Paris would have been my answer as well.
So–I’ve just read the first post & avoided the spoilers.
I’d say Paris. Or maybe Rome. London–not so much “in” Europe, although I’m sure it’s pretty Great.
Now I’ll go see what I did wrong!
My first thought was Rome.
While I like London more myself, Paris is undoubtedly the crown of Europe - has been for centuries, possibly millenia. There’s a reason none of the sides bombed it in WW2.
I thought London, but Paris was about equal because “Europe” doesn’t ring as closely to London as it does to Paris with me. Rome would be the only other contender.
For what it’s worth I live in London and I’ve been to Paris quite a lot, I’d say both are overrated. But in terms of the history, culture, influence, pre-eminence and financial status factors that are entailed in being a “great” city, there’s hardly any other contenders in Europe really, even Rome only just makes it.
I’d take New York and Jerusalem over either of them…
Rome would be my first choice followed by Paris
Paris.
Absolutely Paris, then London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Vienna and Rome.
Let me put it this way: I’ve been to Paris 4 times, and I can’t wait to go back. I’ve been to London once, and I’m hoping to return, someday.
Paris.
I have vacationed in Europe on 8 separate visits, and I have never set foot in Paris, London or Rome…
London seems too damn expensive, Paris holds no real attraction for me, but I know that I am missing out by not yet touring Rome-----The next time I am able to fly over, Rome and southern Italy is most certainly at the very top of my list.
(For what it’s worth, Prague, Brussels and Barcelona should be on any visitors short list of amazing, affordable European cities.)
BTW—I have 2 cousins and several friends who work for Delta Airlines, so on 6 of my 8 European flights it’s cost me less than $200 R/T to fly over. I am NOT (by any stretch of the imagination) wealthy, just lucky to have a few connections in the travel industry.
London
Paris. Although I prefer London. I suspect it just - for me - suits the title better, probably because it’s more Old-Europe (conservative architecture, a distinct type of cuisine, etc) than London is. Which is also why I prefer London.
I don’t necessarily agree with this, but my first guess was Paris. It seems to epitomise “Europe” in many people’s minds, IMHO.
My first thought was Vienna.
Mine, too.
Paris is a hole.
The real answer is Vienna it has the grandeur, the history and is way more beautiful then Paris. People are nicer too.
For less highbrow stuff Berlin is the definite winner. Simply rocks.
(although I have a weakspot for Copenhagen as well).
Berlin
Rome.
Might be a bit biased, as I lived in Berlin for 14 years…still, went to Paris twice; once as a poor student and once with my parents staying at the 4 Seasons; hated it both times.
Like London, but wouldn’t want to live there - far too expensive and congested - but love visiting London and would go again in an instant.
Vienna is a major snooze - maybe consider going there again when I am 85 years old and still younger than most of the people in that sleepy city.
Berlin is a great time; vibrant, affordable, easy to get around in, and as I recall, not too tough of a place to find a beer in(;)) , but for the non-meat eater, be prepared to eat a lot of cheese and bread, as meat/sausage is seemingly in just about everything.
Seriously though, I actually LOVE cheese, bread (and beer!) so I am not really complaining about the food in Berlin----Besides, it’s such a cosmopolitan city that I actually found some top-notch Thai food within a few steps of my hotel…