Best Destinations in the World - Travellers' Choice Awards
Travellers’ Choice Awards
Best of the Best Destinations
Trending Destinations - World
From lesser-known cities to new escapes, these places are on the up and up. You heard it here first.
The Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.
01.
Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Toyosu Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.
Great for
Historical Tours
Bars
Cultural Tours
Rail Tours
- I really enjoyed this tour with my guide Marin (Mari san) . Hopefully I spell it correctly. I would highly recommend this tour even if Mount Fuji is very shy it is still amazing experience.
@M4091HOangelavReviewed October 2024 - Bruce Sugano was a really great guide! He was very patient with us as we went to different shops to buy souvenirs and he showed us a lot of really fun places. Bruce even encouraged us to take pictures and would help us take photos from place to place. The experience was overall educational and fun!
@emilyaF2527LWReviewed October 2024 - Bruce Sugano, was an amazing guide. He was very knowledgeable, entertaining, engaging, and was very flexible with his itinerary.
@jacquesaZ4103TRReviewed October 2024 - Excellent value for money Japanese restaurant. The service was fantastic and the atmosphere was an absolute VIBE! Highly recommend
@O6940RJrebeccahReviewed October 2024 - We had an absolutely wonderful time with An in Tokyo! She was patient, friendly and showed us around like friends instead of clients. We hit tons of places in a short 6 hours, with history and culture lessons at each location. My personal recommendation is Nezu shrine, an oasis in the middle of Tokyo - and definitely with An!
@catherinekH3596MWReviewed October 2024
02.
From modern skyscrapers and neon lights to Buddhist temples, palaces and pagodas, Seoul is a fascinating mix of old and new. A hub of business, culture and finance both within South Korea and internationally, Seoul houses the headquarters for some of the world's largest corporations. It also has one of the world's best subway systems the easiest way to get around in this densely populated area. For the best view of the city, go to the tower on Namsan, one of the mountains that encircle the city.
Great for
After dark
Historical Tours
Bars
Cultural Tours
03.
Travelers visit Halong Bay for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re breathtaking. Rent a kayak or a junk boat, or take a tour to explore.
Great for
Hiking Tours
Spas
4WD Tours
Kayaking Tours
04.
Palawan is a slice of heaven, a sliver of an island that teems with exotic wildlife, quaint fishing villages, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wave hello to endangered animals at the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary or explore the Japanese shipwrecks of Coron Island, regarded as one of the best dive sites in the world. A guided boat tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River will take your breath away.
Great for
Resorts
Kayaking Tours
Snorkeling
Unwind
05.
The northwest market town of Sapa is colourful and charming, providing the perfect oasis in the midst of a strenuous mountain trek or rice-paddy tour. The Gothic stone church at the centre of town is a bull’s-eye in the centre of shops and stalls, serving as a reminder of the town’s French missionary influence. Dine on Vietnamese or European-inspired cuisine downtown, and don’t miss the Saturday night "love market," one of the most potent—and strictest—single’s nights imaginable.
Great for
Hiking Tours
Climbing
Running Tours
4WD Tours
06.
Ten million people call vibrant, passionate, sprawling Bogota home. The energy of this metropolitan heart of Colombia is in part fueled by its hundreds of eclectic and authentic dining hot spots, fantastic wines, and frequent foodie festivals. Ask the locals where they like to eat, then walk off your empanadas and aji with a stroll through the historic district of La Candelaria or during an indulgent shopping adventure on the North Side.
Great for
Historical Tours
Hiking & camping
Bars
Coffee & Tea Tours
07.
A visit to Pattaya is a wonderful way to explore the beaches along the Gulf of Thailand. Relaxed and family-friendly Jomtien Beach is a hot spot for watersports and seaside massages. The giant Buddha of Wat Khao Phra Bat keeps watch over the city, and the wooden Wang Boran Sanctuary of Truth pays homage to Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture. At night, tons of bars and strip clubs attract an adults-only crowd.
Great for
Resorts
The great outdoors
Museum Tickets & Passes
Cabaret
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08.
