One of the biggest perks of living in Europe for the past few years has been the ease of hopping on a flight to explore new destinations.
During my time here, I’ve visited 26 cities in countries like France, Portugal, Iceland, Croatia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.
Each destination brought something unique to the table, but unfortunately, not every experience lived up to my expectations.
Here are the four cities I’d return to in a heartbeat — and two I’d probably skip next time.
I loved visiting Faro, Portugal.
Located in the Algarve region of Portugal, Faro is a vacation hot spot with gorgeous beaches, unique architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere.
One of the highlights of my trip was walking along the cliffs for an hour with a friend to find a secluded beach. The views were magical, and the experience felt like something out of a dream.
Faro’s warm weather and welcoming charm make it a place I’d gladly return to.
Prague felt like a fairytale.
In my opinion, Prague’s fairytale-like architecture, vibrant nightlife, and rich history make it a top contender for one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Walking through Old Town Square feels like stepping back in time, and every corner of the city holds something fascinating.
The food scene is also worth mentioning — traditional Czech dishes like goulash and trdelník (chimney cake) are must-try items.
Despite spending a few days there, I felt like I barely scratched the surface of what the city has to offer.
Hvar, Croatia, is unlike anywhere else I’ve been.
Croatia is a dream for beach lovers, and the island of Hvar was definitely a highlight of my trip.
Hvar combines charming cobblestone streets, fantastic restaurants, and dreamy beaches with crystal-clear water.
The surrounding smaller islands are just as stunning, offering secluded spots to relax and unwind.
On this trip, I stepped out of my comfort zone by visiting a nude beach, and even made new friends who shared my love for exploring.
Hvar’s blend of adventure and relaxation has earned it a permanent spot on my list of favorite European travel destinations.
I’d happily revisit Reykjavik, Iceland.
Iceland is known as being a pricy tourist destination, but my visit was worth every penny. The capital, Reykjavik, is packed with charm and incredibly walkable.
The local cuisine, including fresh seafood and lamb, was some of the best I’ve had in Europe. What stood out the most, though, were the unplanned magical moments.
One night, after leaving a karaoke bar, I looked up to see the northern lights dancing across the sky. It was an awe-inspiring experience that felt almost surreal. That kind of spontaneous magic makes Iceland a place I’d visit again and again.
However, I’m not rushing to return to Marseille, France.
Although France is brimming with beauty and culture, my visit to Marseille felt a bit lackluster. The city’s architecture is undeniably stunning, but Marseille seemed to lack anything that made it truly special.
Exploring the city can also be a workout — it’s very hilly, and unless you’re prepared for a lot of uphill walking, it can be a bit exhausting.
Next time, I’d prioritize neighboring French spots like Aix-en-Provence or Nice instead.
Unfortunately, Stockholm didn’t live up to my expectations.
I had heard so much about Stockholm and couldn’t wait to visit. However, I left feeling a bit underwhelmed.
The city is undeniably beautiful, with its waterways and historic buildings, but it lacked the spark I hoped for. After visiting a few other Nordic cities, Stockholm just felt a bit monotonous.
This story was originally published on March 16, 2025, and most recently updated on September 10, 2026.
Read the original article on Business Insider
The post I live in Paris and love traveling around Europe. Here are 4 cities I’ll definitely go back to — and 2 I’ll skip next time. appeared first on Business Insider.
