Athens, the capital of ancient and contemporary Greece, has the 5th-century BC Acropolis and other attractions.
London offers some of the world's top free museums, and three are in South Kensington.
Born in the mid-19th century, the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí is responsible for much of how modern Barcelona looks.
It’s the Italian capital, home to the Vatican City, and central to the development of the old Roman Empire.
Plovdiv in Bulgaria is a relative newcomer to lists covering Europe’s most cultural cities, but it offers abundant charm and history.
Basel is Switzerland’s third-biggest city and is a cosmopolitan place with a multicultural population.
Paris is romantic, but it can also overwhelm tourists with culture. The Louvre, the city's most renowned gallery, has more than the Mona Lisa.
Vienna is stunning, perfect for culture vultures. Rarely better for classical music performances and opulent mansions.