Malta’s sun-drenched capital, Valletta, has just been crowned the World’s Best City in Condé Nast Traveller‘s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards — just a day after it took home the title of Europe’s Best City. For the world’s smallest capital, it’s a staggering double win that cements Valletta’s status as one of the most alluring urban escapes on the planet.
More than 182,500 readers cast their votes this year, celebrating cities that combine beauty, culture and atmosphere. Valletta, with its honey-coloured streets, artistic revival and waterfront palazzos, scored an impressive 97.33, edging out Tokyo, Cape Town and Quito for the global crown.
“Valletta embodies everything travellers now seek — authenticity, connection and a sense of living history,” said Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg. “This honour celebrates not just our city’s beauty but our people’s commitment to keeping it alive and evolving.”
Condé Nast Traveller praised Valletta as “fascinating rather than flashy”, calling it a city where 500-year-old architecture meets contemporary creativity. Visitors can stay in boutique hotels carved into centuries-old buildings, explore lively cafés and galleries, and enjoy Mediterranean evenings where church bells ring out to sea.
This year’s list reflected a renewed appetite for culture-rich, walkable cities. Tokyo climbed to second place with its seamless blend of modern design and timeless tradition, while Cape Town in third was celebrated for its coastal beauty and thriving arts scene. Quito and Santa Fe impressed with their artistic energy and sense of place, and Shanghai‘s futuristic skyline showed Asia’s continued pull for travellers seeking urban adventure.
Rounding out the Top 10 Cities in the World were Oslo, Mumbai, Vienna and Copenhagen. Australian favourites also featured strongly, with Sydney at No. 12 and Melbourne at No. 15.
Valletta’s global momentum shows no sign of slowing. The city will host the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit from 30 September to 2 October 2026 — the largest tourism event ever held in Malta.
For travellers seeking a city break that blends art, history and the slow charm of the Mediterranean, Valletta has never looked more irresistible.
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