Introduction
Travelling around the globe provides people with many unforgettable experiences, amazing landmarks, as well as a rich cultural heritage. From historical places to stunning natural wonders, there are numerous phenomenal destinations that you must explore before you die.
Moreover, in a world full of phenomenal tourist destinations, selecting the best travel destinations places to visit for a vacation is quite challenging. However, you no longer need to worry, as we have shared the list of the top 20 places to visit in the world for 2025, allowing you to easily choose and finalise your tourist spot.
top bucket destinations to visit in the world offer an exceptional experience, from amazing landmarks and historical sites to vibrant city life and phenomenal natural beauty.
Top 20 Places to Visit in the World 2025
- Patagonia, Argentina & Chile
- Cancun, Mexico
- Kyoto, Japan
- Santorini, Greece
- Peru
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Bali, Indonesia
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Puerto Rico
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Venice, Italy
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Vancouver Island, Canada
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Bhutan
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Queenstown, New Zealand
1: Patagonia, Argentina, and Chile
Patagonia is one of the most popular and beautiful regions, spanning parts of Argentina and Chile at the southernmost end of South America. Moreover, the city is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, vast plains, glaciers, and many more.
Despite all this, it is also renowned for its iconic trips and stunning landmarks, such as Torres del Paine National Park and El Chaltén, whose primary purpose is to attract climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is indeed a must-visit place which you should not miss if you are adventurous enough.
Hidden Gem: Few travelers visit Los Glaciares National Park’s lesser-known Perito Moreno Glacier viewpoints: arrive at sunrise for a crowd-free experience.
Best Time to Visit: November (spring) or March (fall): fewer crowds than peak summer (December-February).
Pro Tip: Stay in El Calafate for easy access to glaciers, or El Chaltén for epic hiking without the tourist bustle.
2: Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is also one of the famous places to visit in the world 2025. This tourist destination is renowned for its stunning water spots, pristine white sand beaches, luxurious hotels and resorts, vibrant nightlife, and rich Mayan culture. Additionally, if you are in Cancun, be sure to try their local dishes, such as Tikin Xic Fish, Papadzules, Cochinita Pibil, Castacan Tacos, Lime Soup, Salbut, and Marquesitas.
Moreover, the city’s natural beauty is yet another reason why many people visit this place. It is truly exceptional, providing people with a peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, by going on a trip there, you can engage in activities such as exploring mythical cenotes, swimming in underground rivers, ziplining, diving, and many more.
Hidden Gem: Skip the hotel zone and visit Isla Holbox (car-free island with bioluminescent plankton) or Bacalar Lagoon (the “Maldives of Mexico”).
Best Time to Visit: Late April-May (after spring break, before rainy season).
Pro Tip: Rent a car to explore Ruta de los Cenotes—lesser-known cenotes like Cenote Azul are cheaper and less crowded than Ik Kil.
3: Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is a famous tourist destination both national and internationally. What makes this city stand out as a must-visit place is its historically noteworthy structures, including 17 cultural properties labelled as World Heritage Sites. In addition, Kyoto was once the capital city of Japan. It is a renowned spot known for its thousands of Buddhist temples, as well as Shinto shrines.
Despite that, it is also gaining huge recognition due to its atmosphere and beauty. If you plan to visit the amazing city of Kyoto, be sure to visit in the spring or autumn. In these seasons, you can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of cherry blossoms, while in autumn, you can appreciate the spectacular colors of the changing leaves, creating a stunning, picturesque harmony with Kyoto’s temples and shrines.
Hidden Gem: Philosopher’s Path at dawn is magical when empty—most tourists arrive after 9 AM.
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: Early November (fall foliage) or late February (plum blossoms, before cherry season).
Pro Tip: Visit Fushimi Inari’s back trails—most tourists stop at the first few gates, but the higher paths are serene.
4: Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Greece, is another sought-after tourist destination, popular for its striking sunsets, whitewashed villages, unique volcanic caldera, and rich history. Moreover, the city has become a top choice for many, as people are amazed by its exceptional architecture, which features blue-domed churches alongside whitewashed buildings clinging to the cliffs.
