Kuala Lumpur has been named the second most popular travel destination in the world for 2025, according to TripAdvisor’s newly released rankings.
The Malaysian capital has outshone other major tourist hotspots, including Seoul, Kyoto, and Manama, with only Osaka, Japan, taking the top spot.
This achievement highlights Kuala Lumpur’s growing appeal as a global travel destination.
Kuala Lumpur’s must-visit attractions
TripAdvisor’s rankings are based on extensive traveler reviews and ratings, with several of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic landmarks capturing global attention.
Among the city’s top attractions are the world-renowned Petronas Twin Towers, Bukit Tabur (Crystal Hill), Thean Hou Temple, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves, and Petaling Street (Chinatown).
These attractions have earned high praise from travelers, with all receiving a minimum rating of three stars.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, in particular, has accumulated over 4,205 reviews, boasting an impressive 4.5-star rating.
How TripAdvisor determines rankings
TripAdvisor uses a comprehensive evaluation system to determine the top travel destinations worldwide.
The ranking process is based on the following key factors:
- Number of Reviews – A higher volume of reviews allows for a more accurate representation of traveler experiences and sentiments.
- Positive Review Ratio – Destinations with a significant percentage of favorable reviews receive higher overall scores.
- Recency of Reviews – Recent traveler feedback is prioritized to ensure rankings reflect the latest visitor experiences, with outdated reviews excluded from consideration.
Top 10 global travel destinations for 2025
- Osaka, Japan
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Manama, Bahrain
- Lima, Peru
- Medellín, Colombia
- Auckland Central, New Zealand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Casablanca, Morocco
With its impressive rise to second place, Kuala Lumpur continues to cement its reputation as a top international travel destination.
The city’s blend of modern skyscrapers, rich cultural heritage, and diverse culinary scene makes it a must-visit for travelers worldwide.
