[top photo: photo credits to Zuji, Diners Travel, AFP]

HOLIDAYMAKERS, be warned: London has the worst food, Paris is the most overrated and Brussels is the most boring, according to a survey of what travellers think about European cities.

In the poll of nearly 2,400 travellers, by website TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.com), the British capital was voted the dirtiest and most expensive in Europe, and home to the worst-dressed people.

Paris did not come off any better, with travellers saying it was the least friendly city and the second-most expensive.

But it was not all bad for the two capital cities. Both destinations redeemed themselves elsewhere in the online poll - Paris was voted as having the best cuisine and best-dressed people. London, on the other hand, was seen as having the best nightlife, best public parks and most free attractions.

'Europe's capital cities all have their highs and lows, but no other continent offers travellers such a wealth of culture and sights within such short distances,' TripAdvisor spokesman Luke Fredberg said in a statement.

'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.'

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.

Travellers seeking friendly locals should go to Dublin, while the health-conscious may prefer Denmark's Copenhagen, voted Europe's cleanest city.

Prague was picked as the best bargain destination, while people seeking visual treats should head for Spain's Barcelona.

And the most boring city?

Travellers voted for the Belgian capital Brussels, with Switzerland's Zurich a close runner-up.

-Reuters