Additionally, the Island offers a range of luxury hotels and resorts, an exceptional dining experience, and romantic settings, making it a hot spot for tourism purposes. Furthermore, despite all this, Santorini is also renowned for its beauty and serenity, as well as its sparkling nightlife, vibrant bars, clubs, and top-class restaurants. If you like these features, you should definitely visit this place.
Hidden Gem: Akrotiri’s Red Beach is stunning, but Vlychada Beach (moon-like volcanic cliffs) is even more unique.
Best Time to Visit: Late September-October—still warm, but cruise crowds are gone.
Pro Tip: Stay in Pyrgos instead of Oia—cheaper, quieter, and has the best sunset views without the Instagram crowds.
5: Peru
Here, Peru is another exceptional tourist destination that you must visit at least once in your life. It is gaining popularity due to its diverse landscape, including Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, vibrant culture, and Lake Titicaca, as well as its rich history.
Additionally, if you are an adventurous person who loves sports activities like hiking or trekking, then Peru is the ideal destination for you. From the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to challenging trails in the Andes Mountains, Peru offers a striking hiking experience. So, don’t miss this amazing opportunity to live the adventurous life you’ve always wanted.
Hidden Gem: Choquequirao is the “next Machu Picchu” only 1% of visitors hike here.
Best Time to Visit: May or September (dry season, fewer tourists than June-August).
Pro Tip: Book the Huayna Picchu hike months in advance—only 400 people/day are allowed.
6: Lisbon, Portugal
Here comes Lisbon, Portugal, another hot tourist spot for vacations. One major reason to visit this place is the range of opportunities available to enjoy open-air exercise while exploring the city. From its exceptional parks and waterfront, the city offers an attractive and picturesque setting or environment for outdoor activities.
Furthermore, this vibrant city is located on the western coast of Europe. Lisbon is gaining popularity due to its charming old neighborhoods, vibrant architecture, historic trams, delicious cuisine, and rich history. So, if you are planning a top vacation, this place is your ideal spot.
Hidden Gem: Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira is mystical, but Monserrate Palace has fewer crowds.
Best Time to Visit: April-May (perfect weather, no summer tourist surge).
Pro Tip: Take Tram 28 early morning (7 AM) to avoid long lines.
7: Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s significance as a top tourist destination stems from its exceptional blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse range of activities. Despite that, Bali, a significant island of Indonesia, is renowned for its relaxation, adventure, beaches, vibrant culture, and range of temples, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Furthermore, what draws people to visit this place is the city’s amazing yoga, outstanding cuisine, and, most importantly, its welcoming local culture. In short, from adventure activities to peaceful and comfortable retreats, Bali appears to be a perfect destination that appeals to many travellers worldwide. So, visit the place with your friends or family and have a good time.
Hidden Gem: Sidemen Valley is like Ubud 20 years ago, untouched rice terraces.
Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-October (avoid July-August peak season).
Pro Tip: Skip Kuta and head to Bingin Beach for surfers’ secret spot.
8: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s most popular city, is a perfect destination to visit in 2025. It is a great spot for individuals as well as groups of people due to its lively nature. What makes this city a must-visit destination is its vibrant and energetic environment. It features many fantastic attractions, markets, and entertainment options that cater to the diverse needs of its residents.
Furthermore, if you’re a foodie, this place is indeed your ideal spot, where you can find amazing cuisine. Additionally, it is an ideal place for people who love to explore the city on a bike tour, as Ho Chi Minh City offers breathtaking attractions and activities which everyone will love.
Hidden Gem: Café Apartments (hidden indie shops) and Binh Tay Market (less touristy than Ben Thanh).
Best Time to Visit: December-March (cooler, dry season).
Pro Tip: Try snail noodles (bún ốc)—a local favorite tourists rarely know about.
9: Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is among the top 20 places to visit in 2025. The city is renowned for its exceptional blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and rich cultural heritage. A remarkable fact is that, due to Puerto Rico’s overall popularity and significance, the tourism sector in the country is a major component of its economy, directly supporting jobs and generating returns.
In addition, the major reason that compels people to visit this thrilling city is that it offers a variety of things that cater to everyone’s taste, including beaches, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, entertainment, hiking spots, traditional music, and many more. So, if you’re a travel enthusiast, it’s your chance to visit this place and enjoy your life to the fullest.
Hidden Gem: Culebra Island’s Playa Flamenco has the Caribbean’s best beach (no resorts!).
