The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it's an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.
Skip to main content

Discover

Trips

Review

Top Destinations in Europe

Best of the Best Destinations 2024

Travelers’ Choice Awards

# Best of the Best Destinations

Europe

Top Destinations - Europe

You’ve probably got one or two of these destinations on your list of dream vacays. What can we say? People love them—and for very good reason.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

2024

1. 

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

Read more

Great for

Art Tours

Historical Tours

Bars

Movie Tours

- 5.0 of 5 bubbles

Has some lovely memorabilia and superb paintings Great place to visit and plenty to see and do. Cafeteria also served tea

Read more

MellWard

@MellWard

Reviewed September 2024

- 5.0 of 5 bubbles

Great tour with Robert and Zion today ! Robert has a great voice for a tour guide and his humor is fantastic . We did the Warwick castle / Shakespeare and Oxford college tours and I can honestly say it was one of the best tours we have ever been on . The only problem is , as always with a great guide and an interesting subject matter , the tour was too short ! Zion’s driving skills were amazing considering the traffic and the rain. . Do urself a favor and go on this tour and request Robert .

Read more

daveCalifornia

@daveCalifornia

Reviewed September 2024

- 5.0 of 5 bubbles

Robert is an excellent guide. Knowledgeable about history, culture, locations, lore, and rumor. He was very entertaining and good at keeping the attention of the group. Xenon is a great coachmen. He was safe and careful his cargo. My wife is usually uncomfortable on long rides and there were no starts or shocks on the road. I would enjoy doing future outings with both of them.

Read more

Adventure34248980457

@Adventure34248980457

Reviewed September 2024

- 5.0 of 5 bubbles

Very lovely day with Robert and Zion our driver.

Robert shared lots of information and kept it interesting. Wish we could have stayed even longer in the Oxford area.

Read more

kathymuir

@kathymuir

Reviewed September 2024

- 5.0 of 5 bubbles

Robert and Zeon were great guides. Comfortable ride and lots of information provided along the way...while still leaving enough quiet time to rest on the bus. Thank you!

Read more

902dalen

@902dalen

Reviewed September 2024

2. 

Rome wasn't built in a day--and you'll need much more than a day to take in this timeless city. The city is a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and astonishing historic sites. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, contemplate the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and sample a perfect espresso or gelato before spending an afternoon shopping at the Campo de’Fiori or Via Veneto. Enjoy some of the most memorable meals of your life here, too, from fresh pasta to succulent fried artichokes or a tender oxtail stew.

Read more

Great for

After dark

Art Tours

Archaeology Tours

Cultural Tours

3. 

Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.

Read more

Great for

Art Tours

Historical Tours

Bars

Cultural Tours

4. 

The birthplace of both the king of the Olympian gods and of modern European civilization, Crete is a Mediterranean jewel. It’s rich with archaeological and mythological history that’s reflected in its ancient ruins and cultural attractions. Soak up the charming atmosphere of Chania Town’s Old Venetian Harbor or the fortresses and monasteries of Rethymonon. The awesome Minoan ruins of Malia date to 1900 BC, and majestic Mt. Ida is said to be home to the cave where Zeus was born.

Read more

Great for

Wine Tastings

Resorts

Archaeology Tours

4WD Tours

5. 

Over the centuries, many cultures have added their mark to this prized piece of land. Today, you can experience those influences firsthand by exploring Istanbul’s mahalles (neighborhoods). From the holy sites of Sultanahmet and the 19th-century European elegance of Beyoğlu to the high fashion of Nişantaşı, the vibrant café society of Kadıköy and the football-loving streets of Beşiktaş, it’s easy to see why travelers say that Istanbul isn’t just one city, but many cities within one.

Read more

Great for

After dark

Historical Tours

Art & history

Archaeology Tours

6. 

Barcelona feels a bit surreal – appropriate, since Salvador Dali spent time here and Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed several of the city’s buildings. Stepping into Gaudí’s Church of the Sacred Family is a bit like falling through the looking glass - a journey that you can continue with a visit to Park Güell. Sip sangria at a sidewalk café in Las Ramblas while watching flamboyant street performers, then create your own moveable feast by floating from tapas bar to tapas bar.

Read more

Great for

Wine Tastings

Art Tours

Bars

Cultural Tours

7. 

