Tourists named 10 favourite cities in Europe

Four cities in Spain have been ranked among the best holiday destinations in Europe.

The ranking compiled by Travel+Leisure magazine is based on a survey of nearly 165,000 readers. It showed that this country was the most popular among travellers last year. In addition to Spain, Italy, Portugal and Austria also received two winning cities at once.

10 most favourite European cities among tourists:

Istanbul, Turkey

Among the readers' favourite places are the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square, where the Four Seasons was named the World's Best Hotel this year. Next comes the Bosphorus, Turkey's picturesque strait that divides Istanbul and connects the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea.

Florence, Italy

World-class art, food and culture in the heart of Tuscany: that's how tourists describe this city. They also call it the most romantic city in the world.

Rome, Italy

Readers' recommendations for sightseeing include the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Forum, Vatican City, Trastevere and Villa Borghese.

Lisbon, Portugal

Tourists primarily like the history, architecture, food, accessibility and "beautiful beaches within 30 minutes' drive". The "free walking tour of the Chiado district" also takes a special place in this list.

Porto, Portugal

Tourists say they were mesmerised by the "food, port tours and views of the Douro River".

Seville, Spain

Readers rave about Seville because it is a relatively small city that is extremely easy to get around. They call it the "pearl of Andalusia".

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of Slovenia once ruled by the Habsburgs is a firm favourite among T+L readers. It has been in the top 10 in the rankings for the last two years.

San Sebastian, Spain

Here, tourists appreciated the medieval city, beaches, the world's best restaurants, culture, wine bars, places and excursions nearby.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague's breathtaking beauty makes it a favourite among T+L readers. "The food was delicious, the city was easy to navigate, the people were friendly and the place was very clean and well maintained. I can't wait to visit again," said one of the tourists.

Barcelona, Spain

Tourists love Barcelona for its Park Güell and Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, the outdoor restaurants along Las Ramblas, and, of course, as a starting point for other smaller but no less idyllic Spanish cities, including those nearby.