The number one city for a city break in Europe is closer than you think.
A short trip to a European city is the ideal opportunity to discover new cultures, sample distinctive flavors, and uncover historic sights, even within a single weekend. But which are the top destinations for city break in Europe in 2027?
The organization European Best Destinations presents the list of the 10 best cities for a city break, as determined by a vote in which more than 11,000 travelers participated. Initially, independent travel journalists had selected 64 candidate destinations, while the final ranking was shaped by the public's votes. At the top is a Balkan capital that blends history, gastronomy, entertainment, and mountain landscapes.
Sofia is the best city break destination for 2027
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, took first place on European Best Destinations' list of the best city break destinations in Europe for 2027. The city's allure lies in the blend of different experiences: ancient Roman ruins coexist with contemporary cultural spaces, striking churches with golden domes, and art museums.
Among the standout sights are the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. The experience is rounded out with strolls through the center, stops for coffee, local flavors, and tastings of local wines. At the same time, the city offers a vibrant cultural life, with film festivals and open-air music events. Another advantage is its proximity to Mount Vitosha, ideal for hiking and nature escapes. So even within a single weekend, visitors can combine history, gastronomy, entertainment, and mountain landscapes.
The top 10 city break destinations for 2027
These are the top 10 city break destinations for 2027, according to European Best Destinations:
1. Sofia, Bulgaria
2. Lisbon, Portugal
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
4. Cannes, France
5. Basel, Switzerland
6. Bristol, United Kingdom
7. Leuven, Belgium
8. Milan, Italy
9. Calpe, Spain
10. Verona, Italy