How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 GoTravelDaily readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below:
- Sights/landmarks
- Culture
- Food
- Friendliness
- Shopping
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
Spain had a fantastic year on this list. Four Spanish cities were named the best in Europe by GoTravelDaily readers, trouncing Italy, Portugal, and Austria, each of which had two winners. From Seville (No. 6) to Madrid (No. 13), the Spanish cities mesmerized readers. We don’t often see so many precious-stone analogies among reader responses. One voter called San Sebastián a “jewel,” another called Seville a “gem.”
It’s telling that the two Italian destinations both landed in the top five, with No. 2 Florence and No. 3 Rome. Rome is set to have a wild year, with a deluge of hotel openings, including a new Six Senses, Bulgari, InterContinental, and Edition, among others. Both cities made the list last year, but Florence gave up its No. 1 spot to last year’s runner-up: Istanbul.
Read on to learn why Istanbul topped the podium this year and for more on the 15 best cities in Europe, according to GoTravelDaily readers.
The Full List
1. Istanbul, Turkey
Even as Turkey weathers a challenging year, GoTravelDaily readers still put Istanbul at the very top of the list. One reader said it’s a “beautiful city with so much to offer,” while another loved that it’s a city “that’s good for all budgets.” Among readers, favorite sites include the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet Square — where the Four Seasons claimed the title of Best Hotel in the World this year — and, of course, the Bosphorous, Turkey’s scenic strait bisecting Istanbul and connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
Reader Score: 90.23
Beautiful city with so much to offer.
— GoTravelDaily Reader
2. Florence, Italy
Ah, Firenze. “My favorite city in Italy, and maybe the world,” said one voter, who added that there’s really no wrong time to go. “World-class art, food, and culture in the heart of Tuscany.” Of course, the Uffizi Gallery is a must, and another reader added, “you can’t miss Galleria Accademia and seeing David.” They also called Florence a “perfect romantic destination!”
Reader Score: 89.48
3. Rome, Italy
Rome wasn’t going to let Florence get away with being the only Italian city in the top five. One reader said the city’s “history, culture, and food” are what make “life worth living.” Sightseeing recommendations from readers include the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Forum, Vatican City, Trastevere, and Villa Borghese.
Reader Score: 88.91
4. Lisbon, Portugal
“Lisbon is a hidden gem,” one GoTravelDaily reader said. “Beautiful city. Fantastic shopping. Delicious food. Very friendly people.” That about sums up our readers’ responses — they love the history, architecture, food, affordability, and the “beautiful beaches within a 30-minute drive.” Our readers specifically recommended riding the clean metro and city trams, and taking a “free walking tour of the Chiado area.”
Reader Score: 88.62
5. Porto, Portugal
Looking to knock off two World’s Best European cities in one go? One reader drove from Lisbon to Porto and said, “the road trip itself was a delight; stopping in all the little towns in between was an amazing experience.” That same reader said they were mesmerized by “the food, the port tours, and the views of the Douro River.”
Reader Score: 88.09
6. Seville, Spain
Our readers rave about Seville because it’s a relatively small city that’s exceptionally easy to get around. Many say you don’t need a car; one reader said “their trains and buses are great and reasonable.” The same person added “people are very nice, restaurants are to die for,” while another fan called Seville “the gem of Andalusia.”
Reader Score: 87.83
7. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital, once under Habsburg rule, is a consistent favorite among GoTravelDaily readers, ranking in the top 10 for the last two years.
Reader Score: 87.82
8. San Sebastián, Spain
Why let Seville have all the glory? This city on the Bay of Biscay, so close to the French border it’s within driving distance from Bordeaux (No. 14), entrances readers. As one says, “San Sebastián is one of my favorite cities in the world. It is beautiful with something for everyone; medieval city, beaches, the best restaurants in the world, culture, wine bars, sites, and nearby excursions. It’s wonderful.”
Reader Score: 87.79
9. Prague, Czech Republic
The breathtaking beauty of Prague (and its standout luxury accommodations) make it a favorite among GoTravelDaily readers. “The architecture was phenomenal,” one WBA voter said. “The food was yummy, the city was easy to navigate, the people were friendly, and the place was very clean and well-maintained. Can’t wait for a return visit.”
Reader Score: 87.79
10. Barcelona, Spain
GoTravelDaily readers love Barcelona for Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell and Sagrada Familia, the al fresco restaurants lining Las Ramblas, and, of course, as a jumping off point to other smaller — but no less idyllic — Spanish cities, including those in the nearby Spanish wine region of Penedés.
Reader Score: 87.66
11. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg ranked higher than Vienna (No. 15) this year. The fourth-largest city in Austria is a marriage of old and new; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but this year it will get a brand-new Rosewood hotel.
Reader Score: 87.53
12. Edinburgh, Scotland
Come for the history, stay for the idyllic Gleneagles Townhouse hotel, an It List winner this year. GoTravelDaily readers say there is always more to explore in Edinburgh, whether this is your second visit or your 22nd. “The highlight was probably the ‘Original Rosslyn Inn,’” one reader said. “A quaint bed-and-breakfast with a great restaurant; the staff were very helpful in guiding us around the small village and to the Rosslyn Chapel.”
Reader Score: 87.32
13. Madrid, Spain
The fourth Spanish city to make the list of best European cities, Madrid is the land of bocadillo de calamares, the Baroque arcades of Plaza Mayor, and dark El Greco paintings at the Prado Museum. It came in at No. 13, losing out to Edinburgh by just .04 points.
Reader Score: 87.28
14. Bordeaux, France
Last year, Strasbourg was the only French city among readers’ favorites in Europe. This year, the namesake hub of the Bordeaux wine region swooped in to nab the penultimate spot on the list. It is worth noting that one GoTravelDaily reader succinctly commented, “Wine!” — which about sums it up. Other readers touted the charming waterfront, “classic architecture,” and “beautiful main square.” But the best compliment of all? “Very French,” one reader raved. “English not spoken by many.” That’s how you know you picked the right city.
Reader Score: 86.96
15. Vienna, Austria
Named the world’s most liveable city this year by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Vienna is where Gothic architecture meets postmodern design. The city’s cup runneth over with charming bars serving Austrian natural wines, exceptional art museums (see: the new Albertina Modern), and a “great transportation system makes it easy to get around,” according to one GoTravelDaily reader.
Reader Score: 86.74
