C. Temples dating back to the 1st century B.C. are supported by centuries-old columns and often feature carvings of gods. Immerse yourself in history at the Acropolis, where you can get up close and personal with the Parthenon and take in panoramic views of the city from the hilltop. Accessible by cable car, Lycabettus Hill offers similarly sweeping views (without the heavy lifting).

Florence, Italy. Italy is home to many beautiful cities, but Florence is unmatched in history, art and architecture. Traces of Renaissance aesthetics can be found throughout the city (it is the movement’s birthplace in the 14th century, after all), including the impressive Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and Santa Maria Novella Cathedral, while the Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery remain essential photo backdrops.

Bruges, Belgium. With its tranquil tree-lined canals and cobblestone streets, Bruges could easily be thought of as an epic fairy-tale setting come to life. Much of the city’s charm lies in its perfectly preserved Old Town, built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Grab a seat at a café near the market (historic town square) and plan to spend most of your day there.

Budapest, Hungary. Home to some of the best Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, Budapest has very few bad points, such as the city’s famous thermal baths and the gilded, slightly quaint Café Gerbeaud. But the most beautiful angle is when you walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge at night and enjoy the unforgettable view of the Hungarian Parliament sparkling above the Danube.

Edinburgh, Scotland. Popular for its endless green hills and fascinating history, Edinburgh is a great city to visit at any time of the year. In addition to beautiful Gothic buildings, the cobbled Royal Mile and a 12th-century castle towering over a hill, it also has an extinct volcano surrounding it. Can you say that about your hometown?

INNSBRUCK, Austria. Surrounded by ski slopes in the winter and mountain hiking trails in the summer, Innsbruck is the perfect destination for the adventurous traveler. But the Tyrolean capital is more than just an overnight stop between mountain expeditions: its museums, medieval old town and Alpine Zoo (the highest zoo in all of Europe) are all worth a visit.

BERGEN, Norway. No trip to Norway is complete without a stop in Bergen, the country’s second largest city. This postcard-perfect town has all the makings of an idyllic Nordic village: a picturesque harbor, rows of colorful wooden houses, and striking views of the surrounding fjords and mountain ranges (known as the Seven Mountains).

Paris, France. One thing is for sure: Paris is a place where romance and history coexist. Cafes line the cobblestone streets, beautiful people stroll along the Seine all day long, and each neighborhood seems to have its own landmark, whether it’s Notre Dame, Sacré Coeur, or the Eiffel Tower. If you’re looking for a moment of relative peace away from the tourist crowds, stroll among the statues of the elegant Jardin du Luxembourg and imagine what a perfect life it would be to live here.

Istanbul, Türkye. Istanbul never ceases to fascinate us, from the frenetic energy of the Grand Bazaar to the aesthetics of Karakoy, where old meets new. But the architecture still shines brightest here. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia feature fine examples of both Byzantine and Ottoman styles. Think giant domes, colorful mosaics, minarets and Islamic calligraphy.

Copenhagen, Denmark. Despite its reputation for producing cutting-edge restaurants and hotels, Copenhagen has a timeless charm that will have you booking your next trip before your current one ends. The quirky 19th-century Tivoli Gardens would give any theme park a run for its money, while the bohemian community of Christiania is a hazy, green dreamland. In case you were wondering, the waterfront homes of Nyhavn are truly beautiful.

York, England. With views of the River Ouse, narrow streets and medieval walls, York is the English city of your dreams. Be sure to visit the Chapter House of York Minster to see some of the most beautiful stained glass in the world. Huge windows line the octagonal room, bathing the house in soft, dreamy light.

VIENNA, Austria. It’s no wonder that artistic and elegant Vienna was named the best city in Europe in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. In between opera and Sachertorte visits, be sure to check out Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs and Vienna’s most popular tourist attraction. The castle’s Baroque architecture and stunning gardens are sure to be conversation starters with other tourists.

Ljubljana, Slovenia. Slovenia’s capital city is so romantic, charming and clean that it was named “European Green Capital 2016” by the European Commission. Wander through the pedestrianized Old Town, sip coffee on the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River, and admire the baroque architecture and 16th-century hilltop castle of Ljubljana.

Seville, Spain. From its old town (the third largest in Europe) to its world-famous tapas scene, Seville blends modernity and history as effortlessly as its famous flamenco dancers stomp their feet. Game of Thrones has made the Andalusian capital a key filming location for season five and onward, putting places like the magnificent Alcázar of Seville on the pop culture map.

Tallinn, Estonia. Thanks to its colorful buildings, towering castle and beautiful location on the Baltic Sea, Tallinn is full of fairy-tale magic. The city has one of the best-preserved historic city centers in Europe, and many of its medieval churches and merchant houses are under UNESCO protection. The view of the city center from the castle on Toompea island is beautiful at any time of the year, in fact, makes the cold Baltic winters bearable.

Great deals for flights to Europe, hotel and car rentals can be found here.