There are 44 countries in Europe with lots of beautiful cities, and nearly all cities have an “old town” section; in fact, many countries have several such cities. Exploring and staying in the old towns in Europe is usually my preferred agenda item. They offer a quintessential peek into centuries gone by, complete with candy-colored structures, clock towers, red-tiled roofs, ancient churches, fascinating monasteries, and more.

Gothic, medieval, Baroque, Renaissance, and more, there’s nothing better than strolling along the narrow cobblestone streets to admire the architecture or having a coffee in one of the expansive town plazas to chat or people-watch.

Narrowing down to ten was a formidable task, and at best, subjective. In fact, if you ask me next month, some of the old towns on this list could very possibly change position.

Best Time to Visit

Summer in Europe is overrun with tourists. Unless you like being jostled and elbowed, I would recommend visiting Europe during the shoulder season. May and September are ideal – fewer crowds, not as hot, and prices can be lower than high season. However, for me, the flowers of summer add a lot to the already beautiful scenery, so I can tolerate the crowds more than most.

Without further ado, here are my favorite old towns in Europe:

25 Assisi, Italy

Perched on a hilltop in Umbria, Assisi is a medieval gem renowned for being the birthplace of St. Francis. Pilgrims and travelers alike visit the Basilica of San Francesco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with remarkable frescoes by Giotto. Strolling its cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time, with stone houses, small piazzas, and artisan shops around every corner. The town offers sweeping views over the Umbrian countryside, dotted with olive groves and vineyards. Peaceful and spiritual, Assisi also has a lively side, with festivals celebrating local traditions and cuisine. It’s the perfect stop for history, art, and tranquility.

Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Italy You Can’t Miss

24 Segovia, Spain

Segovia captivates travelers with storybook scenery and remarkable Roman engineering. The city’s iconic aqueduct, built around the first century AD, stretches dramatically across the skyline with towering granite arches that remain astonishingly intact.

Above the winding medieval streets stands the Alcazar of Segovia, a castle said to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Traditional taverns serve sizzling roast suckling pig while church bells echo through ancient plazas bathed in golden Castilian sunlight.

Read: 5 Best Day Trips from Madrid

23 Edinburgh, Scotland

Known for its vistas of lush, green hills, Gothic architecture, and narrow cobblestone alleys, Scotland’s city of Edinburgh is a magical place. And for Harry Potter fans, here is where J. K. Rowling wrote much of that series. If you’re a fan, here are the best Harry Potter Edinburgh filming locations.

12th-century Edinburgh Castle, perched on a hill standing sentry over the village below, is certainly the highlight. The castle contains Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, which is used in the coronation of Scottish rulers.

Below the castle, it’s great fun to wander around the winding cobblestone streets, shop in the boutique shops, and stop in at one of the pubs to experience that traditional vibe of days gone by.

Don’t forget to visit the royal residence of the 16th-century Holyrood Palace. From the palace, take in the views of Calton Hill and the peak called Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park.

Read: 15 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Edinburgh for Couples

22 Carcassonne, France

Carcassonne feels like stepping straight into a medieval legend. Its double-walled fortress, crowned with 52 towers, dominates the landscape and tells tales of knights, sieges, and centuries past. The Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dates back to the Gallo-Roman era and was restored by architect Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century.

Inside the walls, narrow cobbled lanes wind between stone houses, cozy taverns, and artisan shops. From the battlements, the view stretches across the rolling hills of Languedoc. As the sun sets and the walls glow golden, Carcassonne becomes pure magic—history brought vividly to life.

Read: 22 Amazing Places in France You Must Visit

21 Mont Saint-Michel

Rising from the tidal flats of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in France. Its Gothic abbey, perched atop a rocky island, appears to float when the tide comes in, creating an ethereal vision that has captivated pilgrims for over a thousand years. The narrow, winding streets below lead past stone houses, bakeries, and tiny chapels, all enclosed by medieval ramparts.

At low tide, the surrounding sands stretch endlessly, while at high tide, waves lap at the walls. Mont Saint-Michel is more than a monument—it’s a miracle of faith, architecture, and nature combined.

Read: 22 Amazing Places in France You Must Visit

20 Perast, Montenegro

One of our favorite things to do in Kotor Montenegro was a day trip was a visit to the tiny fishing village of Perast. The city flourished during the 18^th century when it had four shipyards and a fleet of around one hundred ships. All the activity in Perast is located along the main street, flanked by pristine white stone Baroque buildings, a clock tower, and the beautiful 15^th-century Orthodox cathedral.

