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The world's largest travel review site has revealed
the world's best travel destinations for this year in its 2015
Travellers' Choice awards. The "Red City" of Marrakesh in Morocco took
out the top spot with its mesmerising arrays of markets, gardens,
palaces and mosques. Cambodia's second biggest city, Siem Reap, home to
Angkor Wat and a growing tourist population, slotted in at number two.
Istanbul's artistic revolution, majestic architecture and the
awe-inspiring Blue Mosque earned the third spot in the list of
destinations to visit in 2015. Vietnam's historic and cultural capital
Hanoi may be best known for its French colonial architecture, but it's
also forging a contemporary path, seeing it take fourth place in the
list. Rounding up the top five is Prague, Czech Republic. Its 'bohemian
allure and fairy-tale features' makes this a destination ideal for
travellers who love history, culture and hearty food. Queenstown was the
only New Zealand destination to make the top 25, coming in at the 22nd
spot: "Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort
town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits—much of the Lord
of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock
to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jet boating, white-water
rafting, hiking and skiing."
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1. MARRAKESH, MOROCCO
The "Red City" of Marrakech is a magical place, brimming with markets,
gardens, palaces, and mosques. Exploring the intimate courtyards and
snaking alleyways of the historic Medina can easily eat up a day. |
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2. SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
Cambodia, and Siem Reap especially, has become a hugely popular
destination over the past two decades, as the country emerged from war
and internal conflict and invested in restoring Angkor Wat. Get a lesson
in national history at the Cambodian Cultural Village, and a lesson in
bargaining at the Angkor Night Market, a bonanza of shopping stalls,
food vendors, and bars. |
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3. ISTANBUL, TURKEY
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep
travellers happily occupied for their entire trip: an eyeful of
breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet
there. Many travellers recommend kicking the trip off with the
awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from
many points of the city. |
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4. HANOI, VIETNAM
Vietnam's historic and cultural capital Hanoi, known for its colonial
architecture and French remnants in the Old Quarter, is forging a
contemporary path making taking it to the number four on the list. |
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5. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
The bohemian allure and fairy-tale features of Prague make it a perfect
destination for beach-weary vacationers who want to immerse themselves
in culture. Travellers could devote an entire day to exploring Prazsky
hrad (Prague Castle), then refuelling over a hearty dinner at a classic
Czech tavern.
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6. LONDON, ENGLAND
Walk around the city where history collides with art, fashion, food, and
good British ale. A perfect day can be different for everyone: culture
hounds should hit the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. For foodies,
cream tea at Harrods's or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers
classic London flavour. Music and book buffs will freak out over Abbey
Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
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7. ROME, ITALY
The city of Rome feels like the exhibit halls of a giant outdoor museum,
a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and mind-boggling
historic sites. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, drop your jaw at
the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and fuel up on cappuccino for an
afternoon of shopping at the Campo de'Fiori or Via Veneto.
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8. BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
The birthplace of the tango is, like the dance itself, captivating,
seductive and bustling with excited energy. Atmospheric old
neighbourhoods are rife with romantic restaurants and thumping
nightlife, and Buenos Aires' European heritage is evident in its
architecture, boulevards and parks. |
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9. PARIS, FRANCE
Paris receives around 28 million tourists per year, of which 17 million
are foreign visitors, which arguably makes the city and its region the
world's leading tourism destination. The city is encompassed with
centuries of cultural and political development has brought Paris a
variety of museums, theatres, monuments and architectural styles.
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10. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa. Cape Point
is recognised as the dramatic headland at the end of the Cape Peninsula,
and travellers also favour surrounding beaches.
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