We all know how powerful photographs can be. Just a glance back on your traveling snaps can take you back to that very moment, with all of its wonderful sights, scents and surroundings, and sometimes even the sunshine – if you were lucky enough to get it! Here are 7 European capitals that I think are the most photogenic:
Budapest, Hungary
Breathtakingly beautiful Budapest straddles the banks of the River Danube, and from the moment you arrive you’ll be in awe of the panoramic scenery, with grand historic buildings sitting alongside modern architecture.
The ornate Chain Bridge, which connects the two sides of Budapest, offers the most wonderful views as well as being a great photo opportunity in itself thanks to the imposing lion statues that stand guard! Don’t miss a visit to the 700-year-old Royal Palace too, with its magnificent baroque architecture that’s lit up at night, and almost begs to be captured on camera.
Vienna, Austria
The infamous Danube River makes it again in Vienna. This vibrant capital presents a good combination of historical buildings with cobblestone streets vs. the lifestyle and arts that speak of a modern city. Here you’ll have plenty of pedestrian plazas with outdoor cafes and restaurants, towering gothic cathedrals, historical buildings and museums, and lots of street art to capture the uniqueness of your experience in Vienna.
Paris, France
What can be said about Paris that hasn’t been said already? Paris is full of romantic, artsy scenes that are perfect to capture the moment in a photograph. From the photogenic Eiffel Tower, to The Louvre, Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame Cathedral, your shots could easily look like a postcard. Oh, and don’t forget the cafes and the French architecture that is so pleasing to the eye.
Rome, Italy
It may be a city that needs no introduction, but Rome really is a place in which you’ll have so many photo opportunities; and I personally did!
From the superbly preserved Pantheon with its enormous dome, to the ruins of the Colosseum and the romantic Fontana Trevi; Rome is a city full of photogenic moments that speak of history. And of course, lets not forget the Vatican City where you’ll find Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.
London, England
What makes London a particularly photogenic city is that it is not characterized by any particular architectural style. It has accumulated and conglomerated its buildings and styles over a long period of time. Only a few structures predate the Great Fire of 1666, with the exception of important sites like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Banqueting House, among others.
Another good characteristic is that London has a good between buildings and open spaces and historic buildings against modern ones.
Prague, Czech Republic
Although tourism in Prague has increased considerably over the past few years, none of its gothic, old-world charm has been lost; and the city’s architectural gems and cultural quirks are still as delightful to photograph as ever.
Make sure you’re in the Old Town Square at the strike of the hour to witness the dance of the characters inside the Astronomical Clock. Put on your most comfortable shoes to explore the grounds of Prague Castle, the most popular attraction in Prague, which is so vast and sprawling you’ll need to dedicate a whole day to see all of its churches, galleries and gardens! Prague Castle is also an iconic figure on the city’s skyline (as you can see in the image above), which will make the perfect backdrop for your photography, and is perhaps best captured from the beautiful Charles Bridge; or even better, including the Charles Bridge!
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s treasure troves for architecture lovers. Not only it houses more historic buildings and sights than any other city in the world, but also it holds an international importance in terms of modern design. This well-balanced combination makes Amsterdam a highly photogenic city where the old shines with its glory while the new compliments with its modern characteristics.
Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centers in Europe, consisting of 90 islands linked by 400 bridges. Most of its historic buildings and streets have remained unchanged since the 19th century, due to the fact that there was no major bombing in the city during World War II.
Which other European capital you think deserves a photogenic nomination?
City breaks with package deal specialists like Jet2holidays.com provide the perfect opportunities to visit these beautiful European capitals and take plenty of wonderful pictures and more.
Europe is such a photogenic continent! My personal favourites are Prague (I’m a sucker for the Gothic architecture) and Amersterdam (I love the mix of old and new, plus it’s like a quirky toy town!). Great selection, and great photos
Lizzie recently posted..The Architecture of Spain
Lizzie, you actually hit the spot. Europe in general is very photogenic! All that history and all the nature combined. Perfect!
Thanks!
Love it thanks for sharing these great piccies!
Always look forward to your posts
Sam D recently posted..The Hottest event in Adelaide Clipsal 500.
Thanks, Sam!!
Great selection, some lovely photos. Edinburgh and Lisbon are good on the eye too!
Thanks, Neil! I have not been to Edinburgh yet, but I have to say Lisbon is quite beautiful!
I think Amsterdam is my favourite for taking photos, theres always something random going on with such a great backdrop.
Amsterdam is a photographer’s playground. Especially if you love the architecture there.
I think Berlin should be here in this list.. Berlin is very beautiful City with lots of history..
Gomzy, Berlin is beautiful, true. It is a quirky beauty that is interesting to the eye when it mixes the old with the new, the odd and disused with the classic. It’s such a unique city and the street art is wonderful!
Out of all of these photos, I think the London photo was the best.
Jam @icoSnap recently posted..Millennium Seoul Hilton Hotel
Spain doesn’t make the cut!? Awwwwwwww. But yes to your selections above. Got to get over to Hungary!
Reg of The Spain Scoop recently posted..Photo Friday – Where In Spain Is This?
Aw, yes… Spain didn’t make the cut here, but it was so hard to choose because Europe has so many beautiful capital cities! This list should be longer to make justice to Europe’s beauty.
Where is Athens? Have seen Acropolis at night? Its absolutely stunning. Anyway great pictures! Thanks for sharing
Oh yes, I’ve seen the Acropolis at night. I have to agree it is a beautiful sight and a great contrast to the city’s skyline.
Lovely list! I would also add Madrid and Warsaw, which has a charming Old Town.
Miruna, Madrid is beautiful and I agree the Old Town in Warsaw is quite charming (outside of it, not so much… lol
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Amazing!
Alex recently posted..Smithsonian Magazine’s Photo Contest
Thanks, Alex.