Travel in city Vilnius

Global market research company Euromonitor International has released its annual rankings of city destinations based on tourism, sustainability and economic performance. Europe dominates the field. Paris was crowned the most attractive city destination in the world in the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023, with seven European destinations landing in the top 10 and the continent owning 63 spots in the top 100 overall. Nadejda Popova, Senior Manager (Loyalty) at Euromonitor International, said: “Paris has retained the title of the world's leading city following exceptional performance across the Tourism Policy and Attractiveness, Tourism Infrastructure and Tourism Performance pillars.” Paris was followed by Dubai in second place, Madrid in third, Tokyo in fourth and Amsterdam in fifth. The top 10 was rounded out by Berlin (6), Rome (7), New York (8), Barcleona (9) and London (10).  

Are you planning some European travel this summer? Me too. Getting from A to B by train has never felt so exciting, with a thrilling mix of new routes, classic journeys, and under-the-radar options to choose from.

If last summer is any indication—and bookings for 2024 suggest that it is—parts of Europe will be as inundated with crowds as they were in 2023. The best way to avoid the hordes is to go somewhere off the beaten path, seeking out corners of Europe free of mass tourism. Here are five European trips for those seeking a respite from the madding crowd.

The new routes will be operated by Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

The flight time is approximately two hours and 10 minutes.

Further frequencies will be added between Zurich and various existing European destinations including Alicante, Madrid, Naples, Venice and Vilnius.

SAS is getting ready for the summer season and will fly to over 130 destinations in more than 40 countries.

This new codeshare agreement will allow Delta to place its code on 20 airBaltic-operated routes to three of the Latvian carrier’s leading cities, including Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius.

The modernization initiative for electrical supply infrastructure at Riga Airport encompasses an upgrade of the existing 10-kilovolt electrical grid to a more robust 20-kilovolt network. Additionally, the project will introduce a solar panel array atop various airport structures to facilitate the generation of renewable energy.

Stuck for summer holiday inspiration? Lithuania has loads to offer, from wild, dune-backed beaches to even wilder festivals. And, with the country gearing up to celebrate 100 years since the restoration of independence (in 2018), there's never been a better time to visit.

Medieval yet modern, the intriguing national capitals of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania make some of the best small-city breaks in Europe. United by geography and a common history, yet proudly unique, they combine tightly packed, picturesque old towns with first-class museums, hip neighbourhoods, stylish bars and a burgeoning food scene. As all three countries celebrate 100 years of independence in 2018, here is our first-timer's guide to the highlights of Tallinn, Rīga and Vilnius.

Set almost in the middle of the country, Lithuania’s second city is 92km from the capital of Vilnius. Two rivers – Neris and Nemunas (Neman) meet close to the Old Town, a compact tangle of streets. The centrepiece is Town Hall Square, which hosts events such as a Christmas Market.