Jaipur, famously known as India’s ‘Pink City’, has been ranked the 5th Best City in the World for travellers, according to the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025. In the process, it edged out Florence, Italy — a long-time favourite among global tourists.
San Miguel de Allende in Mexico took the top spot with a score of 93.44, followed by Chiang Mai (Thailand), Tokyo (Japan), and Bangkok, which jointly ranked third. Jaipur received a score of 91.33, ahead of Florence’s 90.08.
A UNESCO-recognised Walled City, Jaipur is known for its iconic pink-hued architecture and meticulously planned urban design. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Walled City, Amber Fort, and Jantar Mantar — placing it among a select group of cities worldwide with such a distinction.
Every year, Travel + Leisure readers rate cities on parameters including cultural experiences, landmarks, food, ambience, and hospitality. Jaipur’s combination of heritage, design, and hospitality earned it a place in the top five for 2025.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico – Rank 1 | Score: 93.44
Chiang Mai, Thailand – Rank 2 | Score: 91.94
Tokyo, Japan – Rank 3 | Score: 91.63
Bangkok, Thailand – Rank 3 | Score: 91.48
Jaipur, India – Rank 5 | Score: 91.33
Other cities in the top tier include Hoi An (Vietnam), Ubud (Bali), and Kyoto (Japan).
Reacting to the recognition, Diya Kumari, Rajasthan’s Tourism Minister and a former princess of Jaipur, called it a moment of national pride.
“Happy with the ranking — it is a matter of pride not just for Rajasthan, but for the entire country,” she told NDTV.
She added, “Jaipur is the only Indian city to feature in this year’s global ranking. Udaipur has made it in the past, but Jaipur continues to remain a preferred international destination. The fact that cities from Rajasthan often make it to this list reflects the state’s deep cultural and tourism appeal.”
(By arrangement with livemint.com)
