From Oslo’s breath-taking landscapes to colourful Copenhagen, Europe spoils travellers for choice with its beautiful cities.
But there’s one in particular that has been named the very best in The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveller.
Surrounded by impressive stone walls, the city of Valletta takes the crown and was awarded a near-perfect score of 97.33.
Described as a ‘tiny jewel in the Mediterranean’, Valletta, in Malta, is also Europe’s smallest capital by size and population.
The location boasts ornate Baroque architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can grab a beer within Valletta’s fortress walls for around €4.29 (£3.73), according to cost of living website Numbeo.
While the price of a hotel stay varies, for a weekend away in August 2026 on TripAdvisor, it can come to around £150 to £200 for one night.
More cost-effective accommodation can also be found for around £80.
Surrounded by impressive stone walls, the city of Valletta takes the crown and was awarded a near-perfect score of 97.33
Described as a ‘tiny jewel in the Mediterranean’, Valletta, in Malta, is also Europe’s smallest capital by size and population
Valletta sees plenty of sunshine and is reported to be hit with rays 300 days a year.
Brits won’t have to travel too far either, if they wish to experience the city for themselves, as flights are around three hours long.
Condé Nast describe how ‘narrow undulating lanes extend across the centre’, and there’s plenty to do within the city’s walls.
Valletta was built by the Knights of St John back in the 16th century and visitors can gaze at the enigmatic St John’s Co-Cathedral, as well as the regal Grand Master’s Palace.
The seaside city is surrounded by the Mediterranean sea and offers fantastic views of its harbour.
Film enthusiasts might recognise Valletta from their favourite movie or TV show, as it has previously featured in Game of Thrones, Jurassic World: Dominion and American Assassin, amongst others.
Plenty of other spectacular cities featured on Condé Nast’s list, including Oslo, Norway, which placed second.
With an impressive score of 94.36, it wasn’t far behind Valletta and dazzled with its mix of ‘otherworldly architecture’ and its nearby forests and fjord waters.
The location boasts ornate Baroque architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Condé Nast’s best cities in Europe Valletta, MaltaOslo, NorwayVienna, AustriaCopenhagen, DenmarkMadrid, SpainMunich, GermanyLisbon, PortugalStockholm, SwedenSan Sebastian, SpainPalma, SpainFlorence, ItalyAthens, GreeceRome, ItalyParis, FranceMarseille, FranceReykjavik, IcelandPorto, PortugalVenice, ItalyBudapest, HungaryPrague, Czech Republic
Source: Condé Nast
Vienna, Austria, came third with a rating of 93.75 making it the second year in a row for the city to place so highly.
Copenhagen, Denmark and Madrid, Spain placed joint fourth and scored 93.33.
Munich, Germany came sixth with a score of 92.89.
Accommodation prices correct for August 14 to 16 2026, as of October 7, 2025, according to TripAdvisor.
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Europe’s best city revealed – with £4 pints and 300 days of sunshine a year
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