Florence named the best city in Europe in the Travel + Leisure ranking

Italy has taken the lead among European countries in the annual Travel + Leisure "World's Best Awards 2025" ranking, based on reader voting. Three Italian cities alone made the top 25 best destinations, while France, despite record tourist numbers, is not represented at all.

Florence — Europe's best city according to travellers

The Tuscan capital, Florence, was named the best city in Europe, ranking 11th in the world. The top spots went to the Mexican cities of San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca, as well as Tokyo. Most of the top 10 positions went to cities in Latin America and Asia, though several European destinations also made the list thanks to cultural heritage, cuisine, and old-world atmosphere.

Italy confidently leads among European countries

The ranking is based on nearly 180,000 reader responses, who rated cities on six criteria: sights, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value for money.

Only Italy is represented by as many as three cities: Florence (11th), Rome (18th), and Siena (23rd). Readers highlighted their architecture, cuisine, and historic atmosphere: from cathedrals and trattorias to cobblestone streets full of local life. The ranking data reflects broader tourism trends: by the end of 2024, Italy was the world's fourth most-visited country, welcoming more than 71 million foreign visitors.

Florence continues to attract travellers with its walkable scale, world-class artworks, and cosy squares. The Uffizi Gallery, the terracotta-domed cathedral, and family-run restaurants create a unique atmosphere.

Rome, in turn, combines ancient history with a lively urban environment. The city scored highly for its unique blend of ancient monuments and modern street life. Additional interest is drawn by the Jubilee Year taking place in 2025, against the backdrop of the recent passing of Pope Francis.

Siena is another Tuscan city on the list. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Medieval architecture, towers, and the famous Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race is held twice each summer, make the city an embodiment of the atmosphere of centuries past.

Spain and Turkey also among the favourites

The Andalusian cities of Seville and Granada ranked 12th and 13th respectively. Both cities scored highly for their historical heritage and the character of their old quarters. Istanbul came in 14th, standing out for its cuisine, unique history, and location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Seville is the quintessence of southern Spanish spirit, with flamenco, narrow streets, vibrant nightlife, and architectural landmarks.

Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, offers a calmer but no less impressive atmosphere. The Alhambra — a fortress with gardens and Islamic architecture — remains one of Europe's most striking symbols. Authentic tapas bars and a maze of streets add to the city's charm.

Istanbul, meanwhile, continues to impress with its diverse cuisine, layered history, and unique geography.

France did not make the list

Despite France remaining the world's most-visited country with more than 100 million tourists a year, not a single French city made the ranking's top 25.

The absence of France may reflect a shift in preferences among the magazine's American readers. Smaller, less crowded destinations are increasingly popular, where tourists find greater value and authenticity.

For example, the Portuguese city of Porto took 24th place, which also points to a shift in traveller interest toward cosy, unhurried destinations, even as tourist numbers there grow.