Do you trust recommendations from other travelers? Well, here is something for you whenever you want inspiration for your next city break in Europe. Conde Nast readers have voted for the best city destinations in 2024, and the winner is Valencia on the Mediterranean coast in Spain, followed by Stockholm and Vienna.
Each traveler may understand the factors that make a city the best destination in a different manner, but in this case, the voted cities have at least a world-class food scene, plenty of smart hotels, friendly locals and intriguing history.
Here is the top 20 of the best destinations for a city break in Europe in 2024 as voted by travelers:
- Valencia, Spain
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Vienna, Austria
- Berlin, Germany
- Milan, Italy
- Budapest, Hungary
- Madrid, Spain
- Paris, France
- Palma, Spain
- Sevilla, Spain
- Rome, Italy
- Naples, Italy
- Barcelona, Spain
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Athens, Greece
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Venice, Italy
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Florence, Italy
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Spain and Italy are the most popular countries in this ranking with five destinations each in the top 20. Perhaps it will take a few years before our new favorite city in East Europe, the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, makes it to the top 20, so now could be the perfect time to visit there before the crowds find it.
Travelers voted also for the friendliest city in Europe. Let’s cross check the results if the names of friendliest and the best cities point to the same direction. I would expect they do, because it is very difficult to like a destination if local people are not welcoming and helpful to visitors.
Top 10 the friendliest cities in Europe:
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Budapest, Hungary
- Valencia, Spain
- Vienna, Austria
- Berlin, Germany
- Palma, Spain
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Milan, Italy
- Naples, Italy
The same cities are listed in top 10 of the friendliest cities in Europe as in the ranking for the best cities, so in that sense the results match.
More information and tips for planning a trip to Valencia:
First trip to Valencia, Spain? Take a quick tour in these key districts first
Fallas fiesta in Valencia, Spain
The most exciting walking and cycling tours in Valencia City, Spain
