For globetrotters on the hunt for unforgettable adventures, the recently unveiled 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards by Tripadvisor serves as a beacon of inspiration. This annual event celebrates the world’s premier attractions and experiences based on millions of user reviews compiled between April 2024 and March 2025. Leading the pack, Barcelona’s famed Basílica de la Sagrada Familia has been crowned the top global attraction, with the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris closely following. The awards not only spotlight remarkable destinations but also shape travel trends and highlight what travelers genuinely cherish.
American visitors might find it intriguing that Florida’s NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex claimed the title of both the top U.S. attraction and a third-place global ranking—defeating even legendary spots like Disney World. TripAdvisor President Kristen Dalton elaborated on the platform’s mission to empower travelers, emphasizing that whether someone seeks an adrenaline rush or a leisurely pace, the awards reveal experiences that transform typical vacations into extraordinary chapters of one’s journey.
This year’s rankings also mirror a global fascination with cultural immersion and historical exploration. Classic landmarks dominate the attraction categories while rich, immersive experiences lead the experiential lists. There’s a distinct flavor of adventure and education represented in the awardees, making it a treasure trove for travelers keen on expanding their horizons.
Top Global Attractions Worth Your Bucket List
Europe continues to reign supreme in the global attractions lineup, with an impressive six of the top ten destinations rooted in its cultural heritage. The magnificent Louvre Museum in Paris holds a prestigious spot alongside the enchanting Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Other architectural marvels like the Duomo di Milano and the Plaza de España in Seville offer a visual feast, ensuring travelers reap the rewards of their explorative spirits. Meanwhile, Asia proudly showcases two noteworthy gems: Cambodia’s majestic Angkor Wat and the awe-inspiring Mutianyu segment of China’s Great Wall. For those staying Stateside, the NASA Kennedy Space Center delivers a thrilling, educational experience that rivals even the most famous international attractions.
Cultural Experiences Lead TripAdvisor Rankings
Taking the top spot in the world’s best experiences is Florence’s Renaissance & Medici Tales tour, epitomizing travelers’ growing desire for deep, memorable cultural interactions. European excursion experiences filled half of the global top ten rankings, showcasing diverse offerings like London’s Historical Pubs tour and Amsterdam’s scenic canal cruise. Other notable mentions include Madrid’s comprehensive Three Cities tour and Istanbul’s private guided exploration, serving to underline the rich history residing in urban landscapes. Southeast Asia also claims notable rankings with Vietnam’s captivating Ninh Binh tour and Indonesia’s enchanting Ubud experience, both revealing the region’s compelling allure.
American Adventures Focus on Natural Beauty
In the U.S., natural beauty takes center stage, with Hawaii’s Grand Tour Around Island experience earning top honors for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant snorkeling spots. Activities centered around water have garnered significant attention; Miami’s private boat tours, the exhilarating parasailing in Honolulu, and Florida’s clear kayak tours at Shell Key Preserve feature prominently in the awards. Urban adventurers also have no shortage of compelling options, with Chicago’s Architecture Center River Cruise and New York’s significant 9/11 Memorial tour among the top-rated experiences that invite visitors to delve deeply into the fabric of city life.
Top 10 Global Attractions According to TripAdvisor
- Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
- Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
- NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, United States
- Louvre Museum, Paris, France
- Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, China
- Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Plaza de España, Seville, Spain
Top 10 Global Experiences
- The Best Tour in Florence: Renaissance & Medici Tales, Florence, Italy
- Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi, Vietnam
- Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik, Croatia
- London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, London, United Kingdom
- All-Inclusive 90-minute Canal Cruise by Captain Jack! Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Early morning Chichen Itza Tour: Cenote and Tequila Tasting, Cancun, Mexico
- Three Cities in One Day: Segovia, Avila & Toledo from Madrid, Spain
- Grand Tour Around Island 16 locations plus Snorkeling, Honolulu, United States
- Best of Istanbul 1, 2, or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Best of Ubud Full-Day Tour with Jungle Swing, Ubud, Indonesia
