The top ten also includes Lisbon in Portugal, Bristol in the United Kingdom, Leuven in Belgium, and Milan and Verona in Italy.
The Bulgarian capital Sofia has topped a new ranking of the best European cities for short trips in 2027, Euronews reports.
“Sofia has been named the best European destination for a city break in 2027 by the organization European Best Destinations,” the media outlet notes.
The report says the ranking brings together ten cities of very different character. The Bulgarian capital took first place thanks to a combination of ancient history, contemporary culture and mountain landscapes, which create particularly appealing opportunities for tourists.
Lisbon, which was recently named the happiest tourist destination in the world, took second place. The top five also includes Copenhagen, Cannes and Basel. The top ten was completed by Bristol, Leuven, Milan, Calpe and Verona.
The ranking was formed from the results of a vote that lasted 33 days. It was taken part in by 11,614 subscribers to the European Best Destinations newsletter. Each participant could cast up to three votes for destinations from a preliminary list, into which independent travel journalists had selected 64 European cities. The top ten was drawn up by the number of votes received.
“A well-chosen short trip to a city lets you see a great deal and at the same time find time to enjoy your rest,” European Best Destinations noted.
According to the organizers of the ranking, these destinations are suitable for a romantic trip, a weekend with friends, a few days by the sea, or a special occasion you want to celebrate in style.
The 10 best European cities for short trips in 2027:
- Sofia (Bulgaria),
- Lisbon (Portugal),
- Copenhagen (Denmark),
- Cannes (France),
- Basel (Switzerland),
- Bristol (United Kingdom),
- Leuven (Belgium),
- Milan (Italy),
- Calpe (Spain),
- Verona (Italy).
What makes the top three cities appealing
Sofia was noted for the diversity of experiences that can be had within a comparatively small area. Here tourists can visit cultural attractions, try the local dishes and spend evenings in the city’s establishments, as well as walk along forest paths and admire mountain landscapes.
As Dianna Eipen-Sedler noted in her guide for Euronews Travel, Sofia, which in ancient times was called Serdica, was one of the most important cities of the Byzantine Empire. Here old and new literally sit side by side.
Among the main attractions of the Bulgarian capital are the Rotunda of Saint George, the Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky, the Square of Tolerance and the Boyana Church. The latter is Sofia’s only site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Lisbon is described in the report as a city that can be enjoyed from the morning coffee to the last look at the river. It will suit travelers who like a clear plan but at the same time want to leave room for spontaneous decisions.
Tourists are advised to choose an area for a walk, book a table for dinner in advance, and entrust the route to the city’s hills. It is also worth setting aside time for art, the historic center and leisurely lunches.
Copenhagen, which took third place, appeals with the chance to spend a weekend exploring the everyday life of the city. The Danish capital is especially suited to groups of friends and couples who are interested in design, love restaurants in the city’s neighborhoods and traveling by bicycle.
European Best Destinations notes that to get to know Copenhagen it is enough to choose a few interesting places in advance. Between them there will be time for one more cup of coffee or a rest by the water.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
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