- Barcelona topped 2025 global travel bookings for its architecture and beach energy
- Paris drew over 18 million visitors, noted for art, history, and improved city infrastructure
- London ranked top destination by TripAdvisor for its blend of history and modern culture
2025 has been a banner year for global travel. From ancient cities steeped in heritage to tropical islands and cosmopolitan capitals, the world's most popular travel spots this year reflect a newfound appetite for a mix of culture, leisure, and experiential escapes. Based on multiple sources of 2025 travel data and trends, the year-end list reveals some of the key destinations that people searched, booked, and ended up spending their precious holidays in 2025. Each of these places was popular for different reasons, yet all shared one trait: they captured global attention and travellers' hearts.
Here Are 10 Of The Most-Visited Destinations In 2025:
1. Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona topped the 2025 global list of most popular bookings by the Travel company eDreams ODIGEO. Barcelona's popularity lies in the mix of architectural marvels - from the sweeping curves of UNESCO World Heritage sites to vibrant neighbourhoods and cosmopolitan beach-front energy. Visitors are drawn to iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, the winding alleyways of the Gothic Quarter, lively tapas bars, and Mediterranean sunshine - making it a perennial favourite for both first-time holiday-makers and seasoned travellers.
Even in 2025, Barcelona remained a magnet for design lovers, foodies and those who wanted to combine city exploration with a relaxing beach vibe.
2. Paris, France
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Paris once again reaffirmed its status as the world's best city for tourism in 2025, according to Euromonitor International. With over 18 million international visitors in 2025 alone, the French capital remains a top choice for those seeking art, romance, history, fashion and gastronomy.
The appeal isn't just in the classics - museums, monuments, the Seine, and elegant boulevards - but also in evolving facets: enhanced city infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly zones, improved sustainability efforts, and renewed vigour around the reopening of landmarks (after refurbishment), which have combined to attract more and more modern travellers.
3. London, United Kingdom
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2025 was another stellar year for London - it ranked among the most searched-for destinations globally. London was also named the top global travel destination for 2025 by TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards.
Why so popular? The city's enduring mix of history and modernity - centuries-old palaces and museums alongside cutting-edge theatre, food, fashion, and multicultural energy - continues to draw travellers.
4. Japan
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Japan kept its global appeal strong in 2025, emerging as one of the most sought-after destinations in search and booking data. Travellers are drawn to the country's seamless blend of tradition and modernity: ancient temples and shrines, serene landscapes and seasonal beauty (cherry blossoms, snow-clad mountains), set against neon-lit cityscapes, high-speed trains and ultra-efficient infrastructure. From historic Kyoto to bustling Tokyo, Japan is especially attractive to those wanting a thorough, experiential journey.
5. Greece
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2025 saw Greece climb global charts - it was ranked the second-best country in the world for travel by voters in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2025. The charm lies in its alluring islands, pristine beaches, sun-drenched seas, whitewashed villages, ancient ruins, and vibrant Mediterranean culture. Whether one is seeking lively nightlife on islands or quiet retreats with history and sea views, Greece delivers.
6. Portugal
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Portugal emerged as one of the best countries to travel to in 2025, especially amongst European destinations. Its charm comes from a combination of varied natural beauty - from rugged northern mountains to the sunny beaches of the Algarve, and culturally rich cities like Lisbon and Porto, with their historic quarters, music, cuisine and laid-back vibes.
For travellers seeking a European escape without the bustle of mega-cities, Portugal's relaxed pace, heritage, coastline, and scenic diversity made it a compelling pick in 2025.
7. Jaipur, India
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In a year where most global travel coverage spotlighted European capitals and island retreats, Jaipur emerged as one of the world's top five cities for travellers, according to the 2025 survey by Travel + Leisure.
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur offers three UNESCO World Heritage Sites within its limits - the Walled City, the majestic Amber Fort, and the astronomical marvel Jantar Mantar. Add to that vibrant bazaars (textiles, jewellery, handicrafts), royal-era palaces, heritage hotels, and a food scene rich in Rajasthani flavours - from dal-baati-churma to laal maas - and you have a destination offering both depth and indulgence.
8. Bali, Indonesia
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2025 saw a strong resurgence of tourism in Bali - with a record 697,000 foreign tourist arrivals in July alone, the highest monthly tally of the year. Overseas arrivals for the first seven months of the year approached nearly four million, signalling robust demand for what remains among Asia's dream destinations. Bali's longstanding appeal - its lush rice terraces, spiritual temples, beach culture, nightlife, holistic wellness retreats and warm hospitality - continues to attract travellers.
For 2026, Bali also remains a cautionary tale about overtourism and sustainable travel - reminding visitors to travel responsibly, particularly given the strain on local ecosystems.
9. Koh Samui, Thailand
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Koh Samui - long admired for its lush beaches and tropical charm - saw renewed interest in 2025, fuelled in part by rising visibility after being spotlighted in The White Lotus series. For travellers eager to combine island life, serene beaches, wellness resorts and beachside partying, Koh Samui provided a compelling choice.
10. Mount Everest (Himalayas)
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Despite rising concerns over overtourism and environmental impact, 2025 remained a year where many adventurers continued to be drawn toward the ultimate high-altitude challenge: Mount Everest. Its popularity underscores a persistent hunger for natural extremes, adventure, and Himalayan grandeur.
Everest is as much about a spiritual and emotional journey as it is about trekking - for many, the destination represents a lifetime ambition. But the attention also comes with responsibility amid growing tourist numbers, increased climate and environmental pressures.
As 2025 draws to a close, these 10 destinations - spanning continents, cultures, and climates - offer more than just postcards and pictures. They reflect evolving travel sensibilities that value heritage, variety, authenticity, and conscious exploration.
