Amsterdam has been named among the best places in Europe to travel to in the 2025 ranking by European Best Destinations (EBD). Leading the pack with the Dutch capital are cities such as Monaco and Dubrovnik.

Best European holiday destinations 2025

To create the ranking, EBD tallies the votes of over 1,2 million travellers from 158 countries to determine which of 500 locations in Europe provide the most unforgettable experiences. This year, the top spot was won by Monaco, with the principality gathering praise for its luxurious hotels and year-round attractiveness as a place to visit.

The Latvian capital Riga took second place for 2025, with the so-called “Paris of the North” given accolades for its lively arts, culture and nightlife scene. The stunning walls and old town of Dubrovnik completed the podium, with Madrid, Namur and Amsterdam rounding out the top six. 

Dutch capital named ultimate year-round destination

Dubbed one of the trendiest destinations for 2025 by EBD, Amsterdam is known for offering a “vibrant blend of heritage and innovation”. The Dutch city allows travellers to “wander its iconic canals, where 17th-century charm meets modern design, and explore neighbourhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp, brimming with markets, boutiques, and cosy cafés.”

One reason given for the popularity of the Dutch capital is that there is something to do throughout the year, from cycling among tulip fields in spring and enjoying the many festivals in summer to strolling alongside canals in autumn and exploring the light displays in winter. Highlights also included are Vondelpark and other popular cultural attractions such as the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House - the variety of tasty snacks is also a draw. 

Amsterdam was also praised for its “sustainable tourism, with a focus on green transportation, eco-friendly accommodations, and conscious dining.”

10 best destinations to visit in Europe

In all, here are the 10 best European destinations for 2025, according to the EBD:

1. Monaco
2. Riga, Latvia
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
4. Madrid, Spain
5. Namur, Belgium
6. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
7. Olhao, Portugal
8. Mlijet Island, Croatia
9. Lisbon, Portugal
10. Antipaxos, Greece

To find out more about the other destinations in the top 20, check out the EBD website.