Best gothic cathedrals to see in Europe

I am planning a three-week backpacking trip across Europe this autumn, and my main focus is medieval architecture, specifically Gothic cathedrals. I already have Notre-Dame in Paris and Cologne Cathedral on my itinerary, but I want to know which other ones are absolute must-sees that truly take your breath away. Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known masterpieces outside the usual tourist hotspots that you would recommend visiting?

You definitely need to add Chartres Cathedral to your list. It's just a short train ride from Paris and has the most incredible original stained glass windows in the world.

Don't skip the Burgos Cathedral in northern Spain! It is an absolute masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture, and if you are weighing destinations, you might want to check out this guide on Spain or Italy to plan your route.

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is breathtaking, especially if you go up to the roof among all the spires and flying buttresses.

If you want a hidden gem, check out St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. It's tucked inside the castle complex and feels straight out of a dark fantasy novel.

Reims Cathedral is even better than Notre-Dame in Paris, in my opinion. Way fewer crowds and the history of the French kings being crowned there is fascinating.

Since you are backpacking, budgeting is key. You should read up on how much a trip costs to make sure your cathedral-hopping funds last all three weeks.

The Strasbourg Cathedral has this gorgeous reddish sandstone and an astronomical clock that is still working. Absolutely stunning.

Salisbury Cathedral in the UK has the tallest spire in the country and holds one of the original copies of the Magna Carta. Well worth a detour.

Have you considered Seville Cathedral? It's the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and incorporates elements of the earlier Moorish mosque.

When you are visiting these massive cathedrals, you'll be doing a ton of walking. It helps to pick most walkable cities as your base camps.

Amiens Cathedral is the tallest complete Gothic cathedral in France and its interior volume is just mind-blowing.

The Basilica of Saint Denis just north of Paris is technically the birthplace of Gothic architecture. It's a bit lesser known by casual tourists but a must for architecture nerds.

You have to see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. The dome by Brunelleschi is legendary, though it leans slightly toward Renaissance, the overall Gothic structure is stunning.

The York Minster in England has some of the most expansive medieval stained glass anywhere in Europe. Truly a breathtaking sight.