What is the best destination in Europe in 2024? The Old Continent is full of incredible cities and villages to discover. Every year, famous lists of the best cities to visit in Europe appear, among these awards one of the most famous is the World Travel Awards, which recently revealed its winners. Controversy or not, the Portuguese capital was once again the chosen one, achieving a third title.
O World Travel Awards, European edition, is considered the “Oscar” of tourism, where sector professionals from various countries vote to choose the best in each area of global tourism. The award has been held since 1993.
Lisbon, Portugal
Once again Lisbon, in Portugal, was chosen as the main destination in Europe in 2024 by the World Travel Awards. A favorite among Brazilian tourists, the Portuguese capital has become popular around the world. Every day thousands of travelers disembark at Humberto Delgado airport to explore the thousands of charms that Lisbon has to offer, which can range from a simple walk along its historic hills, to enjoying the beautiful view on the banks of the Tagus River, to eating a great typical Portuguese dish, listen to fado in Alfama, be enchanted by the sunset from a beautiful viewpoint, enjoy a pastel de nata (Belém pastries), marvel at the architecture and its stone sidewalks, among others.
In addition to all this, Brazilians are attracted by the ease of communication and more affordable prices than in other European countries. See here tips on what to do on a trip to Lisbon to create your itinerary through the Portuguese capital.
In the last seven editions of the World Travel Awards, Lisbon came first in three of them, being chosen as the main destination in Europe (2018, 2023 and 2024). In other years, highlights were Moscow, in Russia, and Porto, in Portugal. If you want to travel to Portugal, see tickets to Portugal and our tips on where to stay in Lisbon.
Other best cities to visit in Europe
Unlike other awards, the World Travel Awards only awards first place and reveals the other competing cities without ranking them. See below (in alphabetical order) the other 11 nominated for best cities to visit in Europe in 2024, which were competing with Lisbon.
Amsterdam – Netherlands
With much of the country below sea level and completely flat, Amsterdam It is one of those destinations to be explored calmly on foot or by bike, in true Dutch style. Crossed by several canals, bridges, old buildings, restaurants, cafes and beautiful landscapes, the city also has an intense cultural life.
Barcelona, Spain
The capital of the Catalonia region is today one of the most sought after destinations in the world. Walking along the bustling La Rambla reflects the essence of Barcelona, a city with a wide variety of museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants, bars and a unique architecture shaped by the traits of the genius Antoni Gaudí. If you want to explore this destination, see flights to Barcelona.
Berlin, Germany
A city where the modern and the ancient live in perfect harmony. Berlin It surprises everyone with its cultural mix and its infinite entertainment for all types of audiences. Seat of German power, the capital is a pulsating metropolis that is modernizing every day with respect for differences and reaffirmation of its rich and remarkable history.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is one of the main destinations in Croatia – one of the most welcoming countries in the world. The beaches and the medieval walled area full of alleys and restaurants are the main attractions of this city, which is 230 km away. Split. Dubrovnik gained greater tourist notoriety after serving as the setting for the famous series Game of Thrones. How about spending a few days in Croatia? Look where to stay in Dubrovnik.
Geneva – Switzerland
Right in the heart of Europe and on the border with France, Geneva It is known as the European capital of peace, as it is home to important world organizations such as the United Nations, the Red Cross and the WHO. Surrounded by imposing nature, featuring the largest alpine lake in Western Europe and the majestic mountains in the background, Geneva is unfortunately on the list of the most expensive cities in Europe.
London, United Kingdom
We can define London as the most cosmopolitan city in all of Europe. Its tourist offer goes far beyond Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and museums. London is one of those complete destinations for tourists of any age, as it is constantly changing and updating without ever leaving aside its rich history.
Lyon – France
The historic center of France's third largest city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Europe, but Lyon's fame goes far beyond its beautiful architecture and rich history. The city is famous for its gastronomy, and is even considered the gastronomic capital of France. Traditional dishes from the country emerged in Lyon, such as: Coq au Vin (wine chicken), Quenelle (a fish dumpling), and the famous onion soup.
Porto, Portugal
Its hills and colorful tiled houses mark this beautiful and charming Portuguese city, the second most visited destination in the country. For me, one of the best places to visit in Portugal, due to its gastronomy, university atmosphere, little shops, parks and a fascinating sunset. We cannot forget, of course, the Douro River, perfect for a walk, wine tasting, Harbor and the most photographed place in the city with the D. Luis I bridge and the rugged horizon of old buildings on the other bank. Enjoy and discover what to do in Porto.
Rome Italy
Capital of one of the largest empires in the world, we can define Pomegranate like a huge open-air museum. Among the remains of this rich era we can still find one of the main attractions of the Italian capital, the Coliseum almost 2,000 years old. Full of churches and alleys with restaurants and shops beneath pastel-colored orange buildings, Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world.
Venice – Italy
One of the most charming and incredible cities in the world, that's how it is Venice. Always on the list of the most romantic cities in Europe, it attracts visitors with its labyrinth of narrow streets, old buildings, integration with the sea and canals, inviting visitors to get lost and marvel, every moment, at a new discovery.
Vienna – Austria
Walk the streets of Vienna, accompanied by classical music, is like going back to the times of the Habsburg dynasty and being dazzled by imperial palaces, monuments, churches that are true works of art and museums that spread throughout every corner. Among the remains of these golden times is the beautiful Schönbrunn Palacethe most popular tourist attraction in the Austrian capital and one of the must-see palaces to see in Europe.
What did you think of this year's World Travel Award choices? Do you agree with the highlighted destinations? Have you visited any of these cities? Leave your comment below.
