Florence has been named Europe’s top city in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, a reader-voted survey that highlights travellers’ favourite destinations around the globe.
The Tuscan capital came in 11th overall, the highest-ranking European city on this year’s list. The top spot globally went to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, followed by Oaxaca and Tokyo.
While the overall top 10 was dominated by cities in Latin America and Asia, several European cities rounded out the list, all favoured by readers looking for culture, food and historic charm.
Italy stands out with three cities on the list
The rankings are based on nearly 180,000 reader responses. Cities were rated across six categories: sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value.
Italy was the only European country with three cities in the top 25: Florence (11), Rome (18) and Siena (23). All earned praise for their timeless beauty, great food and culture, from centuries-old cathedrals and trattorias to cobblestoned streets full of local life.
The results track with tourism data: Italy was the fourth most-visited country in the world in 2024, drawing more than 71 million international visitors.
Florence continues to enchant travellers with its intimate scale, world-renowned art and sunlit piazzas. From the Uffizi Gallery’s Botticellis to Florence Cathedral’s terracotta dome, the Tuscan capital offers a walking-distance feast of masterpieces. Its rustic restaurants – many family-run for generations – add to the timeless atmosphere.
Rome, meanwhile, offers something few cities can match: layers of living history. The Eternal City’s blend of ancient ruins and street-level spontaneity earned high marks from readers. This year’s Jubilee, an occasion that brings together Catholics from around the world every 25 years, is also taking place in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing in April.
And then there’s the well-preserved Tuscan city of Siena. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, the 12th-century city rises from rolling hills, with its medieval brick buildings and Gothic towers an immediate draw. Its lively restaurants and famed Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race unfolds twice each summer, set the pace for a city that feels like a welcome step back to a bygone era.
Spain and Türkiye also make strong showings
Spain saw two of its Andalusian cities land just behind Florence: Seville in 12th place and Granada in 13th. Both were recognised for their historical heritage and atmospheric old towns. Istanbul, bridging Europe and Asia, followed in 14th place.
Seville is pure southern Spanish charm, complete with flamenco echoing out through winding cobblestoned streets, vibrant nightlife and grand heritage sites.
Granada, lying at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, casts a quieter image, but it’s no less magical. The Alhambra – the hilltop fortress filled with fountains, gardens and intricate Islamic architecture – remains one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring sites. But the city’s appeal also lies in its narrow alleys and generations-old tapas bars.
Meanwhile, Istanbul’s full-flavoured food, incredible history and location at the meeting point of two continents make it one of the world’s most exciting cities.
France misses out
One country was noticeably absent from the list.
Despite being the world’s most visited country – drawing over 100 million tourists annually – France did not have a single city in this year’s top 25.
While France remains perennially popular, the absence may reflect shifting preferences among the magazine’s predominantly American readership.
Smaller, slower cities with greater perceived value – and perhaps fewer issues with overtourism – appear to have gained ground over larger destinations such as Paris. The final European destination to make the cut – Portugal’s Porto in 24th – reflects this change, too, even if its tourism industry is starting to surge.
The takeaway might be that in a post-pandemic era shaped by value, authenticity and ease, even travel’s perennial favourites aren’t guaranteed a spot at the top.
