Top European Capitals to Visit in 2024

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Key Takeaways:

Lisbon tops the list with affordability, friendly residents, and high English proficiency, attracting tourists significantly in 2023.
Amsterdam dropped to second due to higher travel costs and efforts to manage unruly tourists by relocating key attractions.
Prague, Warsaw, and Madrid rise in rankings for affordability and English proficiency, despite varying in safety and friendliness.

What Are the Best European Capitals to Visit in 2024?

Lisbon takes the top spot among European capitals for tourists this year, followed by Amsterdam and Prague. The rankings have shifted since last year, with Berlin and Vienna no longer in the top ten, replaced by Warsaw and Bern. While these changes highlight new destinations, Europe overall has become more expensive, less safe, and less friendly to visit. Despite this, Europe’s travel and tourism industry is on track to fully recover to 2019 levels in 2024. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) even predicts that international tourism will grow two percent above 2019 levels this year.

Rank	Country	Capital	Avg Weekly Budget (€)	Tourism Score	Safety Score	English Speaking Score	Friendliness Score	VG City Score
1	Portugal	Lisbon	385	4.5	0.87	60	70	29.83
2	Netherlands	Amsterdam	465	4.9	0.93	64	70	26.16
3	Czechia	Prague	365	4.1	1.15	65	50	25.92
4	Poland	Warsaw	395	3.8	1.07	59	80	24.67
5	Spain	Madrid	440	4.5	0.98	53	50	24.13
6	Croatia	Zagreb	425	4.1	1.16	30	51	23.58
7	UK	London	575	4.8	0.96	70	62	21.32
8	Italy	Rome	505	4.4	1.14	53	50	20.25
9	Switzerland	Bern	725	5.0	0.78	53	30	15.98
10	France	Paris	640	4.5	1.03	53	10	15.61

Note: In this table, a lower safety score indicates a safer city.

Lisbon: The Best European Capital to Be a Tourist This Year

Lisbon has long attracted travelers with its colorful buildings, beautiful scenery, and warm climate. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, Lisbon offers exceptional value. Ranking first in the list of the best European capitals to visit in 2024, Lisbon is one of the most affordable destinations on the list. An estimated average of €385 is needed to spend a week in this vibrant city. Although prices are expected to rise next year due to inflation, Lisbon remains a great value. Moreover, tourists staying in Lisbon will soon have to pay a €4 tax per night.

“Lisbon is a top destination for its friendly residents, second only to Spaniards and Italians, and its excellent English proficiency, trailing just behind the Dutch and Britons,”.

According to Portugal’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), Lisbon saw a 40.2 percent increase in total revenues and a 43 percent increase in accommodation revenues in 2023 compared to 2019. Spain remains the main source of tourists to Lisbon, followed by France and the UK. Outside Europe, Brazil tops the list, followed by the United States.

Why Did Amsterdam Drop to the Second Best European Capital?

Amsterdam, which topped the list last year, now ranks second. This shift is mainly due to an increase in the average weekly budget needed for a visit, which rose from €315 to €465. Even with this increase, it’s still not as expensive as Bern, Paris, London, and Rome.

Amsterdam’s appeal lies in its friendly residents and high English proficiency, making it easy for tourists to feel at home. However, the city struggles with managing large numbers of tourists, especially unruly ones. Amsterdam has taken steps to address this, such as establishing an “Erotic Centre” outside the city center and relocating its Red-Light District there. Additionally, the city has banned the construction of new hotels.

What Makes Prague, Warsaw, and Madrid Stand Out?

Prague, now the third-best European capital, has risen from seventh place last year. The city is both affordable and proficient in English. However, it is the least safe and least friendly among the top ten capitals. The average budget for visiting Prague has increased to €365 this year, up from €275 last year. In 2023, Prague saw a 28 percent increase in tourism, with 5.45 million visitors in the first three quarters.

Warsaw, which wasn’t in the top ten last year, now ranks fourth. Tourists can spend a week in this city for just €395. However, Warsaw is the third most unsafe city on the list and has a low friendliness score. Yet, it remains an attractive option due to its affordability.

