This City Was Just Named No. 1 in the World—and It Has Cobblestone Streets, World-class Food, and a Thriving Arts Scene

Travel + Leisure

08-07-2025

The top cities in the world, according to Travel + Leisure readers, are those that truly have it all—phenomenal attractions, superlative hotels, electric dining scenes, and world-class vibes that simply don't quit. While no two of these winning cities are alike, each of them has a distinctive, one-of-a-kind essence. Voters, it seems, are most enthusiastic about those sorts of places that demand attention by virtue of their magnetism. Many of the biggest names on this list will be familiar to global travelers, but a few of this year's favorites may come as a surprise. It's proof that, when it comes to seeing the world's greatest cities, there's always more to explore. View of San Miguel de Allende's famous Cathedral.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below:
Sights/landmarks Culture Food Friendliness Shopping Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
Respondents in this year's survey were particularly enthused about Asia: of the top 10 cities on the list, seven are on that continent. Latin America also rated highly, home to not only the best city in the world but also five other laureates. Again and again, voters talked about these top-tier cities as having 'everything you want,' and being multi-faceted destinations worthy of visiting over and over. 'Value' was another keyword, with effusive praise for those places that delivered bang for a buck, wherever they happened to be around the world.
Important categories such as nightlife, dining, and hotels were, of course, on the minds of voters. More surprisingly, readers also put heavy emphasis on proximity to ancient history: places such as Cuzco, Peru (No. 10); Agra, India (No. 20); and Mérida, Mexico (No. 25) made this year's list thanks in part to their reputations as the gateways to ancient marvels and archeological treasures.
But one city in Mexico came out on top, for the second year in a row.
There's major history, great restaurants, and you can walk everywhere—or grab a $4 taxi.
— T+L Reader
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Colorful buildings of San Miguel de Allende.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
This year's top city is a longtime favorite of T+L readers, who praise its distinctive cultural milieu and affordability. 'There's major history, great restaurants, and you can walk everywhere—or grab a $4 taxi,' said one reader. Respondents also praised the many attractions, including centrally located museums, botanical gardens, and shopping boutiques. Others pointed to a busy calendar of noteworthy annual events such as the San Miguel Writers' Conference & Literary Festival, and a dynamic art scene as other impressive attributes of this city in the Guanajuato state. One voter even took it to the next level by saying, 'I would love to move there.'
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 93.33
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand Visitors at a temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Sophia Kravets/Travel + Leisure
The historic northern city in Thailand, T+L's destination of the year, draws millions of visitors with its unparalleled combination of cultural sites, shopping, cuisine, and access to nature. 'There's a charming 'street culture' and I loved the street food,' said one fan of the city. 'The people are super cordial,' noted another. Chiang Mai's excellent luxury hotels are another reason it continues to rate among voters.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.94
3. Tokyo Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan.
Manorath Naphaphone/Travel + Leisure
A megacity unlike any other, Tokyo charmed readers with its abundance of world-class attractions. 'It's one of the most friendly, clean, and fun cities in the world, with tons of cultural activities and great food for everyone,' said one reader. 'You get a great value for your money,' this voter added. Others raved about 'the interesting mix of old and new,' as well as the excellent shopping, specifically in the Shinjuku neighborhood.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.39
4. Bangkok Visitors exploring The Grand Palace of Bangkok, Thailand.
Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
The buzzy capital of Thailand is 'the most fascinating, beautiful, and exciting city,' raved one voter, summing up the sentiment that this global city packed with excellent attractions truly has it all: food, shopping, culture, history, and nightlife. 'It has everything you want—and everything you didn't know you'd want,' said another visitor.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.34
5. Jaipur, India A busy plaza in Jaipur, India.
Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure
A must-see destination and the capital of Rajasthan, the so-called Pink City is one of India's most enchanting, thanks to opulent hotels—including The Oberoi Rajvilas, which is on this year's list—world-class shopping, and a vibrant culture.
Reader Score: 91.33
6. Hoi An, Vietnam A temple in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure
This riverside city is renowned for its network of canals and the distinctive architecture in its Ancient Town, which is marked by 'a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures,' according to UNESCO. Wandering and photographing the picturesque streets is without a doubt one of the biggest draws, but visitors also enjoy the city's many cafés, nightlife spots, and shopping boutiques.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.00
7. Mexico City An outdoor market in downtown Mexico City.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
What more can be said about Mexico's dynamic and delectable capital, home to some of the greatest restaurants in the world, incredible museums, millennia of history, fabulous hotels, and urban parks to rival any in London or Paris, New York or Sydney? Its legendary Estadio Azteca will host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.86
8. Kyoto The Kamo River in Kyoto, Japan,.A more-than 1,000-year-old city, Kyoto continues to impress voters with its breathtaking beauty, ethereal food, and fabulous selection of high-end hotels. If the sakura season crowds of springtime are a concern, consider a visit in summer, when festivals of all sorts fill the ancient streets with vibrant parades and traditional ceremonies.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.61
9. Ubud, Bali A temple in Ubud, Bali.
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
This alluring destination in the uplands of Bali remains a favorite for its contemplative vibes, proximity to nature, and an ever-growing number of wellness-minded hotels and resorts, such as the recently opened Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, that offer peace and solitude on an island that's become synonymous with chasing the good life.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.48
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10. Cuzco, Peru A busy plaza in Cuzco, Peru.
Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure
Readers had their heads in the clouds for this high-altitude city that's a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. With top-end accommodations and countless shopping and dining options, it's something of a cosmopolitan oasis in the Andes, and the jumping off point for the luxurious Belmond trains, Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.33
