Almost 700, 000 travellers from 178 countries have taken part in an online vote over a three-week period.
Warsaw received a total of 142, 081 votes, 50,000 more than runner-up Athens. Slovenia’s Maribor, Vienna and Cittadela in Italy are in 3rd, 4th and 5th place respectively.
Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski welcomed the outcome of the vote, saying that the title of ‘European Best Destination 2023’ is not only a mark of prestige. He told reporters: “Previous years’ winners have registered an increase of well over ten percent in the number of tourists. Warsaw invites you.”
European Best Destinations is a travel website dedicated to promoting culture and tourism in Europe.
In its profile of Warsaw, the website stated: “Beautiful, friendly, green, open-minded, perfect for a family city break, a cultural city break, a shopping experience, a romantic stay, Warsaw has something to offer to everyone. Take a walk in its beautiful parks, relax on its city beaches, take advantage of its great gastronomic offer, come at any time of the year and take advantage of its rich calendar of events.”
Old Town, Palace of Culture and Science, Łazienki Park
European Best Destinations added: “You will be dazzled by its emblematic places such as the Old Town Market Square and its colourful buildings, the Palace of Culture and Science which is the tallest building in Poland, the Łazienki Park and its palaces, pavilions and orangeries. During your stay in the Best European Destination 2023 do not miss to stroll in ‘Krakowskie Przedmieście,’ the most prestigious street in Warsaw, and to visit the Barbican, the historic fortifications that once encircled Warsaw.”
Local cuisine, hot air balloon flights, cruises on Vistula River
The website noted that there is a wide range of activities to enjoy in Warsaw, “from tasting local culinary specialties, to a hot air balloon flight or zip line in one of the city's parks.”
It added: “Would you rather enjoy a cruise on Warsaw's beautiful Vistula River? Are you travelling with family? Be sure to visit Warsaw Zoo and take a dip at Moczydlo Water Park and enjoy its slides, wave pools and other water activities.”
‘One of the safest city breaks in Europe’
The Best European Destination website also stressed that the Polish capital offered one of the safest city breaks in Europe: “Did you know that Warsaw is three times safer than Paris? Twice as safe as Rome and even safer than Vienna and that the feeling of safety while walking alone was one of the highest for a European capital? It seems there are only good reasons to visit Warsaw this year”.
(mk/pm)