I love traveling to cities with a lot of history, where rich pasts pair with cute, charming old towns. During my travels, I love old buildings, cobblestone streets, and cafés with character. I like the modern cities too, but not much can beat strolling the colorful streets of Lisbon or eating pierogi at the main square in Kraków with the sounds of trumpet call from the clock tower. Therefore, I’ve prepared a list of my favorite charming old cities around the world.
10 charming old cities from around the world
1. Cartagena
With sunshine, fruit stands, music, and history, Cartagena de Indias is a Caribbean gem that you shouldn’t miss. The intact colonial architecture, sweet smell in the air, and white sand beaches are only a few reasons why Cartagena de Indias is one of the most charming cities.
2. Cusco
Cusco is a former capital of the Inca empire, and the Spaniards left behind some incredible buildings. Cusco is often underrated, as it’s treated as a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu. However, this lively, colorful city deserves a longer visit. The excellent food, history, and surrounding landscapes make Cusco one of the most beautiful travel destinations.
3. Colonia de Sacramento
A little town in Uruguay, just across Rio de la Plata, is usually a one-day stop for those visiting Buenos Aires. Cobblestone streets, old cars, and the riverbank create a beautiful atmosphere in this special Uruguayan town. There isn’t much to do in Colonia de Sacramento. The town simply invites everyone simply to be, and that’s where the beauty lies.
4. Lisbon
I went to Lisbon a few years ago, and I’ve dreamed of returning since that day. I remember thinking, “after Lisbon, other cities will have to try hard to impress me”. Wall and floor tiles with many shades of blue and meticulously painted designs are the symbols of Lisbon, together with century-old wooden trams. Those details create a unique charm that you can’t miss.
Book Fatima, Nazare and Obidos tour from Lisbon (this one has so many good reviews)
5. Kraków
A beautiful castle and a big square with a tower and a dragon legend attract many people to visit Kraków, a former capital of Poland. This city also boasts lovely architecture and many hidden, old-fashioned restaurants where you can eat the best pierogi and bigos in town. Every hour, the trumpet sounds announce the time, and you can hear the horse-drawn carriages in the distance. Kraków just would not be the same without them.
Visit Wieliczka alt mines (with salt chandeliers and more).
6. Tallin
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a charming blend of medieval history and modern innovation. Its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and historic buildings that transport visitors back in time. Notable landmarks include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle, and the vibrant Town Hall Square. Beyond its historic core, Tallinn is known for its thriving tech scene, making it one of Europe’s most digitally advanced cities. This unique combination of past and present, along with its picturesque setting on the Baltic Sea, makes Tallinn a captivating destination. Outside of Tallin you can visit beautiful cliffs.
7. Prague
Prague is a real gem among European cities. It’s a place where Bohemian meets modern, where elegant fashion shops and Baroque architecture both line the streets. The two worlds fit together perfectly. A green river divides the city, and many bridges join it. Prague has a feeling of separation that strengthens the sense togetherness and brings a wave of fresh air.
See also: How to spend 4 days in Prague.
8. Marrakech
Walking into medina of Marrakesh is like a feast for senses. The fragrant air penetrates your nostrils, the fast-moving merchants invite you to enter their shops, the music and snake charmers give a strong sense of uniqueness of Marrakech. I visited this beautiful city two times, and I think it’s one of the most romantic cities in the world.
See also: Top tips to make your Marrakech experience better
9. Madrid
Madrid’s old city isn’t only regal architecture, famous painters, or poets and their stories. You can’t experience Madrid without its restaurants. Food, coffee, and charming old restaurants are what makes Madrid special.
See also: 5 best places to eat chocolate con churros in Madrid
10. Granada
This town in Andalusia is known for the beautiful Alhambra. During my two extensive visits to Granada, I used to climb the chaotic cobblestone streets of El Albayzín, the neighborhood from the Moorish era. From there, the sunsets were even more beautiful and the buildings of Alhambra even more magnificent. I usually spent the evenings in one of the town squares, where I soaked up the street artists’ music while enjoying tinto de verano and tasty tapas. This is a one-of-a-kind town that I’ll never forget.
Book skip the line ticket to Alhambra with a guide
Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips
- Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
- Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
- Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
- World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
- Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
- Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
- Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
- Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
- Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
Traveling is a beautiful experience, especially if we can discover so many incredible corners of the world. I love nature and landscapes, but I also like spending time in cities, sipping coffee in an old café, observing the locals, and learning the history. These are only a few charming cities that I love. I can’t decide which is my favorite, as each one is special in its own way. Which city from the list have you been to? Or maybe one of them is your dream destination?
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Some great destinations to help plan a trip, thanks!
I’m definitely charmed! Love your photos.
I have to catch up with these !
This is great post. Loved the photos. Need to visit these places asaaaap
Would love to visit Prague, and heading to Marrakech in November!