Tourist trap or worth it? These are the world’s best things to do, says Tripadvisor

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When building out their itinerary, travelers first turn to the destination's top attractions – but sometimes it can be hard to know what's a must-do or tourist trap.

To help travelers determine what's worth adding to their upcoming travel plans – or deserves a new spot on their bucket lists – Tripadvisor released its annual 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do last week. Based off Tripadvisor reviews from April, 1 2024 through March 31, 2025, the awards highlight the highest-rated attractions and experiences around the world.

This year, the top attractions around the globe went to the most iconic landmarks and historical places while the family-friendly NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida won for the top U.S. attraction. Meanwhile, culturally immersive and adventurous experiences dominated the list for best experiences.

"With such a huge selection of travel activities and excursions available on the platform, Tripadvisor helps travelers find the experiences that turn a trip into a lifelong memory," said Tripadvisor President Kristen Dalton in a statement. "Whether you crave adrenaline or prefer to take things slow, 'The Best of the Best Things to Do' showcases the world's top-rated experiences."

Here are the best things to do in the world, according to Tripadvisor.

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Top attractions in the world

1. Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
2. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
3. NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, United States
4. Louvre Museum, Paris, France
5. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
6. Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, China
7. Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, The Netherlands     
8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
9. Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy
10. Plaza de España, Seville, Spain

Top attractions in the US

1. NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, Florida
2. Empire State Building, New York, New York
3. Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee
4. Central Park, New York, New York
5. Stetson Mansion, DeLand, Florida
6. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Florida
7. Brooklyn Bridge, New York, New York
8. National Museum of World War II Aviation, Colorado Springs, Colorado
9. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York
10. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California

Top experiences in the world

1. The Best Tour in Florence: Renaissance & Medici Tales, Florence, Italy
2. Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
3. Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
4. London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, London, United Kingdom
5. All Inclusive 90 minutes Canal Cruise by Captain Jack! Amsterdam, The Netherlands
6. Early morning Chichen Itza Tour: Cenote and Tequila Tasting, Cancun, Mexico
7. Three Cities in One Day: Segovia, Avila & Toledo from Madrid, Madrid, Spain
8. Grand Tour Around Island 16 locations plus Snorkeling, Honolulu, United States
9. Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul, Türkiye
10. Best of Ubud Full-Day Tour with Jungle Swing, Ubud, Indonesia

Top experiences in the US

1. Grand Tour Around Island 16 Locations plus Snorkeling, Honolulu, Hawaii
2. History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour, Salem, Massachusetts
3. Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady, Chicago, Illinois
4. 9/11 Memorial, Ground Zero Tour with Optional 9/11 Museum Ticket, New York, New York
5. Secret Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy, New York, New York
6. 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo, Miami, Florida
7. Honolulu Xtreme Parasail, Honolulu, Hawaii
8. Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area, St. Pete Beach, Florida
9. Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam, Breakfast, Lunch. Optional Skywalk, Las Vegas, Nevada
10. Dark Philly Adult Night Tour, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania