The best cities in Europe: 2025 Readers' Choice Awards
Whatever those indefinable things are that make a city one of the best, the list below has them in spades. Some stand out for their extravagant architecture, while others are known for their vibrant underground nightlife. Some are simply attractive because of their cheery vibe, tasty food, or even value for money. There’s no single formula for a perfect city break, but there are a few urban destinations which seem to have grasped their own distinct craft.
For our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, we asked our readers to name the European places which kept them coming back for more. Scores reflect a calculated average based on your responses to various categories, representing overall levels of satisfaction across the board. Spain and Italy performed best this year, with a trio of high-ranking cities emerging from both, but you also voted for locations in all three Scandinavian nations to make the top 10. Ranking from least to most, these are the best cities in Europe, according to our readers.
These are the best cities in Europe, according to the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.
The best cities in Europe
20. Prague, Czech Republic. Score 86.94
Kicking off our shortlist, Prague is a splendid destination for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. The riverside capital is nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires” for its treasure trove of stunning architecture, so lose yourself in the fairytale atmosphere of medieval castles, astronomical clocks, and, of course, lots of pointy towers. Prague’s compact, often pedestrianised layout leaves no need for fussing with taxis, but a romantic boat cruise along its Vltava River is not to be missed. To top it all off, flights below £100 and affordable hospitality make Prague one of the most affordable European city breaks, too.
19. Budapest, Hungary. Score 87.01
Budapest has been a popular haunt with our readers for years. The city used to be divided by its beloved River Danube – Buda, on the western side, merged with its eastern counterpart, Pest, in the 19th century to form the wonderful Budapest we know today, but the distinctions still linger. Head to the Buda region for calmer neighbourhoods and frozen-in-time architecture, like the grand Buda Castle proudly poised atop a hill, before crossing the iconic Chain Bridge to reach sprightly Pest. Here you will find stylish shopping lanes, Michelin-starred restaurants, and quirky ruin bars, which give a thrillingly creative rebirth to abandoned buildings. No trip to Budapest is complete without a soothing thermal baths experience, either, with mineral-rich waters in ornate bathhouses spilling out from both sides of the riverbank.
18. Venice, Italy. Score 87.06
There’s no place on Earth quite like Venice. A bewitching floating city in a windswept lagoon, where gondola-studded canals wind between Gothic townhouses and imposing bell towers. It’s no wonder that visitors flock here in the millions. While the social and environmental consequences of Venice’s popularity are a significant concern, we can all contribute to preserving this magical city for future generations through responsible tourism. In fact, some of Venice’s further-flung islands are some of the loveliest – and attract notably fewer crowds. Take a waterbus to Murano island, for instance, and discover a kaleidoscopic cluster of rainbow-hued homes and gifted lace-making artisans.
17. Porto, Portugal. Score 87.56
A newcomer to our list, Porto is often overshadowed by its energetic sister, Lisbon, but the relaxed mood and old-world charm here is incomparable. Also commonly known as Oporto, the Portuguese city packs plenty onto the shores of the Douro River, from fine dining restaurants to gold-encrusted chapels. Colourful bursts of street art and traditional azulejo tiles swirl across its UNESCO-listed historic centre, while a sweeping stretch of sandy beaches is just a short tram journey away. The cherry on top? Ever-flowing bottles of syrupy Port wine, grown in stripy vineyard valleys further along the Douro.
16. Reykjavik, Iceland. Score 87.62
You rarely book a city break to reconnect with nature, but in Reykjavik, the exhilarating environment takes centre stage. A superb base for reaching Iceland’s Golden Circle, there’s a world of rugged national parks, dynamic geysers, and gushing waterfalls on your doorstep here. Nature even rules near the downtown, as renowned geothermal spas exploit the city’s abundance of natural hot springs for a unique ritual of open-air wellness, overlooking frothy ocean waters. If you’re fortunate, you might even spot the Northern Lights, dancing in the sky above, from the comfort of your Reykjavik hotel balcony.
15. Marseille, France. Score 88.15
The South of France has more than enough gorgeous cities to choose from, but this year, you’ve selected Marseille as your favourite. This underrated destination has a different style to its glitzier neighbours, but, as France’s oldest city, Marseille has had a fair few years to cultivate its own distinct appeal. Blending the irresistible allure of a fishing village with that of a thriving metropolis, the heart of the city lies in its two ports. The first is an ancient natural harbour filled with fresh seafood markets, while the second is a busy commercial centre famed for being France’s largest. Look up at either port and you’ll spot Notre-Dame de la Garde, the glorious hilltop basilica which looms above Marseille.
