Italy has once again earned a place near the top of TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for destinations. One Italian city has climbed to 6th place globally, putting it ahead of dozens of heavyweight capitals and long-haul favourites.
What the Best of the Best destination award actually means
The Best of the Best title is TripAdvisor’s highest level of recognition. It’s based entirely on traveller reviews and ratings, not expert panels or marketing campaigns. Fewer than 1% of the platform’s listings reach this tier, reserved for destinations that consistently receive outstanding feedback.
The city that took 6th place
This year, that city is Rome.
Ranking 6th worldwide confirms its enduring appeal. Landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon and Vatican City draw first-time visitors, but what sets Rome apart is how daily life sits alongside them. Ancient ruins are part of the backdrop rather than fenced-off attractions, woven into streets where locals go about their routines. Beyond the main monuments, there are heaps of other lesser-known sites to explore.
Districts like Trastevere and Testaccio keep culinary traditions alive in long-standing trattorias, while underrated areas in Rome such as Pigneto show a more contemporary side of the city. That sense of history layered into ordinary life helps explain why Rome
Why Rome continues to resonate
Rome’s historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot, with Baroque fountains, piazzas and archaeological sites all within walking distance. The density of heritage is hard to match, and it allows visitors to absorb centuries of history without relying heavily on transport.
Beyond the landmarks, the city maintains a strong local rhythm with plenty of non-touristy things to do. Regulars return to the same cafés, neighbourhood markets still operate week after week, and community life remains visible beyond the main tourist routes. It’s this lived-in quality, rather than spectacle alone, that tends to leave a lasting impression.
Beyond the postcard version
For those considering living in Rome, Italy's capital requires a bit of patience. There is an established international community, but integration depends heavily on learning Italian and navigating local bureaucracy.
Work culture varies by sector, and administrative processes can be slow. While everyday costs are generally lower than in London or Paris, property in central districts reflects steady global demand.
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