Who knows a city better than its residents? Not tourists or juries, but the locals themselves have now crowned Europe’s most beautiful metropolis. Falstaff TRAVEL takes a closer look at the city that has captured its inhabitants’ hearts.
The verdict did not come from experts or travellers, but from the people who experience their city every single day. For a recent survey conducted by Time Out, around 24,000 residents of major cities worldwide were asked whether they considered their hometown beautiful. The results reveal which metropolises inspire the greatest affection among those who know them best. Exactly which cities were included in the survey, however, has not been disclosed by Time Out. The winning destination, though, is undoubtedly worth exploring.
Topping the European ranking is Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital captivates with its remarkable blend of medieval Old Town charm, grand Georgian streets and striking Gothic architecture. According to Time Out, 84 per cent of respondents describe their hometown as beautiful.
Medieval alleyways, elegant Georgian architecture and one of Britain’s most exciting dining scenes: Edinburgh combines history and contemporary pleasures in a way few cities can. Thanks to its compact size, Scotland’s capital is best explored on foot. From the imposing Edinburgh Castle, the famous Royal Mile stretches all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, passing historic pubs, independent boutiques and charming cafés along the way.
Edinburgh has also firmly established itself as a culinary destination. Restaurants such as Timberyard and Fhior champion exceptional regional produce while offering a contemporary take on Scottish cuisine. Those wishing to sample traditional classics such as haggis or fish and chips will find plenty of opportunities in the city’s many gastropubs. And no British experience would be complete without a refined afternoon tea – best enjoyed in the historic Signet Library.
Naturally, no visit would be complete without a glass of whisky. Bars such as The Angels Share and The Devil's Advocate offer impressive selections of Scottish single malts, while the nearby Glenkinchie Distillery provides fascinating insights into the art of whisky-making.
Sharing the runners-up spot is Lisbon. Portugal’s capital enchants with its pastel-coloured façades, intricate azulejo tiles, steep lanes and iconic yellow trams. Some 74 per cent of local residents consider their city particularly beautiful.
In third place comes Paris. The French capital continues to fascinate with its elegant boulevards, classic Haussmann architecture, numerous parks and world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. Yet the fact that only 68 per cent of respondents describe Paris as beautiful suggests that those who live in a major metropolis every day often view it rather differently from its visitors.
