big ben, bridge, city, sunrise, river, palace of westminster, buildings, skyline, tower, landmarks, historic, historical, downtown, parliament, tourist attractions, attractions, tourism, westminster, thames, london, england, great britain, nature, united kingdom, uk

10 Best Travel Spots Around the World to Add to Your Itinerary

So you’re dreaming about your next trip but can’t decide where to go? Let’s be real: the world is huge, and you want to make sure you’re choosing a place that’s actually worth it.

If you want iconic sights, amazing food, and memorable experiences, this list is for you. These destinations aren’t just popular—they’re practically made for tourists, with plenty of things to do, good transport, and easy planning.

Why Go for These Bucket-List Spots?

Honestly, there’s a reason these places are always trending:

  • You know what you’re getting—epic scenery, famous landmarks, vibrant culture
  • They’re easy to navigate even if you don’t travel often
  • Tons of hotels, tours, and activities to choose from
  • Perfect for making the most of every day of your trip

Ready to narrow down your list? Let’s check out 10 destinations that travelers consistently rave about.

1. Paris, France

Think Paris is overhyped? Not really. It’s the classic for a reason. You get world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and strolls along the Seine that feel straight out of a movie.

But Paris is also about discovering cozy bakeries, shopping in tiny boutiques, or picnicking in sprawling parks. There are tons of neighborhoods with their own vibe—from grand boulevards to artsy corners.

paris, eiffel tower, france, architecture, landmark, tower, city, urban, europe, to travel, tourism, french, high, monument, famous, places of interest, building, symbol, historical, cityscape, capital city, attraction, european, culture, paris, paris, paris, paris, paris, eiffel tower, eiffel tower, eiffel tower, eiffel tower, france
Explore a picturesque alleyway in Montmartre with Sacré-Cœur in the background, Paris, France.

What to do in Paris:

  • Climb the Eiffel Tower (or view it from Trocadéro for free!)
  • Shop or window-browse along the Champs-Élysées
  • Enjoy a picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg
  • Explore Montmartre for artsy vibes and epic views

Travel Tip: Book a Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower for beautiful views along the Seine.

2. Rome, Italy

If you love history, Rome is like walking through an open-air museum. You’ll see ancient ruins around every corner—the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and piazzas filled with fountains and statues.

But it’s not all ruins and museums. Think lively street scenes, buzzing cafes, and incredible pasta on every menu. The city is easy to explore on foot, with taxis and buses for longer hauls.

Vibrant image of the Roman Colosseum at sunset, capturing its historic architecture in Rome, Italy.

Things you’ll want to do in Rome:

  • Tour the Colosseum and Roman Forum (a combined ticket saves time)
  • Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain (early morning is best)
  • Wander Trastevere in the evening for food and street music
  • Visit the Spanish Steps and people-watch from the top
  • Explore quieter gems like Villa Borghese or Aventine Hill

Travel Tip: Book a Colosseum and Roman Forum Guided Tour to dive deep into ancient history.

3. Tokyo, Japan

Talk about a city that surprises you at every turn. Tokyo is huge, but super organized. It’s a blend of sleek skyscrapers, neon-lit shopping districts, serene gardens, and buzzing markets.

You’ll find everything from traditional craft shops to futuristic tech stores. The transit system is world-class—just get a prepaid card and hop around.

Capture the beauty of Mount Fuji with vibrant autumn leaves at Lake Kawaguchi during twilight.

What to experience in Tokyo:

  • Wander Shibuya and cross the world’s busiest intersection
  • Shop in Harajuku and Ginza (from quirky to high-end)
  • Chill in Ueno Park or visit its museums
  • Eat your way through Tsukiji Outer Market
  • Take a day trip to Mt. Fuji or Nikko via train

Travel Tip: Take a Mount Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo with Scenic Views for an unforgettable escape from the city.

4. New York City, USA

It’s called the city that never sleeps for a reason. From the skyline views at the Empire State Building to the buzz of Times Square, you’ll see iconic sights everywhere.

But it’s also about wandering Central Park, checking out local diners, and visiting museums that are genuinely world-class. There’s a subway stop for basically everything.

The Statue of Liberty serves as a symbol of freedom against a clear blue sky in New York City.

What to check out in NYC:

  • See the Statue of Liberty from the free Staten Island Ferry
  • Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for skyline views
  • Explore Central Park by bike or on foot
  • Hit up MoMA or The Met for world-class art
  • Try different neighborhoods: SoHo, Chinatown, Harlem, or the Upper West Side

Travel Tip: Get Empire State Building Admission for classic skyline views over Manhattan.

5. London, UK

This city is the definition of classic meets modern. You’ll see double-decker buses rolling past historic buildings, with futuristic skyscrapers in the background.

Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye are just the start. The museums are top-notch (many are free), and there’s a whole world of food to try.

View of the iconic London Eye ferris wheel with a dramatic cloudy sky in Greater London, England.
Classic street scene in Oxford, England featuring a vintage red telephone booth and historic architecture.

What to do in London:

  • Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard
  • Stroll through Hyde Park or Regents Park
  • Ride the London Eye for panoramic views
  • Explore the British Museum (free entry!)
  • Shop at Oxford Street or Camden Market

Travel Tip: Get Admission to the London Eye for panoramic views of the city skyline.

6. Dubai, UAE

If you’re after something dramatic and modern, Dubai delivers. Think record-breaking skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and desert adventures just outside the city.

The metro is efficient, and the whole city is built to impress—from indoor ski slopes to giant aquariums. It’s super visitor-friendly with hotels in every budget.

Stunning view of Burj Khalifa at sunrise in Dubai's vibrant downtown district.

