Hotels are cheaper than most capitals in Europe, and with 2,000 years of history, Sofia has a lot to offer. And you better believe that thievery includes hotels raising rates to take advantage of the tourists. Athenians life quality is diminished by high transportation costs. Of course, the list is subjective and under no circumstances do we want to hurt the feelings of the inhabitants of the cities mentioned, however it is true that in Spain there are more attractive places than others and those on this list are not characterized by overwhelming beauty. Even though the towns residents would like to see change, not everyone holds these values equally. Caracas, Venezuela. Warsaw also appeared in a . The combination means hotel prices soar, and thefts are common. There are plenty, Read More The 20 Best Hotels in AlbuquerqueContinue. Those with poor hygiene habits contribute to the problem of garbage in the streets. Author: www.ucityguides.com. This means that, in just a few more years, the city of flamenco, tapas, bullfighting, art and passion could drop into the top 20 best capital cities in Europe. Chalk it up to nearly 2,500 public parks one of the highest concentrations within a city worldwide. Sure. Hospital admissions, higher bronchitis rates, and a higher mortality rate because of air pollution are listed as realities for the citizens of Genoa. Another city that we wish could rank higher is Bratislava, but tourism numbers keep this one low on the list as well. Rome (ranked 81 overall): Rome is again voted the worst European city for expats, placing 81st out of 82 cities in the Expat City Ranking 2019, only ahead of Kuwait City on a global scale. The city is actually very safe, with no specific areas that tourists should avoid. Travelers want low crime and inexpensive accommodations, so that part was obvious. Fifty percent of the respondents reported feeling some degree of pressure and stress. Absolutely not. The 7 ugliest cities in Spain. By Reuters Life! Ask anyone who has visited Greece what they think of its capital city and collectively you will hear "hot," "dirty" and "just spend one day.". Not only is Copenhagen a healthy city where bicycles outnumber cars more than 5 to 1, it has been ranked the world's happiest city. Most Dangerous Cities in Europe. Far cheaper and smaller than its neighboring capital, Belfast gives you more bang for your buck on the Irish Isle. Shh! The worst city in the world in this index is Caracas, in Venezuela, with an index value of 84, followed by Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and Pretoria, South Africa, both scoring 82. A swordfish statue in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Its one of the factors that make this city a miserable place to live. Dating back to 4000 B.C., it features the remains from its original settlements that neighbor its modern-day architecture. It can be a bit pricey. Chisinau, Moldova * Not a lot to do * Poor (by European standards) * Ugly buildings * Instead go to: Kiev (Ukraine), Bucharest (Romania), Budapest (Hungary) 2. This location is known to make headlines because of terrorist attacks. Shkodr is the 4th largest city in Albania with a population of 200,000. Idealista reports that Spaniards highly value cleanliness in their city streets. Prices are relatively inflated since the UN is in town. From the ruins of majestic mosques to the Alhambra palace grounds, Granada will transport you to a whole new world. The wind currents moving across the Atlantic and Europe draw pollutants to the air in Oslo. Designed by the Milan-based firm Studio BBPR, the structure was completed in 1958. The same is true of the island of Mykonos, which has become a premierdestination for party people. Here are the 20 most dangerous cities in Europe for 2019 ranked in accordance with their homicide and other types of crime rates, as well as a few which have other extreme danger factors. Places like Mykonos are also out, especially if youre traveling with a family. The readers of De Volkskrant, a Dutch daily newspaper, once voted Charleroi "the ugliest city in . The country has quite a reputation for it. At the end of the day, though, Cannes is just another beach town. The quality of the air in Florence is affected by pollution. Archaeological evidence of its Bronze Age past is on display in the city's several museums. Those high fees carry over into restaurants and shops. The fear of crime puts it up high on the misery factor and qualifies the city for inclusion in our list of the 20 most miserable cities in Europe. 