Trip Advisor has recently revealed this year’s list of the top 25 tourist destinations in the world. This is an annual list that has changed significantly over the last year.

TripAdvisor’s Top Five Tourist Destinations

Here is the top five:

  1. Istanbul
  2. Rome
  3. London
  4. Beijing
  5. Prague

Shocking, isn’t it? Most people would expect Rome and London, but what about Paris, New York, and San Francisco? Well they are at seven, 12, and 25, respectively. It just goes to show the changing of our world over recent years. The east featured prominently on the list with seven cities; however, Europe has the most with 11. Africa has two, North America has three, and South America and Australia both have one.

Blue Mosque Istanbul Sultan Ahmed HDR

Istanbul

Istanbul is a physical gateway between the greatly contrasting continents of Asia and Europe. Istanbul is a collation of the antique and the modern. It boats a collection of incredible architecture as well as incredible restaurants and bars. The historical part of the city will keep any holiday maker entertained for weeks, what with the mosques, bazaars, and the Turkish baths. For the shopper in you, you should try the Grand Bazaar, which contains thousands of shops and stalls where you can find gifts and treats.

Rome

Rome is one of the most famous cities in the world and is steeped in the histories of empires and churches. Anyone with interest in fine food, art, architecture, religion and history should visit Rome at least once. Here you can see famous fountains, the Sistine Chapel, and the golden Vatican City. Whatever your beliefs and feelings on religion, no one can deny the power and awe that Vatican City exudes.

Colisseum Pictures, Rome Pictures, Colosseum Panorama, Colosseum Pictures

London

Many people have started to call London the capital city of the world in recent years (which must annoy New York no end). You must plan your visit to London as it’s packed with things to see and do and it’s easy to become dazed and confused. And remember, the days have long gone since English food was a stodgy mess. London boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country on earth! Not just any other city, it has more than any other country. London is now considered the food capital of the world.

Don’t miss seeing Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Trafalgar Square either when you visit. Just be sure to pick up some men-sandals from ebay and you’ll fit right in with the other British tourists (you might have to wear socks with them as well).

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of one of the rising stars in the world: China. China is fast becoming the world power – move over America. Unlike America, China is steeped in history and this is one of the main draws for people travelling to Beijing. Make sure to stop off at places such as the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City.

Prague

Prague is one of the most outstandingly beautiful cities in the world. It’s also very old. Prague Castle has been standing sentry over the city since the ninth century. Anyone visiting this historic city should take in as much of the Jewish history as possible in the Jewish Quarter. Prague is a great place to visit for older families, what with its mix of modern nightlife for the teenagers and a healthy dose of sophisticated wine bars for the folks.

For those of you interested in the other 20 on the list, they are:

  1. Marrakech
  2. Paris
  3. Hanoi
  4. Siem Reap
  5. Shanghai
  6. Berlin
  7. New York City
  8. Florence
  9. Buenos Aires
  10. Barcelona
  11. St Petersburg
  12. Dubai
  13. Chicago
  14. Cape Town Central
  15. Bangkok
  16. Budapest
  17. Sydney
  18. Lisbon
  19. Chiang Mai
  20. San Francisco

Categorized in:

Other