Britons looking for one of the "best" travel experiences in the world don't need to travel far, as a tour in London makes the top 10 list.
The results were shared in Tripadvisor's annual 2025 Travellers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do, released this week.
A private walking tour exploring Florence's Renaissance heritage and Medici dynasty has earned the title of the world's best experience. The Italian excursion guides visitors through the city's historical landmarks whilst revealing stories from its golden age.
But excursions across the world made the list, including a walking tour in London, which landed in the number four spot.
TRIPADVISOR
|The London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs was among the best experiences in the world
The rankings were determined through analysis of customer feedback posted on Tripadvisor, with destinations ranging from natural landmarks to constructed monuments and travel activities.
President of Tripadvisor, Kristen Dalton, said: "With such a huge selection of travel activities and excursions available on the platform, Tripadvisor helps travellers find the experiences that turn a trip into a lifelong memory. 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."
Top Experiences in the World
- The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance & Medici Tales, Florence, Italy
- Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
- London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, London, United Kingdom
- All Inclusive 90 minutes Canal Cruise by Captain Jack!, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Early morning Chichen Itza Tour: Cenote and Tequila Tasting, Cancun, Mexico
- Three Cities in One Day: Segovia, Avila & Toledo from Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Grand Tour Around Island 16 Locations plus Snorkelling, Honolulu, United States
- Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Best of Ubud Full-Day Tour with Jungle Swing, Ubud, Indonesia
The London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs was considered the 4th best experience in the world and it has gained five out of five stars on Tripadvisor, with nearly 7,500 reviews.
Its description reads: "See a side of London that many visitors miss - and follow your guide off the tourist trail to locals-loved pubs - on a small-group, half-day walking tour that introduces you to several of the city's most historic taverns and alehouses.
"Try a range of local brews (own expense), see city sights, and hear stories of the legendary figures who were known to enjoy a few pints in the very same spots."
Recent five-star reviews say they "highly recommend" the "amazing" experience, adding it is "worth the time and money". Another commented, "beautiful places and great drinking", while one more said, "it's not to be missed". Many others also shared their appreciation for the guides.
The top attractions globally were also shared in the research. While no spots in Britain made the list, it could offer some inspiration for going further afield on their next holiday.
Antoni Gaudí's architectural masterpiece in Barcelona has secured the top position in Tripadvisor's 2025 Best of the Best Things to Do rankings. The Basílica de la Sagrada Familia ascended from fourth place in the previous year to claim the global crown, having previously held this distinction in 2023.
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
GETTY
|The walking tour was "highly recommended" by those who tried it
The renowned basilica is celebrated for its intricate design and historical significance. Meanwhile, American travellers have crowned the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the nation's finest attraction.
The Florida space centre has garnered more than 15,000 five-star ratings, with families particularly praising the inspiring educational experience it offers visitors.
In the United States, a comprehensive Hawaiian adventure has taken top honours. The Oahu-based excursion, which has received almost 5,000 five-star ratings, combines cultural education with marine exploration.
The winning Hawaiian tour encompasses 16 different locations across the island. Participants spend their day learning about local traditions, swimming with tropical fish, and discovering various coastal communities and beaches throughout Oahu.
Top Attractions in the World
- Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
- Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
- NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, United States
- Louvre Museum, Paris, France
- Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, Asia
- Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Plaza de España, Seville, Spain