Revealed: Top 10 Luxury European Destinations
We all deserve to treat ourselves to a lavish holiday every now and then. From 5-star restaurants to glamorous hotel rooms, a luxury getaway is a chance to indulge in an out-of-the-ordinary experience.
Home to some of the most stunning landscapes and captivating history and culture, Europe isn’t short of luxe destinations. We at Riviera Travel analysed TripAdvisor and Michelin Guide data to uncover the most luxurious destinations in Europe to help you find your next premium getaway.
The analysis identified the top 10 luxury European destinations based on the number of 5-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and highest-rated spas and wellness centres within each location. Let’s explore Europe’s most opulent gems!
Top 10 Luxury European Destinations
| Rank | Destination | Number of 5-star hotels | Number of Michelin-star restaurants | Number of highly-rated spas & wellness centres |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paris | 128 | 473 | 134 |
| 2 | Barcelona | 51 | 83 | 130 |
| 3 | Madrid | 40 | 163 | 82 |
| 4 | Rome | 99 | 63 | 103 |
| 5 | Lisbon | 54 | 53 | 71 |
| 6 | Milan | 32 | 92 | 48 |
| 7 | Amsterdam | 14 | 69 | 58 |
| 8 | Berlin | 6 | 68 | 62 |
| 9 | Athens | 38 | 35 | 41 |
| 10 | Budapest | 18 | 34 | 67 |
1. Paris
Securing top spot among Europe’s most luxurious destinations is Paris. The French capital and fashion, arts, and culture-centric city was revealed as the top luxury destination in Europe. With 128 5-star hotels across the city, visitors are guaranteed a satisfying, well-rested stay in high-quality accommodation.
Grab a bite at one of the city’s 473 Michelin-starred restaurants, where you’ll experience fine dining like no other and don’t forget to make time for rest and relaxation at one of Paris’ 134 highly-rated spas and wellness centres.
2. Barcelona
Barcelona is ranked as the second most luxurious destination in Europe. Home to incredible architecture and historical landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona offers an enriching experience and an opportunity to delve into the city’s rich history and culture.
Barcelona is also rich in high-quality accommodation, with 51 5-star hotels in the Spanish city. Its status as Europe’s second most luxurious destination is also thanks to its extensive selection of Michelin-starred restaurants (83) and 130 highly-rated spas and wellness centres.
3. Madrid
Third is Madrid. The Spanish capital boasts 163 Michelin-starred restaurants, offering foodies a chance to experience fine dining and excellent cuisine. The vibrant city, renowned for its nightlife, also has plenty of options for treating yourself on an indulgent break.
From top-notch restaurants to 40 5-star hotels, Madrid is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated trip. Additionally, enjoy quiet moments at one of the city’s 82 highly-rated spas and wellness centres.
4. Rome
Next up is Rome. Home to fascinating ancient ruins such as the Colosseum, the Italian city is rich in history, culture, and according to our findings, luxury establishments. With 99 5-star hotels and 63 Michelin-starred restaurants, this Italian destination is among the most affluent destinations in Europe.
Its extensive selection of opulent accommodation options and eateries makes it an ideal location for a chic and exclusive holiday. Plus, its 103 highly-rated spas and wellness centres offer plenty of spots to unwind and enjoy excellent service.
5. Lisbon
Completing the top five most luxurious destinations in Europe is Lisbon. It isn’t just the Portuguese city’s vibrant architecture and delicious pastel de natas that visitors love, it’s also its extensive selection of high-quality establishments.
Lisbon earns its top five position thanks to its 54 5-star hotels, 53 Michelin-starred restaurants, and 71 highly-rated spas and wellness centres.
6. Milan
The sixth most luxurious European destination according to our findings is Milan. The fashion capital is famous for its impressive selection of luxury brands, including Versace and Armani.
However, the Italian city’s luxe appeal doesn’t stop there. Milan offers plenty of fine dining experiences, with 92 Michelin-starred restaurants, along with an abundance of high-quality establishments and services, including its 48 highly-rated spas and wellness centres.
Following an afternoon of retail therapy, delicious cuisine, and a spa soak, enjoy some much-needed rest at one of Milan’s 32 5-star hotels.
7. Amsterdam
In seventh place, it’s the Netherlands’ capital. Well-renowned for its historic canals and unique architecture, Amsterdam has plenty of amenities for a luxury getaway.
From 69 Michelin-starred restaurants to 58 highly-rated spas and wellness centres, Amsterdam boasts an array of opulent, high-quality spots. If you seek a restful stay with high-quality rooms and excellent service, book a night or two at one of the city’s 14 5-star hotels.
8. Berlin
Next up is Berlin. The German capital secures a spot in the top 10 most luxurious destinations in Europe thanks to its extensive selection of Michelin-starred restaurants (68). Perfect for dining enthusiasts, Berlin is a chance to discover new cuisines and enjoy exclusive gourmet experiences.
Those who seek a slow-paced, mindful holiday can also enjoy Berlin’s spa and wellness centres, with 62 highly-rated spots scattered throughout the city. With 6 5-star hotels to choose from, expect attentive staff and unmatched facilities when visiting Berlin.
9. Athens
According to our findings, Athens is the ninth most luxurious destination in Europe. Renowned for its rich history and notable architecture, Athens is a hotspot for a cultural and insightful holiday. With luxury around every corner, the Greek capital is ideal for those seeking a grand getaway.
Experience a comfortable and satisfying stay at one of the 38 5-star hotels and immerse yourself in relaxation at one of Athens’ 41 highly-rated spas and wellness centres. The city’s 35 Michelin-starred restaurants also make it a must-visit for experiencing outstanding cuisine.
10. Budapest
Rounding off the top 10 most luxurious European destinations is Budapest. The capital of Hungary secures a spot among Europe’s top locations for a luxury holiday thanks to its wealth of lavish spas and restaurants.
With 18 5-star hotels to choose from and 34 Michelin-starred restaurants on their doorsteps, this Hungarian city, known for its stunning buildings and abundance of sightseeing spots, is perfect for an indulgent holiday. Following a dip in Budapest’s well-renowned Szechenyi Bath, enjoy a tranquil afternoon in one of its 67 highly-rated spas and wellness centres.
To conclude…
Our findings prove that Europe has some of the most luxurious destinations in the world, offering travellers an experience to explore new locations while enjoying high-quality treatment.
These European spots are perfect for food enthusiasts who seek to discover new cuisines at a top level, treating their taste buds to incredible dishes. As well as its wealth of stunning landscapes and captivating history, a trip to Europe is an opportunity to experience high-quality service at lavish stays, and calming moments at top-rated wellness centres.
Experience a luxury holiday like no other with a visit to Europe, and enjoy an exclusive trip with our Signature small group tours in Europe.
Methodology
Riviera Travel created a seed list of popular European cities outside of the UK. They then analysed TripAdvisor and Michelin Guide data to uncover the number of 5* hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and top-rated spas and wellness centres within each destination. Based on this analysis, they assigned a score to each destination, creating an overall ranking that revealed the top 10 most luxurious European destinations.