Europe is home to centuries-old towns that seem plucked straight from the pages of a storybook. With cobbled streets, colorful facades, towering castles, and whimsical charm, these magical destinations offer an enchanting escape from the modern world. Whether nestled in forested valleys, perched on seaside cliffs, or cradled by snow-capped peaks, each town on this list feels like a fairytale come to life.
Here are 15 of the most beautiful old towns in Europe—and why you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a dream when you visit.
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Why it’s like a fairytale:
This medieval walled town in Bavaria looks almost exactly as it did 500 years ago. Its half-timbered houses, watchtowers, and flower-draped windows bring Grimm Brothers’ stories to mind.
Top things to do:
- Walk the Town Walls for panoramic views.
- Explore the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum.
- Visit during winter for one of Germany’s most magical Christmas markets.
2. Colmar, France
Why it’s like a fairytale:
Often described as the real-life inspiration for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Colmar’s pastel-colored houses, winding canals, and floral displays are pure enchantment.
Top things to do:
- Take a boat ride through Little Venice.
- Explore the Unterlinden Museum.
- Stroll the Rue des Marchands, lined with Renaissance buildings.
3. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Why it’s like a fairytale:
Set in a bend of the Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov is a Baroque masterpiece crowned with a towering castle and ringed by rolling hills.
Top things to do:
- Tour the hilltop Český Krumlov Castle and its gardens.
- Enjoy a river rafting trip through town.
- Catch a performance at the Revolving Theatre in the castle park.
4. Hallstatt, Austria
Why it’s like a fairytale:
This serene lakeside village is nestled between a glittering lake and alpine mountains. Hallstatt’s setting is so dreamy that it inspired an entire replica town in China.
Top things to do:
- Ride the funicular to the Hallstatt Skywalk.
- Tour the eerie-yet-fascinating Bone House (Beinhaus).
- Explore the nearby Dachstein Ice Caves.
5. Sintra, Portugal
Why it’s like a fairytale:
Sintra’s misty hills are dotted with castles, palaces, and romantic gardens, including the technicolor Pena Palace that looks straight out of a fantasy film.
Top things to do:
- Visit the fairytale-like Pena Palace and its exotic park.
- Descend the Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira.
- Stroll the cobbled old town and try a local travesseiro pastry.
6. Gruyères, Switzerland
Why it’s like a fairytale:
This storybook hilltop village offers dramatic mountain views, an intact medieval castle, and quaint streets that make you feel like you’re in a Swiss folktale.
Top things to do:
- Tour Château de Gruyères.
- Visit the quirky HR Giger Museum (of Alien fame).
- Sample traditional fondue and Gruyère cheese at a local chalet.
7. Bruges, Belgium
Why it’s like a fairytale:
Often called the “Venice of the North,” Bruges enchants visitors with its canals, gothic spires, and cobblestone streets. It’s especially magical at dusk.
Top things to do:
- Cruise the canals at sunset.
- Climb the Belfry of Bruges for sweeping city views.
- Explore the Markt Square and try Belgian waffles.
8. Bled, Slovenia
Why it’s like a fairytale:
Bled’s iconic church on an island in the middle of a turquoise lake—with a castle perched high on a cliff—makes this town look like a fantasy painting.
Top things to do:
- Row to Bled Island and ring the wishing bell.
- Hike up to Bled Castle for panoramic views.
- Sample the famous Bled cream cake (kremšnita).
9. Eguisheim, France
Why it’s like a fairytale:
This tiny Alsatian village is circular in shape, surrounded by vineyards, and filled with timber-framed homes dripping with geraniums. It’s pure French countryside magic.
Top things to do:
- Walk the concentric streets that spiral out from the center.
- Taste Alsace wines at a local family-run winery.
- Visit nearby castles like Château du Hohlandsbourg.
10. Tallinn, Estonia
Why it’s like a fairytale:
Tallinn’s old town is a walled wonderland of red-tiled rooftops, church spires, and cobbled alleys that feel frozen in time.