What to see and do in Dubai:

  • Ride to the top of the Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest building)
  • Spend a day at Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates
  • Take a desert safari (dune bashing + BBQ dinner!)
  • Explore the Dubai Marina and JBR Beach walk
  • Visit the Dubai Frame for views of old and new Dubai

Travel Tip: Get Burj Khalifa Admission Tickets for stunning views of the city from above.

7. Istanbul, Türkiye

Spanning Europe and Asia, Istanbul has a vibe that’s truly unique. Picture bustling bazaars, ornate architecture, and lively waterfront promenades.

There’s history at every turn, but it’s also a living, breathing city with modern cafes and markets. The ferry rides across the Bosphorus? Iconic.

A captivating view of the Galata Tower in İstanbul, Türkiye, under a vibrant blue sky.

Things to experience in Istanbul:

  • Take a ferry across the Bosphorus (sit up top!)
  • Wander the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
  • Watch the sunset from Galata Tower
  • Chill in Gülhane Park with views of the water
  • Sample Turkish food at a rooftop restaurant

8. Bangkok, Thailand

A city that knows how to do big—big markets, big flavors, big energy. It’s lively without being hard to handle, thanks to a solid metro and plenty of taxis.

Expect bustling shopping streets, scenic boat rides on the Chao Phraya River, and street food that’s famous worldwide.

Traditional long-tail boat docked along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River on a cloudy day.

Must-do activities in Bangkok:

  • Take a boat ride down the Chao Phraya River
  • Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market (over 8,000 stalls!)
  • Visit Lumpini Park for a quiet break from the city
  • Try authentic street food in Silom or Sukhumvit
  • Catch a traditional dance show or Muay Thai event

Travel Tip: Take a Nighttime Boat Tour of the Chao Phraya to see the city beautifully lit up from the river.

9. Sydney, Australia

When people say Sydney is beautiful, they’re not kidding. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge make for classic photos, but there’s so much more.

You’ll find beaches like Bondi and Manly that are postcard-perfect, plus parks and coastal walks that give you epic views.

Sydney Opera House with tourists and waterfront view on a sunny day.

What to do in Sydney:

  • Walk from Bondi to Coogee Beach
  • Visit the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden
  • Take a ferry to Manly Beach
  • Relax at Darling Harbour’s waterfront cafes
  • Climb the Harbour Bridge (or just admire it)

Travel Tip: Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail for breathtaking ocean views, hidden beaches, and scenic cliffs along Sydney’s stunning coastline.

10. Singapore

One of the easiest cities to visit in Asia. Super clean, organized, and packed with sights like Marina Bay Sands, giant gardens with glowing trees, and bustling hawker centers for great food.

It’s modern without being intimidating, with excellent public transport that takes you everywhere you need to go.

Illuminated Supertree Grove in Singapore at night, showcasing vibrant lights and modern architecture.

Top things to do in Singapore:

  • Visit Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands
  • Explore the Supertree Grove light show at night
  • Try local dishes at a hawker center (like Maxwell or Lau Pa Sat)
  • Walk the Southern Ridges trail for skyline and jungle views
  • Ride the Singapore Flyer for panoramic city scenes

Travel Tip: Visit Gardens by the Bay or watch the Supertree Grove light show at night for a must-see experience.

Still Can’t Decide Where to Go?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Want big city energy + easy transit? NYC, London, Tokyo
  • Looking for old-world charm + deep culture? Rome, Istanbul, Paris
  • Prefer modern vibes with nature? Singapore, Sydney, Dubai
  • On a budget or want something different? Bangkok, Istanbul

Where to Stay in Each Destination

Need a quick starting point for booking hotels? Here are the best areas in each city that make exploring easy and staying comfortable.

  • Paris:
  • Rome:
    • Vaticano Prati– near Vatican City, known for shopping, dining, and easy metro access
    • Trastevere – charming, cobblestone streets with local restaurants
  • Tokyo:
    • Shinjuku – lively area with shopping, nightlife, and transport access
    • Asakusa – traditional atmosphere, near historic sites and local shops
  • New York City:
    • Manhattan – ideal for first-timers, close to major landmarks like Times Square and the Empire State Building
  • London:
    • Kensington – elegant area near museums and Hyde Park
  • Dubai:
  • Istanbul:
    • Beyoğlu – vibrant neighborhood known for shopping, nightlife, and historic Istiklal Street
  • Bangkok:
    • Bang Rak – central area known for riverside markets, local eateries, and easy BTS Skytrain access
  • Sydney:
    • Darling Harbour – lively area with attractions, restaurants, and museums
  • Singapore:
    • Marina Bay – futuristic skyline, luxury hotels, Gardens by the Bay nearby
    • Orchard Road – central and great for shopping, close to MRT stations

Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip

Travel TipWhy It Helps
Book EarlySecure the best prices and availability.
Use Public TransportSaves time and money; avoids traffic jams.
Plan Must-See ActivitiesSkip lines and guarantee entry by booking ahead.
Pack SmartBe ready for weather changes and stay comfortable.
Stay ConnectedNavigate easily and stay in touch with locals/friends.
Learn Basic Local PhrasesBuilds goodwill and smooths communication.
Stay SafeProtect your belongings and stay aware in crowds.
Try Local FoodExperience authentic culture through cuisine.
Give Yourself TimeAvoid burnout; enjoy exploring at your own pace.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to these incredible destinations can open your eyes to new cultures, unforgettable sights, and experiences that stay with you forever. Whether you’re drawn to bustling cities, historic streets, or stunning coastlines, there’s something on this list for every kind of traveler.

Remember, planning ahead makes all the difference—booking your flights, accommodation, and tours early means less stress and more time to enjoy. So take your pick, start dreaming, and get ready for your next adventure!

Ali Chahbar
Ali Chahbar
Articles: 155