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Europe is undoubtedly one of the most tourist-friendly continents in the world.
If you’re currently thinking about which part of the Old Continent to visit this fall, the good news is that you really can’t go wrong.
The world-famous sights, awe-inspiring scenery and pleasant, temperate climate mean you are spoiled for choice.
However, the one downside to having such a wide range of destinations to choose from is that it can be overwhelming to decide which cities, attractions or landmarks will make you feel like you’ve made the most of your trip.
Therefore Statistical recently conducted a survey in the hope of revealing Europe’s top destinations.
Dozens of cities were rated based on criteria such as culture, monuments, sights, food, friendliness and overall value.
These were the destinations with the highest average score:
1. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul seems to have taken the travel world by storm lately.
After topping the rankings of Turkey’s most visited destinations, it now claims an even bigger title: that of the best city to visit in all of Europe.
Although only part of the beautiful city lies within the borders of Europe, Istanbul is widely seen as a European destination.
The city scored a remarkable 90.23 points out of 100 in the Statista survey, and it’s easy to see why.
Istanbul is simply one of the most visually stimulating destinations in the world, with vibrant colors, graceful architecture and some of the most historically important sights in all of Turkey.
The city was once the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, proving that its culture and favorable geographical location were a source of pride and beauty even hundreds of years ago.
You can experience some of that history by visiting the famous Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
The Bosphorus is also a must-see, especially during night excursions.
However, some of my fondest memories of Istanbul were made at the Grand Bazaar.
Although a bit chaotic for those not used to the oriental shopping experience, the colors, atmosphere and the products themselves are impossible to replicate anywhere else on earth.
2. Florence, Italy
Widely regarded as the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture, Florence is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities – and don’t forget, the competition is fierce.
Although the city is generally well known among travelers, I still believe that it is criminally underrated.
I’ve had the opportunity to tour multiple Italian cities, and while Rome, Venice and Milan were all breathtaking, Florence was by far the most remarkable.
Some of the most famous historical sights in the city include Florence Cathedral (Duomo), the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio.
After a long day of sightseeing, settle down at a local tavern and enjoy truly exceptional Tuscan dishes, known for their simple yet bold flavors.
3. Rome, Italy
The list wouldn’t be complete without the Italian capital, which scored 88.91 points out of 100.
If you’re like me and want to spend most of your trip admiring local sights and architecture, Rome is the place to be.
Between the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and a dozen other attractions, each equally captivating, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to do if you only plan you’re spending a lot of money for a few days in the city.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is coming off a record summer, in which millions of visitors flocked to the country to enjoy its trendy attractions, beautiful scenery and affordable prices.
As the capital, Lisbon has long been Portugal’s most coveted destination.
Even as temperatures have dropped and tourists can’t enjoy the area’s famous beaches in full glory, the city still boasts the kind of Mediterranean climate and exceptional food scene that most of us crave this time of year.
Portugal scored an impressive 88.62 out of 100 points in the Statista survey, showing that its scenic coastline, historic neighborhoods and rich cultural experience all make for an unforgettable European getaway.
5. Porto, Portugal
Porto is a coastal city in northwestern Portugal that was once best known for its famous port wine production.
Recently, however, the destination has become increasingly popular, with tourists flocking to the area to enjoy not only the delicious wine, but also the UNESCO-protected historic center, the beautiful Ribeira district and the traditional Bolhão Market .
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