So many of Madrid’s buildings look like castles, you’ll think you’ve stumbled into a fairytale. Even City Hall is astounding, with its white pinnacles and neo-Gothic features. A self-guided architecture tour can begin by the great bear statue in the central Puerta del Sol. Wander by the fanciful Royal Palace before absorbing the natural beauty of Retiro Park, then visit one of the city’s many museums. You could happily cap off each day by nibbling on forkfuls of paella while sipping Spanish rioja.

Read more

Great for

Art Tours

Historical Tours

Bars

Cultural Tours

Save your faves

Save your faves

Just tap the heart and save for when you’re ready to start planning.

8. 

The museums of Lisbon celebrate the rich history and culture of this Portuguese capital city. The Maritime Museum is perfect for kids (and grown-ups!) who adore all things nautical, while the Casa-Museu Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves is a hidden gem of colorful artwork. To fully appreciate the city’s dramatic stone architecture you can take a guided walking tour, or customize your own tour, making sure to visit the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, and the UNESCO World Heritage site the Torre de Belem.

Read more

Great for

Ports of Call Tours

Historical Tours

Art & history

The great outdoors

9. 

This city, full of colorful homes, canals and bridges, is one of Europe's most picturesque capitals. Must-sees on any visitor's itinerary include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the world's only floating flower market. Rent a bike and join thousands of locals navigating Amsterdam's labyrinthine streets, or just take in the sights on foot. For an unusual and memorable alternative to hotels, consider staying in a houseboat.

Read more

Great for

Art Tours

Historical Tours

The great outdoors

Bars

10. 

Florence is an art historian’s dream. The Galleria dell'Accademia bursts with works by Michelangelo, who is entombed within the frescoed walls of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Budding photographers can snap pics of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and serious shoppers can spend a blissful afternoon wandering the shops of Piazza Santo Spirito. Tuscan cuisine pays homage to the region’s bounty. Swipe a hunk of crusty bread across a pool of local olive oil and you’ll be instantly transported to your happiest place.

Read more

Great for

Wine Tastings

Art Tours

Art & history

Local eats

11. 

Tribal Terenife still shows influence from the aboriginal Gaunches people. Visitors clamber to conquer Mount Teide (Spain’s tallest peak) and to stretch out on the sands of Los Gigantes. Squawk hello to the playful parrots of Loro Park, or brave the petrifying drive to beautiful Masca Valley. For a true taste of Terenife, sample fresh farmhouse cheese and local bananas. A piece of delicate calado canario lace makes a special souvenir.

Read more

Great for

Resorts

Bars

Whale Watching

Snorkeling

12. 

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.

Read more

Great for

Historical Tours

The great outdoors

Bars

Cultural Tours

13. 

The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it's an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.

Read more

Great for

Wine Tastings

Full-day Tours

Cultural Tours

Local eats

14. 

Even if you’ve never been to this Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, you’d still recognize it immediately – candy-colored houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, gleaming white buildings topped with half-spheres the color of a stormy sky. Here you’ll find peace as you roam the black sand beaches or the streets of a provincial village like Imerovigli. Beautiful Oia is world famous for its sunsets, which seem tinted with every shade of an artist’s palette.

Read more

Great for

Wine Tastings

Ports of Call Tours

Local eats

Photography Tours

15. 

A town literally carved into the volcanic rock, Goreme is the gateway to the Goreme National Park, a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses spectacular 10th- and 11th-century cave churches. The park itself is known for its chimney rock formations and is very popular with backpackers. It’s also a great area to sample Turkish cuisine and wine.

Read more

Great for

Biking

Hiking & camping

Archaeology Tours

Cultural Tours

16. 

Over 15 million gallons of water bubble daily into Budapest's 118 springs and boreholes. The city of spas offers an astounding array of baths, from the sparkling Gellert Baths to the vast 1913 neo-baroque Szechenyi Spa to Rudas Spa, a dramatic 16th-century Turkish pool with original Ottoman architecture. The "Queen of the Danube" is also steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Get your camera ready for the Roman ruins of the Aquincum Museum, Heroes' Square and Statue Park, and the 300-foot dome of St. Stephen's Basilica.

Read more

Great for

Wine Tastings

City Tours

Historical Tours

Theme parks

17. 

The bohemian allure and fairytale features of Prague make it a perfect destination for beach-weary vacationers who want to immerse themselves in culture. You could devote an entire day to exploring Prazsky hrad (Prague Castle), then refueling over a hearty dinner at a classic Czech tavern. Spend some time wandering the Old Town Square before heading over to gape at The Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock. Prague’s best bars are found in cellars, where historic pubs set the scene for a night of traditional tippling.

