CITIES AROUND THE WORLD · EDITORIAL GUIDE

10 cities worth exploring around the world

A blend of leading cities in the 2025 index and varied picks for different travel styles.

BookMe editorial team · 23 September 2026

No single list measures the “best” cities for every traveller. Euromonitor’s 2025 Top 100 City Destinations Index considers several factors; its top five were Paris, Madrid, Tokyo, Rome and Milan. The other five cities below are editorial picks for variety, not claims about official rank.

The top five in the 2025 index

  1. Paris: museums, architecture and walkable neighbourhoods.
  2. Madrid: art, plazas and a lively food scene.
  3. Tokyo: contrasting neighbourhoods, extensive transport and modern and traditional culture.
  4. Rome: historic sites and local food; plan for comfortable walking in the centre.
  5. Milan: design, fashion, art and a gateway to northern Italy.

Five more ideas from BookMe

  • New York: neighbourhoods, museums and shows; group plans by area.
  • Amsterdam: canals, museums and cycling; check local transport and accommodation rules.
  • Barcelona: architecture, coast and food; check official attraction booking requirements.
  • Singapore: gardens, food and organised transport; can work for a shorter stopover.
  • Seoul: urban culture, food and shopping; allow time to move between neighbourhoods.

The last five are editorial suggestions, not performance rankings; prices and open attractions vary by travel dates.

Keep your itinerary manageable

Choose two or three areas each day and estimate travel time between them. Leave room to rest, and book timed-entry attractions through their official sites. Check closure days and local events before buying tickets.

Source for the first five: Euromonitor 2025 City Destinations Index

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