European Tourists Flock to This Hidden Gem of a City — Recognized as the Top Destination to Explore Within Europe
Florence Tops Travel + Leisure's List of Favourite European Cities
In a recent survey by Travel + Leisure, Florence, Italy, has been crowned as the best city in Europe. The city, renowned for its unique atmosphere combining art, history, and a sense of la dolce vita, scored an impressive 90.08 from readers, securing the top spot in the ranking.
Florence's sun-drenched streets, monuments, and red-tiled roofs have long been a draw for tourists. But it's not just the architectural beauty that sets Florence apart. The city is rich in art and history, with a plethora of Renaissance masterpieces that continue to captivate visitors.
Seville, Spain, follows closely in second place, while Granada, Spain, takes the third spot. Other cities making the top 15 include Istanbul, Turkey; Rome, Italy; Siena, Italy; Porto, Portugal; Madrid, Spain; Lyon, France; Aix-en-Provence, France; and Prague, Czech Republic.
Italy notably has three cities in the top 25, with Florence, Rome, and Siena all making the list. Spain also has multiple entries, indicating a strong Mediterranean representation among favourites.
The ranking is based on nearly 180,000 reader votes covering sights, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and value. This broad set of travel experience criteria reflects the diverse appeal of these cities.
Visitors to Florence appreciate the welcoming people, magnificent architecture, and fantastic cuisine. The city is a popular destination for those seeking to experience the typical Tuscan cuisine, including fresh pasta and homemade ice cream.
Other cities received high marks for culture, food, hospitality, and local charm. Aix-en-Provence, France, and Lyon, France, were also favourites among readers.
Travel + Leisure's ranking is not the only accolade Florence has received recently. The city was recently crowned one of the world's best cultural cities by Time Out magazine.
Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a charming European city to explore, Florence is a must-visit destination.
- Travel + Leisure
- Time Out
- CNN Travel
- En-vols for popular destinations often feature Florence, Italy, a city favored by Travel + Leisure readers for its unique lifestyle, art, history, and cuisine.
- Other well-regarded European cities on the lists of Travel + Leisure and Time Out include Aix-en-Provence, France, recognized for its culture, food, hospitality, and local charm.