The top 25 places to travel around the world in 2019 – Part 3

By Janaki Jitchotvisut from Business Insider

• Travel website TripAdvisor polled millions of its users to come up with its 2019 list of favorite world destinations.
• Whether you love doing outdoor activities, strolling, exploring, or nightlife, there’s something for you.
• Unique architecture, art, food, culture, and history are all features of each of the 25 destinations on this list.
• From sandy beaches to luminous lagoons, there’s something for everyone.

TripAdvisor just released its 2019 Travelers’ Choice awards — and millions of visitors voted for their favorite destinations around the world.

Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach or a bustling city, there’s likely a destination fit for you. Here are the top 25 best places to travel around the world in 2019.

#9: Marrakech, Morocco, is full of historic mosques, gardens, palaces, and markets to dazzle your senses.

Known by some as the Red City due to all the red sandstone used in its unique architecture, the city is comprised of two parts: the Old Medina and the more modern area, the Ville Nouvelle.

Be sure to visit the Bahia Palace, and take a little time to explore the gorgeous Islamic architecture inside Le Jardin Secret. You’re also just a day-trip away from the Ouzoud Waterfalls if you need a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

#8: Istanbul, Turkey, is full of breathtaking architecture, bazaars, and traditional Turkish baths.

Hagia Sophia has lived many lives— first as a church, then as a mosque, and now as a museum. From Basilica Cistern to Sultanahmet Square, there’s plenty of glorious architectural wonderto experience in Istanbul.

You must also check out at least one of the city’s legendary bazaars.

#7: Barcelona, Spain, is another must-visit for fans of architectural history — you can’t leave without checking out Gaudí’s Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família.

Although it has amazingly been under construction for over 136 years, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. According to Artsy, it is scheduled for completion in 2026 — but is well worth visiting even before that time.

There’s plenty of other Gaudí architecture to enjoy — including Casa Batlló and Park Güell — but more outdoor-minded people might like to visit the mountains of Tibidabo or Montjuïc. You might also visit the Gran Teatre del Liceu — Barcelona’s opera house, which was built in 1847.

#6: Phuket, Thailand, is beloved by beach lovers and divers alike around the world.

Go diving off the Similan Islands, visit Wat Chalong, or even see the Big Buddha in Phuket. Of course, there are numerous beaches to explore and find your favorite — and you can easily visit the island of Phi Phi, the filming site of the movie “The Beach.”

There are plenty of night markets around as well — so don’t think your fun needs to end just because the sun has gone down.

#5: Bali, Indonesia, is home to beautiful temples, beaches, an active volcano, and a monkey sanctuary — there’s something for everyone here.

From Lempuyang Temple— also known as the Gate of Heaven — to the very active volcano Mount Agung, you’ll find yourself surrounded by wonders both natural and man-made when you visit Bali.

If you want to spend more time in nature, you can visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Or, for a truly unforgettable experience, go snorkeling or scuba diving with manta rays at Manta Point.

#4: Crete, Greece, is full of history both mythological and archaeological.

If you read about the minotaur in school, you’ll want to see the ruins where legend has it that the beast once roamed — and the ruins at the Palace of Knossos is the place.

For a beautiful beach experience that is unique to Crete, check outElafonissi. Those with an interest in archaeology will want to check out the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which contains artifacts spanning 5,500 years of the island’s history.

#3: Rome, Italy, has so many things to see, eat, and do — from the Sistine Chapel to the Colosseum — and there’s plenty of delicious food to keep you delighted all day and night.

Opened in A.D. 80, parts of the Colosseum still stand to delight tourists from around the world to this day. If you’ve only ever seen photos of the beautiful frescoes that adorn the Sistine Chapel, your visit to Rome is the perfect opportunity to witness the real thing in person.

For a glimpse of a different side of Roman history, you could also take one of the many Roman catacombs tours on offer.

#2: Paris, France, is home to some of the best food in the world — and also the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame, and of course the Moulin Rouge.

Whether you’re visiting the big landmarks, the Louvre, or the Musee d’Orsay, be sure to take time to visit the Seine and walk along its banks. Of course, there’s incomparable food and shopping to be had as well, if that’s your thing — and don’t forget to eat some of the best pastries on the planet.

#1: London, England, features a heady mix of history and modernity, from Buckingham Palace to the Tate Modern.

History fans will no doubt flock to the Tower of London, where you can also see the Crown Jewels. You could also take a day trip toStonehenge, or visit Abbey Road or even the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

For a taste of some of the best the city has to offer, be sure to check out one of London’s many food halls.

Read the original article on INSIDER.

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