Paris has been named the most attractive city in the world for the fifth time in a row. The French capital once again comfortably claimed the number one spot in the Top 100 City Destinations Index, released by data analytics firm Euromonitor International.
The City of Light enjoyed another surge in visitors this year, bolstered by the reopening of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the influx of football fans celebrating Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) first-ever Champions League victory. Tourism officials say the city’s strong preparation and policies contributed to handling the growing number of travelers efficiently.
According to the report, the index ranks leading cities worldwide based on factors including tourism, sustainability, economic performance, and health and safety. Paris excelled across most of these criteria, reinforcing its status as a top-tier global destination.
Europe continues to dominate the 2025 rankings, claiming six of the top 10 spots. Madrid secured second place, while Rome and Milan ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. Amsterdam took the seventh spot, and Barcelona climbed two positions to eighth. The data underscores the enduring appeal of European cities among global travelers.
Interestingly, no Australian cities appeared in the top 10, highlighting regional disparities in tourism competitiveness. Asia and the Middle East had strong showings in the wider top 100, but European cities remain the most consistent performers in the global tourism landscape.
London, in contrast, continues its decline in the rankings. Last year, the British capital fell out of the top 10 to 13th place, and now it has dropped further to 18th. Despite ranking fourth globally for tourism infrastructure, London lagged behind in tourism policy, sustainability, and health and safety measures, which weighed heavily on its overall score.
Experts suggest London’s drop reflects the combined impact of economic challenges, safety concerns, and the city’s inability to match the rapid improvements seen in competing European capitals. Meanwhile, Paris has successfully leveraged both cultural and sporting attractions to maintain visitor interest.
The renewed focus on tourism policy and infrastructure in Paris has paid dividends. From improving transport networks to upgrading public spaces and enhancing visitor services, the city’s administration has created a seamless experience for tourists. The reopening of Notre Dame added a major draw for heritage enthusiasts, while PSG’s Champions League win brought an unexpected surge of football fans from around the world.
Euromonitor’s index also takes sustainability into account, an increasingly important factor for travelers. Paris has made significant strides in implementing environmentally friendly policies, including reducing emissions in tourist-heavy areas and promoting green public transport, which contributed positively to its ranking.
The continued dominance of Paris and other European cities suggests that tradition, combined with modern infrastructure and strategic tourism management, remains a winning formula. Cities looking to attract international visitors are advised to focus on holistic approaches that balance culture, safety, and accessibility.
For global travelers, the 2025 rankings provide a clear guide to the most appealing destinations. Paris not only offers world-renowned landmarks and cultural experiences but also demonstrates the benefits of strategic planning in sustaining long-term tourism success.
As the tourism industry recovers and evolves in a post-pandemic era, cities like Paris show how investment in infrastructure, safety, and visitor experience can secure international recognition and attract millions of tourists year after year.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members