My Favorite Travel Destinations of 2025 | Reviews
This year I was lucky enough to visit over a dozen cities across seven different countries, here are my top three:
🥇Palermo is a stunning coastal town in the northwestern part of Sicily, it offers a diverse culture, an amazing food scene, stunning views, and a rich history. While in Palermo I got to visit so many amazing sites such as the Teatro Massimo di Palermo (the largest theater in all of Italy) and the Palazzo dei Normanni (the oldest royal residence in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After spending most of the days in and out of museums and cathedrals I got to spend time relaxing at the beach in the Isola delle Femmine area in the evening, it offered beautiful views and minimal crowds. As for the food scene they’re known for their street food, you HAVE to stop for an arancini - you can find these just about everywhere and of course you can’t forget to stop for gelato! Pro-tip, Sicily is a huge exporter of pistachios, so definitely make sure to try a pistachio gelato - it should be a very muted green or beige color, not bright green, that’s how you know it’s the good stuff! One of my favorites for gelato would be Cappadonia Gelati. Overall, Palermo is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been, it’s one of those places I can myself visiting again and again!
🥈Budapest is a the stunning capital city of Hungary, it’s a great place for my fellow history nerds and my lovers of the nightlife scene. There is so much to see and do while in Budapest, I’ve been twice now and there’s still so many things I’ve yet to cross off my list! One of my favorite things about Budapest is how easy their public transport system is to navigate, I’m a pro at getting lost so if I can manage I think anyone can. My favorite experience in Budapest was my visit to House of Terror Museum, I found it to be the most impactful museum I’ve visited in a long time. If you’re a fellow boba girlie you HAVE to stop at Find Tea - they have the best taro boba I’ve ever tried (seriously, I went almost every day!). I can’t wait until my next trip
to Budapest!
🥉Timișoara another amazing city to visit if you’re a fellow history girlie! Timișoara is the city I had the least amount of time in of my top three, but it still had a lasting impact! I had a fantastic local guide who gave the BEST walking tour I’ve ever experienced. I love to do walking tours when I visit a new city to help get myself oriented and learn a bit more about the cities history. I’ve never had such a captivating tour guide, I could have listed to her talk for a whole day! I’ll definitely be returning when I have more time to explore the city on a deeper level.
If you traveled in 2025, what was your top destination? I’d love to hear about it, talking about travel is my favorite thing!
Do you have any plans to travel in 2026? If so, where?
Have you been to any of the cities I mentioned? Do you have a similar opinion as me or do you disagree? I always think it’s interesting to see which cities people are drawn to.
As always, if you have any questions feel free to leave them down below!
Traveling to Europe in 2025 has offered an incredible opportunity to explore some of the continent's most captivating and culturally rich cities. Palermo, the coastal gem of Sicily, stands out not only for its stunning historic sites like the Teatro Massimo di Palermo—the largest theater in Italy—and the Palazzo dei Normanni, Europe's oldest royal residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also for its vibrant street food culture. Arancini, the iconic Sicilian rice balls, are an absolute must-try street food across Palermo, offering a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. Another highlight is the pistachio gelato, particularly recommended in this region due to Sicily's reputation as a major pistachio exporter. Authentic pistachio gelato, with its subtle beige or muted green color, can be savored at spots like Cappadonia Gelati, considered by many to serve some of the finest in the city. Budapest, Hungary’s enchanting capital, seamlessly blends historical richness with a lively nightlife scene. The city’s public transport network is highly accessible, making it easy for travelers to navigate and explore its many offerings. Among its compelling attractions, the House of Terror Museum provides a profound and moving insight into Hungary’s turbulent 20th-century history, making it essential for history enthusiasts. For lovers of unique culinary experiences, the popular local tea house Find Tea is famed for its taro boba, a treat that charmed many visitors during their stay. Lastly, Timișoara in Romania provides a more off-the-beaten-path experience, especially appealing to history buffs. The author’s memorable walking tour illuminated the city's layered past through engaging storytelling, demonstrating the value of guided walks to truly connect with a destination. Though the time there was brief, the impact was profound, and the city merits a longer visit to fully unravel its historical and cultural fabric. When reflecting on travel in 2025, these three cities—Palermo, Budapest, and Timișoara—offer diverse yet equally enriching travel experiences, each with a unique draw for culture, history, food, and sightseeing. Whether it is sumptuous Sicilian cuisine and seaside relaxation, insightful history museums and efficient public transit, or immersive walking tours steeped in local lore, these destinations represent some of the best Europe has to offer. For travelers planning trips in 2026, considering these cities could provide a mix of deeply cultural travel combined with enjoyable leisure activities. Whether revisiting favorite spots or discovering new ones, engaging with the local cultures and exploring iconic sites will surely enrich any traveler's itinerary. Sharing your own travel stories and experiences can further enhance the collective knowledge and enjoyment within the travel community, encouraging everyone to explore more thoughtfully and create memorable journeys.