25 Top Travel Destinations in the World

25 Top Travel Destinations in the World




We know travel plans are impacted right now. But to fulfill your wanderlust, we'll continue to share stories that can inspire your next adventure.


There are, incredibly, more than 156,000 travel destinations listed on TripAdvisor. Of this list, which places rise to the top?

According to the recently released TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards — based on reviews of destinations and their attractions, restaurants and hotels — the best-of-the-best places to visit include historic European cities, quiet islands and Asian hot spots, plus one bustling metropolis in the U.S.

Some of the top travel destinations are historic favorites; others are genuinely surprising. All are world-class and beloved by tourists across the globe.

Did your favorite place make the cut?





 Tel Aviv, Israel



When many travelers think of Israel, they picture its historic capital of Jerusalem. But for cosmopolitan charm, the Mediterranean-facing city of Tel Aviv is the place to go. TripAdvisor calls Tel Aviv a "youthful and modern metropolis" and highlights the city’s thriving arts community, beaches, clubs and bars. While you can certainly find history in Israel’s second-largest city (visit Jaffa, the oldest part of the metropolis), Tel Aviv is indeed thoroughly modern.

The city’s top sights can be found in the neighborhood of Neve Tzedek, where a maze of winding streets house the city's hottest theaters and museums. TripAdvisor user JorgeJar of the United Kingdom called it “a little gem at the heart of Tel Aviv.”



 Royal Beach Tel Aviv

Isrotel


Overlooking “The Med,” this five-star resort is a true beauty located right on Tel Aviv’s promenade, making it easy to enjoy Neve Tzedek, Carmel Market and the Port, all of which feature amazing restaurants, art galleries, shopping and museums.

The No. 1 hotel in Tel Aviv, according to TripAdvisor reviews, the Royal Beach Tel Aviv has 4.5 stars, with travelers regularly using superlatives like "excellent," "amazing" and "wonderful!"



 Sydney, Australia

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From cobblestone streets and contemporary art museums to epic views and "the marvelous Sydney Opera House [which] looks like a great origami sailboat, floating peacefully in a harbor," Sydney has so much charm it had to make the list.

Travelers single out the appeal of Cockatoo Island in the Sydney Harbor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as the home of a prison, and today combines history with exemplary views and places to stay and eat.

Said alanbuz of Montreal, "I love this city because of its cosmo atmosphere, greenery, shopping, the restos, the sea! What is not to love?"



Stay: Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Ovolo Woolloomooloo, SyndeyQuantas


The No. 1 hotel in Sydney, with 5 stars from travelers, is the Ovolo Woolloomooloo, The property overlooks Sydney Harbour and is within walking distance to many of the city's most popular sites. Its wharf location and artwork-filled interior make it a hip and modern place to stay in a city that is just as hip and modern.

Reviews tout the hotel's freebies and value and exclaim it is "the coolest place on earth."

Top Travel Destinations in the World

Cusco, Peru

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The entryway into Machu Picchu, Cusco amazes visitors with its combination of "Incan majesty and Andean baroque [existing] side by side." Those wanting to visit the sacred Incan mountains must first spend a night in this city to adjust to the high altitudes, giving them a chance to explore Cusco's charming village before discovering the breathtaking Sacred Valley.

Said Phally K of Denver, "This place is magical! Beautiful architectural buildings, restaurants, stores, cafe with WiFi... the people there are so friendly and helpful. I love it!!!"



Stay: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, CuscoBelmond Hotels


Visiting Sacred Valley, many take to the Incan Trail for hiking and camping. For those wanting to be pampered as they explore the sites, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas knows how to do it right. The highly rated property's onsite spa is world-class, and accommodations boast Inca stonework and mountain views.

Traveler ferelizondo49 of Seattle noted of this former 17th-century convent, "The perfectionism in the attention to every detail is really notorious."



Hong Kong

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Hong Kong's amazing skyline has starred in many Hollywood films and is a truly thrilling site. As han000ka of Mexico City put it: "I never thought watching some ultra modern set of buildings could be considered an attraction but after being there, for me [it] is simply a must go."

Besides its impressive skyline, you'll find historical Chinese architecture in Ngong Ping village and enjoy serenity at the Buddhist Chi Lin Nunnery. Of course, shopping and Chinese food are also highlights of TripAdvisor's No. 22 city in the world.



Stay: The Upper House

The Upper House, Hong KongThe Upper House


Catch the impressive skyline from your very own windows in the city's top hotel, as rated by travelers. The intimate and luxurious Upper House offers some of the city's largest rooms and provides views of Hong Kong Harbour or the island.

The property is given 5 stars by guests, who say the rooms offer "amazing views" and the hotel "blew them away."



Hurghada, Egypt

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With turquoise blue waters and powder-soft sand, Egypt's Red Sea coastal resort town of Hurghada should be on your radar if you have been there and done that in Hawaii and the Caribbean. A renowned beach escape for Europeans, Americans have yet to discover this stunning town with some of the clearest snorkeling sites on earth.

In fact, Hurghada's Careless Reef is one of the top attractions here, with divers highlighting its "amazing" views, fish and colors.



Stay: The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh

The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, EgyptOberi Hotels


To best enjoy Hurghada's beaches, stay at the No. 1 resort in the area, situated on 48 acres along the Red Sea. Suites provide sea views, and you can enjoy water sports and PADI-certified dives.

Many have made this resort a honeymoon or anniversary getaway. Andy_0288 of London said it's "absolute luxury at its finest. The property is beautiful but the staff just take it to the next level. I would definitely recommend the Grand Suites, which have a private pool."



Jaipur, India

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Nicknamed the "Pink City" because of its pink-hued buildings, Jaipur makes the top 20 thanks to exquisite sites like Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, Amber Fort and the grand, red-and-pink Hawa Mahal palace, which was built in 1799.
Travelers find the city's attractions to be not only culturally significant, but stunning. HotelLover2009 of the United Kingdom called Amber Fort in particular "amazing. It is HUGE. There is so much to see and it has some breathtaking views over the valley and the city wall."



 The Oberoi Rajvilas

The Oberoi Rajvilas, JaipurOberoi Hotels


The same glamorous hotel company that brings five-star service and accommodations to Egypt also takes the top spot for hotels in Jaipur, thanks in large part to its dedication to pampering guests. Reviewers rave about this hotel's "service beyond belief" and "service that other hotels can only dream of."

Made with the same sandstone that gives the city its pink hue, this 32-acre resort provides ordinary travelers the same luxuries enjoyed by Indian princes.