Table of Contents
We’re officially halfway through 2025, and travel is booming like never before. As wanderlust returns in full force, some perennial favorites are still packing in the crowds, while a few fresh surprises have joined the list. Let’s dive into the 20 most visited destinations of 2025 so far, explore why they’re trending, and reflect on what the rest of the year might bring.
1. Paris, France
Why it’s trending: New museum exhibitions, revamped Seine riverfront, and a host of fashion and culinary festivals.
Travelers: Art lovers, honeymooners, foodies.
Must-do: Explore the Officielle de Paris exhibit and café-hop in Le Marais.
Hashtag: #ParisVibes2025
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Why: Post-pandemic recovery boosted by tourism campaigns and new luxury hotels.
Travelers: Budget travelers, nightlife seekers, culture chasers.
Must-do: Visit the new Icon Siam complex and capture the Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit.
Hashtag: #Bangkok2025
3. Dubai, UAE
Why: Expo 2025 buzz, futuristic hotel launches, record indoor ski resort.
Travelers: Luxury seekers, business travelers, families.
Must-do: Attend a major expo pavilion and ski indoors at Mall of the Emirates.
Hashtag: #Expo2025Dubai
4. Tokyo, Japan
Why: Cultural festivals post-Olympics, innovative tech scene, plus the cherry blossoms were extended in spring.
Travelers: Tech geeks, food lovers, history fans.
Must-do: Explore Akihabara’s latest AR kiosks and dine at a Michelin ramen stall.
Hashtag: #TokyoTech
5. Istanbul, Turkey
Why: New cruise routes and hotel restorations around Sultanahmet.
Travelers: History buffs, design lovers.
Must-do: Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus and try the revived Ruins Restaurant.
Hashtag: #IstanbulStyle
6. New York City, USA
Exploring the Most Visited Destinations
Why: Broadway revivals, new rooftop bars, plus art openings in Chelsea.
Travelers: Theatre fans, urban explorers.
Must-do: Catch the “Back to the Future” musical and catch skyline views at The Edge.
Hashtag: #NYC2025
7. Bali, Indonesia
Why: Boho wellness retreats, eco-lodges, and a digital nomad boom.
Travelers: Yogis, remote workers, beach lovers.
Must-do: Stay in a cliffside yoga resort in Uluwatu and surf at Canggu.
Hashtag: #BaliBliss
8. Rome, Italy
Why: Revived Coliseum tours with AR guides and new culinary workshops.
Travelers: History lovers, foodies.
Must-do: Join an underground wine cellar dinner near the Forum.
Hashtag: #Roma2025
9. London, UK
Why: King’s Coronation anniversary events and expansion of the Tate Modern.
Travelers: Culture seekers, royal watchers.
Must-do: Ride the Thames cable cruise and visit the new wing at Tate Modern.
Hashtag: #LondonLife
10. Cancun, Mexico
Why: Resort reinvestments, lavish all‑inclusive properties reopening.
Travelers: Families, sun‑seekers, celebration crews.
Must-do: Swim in a rooftop cenote and party at a world-class beach club.
Hashtag: #Cancun2025
11. Singapore
Why: New Gardens by the Bay installations and cultural fusion dining scenes.
Travelers: Families, food adventurers.
Must-do: Walk the new Cloud Canopy and dine at Lau Pa Sat.
Hashtag: #SGUrbanJungle
Planning a trip to Singapore? Don’t miss our full guide on what to see, eat, and experience in the Lion City — read the Singapore travel blog here!
12. Barcelona, Spain
Why: Major street art festivals and Gaudí anniversary events.
Travelers: Art lovers, food buffs, beach goers.
Must-do: Take part in a mural tour and visit the renovated Sagrada Família tower.
Hashtag: #BarcelonaArt
13. Phuket, Thailand
Why: Island sustainability programs and luxury eco‑resorts.
Travelers: Wellness travelers, families.
Must-do: Stay at an eco‑lodge in Mai Khao and do a marine cleanup dive.
Hashtag: #PhuketGreen
14. Marrakech, Morocco
Why: Spa and riad revamps, plus new desert‑surfing safaris.
Travelers: Culture seekers, adventure groups.
Must-do: Sleep under the stars in a desert camp and visit the rejuvenated Jardin Majorelle.
Hashtag: #MarrakechMagic
15. Seoul, South Korea
Why: K‑pop festivals, street‑food scene expansions, nightlife districts.
Travelers: Trend seekers, foodie explorers.
Must-do: Pop into a K‑pop showcase and sample new dishes in Gwangjang Market.
Hashtag: #SeoulBeats
16. Maldives
Why: Private‑island resorts, underwater art installations, and honeymoon boom.
Travelers: Couples, luxe‑seekers.
Must-do: Chill in a water‑villa and dive near the Underwater Museum.
Hashtag: #Maldives2025
17. Sydney, Australia
Why: Renovated Opera House precinct, coastal treks, and Aboriginal tourism experiences.
Travelers: Outdoor lovers, culture and history fans.
Must-do: Walk the Bondi to Bronte coastal path and attend a First Nations cultural event.
Hashtag: #SydneyJourney
18. Doha, Qatar
Why: Post‑World Cup developments, art museum rollouts, and luxury shopping.
Travelers: Business visitors, cultural tourists.
Must-do: Tour the National Museum and shop at Katara Grand Mosque market.
Hashtag: #DohaRising
19. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why: Canal‑side festival extensions and green‑tech boat rides.
Travelers: Cyclists, culture lovers.
Must-do: Take a solar‑powered canal tour and visit the National Maritime Museum.
Hashtag: #AmsterdamNow
20. Cairo, Egypt
Why: New discoveries in the Great Sphinx area, museum reopenings.
Travelers: Archaeology fans, history lovers.
Must-do: Tour the newly reopened Grand Egyptian Museum and the updated Sphinx plaza.
Hashtag: #Cairo2025
🔍 What the Data Suggests
✔ Classic hubs like Paris, Tokyo, and New York remain top draws, despite rising costs.
✔ Southeast Asia destinations, Bangkok, Bali, Phuket, are experiencing huge tourist rebounds.
✔ Cultural revivals and large‑scale events (Expo, festivals, museum reopenings) heavily shape destination popularity.
Looking Ahead: Will the Second Half of 2025 Stay the Same?
We’ve set a strong pace in the first six months. But will these remain the top 20 by year-end, or will emerging trends shake things up? Here are possibilities:
- Emerging players: Secondary cities like Lisbon or Prague could surge as budgets tighten.
- Sustainability shift: Eco‑friendly destinations may climb as greener travel choices become key.
- Event‑based flux: Planned global events (like festivals or summits) in late 2025 could reshuffle the rankings.
💬 Over to You!
What do you think? Will this list hold through the rest of 2025, or will new destinations steal the spotlight? Drop your predictions or travel plans in the comments, let’s chat!
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