Europe naturally conjures up images of beautiful cities with historical architecture where romances blossom. It promises a holiday that will transport visitors to bygone times far away from the grind of everyday life.

In the recent poll conducted by roomsnet.com amongst its travel community members with regards to which city a traveler would like to stay in the most if visiting Europe, it proved that Europe has lost none of its allure. Out of the 782 responses received, Barcelona topped the poll with 28.6% citing it as the most desired city to visit in Europe.

It is easy to see why Barcelona is so popular. It offers visitors all that a perfect vacation should. Being the capital of Catalonia and cosmopolitan it offers a Mediterranean holiday with a mix of the past with its medieval districts and Roman remains along with modern architecture.

Barcelona and sunny golden beaches are synonymous. Just about 10 minutes from the city visitors can find beaches that are perfect to relax on with a good book, for an invigorating dip in the cool blue waters or to enjoy more vigorous past times such as windsurfing or kite surfing. With many beach huts offering refreshing drinks, a Barcelona beach is the perfect place to chill out.

Combine that with endless shopping options, be it high end or traditional with street markets, and you have the perfect vacation destination in Barcelona.

Coming a very close second in the poll is London with 23.8%, which really needs no explanation. London has always held a special spot in most peoples’ hearts and many vow to make a journey there. From the well known attractions such as the Tower of London, the West End Shows, London Bridge to Madame Tussauds, London has hidden gems such as the Garden Museum which allows a glimpse into British gardening, the Fan Museum or exploring a World War Cruiser such as the HMS Belfast.

Paris another well known destinations ties in with London with 23.8% and has gained fame as the most romantic city in the world. However, there is more to Paris than just that or the famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Notre Dame. Paris is a city bustling with modern activities such as the Tour de France, the Paris Jazz Festival Rock en Seine and the Paris Plage, which is how Paris maintains its enduring quality.

Coming in third polling 14.3% of the results is Amsterdam. Amsterdam too has the distinction of being considered as one of the most romantic cities in the world, while definitely being one of the most beautiful. With its canals, historic sights and architecture to the famous museums Amsterdam has it all. While the physical beauty of the city will have visitors speechless, the pulsating life of the city will have visitors breathless. The nightlife defies definition, the restaurants offering gastronomic delights, make use of the good transport system or for a truly authentic experience, to feel the pulse of the city take a bike ride around as there is little road traffic.

Last but not least is Madrid coming in fourth with 9.5%, as a city it too offers places of interest for visitors such as Reina Sofia museum, Spain’s largest bull fighting arena the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas which also houses a small museum. Madrid epitomizes Spain and so for a truly authentic Spanish experience, holiday in Madrid.

Popular new hot destinations do come along, but Europe will never lose any of its appeal and chances are it never will.