Dhaka, Nov. 9 -- Istanbul was crowned "Most Desirable City (Europe)" at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2025, taking home the Gold Award at a ceremony held on Wednesday evening at the National Gallery in London. The Turkish metropolis won the Silver award in 2024.

"The East-meets-West magnetism of Istanbul propelled it to Gold," the magazine said, adding that Istanbul "blends history with modernity, from its skyline of domes and minarets to its emerging art and dining scenes."

Particular highlights for readers, the UK-based independent travel magazine wrote, included crossing the Bosphorus at sunset, savoring dishes that blend centuries of influence, and wandering between churches, mosques and modern art galleries.

George Kipouros,...