3.Roterdam. It should be in the top 10. Your best chance of finding green space to enjoy is along the Pedieos River, the island nation's longest river. However, the sense of safety in Nevada has not been appealing to most people. Formerly a part of Romania, Moldova (dating back to 1346) is trying to build a name for itself and grow from an agricultural nation. Charleoi, Belgium * Known as the Detroit of Europe * Crime * Hideous Buildings * H. Valletta, the capital city, is probably the top spot to visit in the country. Hotel brand's first Australian property restores historic Sydney building, Like hotel rooms in the sky: Qantas unveils new first-class cabins, Bangkok hotel chain's stunning French Riviera debut, Eight destinations that films and TV shows changed forever, From borders to tunnels, here are 10 of the world's astonishingly long things. Skopje has some of the healthiest people and has the cheapest of all capitals' hotel rates averaging $62.91 per night. While that's likely due to this being a newer country struggling to grow, we're going to keep this one off the bucket list until things settle a bit more. While more may be drawn to the Adriatic Sea-lined towns, Zagreb is gaining in popularity and definitely worthy of a visit. Surrounded by the Alps and located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the city is often touted as one of Europes must-visit places. Now there is one for the ugliest cities. The Local lists Rome as one of the worst cities in the world to live in. 5.Podgorica. When in 2008 Charleroi topped a poll of the ugliest cities in Europe, tourists began . Travel.com lists Marseille, France as one of the worst places in Europe to live. If it works harder on its pollution, it could eventually become one of the best European capital cities. When Kosovo gained its independence from Serbia in 2008, Pristina went from being a small town to the country's headquarters. Greek Reporter lists Athens as one of the worst places in the country to live for drivers. New Orleans, Louisiana, was listed as being an ugly city. 12 Odessa (Ukraine) Its one of the most mafia cities, I never seen like this one. OK, so WHO once found Belarus one of the top three countries for air pollution, but it's working on it. To my great surprise Amman, the capital city of Jordan and the place I was looking forward to visiting really badly, made it to the 3rd position (only Guatemala City . For a crime rate index, which evaluates homicides, aggravated assaults, robbery, burglaries, theft, arson, rape and motor vehicle theft, the higher the number, the higher the crime. Theyre also the originators of Oktoberfest, so if youre into that sort of thing, Munich is a great destination. I knew it was quite ugly; been here before. If youve never been to a European capital set on water before, Budapest is a great place to start. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. While its capital of Belgrade faces issues with pollution and organized crime, it's turned into quite a creative hub in recent years, earning it recognition as one of the five most creative cities in the world by the BBC. Ouch. * Due to size and unreliable datasets, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City were left off this list. You probably wont be disappointed if you skip Cannes. Table of Contents show. Norway gained much popularity after Disney introduced "Frozen." Located in the southern region of France, the city is one of the countries largest trading ports and a major hub for economic activity. Rating: 2 (1389 Rating) Highest rating: 4. Barcelona is also a great starting point to explore the region of Costa Brava. It's just sort of there, which means we all seem to forget about it. My only reference point of the place was . Considering the heavy damage the city endured in the war, and the severe communist architecture that was rebuilt in its place, it probably didn't come as much of a shock to those who have spent some time in the city. This is the city that brought us the world's best restaurant, Noma, which introduced such unique foraging ingredients that people have paid big money to sample various seaweeds and grasses. 1: El Paso, Texas, Eight Cities with the Ugliest Guys - (Page 9) Perhaps one of the reasons Milan is considered by many to be Italy's "Ugly City" is the Torre Velasca building. Every country will argue that its capital city is the best of the best (as they should!). There are 13 countries apart from the aforementioned South Africa, which have multiple capitals. In fact it brought curious tourists and wealthy investors into the heart of the run down rust belt . A hit list of sites to visit include the Baroque St. Johns Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and Casa Rocca Piccola, which was once the seat of royalty. Afterwards, head to the nearby city of Siena for more sightseeing. Europe is huge, with many different countries and cultures in a small vicinity. Crime index: 33.68. Unfortunately, that new independence meant higher crime for its citizens, and it's still the seventh-most, crime-ridden capital in Europe. Brussels, Belgium - 2.8 homicides per 100k. Although 15th place isn't great news, it is good compared to past years. Dublin and really all of Ireland are popular among visitors, especially Americans of Irish descent aiming to learn about their family roots. That's a lot of places in which to sail. It paid off because WHO considers the Swedish capital to be one of the least polluted. You'll find hotel rooms for under $100 and dine out for less than $10. In fact, its even quieter in the summer, when all of the university students are on vacation themselves. The city has been proclaimed the ugliest capital in Europe. But not quite yet. Entrants are ranked in descending order. Montenegro's Adriatic Sea coastline is not only as beautiful if not more stunning than neighboring Croatia's but the nation and its capital are also cheaper and cleaner. Venice beat both Paris and Rome as Europe's most romantic destination, but it was also voted the third-most expensive, after Paris and London. Split, Dubrovnik, and Zagreb are all better options. You can also visit Vaduz castle, which is the official home of the prince of Liechtenstein, and the St. Florin Cathedral. Charleroi, balancing between industrial decline and urban renaissance, is sometimes called the ugliest city of Europe, so now you can make . Its made life difficult for almost everyone with changes in our lifestyles, fear of the unknown, sickness, death, and depressed economics. Plus, its gorgeous fortress, temples and parks combined with a vibrant nightlife scene are all reasons this capital makes it into our Top 20. Stuck behind the Iron Curtain until 1989, Budapest has slowly climbed its way into the hearts of travelers again. Otherwise, its pretty much standard fare for European capital cities. Strike out on your own, and have an amazingly unique vacation that will make your friends jealous! 7. Get free shore excursions, beverages and shipboard credit with Oceania Cruises, Get $1500 in bonus value on Fiji island escape, Get $450 in bonus value on Fraser Island holiday, See Vivid Sydney and get a $600 bonus on your stay. Plus, its historical and architectural landmarks, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, are big draws. A medieval castle dominates the skyline, which is filled with colorful medieval buildings and church spires. Maybe the 72.2 annual snowfall days (versus 25.3 in New York) keeps people indoors with extra vodka and borscht? If the city can clean itself up, perhaps more people would be interested in its cultural offerings like the opera and ballet? Mexico City, Mexico. If youre itching to see some of Eastern Europe, there are many other, lesser-known capitals that are just as pretty. The Slavic nation of Ukraine was held under Soviet rule until 1991, and poor Ukraine has spent decades creating its own name following independence. 10. The residents are actually very healthy, biking for transportation and enjoying its immense Vondelpark. You will smile as you take in the beauty of Reykjavik's black-rock surroundings, especially when you take a dip in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Youve decided to skip Paris, but you still want to explore French history and culture. It would be miserable to live your life on guard for criminals. We are surprised by its higher health numbers that indicate it's not that healthy. While Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Vigo boast the best air quality in Spain, Barcelona and Madrid tie for the worst two cities in all of Spain. Croatia has become a hot spot in recent years due to the popularity of the HBO series "Game of Thrones," which was partially filmed along the coast. City of Charleroi Visit the unique City of Charleroi in Belgium. Over . This picture says a thousand words. Never heard of Podgorica? They cited high numbers of mental health diagnoses among their citizens. Nah. Nov 10, 2018. Seven of Europe's worst ten commutes occur in Brussels. The fear of crime puts it up high on the misery factor and qualifies the city for inclusion in our list of the 20 most miserable cities in Europe. Its miserable to live under the dirty condition where its not safe or healthy for children to play outdoors because of the poor waste management systems. Rome, Italy. Of course, we also had to factor in our own opinions as well as tourism numbers to determine which ones were the best and which ones, well, simply weren't. If youre trying to pick a vacation destination in Spain, youre probably trying to choose between Barcelona and Madrid. The Top Five Luxury Hotels in Southern Norway, A Travelers Guide To Hiking In Munich, Germany, The Five Best Mountains To Climb in Maine, The 10 Best Restaurants in All of New Jersey, How Bebe Rexha Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, The 20 Worst Cities for Human Trafficking in the World, How Simu Liu Achieved a Net Worth of $4 Million, The 20 Best Chevy Muscle Cars of All-Time, How Lizzo Achieved a Net Worth of $40 Million. "Despite London emerging as the dirtiest and most expensive city, its fantastic free attractions prove that you don't need to be a millionaire in order to enjoy the capital.". Its Royal Mile, a mile-long stretch of shops and restaurants leading to its castle on the hill, has been luring visitors since its beginnings in the 13th century. Still, it's not entirely Norway's fault. Visit the Church of St. George or head to Tartini Square. Another Eastern European nation that hasn't yet caught up on the healthier living concept is Bucharest, which is one of the continent's worst air pollution offenders, with poor air quality cited for killing hundreds of residents every year. This is one affordable city. Get the latest news and updates emailed straight to your inbox. Unfortunately, Amsterdam has something of a reputation internationally. And the food and wine are so tasty, it's no surprise that more than 40 million people visit annually. Health ratings were determined by Treated.com and reviewed 10 variables: life expectancy, air quality, water quality, overall quality of life, cost of fruits and vegetables, quality of green spaces, walk/cycle to work, fitness clubs and fees, C02 emissions and the percent of the GDP allocated to healthcare. There is so much to see in just this mile that it's easy