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

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

USA Today28-07-2025
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.
Need a tropical vacay? These are the top 10 islands to visit, says Expedia
Top attractions in the world
Top attractions in the US
Top experiences in the world
Top experiences in the US
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