Read more

Great for

City Tours

Historical Tours

Theme parks

Bars

18. 

Once known for smog, traffic and tacky architecture, Athens is a city reformed thanks to fortunes brought by the 2004 Summer Olympics. Spotless parks and streets, an ultra-modern subway, new freeways, an accessible airport and all signs in perfect English make the city easily negotiable. Meriting more than a stopover en route to the islands, sophisticated Athens sites include many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as treasures in the National Archaeological Museum.

Read more

Great for

Historical Tours

Bars

Archaeology Tours

Cultural Tours

Get custom recs

Get custom recs

Find top picks in your fave destinations with personalized trip ideas.

19. 

You've probably heard that Guinness tastes better in Dublin (fresh from the factory), but what you may not know is that Dublin is a perfect destination for the whole family. No, we're not suggesting you let the kiddies drink a pint. Instead, take them to the Dublin Zoo, to feed the ducks in Stephen's Green or on a picnic in Phoenix Park. Scholars enjoy walking in the literary footsteps of such writers as Yeats and Joyce, while discerning shoppers have their pick of designer boutiques.

Read more

Great for

Historical Tours

The great outdoors

Bars

Cultural Tours

20. 

Romantic Naples, two hours south of Rome, is the largest city in southern Italy. It has some of the world's best opera and theater houses and is often called an open-air museum, due to its many historic statues and monuments. Join families on the promenade as the sun sets on the Bay of Naples. View finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale or revel in the art and architecture of Museo Cappella Sansevero, built in the late 1500s.

Read more

Great for

Shopaholics

Historical Tours

Bars

Archaeology Tours

21. 

The Wawel Castle, Main Square, St. Mary's Church and Kazimierz District...Krakow, the city entered into the first list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offers a wealth of history and architecture. A city for centuries appreciated for its cultural heritage has also become a European center of gastronomic heritage. In 2019, the city of Kraków was granted the title of European Capital of Gastronomic Culture by the European Academy of Gastronomy.

Krakow is the city living a full cultural life. Each year, the capital of Lesser Poland hosts nearly 100 festivals and other international-scale events.

Read more

Great for

After dark

Golf Tours & Tee Times

Historical Tours

Art & history

22. 

One of the three principal islands of the Maltese archipelago, the island of Malta is the largest of the chain. Its capital Valletta, a lively, bustling city with many buildings dating back to the 16th century, teems with cathedrals, palaces and forts. The impressive Grand Harbour offers a dramatic arrival. The top archaeological attraction is the UNESCO-designated Hypogeum temple ruins, a macabre, 5400-square-foot underground necropolis and the world's only underground prehistoric temple.

Read more

Great for

After dark

Ports of Call Tours

Historical Tours

Bars

23. 

Dubrovnik has recovered from the war damage it suffered during the 1990s, and visitors have returned to this tranquil city. Nestled between the Adriatic and the Dinaric Alps, it’s an accessible and affordable city break for many European travelers. The pedestrian-only Old Town is especially charming.

Read more

Great for

Historical Tours

Art & history

Jet Boat Rentals

Movie Tours

24. 

Reykjavik bears the distinction of being the world’s northernmost capital, and for many Icelandic visitors it also serves as a gateway to the rugged adventure options beyond. Recharge after outdoor pursuits in one of the many geothermal springs or luxurious indoor spas. We appreciate Reykjavik’s open-minded and energetic culture that includes a hip and internationally recognized music and arts scene, great food and notoriously "enthusiastic" nightlife.

Read more

Great for

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Ports of Call Tours

Full-day Tours

Bars

25. 

Breezy Madeira is an eponymous island in the Madeira Islands, a Portuguese archipelago. The capital city of Funchal was settled in the 15th century and is a colorful collection of gardens, religious sites, and quirky tourist attractions like the thatched-roof Madeira Story Centre. Hike to the summit of Pico Ruivo and you’ll feel like you’ve climbed through the clouds. Unwind over a glass of Madeira wine, an historic fortified beverage that’s musky and subtly sweet.

Read more

Great for

After dark

Ports of Call Tours

Safaris

4WD Tours

Explore more Travelers' Choice categories

$ USD

United States



© 2024 Tripadvisor LLCAll rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.more