A Danish adventurer who has visited every country on Earth has revealed his surprising choice for Europe's best city - and it's just a short flight from the UK.
The Ultimate Travel Authority
Henrik Jeppesen, a 37-year-old from Thy in Denmark, holds the remarkable distinction of having visited all 193 United Nations recognised countries and over 2,000 destinations worldwide. Having begun his global explorations at just 17 years old, Jeppesen has developed unparalleled expertise in identifying exceptional travel spots.
Despite experiencing countless cities across the globe, one European capital stands above all others for this seasoned traveller. "The best city in Europe, in my opinion, is the capital of Estonia, Tallinn," Jeppesen exclusively disclosed to the Mirror.
Why Tallinn Tops the List
Jeppesen believes Tallinn remains largely overlooked by visitors to Europe. "It's very much overlooked for people coming to Europe, and many people who have travelled have never been there," he explained. "Even if they've been to Europe two or three times, they usually go to London, Rome, Paris and Berlin, those kinds of places, so in that sense I think it's highly underrated."
The Danish traveller highlighted several compelling reasons for Tallinn's superiority over more established European destinations:
Fantastic value: "First and foremost, it's a lot cheaper than the cities I mentioned; in comparison, it's fantastic value."
World-class Old Town: "Then you have the Old Town, which I think is the best old town in the entire world, and I've travelled a lot. You can step out the door, and it's like you're stepping into a new world with well-preserved old buildings and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else I've been."
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in history for several days while enjoying exceptional food at remarkably low prices. Jeppesen shared his personal experience: "I had lunch for €5 at Rataskaevu 16 about 40 times, and it's an outstanding restaurant and experience. Many restaurants are similarly priced, so it's great value to eat out."
Beyond the Old Town
During his ten-month residence in Tallinn, Jeppesen discovered numerous attractions beyond the historic centre. The city boasts beautiful parks, modern shopping centres, museums, various attractions, and even a waterfall located near the urban area.
"It brings a nice atmosphere, you walk around the city, and it's like stepping into another world," he described. "I've been there during the summer, and I'm surprised that not more people visit, it really is outstanding in my opinion."
Another significant advantage Jeppesen highlighted is Tallinn's exceptional air quality. "It probably has the best air quality of any city, at least capital cities, but maybe of any major city in Europe. The air is really good, and that is often a downside to visiting a major city in this world."
The travel expert particularly recommends the Tallinn Card for visitors, which provides free public transport and complimentary or discounted entry to many museums and attractions across the city. "It's a fantastic way to experience an already fantastically valued city," he noted.
Warm Welcome and Surrounding Beauty
Jeppesen also praised the Estonian people, describing them as "extremely friendly." He recalled a memorable incident from 2014 when he got lost late at night: "Complete strangers offered help, picking me up from the streets of Tallinn to take me back to where I was staying. How many European capitals would you just get a ride from someone in the street and take you there? I don't think that would happen in London."
For those planning extended visits, Jeppesen suggests exploring beyond the city limits. Several nearby islands, including Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, offer additional beauty, while Pärnu - known as Estonia's 'Summer Capital' - features extensive white sand beaches. "It's a stunning place to visit, especially in the summer," he added. "Pärnu, Viljandi and islands are well worth looking into, especially if visiting the country for more than a week."
With its combination of historical charm, outstanding value, excellent air quality, and welcoming atmosphere, Tallinn represents what Jeppesen considers the perfect European city destination - all just under three hours flying time from London.
