Most glamorous European cities in 2024: Budapest included in prestigious list

Holidu, a search engine for vacation rentals, has ranked 63 European cities in terms of where travellers looking for a luxury lifestyle can find the best value. Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is also among the places you should be looking for when craving for a one-of-a-kind experience.

In addition to tourist attractions, the most luxurious European cities offer a range of services that cater to the needs of the luxury traveller. Holidu, a portal offering holiday accommodation, has ranked 63 cities across the continent according to how well they meet the expectations of luxury travellers, turizmus.com reports.

European cities chosen based on 6 criteria

The ranking was based on the following criteria:

1. the number of one-, two- and three-star Michelin restaurants in the city;
2. the number of Gucci, Dior and Chanel brand stores;
3. the number of Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Lamborghini car dealerships;
4. the number of certified Rolex stores;
5. the number of beauty salons with a rating of 4.8 stars or higher on Google Maps;
6. the final result was also shaped by the price of accommodation in the Holidu database.

The results are distorted by the fact that only European cities with half a million or more inhabitants are included in the ranking. This excludes Zurich, which is currently the world’s most expensive city, according to a recent study by The Economist. The Bahnhofstrasse in its city centre is the world’s most exclusive shopping street.

Photo: BKK/FB

Budapest is ranked 21st on the list of the most exclusive European cities with 7 Michelin-starred restaurants, a luxury fashion brand store, three Rolex stores and 105 beauty salons rated 4.8 stars or higher.

Prague is 45th, Warsaw 47th and Bucharest 48th, according to Reisereporter, which also includes the full ranking.

Most glamorous European cities

The top 10 most luxurious European cities according to Holidu are the following:

1. Paris, France

Galeries Lafayette, Paris, France. Source: depositphotos.com

The first place in the list received the maximum 100 points from the evaluators. The French capital has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita, with 118 in total, including nine three-star and 15 two-star restaurants. The most expensive shops can be found in the Galeries Lafayette on the Haussmann Boulevard and on the Champs-Élysées.

2. London, England

In London, ranked 2nd, there are 73 Michelin restaurants, including five three-star and 12 two-star restaurants. There are also three luxury car dealerships in the city, along with 1,005 beauty salons rated 4.8 stars or higher. Fashion lovers can spend their money in 12 Chanel, four Dior and four Gucci stores.

3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The Dutch capital is ranked highly for the number of Michelin-starred restaurants, of which 32 can be found here. There are six luxury fashion and six Rolex shops, and a Lamborghini dealership.

4. Madrid, Spain

Serrano Street in Madrid, Spain, part of the Salamanca District. Source: depositphotos.com

There are several streets in the Spanish capital where shops are packed with luxury goods. The Salamanca district is one of Spain’s most exclusive shopping areas, known around the world as the ‘Golden Mile’.

According to the city’s tourist office, it is home to the largest number of international luxury brands.

5. Rome, Italy

According to Holidu, the capital of Italy impresses visitors with its “historic elegance and rich selection of luxury fashion shops”. When in Rome, there are 20 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from.

For shopping, the best place is Via dei Condotti, the bustling shopping district in the historic city centre, where all the big designer brands are represented.

6. Berlin, Germany

7. Barcelona, Spain

8. Hamburg, Germany

9. Milan, Italy

10. Vienna, Austria

Read also:

• Budapest chosen among best honeymoon hotspots
• Posh 5-star Pullman Budapest Hotel to open in the heart of the capital

Featured image: depositphotos.com