A Portuguese city has secured a spot in TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for destinations. It’s the country’s highest‑ranked city this year, placing it among the most consistently praised urban breaks worldwide.
What the Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best title represents
The recognition is based entirely on traveller reviews and ratings gathered over 12 months. Rather than a panel decision, the result reflects steady feedback from visitors who have experienced the city first-hand.
The Best of the Best label is TripAdvisor’s top tier. Fewer than 1% of listings across the platform reach this level.
To qualify, a destination must receive:
- A high volume of reviews across the year
- Consistently strong ratings
- Repeated above‑average feedback from travellers
The Portuguese city that made the list
This year, that city is Lisbon, placing 15th worldwide.
In the context of a global ranking dominated by major capitals and long‑haul destinations, a top‑20 position signals broad appeal. Lisbon continues to rate highly for its scale, setting and atmosphere.
The city remains compact enough to explore on foot, with historic districts such as Alfama, Chiado and Bairro Alto each carrying a distinct identity. Cobbled streets, tiled façades and small local squares still form part of daily life rather than museum pieces.
Its position along the Tejo adds a sense of openness, with viewpoints across the river and easy access to Atlantic beaches by train. Food and café culture also play a part, from simple tascas serving traditional dishes to newer kitchens experimenting with Portuguese ingredients and the famous pastel de nata.
Lisbon as a place to live, not just visit
Beyond short stays, Lisbon has built a sizeable international community over the past decade, drawn to the city's good quality of life.
Remote workers, entrepreneurs and retirees have all contributed to that growth. English is widely spoken in central areas, though daily life runs in Portuguese, and learning the language makes integration noticeably smoother.
However, due to this influx of foreigners along with other factors, housing has become a major sticking point. Property prices and rents in central districts have risen steadily, pushing some local residents towards areas further from the historic core.
What's more, infrastructure is under pressure in places, particularly public transport at peak times. Even so, the good climate, safety, scale and cultural depth combine in a way that continues to resonate with people, as revealed by TripAdvisor's 2026 rankings.
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