Sofia has been named as Europe’s best city break destination for 2027 in a new ranking.
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According to the report by European Best Destinations, which “brings together 10 cities with very different personalities”, Bulgaria’s capital took the top spot thanks to “ancient history, contemporary culture and the mountains”, which create an “especially rewarding combination”.
Recently voted the world's happiest travel destination, Lisbon was ranked second on the 2027 city break list with Copenhagen, Cannes and Basel making up the top five. Completing the top 10 were Bristol, Leuven, Milan, Calpe and Verona.
The ranking is based on a 33-day vote involving 11,614 subscribers to the European Best Destinations newsletter. Each respondent could cast up to three votes from a shortlist of 64 European destinations selected by independent travel journalists. The top 10 are listed in order of votes received.
“A great city break gives you plenty to do and enough time to enjoy it,” said European Best Destinations. “There is room here for a romantic escape, a weekend with friends, a few days by the sea or a special occasion worth celebrating in style.”
Best city breaks in Europe 2027
- 1. Sofia, Bulgaria
- 2. Lisbon, Portugal
- 3. Copenhagen, Denmark
- 4. Cannes, France
- 5. Basel, Switzerland
- 6. Bristol, UK
- 7. Leuven, Belgium
- 8. Milan, Italy
- 9. Calpe, Spain
- 10. Verona, Italy
The top three cities in focus
Sofia was praised for offering city breakers a “variety of experiences within a relatively compact area”, said European Best Destinations. Aside from “cultural discoveries, good food and evenings out”, visitors are also able to enjoy forest trails and mountain views during the same trip.
Once known as Serdica, Bulgaria’s capital was among the most important cities in the Byzantine Empire, Dianne Apen-Sadler said in her Sofia city guide for Euronews Travel. This is a city where old meets new “quite literally”. Top attractions to see include the Saint George Rotunda, Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Square of Tolerance, and Boyana Church – Sofia’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A city to enjoy from “morning coffee to the last view of the river”, Lisbon suits travellers who “like a little structure and plenty of freedom”, the report said. If you are visiting Portugal’s capital, choose a neighbourhood to explore, make a dinner reservation and “let the hills decide the route”. One top tip for visitors? Save time for art, time for the historic centre, and time to linger over a meal, European Best Destinations advises.
Copenhagen, ranked third on the 2027 city break hotlist, “makes a strong case for spending a weekend enjoying the everyday details of a city”. The Danish capital is an “appealing choice” for friends and couples who enjoy design, neighbourhood restaurants and exploring by bike. “A few carefully chosen stops can shape the day, with plenty of space between them for another coffee or a waterside pause,” the report said.