Travel + Leisure Readers’ 15 Favorite Cities in Europe of 2024

Based on the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2024 (surveying readers in 2023 for travel experiences from late 2022-2023, published July 2024), here are the Top 15 Cities in Europe according to their readers:

1. San Sebastián, Spain: Reigning supreme for its stunning beaches, unparalleled pintxos (Basque tapas) scene, and sophisticated charm.
2. Florence, Italy: Consistently beloved for its Renaissance art, architecture, iconic Duomo, and Tuscan cuisine.
3. Istanbul, Türkiye: Captivating readers with its unique blend of East and West, historic wonders (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque), bustling bazaars, and vibrant energy.
4. Rome, Italy: The Eternal City’s timeless appeal – ancient ruins (Colosseum, Forum), Vatican City, vibrant piazzas, and irresistible pasta.
5. Porto, Portugal: Charmed readers with its colorful riverside Ribeira district, port wine lodges, dramatic bridges, and authentic atmosphere.
6. Seville, Spain: The heart of Andalusia impressed with its flamenco passion, stunning Alcázar palace, massive Gothic cathedral, and lively tapas bars.
7. Siena, Italy: The medieval hill town captivated with its iconic fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, stunning cathedral, and Tuscan authenticity.
8. Paris, France: The perennial favorite continued to enchant with its iconic landmarks, world-class art, café culture, and undeniable romance.
9. Salzburg, Austria: Mozart’s birthplace wowed with its baroque architecture, stunning Alpine backdrop, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and “Sound of Music” charm.
10. Madrid, Spain: The vibrant capital scored high for its world-renowned art museums (Prado, Reina Sofía), sprawling parks, bustling plazas, and lively nightlife.
11. Ghent, Belgium: A rising star, charming readers with its perfectly preserved medieval center, canals, Gravensteen castle, and less-touristy vibe compared to Bruges.
12. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Famous canals, world-class museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh), unique architecture, and cycling culture kept it high on the list.
13. Vienna, Austria: Imperial grandeur, stunning palaces (Schönbrunn), classical music heritage, and elegant coffeehouse culture resonated strongly.
14. Bruges, Belgium: The fairytale medieval city maintained its allure with picturesque canals, cobbled streets, chocolate shops, and historic belfry.
15. London, United Kingdom: The dynamic metropolis scored highly for its diversity, world-class museums and theater, historic landmarks, and global dining scene.

Key Takeaways from the 2024 List:

• San Sebastián’s Rise: Claiming the top spot highlights a strong preference for destinations offering exceptional culinary experiences and beautiful settings alongside culture.
• Spain & Italy Dominate: Together, these two countries hold 6 of the top 10 spots, showcasing their enduring appeal.
• Diversity of Experience: The list includes major capitals (Istanbul, Rome, Paris, London, Madrid, Vienna, Amsterdam), smaller cultural gems (Florence, Siena, Salzburg, Bruges, Ghent), coastal beauties (San Sebastián, Porto), and a unique transcontinental city (Istanbul).
• Focus on Charm & Culture: Historic centers, unique local experiences (pintxos, flamenco, port wine), art, and distinctive architecture were clearly major factors for T+L readers.
• Belgium’s Strong Showing: Both Ghent and Bruges made the list, with Ghent notably rising as a slightly less crowded alternative.

This list reflects the preferences of Travel + Leisure’s well-traveled readership for destinations offering a rich blend of history, culture, beauty, food, and authentic experiences.