15 Fantastic Port Cities You Must Visit While in Europe

Stephanie Allen

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Edinburgh, Scotland
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Traveling through the European continent is filled with excitement and adventure; each country has unique qualities that distinguish it from its neighbors. One of the most appealing aspects of many European countries is that they’re home to port cities.

What is so special about European port cities? They are hubs for modern and historical culture, and as centers of activity, they’re hard to top. If you plan to travel through Europe, these port cities and locations are worth visiting. 

1. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Beautiful Amalfi Village
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Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a wildly popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. Surrounded by rugged mountains on one side and blue ocean water on the other, the Amalfi Coast is the definition of picturesque. 

The coastline consists of several municipalities, with each one offering its share of attractions. Positano has a landscape that’ll satisfy your inner photographer, and the island of Capri is where the world’s jet-setters vacation. 

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Channel in Amsterdam Netherlands houses river Amstel landmark old european city spring landscape.
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One of the best ways to get a feel for Dutch culture is to navigate the city’s canals, which date back to the seventeenth century. Exploring the city by water provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind perspective of the country’s history and present. 

When traveling the canals, which are laid out in circles and arcs, you’ll see the exceptional architecture that lines them. Each arc of the canal has its own attractions, including bridges and classic canal houses. You can canoe or take a guided canal boat tour to see the sights. 

3. Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece
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As the home of ancient great minds like Socrates, Aeschylus, Plato, and Sophocles, and the place where democracy was born, Athens has a prominent place in world history. It’s also a major port city on the Aegean Sea. 

Once you’re in Athens, sites like the Acropolis and the Ancient Theatre of Dionysus await, along with the Temple of Olympian Zeus, all of which can be viewed during a walking tour. It’s a true adventure for those with an interest in Greek mythology.

4. Azores

Azores
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The nine islands of the Azores have 11 ports, with various attractions in their respective villages such as shopping centers, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Ethical tourism is such a staple that it’s the first archipelago in the world to be certified as a “Sustainable Tourism Destination.”

Enthusiasts of outdoor water activities can go big game fishing, canoeing, or diving in the warm waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. If staying on the land is more to your taste, you can bird-watch or ride on horseback. The island’s geo-tours offer the best of both worlds.

5. Bergen, Norway

Bergen, Norway
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The main Norwegian port is located in Bergen, and the city is delightful to visit year-round. It's especially magical during the Christmas holiday. The amazing Festival of Lights and fireworks show takes place in the center of the city each year. 

The Gingerbread City is the largest one in the world and is made up of edible creations like gingerbread castles, houses, and churches by citizens of the town.. The Christmas Markets throughout Bergen have local crafts and foods to buy. 

6. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium
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The Port of Zeebrugge is the entryway to Bruges, Belgium. Once you’ve reached the city, you’ll find a quaint blend of contemporary and medieval architecture. The Concert Hall, with more than 1,600 seats, is an impressive facility. 

The buildings of the Hanseatic Quarter, which was a major trade center from the 13th to the 15th centuries, continue to impress. A visit to the Belfry, the city’s tallest building, gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the bustling Market Square. 

7. Edinburgh, Scotland 

Looking up the hill at Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle
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The two main ports for those traveling to Edinburgh by ship are the Port of Leith and South Queensferry Port. The Port of Leith is the location of the first vertical whiskey distillery in the United Kingdom, and dining options are within walking distance.

In Edinburgh proper are attractions that appeal to every member of the family, from the Edinburgh Zoo and Edinburgh Castle to the wonders of the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, and the Dynamic Earth Planetarium and Science Center. 

8. Florence, Italy 

Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence
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The port of Livorno leads directly into Florence, Italy, the heart of the Renaissance. There are so many attractions in the city that it’s practically an open-air museum. Even if you only have a mild interest in world history, you’ll find yourself awestruck. 

The many architectural masterpieces in the city include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Readers of Dante Alighieri can take a tour tracing the steps of the poet and writer with landmarks in and around Florence, including his tomb. 

9. London, England 

London England
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When you travel to London by sea, you’ll land at one of their several ports, but that’s only the beginning of the adventure that awaits. London has a broad mix of places to visit, some that are a part of the country’s history, and others which are more modern. 

In central London, Westminster Abbey, which has been the site of royal coronations, weddings, and funerals since 1066, is open for guided tours. A ride on the modern IFS Cable Car offers views of London’s skyline and the River Thames.

10. Malaga, Spain

Malaga, Spain
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The birthplace of famed painter Pablo Picasso, Malaga, Spain is a Mediterranean jewel. The city is a cultural focal point of the region for art and architecture, including the Picasso Museum Malaga and the Alcazaba Fortress. 

With more than a dozen beaches, Malaga is the perfect location for sunseekers, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Port of Malaga welcomes tourists from major cruise ships sailing the Mediterranean Sea and the globe. 

11. Munich, Germany

Munich
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Visitors to Munich have the opportunity to engage in cultural experiences to give them a sense of what the city is like. The Magic Bavaria Experience Museum is an upside-down exhibition of magical illusions that will amaze the whole family. 

With a Munich guided bike tour, you’ll have the chance to see different parts of the city, including the English Garden. Bargain shoppers will find there’s no shortage of flea markets, including book, nighttime, and antique flea markets.  

12. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic
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The Culture Mile in the middle of Prague is a celebration of the country’s culture. Located along the banks of the Vltava River are indoor and outdoor attractions that reflect the history of a city that’s more than 1100 years old. 

Pay a visit to the Clam-Gallas Palace to see where Mozart and Beethoven performed, or view the 19th century works on display in the Museum of Decorative Arts. The Kampa Museum is in a converted mill that goes back to the 14th century. 

13. Santorini, Greece

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Wayfarers looking for diverse beaches will easily find them, along with crystal blue waters, in the black, red, and white sands of the island of Santorini. You can dive, windsurf, scuba, and jet ski to your heart’s content.

Go further inland, and you can capture incredible views of the landscape from the villages, including Oia, Fira, Pyrgos, and Emporio. Santorini serves as a romantic backdrop and is fast becoming known as a favorite place for destination weddings. 

14. Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy
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Called Venezia in Italian, the city is made up of more than 118 small islands, with Murano being one of them. The renowned Murano Glass Museum exhibits some of the finest glass artistry in the world.

Gondola rides are associated with Venice, but there’s so much more to do on the main island. The Rialto Market is the site of the earliest settlements, and today you can buy fresh fruit and seafood in any one of its several stands. 

15. Vienna, Austria 

Church Heiliger Franz of Assisi at Mexikoplatz, Vienna, Austria
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In the world capital of music, the Viennese know how to put on a show. Between the many concerts and stage performances, you’re assured of a memorable entertainment experience. For starters, the Vienna State Opera hosts ballets, operas, and operettas. 

Musicals and other artistic genres are staged at the Vienna Volksoper for audiences of all ages. Dance Quarter Vienna is the country’s first center dedicated to contemporary dance, while the Viennese waltz is honored at Viennese balls year round. 

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