Top 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the World in 2025

Traveling in 2025 is not just about vacations, it’s about creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a student, a solo traveler, or a family explorer, the world is full of breathtaking destinations waiting to be discovered. With a world full of fascinating travel destinations, choosing the perfect vacation spot can present a challenge. That’s why I used expert opinions, reader votes and current trends and evaluated sights, cultures, scenic beauty, food options and more to compile this list of the world’s best places to visit. 

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From snowy mountains to vibrant cities, in this article, you can learn about the top 10 most beautiful places to visit in the world in 2025.

Swiss Alps

It’s the #1 in the world’s best places to visit. Snow-covered mountains, charming towns and flower-strewn meadows make the Swiss Alps a year-round fairy-tale destination. Opt for warmer months to hike through the verdant valleys of Swiss National Park or attend lively festivals in the foothill town of Montreux. Regardless of the time of year, no trip would be complete without a visit to the Jungfrau Region, where you can jump through idyllic mountain villages like Grindelwald and Mürren or take the Jungfrau Railway to Europe’s highest railway station.

For hiking in summer, JUNE to September is the best time to travel, while December through March is best for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding with abundant snow.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is the #2 in the world’s best places to visit. What this 12-square-mile French Polynesian island may lack in size, it makes up for in sheer tropical beauty. Bora Bora is an island in French Polynesia’s Society Islands, located in the South Pacific. Here, you’ll find picturesque beaches, lush jungles and luxurious resorts set on surrounding islets. The island’s extinct volcano, Mount Otemanu, makes for a great photo-op or challenging hike, and the friendly Bora Bora locals can help you catch a glimpse of the island’s best sights during an off-road excursion. 

The best time to travel in the dry season is from May to October for warm, sunny, and low-humidity conditions though this is the high season with higher prices and more crowds.

Rome

It’s the #3 in the world’s best places to visit. When you visit Italy’s capital city, prepare to cross a few must-see landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, off your bucket list. Travelers can also see some of Italy’s greatest treasures, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, in Vatican City. Once you get your bearings, peruse some of Rome’s lesser-known museums, art galleries and boutiques, or head to Janiculum Hill for panoramic views of the city. The Eternal City is always popular, but with the Catholic Jubilee taking place throughout 2025, expect even more crowds and book accommodations and airfare well in advance.

The best time to visit is spring (March to May) and fall (September to early November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the #4 in the World’s Best Places to Visit. A visit to this UNESCO-listed Peruvian wonder is not for the faint of heart, but it is often described as a life-changing adventure. Built by the Incas in the mid-15th century, Machu Picchu encompasses well-preserved agricultural, residential and religious structures. While the four-day hike along the Inca Trail is challenging (you’ll climb to an elevation of roughly 8,000 feet), arriving at the site during sunrise is well worth the effort. Limited daily reservations are available for this popular trail, but visitors can also opt for a handful of less-traveled paths or take a PeruRail train to the mountain base for an easier route to the top.

Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains in Peru. The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October), offering clear skies and less rain.

Tokyo

Tokyo is #5 in the World’s Best Places to Visit. Simply setting foot in Japan’s frenetic capital city is an experience. Known for its bustling streets and flashing neon signs, Tokyo has an electric energy and ample top attractions to discover. Foodies won’t be disappointed by Tokyo’s fresh sushi and hearty ramen (not to mention more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world). Shopaholics will find plenty of must-have designer products in Ginza, while those seeking a respite in nature can visit Shinjuku Gyoen or Yoyogi Park. Meanwhile, history buffs will appreciate Tokyo’s centuries-old temples and shrines.

Maui

It’s #6 in the World’s Best Places to Visit. Maui is one of the Hawaiian Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean. Simply setting foot in Japan’s frenetic capital city is an experience. Known for its bustling streets and flashing neon signs, Tokyo has an electric energy and ample top attractions to discover. Foodies won’t be disappointed by Tokyo’s fresh sushi and hearty ramen (not to mention more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world). Shopaholics will find plenty of must-have designer products in Ginza, while those seeking a respite in nature can visit Shinjuku Gyoen or Yoyogi Park. Meanwhile, history buffs will appreciate Tokyo’s centuries-old temples and shrines.

Maldives

Maldives #7 in World’s Best Places to Visit. The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka. It is not cheap or easy to reach, but this isolated Indian Ocean vacation spot. In this remote country, which is made up of more than 1,000 islands, thatched-roof overwater bungalows sit above the bright aquamarine sea, providing easy water access and a romantic atmosphere. On this once-in-a-lifetime vacation, fill your days with beach trips, spa treatments and snorkeling or scuba diving excursions. If cabin fever sets in, take a day trip to an island village like Fulidhoo or Rinbudhoo for a taste of local culture.

Tanzania

Tanzania is located in East Africa. It’s #8 in the World’s Best Places to Visit. A top-tier safari destination, this East African country draws wildlife enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of Serengeti National Park’s big five: the lion, the rhino, the leopard, the elephant and the buffalo. If you can foot the bill, stay in one of Tanzania’s swoon-worthy tented camps that take glamping to another level. Beyond Serengeti, Tanzania houses 21 other national parks, including one dedicated to Africa’s tallest peak, Kilimanjaro. You’ll be tempted to spend your whole trip exploring Tanzania’s inland terrain, but be sure to build in some recovery time on the white sand beaches of outlying islands like Zanzibar and Pemba.

Great Barrier Reef

It’s #9 in the World’s Best Places to Visit. The globe’s largest collection of coral reefs and one of the original Seven Natural Wonders of the World touts one-of-a-kind scenery. At Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find more than 600 islands and 1,600-plus species of fish. Though plenty of diving and snorkeling spots can be found along Queensland’s coast, to escape the crowds, visit the Whitsunday Islands (which happen to have some of the world’s best beaches). Tourists can expect to pay a small daily environmental tax that is crucial for reef preservation. Opting for eco-friendly digs and low-impact tours (such as kayaking excursions) can also help protect this natural treasure.

Petra

Petra is #10 in the World’s Best Places to Visit. Dating back to the fourth century B.C., Jordan’s ancient Nabataean city is an architectural standout. Once you wind your way through a narrow canyon (the Siq) and the magnificent Treasury comes into view, you’ll instantly see why Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This well-preserved, intricate mausoleum is worth the trip on its own. Still, you’ll want to continue on to Petra’s other impressive structures, all skillfully carved from sandstone, including the Street of Facades, the Monastery and the Royal Tombs. Once you’ve seen all the sights by day, return to Petra by Night, when the Siq and the Treasury glow with the light of 1,500 candles.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism sector contributes significantly to global GDP and employment, underscoring the importance of exploring and preserving the world sustainably.

Conclusion

In this article, you can learn about the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps to the tropical beauty of the Maldives. These Top 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the World in 2025 are sure to inspire your next trip.