14. Paris, France. Score 89.02
The City of Love, The City of Light, The City of Art – Paris has no shortage of nicknames. And while we don’t have to convince you of its glamorous appeal, this year saw numerous remarkable developments across the city, which only make it more desirable. Top of the list is the opening of the Seine, the UNESCO-listed river which snakes through Paris’ centre. After a lengthy clean-up campaign, July 2025 finally saw residents cooling off at its three swimming zones and urban beaches. Another long-awaited reopening took place in June at the Grand Palais, following a four-year restoration project that transformed the spectacular glass-domed museum complex. And although the Notre-Dame technically reopened in December 2024, this year saw the emblematic Gothic cathedral back in full swing, with a new ticketing system improving the visitor experience.
13. Rome, Italy. Score 89.21
All eyes were on Rome this April as an estimated 400,000 people journeyed to the Vatican City to mourn the death of Pope Francis. Then followed another surge of visitors for the conclave, where the world watched in hushed anticipation for the symbolic white smoke to announce Pope Leo XVII as the newly elected leader of the Catholic church. Rome experienced both profound grief and joy this year and, while it was already a consistent favourite on our round-up of best European cities, there’s never been a better time to express our heartfelt admiration for the Italian capital than now.
12. Athens, Greece. Score 89.63
Thousands of years have passed and yet the many wonders of Athens remain unspoilt. The Acropolis is the obvious showstopper, and we never tire of gawking at its imposing pillared temple, but there are plenty more ancient gems to discover across the city. The Panathenaic Stadium is a sure spectacle for the eyes, constructed entirely out of marble, while the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus was once the largest in all of Ancient Greece. If history isn’t your scene, there’s also a fresher buzz sweeping over the city. Restorative wellness retreats, smart hotels, and fine dining restaurants with Greek tradition at their core are endlessly popping up here. And while beaches don’t always spring to mind during dreamy visions of Athens, the numerous sandy stretches and trendy beach bars along the Riviera prove this really is a city of many talents.
11. Florence, Italy. Score 91.39
After placing 19th in 2024, Florence climbs up the ranks to solidify itself as a worthy member of our best European cities shortlist. Once the beating heart of Europe’s monumental Renaissance, this glittering city in the heart of Tuscany has its fair share of artistic masterpieces, with the likes of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Botticelli all housed within its awe-inspiring galleries. However, you needn't head inside a museum to experience world-class creativity, as Florence’s architectural landscape itself feels like a magnificent oil painting. Vast terracotta domes and bell towers pepper the city skyline, which only becomes more romantic as the glowing sun creeps towards the horizon.
10. Palma, Spain. Score 91.67
Palma is one of the only island cities on our list, and the slow-paced, nature-loving lifestyle as a result is what makes it so special. Slotted in the gap where mountain meets sea, the Mallorcan capital is a hub for all things outdoors, from prestigious sailing competitions to breathtaking hikes. Urban beaches often get a bad reputation, but Palma’s gleaming white sands and translucent coral-speckled waters transport you to the Caribbean. While Spain has no shortage of magnificent Gothic cathedrals, it’s rare to see one towering on the waterfront like Palma’s La Seu. Plus, the city centre itself is just as attractive, with cosmopolitan restaurants, secret medieval courtyards, and a sprightly nightlife scene.
9. San Sebastian, Spain. Score 91.94
A paradise for foodies, San Sebastian is our top pick for travellers hoping to taste their way through their holiday. The city’s culinary quest kicked off in the 1930s with the emergence of pintxos bars, offering palate-cleansing, bite-sized delights delicately arranged on wooden skewers. Next came the birth of the burnt Basque cheesecake in 1998, when a humble self-taught chef experimenting with new recipes stumbled upon the crunchy caramelised top and gooey molten centre we know and love today. The turn of the twentieth century saw an impressive influx of Michelin-starred restaurants arrive, and San Sebastian now holds the most Michelin stars per capita of all cities worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned food critic or just looking for a quick snack, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never go hungry in San Sebastian.
8. Stockholm, Sweden. Score 92.06
Spread across 14 green islands, Stockholm has one of the most unique urban landscapes on our list. A complex network of 57 bridges unites the archipelago, but to see Stockholm in all its glory, we recommend taking to the water. Choose from the myriad of kayaks, paddleboards, and boats for every occasion, while thrillseekers can even brave the icy lake at tiny beaches dotted across the islands. Existing in such close quarters with nature, it seems logical that Stockholm is also one of the most sustainable cities in the world, too, and visiting one of many innovative eco-hotels here is a must.
