The Eternal City is confirmed among Europe’s most loved and appreciated cities in the prestigious “World’s Best Awards 2025” ranking compiled by Travel + Leisure, one of the most authoritative voices in the international tourism industry. In a year dominated at the top by the vibrancy of Asian and Latin American cities, the heart of Italy finds space among the European destinations most voted by the magazine’s readers.
Rome: eternal charm in European top 5
The Italian capital ranked fifth among Europe’s most beautiful cities according to the survey, moving up two places from last year. “Lose yourself in culture, food and sights,” writes one reader, offering a time-tested incentive: “The best gelato awaits you as you stroll the Roman streets and find yourself at the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps or any of the beautiful piazzas.”
It is no coincidence that the Eternal City, already a universal symbol of history, art and culture, still manages to captivate those who visit because of its unique atmosphere and variety of experiences – from archaeological heritage to sunsets over Trastevere, from lively markets to gastronomic masterpieces.
Rome ranks behind cities such as Granada, Istanbul and Seville, but holds firm to its appeal thanks to an inimitable mix of millennial history and contemporary vitality.
The European context: Italy in the spotlight
In the top 10 list of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Rome joins two other Italian excellences: Florence (first in Europe and 11th in the world) and Siena, just behind Rome, a testament to how much Tuscany and central Italy are loved globally. Florence is also first for its architectural wealth, food and friendly people.
Rome ranks behind cities such as Granada, Istanbul and Seville, but holds firm thanks to an inimitable mix of millennial history and contemporary vitality.
The ranking
- Florence
- Seville
- Granada
- Istanbul
- Rome
- Siena
- Porto
- Madrid
- Lisbon
- Lyon