Alajuela is all about the pura vida lifestyle—in a way that feels less like a slogan and more like a real way of life. You can feel it everywhere, from the markets to the mountains. Just stop by the Alajuela Central Market to chat with the locals and you'll get a taste of the culture (plus some authentic casado, a Costa Rican classic). Or do a deep dive into Costa Rican history at Juan Santamaría Historical Cultural Museum. Then there's the real draw: nature. Rolling hills, coffee farms, and the looming presence of the Poás Volcano. Hike through a magical cloud forest to get to the crater at Poás Volcano National Park—it will feel like you stepped into another realm. For more magic, visit the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It's like a fairytale come to life: Waterfalls cascading through the rainforest, butterflies dancing around, and a hummingbird garden that's like something straight out of a dream.
Great for
After dark
Extreme Sports
Hiking Tours
Wildlife
09.
Budget-minded travellers will appreciate Phnom Penh's reasonably priced hotel rooms. Explore the city's temples, palaces, and the remnants of its French colonial history. Just outside the city, the The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) are a reminder of Cambodia's tragic past-- a somber contrast to the booming city of today.
Great for
Historical Tours
Bars
Spas
Cultural Tours
10.
The cultural hub of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is visually defined by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which, at 88 stories high, are the tallest twin buildings in the world and a vision of modern architecture. On the flip side, the Sri Mahamariamman is the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, its façade a colorful totem pole of iconography. Shopping at the Central Market is a joyful experience that involves haggling, handicrafts, and happiness.
Great for
Bars
Cultural Tours
Photography Tours
Wildlife
11.
Where else can you find an azalea-framed volcano to climb, a sisterhood of deep-divers, and ancient stone statues on which to make wishes? Jeju Island. A favourite with newlyweds (and K-drama fans), this popular retreat is also home to miles of golden beaches, winding coastal trails, and Jeju Waterworld, the area’s largest water park. No matter what your fancy, one thing is for certain: a day of sightseeing isn’t complete without enjoying some of the isle’s delicious raw seafood and famed barbecued black pork.
Great for
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Historical Tours
Resorts
Climbing
12.
Fiji's largest island, home to capital Suva, offers some wonderful beaches. Palm-fringed Natadola Beach, reputed to be one of the best beaches in the world, is a picture perfect crescent of powdery sand leading to dramatic cliffs. Coconuts hang overhead and the striking azure lagoon entices swimmers.
Great for
Ports of Call Tours
The great outdoors
Cultural Tours
Day Trips
13.
The people of Tamil Nadu consider providing food to others a service to humanity. Thus the service in the state capital, Chennai, is first-rate. Treat your senses to some of the richest South Indian flavours in traditional dishes like sambar, rasam, fish curry or kootu. And don't forget to have a cup of full-bodied Tamil coffee, enhanced with chicory—no visit is complete without it.
Great for
Shopaholics
Multi-day Tours
Historical Tours
Cultural Tours
14.
Puebla lives in the shadow of the active Popocatepetl volcano, which provides a spectacular backdrop to one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (magic towns). Characterized by its colorful, Talavera-tiled buildings and hailed as the birthplace of mole poblano, Puebla is Mexico at its best.
Great for
Historical Tours
The great outdoors
Bars
Archaeology Tours
15.
Bandung is Indonesia's third-largest city but lies close enough to Jakarta and offers cooler weather. Bandung features a large collection of Dutch Colonial architecture, as well as a beautiful botanic garden, zoo, golf courses and a wide variety of culinary offerings.
Great for
Full-day Tours
Spas
Local eats
Bus Tours
16.
A diverse multicultural city of almost 1.3 million, Panama City offers a lot more than an up-close view of the Canal. Shantytowns slink up alongside shiny high-rise condos. The Old City is an atmospheric labyrinth of churches, plazas and palaces. Fifteen miles from downtown Panama City, Soberania National Park is an excellent destination for hiking and birding. For a fascinating look at the canal, take a taxi or local bus to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center and look down on the traffic below.
Great for
After dark
Historical Tours
4WD Tours
Cultural Tours
17.
Huaraz dates back to before the Incan Empire and is a great destination for travelers looking to combine cultural education with relaxation. Explore archaeological sites and the ancient stone monoliths at the Museo Regional de Ancash. Squeeze into narrow Duck Canyon or, for a challenge with a massively beautiful payoff, hike a mountain trail in Huascarán National Park.
