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By Sukriti Wahi Entertainment 20.11.2024

10 Incredible Places to Visit In 2025

Grab your passport.

If you’re like us, the prospect of a new year means it’s time to start planning the next holiday.

After all, it’s fun – and motivating – to have a big trip to look forward to. Plus, putting an itinerary together (and potentially getting the group chat on board) can take some time. However, we are here to help things along in the travel inspiration department (it’s selfish, really).

Ready to begin your globe-trotting pursuits for the upcoming year? From arty capitals to underrated European destinations and ancient cities, discover our round-up of 10 inspiring places to visit in 2025.

1. Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisia

A quaint clifftop village painted white and blue, Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Saïd might garner comparisons to Santorini, but its alluring ivory and azure palette pre-dates that of the famous Greek island by about 60 years. Arrive in about 20 minutes by car from the capital city of Tunis, then allow the town’s slow pace to wash over you as you stroll the cobblestone streets, snapping photos of milky corridors framed in orange blossoms and stopping for leisurely cups of mint tea. Be sure to visit some of its spectacular manors, such as Dar el-Annabi, which showcases the traditional Tunisian homes of the past, and climb to the lighthouse for sweeping views of the turquoise Bay of Tunis.

2. Cassis, France

Affectionately dubbed the “poor man’s Saint-Tropez”, consider the quiet port town of Cassis the crusty baguette to the former’s tarte tropézienne – more wholesome and humble but just as filling. Just a 30-minute drive from Marseille, set aside at least three days to wander the sorbet streets of the old town, swim in the crystalline waters of its beaches and famous calanques – steep coves formed from limestone – trawl the twice-weekly markets for Provençal goodies and sip local rosé with a side of pommes frites as the sun sets over the port (mais bien sûr).

3. Siem Reap, Cambodia

While it’s best known as the gateway to the renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap runs the gamut from awe-inspiring historical sites and national parks to chic boutique hotels and an exciting street food scene. Cambodia’s second-largest city is also a fascinating fusion of East and West, presenting French-colonial architecture in the Old French Quarter and Chinese-style architecture in the Old Market – best explored in a tuk-tuk or like a local via Vespa. The dry season of November to April is considered the best time to visit, but if you go between June and October, you’ll avoid the crowds and see the breathtaking temples surrounded by flourishing greenery.

4. Madrid, Spain

Oft-overlooked in favour of Barcelona and Spain’s sunny coasts, Madrid is vastly underrated as far as major cities go. However, this capital has everything you could want in an urban European escape: elegant rooftop bars, a world-class culinary scene, abundant green spaces and grand plazas that hum with life. Of course, it would be remiss of us to ignore its well-earned reputation as a city for art aficionados. Come here for galleries galore, notably The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza, which make up the “Golden Triangle of Art” along the tree-lined, UNESCO-listed Paseo del Prado, to see the works of Dalí, Miro and Goya, among others.

5. Krabi, Thailand

With a coral reef regarded among the world’s most beautiful, soaring limestone cliffs, aquamarine waters and postcard-worthy sunsets, Krabi’s coastal beauty is undeniable – but there’s more beyond the shore. Around three hours’ drive from Phuket or two hours via ferry, the province also offers plenty to do further inland, with all tastes catered to. Our recommendations: spot macaques in the wild on the ‘monkey trail’ between Ao Nang Beach and Pai Plong Beach, hike up 309 metres to the holy Tiger Cave Temple, and go for a soothing soak in the Krabi Hot Springs. Lastly, check out Krabi’s nighttime Walking Street Market for mouthwatering mounds of pad thai and mango sticky rice, live music and a spot of haggling (don’t worry, it’s expected).

6. Antarctica

A once-in-a-lifetime trip, Antarctica’s remoteness, invigorating cold, otherworldly ice formations and incredible wildlife make it an expedition for adventurers at heart. As the toughest landmass on earth to reach, it’s not advisable to visit all on your own, but there are many tourist ships – primarily departing out of Argentina, as well as a few from Australia and New Zealand – to ensure you travel in comfort, have the right resources and arrange all the administrative details for you. The best time to visit is between November and March, when the temperatures range between a pleasant -2°C and 8°C – perfect for befriending some curious penguins.

7. Évora, Portugal

With roots going back more than two millennia, the ancient city of Évora in Portugal’s Alentejo region is distinctive for its mix of Roman, Moorish and Portuguese influences. Once a meeting point for medieval kings, today, the entire town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has the honour of being one of Portugal’s most liveable cities, with stylish boutique hotels, charming family-run restaurants and rolling vineyards aplenty. It’s also just as picturesque – if not more – than Lisbon. Hidden behind fortress walls, you’ll need plenty of room on your camera roll as you explore the narrow cobblestone lanes of whitewashed homes trimmed with marigold.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

From the majesty of Table Mountain towering above the city to the golden beaches flanked by the vibrant blues of both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, there is a grandeur about Cape Town that is hard to do justice to in words or photos. Situated in the southernmost tip of Africa, the city has much to entice nature lovers, foodies and adventure-seekers alike. A first-time itinerary must include a hike or ride in a cable car to the summit of Table Mountain for breathtaking views, a venture out to the Cape Winelands to taste world-class wines and a visit to the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. And for the water sports fans? Surfing, paragliding – and even shark cage diving – await.

9. Jaipur, India

Touted as “The Pink City” for its terracotta-tinted architecture – a colour chosen to symbolise hospitality – Jaipur is widely considered one of India’s most picturesque places, thanks to its fusion of Mughal and Rajput-era influences. The walled capital of Rajasthan boasts some of the country’s top landmarks, like Hawa Mahal, with its intricate facade of honeycombed windows, and the sprawling Amer Fort, perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the whole city. Thrumming with creativity, Jaipur is also a hub for fashion and craftsmanship, with markets like Johari and Bapu Bazaar overflowing with everything from hand-block printed fabrics to dazzling gemstone jewellery. Keep your wallet handy.

10. Cartagena, Colombia

Defined by its colourful colonial architecture, stunning nearby beaches and lively Caribbean energy, Cartagena is a coastal gem in northern Colombia. Enclosed within well-preserved city walls, it’s easy to while away the hours walking the vivid streets of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. Best visited in the dry season from December to April, make sure to enjoy a café con leche and a people-watching session in Plaza Santo Domingo, and answer any hunger pangs with some delicious ceviche marinated in coconut and lime from La Cevichería before hitting the powdery white sands of Playa Blanca for a lazy afternoon by the Caribbean Sea.

Going Swimming? Don't Forget a Towel!

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