Top 10 Most Popular Cities in Asia to Travel in 2025

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Every year, globetrotters cast their votes to praise the world’s best cities to visit that go beyond picture-perfect skylines and postcard views.

For 2025, Travel+Leisure revealed its readers’ favorite cities to visit across Asia that stand out for their accessibility, hospitality, culture, history, and adventures.

Whether you’re pursuing street food markets, off-the-beaten paths, or buzzing nightlife, these cities will leave each type of traveler craving for more.

Most Popular Cities in Asia

From the laid-back charms of Malaysia to Tokyo’s futuristic skylines to Kyoto’s rich traditions, explore these Asia’s 10 best cities to travel that Travel+Leisure’s readers couldn’t stop raving about.

Photo: Tokyo, Japan / Pexels

1. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo tops the list as readers’ favorite in 2025, captivating visitors with futuristic skyscrapers, vibrant districts, and a seamless blend of centuries-old traditions.

Asakusa historic district stands as a testament to the older Tokyo vibes. Whereas, Akhibara- Tokyo’s electric town, exhibits neon-lit streets, anime merchandise, and maid cafes.

The iconic Skytree Tower offers sweeping cityscape views dominated by Mount Fuji, while shopaholics can revel in 109 shopping centers in the Magnet. For Mario fans, Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian street, offers a kart racing tour, hosted daily between 10 am – 6 pm.

Tokyo is home to the world’s largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, serving delicious regional delicacies, including fresh sushi, steaming bowls of ramen to multi-course omakase meals, and traditional izakaya bars.

Photo: Wat Arun Temple, Bangkok, Thailand / Pexels

2. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok earns high praise for 2025, recognized for its dynamic mix of flavors, sights, and sounds that define Thailand’s vibrant capital.

A boat ride along the Chao Phraya River glides past many of Bangkok’s cultural and historical landmarks. The Rattanakoshin royal district houses many historical sites like the opulent Grand Palace and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple, and Wat Pho, the birthplace of therapeutic Thai massages.

The Khao San Road advances with bohemian vibes, while Silom offers Asia’s most LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market, featuring over 15,000 shops, and the Yaowarat Road historic area transform into a bustling food hub. Think of pad thai, mango sticky rice, and spicy som tom for just a few dollars.

Photo: Gardens By The Bay Supertree Grove, Singapore / Pexels

3. Singapore

Singapore, the Futuristic Garden City, impressed foodies and nature lovers with its integrated cultural landscape and a modern skyline.

The iconic Gardens by the Bay’s Supertrees, Marina Bay Sands’ infinity pool, and Changi Airport’s world’s tallest indoor waterfall attract visitors all year long. Sentosa Island offers a peaceful ambiance with its pristine beaches and luxe resorts, and Universal Studios Singapore themed park for families.

On the south coast, Palawan Beach tempts with street food, adventurous water sports, and vibrant nightlife. The ethnic neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam give insights into Singapore’s multicultural landscape.

Food is central to an immersive Singaporean experience. Hawker centers like Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre reflect the island’s unique culinary culture. From Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crabs to laksa and kaya toast, every dish is deeply sauteed in the nation’s multicultural roots.

Photo: Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul / Pexels

4. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul has become one of the trendiest destinations, celebrated for its global influence in music, food, tech, and fashion.

The Insadong historic street is where the Korean history, life, and culture come alive, dating back to the Joseon dynasty. The well-preserved Hanok village takes travelers back in time with its fascinating contrast between the old-world charms and modern skylines.

The Han River Parks offer Seoul like a local through cycling and boating. The Bukhansan National Park offers scenic hiking trails, crammed with ancient temples and diverse flora.

Seoul comes alive in Hongdae and Gangnam neighborhoods with indie art scenes, trendy cafes, live music, and Korean beauty shopping. Seongsu-dong, often referred to as the Brooklyn of Seoul, is a hub for entrepreneurs and young artists.

Foodies and K-pop fans can find comfort in sizzling Korean barbecue, spicy kimchi stew, and street snacks like teokbokki in Korea’s largest and oldest traditional Namdaemun market.

Photo: Hong Kong, China / Pexels

5. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong continues to enchant travelers with its dynamic energy, ancient history, monasteries, natural beauty, gastronomic scenes, and vibrant nightlife.

