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.

8 hours ago 2

An aerial view of a coastal city, with yachts docked in the water.

Hvar, Croatia, is one of the cities I recommend visiting in Europe. Dreamer4787/Shutterstock
  • I've been living in Europe for a few years, and have tried to visit as many cities as possible.
  • I enjoyed spending time in places like Prague and Hvar, Croatia, and can't wait to return.
  • However, I was a little disappointed by my visits to Marseille, France, and Stockholm.

One of the biggest perks of living in Europe for the past couple of 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.

Old buildings in a courtyard with palm trees.

Faro is a beautiful city in Portugal. Digitalsignal/Getty Images

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.

I'd happily revisit Reykjavik, Iceland.

A city with mountains and a body of water in the background.

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. Tsuguliev/Shutterstock

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.

Hvar, Croatia, is unlike anywhere else I've been.

A beach with turquoise waters, a palm tree, and purple flowers in the foreground, and a church and buildings in the background.

Croatia's beaches are gorgeous. xbrchx/Getty Images

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.

Prague felt like a fairytale.

Tourists gather in a courtyard in Prague, with colorful buildings and a large church.

I loved walking through Old Town Square. Pauline Lewis/Getty Images

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.

However, I'm not rushing to return to Marseille, France.

Hundreds of boats docked in a harbor, with a city and a church on a hill behind them.

I wasn't blown away by my visit to Marseille, France. Steve Lorillere/Getty Images

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.

Birds and a fountain in the foreground of a courtyard, with tourists and colorful buildings in the background.

Stockholm felt a bit underwhelming. Angel Villalba/Getty Images

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.

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