Now that summer is upon us and we’re all trying to figure out our summer travel plans, I thought it would be fun to put together a list of my top eight small cities I’ve visited in Europe. If you’ve already traveled to the larger, more well-known cities in Europe, or if you don’t have a thing for large cities, these smaller cities are a perfect alternative. They are a little off the beaten path, however they have tons of history and charm. And just so you know, these cities aren’t in any specific order because really, I can’t choose one over the other. They’re all beautiful and full of culture and they have many things to see and do; so read on, pick one, and go visit!

1.) Bayonne, France

Bayonne is part of the French Basque Country. I absolutely loved walking around this small city because the buildings are so perfectly preserved. They are old and tall and have large red and blue shutters. This area is known for it’s delicious chocolates. In fact, you can hop in and out of the chocolate shops and taste test your way through the city. We sure did! Also, if you travel here you should try and get tickets to a local Basque pelota game. We went to one and I have to say, it was quite impressive. Nearby beach towns also include Saint Jean de Lutz and Bearritz. You can easily hop on and off the train to travel between these beautiful coastal towns.

2.) Chamonix, France

Chamonix is your quintessential mountain town. It sits below Mont Blanc, the highest point in the Alps. It’s a great place for skiing in the winter or for hiking in the summer. There are views 360 degrees around and my favorite view is the one of the gorgeous glacier. Because it’s a mountain town and it’s snuggled into the valley, the air is so fresh and crisp and clean. This small city is also filled with local outdoorsy shops and coffee houses. It’s a great place to stroll around and window shop.

3.) Cinque Terre, Italy

Ok, so I know it’s not a small city, but it’s a collection of five small towns: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. All are equally beautiful too. This area of Italy is just so enchanting. It has everything; beautiful blue waters, colorful buildings, rugged cliffs, and a hiking path between the villages. There’s also a path called “Lovers Lane” so make sure you bring a lock and key and your loved one, to leave your own little mark right there on the coast of the Italian Riviera.

4.) Salamanca, Spain

Salamanca holds a special spot in my heart because it’s where I studied abroad. I could go on and on about how amazing it is. There’s so much history around every corner. In fact, the University of Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain, and it has the prettiest library I’ve ever seen. Salamanca is also known for it’s beautiful plaza. At night it lights up and it’s romantic and seriously breathtaking. Because Salamanca is a college town there’s great night there and there’s also lots of delicious restaurants. If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish experience, you have to go here!

5.) Passau, Germany

Passau is known as the City of Three Rivers. It’s a really neat spot because the city sits on a peninsula and at the tip of the peninsula, you can see where the three rivers collide. The rivers have different colored water, too. Along the river is a cycling/walking path and surrounding the city are beautiful Bavarian hills and forests. The city itself is filled with many little shops and al fresco dining and the buildings are painted pastel colors. Let’s just say it’s my kind of city!

6.) Lincoln, England

Lincoln is a hidden gem and not many tourists have discovered it yet. It’s a beautiful college town that has old cobble stone streets and tudor buildings. Lincoln is known for it’s large cathedral that sits so promptly on top of a hill that overlooks the city. Dave actually went to the University of Lincoln and his graduation ceremony was held in the cathedral. How cool is that!? I absolutely loved strolling along the High Street, it has the cutest bookstores and little coffee shops.

7.) Czesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Czesky Krumlov reminds me of the beginning scene in Beauty in the Beast when Belle is singing in her cute little provincial town. This small city might as well be that little provincial town because it’s far too perfect like a Disney movie. When we first arrived in Czesky we decided the best way to learn the city was to walk down every narrow street and to just get lost in it. Sometimes, that’s the best way to explore a small city like this one. Czesky also has a beautiful castle you can visit.  It’s even surrounded by a moat filled with bears! In the summer you can rent rafts and go white water rafting down the river. It’s so much fun!

8.) Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is the Venice of the West. It’s a little canal city with bridges and brick buildings and it’s so quaint and lovely. When you’re in Bruges you have to check out all the pretty lace shops; the work there is incredible, so intricate and detailed, too. And of course, when you’re in Bruges you have to try a Belgium waffle and some Belgium chocolate, and if you eat them both together, even better!

I hope you get to travel to some of these fun locations! Let me know if you’ve ever been to them and if not, which ones would you like to visit? Do you have any small city recommendations? I’d love to know!