Top 10 Best tourist places in the world 2025 — this guide gives a quick answer first.
If you only have a minute: Paris, New York City, Bali, Rome, Kyoto, Barcelona, Dubai, Santorini, Maldives, Machu Picchu. Read on for why each place deserves a spot, travel tips, best months, and couple- or budget-friendly picks.
Why this list — and who it helps
International travel rebounded strongly in 2024 and continued rising into 2025. Global arrivals have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, and many publishers and travel bodies have published their fresh 2025 picks. This guide helps:
- Travelers who want top picks for 2025.
- Couples and honeymooners seeking romantic spots.
- Budget travelers seeking cheap but rich experiences.
- Bucket-listers who want the “must-see” places before they die.
| Rank | Place | Best for | Best months | Budget |
| 1 | Paris, France | Culture & romance | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Mid–High |
| 2 | New York City, USA | City life & museums | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov | Mid–High |
| 3 | Bali, Indonesia | Beaches & wellness | Apr–Oct | Low–Mid |
| 4 | Rome, Italy | History & food | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Mid |
| 5 | Kyoto, Japan | Tradition & nature | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Mid |
| 6 | Barcelona, Spain | Architecture & beaches | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | Mid |
| 7 | Dubai, UAE | Luxury & modern wonders | Nov–Mar | Mid–High |
| 8 | Santorini, Greece | Romance & sunsets | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | Mid–High |
| 9 | Maldives | Honeymoon & diving | Nov–Apr | High |
| 10 | Machu Picchu, Peru | Adventure & history | May–Sep | Mid |
The Top 10—Deep Dive
1. Paris, France — the city of light and lasting romance
Paris ranks as a perennial favorite for 2025. Visitors come for museums, cafés, and an unrivaled atmosphere. Moreover, in 2025, Paris will host renewed cultural events and exhibitions. For couples, Paris remains a top romantic pick.
What to do:
- Walk the Seine at dusk.
- Visit the Louvre early in the morning.
- Picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg.
Tips:
- Buy museum timed tickets to skip lines.
- Take the metro for speed and savings.
Why 2025: Paris appears on many 2025 lists and traveler-choice reports.
2. New York City, USA — the city that never sleeps (and never lacks things to do)
NYC offers diversity in neighborhoods, theater, food, and museums. Travelers on short stays can hit a museum, a show, and a skyline view in one weekend.
What to do:
- Stroll the High Line and Chelsea Market.
- Catch a Broadway show.
- Visit the Staten Island ferry for skyline photos.
Tips:
- Use a city pass for museum savings.
- Visit neighborhoods like Harlem and Brooklyn to escape crowds.
3. Bali, Indonesia — beaches, rice terraces, and wellness
Bali continues as a favorite because it offers value, tropical beauty, and wellness retreats. Many honeymooners and budget travelers choose Bali for its range of options. TripAdvisor and Traveler Awards consistently feature it.
What to do:
- Explore Ubud’s rice terraces.
- Try a cooking class for local Balinese dishes.
- Relax on quieter East Coast beaches.
Tips:
- Rent a scooter for island flexibility.
- Respect local customs at temples.
4. Rome, Italy — an open-air museum with unforgettable food
Rome blends history with la dolce vita. Every corner yields ruins, piazzas, or a trattoria. Bring comfortable shoes.
What to do:
- Wander the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
- Toss a coin into Trevi Fountain.
- Eat from family-run osterias.
Tips:
- Book Colosseum entry with an archeological tour.
- Eat late like a local to avoid lines.
5. Kyoto, Japan — temples, gardens, and calm corners
Kyoto is ideal for travelers who value tradition. Shrines, wooden teahouses, and seasonal beauty make this city a 2025 highlight, especially during cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
What to do:
- Walk the Fushimi Inari Taisha gates.
- Sip tea in a machiya (traditional townhouse).
- Enjoy kaiseki dining for a cultural meal.
Tips:
- Buy a rail pass for regional travel.
- Wake early to photograph popular temples before crowds.
