Cities in France and Italy are now ranked among the top 25 destinations worldwide in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025.
The awards highlight the destinations with the best traveler reviews from the past year. These cities showcase Europe’s appeal with their rich culture, unique charm, and memorable attractions, cementing the continent’s status as a top travel destination.
Elegance, history, tourism appeal
Paris ranked fifth in the world, charming visitors with its timeless beauty. Walking along the Seine, visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, or enjoying a croissant at a café are classic Paris experiences.
The city also shines with cultural treasures like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Highlights like the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil and the Marché Biologique Raspail add a lively, local flavor to this iconic destination.
Rome took sixth place, offering a journey through history. Known as the Eternal City, its streets showcase centuries of stories.
Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is a must for many, while the Colosseum and Pantheon remind visitors of Rome’s ancient grandeur. Its famous cuisine, from creamy gelato to hearty oxtail stew, enhances its lasting appeal to travelers worldwide.
Sicily, ranking fourth, is another Italian highlight. The island delights food lovers with arancini, granita, and cannoli.
Beyond the flavors, visitors admire Baroque architecture in Catania and ancient ruins in Agrigento. With its sunny beaches and vibrant culture, Sicily offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Other Schengen Area destinations in the list include Crete (#9), Barcelona (#12), Lisbon (#15), and Majorca (#19).
How Tripadvisor’s best destinations are chosen
The 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations rankings are based on feedback from millions of travelers worldwide.
Tripadvisor evaluates destinations using reviews from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, focusing on the quality and number of reviews for hotels, restaurants, and activities.
Tripadvisor also uses its Seasonal Travel Index to add depth to its findings. This index relies on two main data sources.
The first is a Consumer Sentiment Survey, conducted with Qualtrics, which collected responses from over 4,850 people in six countries: Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK, and the US.
The second is behavioral data from site searches by users in the US, UK, and Japan between August 1st and October 20th, 2024, for trips planned between November 1st, 2024, and January 31st, 2025.
As the world’s largest travel platform, Tripadvisor uses over a billion reviews and opinions to help millions of travelers each month.
EU cities remain accessible for tourists, migrants
These rankings confirm Europe’s appeal as a leading destination for short-term visitors.
The expected launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will simplify entry for travelers from visa-exempt countries, making these cities easier to visit.
For migrants and long-term visitors, Europe offers a high quality of life and rich cultural experiences, providing opportunities to connect more deeply with their new communities.
EU cities’ tourism success influences immigration strategies
Tourism often aligns with efforts to attract skilled workers and encourage sustainable travel.
Greece and Portugal, for example, have used their popularity with tourists to create programs for digital nomads and long-term migrants.
In Italy, historic preservation efforts, inspired by destinations like Rome and Sicily, show how tourism and cultural policies work together.
A legacy of excellence
Europe’s top cities remain leaders in global travel. Whether it’s Rome’s ancient ruins, Paris’ elegant streets, or Barcelona’s unique style, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences.
For both travelers and migrants, they showcase the richness and variety of European culture.
In 2025, these cities are ready to welcome visitors from around the world, reflecting the timeless appeal of Europe.