Best Beaches, Family Vacations, Hotels & Destinations
Travelers’ 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 Travelers’ 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
City Tours
Historical Tours
Bars
Cultural Tours
- The ramen is delicious with tasty broth and good portion. Also the staff are friendly and able to communicate in English.
@Fearless30474421449Reviewed April 2024 - Great guy and fantastic food! You should get the free rice and out mayo and garlic on it and mix it up. Great appetizer before the onslaught of ramen
@stevenz950Reviewed April 2024 - I’ve been to a lot of different Starbucks, but never a Roastery so this was so amazing. Located in Nakameguro it was just a short hop from our Shibuya hotel. This Roastery, sits along side the famous Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade. I heard about this place on Instagram, but the recommendation was not to go during cherry blossoms season. However, that’s exactly when we went cause we came to Japan to see the cherry blossoms. No long cues but I did read something on instagram about needing a ticket or something to get in during peak times. We got there at about 11am and were told we needed to find a table before we could order. That took 15 to 20 minutes tops. Ordering took longer cause the line was long but still only took about 35 minutes including getting the order. I swear it took longer to use the bathroom cause there’s always a line for the ladies rooms. I think they only had two stalls on the third floor. Dumb!! Yes people were saving their tables with books, backpacks, coats, etc. WOW! This is probably the only country where you can do that. In the US, it would have been stolen or somebody would’ve moved it and taking the table without a second thought. So hats off to Japan. Seriously would love to live in Japan just to get away from all the violence here, but their system of trains drives me insane. All in all it was a nice experience having never been to a Roastery before, but the desserts are better by far at the local bakeries. I’ve never been one for the baked goods at Starbucks cause they’re mediocre at best. The coffee was good, but then its Starbucks after all. I would’ve preferred their Sakura specialty drink but unfortunately, that wasn’t offered on the menu or I was ordering on the wrong floor. At least I can say I’ve been to a Starbucks, Roastery, and in Japan no less. Sweet!! On your walk back to the train station make sure to check out the little Onigiri Shop along the way. The salmon with salmon roe is amazing and the rice is warm. I just had to give them a shout out.
@WonderingNutReviewed April 2024 - We had such a great time learning about Japanese cooking with Yuki. She is a fantastic host and chef - I would highly recommend this experience!
@ellencZ7669WVReviewed April 2024 - On of the best Free Walking Tours I have done so far. Our guides Massa, Keiko and Yoshihira were really lovely and showed us around at the Emperors Palace. The interesseting facts about the Japanese history and current affairs of the state, I appreciated as much as the conversations about our daily lives with our guides. It gave me a glimpse into the japanese world besides the actual sightseeing part. It was a wonderful afternoon and I highly recommend this tour, if you ever have the chance :-)
@Compass47189519068Reviewed April 2024
02.
Seoul is the business and cultural hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. Take it all in from the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park. The teahouses and shops of Insadong give you a taste of Korean flavor, which you can further experience with a visit to the grounds and museums of Gyeongbokgung. UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace is a fine example of authentic ancient architecture.
Great for
Historical Tours
Theme parks
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
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Spas
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
Multi-day & Extended Tours
Resorts
Snorkeling
Unwind
05.
The northwest market town of Sapa is colorful and charming, providing the perfect oasis in the midst of a strenuous mountain trek or rice-paddy tour. The Gothic stone church at the center of town is a bull’s-eye in the center 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
Art & history
Climbing
Running 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
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Historical Tours
Hiking & camping
Bars
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
Cabaret
Cultural Tours
Your opinions have power
Our Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winners are chosen based on your reviews and ratings—so write a review today to help decide next year’s winners.
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
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Bars
Local eats
Bus Tours
09.
Budget-minded travelers will appreciate Phnom Penh's reasonably priced hotel rooms (several top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor offer rooms around $40/night). 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
High-octane
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 favorite 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
Resorts
Climbing
Bars
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
Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
13.
The diverse population of Chennai (Madras) is reflected in its rich cultural scene. You’ll find serious theatre as well as the glitz and glamour of Kollywood. Chennai is also an important center for the Bharatanatyam, a local form of classical dance. Visit in January, for the festival of Pongal, or in April, when Chennai celebrates its new year.
Great for
Shopaholics
Historical Tours
Archaeology 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
After dark
Historical Tours
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
Tours & Sightseeing
Full-day Tours
Spas
Local eats
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
Bars
4WD 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
Nature and Wildlife Tours
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 center is safe to walk in and taxis make other areas accessible.
Great for
Day Trips & Excursions
Art & history
Safaris
4WD Tours
Book experiences on Tripadvisor
And get right to the good stuff. Most can be canceled risk-free.
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 meters 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 colorful markets, La Paz is truly unique. The Witches’ Market, in the center of the city, sells charms and potions for Aymara rituals, as well as souvenirs.
Great for
After dark
Biking
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
Swim with Dolphins
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
After dark
Ghost Tours
Historical Tours
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
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
Historical 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
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Shopaholics
Bars
Coffee & Tea Tours