Best Time to Visit: Mid-April to June (after spring break, before hurricane season).
Pro Tip: Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques is brighter than Mosquito Bay—kayak tours at night are surreal.
10: Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, the amazing city of Taiwan, boasts outstanding, vibrant art in various settings, including parks, streets, and galleries. The city is home to world’s most famous museums like Museum of Contemporary Art, a Fine Arts Museum, and the National Palace Museum.
Moreover, from Taipei’s striking night markets and historic temples to the city’s modern skyscrapers and hiking trails, it offers something that caters for the needs of every tourist. Furthermore, there is no doubt that Taipei offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, with a rich cultural heritage and a delightful food scene, making the city a must-visit destination.
Hidden Gem: Maokong Gondola at sunset (tea plantations with Taipei skyline views).
Best Time to Visit: October-November (cool weather, fewer crowds).
Pro Tip: Yongkang Street has better food than Shilin Night Market (less touristy).
11: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Nothing can be as exciting as visiting this amazing tourist destination, Zanzibar, the popular city of Tanzania. The city is renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, delectable cuisine, rich history, and exciting experiences, including tours and swimming with dolphins. Despite these, tourists can also enjoy activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkelling, and kite surfing.
Additionally, if you plan to visit this spot, be sure to visit the amazing and popular landmarks, such as the Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church, which was built on the site of a former slave market. Along with that, you can discover the intricate, carved doors that adorn numerous buildings, reflecting Zanzibar’s rich history.
Hidden Gem: Mnemba Atoll (private island snorkeling) or Jozani Forest (rare red colobus monkeys).
Best Time to Visit: June-October (dry season, best for diving).
Pro Tip: Forodhani Gardens night market has the best Zanzibar pizza—go early before stalls sell out.
12: Venice, Italy
Venice, the stunning city of Italy, is among the top places to visit in 2025. It is filled with amazing architecture, canals, lavish bridges, and gorgeous narrow alleyways. Despite that, the other reasons to visit this place are the city’s amazing food, opera house, top-class art, stunning masks and costumes, and many more.
In addition, Venice was the chief seaport in late medieval Europe, serving as the region’s main commercial and cultural hub to Asia. So, if you are fond of all these features in this city, Venice is your ideal spot for vacation. Make sure to visit this place, or you will surely miss something exciting in your life, and you might regret it later.
Hidden Gem: Burano & Mazzorbo islands (colorful houses, no crowds).
Best Time to Visit: November or January (avoid summer floods & tourists).
Pro Tip: Secret gondola workshops in Dorsoduro—locals take gondolas here for repairs.
13: Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is the city of hearts, as no one in the world can be found who is unaware of this amazing place. Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, is renowned for its extensive collection of historic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia.
The city is considered the financial capital of Turkey, largely due to its prime location and the Bosporus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia. If you want to visit this place, be sure to also visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Spice Bazaar, and the Süleymaniye Mosque. Most importantly, be sure to try Turkish cuisine, which is considered one of the world’s best foods.
Hidden Gem: Çamlıca Hill (best city view, better than Galata Tower).
Best Time to Visit: April-May or September-October (mild weather).
Pro Tip: Karaköy’s street food > Sultanahmet’s tourist traps.
14: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands are one of the most famous tourist spots in the world. They are prominent due to their unique biodiversity, scientific significance, and spectacular volcanic landscapes. Moreover, the interesting fact is that visitors can enjoy beaches with distinctive colors, such as the red beaches of Rabida. Despite that, you can also explore and enjoy snorkeling and diving in the clear waters packed with marine life.
Furthermore, there is no doubt that the Galápagos Islands are one of the best tourist destinations, attracting visitors who appreciate wildlife, as well as those who are fond of natural beauty and wonders. If you’re among these people, be sure to visit this destination at least once in a lifetime.
Hidden Gem: Isabela Island’s Los Tuneles (lava tunnels with sea turtles & sharks).
Best Time to Visit: May-June or September-October (best wildlife, fewer tourists).
Pro Tip: Book last-minute cruises in Puerto Ayora for 50% off high-season prices.
15: Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is yet another top place to visit in the world 2025. The city is popular for its stunning palaces, modern spas, 5-star restaurants, delightful foods, hammams, and charming riads (traditional houses) in the medina.
