Europe boasts some of the most stunning cities and architectural designs, and in this article, I reveal five of my favorites.
For the finest cityscape photography in Europe, descending into modern architecture is not advisable. There are intriguing buildings in that style, yet when it comes to contemporary and futuristic urban locations, Asia and the UAE excel.
Europe is celebrated for its vast and varied architectural history. Numerous structures on the continent have survived through ages, sometimes even millennia. As a result, you can observe classical, gothic, renaissance, and various other influences within European architecture. Hence, specific cities present exceptional photography prospects.
Prague
Prague is one of my preferred cities to capture through photography. My first trip was in 2000, prior to my engagement with photography. The transformation the city has undergone between that visit and my last in November 2024 is remarkable. It’s become significantly busier and decidedly more tourist-oriented. Nevertheless, it retains a sense of enchantment, especially during the early morning hours.
The Charles Bridge undoubtedly serves as the most renowned subject for photographs. Daytime sees an influx of visitors, but if you arrive in the morning, you’ll only have to share it with fellow photographers. With various vantage points available, there’s ample opportunity for everyone to capture the beauty.
The image above displays the view from the western bank of the Vltava River. On a chilly morning at the start of November, mist floated above the water. It took me five trips to Prague to finally witness these conditions.
However, numerous photographic opportunities exist even without fog. Prague is also known as the City of a Hundred Spires. Many of these towers can be ascended for stunning views of the city.
Venice
Italy might possess the greatest concentration of picturesque cities and structures. No matter where you wander, you will invariably find ornately designed facades and numerous Gothic and Renaissance edifices.
Yet, Venice distinguishes itself through its architectural adaptation to the lagoon setting in which it was established. The streets of Venice are devoid of vehicles. To navigate the city, one must either walk or use a water taxi.
Similar to Prague, Venice becomes extremely busy, particularly during the warmer months and during carnival season. If you meander through the streets before dawn, however, it tends to be peaceful. I spent a week in Venice in 2022 and managed to largely evade the crowds. You will consistently discover lesser-known paths or canals to photograph. If you take your time, you’ll unearth many hidden treasures beyond the popular spots. I highlight the key areas in my photography guide here.
Budapest
The capital of Hungary showcases an array of styles in its architecture, including Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. When I visited a few years back, it reminded me of Prague. Like Prague, Budapest is divided by a large river, the Danube, adorned with stunning bridges.
From the western bank, the city presents a breathtaking view. Castle Hill offers the finest photographic opportunities. You can capture the beautiful governmental structure on the eastern side of the river or focus on the numerous Gothic buildings surrounding the Fisherman’s Bastion.
As is customary, the ideal time to photograph Budapest—like any city—is in the morning. You will encounter significantly fewer crowds and can appreciate the architecture in tranquility.
Lisbon
I have visited Lisbon three times and have walked numerous streets in its center, particularly around Alfama and Bairro Alto. Along its narrow, winding paths, you’ll discover many fascinating photography locations. The Line 28 tram is particularly photogenic. You can trace its route through the inner city and capture it from various angles— best early in the morning or late in the evening when the crowds dissipate.
Lisbon stands out due to its coastal position. Nearby, you can find some of the most breathtaking seascapes in Europe. Locations such as Praia da Ursa and Praia da Adraga are merely a 30-minute drive away. Thus, combining cityscape and seascape photography during your visit is easily achievable. It’s certainly worthwhile.
London
I admire London’s architecture. It offers a splendid combination of historic and modern styles, along with numerous iconic buildings. However, in certain areas, photography can become challenging. London is among the few cities where you may frequently be asked to pack away your tripod or to shoot in other locations.
Take the photograph of Westminster Bridge above as an example. I was able to position my tripod on the left of the bridge, facing the Houses of Parliament without issue. However, I was denied the same opportunity on the bridge’s right side. The justification from security is often illogical, and attempting to argue can be futile. Fortunately, the balustrade along the River Thames provides sufficient stability for a camera in most cases, so a tripod is not always necessary.
Determining in advance where setting up a tripod is permissible can also be difficult. Hence, it’s advantageous to be swift. Avoid planning to occupy a site with your tripod and certainly do not obstruct any public pathway. At times, you may also observe markers on the pavement around buildings. These metal studs indicate property lines. Commonly found in front of structures, standing close to those buildings behind such markers might place you on privately owned territory—a poor choice for setting up a tripod.
Conclusion
The five cities mentioned in this article represent merely a small selection. I still have not explored many cities despite residing in central Europe. So, let’s inspire one another. Which are your beloved European cities? Share your thoughts in the comments.