Istanbul ranks 4th in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 “Most Beautiful Cities in Europe” survey. With a reader score of 89.47, Istanbul placed just behind Granada's 89.48. These vote-based results reflect Istanbul’s high popularity among international travelers and add to the city's consistent presence among the world's top-ranked destinations
The ranking is part of Travel + Leisure's annual World's Best Awards, where readers rate destinations across multiple criteria. Florence topped the ranking with 90.08 points, followed by Seville (89.49) and Granada (89.48). Istanbul’s 89.347 score placed it within 0.61 points of the top, with less than a point separating the top four cities.
Culture, Heritage, and Flavor: What Makes Istanbul One of the Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
T+L’s ranking is based on an annual survey where readers rate their travel experiences worldwide and share opinions. This year, nearly 180,000 readers have joined in the voting. Readers rated cities on a five-level scale from excellent to poor across six categories:
- Sights/Landmarks
- Culture
- Cuisine
- Friendliness
- Shopping
- Value
Istanbul's scores reflected strong performance across multiple categories, with its cultural richness, how Istanbul blends European and Asian influences, and historical significance emerging as particular draws. It’s not only Istanbul’s architecture and heritage that rank highly; the city's contemporary cuisine, shopping, and cultural experiences earn equally strong ratings. Istanbul has much to offer, from scenic views to culinary experiences.
Reader comments highlighted this range. One voter called Istanbul "the most important city in the world," while another named it their personal favourite. Istanbul's convergence of civilizations and culinary traditions appeals to visitors.
Another reader noted that Istanbul is a city "that's good for all budgets." This accessibility, combined with the depth of experiences available, continues to draw international visitors.
Istanbul Continues to Rank Among Europe's Top Cities
Over the past five years, Istanbul has been ranked among the top 5 European cities in Travel + Leisure’s reader surveys, claiming first place in 2021 and 2023. These results help explain why travel experts rank Istanbul among Europe's top cities.
The city's strong showing extends to global rankings as well. In Travel + Leisure's World's Best Cities surveys, Istanbul has maintained a top-15 position over the past five years, peaking at 3rd place in 2021. The city also appears in TripAdvisor's 2025 Best of the Best Travel Destinations, ranking in the top 20 globally.
Istanbul’s Cultural and Historical Landmarks That Draw International Appeal
The ranking results and notes from voters also revealed the most appealing experiences and top attractions in Istanbul. Among them, Sultanahmet Square stands out with its landmarks and proximity to them. It is a meeting point of civilizations, with Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, as well as its Greek and Roman heritage, appealing to travelers.
The Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia in İstanbul are the most iconic sights. They draw particular attention from international visitors as one of the must-see cultural sites and landmarks in Istanbul. Meanwhile, the Bosphorus remains one of the city's defining features. This trait that separates the European and Asian sides offers experiences from waterfront dining to scenic ferry rides that cross between continents.
Istanbul's cultural experiences add depth to the city's appeal. One of the oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar, draws visitors with its maze of stalls and traditional crafts. On the other hand, the upscale Nişantaşı district provides a contemporary shopping experience with international boutiques and designer stores. Galataport, with international recognition and design awards, also represents Istanbul’s modern waterfront development with its mix of retail, dining, and cultural venues.
Istanbul’s cuisine also stands out. The gastronomy scene ranges from accessible street food to high-end dining, showcasing both traditional Turkish flavors and contemporary culinary innovation.
The latest ranking demonstrates why Istanbul is one of the most beautiful European cities, with international appeal and interest remaining strong. Visitors fall in love with the city again and again, and the tourist numbers remain consistently high. This sustained tourism creates many business and investment opportunities in Istanbul. Particularly, these steady numbers of visitors and growing international recognition make Istanbul the top destination for foreign property buyers. As Istanbul maintains its position among the world's top destinations, interest in real estate investments and short-term rental opportunities will only continue to grow, positioning them as a promising option.