7. Lisbon, Portugal. Score 92.22
Flying into the top 10, Lisbon has improved tremendously both in position and score since 2024, when it ranked 18th with 86.34 points. Perhaps this is down to its shiny new MACAM, a pioneering museum-hotel hybrid fusing the two things Lisbon excels in: art and hospitality. On the topic of hotels, the eagerly anticipated return of a Portuguese favourite is also planned for this year. Following the epic success of its Duomo Valley resort, Six Senses has announced two former 17th-century palaces as the site for its lavish Lisbon outpost, with a 2025 opening date expected soon. Whatever captured the attention of our readers this year, this hilly spot of pastel yellow trams and passionate fado bands guarantees a charming city break, and all for budget-friendly prices.
6. Munich, Germany. Score 92.89
Last year, Berlin was a frontrunner in the fight for the best European city, but for 2025, it seems our readers have turned their focus elsewhere. Munich is having a moment, and it’s not just the beer which is drawing millions. We’ve all heard raucous tales of Oktoberfest, the fortnight-long Bavarian folk festival and, most famously, stein-drinking bash. Yet, visit outside of Autumn and the city couldn't feel more different. A blissful calm wraps around the city, as locals and visitors alike enjoy sprawling gardens like the Englischer Garten, and historic museums like Alte Pinakothek. Don’t miss the artificial waves on the Eisbach River either, for the rare opportunity to surf in a city.
=4. Madrid, Spain. Score 93.33
To round off a trio of Spanish winners, can anywhere truly beat the glamour of the capital? Madrid is home to world-leading football teams, flamenco dancing, and the beloved royal family, so for quintessential Spanish culture at its finest, there’s no better place to go. Days here are spent roaming between a handful of elite galleries, known as the Golden Triangle of Art, before a well-deserved pit stop in a cosy tapas bar. You can even unearth the world’s oldest restaurant here, Sobrino de Botín, but don’t be fooled by its unassuming facade. Concealed behind wooden doors, find four elegant floors of vaulted dining rooms, preserving the tavern-like atmosphere of its 300-year-old past.
=4. Copenhagen, Denmark. Score 93.33
Colourful harbours, enchanting palaces, and whimsical amusement parks – Copenhagen is lifted straight from a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. It's not just a pretty sight, as the Danish capital was also named the world’s most liveable city for 2025, too. Incredible cycling infrastructure means almost half of the population cycles to work or school, while sustainability is another cornerstone of the Copenhagen way of life. From green rooftops and organic restaurants, to solar-powered boats and litter-picking kayaks, the united eco-effort is noticeable in every direction, and such a considerate, clean environment is as beneficial to the people as it is to the planet.
3. Vienna, Austria. Score 93.75
For the second year in a row, you've awarded the Austrian capital bronze in our list of the best cities in Europe. However, this exemplary performance is hardly surprising. The city radiates a gorgeous allure which is both powerfully hypnotic and impossible to pinpoint, with countless visitors trekking from far and wide to find out what all the fuss is about. Is it the timeless architecture looming above cobbled alleys, the sweet orchestral hum that echoes in every corner, the strong coffee bean fumes which drift out of snug cafes? Vienna truly lets the senses run wild, until you, too, are entangled in its graceful bubble of joy.
2. Oslo, Norway. Score 94.36
Introducing your runner-up – Oslo, which launches into our list with an almost perfect debut. This city is one of two halves. On the one hand, there’s a world of fast-growing technology, experimental design, and otherworldly architecture which feels better suited in a Sci-Fi film. On the other hand, it's a city enveloped by dense forests and shimmering fjord waters. These landscapes may be contrasting, but they are seamlessly intertwined, so expect a varied city break itinerary like no other. Begin with a refreshing lake dip, followed by a much-needed Scandi sauna, before strolling past sculpture parks and futuristic opera houses. Whether natural, man-made, or a lovely mix of both, Oslo’s curiosities evoke profound astonishment and boundless inspiration.
1. Valletta, Malta. Score 97.33
As voted by our readers, Valletta comes out on top as the best city in Europe for 2025. Small but undoubtedly mighty, this tiny jewel in the Mediterranean shines bright through its open-air museum of Baroque architecture, all of which is enclosed by a cluster of golden fortresses. Narrow undulating lanes extend across the centre, with turquoise sea peeking through at either side, and eagle-eyed viewers may recognise these remarkable terrains in scenes from Gladiator or Game of Thrones. Spend some time in Valletta during the balmy dusk hour, and we’re certain you’ll fall head over heels for its captivating glow.