The 15 Most-Loved European Cities This Year (And A 30-Second Quiz To Find Your Favorite)

Europe has all the time held a particular place in vacationers’ hearts, a continent wealthy with historical past, tradition, and infinite attraction. However in a area teeming with unimaginable locations, how do you pinpoint the cities which can be really fascinating guests proper now? Right here at Journey Off Path, we glance to the consultants: you, our fellow vacationers!

Yearly, Travel + Leisure conducts its prestigious “World’s Finest Awards,” surveying hundreds of readers on their favourite cities, islands, inns, and extra. For 2025, the outcomes are in, and it is clear that whereas the world could be heating up, vacationers are nonetheless flocking to the nice and cozy, vibrant embrace of southern Europe. Mid-size cities with Mediterranean aptitude and plain character are reigning supreme.

However with 15 unimaginable cities topping the record, how do you select your excellent European journey? That is the place we are available! We have distilled the essence of those beloved locations into a fast, interactive quiz designed to match your journey model to the European metropolis you are destined to fall in love with.

What Makes These Cities So Liked?

What do Florence, Seville, and Istanbul have in frequent past their excessive scores? Based on the readers, it’s typically about attraction, walkability, and a manageable tempo.

Many citizens praised mid-size cities for providing a “memorable expertise” with out the overwhelming hustle of an enormous metropolis. These are locations the place you may really “lose your self within the tradition, meals, and sights” with out feeling misplaced.

Meals, after all, performs an enormous position. From the “free tapas with each drink” in Granada to Lyon’s status as a culinary capital, these cities are feasts for the senses. Historical past can also be an enormous draw, with cities like Istanbul seamlessly mixing Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences, and Rome providing layers of historical wonders round each nook.

The 15 Most-Liked European Cities in 2025

This is the complete record of cities that Journey + Leisure readers cannot get sufficient of this 12 months:

1. Florence, Italy: The undisputed champion. Vacationers return “time and again” for its Renaissance artwork, beautiful structure, pleasant individuals, incredible meals, and that unforgettable gelato. It persistently tops lists of must-visit cities in Italy.
2. Seville, Spain: The romantic capital of Andalusia, residence to flamenco, artwork, structure, and a “very enjoyable and vibrant life-style.”
3. Granada, Spain: Compact and foot-friendly, well-known for the magnificent Alhambra, quaint streets, and an enthralling mixture of cultures.
4. Istanbul, Turkey: A dynamic melting pot the place Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman historical past and tradition converge.
5. Rome, Italy: The Everlasting Metropolis, the place historical historical past, unimaginable meals, and energetic piazzas create an “eternally standard” expertise.
6. Siena, Italy: A picturesque Tuscan walled metropolis, lauded as a “UNESCO village on a mountain” the place “romance is within the air.”
7. Porto, Portugal: Simple to navigate with pleasant individuals, well-known for its port wine and a stupendous riverfront, it is a favourite for wine lovers in Europe.
8. Madrid, Spain: Spain’s vibrant capital, providing “inexhaustible delights” from flamenco to flea markets, praised for its security and excellent worth.
9. Lisbon, Portugal: This capital metropolis shines with tradition, structure, and artwork, just lately acknowledged as Europe’s finest culinary metropolis vacation spot.
10. Lyon, France: Extensively thought of one of many world’s nice culinary capitals, it is a must-visit for foodies.
11. Prague, Czech Republic: Described as “enjoyable and upbeat,” with fascinating historical past, beautiful structure, and a fascinating Jewish Quarter.
12. Salzburg, Austria: The birthplace of Mozart and setting for “The Sound of Music,” providing a stupendous mountain backdrop and historic attraction.
13. Cordoba, Spain: A metropolis wealthy with Roman, Islamic, and Christian historical past, the place cultures have left their indelible mark on its structure and delicacies.
14. Athens, Greece: An historical and traditionally important metropolis with archaeological websites at each flip, balanced with a pleasant eating scene and pleasant locals.
15. Aix-en-Provence, France: A small however mighty city within the Côte d’Azur, recognized for its walkable historic middle, energetic markets, and creative heritage.

Able to Uncover Your European Metropolis?

With such a various and compelling record, the one query left is: which one calls to you? Are you drawn to the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence, the flamenco rhythms of Seville, or the traditional wonders of Athens?

Our brand-new quiz is designed that can assist you minimize by way of the choices. In simply 30 seconds, it’s going to ask you about your perfect metropolis measurement, what you wish to give attention to (meals, artwork, historical past, or ambiance), and which regional vibe speaks to you most.

Cease dreaming and begin planning your excellent European journey. Take our quiz beneath and uncover your subsequent most-loved metropolis!