Madrid ranks fifth, requiring an average weekly budget of €440. Known for its friendly residents and high English proficiency, Madrid continues to be a favorite among travelers.

How Have Other Southern and Central European Capitals Fared?

Zagreb, London, and Rome have all been demoted from the top five but remain within the top ten. Listed third last year, Zagreb now ranks sixth. It remains an appealing destination despite a drop in its friendliness score. Travelers will need an average of €425 to spend a week in Zagreb, up from €285 last year.

London and Rome have also fallen in the rankings, now listed seventh and eighth, respectively. Both cities have become more expensive and their friendliness scores have dropped. Rome, in particular, is now the least safe among the top ten capital cities. London has seen increased prices for tourist attractions, with St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey now charging £25 and £29, respectively. The UK’s abolition of tax-free shopping for tourists in 2020 has also made London less appealing for shopping enthusiasts.

Is Paris Becoming Less Safe for Tourists?

Paris has dropped to the tenth spot and has become less safe, with an increase in petty theft, particularly in top tourism areas. Despite increased police presence leading to a 25 percent improvement in violent thefts in 2023, the city’s safety score has still declined.

Visiting Paris in 2024 will require a higher average weekly budget of €640, up from €490 last year. Despite these challenges, Paris attracts millions of tourists each year. According to Statista, the city had 21.6 million tourists in 2023, still lower by 4.3 million compared to 2019. However, Paris is preparing for a surge in visitors due to the Paris Olympics and Paralympics set to be held throughout the summer of 2024, during which around 15.3 million visitors are expected.

Why Are Berlin and Vienna No Longer in the Top Ten?

Berlin and Vienna have been replaced by Warsaw and Bern in the top ten best European capitals to visit. Warsaw has emerged as a strong contender, ranking fourth and being the third cheapest city to visit after Prague and Lisbon. Bern, although the most expensive on the list with an average weekly budget of €725, scores well on safety, friendliness, and English proficiency.

For those interested in learning more about the procedures and regulations associated with visiting these European capitals, the European Union’s official immigration and travel portal provides comprehensive information.

As the travel landscape continues to evolve, tourists are weighing various factors such as cost, safety, and friendliness more than ever before. Traveling to these European capitals provides a unique opportunity to experience a blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. As 2024 unfolds, these top destinations are expected to offer enriching experiences despite the challenges posed by global inflation and safety concerns.

Learn Today:

1. Visa Requirements:
Definition: Rules and regulations set by a country that specify the conditions under which foreign nationals can enter, stay, or work within its borders. Visa requirements often include different categories such as tourist visas, work visas, and student visas, each with specific eligibility criteria and durations of stay.

2. National Institute of Statistics (INE):
Definition: An official organization responsible for collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to a country’s socio-economic situation. In the context of immigration, the National Institute of Statistics provides valuable insights into various aspects, such as tourist arrivals, accommodation revenues, and trends in visitor numbers.

3. Friendliness Score:
Definition: A metric used to assess how welcoming or hospitable a destination is perceived to be by tourists or visitors. Factors such as interactions with locals, overall atmosphere, and ease of communication can contribute to determining a city or country’s friendliness score, influencing travelers’ experiences and perceptions.

4. English Proficiency:
Definition: A measure of the ability of residents in a particular city or country to communicate effectively in the English language. High English proficiency levels can enhance the travel experience for tourists, making it easier to navigate, interact with locals, and access services such as accommodation, transportation, and dining in English.

5. UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):
Definition: A specialized agency of the United Nations that serves as the leading international organization in the field of tourism. The UNWTO provides a global forum for discussions, research, and policy development related to tourism, including forecasting trends, promoting sustainable practices, and analyzing the economic impact of tourism on countries and societies.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Lisbon, Amsterdam, and Prague top the European capitals list for 2024. Lisbon stands out for affordability, Amsterdam for friendliness, Prague for English proficiency. Spain is Lisbon’s main tourist source, while the United States leads in Amsterdam. Madrid remains popular, Paris faces safety concerns, and Berlin and Vienna drop from top rankings.
— By VisaVerge.com