The 15 Best Cities in Europe in 2022

The best cities in Europe, according to Travel + Leisure readers, offer history, art, food, and more.

The sunset in Florence, Italy, as seen from the Duomo
Photo: iStockphoto/Getty Images

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite cities in Europe.

It's time for that long-awaited European vacation, whether it's your first visit to the continent or your tenth. And while you should definitely spend some time on a beach this summer, Europe's cultural capitals should also feature prominently on your itinerary. With world-class art, centuries of history, and destination-worthy fine dining, the best cities in Europe continue to beckon Travel + Leisure readers.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated cities on their sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.

Spain claimed three of our readers' favorite cities: Cordoba (No. 15), Madrid (No.11), and Seville (No. 3). Readers particularly loved the ways Seville encouraged spontaneity. "What a great city to get lost in," said one voter. "The people are friendly, and you never know what surprises await you. We happened upon outdoor light shows and festivals just wandering around the city."

Nearby, Portugal's two stars, Lisbon and Porto, came in at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively. "I want to move to this city," wrote one reader who visited Lisbon. "Excellent culture, amazing hospitality, and the weather is perfect." Another element of the Portuguese capital that travelers appreciated? The authenticity and quality of its crafts. "The things you purchase were made in Portugal, and you will be proud to bring them home."

A handful of Central and Eastern European cities also made the list. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, was ranked No. 6, while Kraków, Poland, came at No. 9. "Ljubljana was a delightful surprise," said one voter. "The capital was beautiful, and we had a fabulous guide for a walking tour of the old town," chimed in another. Turkey, a country of rich cultural exchange that straddles both Europe and Asia, also netted two cities on the list: Istanbul (No. 2) and Bodrum (No. 4)

But it was perennial favorite Florence, voted readers' most loved city in 2020 and 2019, that once again claimed the top spot. Read on to find out why — and to discover the other cities on this year's list of the best cities in Europe, as voted by T+L readers.

1. Florence

View from Gardens over Florence, Italy
iStockphoto/Getty Images

Most travelers' experience of the Tuscan capital can be summed up in three words: "Bella, bella, bella!" The city of the Renaissance has architecture, art, food, and history around every corner; many readers said this variety made it a perfect city for honeymooners to stroll around, soaking in the atmosphere. And while iconic sites like the Duomo, the Uffizi gallery, the Pitti Palace, and the Ponte Vecchio are not to be missed, many travelers said that the smaller moments made the city just as enchanting. "The highlight was a wine tasting conducted in a small shop with a wine cellar hundreds of years old," said one reader.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 91.06

2. Istanbul

The Istanbul skyline and the Martyrs bridge in Istanbul, Turkey
iStockphoto/Getty Images

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 90.97

3. Seville, Spain

The Seville skyline, showing modern and historic buildings
iStockphoto/Getty Images

Score: 90.12

4. Bodrum, Turkey

Bright blue and white houses line the streets of Bodrum, Turkey
iStockphoto/Getty Images

Score: 89.31

5. Rome

Diners at outdoor tables on Rome's Piazza della Rotonda, at the Pantheon, at dusk
Getty Images

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 89.29

6. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Preseren Square in Ljubljana, Slovenia
iStockphoto/Getty Images

Score: 88.49

7. Lisbon

The modern MAAT museum, on the bank of the river in Lisbon, Portugal
iStockphoto/Getty Images

Score: 88.33

8. Porto, Portugal

City scape of Porto

Paula Galindo Valle/Travel + Leisure

Score: 88.13

9. Kraków, Poland

Birds fly over a statue in the old city center of Krakow, Poland
iStockphoto/Getty Images

Score: 87.97

10. Strasbourg, France

Traditional buildings of Strasbourg, France, seen through an archway
Diego Mariottini/EyeEm/Getty Images

Score: 87.68

11. Madrid

The busy Sun Gate plaza area in Madrid, Spain
iStockphoto/Getty Images

Score: 87.54

12. Vienna

People on public lounge benches in the Museumquarter in Vienna, Austria
Getty Images

Score: 87.13

13. Edinburgh

Empty Circus Lane in Edinburgh, Scotland, at sunrise
Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images

Score: 86.99

14. Salzburg, Austria

Historic town of Salzburg, Austria, on the Salzach river, in summer
iStockphoto/Getty Images

Score: 86.95

15. Córdoba, Spain

Four women in traditional flamenco costumes sit beside a fountain in Cordoba, Spain
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Score: 86.91

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