Europe's preferred sun-kissed and culinary haven, nestled in Italy, has been recently acclaimed as the continental favorite city (by industry specialists).
Florence, the heart of Tuscany, has been named the best city in Europe by the readers of Travel + Leisure in their 2025 World's Best Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights the city's unique charm and cultural richness.
What sets Florence apart is its architectural beauty, with sun-drenched alleyways, monuments, and red-tiled roofs. The city is renowned for its abundance of Renaissance masterpieces, including those found in the Uffizi Gallery and the iconic Florence Cathedral dome.
Florence's atmosphere seamlessly blends historical depth with everyday livability, offering a distinctive small-town feel despite its global renown. The city's friendly people, fantastic food, and compact layout make it accessible and authentic for visitors. The city's fresh pasta, artisanal ice cream, and the opportunity to enjoy these delicacies at sunset, are experiences not to be missed.
The recognition from Travel + Leisure was based on thousands of international votes, evaluating cities on factors such as monuments, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. Florence not only topped the European list but was also the only European city among the world's top eleven, highlighting its strong emotional and aesthetic appeal to travelers globally.
Other European cities that made it to the list of favorite cities include Lisbon, Porto, Siena, Istanbul, Prague, Rome, Salzburg, Aix-en-Provence, Athens, Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and Lyon. Rome, Florence's Italian counterpart, ranked second, while Seville and Granada took the third and fourth spots respectively.
In summary, Florence's unique combination of world-class Renaissance art, welcoming atmosphere, exquisite cuisine, and a distinctive small-city charm, make it the best city in Europe according to Travel + Leisure readers. A visit to Florence offers a truly unforgettable experience, blending art, history, and dolce vita.
In-flights to Florence may be booked with excitement, knowing that it offers an unparalleled experience blending art, history, and lifestyle. As you step off the plane and explore the city, you'll find a remarkable variety of food-and-drink options, such as artisanal ice cream and fresh pasta, not forgetting the opportunity to savor them at sunset. Moreover, during your stay, you might want to dedicate some time to exploring home-and-garden stores or boutiques, as shopping in Florence is another memorable aspect of the city.
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