≡-Italy Triumphs While France Stumbles in Best City Rankings – Find Out Why – Viral of Today

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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Italy Triumphs While France Stumbles in Best City Rankings – Find Out Why Wednesday, July 23, 2025Italy’s cities have once again reached top spots in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, and in the top 25, are Florence, Rome, and Siena. But the world’s most visited country, France, did not appear in the rankings. This year’s survey, which collected nearly 180,000 reader votes, reveals a rift between the most celebrated and familiar destinations and warm, welcoming communities in more measured, small-dose spots. The lack of French cities in the top 25 is an indication that travel trends are changing, with travelers seeking options that offer value and authenticity, while avoiding crowded places.Italy’s Cities Lead the Way: Florence, Rome and Siena ShineItaly has always been a traveler’s paradise, and the country’s finest cities show why in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. Florence was named Europe’s best city, placing 11th overall around the world. The Tuscan capital seduced readers with its art, culture and, of course, beauty that never goes out of style, leading the pack of European spots.Behind Florence, Rome came second at number 18, fittingly for the ‘Eternal city. The contrast of centuries-old ruins with a modern cosmopolitan feel keeps fresh even those who are jaded travel vets. Farther down the rankings, Siena placed 23rd, recognized for its medieval character, UNESCO-listed sites and the well-known Piazza del Campo.The first three Italian cities provided a history as rich as the cuisine, with charm all the way.”All three Italian cities provided us with a rich history, great food and charming settings, which we’re sure our readers can’t get enough of. Florence’s sense of intimacy, Rome’s history in stone, and Siena’s medieval grace all feel like eternal treasures.Spain and Türkiye are also awarded Spain and Türkiye are also awardedSpain and Türkiye also put in notice performances. (Seville and Granada, both cities in Andalusia, came just behind Florence in 12th and 13th places, respectively.) I was wowed by Seville’s flamenco culture, cobbled streets, and wild pace of nightlife, and Granada won me over with the Alhambra, a beautiful fortress with unparalleled views and exceptional Islamic design.The title of best city in the world goes to Turkey’s Istanbul, the city spanning two continents – Asia and Europe – notably known for its history and food took out 14th on the lists of places we’re all visiting for a stomach full of East meets West.These historic, picturesque and cultural savannahs reflect the trend toward authenticity and local charm that welcomingdestinations.com uncovered in their list of emerging destinations.France: The Most Populous Country Ignored In The List!Despite having the world’s highest number of annual visitors, with more than 100 million tourists a year, France had surprisingly not a single city in the top 25 of the 2025 rankings. This is a departure from previous years when cities such as Paris had a firm grip on top of rankings of global travel hubs.What accounts for this absence? It could be a sign of a shift in what they want. Favoring value, authenticity, and a less crowded scene, Travel + Leisure’s heavily American readers have been picked up by destinations that can provide those things, things that megacities like Paris may no longer have as a result of their own overtourism.As tourists continue to want local and unique experiences, smaller cities that offer a better value proposition might actually be winning. But while France still rules the roost, the charm of spots like Porto, Portugal, which is ranked 24, appears to signal a growing fondness for cities that pack in loads of culture but see fewer tourists too.Shifting to Smaller, Authentic CitiesThe absence of French cities on this year’s Top 25 might be a signal of a larger trend for smaller, cozier places. Post-pandemic travelers are prioritizing authenticity over big, famous sights, and smaller cities have it in spades.The last European city on the list, Porto in Portugal, is further proof of how much the travel landscape has shifted in recent years, with the rise in demand for authentic travel experiences that don’t break the bank. This change in interest reflects a new breed of traveler, a traveler who values culture, ease and local color over world renown and mass tourism.A Global Change in Travel HabitsThe rankings are symptomatic of a significant change in the travel landscape. Though mega-cities like Paris, London and Barcelona are still huge draws that attract millions of visitors a year, other destinations – even very small ones – that offer a sense of place and community, as well as a slower rhythm of life are growing in popularity. It is also an indication of the changing face of global tourism, where authenticity, off-the-beaten-track costs and unique experiences are increasingly the big drivers of the world’s top holiday choices.In a world that’s still figuring itself out post-pandemic, it is clear that when it comes to location, travelers are looking for places that don’t just have the attractions, but also an atmosphere conducive to actually interacting with said locale.

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