India’s Jaipur Rises to Global Top 5 in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Favourite Cities
The world’s travel enthusiasts have spoken: Jaipur, the historic Pink City of India, has climbed impressively into the top 5 of Travel + Leisure’s Readers’ Favourite Cities for 2025. Surpassing famed European destinations like Florence, Jaipur stands as a vibrant beacon of culture, heritage, and warm hospitality on the global tourism stage.
Global Travel Rankings: A Spotlight on Culture, Affordability, and Authentic Experiences
The annual Travel + Leisure readers’ poll celebrated cities that offer travelers rich cultural tapestries, exceptional hospitality, and an authentic sense of place. This year, Mexico emerges dominantly with four cities in the top 25, led once again by San Miguel de Allende thanks to its colonial charm, affordability, and vibrant arts scene.
Thailand makes a significant mark with two cities in the top 10: Chiang Mai (#2) and Bangkok (#4), affirming Southeast Asia’s appeal for travelers seeking dynamic urban atmospheres infused with deep-rooted traditions. Japan also makes a notable showing with Tokyo (#3) and Kyoto (#8), cities celebrated for blending ultra-modern living with timeless cultural heritage.
India’s Triumphant Trio: Jaipur, Mumbai, and Agra in the Global Spotlight
India is the second most represented country on the list, thanks to Jaipur (#5), Mumbai (#16), and Agra (#20). This reflects the country’s expanding footprint as a preferred destination for international travelers yearning for history, architecture, and immersive experiences.
- Jaipur (#5, Score: 91.33): Known worldwide as the Pink City, Jaipur enchants visitors with majestic forts like Amber Fort, vibrant bazaars, intricate artisan crafts, and exquisite Rajasthani cuisine. The city’s elevation from previous rankings underscores its rising global appeal and strategic tourism development fostering sustainable travel.
- Mumbai (#16, Score: 89.17): India’s bustling financial capital also stands as the heartbeat of Bollywood. Mumbai attracts urban explorers with its lively nightlife, colonial-era architecture, and iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India and Marine Drive.
- Agra (#20, Score: 88.44): Home to the breathtaking Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Agra draws millions of tourists annually, blending Mughal history with modern-day hospitality and cultural festivals.
Expert Insight: What This Means For India's Tourism Landscape
This recognition from a globally respected source like Travel + Leisure signals a positive trajectory for India’s tourism sector, which has been steadily rebounding after pandemic-related slowdowns. The diverse appeal—from Jaipur’s royal heritage and Agra’s architectural marvels to Mumbai’s metropolitan vibrance—showcases India's unique ability to cater to varying traveler preferences, from heritage tourism to cosmopolitan experiences.
Furthermore, it presents an opportunity for policymakers and industry stakeholders to capitalize on this momentum by investing in sustainable infrastructure, enhancing traveler services, and promoting lesser-known cultural narratives linked to these cities.
Top 10 Favourite Travel Cities in 2025
| Rank | City | Country | Readers’ Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Miguel de Allende | Mexico | 93.33 |
| 2 | Chiang Mai | Thailand | 91.94 |
| 3 | Tokyo | Japan | 91.39 |
| 4 | Bangkok | Thailand | 91.34 |
| 5 | Jaipur | India | 91.33 |
| 6 | Hoi An | Vietnam | 91.00 |
| 7 | Mexico City | Mexico | 90.86 |
| 8 | Kyoto | Japan | 90.61 |
| 9 | Ubud | Indonesia | 90.48 |
| 10 | Cuzco | Peru | 90.33 |
India’s Presence in the Global Top 25
| Rank | City | Readers’ Score |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Jaipur | 91.33 |
| 16 | Mumbai | 89.17 |
| 20 | Agra | 88.44 |
Why This Matters
In a travel landscape increasingly seeking meaning beyond typical tourist spots, cities like Jaipur, Mumbai, and Agra demonstrate India's capacity to offer enriching, multifaceted experiences that resonate globally. Their positions in this influential ranking highlight not just the cities’ intrinsic charm but their readiness to welcome the world’s travelers with open arms.
As international tourism continues to rebound, these rankings are more than just numbers—they reflect shifting patterns in traveler preferences, where history, culture, urbanity, and authenticity converge.
Editor's Note
India’s triple entry into Travel + Leisure’s 2025 top cities is a reminder of the country’s vast, layered appeal. However, it also raises important questions:
- How can Indian cities leverage this global spotlight to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism?
- What infrastructural upgrades are necessary to meet the expectations of modern international travelers?
- How might local communities be engaged more deeply to share authentic stories without compromising heritage?
As Jaipur, Mumbai, and Agra bask in renewed attention, all eyes will be on how these cities balance tourism growth with cultural preservation.
