Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best winners are destinations whose hotels, restaurants and things to do received a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from our community over a 12-month period. Less than 1% of Tripadvisor’s eight million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence in travel. From lesser-known cities to new escapes, these places are on the up and up.
1.Tokyo Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Toyosu Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River.
Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle. 2.
Seoul Seoul is the business and cultural hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. Take it all in from the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park. The teahouses and shops of Insadong give you a taste of Korean flavour, which you can further experience with a visit to the grounds and museums of Gyeongbokgung.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace is a fine example of authentic ancient architecture. 3. Halong Bay Travellers visit Halong Bay for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves.
Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re breathtaking. Rent a kayak or a junk boat, or take a tour to explore. 4.
Palawan Island Palawan is a slice of heaven, a sliver of an island that teems with exotic wildlife, quaint fishing villages, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wave hello to endangered animals at the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary or explore the Japanese shipwrecks of Coron Island, regarded as one of the best dive sites in the world. A guided boat tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River will take your breath away.
5. Sapa The northwest market town of Sapa is colourful and charming, providing the perfect oasis in the midst of a strenuous mountain trek or rice-paddy tour. The Gothic stone church at the centre of town is a bull’s-eye in the centre of shops and stalls, serving as a reminder of the town’s French missionary influence.
Dine on Vietnamese or European-inspired cuisine downtown, and don’t miss the Saturday night “love market,” one of the most potent and strictest single’s nights imaginable. 6. Bogota Ten million people call vibrant, passionate, sprawling Bogota home.
The energy of this metropolitan heart of Colombia is in part fueled by its hundreds of eclectic and authentic dining hot spots, fantastic wines, and frequent foodie festivals. Ask the locals where they like to eat, then walk off your empanadas and aji with a stroll through the historic district of La Candelaria or during an indulgent shopping adventure on the North Side. 7.
Pattaya A visit to Pattaya is a wonderful way to explore the beaches along the Gulf of Thailand. Relaxed and family-friendly Jomtien Beach is a hot spot for watersports and seaside massages. The giant Buddha of Wat Khao Phra Bat keeps watch over the city, and the wooden Wang Boran Sanctuary of Truth pays homage to Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture.
At night, tons of bars and strip clubs attract an adults-only crowd. 8. Alajuela Alajuela is all about the pura vida lifestyle – in a way that feels less like a slogan and more like a real way of life.
You can feel it everywhere, from the markets to the mountains. Just stop by the Alajuela Central Market to chat with the locals and you’ll get a taste of the culture (plus some authentic casado, a Costa Rican classic). Or do a deep dive into Costa Rican history at Juan Santamaría Historical Cultural Museum.
Then there’s the real draw: nature. Rolling hills, coffee farms, and the looming presence of the Poás Volcano. Hike through a magical cloud forest to get to the crater at Poás Volcano National Park – it will feel like you stepped into another realm.
For more magic, visit the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It’s like a fairytale come to life: Waterfalls cascading through the rainforest, butterflies dancing around, and a hummingbird garden that’s like something straight out of a dream. 9.
Phnom Penh Budget-minded travellers will appreciate Phnom Penh’s reasonably priced hotel rooms (several top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor offer rooms around $40/night). Explore the city’s temples, palaces, and the remnants of its French colonial history. Just outside the city, the The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) are a reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past – a somber contrast to the booming city of today.
10. Kuala Lumpur The cultural hub of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is visually defined by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which, at 88 stories high, are the tallest twin buildings in the world and a vision of modern architecture. On the flip side, the Sri Mahamariamman is the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, its façade a colourful totem pole of iconography.
Shopping at the Central Market is a joyful experience that involves haggling, handicrafts, and happiness. 11. Jeju Island Where else can you find an azalea-framed volcano to climb, a sisterhood of deep-divers, and ancient stone statues on which to make wishes? Jeju Island.
A favourite with newlyweds (and K-drama fans), this popular retreat is also home to miles of golden beaches, winding coastal trails, and Jeju Waterworld, the area’s largest water park. No matter what your fancy, one thing is for certain: a day of sightseeing isn’t complete without enjoying some of the isle’s delicious raw seafood and famed barbecued black pork. 12.
Viti Levu Fiji’s largest island, home to capital Suva, offers some wonderful beaches. Palm-fringed Natadola Beach, reputed to be one of the best beaches in the world, is a picture perfect crescent of powdery sand leading to dramatic cliffs. Coconuts hang overhead and the striking azure lagoon entices swimmers.
13. Chennai (Madras) The diverse population of Chennai (Madras) is reflected in its rich cultural scene. You’ll find serious theatre as well as the glitz and glamour of Kollywood.
Chennai is also an important centre for the Bharatanatyam, a local form of classical dance. Visit in January, for the festival of Pongal, or in April, when Chennai celebrates its new year. 14.
