In 2025, Florence claimed the title of “Europe’s Best City” in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. What makes this award special is that it’s based not on statistics, but on the real experiences of tens of thousands of travelers – making it a heartfelt recognition for the Tuscan capital.
Why Florence?
1. World-class art and history: Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance. From Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus in the Uffizi Gallery, to Brunelleschi’s breathtaking dome atop the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – the city is a living museum that inspires awe at every corner.
2. A culinary paradise: Tuscan cuisine is both simple and refined. Visitors love the iconic bistecca alla fiorentina, fresh handmade pasta, and local wines such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Whether in a family-run trattoria or a fine-dining restaurant, every meal feels like an authentic celebration.
3. A city made for walking: Florence’s historic center is compact and best explored on foot. The main landmarks – the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria – are all within minutes of each other, making it perfect for slow, immersive travel without the need for a car.
4. Warm, welcoming atmosphere: Travel + Leisure readers highlighted the friendliness of the Florentines. Locals are proud to share their city’s treasures, whether it’s a cozy wine bar, an artisan workshop, or a hidden garden.
5. True value for your trip: While Florence isn’t the cheapest destination, visitors feel that every euro is well spent thanks to the richness of art, history, and unforgettable experiences.
A city that touches the soul
Florence isn’t just a place you visit – it’s a place you feel. This is not a frozen-in-time museum city; it’s a vibrant, living community where past and present merge effortlessly. Travelers often say that every street corner is like a painting, every coffee is a ritual, and every day brings a new discovery.
From a local’s perspective
Although I don’t come to Florence as a tourist, but as a resident, the city still amazes me every single day. My morning espresso at the corner café, where the barista already knows my name, feels just as magical as it does for a first-time visitor. The bustling markets, the scent of freshly baked bread from neighborhood bakeries, the laughter of children playing in the shadow of the Duomo – these are part of my everyday life, yet they never lose their charm.
Living here, I see a constantly evolving Florence: alongside Renaissance masterpieces, there’s always a new exhibition to discover, a hidden café to stumble upon, or a spontaneous music performance on a rooftop terrace.
For me, Florence isn’t just a collection of tourist sights – it’s a stage for daily life, where history, culture, and community breathe together.
And that’s why – whether as a local or a traveler – I find myself falling in love with Florence’s timeless beauty over and over again.