As it does every year since 2009, the website European Best Destinations has published its ranking of the best places to travel in Europe for 2025. This year, the list is determined by the votes of over 1.2 million travelers from 152 countries, and the results are revealed exclusively by Yahoo on Tuesday, February 18.

A Prized Destination Not for Every Budget

In a surprise twist, for the first time in ten years—and since Bordeaux claimed the top spot in 2015—a Francophone destination has taken the crown. Monaco has risen from second place last year to claim the title of "Best Destination in Europe." More than 115,000 internet users and tourism professionals voted for Monaco, highlighting it as a unique destination known for high-quality travel experiences in Europe, according to European Best Destinations.

Will the microstate—only the second smallest in the world after Vatican City—see a surge in tourist traffic? Historical data from previous winners suggests that Monaco can anticipate a tourist boom, with Porto experiencing a +17% increase in visitors after being awarded in 2017 and Bordeaux seeing a +13% boost following its title in 2015. However, Monaco’s compact 2-square-kilometer size and high prices might deter some visitors.

Riga: The Hidden Gem Ready to Surprise

In a more budget-friendly option, Riga, the capital city of Latvia, took the second spot with 104,022 votes. Additionally, it has been recognized as the number one city for a weekend getaway in Europe. The authors of the survey express excitement for Riga, praising its Art Nouveau architecture, lively cultural scene, and world-class gastronomy. Coming in third place are two Croatian cities, Dubrovnik and Cavtat, sharing the bronze medal.

France Represented by Èze and Cassis

As the world’s leading tourist destination, welcoming over 100 million international visitors in 2024, France is represented in the top 20 by Èze, a picturesque hillside village in the Alpes-Maritimes, and Cassis, a charming fishing port in Bouches-du-Rhône, ranked at 15th and 18th, respectively. Spain also shines with Madrid at 4th and Seville at 19th. Portugal features with Olhao, its largest fishing port in the south, and Lisbon making an impression. Surprisingly, Namur, a Belgian city not typically known for tourism, has secured a spot in the top five, outperforming Amsterdam. Notably, Istanbul, the most visited city in the world in 2023, ranks 14th.