Istanbul was named Europe’s top city in 2025 at the 2025 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, Istanbul emerged victorious as Europe’s “Most Desirable City,” winning Gold at an event held recently at London’s National Gallery, one year after winning Silver.
“The East-meets-West magnetism of Istanbul propelled it to Gold,” the magazine said, adding that Istanbul “blends history with modernity, from its skyline of domes and minarets to its emerging art and dining scenes.”
Crossing the Bosphorus at sunset, enjoying cuisine that combines centuries of influence, and exploring churches, mosques, and modern art galleries were among the highlights for readers, according to the UK-based independent travel magazine.
George Kipouros, Wanderlust’s editor-in-chief, said the “readers describe it as a city that still surprises them every time. Istanbul’s energy lies in how comfortably it lives between worlds. It has history in its stones but also imagination in its future,” he added.
The honor coincides with the Turkish city’s exceptional year. According to Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, Istanbul Airport is the world’s Best Airport for Food.
“This Gold award for Istanbul reaffirms its position as Europe’s most captivating city where the meeting of continents continues to attract and inspire visitors year after year,” the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) said in a statement.
It also stated that 50 million foreign tourists visited Turkey in the first nine months of 2025, a 1.6% increase from 2024. With more than 2,000 GSTC-certified hotels, or more than 80% of all such properties worldwide, Turkey today leads the globe in sustainable tourism.
In its 24th year, the awards, which recognize travel locations, tour companies, and airlines that motivate Wanderlust’s fans, are among the most prestigious in the world of travel.
Dubrovnik, Croatia, claimed the silver award, while Madrid, Spain, secured bronze in the Most Desirable City (Europe) category.
Over 200,000 readers participated in this year’s edition, which was hosted by British broadcaster and adventurer Simon Reeve. They cast 4.8 million votes in 22 categories.
Source: Daily Sabah
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