NYC crowned No. 1 spot in Tripadvisor’s top 2025 US destinations

Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, has unveiled the winners of its 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

And New York City reigns as the Top Destination in the U.S. — duh!

The Big Apple continues to attract millions of visitors, drawing attention to its iconic landmarks, world-class arts scene and dining culture. It also ranks as the third-best Food Destination in the U.S. behind New Orleans and Charleston, South Carolina.

For the first time, London has claimed the coveted title of the world’s Top Destination, climbing two positions and overtaking Dubai, which held the top spot for the past two years.

The global rankings, based on millions of traveler reviews, highlight the locations most beloved by visitors, as well as those on the rise and top-rated for specific experiences.

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London’s diverse offerings — from its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene to its celebrated culinary culture — earned it this year’s highest honor.

The British capital also ranked second globally in Food Destinations, third in Culture Destinations and earned the top place in a special 25th Anniversary list, highlighting the most popular destinations of the past quarter-century.

London’s well-rounded appeal is evident in its global ranking and in the breadth of what it offers — from Michelin-starred dining to historic landmarks.

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“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,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said.

“With our unrivaled 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.”

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Among the Trending Destinations for 2025, Osaka, Japan, tops the list globally, thanks to a surge in reviews from travelers eager to experience the city’s food culture — known as “the nation’s kitchen” — as well as nightlife and proximity to the Kansai region, which boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

For those who don’t have an up-to-date passport, West Palm Beach, Santa Barbara and Cleveland lead the U.S. Trending Destinations, showcasing the growing popularity of sunny getaways and smaller cities.

A growing number of travelers are taking their vacations to get away from more than just their everyday lives — by booking solo trips.

The top spot for those is Seoul, South Korea, with the East Asian destination offering a mix of vibrant city life, rich culture and safe, easy navigation for those traveling alone. 

Kathmandu, Nepal and Cusco, Peru, also made the list, underscoring a demand for destinations that offer both adventure and cultural immersion.

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For food lovers, Rome tops the Food Destinations category globally. Global culinary hotspots like Marrakech and Naples follow closely behind, as those cities are becoming must-visit locations for travelers seeking an experience for their taste buds.

In celebration of Tripadvisor’s 25th anniversary, the company also announced a new special subcategory of Top Destinations of the Last 25 Years to honor the locations that have stood the test of time.

London took the top spot with New York City and Rome in second and third place, respectively.

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“Over the last 25 years, Tripadvisor has grown to become the world’s leading travel guidance platform, drawing on insights from real travelers all around the world,” Kristen Dalton, president of Tripadvisor, said in a statement.

“Based on the more than 1 billion reviews and opinions on our site today, Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards reflect the global travel community’s favorites — from destinations themselves to everything that makes them special including restaurants, hotels and experiences.”