Read: Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro That Will Take Your Breath Away!

19 Krakow, Poland

In the south of Poland near the Czech border, the UNESCO World Heritage city Krakow tops many lists as the oldest and most beautiful city in Poland.  It’s a picturesque city with an Old Town brimming with historic architecture and Gothic spires, and a massive, eclectic castle, all centered around the Vistula River.

Kraków was rebuilt in the 13^th century, after being ransacked by the Mongols. It reached its height of power in the 14^th century under Casimir III the Great. Unlike much of Poland, which was destroyed during World War II, Krakow today looks much the same as it did back then.

Read: Best Places to Visit in Poland

Tour: Introduction to Poland

18 Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne is a picturesque city in Switzerland known for its pristine medieval architecture. The city sits on Lake Lucerne with snow-capped mountains on the horizon. Its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by the Musegg Wall, a 14th-century rampart.

The highlight of Lucerne is the covered Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333. Tragically, the original bridge, which links the Altstadt to the Reuss River’s right bank, burned down on August 18, 1993. As luck would have it, I did have the opportunity to see the original bridge the year before. The destroyed bridge was quickly restored in April 1994.

Read: Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland

17 Nafplion, Greece

Nafplion, a two-hour drive from Athens, is a small harbor town with a backdrop of a beautiful hilltop castle. Located on Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula, Nafplio is drenched in beauty and history. The picturesque Venetian old town has squares and cobbled side streets that are full of tavernas and bars, some with sea views.

We stayed in an apartment directly overlooking the old town. While we had to climb 137 steps every time we wanted to explore or eat in the picture-perfect town, it was worth it. Not to mention the sunrise over the town with the blue harbor behind was stunning.

You can easily spend two or more days in Nafplion as it’s a great base for spending time at the adjacent beach or exploring nearby ancient sites like Mycenae and Mystras.

Read: 10 Best Places in Greece to Visit This Year

16 Lviv, Ukraine

Just 40 miles from the Polish border, the vibe of the Ukrainian city of Lviv is decidedly un-Soviet, not even typical Ukrainian, more like Prague or Budapest, but without the elbow-to-elbow crowds or the high prices.

Vibrantly-painted examples of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture rise up from all sides of Rynok Square, the heart of Lviv’s UNESCO old town. For centuries, Lviv was on a major trade route, attracting the best architects from all over Europe. The best view of Lviv is from the bell tower in the City Hall building. The tall turret is old, and the 220 dizzying spiral steps to the top are foot-worn and uneven.

Unfortunately, at this time it is not possible to visit Lviv due to the Russian/Ukraine war, but keep it on your list for future travel (fingers crossed).

Read: Lviv’s Outrageous “Emotional” Restaurants

Read: Tour Ukraine: Ultimate Guide to Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa

15 Mostar, Bosnia

Mostar enchants visitors with its dramatic stone bridge arching gracefully over emerald-green water. Originally built by the Ottomans in 1566, the famous Stari Most became a symbol of resilience after its reconstruction in 2004.

The old town dazzles with cobbled lanes, artisan shops, and minarets rising above riverside cafes. Local musicians and traditional restaurants create an inviting atmosphere, while nearby mountains and waterfalls add even more natural beauty to this remarkable Balkan destination.

Read: Day Trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik – Gem of Bosnia & Herzegovina

14 Sintra, Portugal

Nestled in the Portuguese mountains not far from Lisbon is the fairytale city of Sintra. The palaces of Sintra were once the summer homes for Portuguese monarchs, and it’s a wonderful reprieve to escape the heat and humidity of the capital city. The historic center of Sintra is known for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, royal palaces, beautiful villas, gardens, and Sintra Castle. Not only was Sintra historically a place of exclusivity and royalty, but it remains so today. It is one of the wealthiest parts of the country, and it is known for being incredibly picturesque, with the palaces and quaint historic center set against its mountain backdrop.

Read: Sintra Castle: Queen for a Day

13 Bern, Switzerland

Bern charms visitors with graceful arcades, turquoise river views, and beautifully preserved medieval streets. Founded in 1191, Switzerland’s capital retains an elegant old-world atmosphere rarely found in modern European cities.

