This Is the World's Most Visited Travel Destination, and It's Spectacular
TripAdvisor has just unveiled the world’s top rated destinations in their annual Travellers’ Choice awards, with Bali, Indonesia, topping the list.
More than half of the ten most popular destinations hail from Europe, and since the list’s inception nine years ago, London has been Europe’s most visited city, beating the likes of Paris, which came in third, and Rome, in fourth.
The UK capital is one of only three destinations to have retained a top ten ranking seven years in a row, but is also the most expensive city on the countdown too, with an average room rate of £162.25 per night!
The winners on the list are determined by the millions of reviews and opinions left by TripAdvisor travellers. How so? Well, it’s all thanks to a clever algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews, as well as ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in each of the destinations worldwide.
Here’s the top 10 in full:
1. Bali, Indonesia…
Expect white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and dense jungles full of monkeys and enchanting stone temples in this dazzling part of the world.
Don’t miss, according to TripAdvisor fans: Waterbom Park, Mayong Village Trekking experience, Tirta Gangga.
2. London, United Kingdom…
Thanks to Brexit, there’s not a better time to visit the UK capital. From the British Museum to the National Gallery and a selfie in front of Tower Bridge, there’s never a boring day in London town.
Don’t miss, according to TripAdvisor fans: British Museum, Churchill War Rooms, Buckingham Palace.
3. Paris, France…
Food, markets, art galleries, food, more food and really just amazing food. The City of Light is all about romance, good times, spectacular shopping and unrivalled bohemian culture.
Don’t miss, according to TripAdvisor fans: Musee d’Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Sainte-Chapelle.
4. Rome, Italy…
Many say modern civilisation began in Rome, though the Greeks would demur. What is certain however is that Rome is the epicentre of European culture, art and great, great coffee.
Don’t miss, according to TripAdvisor fans: Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, Vatican City.
5. New York City, United States…
Tom Wolfe once said that ‘one belong to New York instantly’, and many will attest to such an immersion. Hole-in-the-wall bars, fantastic delis, awesome cupcakes and of course NYC-style bagels await in the ‘concrete jungle where dreams are made of’.
Don’t miss, according to TripAdvisor fans: Central Park, Frick Museum, Empire State Building.
6. Crete, Greece…
An island of myths and intrigue, Crete is a paradise for nomads seeking a bit of history, a bit of relaxation and a bit of traditional Greek culture.
Don’t miss, according to TripAdvisor fans: Elafonissi Beach, Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
7. Barcelona, Spain…
This one’s for architecture nuts, especially Gaudi nutcases. Stroll Passeig de Gracia for exceptional Catalan culture, distinctive gothic buildings and very trendy, very stylish hotels. Feel like sunbathing? You’re in luck, the city even has a beach too.
Don’t miss, according to TripAdvisor fans: Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic).
8. Siem Reap, Cambodia…
Aside from the well preserved and ancient Instagrammable temples, Siem Reap is a fast-growing cosmopolitan city that’s got it’s fair share of luxury hotels, award-winning restaurants and some rather racy nightclubs. Even after a long bender, you’ll find that it’s totally worth waking up at 5am to see the sun rise over Angkor Wat.
Don’t miss, according to TripAdvisor fans: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Angkor Archaeological Park.
9. Prague, Czech Republic…
The home of Franz Kafka is riddled with cobblestone lanes, extraordinary historic and cultural sights and extremely classy late-night boozer cellars that dish out Michelin-worthy food at a great price and some of the best (and cheapest) beers in Europe. What more do you want?
Don’t miss, according to TripAdvisor fans: Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Lobkowicz Palace.
10. Phuket, Thailand…
Blue lagoons, pink sunsets, fabulous cuisine and the dreamiest beaches – Phuket is a place of buzzing marvels, marvellous to experience and wondrous to behold. Oh, and diving, snorkelling and windsurfing are just some of the ways you can test yourself here. Spoiler: it’s worth the effort.
Don’t miss, according to TripAdvisor fans: Kata Noi Beach, Freedom Beach, Soi Dog Foundation
Want more travel news? This museum has was the UK’s most visited tourist attraction in 2016!