“The 100 Most Beautiful Places in the World” is a subjective and ever-changing list, as different publications, travelers, and experts have their own criteria for what makes a place beautiful. There is no single, universally agreed-upon list for 2025.

However, based on popular travel trends, expert recommendations from publications like Lonely Planet, TIME, and Travel + Leisure, and general consensus among travelers, here are some of the places that are consistently celebrated for their beauty and are likely to be on any “most beautiful places” list for 2025. These destinations are a mix of natural wonders, historic cities, and cultural landscapes.

Natural Wonders

• Swiss Alps, Switzerland: The iconic peaks, pristine lakes, and lush valleys of the Swiss Alps, including the famous Matterhorn and Jungfraujoch, continue to be a top destination for their dramatic beauty.
• Banff National Park, Canada: With its turquoise lakes (like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake), soaring mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife, this national park is a classic for its breathtaking landscapes.
• The Faroe Islands: These remote, rugged islands between Iceland and Norway are known for their dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and otherworldly green landscapes.
• Patagonia, South America: Spanning Chile and Argentina, this region is famous for its dramatic glaciers, towering peaks like Torres del Paine, and untouched wilderness.
• The Great Barrier Reef, Australia: The world’s largest coral reef system is a stunning underwater ecosystem, though its beauty is fragile and threatened.
• Iceland: The “Land of Fire and Ice” offers a unique landscape of glaciers, active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and geothermal lagoons.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its a series of 16 terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls.

Historic and Cultural Gems

• Kyoto, Japan: The city’s traditional temples, serene gardens, and historic geisha district make it a timeless destination for cultural and visual beauty.
• Machu Picchu, Peru: The “Lost City of the Incas” is an archaeological marvel with a stunning mountain backdrop that truly earns its place on a list of the world’s most beautiful places.
• Lisbon, Portugal: With its colorful, tiled buildings, historic trams, and stunning viewpoints over the Tagus River, Lisbon is a city of undeniable charm.
• Rome, Italy: An eternal city where ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum blend with Renaissance art and a vibrant modern life.
• Sintra, Portugal: A UNESCO World Heritage site near Lisbon, Sintra is a magical place of fairytale palaces and castles nestled in lush hills.
• Petra, Jordan: The “Rose City” is an archaeological wonder carved directly into red rock cliffs, offering an experience of ancient history and natural beauty.

Trending Destinations for 2025

Travel publications often highlight destinations that are gaining popularity for the upcoming year due to new attractions, events, or increased accessibility. For 2025, these include:

• Osaka, Japan: Tipped as a top trending destination, known for its vibrant food scene and as a gateway to other cultural sites in the Kansai region.
• Marrakech, Morocco: With new flight routes and a renewed focus on luxury stays, this city’s bustling souks and stunning riads are drawing more visitors.
• The Flow Country, Scotland: This vast, pristine peatland in Scotland has recently been given UNESCO World Heritage status, making it a new destination for nature lovers.
• Georgia (country): With new flights and a growing reputation, this country’s mix of stunning Caucasus mountains, ancient monasteries, and vibrant capital of Tbilisi is gaining attention.

While a definitive list of 100 places is too extensive to provide here, these examples represent the kind of places that consistently captivate travelers with their unique beauty. Any list would be a mix of iconic classics and new, emerging destinations.