The top 10 of the annual Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards are based on the input of a limited group within the platform’s global community. The community of enthusiastic globetrotters posts reviews, ratings, and recommendations from their travels of the best sites, food, and rest places. Tripadvisor pools these opinions together every year to series together the destinations that struck the greatest chords with travellers, and for 2025, there is no denying that London has topped the list.
London’s victory is even more important because of its diversity and vibrancy, two elements that are known to be appealing to tourists the world over. As the capital of the United Kingdom, London is a confluence of old-world glamour and modern luxury, appealing to a wide range of travelers. Whether you are a lover of history, art, shopping, or simply want to lose yourself in the fast pace of one of the globe’s most frenetic cities, the UK’s capital city offers something for everyone.
London’s Allure: It’s Not Just Big Ben
The thing about London is that it has an incredibly good knack of marrying old and new. The city is incredibly rich in heritage, and with the likes of the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey to explore, every inch of your day in the UK’s capital won’t go to waste. Meanwhile, newer attractions such as the Shard, the London Eye, and the Tate Modern museum stand testament to London’s innovative and ever-changing culture.
Despite being a diverse and bustling metropolis, London is surprisingly easy to get around thanks to its excellent transport links, which notably include the world-renowned London Underground. Tourists can step on the tube and cycle between old neighborhoods and shopping districts, and from cultural spots as well. Districts such as Camden Town, Shoreditch, and Covent Garden are must-visit destinations for those looking to experience what the city has to offer.
London isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s alive with energy. It is a place where no day is ever the same. Whether you’re experiencing the foodie scene, taking in a West End show, or soaking in some of the best city energy in the world, there is something new and thrilling around every corner. THE BEST EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. A jam-packed cultural calendar means that whatever time of year you’re visiting London, there’s bound to be a selection of events like film festivals, recitals, major gigs, and important exhibitions to feast your eyes and ears on.
Bali and the Top Destinations on the Rise
Though London took the number one spot, the other destinations that made the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards stray from the beaten path with unique forms of beauty. Bali, Indonesia, came in second, famed for its beautiful beaches, exotic vegetation, and peaceful setting. Bali has been a top draw for those looking for an escape to the tropics, drawn by its gorgeous rice terraced landscapes, exuberant arts scene, and some of the world’s best surfing.
The former champion, Dubai, finished third. The cosmopolitan city of the UAE is known for its luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and its Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower that is currently the tallest building in the world. Even if London has now superseded Dubai, the city of bling is impossible to miss, still lures millions of visitors annually.
Sicily, Italy (fourth) and Paris, France (fifth). There should be no surprise that Sicily and Paris are among the most chosen places to visit when it comes to exploring history, architecture, and culture. Rome (sixth) and Hanoi, Vietnam (seventh) also featured in the top 10, highlighting the diverse range of experiences travelers can enjoy around the world.
Marrakech, Morocco (in eighth place), and Crete, Greece (in ninth), are popular for their exotic vibes and stunning views, and Bangkok, Thailand (in tenth), remains a go-to for lively markets, vibrant culture, and tasty street snacks.
Why London?
What is so unique about London, especially at a time when everyone, at least more than usual this year, is competing for the exotic and the beautiful? Probably it’s history, culture, and the buzz you get walking down its streets. London, the city that never sleeps – Fashion, art, food, and entertainment – it has it all. For many travelers, London is in itself a timeless place — whether you’re strolling along the River Thames, seeing a show in the West End, or just sitting down for a cup of tea at a neighborhood café.
Furthermore, London’s capacity for change has been seen to be a significant contributory factor to the city’s durability. The city’s remake, whether we’re talking about newly emerged neighborhoods like Shoreditch, or cutting-edge art galleries or restaurants, seems to have something new for both first-timers and repeat tourists.
The Future of Global Travel
“With further relaxation of travel restrictions around the world, it’s no surprise that travelers today are looking for places that are rich in history, culture and have charms old and new,” said Simon Little, vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific, Expedia Group, “and after a long period of not engaging with these cities, now is the perfect time to visit to appreciate and discover.” In London, there is something for everyone. London, with its diversity, has established itself as the ultimate destination for the traveller at heart, the romantics, or the thrill seeker, with its breathtaking sights and sounds combined with its cultured institutions and its deep history. The fact that it has double Dubai (once considered ultra-luxurious and ultra-high tech) speaks to the lasting allure of places with strong cultural roots and experiences that reflect a variety of human interests.
In the meantime, the future is bright as London is sure to remain an epicentre for world tourism. Its blend of the old and the new and the promise of never-ending discovery make it a destination for which the world just can’t seem to get enough.
Finally, while London may have pipped Dubai to the post this year, the battle for the top spot in the upcoming TripAdvisor awards is fierce. With travel trends always evolving and new “it” places popping up, it’s fascinating to think about what the future may hold for travelers and the cities they decide to stop in.
The victor in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards in London underlines the influence of culture, language, tradition, and energy in the tourism world. A city of old-world charm and modern excitement, the British capital is capable, still, all over again, of snatching at the hearts of travellers around the globe.
(Source: Tripadvisor, United Kingdom Government, London Tourism, Visit London)
Tags: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards London, Dubai, London, travel trends, Simon Little, Expedia Group, Bali
