Sofia has taken first place in European Best Destinations’ ranking of the best city breaks in Europe for 2027. The Bulgarian capital leads a selection of ten destinations, followed by Lisbon and Copenhagen. The guide highlights its combination of ancient sites, museums, food and nightlife, with mountain scenery close to the city. Roman remains form part of the modern centre, while churches and galleries offer different ways to explore its history. Nearby Vitosha Mountain also gives visitors the option of combining sightseeing with time outdoors.
The ranking was compiled through a vote among subscribers to European Best Destinations’ newsletter. A total of 11,614 people participated over 33 days, with each respondent allowed to select up to three destinations. They chose from a shortlist of 64 places, including 20 capitals and 44 other destinations, selected by independent travel journalists. The ten destinations receiving the most votes made the final ranking.
In central Sofia, visitors can explore the remains of Serdica, the city’s ancient Roman predecessor, before walking towards Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The cathedral’s golden domes are among the capital’s best-known landmarks. Art lovers can visit Kvadrat 500, part of Bulgaria’s National Gallery, while the Regional History Museum occupies the former Central Mineral Baths. On the outskirts, Boyana Church adds another period of history to the itinerary. Its UNESCO-listed buildings contain frescoes, paintings applied to walls, dating from 1259.
Beyond the main attractions, the guide encourages visitors to explore markets, cafés and places serving Bulgarian wine. Sofia’s official tourism website provides a wine map identifying shops, bars and restaurants where local wines can be tasted or bought. Cultural events offer another reason to visit, including the Sofia International Film Festival, traditionally held in spring. In summer, the A to JazZ festival brings outdoor performances to South Park II. Travellers planning around either event should check the organisers’ calendars for 2027 dates. Vitosha offers a different setting for part of the trip, with forest trails and mountain views, although routes should be chosen according to the season and conditions.
The city’s first place comes alongside a separate nomination for European Capital of Tourism 2027. That competition assesses areas including accessibility, sustainability, digital development and cultural heritage. Unlike the city break ranking, its shortlist was drawn up through expert assessment rather than a subscriber vote. “For us, it is an external assessment of the work done by the entire tourism ecosystem of Sofia,” said Anton Penev, director of Sofia Municipality’s Tourism Municipal Enterprise, about that nomination. The shortlisted cities are due to present their proposals to a European jury in Brussels on 18 and 19 November 2026.
Elsewhere in the city break ranking, second-placed Lisbon is highlighted for its neighbourhoods, Portuguese food and viewpoints overlooking the city and river. Its cultural attractions include contemporary art at MAC/CCB and evenings of fado, a Portuguese musical tradition associated with expressive singing. Copenhagen takes third place, with design, cycling and neighbourhood restaurants central to its appeal. Cannes follows in fourth, combining the Croisette seafront promenade with the old quarter of Le Suquet and Forville market. Fifth-placed Basel offers museums, contemporary architecture and time beside the Rhine. Bristol ranks sixth, with street art, live music and independent food businesses around Wapping Wharf among its attractions.
Leuven takes seventh place, bringing a Belgian destination into the top ten. The guide highlights its university atmosphere and manageable size, as well as its selection, with East Brabant as European Capital of Culture for 2030. Milan follows in eighth place, offering galleries in Brera and evenings beside the Navigli canals. Ninth-placed Calpe, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, brings a coastal option to the selection, with its old town and the prominent Peñón de Ifach rock. Verona completes the ranking in tenth place, with its historic centre, walks along the Adige River and opera performances at the Arena during the season.
