Tripadvisor’s 25th Anniversary Special: London and New York Lead the Top Destinations of the Last Quarter-Century

Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, has unveiled its 2025 Travelers’ Choice® Awards, showcasing the best global destinations based on millions of reviews from travelers around the world. This year’s list highlights the places that have captivated the hearts of travelers, with London emerging as the top global destination and New York City taking the lead in the U.S. The awards cover a wide array of categories, including top destinations, trending spots, cultural hubs, food destinations, and honeymoon locations.
London Reigns as the Top Destination Globally
London, the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, has taken the crown as the #1 destination in the world for 2025, climbing two spots from the previous year. The city is not only recognized for its rich history, arts, and heritage but also for its culinary scene, securing second place in the Best Food Destinations category and third place in the Best Culture Destinations list. This marks a significant achievement for London, as it dethrones Dubai, which held the top spot for the last two years.
London’s diverse offering—from iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to its thriving arts scene and world-class dining establishments—continues to attract millions of visitors. It’s also worth noting that London topped Tripadvisor’s special 25th Anniversary Destinations list, which celebrates the top destinations over the last quarter-century of Tripadvisor reviews.
“London’s top ranking is a testament to the city’s appeal as a global cultural and culinary hub,” said Kristen Dalton, President of Tripadvisor. “The destination offers a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities that continue to resonate with travelers from all walks of life.”
New York City: A U.S. Favorite for Food, Culture, and More
On the U.S. front, New York City remains a favorite, topping the list as the #1 destination in the United States. Known for its energy, diversity, and iconic landmarks, New York City is also celebrated for its food scene, making it a leading contender in Tripadvisor’s Food Destinations category. The city’s exceptional cultural offerings—from Broadway shows to world-class museums—have cemented its reputation as a must-visit spot for travelers worldwide.
Other notable U.S. destinations that have captured travelers’ hearts include the warm-weather escapes of O’ahu in Hawaii and the Florida Keys, both of which are renowned for their natural beauty and laid-back vibes. In addition, culturally rich cities like New Orleans, Washington D.C., and Charleston, South Carolina, continue to stand out as top choices for travelers looking to experience the best of U.S. culture.
Top Destinations – World
- London, U.K.
- Bali, Indonesia
- Dubai, U.A.E.
- Sicily, Italy
- Paris, France
- Rome, Italy
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Crete, Greece
- Bangkok, Thailand
Top Destinations – U.S.
- New York City, NY
- O’ahu, HI
- Las Vegas, NV
- Florida Keys, FL
- New Orleans, LA
- Nashville, TN
- San Francisco, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Charleston, SC
- Washington, D.C.
Trending Destinations for 2025: Osaka Leads the Charge
For 2025, Tripadvisor’s list of Trending Destinations reveals the rise of lesser-known but increasingly popular destinations. Osaka, Japan, has emerged as the #1 trending destination globally, experiencing a surge in traveler interest. Known as “the nation’s kitchen,” Osaka boasts a rich culinary heritage, making it a must-visit for food lovers. Beyond its food scene, the city offers excellent shopping, vibrant nightlife, and serves as a perfect base for exploring Japan’s Kansai region, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Kyoto and Nara.
Other trending global destinations include Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ranked #2, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, ranked #3. These cities have become increasingly popular due to their unique offerings and growing travel appeal.
In the U.S., trending destinations also include a mix of coastal getaways like West Palm Beach, Florida, and Santa Barbara, California, as well as mountain locales like Denver, Colorado, and Park City, Utah. The Midwest, traditionally overlooked, is experiencing a rise in popularity with cities like Cleveland and Kansas City gaining attention from travelers seeking something new.
Trending Destinations – World
- Osaka, Japan
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Manama, Bahrain
- Lima, Peru
- Medellin, Colombia
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Kyoto, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Casablanca, Morocco
Trending Destinations – U.S.
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Cleveland, OH
- Kansas City, MO
- Memphis, TN
- Park City, UT
- Juneau, AK
- Denver, CO
- Brooklyn, NY
- Hilton Head, SC
Celebrating 25 Years of Tripadvisor: The Top Destinations of All Time
As part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations, Tripadvisor has also revealed a special list of the best destinations from the past quarter-century, based on all-time reviews. London tops this list as well, followed by New York City and Rome. These destinations have been favorites for travelers over the years, thanks to their enduring charm and unforgettable experiences.
New for 2025: Solo Travel Destinations
Tripadvisor has introduced a new category for 2025: Solo Travel Destinations. This category highlights destinations that are particularly popular among solo travelers. Seoul, South Korea, takes the top spot, followed by Kathmandu, Nepal, and Cusco, Peru. These cities are known for their welcoming atmosphere and abundance of experiences perfect for solo explorers looking to connect with other travelers or immerse themselves in a new culture.
Solo Travel Destinations – World
- Seoul, South Korea
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Cusco, Peru
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Osaka, Japan
- Dubai, U.A.E.
- Kyoto, Japan
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Melbourne, Australia
The Best of Food and Culture
For foodies, Tripadvisor’s Best Food Destinations list is a must-see. Rome, Italy, ranks as the top food destination, followed closely by London and Marrakech. These cities are known for their incredible culinary offerings, ranging from street food to Michelin-starred dining experiences. Meanwhile, Bali, Indonesia, takes the #1 spot for Culture Destinations, thanks to its vibrant arts scene and rich traditions.
Food Destinations – World
- Rome, Italy
- London, U.K.
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Paris, France
- Naples, Italy
- Barcelona, Spain
- Lima, Peru
- New Orleans, U.S.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Athens, Greece
Culture Destinations – World
- Bali, Indonesia
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- London, U.K.
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Rome, Italy
- Cusco, Peru
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- New Delhi, India
- Crete, Greece
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
Methodology and Insights
The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations rankings are determined based on the quality and quantity of reviews collected from travelers on Tripadvisor between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. These rankings reflect the destinations, accommodations, restaurants, and experiences that have earned the highest ratings from travelers worldwide.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, these rankings offer invaluable insights into where travelers are heading in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re planning a cultural getaway, a food tour, or a relaxing beach vacation, Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards are the ultimate guide to the world’s best destinations.
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