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 most popular destination in the world for 2025 by the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for destinations, with New York topping the U.S ranking.
The winners for the awards were identified based on the quality and quantity of global Tripadvisor reviews specific to several award subcategories, from accommodation to restaurants, between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024.
The UK capital climbed two places to be named No. 1 ‘top destination’ in the world, taking the title from Dubai, which had held first place since 2022.
The UK capital is also recognised for its culinary scene and rich arts and heritage offering, noted Tripadvisor, coming second in the world in the best ‘food destinations’ category and third in best ‘culture destinations’.
One Tripadvisor reviewer called London ‘the greatest city on the planet’, while another described it as ‘a destination that you can come back to again and again and continue to enjoy its delights’.
Commenting on the announcement, the 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 with everything that our great city has to offer.
‘With our unrivalled mix of cultural attractions, renowned food scene and a sporting calendar that cannot be beaten, I am delighted that Tripadvisor agrees that London is the top destination in the world.’
Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor added: ‘It’s great to see London recognised as a standout winner for 2025.
London has been crowned the most popular destination in the world for 2025 by the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for destinations
New York is the top-ranked destination in the United States
‘The city’s unique blend of history, innovation and culture continues to captivate travellers 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 can offer.’
Laura Citron OBE, CEO of VisitLondon.com, said: ‘We’re so delighted to be chosen by visitors as the best destination in the world. Visitors love London’s constant change; it keeps them coming back to do the things they love and discover new surprises. In 2025, incredible new attractions like the V&A East Storehouse and the purpose-built Museum of Shakespeare in Shoreditch will open their doors.
‘London isn’t a museum city – it’s a living global metropolis. Visitors are part of the city, living and playing alongside Londoners. London’s vibrant local neighbourhoods and communities offer fantastic authentic experiences and food from every corner of the globe. We’re seeing an increase in visitor numbers and looking forward to welcoming more people to experience what London has to offer.’
The rest of the top 10 destinations global ranking comprises 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) comes second in the global destination ranking
Dubai held first place globally for three years – but is now No.3
Sicily comes fourth in the global destination ranking
The rest of the top 10 in America is made up 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, is named No. 1 ‘trending destination’ in the World for 2025, based on year-on-year growth of reviews.
Tripadvisor says: ‘Known as “the nation’s kitchen”, Osaka has a thriving food scene, as well as great shopping and nightlife.
‘It is also the perfect base for exploring the Kansai region, which is home to multiple Unesco World Heritage Sites.’
Osaka, Japan, is named No. 1 ‘trending destination’ in the World for 2025, based on year-on-year growth of reviews
Rome ranks top in the global ‘food destinations’ category
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, comes in at No. 2, followed by Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, at No. 3.
In the ‘solo travel destinations’ category, new for 2025, the South Korean capital, Seoul, takes the top spot, with Tripadvisor remarking that the list contains destinations ‘loved by solo travellers and perfect for anyone heading out on an adventure alone’.
The top five also comprises Kathmandu, Nepal (second); Cusco, Peru (third); Bangkok, Thailand (fourth); and Osaka, Japan (fifth).
Hungry to know the top five in the food ranking?
London comes second to Rome (first), with Marrakech, Morocco, in third place, Paris fourth and Naples, Italy, in fifth place.