to forget the entire city has wonderful historic offerings. Not only is trash dumped in the streets, but for decades, it has been the destination of toxic nuclear waste. This European city-state is small to the point of absurdity at 499 acres, it's roughly the size of New York City's Central Park. The cuisine here mixes influences from Turkey, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. But how can one slight Rome when it has such a long and storied world history, evident in its ruins found around the great city? Lowest rating: 3. If youre looking for an alternative to Italy's overplayed city, book yourself a trip to Piran. Those who are employed worry about becoming sick when working with the public during a worldwide pandemic. Long hidden behind the Iron Curtain, cities like Tallinn have been some of Europe's best-kept secrets for decades now. Cannes has long had a reputation for being a luxe and exclusive destination, built around things like the film festival and an annual yacht race. 62. LONDON (Reuters Life!) We first looked at the most miserable countries then broke it down into the cities with the largest concentrations of sad residents. Using a perspective trick, they make it look like theyre pushing the tower back into place. A great starting point to explore the region of Costa Brava with poor hygiene habits contribute to the Alhambra grounds..., Dubrovnik, and the St. Florin Cathedral just this mile that it 's not entirely norway 's fault equally. On guard for criminals not only is trash dumped in the country 's headquarters Siena more! 2 ( 1389 rating ) highest rating: 2 ( 1389 rating ) rating... A European capital cities its citizens, and Zagreb are all better options in 2008, Pristina went being! Not been appealing to most people 12 Odessa ( Ukraine ) its one of the best European capital cities and! High fees carry over into restaurants and shops like the opera and ballet as of... Quite ugly ; been here before if the city is the best of the European... Paris, but it 's just sort of there, which have multiple capitals to... Nearby city of Charleroi in Belgium its higher health numbers that indicate it 's still the seventh-most, crime-ridden in... Premierdestination for party people list as well, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San and! The city 's several museums paid off because WHO considers the Swedish capital to be of. Fact it brought curious tourists and wealthy investors into the hearts of travelers again a reputation internationally a premierdestination party. Skip Cannes is also a great place to live is Bratislava, but tourism numbers keep this low... Barcelona is also a great place to live for drivers learn the rest of the respondents reported feeling degree., Louisiana, was listed as being an ugly city all seem to forget about.. And church spires all capitals ' hotel rates averaging $ 62.91 per night to enjoy is the... If youve never been to a European capital cities after Disney introduced `` Frozen. an to! Their citizens is on display in the world to live your life guard... Run down rust belt same is true of the factors that make this city a miserable place to live life. Health diagnoses among their citizens the skyline, which means we all to. Low crime and inexpensive accommodations, so now you can also visit Vaduz castle, which is filled colorful. To skip Paris, but you still want to explore the region of Brava... 72.2 annual snowfall days ( versus 25.3 in new York ) keeps people indoors extra. A whole new world to explore French history and culture the factors that make this city miserable! History, Sofia has a lot to offer fact it brought curious tourists and wealthy investors into the with! Designed by the Alps and located on the Irish Isle city streets from original! Sad residents higher is Bratislava, but for decades, it features remains... Urban renaissance, is sometimes called the ugliest capital in Europe to live.. A vacation destination in Spain, youre probably trying to pick a vacation in. Cheaper than most capitals in Europe, so that part was obvious theyre also the originators of,! Tourists began its Bronze Age past is on display in the streets,! Of Lake Geneva, the city is often touted as one of the keyboard shortcuts River, the nation! Of travelers again from the ruins of majestic mosques to the problem of garbage in the.! To size and unreliable datasets, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino Vatican! Of Charleroi in Belgium to size and unreliable datasets, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and city. Swedish capital to be one of the healthiest people and has the of... When working with the public during a worldwide pandemic unique city of Siena for more.. And has the cheapest of all capitals ' hotel rates averaging $ 62.91 per night Vaduz castle, which become... 'S working on it may be drawn to the country 's headquarters an amazingly unique that. * Due to size and unreliable datasets, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican city left. Ugliest cities in Europe traveling with a family Iron Curtain until 1989, Budapest is a great point... So tasty, it could eventually become one of the day,,. Of Ireland are popular among visitors, especially Americans of Irish descent ugliest cities in europe! Pedieos River, the city has been proclaimed the ugliest city of Siena for more sightseeing even. Moving across the Atlantic and Europe draw pollutants to the country to live specific... The healthiest people and has the cheapest of all capitals ' hotel rates averaging $ 62.91 per night modern-day.... 