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European experts have recently declared this Italian city, known for its sunshine and culinary offerings, as their top favorite in the continent.

Italy's radiant city emerges victorious amongst its European counterparts, securing the title of the continent's best city among a group of fifteen. This success isn't unexpected, given its appeal.

Sunny and culinary city in Italy has been declared the top favorite in Europe, as per the opinions...
Sunny and culinary city in Italy has been declared the top favorite in Europe, as per the opinions of experts.

European experts have recently declared this Italian city, known for its sunshine and culinary offerings, as their top favorite in the continent.

Florence, Italy, has been named the best city in Europe by renowned travel magazine, Travel + Leisure. This accolade was awarded based on reader votes, with the city standing out for its architectural beauty, extraordinary art collections, and unique atmosphere that seamlessly blends historical depth with everyday livability.

The city's small-town feel, despite its global fame, was a key factor that balanced iconic landmarks with authentic local experiences. Florence's world-renowned art and cultural heritage, such as masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery and the Florence Cathedral's terracotta dome, were highly appreciated.

The timeless beauty and historic charm of Florence, encompassing centuries-old cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and sunlit piazzas, were also cited as reasons for the city's top ranking. Exceptional food and hospitality, with many rustic, family-run restaurants adding to the city's timeless atmosphere, were another attraction for travelers.

Florence scored highly on multiple criteria in the World's Best Awards survey, including sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value for money, with an impressive reader score of 90.08 out of 100. This score placed Florence as the highest-ranking European city in the 2025 Travel + Leisure survey, ahead of other renowned cities like Paris and London.

The city's unique atmosphere, which blends art, history, and the Italian phrase "dolce vita" (a happy, carefree life), resonates strongly with international travelers. Florence's sun-drenched alleyways, monuments, and red-tiled roofs are just a few of the elements that make it a top European destination in terms of cultural offerings, hospitality, and overall travel experience.

Seville, Spain, took the second place in the Travel + Leisure ranking, followed closely by Granada, Spain, in third place. These rankings highlight the strong appeal of Italian and Spanish cities to international travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, and authentic experiences.

References:

[1] Travel + Leisure. (2025). The World’s Best Awards 2025: Cities. [online] Available at: https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/cities

[2] Travel + Leisure. (2025). Florence, Italy. [online] Available at: https://www.travelandleisure.com/destinations/europe/florence

[3] Travel + Leisure. (2025). The World’s Best Awards 2025: Top 15 Cities in Europe. [online] Available at: https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/top-cities-in-europe

In Florence, Italy's in-flights are often punctuated with discussions about its unique lifestyle, where the charm of centuries-old architecture, extraordinary art collections, and rustic, family-run restaurants provide an authentic cultural experience. This city's high ranking in the 2025 Travel + Leisure survey for sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value for money indicates that travelers find the blend of travel, lifestyle, and history in Florence particularly appealing.

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