This Indian city just outranked Italy’s Florence in tourist favourites of 2025

Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur has outranked Italy’s Florence in the “World’s Best Awards” 2025 survey by global travel publication Travel + Leisure. Voted by international tourists, Jaipur earned a spot among the top five cities in the world for travel, culture, and overall visitor experience, placing ahead of several iconic global destinations.

Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, ranked 5th on the list with a score of 91.33, ahead of Florence, which placed 11th with a score of 90.08. Travel + Leisure described Jaipur as a must-see destination, praising its opulent hotels, world-class shopping, and vibrant cultural heritage.

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Topping the list was San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, recognized for its unique cultural atmosphere and affordability. According to the publication’s survey, respondents highlighted attractions such as centrally located museums, botanical gardens, and boutique shopping. Many also cited the city’s vibrant art scene and a packed calendar of annual events, including the San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival, as key reasons for its high ranking.

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The historic northern city of Chiang Mai in Thailand ranked second with a score of 91.94. The city is known for its unparalleled combination of cultural sites, shopping, cuisine, and access to nature. Chiang Mai’s excellent luxury hotels are another reason it continues to rate among voters.

The top cities in the world, according to Travel + Leisure readers, are those that truly have it all—”phenomenal attractions, superlative hotels, electric dining scenes, and world-class vibes that simply don’t quit.”

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“Voters, it seems, are most enthusiastic about those sorts of places that demand attention by virtue of their magnetism. Many of the biggest names on this list will be familiar to global travelers, but a few of this year’s favorites may come as a surprise. It’s proof that, when it comes to seeing the world’s greatest cities, there’s always more to explore.”