Europe dazzles with centuries of art, culture, history, and cuisine—and none capture it better than Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards.
In 2025, readers voted on 15 European cities that truly stand out across factors like landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.
From the romantic hills of Florence to the Iberian charm of Funchal, these cities promise unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re a food lover, history buff, or beach-goer, this guide explores each destination, highlights what makes them shine, and offers practical travel tips so you can plan your adventure with ease.
1. Florence, Italy
Score #1 — 90.55/100
Florence tops the list for its Renaissance architecture, world-class galleries, and romantic aura. Key spots include the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and scenic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
- Why Visit: A living museum in every piazza, intimate restaurants, and friendly locals.
- Pro Tip: Book Uffizi and Accademia tickets in advance—Ganache Florentine pastries included.
2. Funchal, Portugal
Score #2 — 89.82/100
The capital of Madeira Island, Funchal delights with ocean views, lush parks, and legalized wine tourism.
- Highlights: Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores, ride cable cars above the city, and sip local Madeira wine.
- Pro Tip: Hike the levadas (irrigation channels) for epic island vistas and refreshingly cool walks.
3. San Sebastián, Spain
Known for its golden beach and pintxos (Basque tapas), San Sebastián is a feast for the senses.
- Highlights: Relax on La Concha Beach, sample pintxos in Old Town, and hike Monte Urgull for panoramic views.
- Pro Tip: Try a pintxo crawl—order 1–2 bites in each bar and wash it down with txakoli (sparkling Basque white wine).
4. Marbella, Spain
Score #4 — 89.57/100
This Costa del Sol gem combines whitewashed Old Town charm with upscale beach resorts and nightlife.
- Highlights: Sip cocktails on the Golden Mile, stroll Plaza de los Naranjos, and relax on sandy beaches.
- Pro Tip: To avoid high-season crowds and prices, visit during shoulder seasons (April–May or September–October).
5. Istanbul, Turkey
Score #5 — 89.15/100
Straddling two continents, Istanbul is a vibrant mix of imperial mosques, spicy bazaars, and Bosphorus serenity.
- Highlights: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and a ferry ride between Europe and Asia.
- Pro Tip: Take an evening Bosphorus cruise with a dinner that blends Ottoman heritage with modern Turkish hospitality.
6. Porto, Portugal
Score #6 — 88.85/100
Porto is captivating with its riverside charm, port wine heritage, and pastel-colored streets.
- Highlights: Tour cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, walk the Dom Luís I Bridge, and explore Ribeira’s narrow lanes.
- Pro Tip: Try the classic francesinha sandwich and enjoy live Fado music in the evening.
7. Rome, Italy
Score #7 — 88.44/100
Italy’s capital captivates with ancient ruins, baroque churches, and mouth-watering cuisine.
- Highlights: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Trastevere’s trattorias.
- Pro Tip: Skip the average gelato near tourist spots—seek out local artisanal cremerie instead.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Score #8 — 87.94/100
Gaudí’s whimsical architecture, vibrant street life, and Mediterranean palette make Barcelona unforgettable.
- Highlights: La Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, Gothic Quarter, and Barceloneta Beach.
- Pro Tip: Purchase Barcelona Card for public transport and free entry discounts to top museums.
9. Madrid, Spain
Score #9 — 87.46/100
Spain’s energetic capital blends grand boulevards, art museums, and nightlife that centers around late dinners and tapas.
- Highlights: Prado, Retiro Park, Royal Palace, and flamenco in La Latina.
- Pro Tip: Enjoy rooftop tapas bars in Malasaña district for authentic local vibes.
10. Lisbon, Portugal
Score #10 — 86.34/100 (not part of list but widely praised)
Lisbon enchants with azulejo-tiled streets, tram-lined hills, and soulful Fado music.
- Highlights: Alfama district, Tram 28, Belém for pastéis de nata, and breathtaking miradouros (viewpoints).
- Pro Tip: Purchase a Lisboa Card for free public transport and discounted museum admissions.
11. València, Spain
(Not in T+L list but praised by Condé Nast travelers)
València shines with futuristic architecture, urban beaches, and a lush arts scene.
- Highlights: City of Arts & Sciences, bike the Turia Gardens, and feast on authentic paella by the sea.
- Pro Tip: Visit the Central Market early to taste local produce and fresh jamón.
12. Copenhagen, Denmark
(Highly rated for livability and eco-friendliness )
Copenhagen is a sleek, bikeable city with innovative design and hygge warmth.
- Highlights: Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, Christiania, and biking along the harbor.
- Pro Tip: Rent a city bike to explore — Copenhagen is best seen pedaling.
13. Ljubljana, Slovenia
(Recognized for green spaces and festival culture )
Ljubljana is an intimate capital known for its outdoor cafe culture and relaxed vibe.
- Highlights: Ljubljanica Riverwalk, Turjaška Market, and Tivoli Park.
- Pro Tip: Climb Ljubljana Castle at sunset to enjoy city views and live folk concerts.
14. Prague, Czech Republic
(Historic charm meets art and beer culture )
Prague’s fairy-tale streets, Gothic architecture, and world-class beer draw visitors in.
- Highlights: Charles Bridge at dawn, Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, and legendary beer halls.
- Pro Tip: Join a pub crawl in Lesser Town to pair history with local pints.
15. Thessaloníki, Greece
(Europe’s vibrant second city of culture)
Thessaloníki pulses with culture, history, and food, all along the Aegean coast.
- Highlights: White Tower, waterfront promenade, vibrant markets, and Byzantine churches.
- Pro Tip: Sample tsipouro and fresh seafood at local tavernas by the sea.
How These Cities Were Chosen
Travel + Leisure readers evaluated each city across six key criteria:
- Sights & landmarks
- Culture & history
- Food & dining
- Friendliness & locals
- Shopping experiences
- Value for money
Florence clinched the top spot by excelling across all categories, with southern Europe dominating thanks to its warmth, affordability, and abundance of hospitality.
Planning Your 2025 Trip to Europe
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
- Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal): Spring (April–May) & Fall (September–October) avoid crowds and heat.
- Central/Northern Europe (Prague, Ljubljana, Copenhagen): May–September for pleasant weather and local festivities.
💵 Budgeting & Value
- Southern cities often deliver more bang for buck, while Copenhagen and Ljubljana are slightly pricier.
- Off-season travel rewards with lower rates and lighter crowds.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Choose central neighborhoods to maximize your time:
- Florence: Oltrarno or Centro Storico
- San Sebastián: Parte Vieja or Amara
- Porto: Ribeira or Cedofeita
- Ljubljana: Old Town
🚄 Getting Around
- Many cities are walkable or bike-friendly—rent bikes in Ljubljana, Copenhagen, Porto, and Thessaloníki.
- Use fast trains between major cities (e.g., Rome–Florence, Madrid–Barcelona).
- Flying low-cost within Europe is a smart option, but compare with train rides (eco-friendlier!).
Conclusion: A Crowd-Sourced Map of Europe’s Best Cities
From the Renaissance splendor of Florence to the seaside charm of Funchal, and from flamenco-fueled nights in Madrid to art-laden Ljubljana, these 15 European cities offer some of the most memorable journeys you can take in 2025.
Each destination brings its own flavor—be it food, history, friendliness, or affordability. And across the board, Travel + Leisure readers agree: these cities shine for good reason.
Plan smart—from timing to booking and exploring—and you’ll discover why Europe continues to enchant and inspire travelers worldwide.