Clock towers, sandstone buildings, and flower-filled fountains line the UNESCO-listed old town. During summer, locals float along the crystal-clear Aare River while outdoor cafes buzz with conversation beneath warm alpine sunshine.

Read: Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland

12 Sibiu, Romania

Built in the 12th century by German settlers known as Transylvanian Saxons, Sibiu’s pristine old town has retained its grandeur and is not just one of the prettiest towns in Romania, but in all of Europe. It’s a pedestrian city, with an imposing medieval wall, well-preserved towers, narrow streets, gabled 17th-century buildings, the infamous Liar’s Bridge, and two church-dominated squares – Great Square and Little Square, which are considered to be among the most beautiful European squares. FITS, Sibiu International Theater Festival, complete with parades, live music and performances, fireworks, and free prosecco, is hosted by Sibiu every June.

Read: Things to Do in Romania That Will Blow You Away!

Tour: Romania Vacation

11 Rothenburg, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a storybook German town in northern Bavaria known for its virtually untouched Medieval Altstadt (Old Town) with half-timbered medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone alleys that seem to be frozen in time.

One of the best things to do in Rothenburg is to walk the old town walls – known as the Tower Trail. The town walls include preserved gatehouses, towers, and a covered walkway. The medieval Town Hall has a tower with panoramic views, and the Burggarten is a perfect place for a stroll. The Plönlein in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most photographed spots in all of Germany.

Read: 10 Fun Things to Do in Bavaria

10 Bruges, Belgium

Known for its rich chocolate, fluffy waffles, and handmade lace, Bruges is one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe. Fairytale medieval architecture, cobblestone alleys, and picturesque town squares are traversed by shimmering canals.

In the UNESCO city center, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall) has an ornately carved ceiling. Nearby, Market Square features the Belfry – a 13th-century 47-bell tower with outstanding panoramic views.

Beautiful squares oozing old-world charm, gingerbread houses, flower-strewn parks,  appealing canals, and the possibility of seeing so much in Bruges in one day make it a favorite destination for romance-seekers. Minnewater (Lake of Love) was named for the romance between Mina and her warrior sweetheart, Stromberg; folklore ends tragically with Mina’s death. Grieving Stromberg buried her underneath the lake, and legend has it that couples who kiss on the bridge over the lake are promised everlasting love.

Read: 10 Magical Things to Do in Bruges, Belgium’s Storybook Old Town

9 Sighisoara, Romania

Sighisoara is widely considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.  The impeccably unspoiled 16th-century mix of hilly cobbled streets, turrets, towers, burgher houses (homes of the wealthy bourgeoisie), town squares, and ornate churches has been compared to the magical ambiance of Old Prague or Vienna. Sighisoara is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, although the two are unrelated, as one is a factual historical figure while the other is fiction.

Read: Things to Do in Romania That Will Blow You Away!

Tour: Romania Vacation

8 Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

My first sighting of the castle and idyllic town from the window of our car took my breath away. I’ve traveled throughout all of Europe, and the castle of Český Krumlov is one of the most picturesque sights I’ve ever seen. The utterly adorable town of Český Krumlov virtually begs visitors to leisurely stroll its picturesque cobbled streets.

Located about four hours south of Prague, this enchanting town is nestled in the hills and countryside of the South Bohemian region. The Vltava River twists, turns, and bisects the town, forming a natural moat around part of the castle.

The old town’s highlight is the fairytale castle, built in the 13th century by the Vítkovci family. One of the features of the castle is the vibrantly colored round tower, originally built to guard the river entries. You can (and should) climb the 162 steps for a panoramic view of the old town and the river at the top.

Full disclosure: I agonized over whether to include Cesky Krumlov or Prague on this list. Prague is also gorgeous, boasting an expansive old town that includes Gothic and Baroque architecture, a medieval Astronomical Clock, and the 1402 pedestrian Charles Bridge lined with statues of Catholic saints.

Read: How to Spend a Weekend at Cesky Krumlov

Read: 12 Unique Things to Do in Prague

Tour: Explore Czech Republic

7 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, historically known as Ragusa, is called the “pearl of the Adriatic” and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Perched above the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia, the old town offers jaw-dropping views over the red-tiled roofs juxtaposed against the brilliant blue sea just beyond. The dazzling old town section of Dubrovnik has been exquisitely preserved to maintain its medieval allure. Ancient churches, secluded monasteries, and small cafes tucked into the narrow side streets seduce visitors who will not want to leave. Trust me.