Great for
Extreme Sports
Hiking Tours
Archaeology Tours
Winter Sports
18.
Known as the safari capital of Africa, Nairobi is an energetic, modern city that serves as a fascinating introduction to both wildlife and nightlife. Music clubs pulse with life, shops and markets bustle, and a mélange of restaurants will tempt your palate in this former Maasai watering hole. Top sights include the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre and the black rhinos of Nairobi National Park. The compact city centre is safe to walk in and taxis make other areas accessible.
Great for
Biking
Day Trips & Excursions
Art & history
Safaris
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19.
Sitting in a valley in the Andes Mountains, La Paz is the city that touches the clouds. The de facto capital of Bolivia, and sitting between 3300 and 4100 metres above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. Rich with 19th century churches, museums of artifacts from the pre-Conquest era, precarious overlooks, and colourful markets, La Paz is truly unique. The Witches’ Market, in the centre of the city, sells charms and potions for Aymara rituals, as well as souvenirs.
Great for
Biking
Bars
Archaeology Tours
4WD Tours
20.
Port Ghalib is the ultimate spot for those in the know, with its perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. The beaches are one of the main draws, with golden sands and blue waters that you could spend all your days soaking up. The world beneath the surface is just as stunning—a boat ride takes you to Sataya Reef, where you can explore the vibrant coral reef and swim with dolphins. When you're ready to dry off, Port Ghalib Marina is the go-to for a night out. With yachts, waterfront restaurants, and a Mediterranean vibe, it's ideal for a sunset stroll or fancy dinner.
Great for
After dark
Extreme Sports
Resorts
Spas
21.
Smack in the center of Romania is Brasov, a harmonious mash-up of traditional charm and modern city life. Ride a double-decker bus around the city to get your bearings and see the sites whiz by, then hop off to squeeze down Strada Sforii, the narrowest street in Europe. Take a day trip to see the fortified church of Prejmer, the Libearty brown bear sanctuary, and the deliciously ominous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle.
Great for
Ghost Tours
Historical Tours
Bars
Cultural Tours
22.
You'll find it all in Manta: world-class beaches, culture, history, and some of the best seafood of your life. Start at Playa Murciélago, where most of the town gathers daily for volleyball games, sun-soaking, and next-level sunsets. Pair that with some ceviche (practically an art form here) from a beachside kiosk, and you're pretty much set. For a bit of local culture (and more seafood), swing by El Mercado Central where you can pick and grill your own fish or Central Bank Museum for a solid crash course in Ecuadorian history. When you want to get off the beaten path, head to Los Frailes Beach for its turquoise waters and photo-worthy views from the cliffs. It's about an hour from Manta, but totally worth the trip.
Great for
After dark
Ports of Call Tours
Day Trips
Unwind
23.
Today Casablanca is a large, modern city, but the former French colonial post still allows myriad movie moments for those who want to revisit love in the medina and Old City. Casa (as locals call it) isn’t too touristy, but it’s the most cosmopolitan and Western-feeling city in Morocco. Visit the King Hassan II Mosque and Casa's Medina.
Great for
Historical Tours
Art & history
4WD Tours
Cultural Tours
24.
Santiago is one of those metropolitan joys where the more you look, the more you find. Funky cafes and dance clubs dot Bellavista, Forest Park art collections range from pre-Columbian to contemporary, and architecture runs the gamut from the 16th-century San Francisco Church to mirrored office towers. Shop with the locals at Mall Panora¡mico and give your palate meals to remember with hearty Chilean fare.
Great for
Wine Tastings
Full-day Tours
Hiking & camping
Bars
25.
You can eat very well—and very cheaply—in Taipei. The restaurants may not look posh, but the quality of the food is superlative. And there’s a huge variety of restaurants—in addition to local Taiwanese specialties, you’ll find regional cuisines from all over China, as well as great Indian, Japanese and even Italian options. Just make sure to leave some room for snacks—street-vendor food here is addictive.
Great for
Shopaholics
Full-day Tours
Art & history
Bars
