Andalucia’s most iconic city has been ranked the third best in the world by the editorial team at The Telegraph.
The cultural gem placed just behind Paris and New Orleans in the outlet’s ‘World’s Greatest Cities’ list for 2025.
The ranking, compiled by 15 of the paper’s travel writers, aims to highlight cities that create lasting impressions, based not on statistics, but on emotion, memory, and atmosphere.
This latest accolade for Sevilla comes only months after The Telegraph named it the best city in Europe, further cementing its status as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Not just metrics
The Telegraph, one of the UK’s most influential newspapers, rejected standard metrics like population size or number of metro lines in its selection.
Instead, writers were asked what truly defines a ‘great city’ based on personal experience and cultural impact.
Sevilla stood out for its deep sense of place, with the report praising the city’s unique charm, from the orange trees first planted in the 10th century, to the Alcazar, described as surpassing ‘any on-screen version’ with its colonnaded architecture and lush gardens.
A city for all seasons
Food, of course, also featured heavily. The piece highlighted Sevilla’s tapas culture, singling out Taberna Coloniales for its simplicity and authenticity.
Visitors are advised to come outside the hottest summer months, with March to May cited as the ideal season – though the city remains attractive almost all year-round thanks to its mild winters and strong cultural offering.
Other standout attractions mentioned include: Plaza de España. Metropol Parasol. Plaza del Cristo de Burgos, Traditional flamenco bars, local favourite Cruzcampo beer.
As writer Ben Ross put it: ‘Honestly, the list is endless. Probably best to stop reading and just go.’
The full top 15 list includes a diverse mix of global destinations:
- Paris
- New Orleans
- Sevilla
- Zurich
- Rome
- Buenos Aires
- Helsinki
- Phnom Penh
- Amsterdam
- Hong Kong
- Fez
- Munich
- San Francisco
- Dubai
- London
Read more Spain travel news at the Spanish Eye.