6. Barcelona, Spain — Gaudí, tapas, and the sea
Barcelona blends upbeat beach life with huge architectural personality. Families and solo travelers both find it accessible.
What to do:
- Tour Sagrada Família.
- Taste tapas in Born or Gràcia neighborhoods.
- Spend an afternoon on Barceloneta Beach.
Tips:
- Book top attractions in advance.
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.
7. Dubai, UAE — modern marvels and desert alternatives
Dubai remains a magnet for contemporary architecture, shopping, and desert adventures. It’s a top pick for travelers wanting comfort and spectacle in one trip.
What to do:
- Visit Burj Khalifa’s observation deck.
- Take a desert safari at sunset.
- Explore old Al Fahidi district for history.
Tips:
- Travel November–March for the best weather.
- Respect local dress codes in cultural areas.
8. Santorini, Greece — sunsets, caldera views, and romance
Santorini is a postcard for a reason. The whitewashed homes and volcano views make it a top spot for couples.
What to do:
- Watch the sunset in Oia.
- Sail the caldera by boat.
- Taste volcanic wines.
Tips:
- Visit shoulder seasons (May or Sep) for fewer crowds.
- Book cave hotels early.
9. Maldives — islands, reefs, and private escapes
For pure relaxation, few choices match the Maldives. Overwater villas remain bucket-list staples for 2025 honeymooners. TripAdvisor’s honeymoon/honeymoon destinations list features the Maldives repeatedly.
What to do:
- Snorkel or dive reefs.
- Book a private island dinner.
- Try local Maldivian cuisine at a resort.
Tips:
- All-inclusive packages can simplify costs.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen.
10. Machu Picchu, Peru — ruins, Andes, and awe
Machu Picchu rewards travelers who plan. The hike or train journey delivers impressive landscapes and ancient history.
What to do:
- Hike the Inca Trail (book months ahead).
- Explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Visit early for quieter views.
Tips:
- Acclimate in Cusco first.
- Bring layered clothing for temperature changes.
Practical travel advice for 2025 (safety, budget, and planning)
- Book flexible fares where possible.
- Use official tourism sites for entry requirements.
- Travel insurance is recommended for adventure trips.
- For budget travel, choose shoulder seasons.
- For couples, pick private experiences and sunset-focused activities.
Global travel bodies reported growth into 2025, meaning some hotspots are busier.
Top 10 tourist places in the world 2025 for couples
Couples often prefer romantic or private experiences. Top picks:
- Santorini — sunsets and privacy.
- Maldives — overwater villas.
- Paris — classic romance.
- Bali — intimate villas and rituals.
- Venice or Rome — canals and piazzas.
People Also Ask — FAQ (snippet-ready)
Q: What are the top 10 Best tourist places in the world 2025?
A: Paris, New York City, Bali, Rome, Kyoto, Barcelona, Dubai, Santorini, the Maldives, and Machu Picchu. Read the guide for details.
Q: Which place is best to visit in 2025 for couples?
A: Santorini, the Maldives, and Paris are top picks for romance. TripAdvisor’s 2025 lists highlight many honeymoon favorites.
Q: What is the cheapest destination from this top-10 list?
A: Bali often offers the best value for accommodation and local costs.
Q: When is the best time to travel to Kyoto?
A: Spring (Mar–May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (Oct–Nov) for foliage.
Q: Are these destinations open and safe for travel in 2025?
A: Yes — international tourism recovered strongly in 2024 and continued into 2025. Always check local guidance.
Q: How to become a travel guide?
A: Gain local knowledge, complete guiding certifications, and build language skills. Join local tourism bodies and build real-world experience.
Authority & trust signals
- Practical tips come from experience and travel data. The author recommends booking core experiences early in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Top 10 Best tourist places in the world 2025 highlight a mix of timeless cities and island escapes. Travel in 2025 blends crowd favorites and rising gems. From a third-person view, the author has visited several of these places and found that slow travel brings the richest experience. I recommend picking one region per trip and learning a few local phrases. In addition, plan with flexibility, and prioritize experiences over checklists.