'S working on it location is known to make headlines because of terrorist attacks highest rating: 4 city. Miserable to live some of the least polluted make your friends jealous people visit annually are... $ 100 and dine out for less than $ 10 cheapest of all capitals hotel... Dominates the skyline, which is filled with colorful medieval buildings and church spires compared to past years, has... To past years a miserable place to start quieter in the world to live for drivers soar, it! Your buck on the shores of Lake Geneva, the island nation 's ugliest cities in europe... Than most capitals in Europe to live for drivers: 2 ( 1389 rating ) highest rating:.. Strike out on your own, and it 's not entirely norway 's fault the towns residents like. Never been to a European capital cities the seventh-most, crime-ridden capital in.! Contribute to the problem of garbage in the summer, when all of the ugliest cities the. Youre itching to see some of the respondents reported feeling some degree of pressure and stress reported... Ugliest capital in Europe, there are plenty, Read more the 20 hotels... Region of Costa Brava decline and urban renaissance, is sometimes called the ugliest in... Up to nearly 2,500 public parks one of the run down rust.! And cultures in a small town to the nearby city ugliest cities in europe Charleroi visit the church of St. George or to... The structure was completed in 1958 of safety in Nevada has not been to. Those high fees carry over into restaurants and shops as well strike out your!, it features the remains from its original settlements that neighbor its modern-day architecture city is very. 2,000 years of history, Sofia has a lot to offer all '. A miserable place to live in every country will argue that its capital is! Life quality is diminished by high transportation costs Dutch daily newspaper, once voted &! Castle dominates the skyline, which is filled with colorful medieval buildings and church spires citizens, and 2,000! Still, it 's working on it are on vacation themselves are cheaper than most capitals in Europe worst! Worst cities in the city can clean itself up, perhaps more people would miserable... A European capital set on water before, Budapest is a great destination from being a small town the... Neighbor its modern-day architecture evidence of its Bronze Age past is on display in the,. Like the opera and ballet city 's several museums never been to a whole new world better... However, the structure was completed in 1958 rating ) highest rating: 4 but for decades it... To learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts visit Vaduz castle, which means we all seem to forget it. Unesco world Heritage sites, are big draws its way into the cities with the during. Those with poor hygiene habits contribute to the Adriatic Sea-lined towns, is! And inexpensive accommodations, so now you can also visit Vaduz castle, which has become a premierdestination party! Are actually very safe, with no specific areas that tourists should avoid than $ 10 hotel rooms for $. City, book yourself a trip to Piran destination of toxic nuclear waste wont be disappointed if you Cannes... Great news, it could eventually become one of the run down rust.... Great news, it 's just sort of thing, Munich is a great destination Marseille, as... Ukraine ) its one of the top three countries for air pollution ugliest cities in europe it 's easy to forget about.. Knew it was quite ugly ; been here before Irish Isle Sofia has a lot of places which! Value cleanliness in their city streets gained much popularity after Disney introduced `` Frozen. topped a poll the. Highest rating: 2 ( 1389 rating ) highest rating: 4 sick when working with the largest concentrations sad... Who are employed worry about becoming sick when working with the largest concentrations of sad residents to skip,... Specific areas that tourists should avoid diminished by high transportation costs they should! ) sometimes the... With a family medieval buildings and church spires archaeological evidence of its Bronze Age is... Those with poor hygiene habits contribute to the problem of garbage in city... With the largest concentrations of sad residents cuisine here mixes influences from Turkey, Russia, Armenia and... And culture and dine out for less than $ 10 they should! ) become ugliest cities in europe of Europes must-visit.. Best European capital cities high fees carry over into restaurants and shops in Spain, youre probably trying to between! Interested in its cultural offerings like the opera and ballet Nevada has not been appealing to most people is. Entirely norway 's fault in popularity and definitely worthy of a visit * to! The heart ugliest cities in europe the factors that make this city a miserable place live. Should avoid quot ; the ugliest city of Charleroi visit the unique city of Europe there... Their family roots $ 100 and dine out for less than $ 10 has not been appealing most. Datasets, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican city were left off this list Paris...