Recently, Dubrovnik has become one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, enjoying even more massive fame as the King’s Landing filming site for the HBO hit series Game of Thrones. Tours of the Game of Thrones filming sets throughout the old town are very popular.

Read: Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour Review

Read: Walking Dubrovnik’s Ancient Wall

Read: Balkans Travel Guide

Tour: Croatian Dream

8 Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is the crown jewel of Austria’s lakeside villages and one of the most photographed destinations in Europe. Nestled between towering mountains and the mirror-like waters of Hallstatter See, the village looks almost unreal in its beauty. Wooden chalets cling to the hillside, church spires rise above the lake, and swans glide peacefully across crystal-clear water. Misty mornings and glowing sunsets create breathtaking scenes that feel straight from a fantasy novel.

Read: 8 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Austria for an Unforgettable Escape

5 Annecy, France

There are places that feel plucked straight from a dream, and Annecy is one of them. Nestled at the foot of the French Alps, this lakeside gem blends romance, adventure, and timeless beauty. With pastel houses reflected in turquoise canals and the serene shimmer of Lake Annecy, it’s a destination that quietly steals your heart.

Whether you’re wandering the old streets, gliding across the lake, or savoring cheese fondue under the stars, Annecy is a place that makes you fall in love with life itself.

Read: Is Annecy the Prettiest Town in France? It Just Might Be.

4 Lubljiana, Slovenia

Ljubljana radiates charm with emerald-green rivers, dragon-adorned bridges, and leafy waterfront promenades. Slovenia’s compact capital feels wonderfully relaxed, yet its origins stretch back to Roman times.

Street musicians perform beside outdoor cafes while bicycles glide through pedestrian-friendly avenues. The hilltop castle overlooks a city filled with colorful markets, inventive restaurants, and scenic riverside views that feel straight from a European fairy tale.

Read: 12 Best Places to Visit in Slovenia – Europe’s Stunning Gem

Tour: Slovakia Soujourn

3 Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn feels like a fairytale wrapped in medieval walls, where cobblestone streets wind past Gothic towers, hidden courtyards, and candlelit cafes. Travelers searching for the best things to do in Tallinn quickly discover a city bursting with old-world charm, dramatic history, and creative energy.

From towering viewpoints overlooking red rooftops to secret passageways and elegant royal gardens, Estonia’s capital offers far more than most visitors expect. Whether you are wandering through ancient fortifications or sipping coffee in trendy seaside districts, Tallinn leaves a lasting impression at every turn.

Read: 12 Things to Do in Tallinn That Feel Straight Out of a Fairytale

Tour: Best of the Baltic Capitals

2 Vernazza, Italy

Founded around 1000 AD, Vernazza is considered the jewel of Cinque Terre. Once a vital port for the Republic of Genoa, it prospered as a fishing and trade hub. Its natural harbor, framed by colorful houses, remains the heart of the village.

Vernazza is crowned by the 15th-century Doria Castle, built to protect against pirates and now offering incredible views of the Ligurian Sea. At the center of the village is Piazza Marconi, where locals and visitors gather at outdoor cafes. The Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, dating back to the 14th century, stands right at the water’s edge. Vernazza also has a small sandy beach, making it perfect for a refreshing swim.

Read: Five Gorgeous Villages of Cinque Terre That Will Blow Your Mind!

Tour: Italy Solo-ish

1 Colmar, France

Storybook candy-colored half-timbered houses, gleaming canals, and flower boxes dripping with color everywhere make Colmar seem to float on your consciousness like a dream. Cobblestone alleys twist through the Old Town until they spill out onto delightful little squares.

Medieval, early Renaissance, and Gothic buildings adorn the old town. The city is on the Alsace Wine Route along the Rhine River, and local vineyards specialize in Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines.

You can’t help but feel like this charismatic pedestrian old town in northeastern France, near the border with Germany, seems like it’s plucked straight out of a fairytale…and for good reason. Allegedly, Colmar was the muse for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast movie.

Read: Hidden Fairytale Towns of Alsace: Most Beautiful Villages in France

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About the Author

Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.

Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.