My travels took me to nine new cities this year, but I certainly wouldn’t hurry to return to all of them. Don’t get me wrong, each city had a unique charm and array of things to do, see and eat. However, three of them really stuck with me, and I would jump at the opportunity to return.

I have become quite a travel addict in the last few years, and I have been busy ticking new countries off my bucket list. This year, I took a few trips, mostly outside the UK, but also some within the UK. Among them was an unforgettable interrailing trip that let me see a slew of cities in a short space of time.

A few other trips on top of that meant that I got to visit a total of nine cities I hadn’t been to before 2025. And I think about three of them quite often for all the right reasons. While there are cities I’m eager to visit for the first time, there are three that I’m particularly excited to return to when the opportunity presents itself.

But first, where were the nine cities I visited this year? In 2025, I didn’t go beyond the bounds of Europe. Having previously travelled to faraway countries like Thailand and Canada, Europe stole my heart this year.

The continent really is just full of diverse cultures, incredible food and fascinating historical attractions. The new cities I visited this year, in order of when I visited them, are:

• Brussels, Belgium
• Ghent, Belgium
• Prague, Czechia
• Vienna, Austria
• Munich, Germany
• Stuttgart, Germany
• Paris, France
• Chania, Greece
• Bucharest, Romania

By far, my favourite new city of the year was Chania in Greece. This tiny seaside city is full of amazing Greek food, which is arguably one of the most flavourful cuisines in the world. From boat trips, amazing beach clubs, stand-out bars and restaurants, and cheap transport options, my time in Chania was as easy as it was full of fun.

Chania was relatively inexpensive to reach. I got return flights for just over £300. I was there with a group of eight people (myself included), and we got a villa just outside the city for a pretty decent price as well, located right by the beach and a street with lovely restaurants and cafes.

Chania stole my heart. However, before that trip this September, my favourite 2025 visit was to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Three days here were spent simply walking around and taking it all in. The architecture here is really incredible, and we got very lucky with the weather.

Plus, the people were more than friendly, and the food and drink options were stellar. The Austrian beer and wine went down a treat here.

The third city I would be quick to return to is Brussels, the Belgian capital. Many people have called this place boring in the past, but I really disagree. Brussels had plenty for me to see during my three days there.

Meanwhile, it is close to cities like Ghent and Bruges, which can both be reached via short train journeys. I did visit Ghent for a day trip while staying in Brussels, and it had a lovely charm. But it is small, so I’m not sure it warrants another trip in the near future. But I would happily return to eat and drink my way through Brussels.

The three cities I would happily return to in 2026 are:

• Chania, Greece
• Vienna, Austria
• Brussels, Belgium