Every year, travelers share their favorite places around the world. The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 gathered more than 750,000 votes from people who have seen the world’s most beautiful corners.
From mountain towns in Switzerland to food capitals in Asia, these rankings reveal where travelers are finding beauty, peace, and excitement right now. Below, we’ve split the list into Small Cities and Large Cities so you can easily plan your next adventure.
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Best Small Cities in the World 2025
These smaller cities prove that you don’t have to visit a huge metropolis to have an unforgettable trip. Each of them offers something special—history, beaches, food, or breathtaking scenery.
| Rank | City | Country | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Hobart | Australia (Tasmania) | A calm harbor city with a mix of wild nature and art. Climb Mount Wellington for a great view, then explore Bruny Island or the old convict site at Port Arthur. |
| 9 | Valletta | Malta | This tiny capital is full of history, from ancient temples to Baroque churches. The old walls, city gates, and colorful gardens make it feel like a walk through time. |
| 8 | Palma | Spain (Mallorca) | A sunny Mediterranean city with beaches, Gothic architecture, and great food. Visit the cathedral, enjoy tapas, and shop for handmade crafts. |
| 7 | Galway | Ireland | Known for live music, seafood, and charm. Walk along medieval walls, enjoy local pubs, or take a trip to the Cliffs of Moher. |
| 6 | San Sebastián | Spain | A beach city famous for its pintxo bars and coastal views. Relax on Playa de la Concha and take the funicular to Monte Igueldo for amazing scenery. |
| 5 | San Miguel de Allende | Mexico | A colorful highland city filled with art, culture, and colonial buildings. Visit local markets, rooftop bars, and the famous Rosewood Hotel. |
| 4 | Lucerne | Switzerland | A picture-perfect town beside Lake Lucerne, surrounded by the Alps. Walk the Kapellbrücke bridge, explore the old town, and enjoy Swiss chocolate by the water. |
| 3 | Florence | Italy | The birthplace of the Renaissance. See Michelangelo’s art, eat handmade pasta, and walk along the Arno River. Florence is culture, history, and romance all in one. |
| 2 | Puerto Vallarta | Mexico | A coastal gem with warm beaches, jungle hills, and a relaxed vibe. Enjoy seafood by the ocean or take a boat trip to hidden beaches. |
| 1 | Victoria | Canada | A beautiful, walkable city with British charm and ocean views. Stay at the Fairmont Empress, enjoy afternoon tea, and explore Vancouver Island’s forests. |
These small cities stand out because of their personality. Whether it’s Florence’s art, San Miguel’s color, or Lucerne’s calm lake views, each offers a kind of travel that feels personal and slow-paced.
Best Large Cities in the World 2025
The world’s biggest cities have a different kind of magic—buzzing streets, food scenes that never stop, and landmarks that make travelers return again and again. These top 10 large cities are leading the list this year.
| Rank | City | Country | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Phnom Penh | Cambodia | A vibrant city along the Mekong River. Visit the Royal Palace, try local noodles, and learn about Cambodia’s history at the museums. |
| 9 | Montreal | Canada | A French-influenced city known for its art, food, and energy. Stroll through Old Montreal or try famous restaurants like Joe Beef. |
| 8 | Edinburgh | Scotland | A city of castles, cobblestones, and creativity. The Edinburgh Festival brings performers from around the world every August. |
| 7 | Vancouver | Canada | A coastal city where mountains meet the sea. Go skiing in the morning, kayak in the afternoon, and enjoy multicultural food at night. |
| 6 | Paris | France | The City of Light remains timeless. See the Eiffel Tower, enjoy croissants at a café, and explore art at the Louvre. |
| 5 | Seoul | South Korea | A city where tradition meets technology. Visit palaces, shop in Gangnam, or eat street food while listening to K-pop. |
| 4 | Singapore | Singapore | A futuristic island city that blends cultures and flavors. Visit Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay, and try dishes at hawker centers. |
| 3 | Cape Town | South Africa | A coastal city beneath Table Mountain. Visit vineyards, museums, and beaches while learning about its deep history. |
| 2 | Kyoto | Japan | The heart of traditional Japan, filled with temples, gardens, and tea houses. Visit bamboo forests and the golden Kinkakuji Temple. |
| 1 | Tokyo | Japan | A city of contrasts—old temples, neon lights, and endless food choices. From sushi to ramen, shopping to quiet shrines, Tokyo has it all. |
What makes these big cities special is their mix of modern life and deep culture. From Seoul’s skyscrapers to Kyoto’s quiet temples, each city tells a story that travelers can feel the moment they arrive.
What Travelers Love Most
One thing that stands out in the 2025 rankings is the balance between energy and calm. Travelers aren’t just looking for crowded capitals anymore—they’re also drawn to smaller, slower destinations where culture and nature mix.
People also care more about authentic experiences. Instead of only sightseeing, they want to cook local food, join community festivals, and walk through neighborhoods where real life happens.
For example, Florence’s local workshops and Puerto Vallarta’s beach cafés offer a more personal kind of travel. At the same time, major cities like Tokyo and Paris continue to attract travelers who want world-class art, food, and design—all in one place.
Another major trend is sustainability. Travelers are paying attention to cities that protect their environment. Singapore’s “green city” initiatives and Vancouver’s eco-friendly transport systems show that cities can be modern and mindful at the same time.
Bottom Line
The Best Cities in the World 2025 show how diverse travel has become. Whether you prefer a calm lakeside town or a busy capital full of lights, there’s a destination here for every kind of traveler.
Small cities like Lucerne, San Miguel, and Victoria give you beauty and peace, while big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Paris offer excitement and inspiration.
No matter where you go next, the best city in the world is the one that makes you feel connected—to its people, its history, and its rhythm.
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