Rick Steves Says These Cities Are A Four-Way Tie For The Best In All Of Europe

If there's one travel expert you should trust when it comes to planning an epic European vacation — it's Rick Steves. He's been visiting Europe for more than 50 years. Although he calls the United States home, he spends about four months out of each year traveling around the continent. Throughout his career he's written over 20 travel guidebooks with new additions being published each year, many of which are bestsellers. He is the host of a popular television series and takes around 30,000 people on group tours to Europe each year.

According to his website, Steves' mission is to "inspire, inform, and equip Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening." His entire life and career has surrounded European travel, so when he named four cities as the best in all of Europe, we couldn't help but take note. According to Steves, the title for "best city in Europe" is a tie between Paris, London, Rome, and Istanbul.

"These four cities, while incredibly different, have one key thing in common, from a traveler's perspective," he wrote in a Facebook post. "They can keep a visitor totally enthralled for at least a full week." If you're looking for European travel destinations, consider planning a getaway to one of Steves' favorite cities in Europe. These "amazing cultural capitals," as Steves calls them, are sure to impress and inspire you.

Paris evokes dreams of city lights sparkling in the rain, warm croissants at stylish cafes, and romantic strolls along the river browsing for books. The City of Lights is one of the world's most iconic cities, and a major global trendsetter when it comes to fashion, art, and culture. According to Steves, Paris "stands as a symbol of all the fine things human civilization can offer." It has been a top tourist destination for generations, and millions of people visit each year. In 2023, an estimated 21.8 million travelers visited the city.

"Few cities can match Paris in its rich cultural, artistic, and historic heritage. And few residents are as confident as Parisians in their expertise in good living. That uniquely French joie de vivre is especially apparent in the fine summer months, as the little joys of life are embraced by Parisians citywide," Steves wrote on his website.

The bohemian area of Montmartre has been a favorite hangout for artists, musicians and writers for generations. Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, Henri Matisse, and Salvador Dali are just a few of the famous creatives who were inspired by the Parisian neighborhood. If you're interested in art, culture, or history you'll be delighted to walk in their footsteps. There are endless enchantments to keep you occupied throughout the rest of the city. You can visit one of the world's finest collections of art on a visit to The Louvre, climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views, descend into the Paris underground for a bone chilling look at the Catacombs, shop until you drop at some of the finest designer boutiques, or simply meander the cobblestone streets admiring historic architecture and enjoying Paris like a Parisian.

London is one of the world's oldest major cities with a rich history spanning around 2,000 years. One of Steve's favorite things about his top four favorite cities in Europe is that they, "help you envision a time when that metropolis was just a few thousand citizens huddled in the shadow of a big church surrounded by a fortified wall." Parts of London certainly make you feel like you've wandered back in time, especially when you visit landmarks where infamous historic events took place. The Tower of London, for example, was built around a thousand years ago and was used as both a palace and a prison at various times throughout history. It's currently home to the Crown Jewels, but it was once the place where royals, like Anne Boleyn, were imprisoned and executed. Westminster Abbey has been the site of coronations, royal weddings, and funerals since the year 1066.

"In my view, London is one of the only cities in Europe (along with Rome, Paris, and Istanbul) that can fill an entire week with blockbuster sights and experiences," Steves wrote. During your trip to London you can shop until drop for vintage clothes and unique antiques on trendy London streets Brick Lane and Portobello Road, or dance the night away in Soho which is famous for lively nightlife. Explore some of the finest museums in Europe, or simply wander the streets and take in the sights.

Rome absolutely oozes with romance and ancient history. According to Steves, it is both "magnificent and overwhelming at the same time." There's something for every type of traveler in Italy's oldest and most visited city. It's home to the epic Colosseum, which has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the World where you can explore the fascinating and often violent history of the Roman games, which entertained citizens thousands of years ago. You can even visit at night to experience this popular tourist destination with fewer crowds.

For generations, tourists and locals have been tossing coins in the Trevi Fountain, which was built in the 1700s, in the hopes that their wishes will be granted. The tradition dates back to pagan times, when people would make offerings to the gods of water, like the ancient Roman god Neptune, and ask to receive blessings. Local lore says that if you throw a coin in the fountain, you will return to Rome in the future. The legend has been popularized by famous films like "Three Coins in the Fountain," and it's estimated that tourists throw around a million dollars in the fountain each year. The collected coins are donated to charity. 

When in Rome, Steves has some great recommendations. "Visit St. Peter's, the greatest church on earth, learn something about eternity by touring the huge Vatican Museums, ramble among the rabble and rubble through ancient Rome's Colosseum and Forum, savor the sumptuous Borghese Gallery, and take an early evening stroll with Rome's beautiful people," he wrote on his website. Along with historical sites, Rome is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Italian culture. Dine on delicacies like pasta, pizza, and wine and simply relax enjoying the "bella vita" Roman-style.

In the opinion of Rick Steves, "Istanbul is one of the world's greatest cities, period." It's the largest city in the country of Turkey and is considered part of Europe, but it's partially located in Asia. Turkey is not officially a member of the European Union, but it is a partner as well as a candidate for membership. Its unique location straddling two continents have resulted in a cultural melting pot, and fascinating history. For hundreds of years, the city of Istanbul has played a significant role in world politics, surviving as an important cultural hub for the Ottoman, Roman, and Byzantine Empires. "Monuments to those empires still impress," wrote Steves, "the great church, then mosque, of Hagia Sophia; the gorgeous Blue Mosque; and Topkapı Palace, once the seat of sultans."

These days, Istanbul offers visitors a seamless blend of ancient and modern, as well as the eastern and the western cultures. It's a walkable city full of historic architecture, delicious food, and lively bazaars. One of the most interesting places to visit is the massive Grand Bazaar which has more than 5,000 stores. Rick Steves loves exploring Istanbul. "Sample sweets at the busy Spice Market," he recommends on his website. "Pause to hear the call to prayer echoing across rooftops. Inhale apple-flavored smoke from a water pipe, let yourself be mesmerized by whirling dervishes, get cleaner than you've ever been at a Turkish bath. Linger over a seafood feast, then take in a skyline of floodlit minarets."