There are always many reasons to plan a city break in Europe, and European Best Destinations has identified the destinations to put on the calendar for 2027, publishing the ranking of the ten best European cities.
The selection rewards destinations capable of offering a mix of culture, gastronomy, local traditions and opportunities to experience the city without rushing. The ranking stems from a 33-day voting process in which 11,614 people participated, asked to choose among 64 European destinations (20 capitals and 44 other cities selected by independent travel journalists).
Sofia Takes the Top Spot
It is Sofia that stands out as the destination to earmark for a weekend that blends monuments, museums, gastronomy and nature. The Bulgarian capital climbs to the top of the rankings thanks to its ability to fuse traces of ancient history with a vibrant contemporary cultural scene and the proximity of the mountains.
The best way to begin the visit is to explore the city center on foot, starting from the remains of the ancient Serdica Roman settlement and continuing toward the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. A stop at the National Gallery Kvadrat 500 and the Regional History Museum is also well worth it.
Between one visit and another, you can slow the pace with a stroll through a local market, a pause in a café or a dinner dedicated to the flavors of the region.
Sofia also offers a rich calendar of cultural events. For those wishing to explore a more ancient heritage, Boyana Church, a UNESCO site on the outskirts of the city, houses precious medieval frescoes dating from 1259.
Completing the experience is Mount Vitosha, ideal for those who want to pair the urban stay with a nature excursion.
Milan and Verona, the Two Italian Cities in the Top 10
Italy earns two spots in the 2027 European ranking with Milan and Verona, two destinations that interpret the short getaway in distinct ways.
In eighth place is Milan, ideal for those who want to spend a few days among art, style and good food. The Brera district is perfect for strolling between galleries, distinctive streets and venues. In the evening, the Navigli invite you to linger along the canals for an aperitif or a dinner. Between shopping, museums and restaurants, the Lombard capital makes for a fitting choice for a weekend with friends or a romantic getaway to celebrate a special occasion.
In tenth place sits Verona, a city with a romantic soul, perfect for those who love historic centers, scenic walks and cultural evenings. Its itinerary can start among the squares and streets of the center, continue along the banks of the Adige and end in an osteria, sampling local flavors. To make the stay even more special, you can plan the visit during the opera season at the Arena of Verona.
Even without particular scheduled events, Verona invites you to explore its architecture at a relaxed pace, browse the shops and enjoy a glass of wine. It is a destination well suited for an anniversary, a culture-filled weekend, or simply a break from the routine.
The Top 10
The Top 10 from European Best Destinations offers a variety of ideas for organizing a city break in 2027.
Here are all the destinations on the list:
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Cannes, France
- Basel, Switzerland
- Bristol, United Kingdom
- Leuven, Belgium
- Milan, Italy
- Calpe, Spain
- Verona, Italy