Top things to do:
- Walk the medieval city walls.
- Explore Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
- Warm up with Estonian pastries at a cozy café.
11. Giethoorn, Netherlands
Why it’s like a fairytale:
This car-free village is all thatched-roof houses and peaceful canals. Locals use whisper boats instead of cars, making it feel like a floating village from a fantasy film.
Top things to do:
- Rent a silent electric boat and drift through the canals.
- Visit the Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus for village history.
- Dine along the water’s edge as ducks paddle past.
12. Eze, France
Why it’s like a fairytale:
This clifftop village on the French Riviera boasts dramatic sea views, narrow stone alleys, and a dreamy exotic garden perched above the Mediterranean.
Top things to do:
- Visit the Jardin Exotique with panoramic views.
- Explore the medieval ruins of the Château d’Èze.
- Stop for lunch at a café with Côte d’Azur views.
13. Bibury, England
Why it’s like a fairytale:
Tucked into the Cotswolds, Bibury is home to Arlington Row—one of the most photographed streets in England—lined with ancient stone cottages and lush greenery.
Top things to do:
- Stroll along Arlington Row and the River Coln.
- Visit the 12th-century St. Mary’s Church.
- Explore the peaceful Bibury Trout Farm.
14. Albarracín, Spain
Why it’s like a fairytale:
This dusty-pink mountain town in Aragón seems lost in time. Surrounded by medieval walls and dramatic landscapes, it’s a hidden gem of old-world charm.
Top things to do:
- Climb the defensive walls for sweeping views.
- Wander the maze-like alleys lined with terracotta houses.
- Discover the unique Diocesan Museum inside the cathedral.
15. Manarola, Italy
Why it’s like a fairytale:
One of the five Cinque Terre villages, Manarola spills dramatically down a cliff into the sea. Its pastel homes, steep terraces, and old-world charm are irresistible.
Top things to do:
- Hike the Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) trail.
- Enjoy fresh seafood at a cliffside trattoria.
- Watch the sunset from the harbor rocks.
16. Sighișoara, Romania
Why it’s like a fairytale:
A perfectly preserved Saxon citadel with candy-colored houses, clock towers, and cobbled lanes — it feels lifted from a medieval tale.
Top things to do:
- Climb the Covered Stairway to the hilltop Church on the Hill.
- Watch the mechanical figures on the 17th-century Clock Tower.
- Wander the UNESCO-listed citadel walls and pastel squares.
17. Mdina, Malta
Why it’s like a fairytale:
“The Silent City” glows honey-gold at sunset, with narrow lanes, ornate doorways, and baroque palazzi behind thick medieval walls.
Top things to do:
- Enter through the dramatic Mdina Gate and stroll the bastions at dusk.
- Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Cathedral Museum.
- Get lost in quiet backstreets for cinematic photo ops.
18. Kotor, Montenegro
Why it’s like a fairytale:
A walled Venetian old town set on a fjord-like bay, framed by mountains and crowned by a fortress that zigzags into the clouds.
Top things to do:
- Hike the 1,300+ fortress steps to St. John’s Castle for bay views.
- Explore the maze of stone lanes and tiny squares.
- Slip out to Perast and its island churches by boat.
19. Trogir, Croatia
Why it’s like a fairytale:
A tiny island old town of Romanesque and Renaissance gems, latticed with lanes and encircled by the sea and a palm-lined promenade.
Top things to do:
- Climb the Cathedral of St. Lawrence bell tower.
- Walk the Kamerlengo Fortress walls at sunset.
- Meander the marble alleys and waterfront cafés.
20. Monschau, Germany
Why it’s like a fairytale:
Half-timbered houses tumble down a riverside valley in the Eifel hills, with wooden shutters, flower boxes, and cozy bridges.
Top things to do:
- Wander the Rotes Haus (Red House) museum.
- Photograph the winding Rur riverfront from the hill paths.
- Warm up with coffee and Kuchen in a timbered café.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.