Despite that, Marrakech is also gaining admiration due to its amazing and beautiful parks, especially the Menara olive grove and the walled 1,000-acre Agdal gardens. Due to its demand and a massive number of visitors, the city serves as a significant political, economic, and cultural centre of the Western Muslim world.
Hidden Gem: Le Jardin Secret (quieter than Majorelle Garden).
Best Time to Visit: March-April or October-November (avoid summer heat).
Pro Tip: Hammam Dar el Bacha is a luxury spa locals love (cheaper than touristy ones).
16: Vancouver Island, Canada
Vancouver Island in Canada. It is a crucial tourist spot, renowned for its natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture, offering a range of amazing outdoor activities and attractions. The major feature that makes this city stand out as a top tourist spot is that it appeals to both relaxation and adventure seekers.
People who love a peaceful atmosphere can enjoy breathtaking scenery, including mountains, beaches, rainforests, and farmland, on Vancouver Island. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities like mountain biking, hiking, surfing, whale watching, kayaking, and skiing.
Hidden Gem: Horne Lake Caves (crystal caves few tourists visit).
Best Time to Visit: June-September (whale-watching season).
Pro Tip: Tofino’s secret hot springs (accessible by boat only).
17: Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland, features world-famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Scottish Parliament. Despite. As one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, Edinburgh is also appreciated for its exceptional architecture, vibrant food scene, rich history, and natural landscapes.
So, if you have made the decision to go for a world tour, don’t forget to add Edinburgh, Scotland, to your travel bucket list vacation.
Hidden Gem: Dean Village (fairytale riverside spot).
Best Time to Visit: August (festival season) or May (fewer crowds).
Pro Tip: Arthur’s Seat at sunrise—most tourists go at sunset.
18: Bhutan
Bhutan is another spectacular tourist destination, popular for its perfect combination of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and sustainable tourism practices. The city’s popularity, huge demand, and large number of annual visitors enable it to make a significant contribution to the country’s economic growth.
Furthermore, Bhutan is also considered a heaven on earth for people, as it is home to some amazing, landscapes, from lush valleys to towering Himalayan peaks. So, if you are looking for a peaceful place to spend quality time with your family or friends, Bhutan is your ideal destination.
Hidden Gem: Phobjikha Valley (rare black-necked cranes in winter).
Best Time to Visit: March-May or September-November (clear mountain views).
Pro Tip: Homestays in Bumthang—authentic Bhutanese culture.
19: Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, the most popular destination, which you truly must visit before you die. What makes this city a popular destination is its impressive cultural heritage, stunning beaches, diverse cuisine, and wines, among many other attractions.
In addition, there are numerous reasons to visit this place, including forests, mountains, grasslands, oceans, beaches, gardens, nature reserves, the Winelands, and one of the world’s most unique floral biomes. So, try to avoid visiting this place, Cape Town, as you will truly miss something exciting in your life.
Hidden Gem: Kirstenbosch Gardens’ treetop walkway.
Best Time to Visit: February-April (best weather, fewer crowds).
Pro Tip: Chapman’s Peak Drive at golden hour—most scenic road.
20: Queenstown, New Zealand
Life is beautiful, and it will be more attractive if you start living it the way you want. You can do that by visiting Queenstown as your next tourist destination. The city is renowned for its exceptional views, outstanding food and wine, adventure sports, rich ski fields, and great Kiwi hospitality.
Furthermore, if you are struggling to find a great place to visit in the world, then Queenstown is a great option, as it offers amazing activities such as bungee jumping, ziplining, jet boating, and many more. So, don’t forget to visit this place once in your life.
Hidden Gem: Glenorchy’s Paradise Road (Lord of the Rings scenery).
Best Time to Visit: December-February (summer) or April-May (fall colors).
Pro Tip: Skipper’s Canyon jet boat—more thrilling than Shotover.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that every place or destination in the world has something amazing and unique to offer. Experiencing the top 20 places to visit in the world in 2025 can broaden your perspective, inspire you, and provide you with exceptional, lasting memories. We at Nexus Ideas recommend that you go out and live your life, enjoying every moment, as who knows what tomorrow may bring? So, do it today and be happy.
