Time Out has already reported on the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards’ picks for the world’s top destinations and the best places to head for solo travellers, but where on the planet is trending for the new year?
That would be Osaka! The Japanese city saw the biggest year-on-year increase in reviews posted to the platform – but we’re hardly surprised by that.
About the city’s win, Tripadvisor said: ‘Known as ‘the nation’s kitchen’, Osaka has a thriving food scene, as well as great shopping and nightlife. It is also the perfect base for exploring the Kansai region, which is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.’
Then there’s Osaka Castle, the Tower of the Sun, and the dynamic nightlife district of Dotonbori, but that’s just the start of Osaka’s appeal. For more on the best things to do in Osaka, have a look at our guide, or read up on the best places to stay. Alternatively, check out our list of the most underrated cities in Japan.
In second place was Kuala Lumpur, home to both the world’s tallest twin buildings (the Petronas Twin Towers) as well as the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia (Sri Mahamariamman) – talk about variety, right? – and in third place was Buenos Aires, Argentina’s sizzling capital city.
These are the top trending destinations in the world right now
- Osaka, Japan
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Manama, Bahrain
- Lima, Peru
- Medellin, Colombia
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Kyoto, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Casablanca, Morocco
Did you see that the world’s fastest high-speed train just launched in this Asian country?
Plus: This is officially the world’s most powerful passport in 2025
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