Update: Conde Nast Traveller magazine has today unveiled the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards and Valletta has taken the top spot in the European cities category, fighting off stiff competition including Paris, Venice, Lisbon and Athens with an outstanding score of 97.33.

On Wednesday, Valletta, also achieved a historic milestone by being named the Number One City in the World in Condé Nast Traveller’s prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, just one day after it was crowned Europe’s Best City.

The Malta Tourism Authority said that “this remarkable back-to-back recognition places Valletta at the pinnacle of the world’s most admired destinations.”

Conde Nast Traveller received more than 182,500 survey responses from rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting.

The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgement of excellence within the travel sector.

Tourism Minister Ian Borg said “it is a great honour that Valletta has been recognised by Conde Nast Traveller readers as the number one European city for 2025. This distinction is a reflection of the deep appreciation that discerning travellers hold for Malta’s rich cultural heritage, architectural splendour, and the genuine warmth of our people. Valletta stands as a shining example of the beauty, authenticity, and vibrancy that define the Maltese Islands. We are truly grateful to all those who continue to choose Malta as their destination of inspiration and discovery, and we remain committed to ensuring that every visitor’s experience is as memorable and enriching as the islands themselves.”

CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, Mr. Carlo Micallef commented saying “this esteemed recognition from Conde Nast Traveller positions Valletta at the very forefront of Europe’s most distinguished destinations and reaffirms Malta’s stature as a world-class location that continues to inspire discerning travellers in search of authenticity, cultural richness, and exceptional experiences. On behalf of the Malta Tourism Authority, I wish to convey our profound gratitude to all visitors who have experienced and celebrated the beauty of our islands, as well as to our tourism partners whose unwavering commitment continues to enhance Malta’s reputation on the global stage. This recognition gives us an incremental boost towards another successful winter season”

The MTA extended its congratulations to The Phoenicia Malta, located just outside Valletta, which has once again earned a place in Conde Nast Traveler’s esteemed “Rest of Europe” list, part of the publication’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, the only Maltese hotel to feature on this prestigious list.

The full list of winners can be found online here.

Photo: Conde Nast Traveller/MTA

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