The stunning city that's over 2,000 years old and 'Europe's best' - not Paris

A beautiful city in Italy has just been named Europe's best to visit in Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards, beating famous cities like Paris and London, which didn't even make the global top 25. This Tuscan city, with over 2,000 years of history, is celebrated for its rich culture, world-class art, and historic Renaissance architecture. The rankings are based on nearly 180,000 reader votes evaluating landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value.

Florence's mix of beauty, culture, and welcoming atmosphere clearly struck a chord among global travellers. Its world-renowned galleries, like the Uffizi, house masterpieces from Botticelli to Michelangelo, offering people an unparalleled feast of artistic brilliance within walking distance.

Florence is also famous for something sweeter, being widely recognised as the birthplace of gelato, the Italian-style ice cream that is enjoyed around the world. A gelato in hand is almost a must-have while exploring the city's cobblestone streets.

The story goes back to the Renaissance, when the Medici family enjoyed early versions of this frozen treat. Gelato quickly became a staple in Florence, and by the 1530s, Catherine de' Medici had brought it to Paris.

Italy leads Europe with three cities in the top 25: Florence (11th position), Rome (18th), and Siena (23rd). Alongside Florence, cities like Seville, Granada, Porto, and Istanbul have also attracted travellers worldwide with their mix of history, culture, and affordability, reflecting evolving preferences among global explorers.

Latin American and Asian cities dominate the global top 10 best travel destinations, with Mexico's San Miguel de Allende taking the top spot, followed by Chiang Mai in Thailand, and Tokyo, the capital of Japan, perhaps reflecting a growing traveller preference for authenticity, cultural depth, and meaningful, immersive experiences rather than flashy landmarks.

The full list of the 25 best cities in the world to travel to, according to the Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Tokyo, Japan

Bangkok, Thailand

Jaipur, India

Hoi An, Vietnam

Mexico City, Mexico

Kyoto, Japan

Ubud, Bali

Cuzco, Peru

Florence, Italy

Seville, Spain

Granada, Spain

Istanbul, Turkey

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Mumbai, India

Cape Town, South Africa

Rome, Italy

Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Agra, India

Oaxaca, Mexico

Mendoza, Argentina

Siena, Italy

Porto, Portugal

Mérida, Mexico