Florence Named Europe’s Best City in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards

Florence has been named the best city in Europe in the 2026 edition of Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards, one of the travel industry’s most closely watched annual rankings.

The result reflects the opinions of the magazine’s readers, who once again placed the Tuscan capital ahead of other major European destinations. Florence has long been a regular presence in the rankings and is also part of the publication’s World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame, recognising destinations that consistently receive high scores.

The city’s appeal extends well beyond its iconic monuments. While first-time visitors continue to flock to landmarks such as the Duomo, the Uffizi Galleries and Ponte Vecchio, many travellers return to experience a slower side of Florence, exploring residential districts, artisan workshops and neighbourhood cafés away from the busiest tourist routes.

According to Travel + Leisure, readers praised Florence for its combination of art, history, food and walkability. The magazine also highlighted the city’s role as a gateway to Tuscany’s wine regions, including Chianti and Montalcino, making it an ideal base for visitors wishing to explore the wider region.

Mary Gray, editor-in-chief of Italy Magazine and a long-time Florence resident interviewed by the publication, said that while the city’s artistic heritage initially attracts visitors, its compact size and everyday quality of life are often what convince people to return or settle here.

A city shaped by craftsmanship

Florence’s reputation has always been closely linked to its tradition of skilled craftsmanship. Historic workshops continue to produce leather goods, jewellery, paper products and other handmade items, preserving techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Although mass-produced souvenirs dominate many tourist streets, artisan businesses remain an important part of the city’s identity, particularly in the Oltrarno district and other areas where independent workshops continue to operate.

Tourism remains a key part of the local economy

The latest recognition comes as Florence continues to balance its global popularity with the challenges created by high visitor numbers. Local authorities have introduced measures in recent years to address issues such as overtourism, housing pressures and the management of the historic centre, while promoting more sustainable forms of tourism and encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known parts of the city.

For Florence’s tourism industry—from hotels and restaurants to museums and cultural institutions—the latest international accolade provides further visibility in one of the world’s most competitive travel markets.

For residents, however, the recognition is also a reminder that Florence’s greatest strength lies not only in its Renaissance masterpieces, but in the living city that continues to evolve around them: a place where centuries-old traditions coexist with contemporary culture, local communities and an enduring commitment to preserving one of Europe’s richest urban landscapes.

(Cover photo: Image by Choi Hyunwoong from Pixabay)

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