11. Florence View of Florence from it's famous Duomo.
Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure
The top-rated city in Italy—and Europe— this year, this locus of the Renaissance remains a must-see thanks to its artistic treasures, including Michelangelo's David and Boticelli's Birth of Venus. Superlative shopping and a wide selection of quality hotels, including a Four Seasons and a St. Regis, help burnish Florence's reputation.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.08
12. Seville, Spain Seville, Spain's Plaza de Espana.
Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure
The capital city of perpetually sunny, endlessly fascinating Andalusia, Seville offers visitors a window on thousands of years of history. Once a Roman settlement, it was for centuries under Moorish rule, the echoes of which can be seen in some of its UNESCO-protected architectural marvels, including its cathedral and famed Alcázar Palace.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 89.49
13. Granada, Spain White buildings in Granada, Spain's cityscape.
Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure
Also in southern Spain, Granada is, like Seville, a bastion of architectural and historical wonders, chief among them the Alhambra palace, one of the world's most incredible fortresses. But that's not all: the city's pleasant year-round climate and excellent restaurants and bars make it a top choice of voters in search of a sybaritic European escape.
Reader Score: 89.48
14. Istanbul The exterior of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
Violetta Smirnova/Travel + Leisure
Situated at the crossroads of world history, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in both Europe and Asia. It's also easier than ever to get to: Istanbul Airport has flights to more than 300 destinations and was voted the best international airport in the world by T+L readers this year. An ever-growing number of high-end hotels, including the Peninsula Istanbul, are also upping the city's appeal.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 89.47
15. Siem Reap, Cambodia Young monks explore ruins in Siem Reap.
Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure
Siem Reap has recently added a $1.1-billion international airport that has turned this city into a regional hub for anyone interested in exploring not just Cambodia but wider Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the city's fabulous hotels, including the Park Hyatt and boutique Jaya House River Park, continue to impress.
Reader Score: 89.27
16. Mumbai A street scene in Mumbai, India.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
The second of three India entries on this list, this financial and cultural capital is among the world's most influential mega-cities, as it's often credited for many trends in fashion, design, food, and art. Readers also love its marvelous hotels, including those operated by luxury brands Oberoi and Taj, and the cosmopolitan buzz of its cafes and restaurants.
Reader Score: 89.17
17. Cape Town Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa.
Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure
Seaside serenity and rising cultural cache collide in this ever-evolving hub at the southern edge of Africa. At times thought of as an add-on for safari travelers, Cape Town is increasingly a must-visit in its own right, with a tremendous amount to do, including spotting penguins on Boulders Beach and the hike to the summit of Lion's Head.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.98
18. Rome People visiting a park in Rome, Italy.
Lorrin Cousino/Travel + Leisure
The self-declared capital of the world, it's unlike anywhere else thanks to a mind spinning mashup of ancient glory and contemporary cool. Of particular note in 2025 are the celebrations of Jubilee, a once-every-25-years occasion that brings together Catholics from around the world, an event taking on extra significance after the April death of Pope Francis.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.91
19. Santa Fe, New Mexico Downtown Santa Fe, Mexico at dusk.
Voted the best city in the United States—and the only U.S. city to make the world's list this year—this state capital set high in the Sangre de Christo Mountains also ranks among the world's most enticing urban destinations. In pre-Columbian times, the area was inhabited by Pueblo peoples; today's Santa Fe was founded in the early 1600s, and its history as a Spanish Colonial outpost continues to influence the city's architecture, culture, and cuisine.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.80
20. Agra, India People enjoying a park in Agra, India.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
Home to more than 1.5 million people, Agra is globally renowned for the Taj Mahal, the UNESCO-protected, jaw-droppingly beautiful Mughal mausoleum complex from the 17th century whose silhouette is instantly recognizable. The city's other attractions, including the Red Fort, are also top of mind for survey respondents.
Reader Score: 88.44
21. Oaxaca A colorful street in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
One of the most in-demand Mexican cities of the moment, Oaxaca is a dream destination for anyone enthusiastic about cuisine, as it's rightly regarded as one of the world's preeminent culinary capitals. It's also gaining renown for over-the-top Day of the Dead celebrations and other cultural festivals throughout the year that fill the city's streets with colorful performances.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.42
22. Mendoza, Argentina View of Mendoza, Argentina's skyline.
Not on this list last year, Mendoza ascended to the best of the best on the back of its reputation as a neighbor to one of South America's top wine regions, with fabulous hotels that compliment all the malbec that's made in the hills surrounding the city. Also worth noting is Mendoza's increasing profile as an adventure tourism hub, with easy access to the Andes, excellent cycling routes, and rafting opportunities close at hand.
Reader Score: 88.41
23. Siena, Italy The cityscape of Siena, Italy.
Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure
Like its Tuscan neighbor of Florence, Siena is a Renaissance gem that's filled with artistic treasures. Though it did not appear on the list of best cities in 2024, this beautiful place, with its walkable core and countless bars and restaurants, is one of several to ascend this year's list thanks to its deep history—including the centuries-old Palio di Siena event.
Reader Score: 88.33
24. Porto, Portugal View of buildings along the water in Porto, Portugal.
Sophia Kravets/Travel + Leisure
The place that gave the fortified wine its name, riverside Porto continues to impress voters with its wine-soaked culture, which is best experienced at WOW, a museum-and-dining complex that illuminates the history of viticulture in this part of Portugal. Notably, Porto also continues to outrank Lisbon, often thought of as one of Europe's prettiest cities.
Reader Score: 88.24
25. Mérida, Mexico Aerial view of Merida, Mexico's cathedral.
Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure
Consistently described as one of Mexico's most 'vibey' cities, historic Mérida is a haven for artists, collectors, and other creatives who frequent the galleries, villas, and restaurants of this inland Yucatecan metropolis. Proximity to prominent Mayan archeological sites, including Chitzen Itza, a 90-minute drive away, is another point in its favor.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.15