Brussels has the impressive Grand Place and beautiful historic buildings, but some visitors are surprised by the condition of other parts of the city.
Litter, graffiti and neglected streets can appear around busy areas and railway stations. Brussels has also attracted criticism for the cleanliness of its public toilets
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is energetic, affordable and famous for nightlife. However, it can feel rougher than other European capitals.
Graffiti, aging buildings and rubbish around bins can make some neighborhoods look neglected. Only 38% of residents surveyed by the EU said they were satisfied with city cleanliness.
Athens, Greece
Tourists arrive expecting the Acropolis, sunshine and picturesque Greek streets.
While Athens offers incredible history, parts of the center can feel very different. Heavy graffiti, litter, traffic, and worn buildings are common complaints. In the EU survey, only 34% of residents were satisfied with cleanliness.
Paris, France
Few cities have a more romantic reputation than Paris. This can also create enormous expectations.
Outside the postcard views around the Eiffel Tower and Seine, visitors may encounter rubbish, graffiti, crowded streets and unpleasant smells. Only 36% of Paris residents surveyed were satisfied with cleanliness.
Marseille, France
Marseille has Mediterranean beaches, an attractive old port and plenty of character. Yet cleanliness is one of its weaknesses.
Some streets can have scattered rubbish, overflowing containers and neglected buildings. The EU survey found that just 22% of residents were satisfied with cleanliness, one of Europe’s lowest results.
Naples, Italy
Naples is fascinating, chaotic and full of history, but it can be a shock for first-time visitors.
Narrow streets sometimes contain overflowing rubbish bins, graffiti and badly maintained buildings. Only 25% of residents in the EU survey were satisfied with cleanliness. Still, its food and atmosphere remain major reasons to visit.
Rome, Italy
Rome may be the ultimate example of expectations meeting a less polished reality.
The Colosseum, Vatican and Trevi Fountain are extraordinary, but rubbish, damaged streets, graffiti and overflowing bins can appear surprisingly close to famous attractions. Just 11% of surveyed residents were satisfied with cleanliness—the second-lowest result among the European cities studied.
