The best European destination for 2019 has been revealed
Budapest has been named this year’s “European Best Destination”, beating out 19 other cities and regions across the continent.
Travellers from 153 countries participated in choosing the best destination at the 10th annual European Best Destinations, with the competition receiving a record of more than half a million votes this year.
The capital of Hungary emerged on top, with more than 62,000 votes from travellers around the world.
The competition’s website praised the city’s culture, gastronomy scene and heritage sites. “The pearl of the Danube is not only the best European destination, it is also one of the most beautiful and safest cities in the world,” it stated.
“Budapest offers the elegance of Paris, the architectural heritage of Vienna, the charm of Porto, Stockholm’s gentle way of life.”
Portugal’s Braga came at number two with the most votes from Brazilian and UK travellers. “The city offers the best of Portugal in a friendly and warm atmosphere,” the website said.
Italy’s Monte Isola and France’s Metz followed at the third and fourth rank respectively. Both became the most-voted cities in their respective countries in the competition’s 10-year history.
Below are the 2019’s top 15 European Best Destinations:
- Budapest, Hungary
- Braga, Portugal
- Monte Isola, Italy
- Metz, France
- Poznan, Poland
- Malaga, Spain
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Cavtat, Croatia
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Sainte-Maxime, France
- Dinant, Belgium
- Athens, Greece
- Kotor, Montenegro
- Riga, Latvia
- Florence, Italy
Other destinations in the running included Paris, Brussels, Berlin, London and Vienna. The voting took place online across 21 days from January to February.
Last year, Poland’s Wroclaw won the prestigious title, winning over Spain’s Bilbao, France’s Colmar and Croatia’s Hvar Island.
Click through the gallery above to see the top 5 European destinations.
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