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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 ranking.
Award winners were identified based on the quality and quantity of global Tripadvisor reviews specific to various award subcategories, from accommodations to restaurants, between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
The UK capital climbed two places to be named the world’s number one ‘top destination’, taking the title from Dubai, which has been in first place since 2022.
The capital of the United Kingdom is also recognized for its culinary scene and its rich artistic and heritage offering, highlighted Tripadvisor, ranking second in the world in the category of best “gastronomic destinations” and third in best “cultural destinations”.
One Tripadvisor reviewer called London “the greatest city on the planet,” while another described it as “a destination you can return to again and again and continue to enjoy its delights.”
Commenting on the announcement, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “London is undoubtedly 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. offer”.
“With our unrivaled combination of cultural attractions, a renowned food scene and an unrivaled sporting calendar, I am delighted that Tripadvisor agrees that London is the world’s top destination.”
Kristen Dalton, president of Tripadvisor, added: “It’s fantastic to see London recognized as a standout winner for 2025.
London has been crowned the world’s most popular destination for 2025 by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for destinations
New York is the highest ranked destination in the United States
‘The city’s unique combination of history, innovation and culture continues to captivate travelers from around 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, chief executive of VisitLondon.com, said: ‘We are delighted to have been 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 such as the V&A East Storehouse and the purpose-built Shakespeare Museum in Shoreditch will open their doors.
‘London is not a museum city: it is a living global metropolis. Visitors are part of the city and live and play alongside Londoners. London’s vibrant neighborhoods and local 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 rest of the world ranking of the top 10 destinations is made up of Bali, Indonesia (second); Dubai, United Arab Emirates (third); Sicily, Italy (fourth); Paris, France (fifth); Rome, Italy (sixth); Hanoi, Vietnam (seventh); Marrakech, Morocco (eighth); Crete, Greece (9th); and Bangkok, Thailand (10th).
Bali (above) ranks third in the world destination ranking
Dubai was ranked first in the world for three years, but is now number 3
Sicily occupies fourth place in the world ranking of destinations
The rest of the top 10 in America is made up of Oahu (second); Las Vegas (third); Florida Keys (fourth); New Orleans (fifth); Nashville (6th); San Francisco (seventh); Chicago (eighth); Charleston (9th); and Washington DC (tenth).
Looking at the other award categories, Osaka, Japan is named the number one “trending destination” in the world by 2025, based on year-over-year growth in 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, named number one “trending destination” in the world by 2025, based on year-over-year review growth.
Rome takes first place in the world category of ‘gastronomic destinations’
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, comes in second, followed by Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, in third place.
In the ‘solo travel destinations’ category, new for 2025, South Korea’s capital Seoul takes the top spot, with Tripadvisor highlighting that the list contains destinations ‘loved by solo travelers and perfect for anyone embarking on an adventure alone’.
Also in the top five are Kathmandu, Nepal (second); Cusco, Peru (third); Bangkok, Thailand (fourth); and Osaka, Japan (fifth).
Are you hungry to know the top five in the food ranking?
London is second behind Rome (first), Marrakesh, Morocco, third, Paris fourth, and Naples, Italy, fifth.