'Noida is better than Europe': Indian traveller's remarks ignite debate over Sweden, Germany and Austria
ETimes | June 26, 2026 11:39 AM CST
A post is going viral on Instagram for an Indian traveller’s personal take on European destinations . But the video by traveller Anmol Raina (@anmolraina13) has sparked an unexpected conversation among travel enthusiasts after he stated, “Noida is better than Europe”. He meant that Indian cities like Delhi, Noida or Gurugram offered him a better overall experience than several European destinations, including countries like Sweden, Austria and Germany.
While his comments didn’t go well with many travellers, a few supported his take. He made the video during an international trip and since then the internet is divided. Some are applauding his pride in an Indian city while others argue that the comparison overlooks Europe’s rich historical value.
The video
The clip quickly gained attention, but instead of inspiring bucket-list destination guides, it started discussions about what truly makes a place memorable. Is it centuries-old architecture, museums and castles, or is it modern infrastructure, convenience, and the emotional connection one has with home?
For many, places in India such as Noida and Greater Noida, with its wide roads, planned sectors and metro connectivity, represent a contemporary urban lifestyle rivaling many global cities in terms of convenience.
Supporters on social media argue that Noida boasts excellent expressways, green spaces, world-class malls and modern residential buildings. They also point out that Indian cities provide unmatched culinary diversity and colourful street life along with which is hard to find anywhere in Europe.
However, critics argued that comparing Noida with countries like Germany or Sweden is not fair because the appeal of such places lies in their history, culture and architecture extending beyond modern infrastructure. Medieval town squares, Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance art and Viking heritage cannot be compared to newer planned cities.
While Raina’s comparison has sparked a debate online, many seasoned travellers stated that countries like Sweden, Germany and Austria have earned such reputations through centuries of history.
Germany: Germany is globally renowned for its medieval towns, Gothic cathedrals and fairy-tale castles. From the Berlin Wall and to the Rhine Valley and Bavaria’s iconic castles, the country offers experiences which are hard to match.
Sweden: Sweden on the other hand has a completely different kind of appeal. Its capital, Stockholm, is spread across a network of islands connected by bridges. The country has a rich Viking heritage. There are some royal palaces older than time! The maritime museums here provide an insight into Scandinavia’s past. And how can we forget the Arctic adventures, the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights in Lapland! Endless beauty.
Austria: Austria, meanwhile, was once the seat of the Habsburg Empire. Vienna and Salzburg are dotted with rare baroque architecture and grand palaces. The opera houses here belong to legends such as Mozart! And the stunning Austrian Alps, one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world.
Having said that, comparing them directly with Noida is not justified. The story of Noida is different and represents modern India.
So it is fair to say that travel experiences are deeply personal and depend from person to person.
While his comments didn’t go well with many travellers, a few supported his take. He made the video during an international trip and since then the internet is divided. Some are applauding his pride in an Indian city while others argue that the comparison overlooks Europe’s rich historical value.
The video
The clip quickly gained attention, but instead of inspiring bucket-list destination guides, it started discussions about what truly makes a place memorable. Is it centuries-old architecture, museums and castles, or is it modern infrastructure, convenience, and the emotional connection one has with home?
For many, places in India such as Noida and Greater Noida, with its wide roads, planned sectors and metro connectivity, represent a contemporary urban lifestyle rivaling many global cities in terms of convenience.
Supporters on social media argue that Noida boasts excellent expressways, green spaces, world-class malls and modern residential buildings. They also point out that Indian cities provide unmatched culinary diversity and colourful street life along with which is hard to find anywhere in Europe.
However, critics argued that comparing Noida with countries like Germany or Sweden is not fair because the appeal of such places lies in their history, culture and architecture extending beyond modern infrastructure. Medieval town squares, Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance art and Viking heritage cannot be compared to newer planned cities.
While Raina’s comparison has sparked a debate online, many seasoned travellers stated that countries like Sweden, Germany and Austria have earned such reputations through centuries of history.
Germany: Germany is globally renowned for its medieval towns, Gothic cathedrals and fairy-tale castles. From the Berlin Wall and to the Rhine Valley and Bavaria’s iconic castles, the country offers experiences which are hard to match.
Sweden: Sweden on the other hand has a completely different kind of appeal. Its capital, Stockholm, is spread across a network of islands connected by bridges. The country has a rich Viking heritage. There are some royal palaces older than time! The maritime museums here provide an insight into Scandinavia’s past. And how can we forget the Arctic adventures, the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights in Lapland! Endless beauty.
Austria: Austria, meanwhile, was once the seat of the Habsburg Empire. Vienna and Salzburg are dotted with rare baroque architecture and grand palaces. The opera houses here belong to legends such as Mozart! And the stunning Austrian Alps, one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world.
Having said that, comparing them directly with Noida is not justified. The story of Noida is different and represents modern India.
So it is fair to say that travel experiences are deeply personal and depend from person to person.
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