The Best Cities in the World 2025 — Top 10 Most Beautiful & Must-Visit Destinations
Travel in 2025 – A Beautiful Mix of Timeless & Trending
Travel in 2025 is a vibrant mix of time-worn favorites and up-and-coming destinations that are sure to captivate your senses. As the year wraps up, readers and industry experts are all abuzz about the latest hotspots – cities that have captured our hearts with their authentic local culture, walkability, and photogenic charm. We’ve taken all that into account in picking this curated top-10 list of the most beautiful and must-visit cities for 2025 – drawing from major readers’ lists and expert roundups throughout the year. (We’ve also snuck in some expert advice from Travel + Leisure and CN Traveller, among others)
1. Paris, France – where Romance & Art reign supreme
Paris is still the ultimate city beauty – a place of grand boulevards, Seine-side bridges, world-class museums, and those perfect little cafes where you can sit back and watch the world go by. If you can, time your visit for late spring when the chestnut blossoms are in bloom and the museum crowds are lively but manageable. Don’t miss the chance to capture the perfect shot – whether it’s the Île de la Cité at sunrise, the winding stairways of Montmartre, or the twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower. (Forbes agrees, by the way!)
2. Tokyo, Japan – where Neon Meets Tradition
Tokyo is the perfect blend of high-tech and ancient tradition – a city where you can step out of a bustling street market and into a serene shrine or tea ceremony. From the stunning sunrise views over the city to the peaceful gardens of Asakusa, Tokyo is a place of stunning contrasts. And it’s no surprise that it regularly tops the ‘best cities’ lists for culture, food, and design. Spring (for cherry blossoms) or autumn (for the foliage) are the best times to visit. (Forbes thinks so too!)
3. Jaipur, India – where Pastel Hues & Palaces reign
Jaipur has been on everyone’s radar in 2025, thanks to its stunning pastel-colored facades, palaces, and bustling bazaars. Travel + Leisure readers and industry experts alike have fallen in love with this city’s immersive heritage experiences and luxury heritage hotels. If you plan to visit, try to get there during the cooler months (October to March) so you can explore the forts, stepwells, and artisan markets in comfort. (Travel + Leisure has got the lowdown on the best places to stay)
4. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico – where Colorful History Meets Chic Charm
San Miguel de Allende has been a top pick among Travel + Leisure readers this year, and for good reason – it’s a city that’s full of colorful colonial architecture, vibrant art scenes, and intimate plazas. It’s the perfect place to slow down and soak up the local culture, whether you’re browsing boutique galleries, taking a photography walk, or just sipping coffee in the town square. The dry season (November to April) is the best time to visit, if you can make it. (Travel + Leisure has got the inside scoop on the best places to stay)
5. Kyoto, Japan – where Tradition Meets Seasonal Magic
Kyoto is the ultimate picture of traditional Japan – a city packed with bamboo groves, tea houses, and an astonishing number of UNESCO sites. Spring’s blossoms and autumn’s fiery foliage make it a photographer’s dream. For a truly serene experience, try visiting in the shoulder season – the crowds are smaller, and the city is even more peaceful.
6. Valletta, Malta – where History & Culture abound
Valletta is a city that’s been lovingly crafted by knights and merchants over the centuries – a compact, honey-colored gem that’s full of Baroque churches, sea views, and stories waiting to be uncovered. If you’re a history buff or a photographer, you’ll love this place – it’s a city that’s packed with character, and every corner tells a story. (CN Traveller has got the inside scoop on the best places to stay)
7. Cape Town, South Africa – where Nature Meets City Charm
Cape Town has one of the world’s most dramatic city backdrops – from the towering Table Mountain to the stunning shorelines and vibrant neighborhoods. It’s a place that’s full of outdoor adventure, beach life, and rich food and wine scenes. So whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a city that’s a little bit off the beaten track, Cape Town is an excellent pick. (I Dream of Mangoes has got the lowdown on the best places to stay)
8. New York City, USA — iconic skyline & endless culture
New York is still a global cultural powerhouse: museums, theater, neighborhoods that feel like small towns, and views that define modern city photography. Whether you’re after architecture, food or nightlife, NYC has an ever-changing list of options. City rankings put New York in the top for influence and amenities. Time Out Worldwide
9. Florence, Italy — Renaissance beauty and intimate streets
Florence packs centuries of art and architecture into a walkable city — from the Duomo to river views at sunset. The compactness makes Florence perfect for museum and espresso-bar days. Visit shoulder seasons (April–June, Sep–Oct) for thinner crowds.
10. Mexico City, Mexico — history, murals & modern gastronomy
Mexico City combines centuries of history with a thriving food and arts scene. Big green parks, neighborhood markets and world-class museums make it a city that’s a world unto itself that ranked high on readers’ lists in 2025. Travel + Leisure
Why these cities?
This list combines reader favorites and expert rankings in 2025, showcasing places that have beauty, cultural depth, walkable neighborhoods and photographic appeal. Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler readers’ choices this year included several of the above cities, which proves the trend towards smaller, more authentic urban gems alongside the megacities. Travel + Leisure+1
Quick travel tips for 2025
- Book ahead: Popular art exhibits, heritage hotels and festival stays are still selling out fast in 2025’s top destinations.
- Slow travel: Spend at least 3 full days in each city to get beyond the highlights and into the neighborhoods.
- Respect local rhythms: Check market days, siesta or prayer times and local holidays for a smoother trip.
- Sustainable choices: Walk, cycle or use public transport where possible — many top cities reward slow, low-impact travel.