The Most Popular European Cities for Americans in 2023
These Cities are High on Americans’ 2023 Travel Lists
It’s no surprise that cities in Europe are going to be extremely popular destinations among American travelers this year as we continue to leave the pandemic behind us and become more confident in planning international travel. Using data from Statista, Reddit, Instagram and Twitter, Icelandair has found the top ten cities in Europe that Americans are dying to travel to this year. The results might surprise you, though many destinations on this list are extremely popular cities for travelers around the world, like Rome and Athens. Yet there are still some unexpected cities on this list, like Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is the first city and the most popular destination among Americans this year. The art-centric city is a popular choice for photography and art lovers, which plenty of Art Nouveau architecture, history and landmarks to enjoy. In between museum hopping, travelers can visit antique flea markets, chic shopping districts and The Canal, a revitalized industrial area that’s now a sustainable and trendy entertainment district.
London, United Kingdom
Who doesn’t want to travel to London? This economic and cultural powerhouse has been a center for the region’s trade and culture since Roman times, and continues its legacy, attracting travelers from all across the globe to come visit its museums, historical landmarks and other attractions. London is the second most popular city for Americans looking to travel to Europe. While it gets packed with travelers in the summer, the best times to visit for penny pinchers is from November through March, as long as you don’t care about the weather all that much.
Rome, Italy
Rome, the “Eternal City,” remains eternally on Americans’ bucket lists. This year, it ranks third on the list in popularity. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers thousands of years of history, all commingling to create one of the most iconic cities in Italy. Like many European cities, early summer and early autumn are the best times to visit this city, though the cheapest times are from September to February. From the Colosseum to Renaissance-era architecture, Rome is a city photographers and art lovers will love to get lost in.
Hamburg, Germany
Fourth on our list is probably the first unexpected addition to this list: Hamburg, Germany. Located along the Elbe River and split by a large network of canals reminiscent of Amsterdam but with an architectural style all its own, Hamburg is a truly unique destination that travelers are beginning to buzz about online. Home to the UNESCO-designated Speicherstadt District, the largest warehouse district in the world, and the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, a modern construction that towers above the silver river and reflects the city’s industrial past. Travelers to Hamburg can walk through time, visiting 17th-century row houses and early 1900s-era industrial landmarks.
Vienna, Austria
Considered one of the jewels of Europe, the fifth city on this list fairly glitters with cultural prominence and architectural genius, attracting millions each year for its passion for classical music, beautiful architecture and world-class museums. Vienna, Austria offers a whole district of museums showcasing art, called the MuseumsQuartier. It’s also been rated one of the greenest cities in Europe, with plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy in between museum hopping. A trip to the city isn’t complete with a trip to the opera or the orchestra.
Athens, Greece
Athens, home to grand ancient philosophers and plenty of ancient history to discover, ranks sixth in popularity for Americans this year. Whether it be a day’s stop on a Mediterranean cruise or a few days on a grand European tour, a trip to Athens promises a step into ancient history. No first trip to Athens is complete without a wander through the Acropolis, a 5th-century complex in which the Parthenon is located. Yet travelers shouldn’t also forget to visit The Acropolis Museum and The National Archaeological Museum to see more of what survived from ancient Greece.
Lisbon, Portugal
While Portugal has been a popular warm-weather destination among northern Europeans for decades, it’s only just beginning to gain more traction and popularity among American travelers. Its pastel-painted capital of Lisbon ranks seventh on the list this year. Travelers can visit historical landmarks ranging from the ancient to the Baroque, explore the unique gastronomy of Portugal and enjoy the city’s surrounding beaches.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Another dark horse on the list is our eighth city on this list: Sofia, Bulgaria. The capital of Bulgaria, it’s a colorful city with a history that draws back to ancient times and intersects with more modern Eastern European history. Less expensive than other capital cities in Europe, it’s a great choice for travelers looking to experience something less visited and less expensive, but no less important. From ancient churches to the iconic National Palace of Culture, they’ll have no problem finding things to do in this city.
Dublin, Ireland
The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is the ninth most popular city for Americans this year. It’s easy connectivity and status as the capital city are likely two major reasons why this city is so popular, but it doesn’t end there. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Dublin Castle and Trinity College’s stunning library are only three historical landmarks on every new traveler’s list of places to visit. Travelers should also enjoy experiencing the country’s pub culture at a local pub.
Stockholm, Sweden
Last on this list is Stockholm, the water-centric capital of Sweden. Built upon a collection of fourteen islands along the Baltic Sea. It too is home to world-class museums, ranging from the fun Abba Museum to the Nobel Museum, a royal palace, a 13th-century cathedral and many more historic and cultural attractions. Stockholm also prides itself on sustainability and diversity, attracting innovators from around the world.