October 27, 2025, 5:17 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Sometimes all it takes is a short city trip to recharge your batteries. But which city is particularly worth visiting? Readers of “Condé Nast Traveller” have voted again and crowned the best city in Europe. Find out which city it is and who else made it into the top 20 of the 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards here.
While a classic beach vacation is mostly about relaxation, city trips are significantly more exciting. You explore a usually completely new environment, wander through the streets, or try to see as many sights as possible. Each city has its own unique charm. Depending on what you personally value most, a place can either captivate or not. In the top 20 best cities in Europe by the travel magazine “Condé Nast Traveller,” readers have positively rated a variety of aspects. Some cities captivate with their unique architecture, others with their vibrant nightlife. Still, others stand out for their good value for money or delicious food. TRAVELBOOK reveals which city was crowned the best in all of Europe.
1st Place: Valletta, Malta
The best city in Europe is Valletta, the capital of the small island nation of Malta in the Mediterranean. Narrow streets, baroque architecture, and the ever-present view of the turquoise sea have won over visitors. What makes Valletta special is its architecture: The buildings are adorned with lavish decorations, balconies, ornaments, and gilded embellishments. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring numerous historic cafés, shops, magnificent churches, and many attractions.
2nd Place: Oslo, Norway
Oslo takes second place among the best cities in Europe. Norway’s capital impresses with its blend of modern architecture and natural surroundings. Oslo is surrounded by forests, mountains, and fjord waters. “Condé Nast Traveller” recommends embracing both during a city trip: first, a visit to a Scandinavian sauna, followed by a walk through sculpture parks and futuristic opera houses.
3rd Place: Vienna, Austria
Vienna secures the third place in the ranking of the best city in Europe for the second consecutive year. The reasoning states that the city exudes a captivating allure. Visitors love the timeless architecture, the small streets, and the aroma of coffee wafting from the numerous cafés.
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German City in the Top 10
At least one German city also makes it into the ranking–and even lands in the top 10. Munich takes the sixth place. The magazine notes that while many have heard the wild stories of Oktoberfest, the city has much more to offer. It is surrounded by a serene calm, and both visitors and locals enjoy the English Garden and historic museums. The Eisbach also receives special mention for offering a rare opportunity to surf in a city.
The Top 20 Best Cities in Europe:
- Valletta, Malta
- Oslo, Norway
- Vienna, Austria
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Madrid, Spain
- Munich, Germany
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Stockholm, Sweden
- San Sebastián, Spain
- Palma, Spain
- Florence, Italy
- Athens, Greece
- Rome, Italy
- Paris, France
- Marseille, France
- Reykjavík, Iceland
- Porto, Portugal
- Venice, Italy
- Budapest, Hungary
- Prague, Czech Republic