Do you intend to visit Europe this year?
When it comes to vacations, deciding where to go may be difficult. After all, there is so much variety.
Nonetheless, one capital has just been recognised as a top vacation destination, defeating 21 other nominated towns to be named European Best Destination 2023.
It’s also not one of the regular suspects (AKA, Paris, Barcelona and Berlin).
Warsaw has recently won the award, beating off tough competition with over 500,000 votes cast from 400 locations.
The competition, which is hosted each year by the travel website European Best Destinations, aims to promote culture and tourism throughout Europe.
The Polish capital was called for a variety of reasons, ranging from its lush green landscapes to its rich history.
After the destruction of huge areas of the city at the conclusion of WWII, the city rebuilt itself and currently displays a diversity of architecture, some of which has been restored.
Much of the city has been rebuilt, following the Second World War (Photo: depositphotos.com)
The reconstructed Old Town, the Polin Museum (which covers 1,000 years of Jewish history), and the Fryderyk Chopin Museum are also worth a visit. A visit to the National Museum is also recommended for its art and design collections.
With a plethora of hip cafés and bars for inventive cocktails, artisan beers, and vodka shots, as well as famous eating locations, the city is also very excellent value – an alluring element during the cost of living crisis.
The centre Saxon Garden, Krasiski Garden, and the University Library’s rooftop garden will not disappoint in terms of vegetation.
‘We are happy that Warsaw has gotten 2023 off to a flying start by being awarded the greatest European Destination,’ said Dorota Wojciechowska, head of the Polish National Tourism Office in London.
‘The city attracts a large number of international visitors who fall in love with it year after year. This title should come as no surprise to anyone who has visited Warsaw at least once in their lives.
‘I would want to thank everyone who took the time to vote for Warsaw and to congratulate all of the other lovely towns that were nominated.’
In terms of rankings, Athens is second only to Warsaw, with Maribor coming in third.
Here are the top ten places to visit this year, according to European Best Destinations:
- Warsaw, Poland
- Athens, Greece
- Maribor, Slovenia
- Vienna, Austria
- Cittadella, Italy
- Essen, Germany
- Veszprém, Hungary
- London, UK
- Grenoble Alpes, France
- Mannheim, Germany
