Discover the Best European Cities for Your Next Vacation

Our readers’ love affair with Italian cities continues this year, with Florence taking top honors as the best in Europe yet again. Rome and Siena also ranked highly, reflecting the fact that Italy, for many, ticks all the boxes for what you want out of a vacation. As one reader put it so brilliantly when describing Rome, “the cradle of civilization lives cheek by jowl with modern life.” Additionally, another reader shared, “Called the Eternal City for good reason. It has everything — history, culture, religion, and food.”

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated cities based on their sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.

Portugal continues to enjoy a major moment. Porto — which placed at No. 9 on last year’s list — jumped up to No. 4 for 2018, while Lisbon moved from No. 10 to No. 8. Both cities have been boosted by an increase in direct flights from the continental U.S., as well as an upswing in exposure on social media. Furthermore, many of our readers mentioned how much they loved the local wines and that their dollar went far there. Spain, too, is experiencing a banner year. Seville (No. 5), Barcelona (6), San Sebastián (10), and Madrid (11) all made appearances on the list, thanks no doubt to the country’s connectivity, affordability, and thriving culinary scene, which ranges from Michelin-star icons to more humble boquerias. “Oh, how I loved Madrid,” said one fan. “It feels like a city that lives large in every way,” added another. “Walking the streets makes you feel like you are in another era when kings and queens ruled.”

Paris is back on the list at No. 12. It’s hard to imagine the French capital was ever off anyone’s list. Our readers wrote in comments praising the landmarks, the food, and, yes, the people. “We went hearing that Americans were not well liked or treated,” said one respondent. “We found just the opposite — Parisians were friendly and helpful most everywhere.”

The Top European Cities

15. Budapest

Score: 84.54

14. Prague

Score: 84.86

13. Edinburgh

Score: 85.16

12. Paris

Score: 85.19

11. Madrid

Score: 85.29

10. San Sebastián, Spain

Score: 85.75

9. Siena, Italy

Score: 85.81

8. Lisbon

Score: 86.13

7. Kraków, Poland

Score: 86.30

6. Barcelona

Score: 86.31

5. Seville, Spain

Score: 86.36

4. Porto, Portugal

Score: 86.42

3. Istanbul

Score: 87.09

2. Rome

Score: 87.16

1. Florence

Score: 88.29

“Just go,” said one reader of this Tuscan gem, a center for Renaissance history. “The greatest art in the world in one place.” Indeed, many wrote in to say that iconic sights like the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Galleria dell’Accademia were all must-sees. Moreover, the food experience is exceptional: “Endless bread, thin-crust pizza, and the thickest Florentine steak you can imagine,” chimed in one fan. If you are planning a trip, consider checking out the top hotels in the city.