Sofia Named Europe's Top City Break Destination for 2027

By זיו ריינשטיין

Translated & summarized from Walla by baba

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Sofia, Bulgaria, has been named Europe's top city break destination for 2027 by European Best Destinations, ranking ahead of Lisbon and Copenhagen. The city has seen a 50% rise in Israeli visitors in 2025, making them a key tourist group. Bulgaria has emphasized its safety for Israeli tourists since October 2023. Sofia is also a candidate for European Capital of Tourism 2027, with finalists presenting to a jury in November 2026.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Sofia, Bulgaria, was chosen as Europe's top city break destination for 2027.
The city ranked above Lisbon, Portugal, and Copenhagen, Denmark, in the European Best Destinations poll.
Israeli tourism to Sofia increased by 50% in the first nine months of 2025.
Bulgaria has promoted itself as a safe destination for Israeli tourists since October 2023.
Sofia is also competing for the title of European Capital of Tourism 2027.

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has been selected as Europe's leading city break destination for 2027, according to a ranking by the tourism website European Best Destinations. The city surpassed Lisbon, Portugal, and Copenhagen, Denmark, which secured second and third place, respectively. The ranking aims to highlight destinations suitable for city breaks, blending history, culture, cuisine, nightlife, and entertainment options. Organizers reported that 11,614 people participated in the voting over 33 days, selecting up to three destinations from a list of 64 pre-selected cities.

For Israelis, this recognition is particularly positive. Since the security tensions and travel concerns that arose after October 7, 2023, Sofia has remained a popular destination for Israeli tourists. Data from Sofia's municipal tourism authority indicates a 50% increase in Israeli visitors between January and September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with Israelis forming one of the top five largest foreign tourist groups.

Bulgaria has actively sought to retain Israeli tourism amidst regional tensions. In January 2024, the then-Bulgarian Minister of Tourism stated that Bulgaria is a safe destination for Israeli tourists during a meeting with Israeli Minister of Tourism Haim Katz. Security was also enhanced at sites frequented by Israelis in Sofia following the October 7th events.

Sofia is also a contender for the European Capital of Tourism 2027 title in a separate competition evaluating accessibility, sustainability, digital development, and cultural heritage. Finalist cities are scheduled to present their plans to a European jury in Brussels on November 18-19, 2026.

Upon receiving the award, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev expressed pride in the city and its residents, acknowledging ongoing challenges while celebrating the international recognition. "We are working daily to deal with them. But today we have a reason to rejoice in the deserved international recognition we have received and to be proud of our city," he stated.