The most culturally significant city in Europe that isn’t a national capital.

[Armchair Cyclist]

It’s York

Entirely because of the chocolate orange, or are there other considerations?

 

[BahamontesPhantom]

Entirely because of the chocolate orange, or are there other considerations?

Chocolate Orange, Aero, Kitkat, Quailty street, Yorkie, loads of them started in York.
Who doesn’t like chocolate?
It’s definitely York, it even has culture outside of confectionery

 

[Potomac]

York now get the blame for diabetes.

 

[KoopaCycling]

Antwerp should get a shout out.

 

[Unchained]

As a young man I was lucky enough to see and experience some of Istanbul. Someone said that it was one of their favorite secular cities. I didn't have any idea what he was talking about. I remember reading and seeing things about the impossibility of Turkey joining the European Union. I didn't understand it. Given current world culture, world interaction.. Istanbul gets my vote.
I think that after drinking and clubs, Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Mexico,Philippines, Thailand.. all offer late night ( early morning) awesome food offerings. Turkish food, in country beats them all clearly.