Florence Tops Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Ranking of European Cities

Florence has been named the best city in Europe by the readers of Travel + Leisure, according to the magazine’s 2025 edition of the World’s Best Awards. The annual ranking, based on thousands of votes from international travelers, highlights destinations that stand out for their cultural offerings, hospitality, food, and overall travel experience.

In this year’s survey, Florence outperformed other major European cities including Seville, Granada, Istanbul and Rome. It was also the only European city to be included among the top eleven cities in the world, a result that reflects the strong emotional and aesthetic appeal the city continues to have among visitors from across the globe.

Travelers praised Florence for its architectural beauty, its extraordinary art collections, and the atmosphere that blends historical depth with everyday livability. The magazine emphasized how Florence manages to retain a “small-town feel” despite its global renown, offering a balance between iconic landmarks and authentic local experiences.

Italy featured prominently in the ranking. Alongside Florence, both Rome and Siena were recognized among the most appreciated cities in Europe this year. Spanish cities such as Seville and Granada also ranked high, as did Istanbul and Porto, confirming a strong Mediterranean presence among travelers’ favorites.

Looking at the global list, the top positions were dominated by destinations outside Europe. San Miguel de Allende in Mexico was named the best city in the world, followed by Chiang Mai in Thailand and Tokyo in Japan. Florence came in eleventh overall, placing ahead of international capitals such as Paris and London.

Travel + Leisure is considered one of the most authoritative voices in global tourism. Its World’s Best Awards are based on detailed surveys in which readers rate cities according to a series of criteria including monuments, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping opportunities, and overall value.

This new recognition further consolidates Florence’s reputation as a world-class destination and underscores its ability to attract and impress travelers from every continent, even in an increasingly competitive and diversified tourism landscape.

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