Top 10 favourite cities in the world 2025: THIS Indian city beats Florence to enter top 5; Mumbai, Agra in Global Top 20
Asia dominates the list, with 11 cities featured in the top 25. Mexico leads among countries, with four cities in the rankings, including San Miguel de Allende, which retains its #1 spot for the second year running. The Mexican city is acclaimed for its colonial charm, walkability, affordability, cultural events, and dynamic art scene.
Thailand impressively claims two spots in the top 10: Chiang Mai at #2 and the capital city Bangkok at #4, followed closely by Tokyo (#3) and Kyoto (#8) from Japan.
More surprisingly, cities with ancient histories, such as Cuzco, Peru (No. 10), Rome, Italy (No. 18), and Mérida, Mexico (No. 25), have also featured on this year's list, renowned for their archaeological marvels.
Significantly, three Indian cities – Jaipur, Mumbai, and Agra – feature in the Global Top 25, making India the second-most represented country on the list after Mexico.
Source: Travel + Leisure Readers' 25 Favourite Cities in the World of 2025
India stands out in this year's rankings with three cities in the global top 25: Jaipur, Mumbai, and Agra, each offering a heady cocktail of heritage, history, and culture.
Three cities in India have been ranked on the list—Jaipur, Mumbai, and Agra—each city known for its unique cultural and historical appeal, thereby growing its appeal as a top travel destination.
Jaipur, home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has overtaken Italy's Florence, which is now at #11. The Pink City is ranked at #5 of the best cities to travel to globally, according to the Travel + Leisure World's Best Cities 2025.
India's financial capital – also the heart of the Hindi film industry – Mumbai, is ranked at #16, attracting visitors with its mix of colonial architecture, bustling nightlife, high-end dining, and iconic spots like Marine Drive, Gateway of India, and more.
Agra, globally renowned for the seventh wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal, has been ranked #20.
Cherry Gupta is an Assistant Manager – Content at The Indian Express. She leads the Top 10 section, curating list-based features on key national and international developments, and manages daily news content. She also produces SEO-driven articles and collaborates with the Lifestyle team to conduct interviews with notable artists and write workplace culture features. ... Read More
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