London named the best destination in the world in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, with New York top in the U.S. Is YOUR favourite spot a winner?
London has been crowned the world’s most popular destination for 2025 by the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for destinations, with New York topping the US rankings.
The award winners were identified between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024 based on the quality and quantity of global Tripadvisor reviews specific to various award subcategories, from accommodation to restaurants.
The British capital rose two places to be named the number 1 ‘top destination’ in the world, taking the title from Dubai, which had held the top spot since 2022.
The British capital is also known for its culinary scene and rich arts and heritage offering, according to Tripadvisor, which ranks second in the world in the best ‘food destinations’ category and third in the best ‘culture destinations’ category.
One Tripadvisor reviewer called London ‘the greatest city in the world’, while another described it as ‘a destination you can return to again and again and continue to savor its delights’.
Commenting on the announcement, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: ‘London is without doubt the best city in the world to visit, attracting millions of tourists every year who are amazed by all that our great city has to offer.
‘With our unrivaled mix of cultural attractions, renowned food scene and an unbeatable sporting calendar, I’m delighted that Tripadvisor agrees that London is the top destination in the world.’
Kristen Dalton, president of Tripadvisor, added: “It’s great to see London recognized as the 2025 standout winner.
London has been crowned the world’s most popular destination for 2025 by the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for destinations
New York is the highest ranked destination in the United States
‘The city’s unique blend of history, innovation and culture continues to captivate travelers from all over the world. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to a dynamic culinary scene and vibrant cultural experiences, London sets the standard for what a destination has to offer.”
Laura Citron OBE, CEO of VisitLondon.com, said: ‘We are so pleased to have been voted by visitors as the best destination in the world. Visitors love the constant change in London; it keeps them coming back to do the things they love and discover new surprises. In 2025, incredible new attractions such as the V&A East Storehouse and the purpose-built Museum of Shakespeare in Shoreditch will open their doors.
‘London is not a museum city; it is a living global metropolis. Visitors become part of the city and live and play alongside Londoners. London’s vibrant local neighborhoods and communities offer fantastic authentic experiences and food from all corners of the world. We are seeing an increase in visitor numbers and look forward to welcoming more people to experience what London has to offer.”
The remainder of the global top 10 destinations consists of Bali, Indonesia (second); Dubai, UAE (third); Sicily, Italy (fourth); Paris, France (fifth); Rome, Italy (sixth); Hanoi, Vietnam (seventh); Marrakech, Morocco (eighth); Crete, Greece (ninth); and Bangkok, Thailand (10th).
Bali (above) ranks third among global destinations
Dubai was ranked number one globally for three years, but is now number 3
Sicily ranks fourth among global destinations
The rest of the top 10 in America consists of Oahu (second); Las Vegas (third); Florida Keys (fourth); New Orleans (fifth); Nashville (sixth); San Francisco (seventh); Chicago (eighth); Charleston (ninth); and Washington DC (10th).
Looking at the other categories in the awards, Osaka, Japan has been named the world’s No. 1 trending destination for 2025, based on year-on-year growth in the number of reviews.
Tripadvisor says: ‘Known as ‘the country’s cuisine’, Osaka has a thriving food scene, as well as great shopping and nightlife.
‘It is also the perfect base for exploring the Kansai region, home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.’
Osaka, Japan, named world’s #1 trending destination by 2025, based on annual growth in reviews
Rome tops global ‘food destinations’ category
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, comes in at number 2, followed by Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, at number 3.
In the new-for-2025 ‘solo travel destinations’ category, South Korean capital Seoul takes the top spot, with Tripadvisor noting that the list includes destinations “loved by solo travelers and perfect for anyone adventuring alone.”
The top five also includes Kathmandu, Nepal (second); Cusco, Peru (third); Bangkok, Thailand (fourth); and Osaka, Japan (fifth).
Hungry for the top five food rankings?
London comes in second after Rome (first), with Marrakech, Morocco, in third, Paris in fourth and Naples, Italy, in fifth.