Puebla Puebla lives in the shadow of the active Popocatepetl volcano, which provides a spectacular backdrop to one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (magic towns). Characterised by its colourful, Talavera-tiled buildings and hailed as the birthplace of mole poblano, Puebla is Mexico at its best. 15.
Bandung Bandung is Indonesia’s third-largest city but lies close enough to Jakarta and offers cooler weather. Bandung features a large collection of Dutch colonial architecture, as well as a beautiful botanic garden, zoo, golf courses and a wide variety of culinary offerings. 16.
Panama City A diverse multicultural city of almost 1.3 million, Panama City offers a lot more than an up-close view of the Canal. Shantytowns slink up alongside shiny high-rise condos.
The Old City is an atmospheric labyrinth of churches, plazas and palaces. Fifteen miles from downtown Panama City, Soberania National Park is an excellent destination for hiking and birding. For a fascinating look at the canal, take a taxi or local bus to Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre and look down on the traffic below.
17. Huaraz Huaraz dates back to before the Incan Empire and is a great destination for travellers looking to combine cultural education with relaxation. Explore archaeological sites and the ancient stone monoliths at the Museo Regional de Ancash.
Squeeze into narrow Duck Canyon or, for a challenge with a massively beautiful payoff, hike a mountain trail in Huascarán National Park. 18. Nairobi Known as the safari capital of Africa, Nairobi is an energetic, modern city that serves as a fascinating introduction to both wildlife and nightlife.
Music clubs pulse with life, shops and markets bustle, and a mélange of restaurants will tempt your palate in this former Maasai watering hole. Top sights include the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre and the black rhinos of Nairobi National Park. The compact city centre is safe to walk in and taxis make other areas accessible.
19. La Paz Sitting in a valley in the Andes Mountains, La Paz is the city that touches the clouds. The de facto capital of Bolivia, and sitting between 3300 and 4100 meters above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world.
Rich with 19th century churches, museums of artifacts from the pre-Conquest era, precarious overlooks, and colourful markets, La Paz is truly unique. The Witches’ Market, in the centre of the city, sells charms and potions for Aymara rituals, as well as souvenirs. 20.
Port Ghalib Port Ghalib is the ultimate spot for those in the know, with its perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. The beaches are one of the main draws, with golden sands and blue waters that you could spend all your days soaking up. The world beneath the surface is just as stunning – a boat ride takes you to Sataya Reef, where you can explore the vibrant coral reef and swim with dolphins.
When you’re ready to dry off, Port Ghalib Marina is the go-to for a night out. With yachts, waterfront restaurants, and a Mediterranean vibe, it’s ideal for a sunset stroll or fancy dinner. 21.
Brasov Smack in the centre of Romania is Brasov, a harmonious mash-up of traditional charm and modern city life. Ride a double-decker bus around the city to get your bearings and see the sites whiz by, then hop off to squeeze down Strada Sforii, the narrowest street in Europe. Take a day trip to see the fortified church of Prejmer, the Libearty brown bear sanctuary, and the deliciously ominous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle.
22. Manta You’ll find it all in Manta: world-class beaches, culture, history, and some of the best seafood of your life. Start at Playa Murciélago, where most of the town gathers daily for volleyball games, sun-soaking, and next-level sunsets.
Pair that with some ceviche (practically an art form here) from a beachside kiosk, and you’re pretty much set. For a bit of local culture (and more seafood), swing by El Mercado Central where you can pick and grill your own fish or Central Bank Museum for a solid crash course in Ecuadorian history. When you want to get off the beaten path, head to Los Frailes Beach for its turquoise waters and photo-worthy views from the cliffs.
It’s about an hour from Manta, but totally worth the trip. 23. Casablanca Today Casablanca is a large, modern city, but the former French colonial post still allows myriad movie moments for those who want to revisit love in the medina and Old City.
Casa (as locals call it) isn’t too touristy, but it’s the most cosmopolitan and Western-feeling city in Morocco. Visit The King Hassan II Mosque and Casa’s Medina. 24.
Santiago Santiago is one of those metropolitan joys where the more you look, the more you find. Funky cafes and dance clubs dot Bellavista, Forest Park art collections range from pre-Columbian to contemporary, and architecture runs the gamut from the 16th-century San Francisco Church to mirrored office towers. Shop with the locals at Mall Panora¡mico and give your palate meals to remember with hearty Chilean fare.
25. Taipei You can eat very well – and very cheaply – in Taipei. The restaurants may not look posh, but the quality of the food is superlative.
And there’s a huge variety of restaurants – in addition to local Taiwanese specialties, you’ll find regional cuisines from all over China, as well as great Indian, Japanese and even Italian options. Just make sure to leave some room for snacks – street-vendor food here is addictive..