The Hong Kong Island stands as the business and entertainment heart, dominated by historical sites, colonial landmarks, and lively nightlife. The Victoria Harbour dazzles with the ‘A Symphony of Lights’ show in the evenings, demonstrating multimedia displays from the city’s skyscrapers.

Themed parks and beaches on Lantau Island create a magical experience for everyone at Disneyland, and a cable car ride. While Cheung Chau Island offers a glimpse into a more traditional way of life.

A guided night adventure into Tai Po Kau National Park gives nature lovers a chance to see the city’s nocturnal wildlife. From fashion and souvenirs in the Ladies’ Market to Stanley Market’s vibrant art scenes and SoHo’s energy, travelers can dwell in anything they desire.

The Chinese culinary tradition has developed over the centuries. Savory dim sum in traditional teahouses, roasted goose, and Wonton noodles will never disappoint your appetite.

The Carigali Tower, Petronas Twin Towers, Maxis Tower, and Four Seasons Place (Kuala Lumpur); Photo- Wikipedia

6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, steadily ranks as a global travel favorite for its diverse cultural influences in art, architecture, and gastronomy.

The world’s tallest Petronas Twin Towers stand as a symbol of the city’s creative and resilient corners. The impressive cave dwellings of Batu serve as significant festivals and pilgrimage sites for Malays and Hindus.

The Thean Hou Temple, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, demonstrates an intricate blend of Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist architectural ingenuity.

Melaka, a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site, features a rich tapestry of colonial architecture from the Dutch, Portuguese, and British past. The Cameron Highlands resonate with nature lovers and adventurers, offering lush tea plantations, strawberry farms, and hiking trails amid dense jungles.

Malaysia’s cuisine is rich in locally-produced ingredients, blended with Indian, Chinese, European, and Middle Eastern cooking practices. From the national nasi lamak dish to spicy Laksa noodle soup to Ipoh’s white coffee, the hawker stalls are scrambling with delicious recipes.

Photo: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam / Vietnam

7. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Formerly known as Saigon, T+L’s readers have voted Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh as one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities to explore.

Referred to as ‘Pearl of the Far East’ by the French and ‘Big Market’ by the Chinese immigrants, the city boasts a culturally rich history blending smoothly with modern architecture.

The city’s historical landmarks, including Gustave Eiffel’s Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Basilica of Saigon, stand as exemplary French colonial marvels.

The Jade Emperor Pagoda’s ethereal atmosphere, intricate carvings, and colorful statues attract those seeking spiritual escape from the bustling city scenes. The Cu Chi’s underground tunnels and War Remnants Museum draw visitors with detailed exhibitions and artifacts from wartime history.

The food and cafe culture is thriving with Vietnamese iced coffee, flavorful pho (noodle soup), broken rice cuisines, crispy banh xeo pancakes, and sweet che varieties.

Photo: Gion District of Geisha, Kyoto, Japan / Pexels

8. Kyoto, Japan

While Tokyo bedazzles with innovation, Kyoto embodies the cultural soul of Japan. Known for its magical cherry blossom season, Kyoto is home to more than 1,600 temples, serene gardens, and traditional teahouses.

Thousands of red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the soaring bamboo forest in Arashiyama, and the brilliant Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-Ji baffle visitors with their distinct landscapes.

Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu dera is the world’s oldest and one of the few nailless wooden buildings, founded in 778 AD by a priest. The Ginkaku-ji Temple invites trekkers and nature lovers for a scenic hike up the Philosopher’s Path.

The geisha district of Gion is known for its quaint streets and traditional merchants’ wooden houses. Whereas the Higashiyama District features trendy cafes and traditional shops.

The city’s kaiseki dining and traditional tea ceremonies offer travelers a true immersion into Japan’s rich heritage. The Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, is filled with fresh seafood, vegetables, local sweets, and Japanese traditional kitchenware.

Photo: Sydney Opera House, Australia / Pexels

9. Sydney, Australia

Sydney has been voted among the top 10 by T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific for its sunny lifestyle and cosmopolitan flair.

The UNESCO-recognized Sydney Opera House is hard to miss. The historic steel-arch Sydney Harbour Bridge welcomes trekkers for an adventurous climb to the summit with Bridge Climb. Bondi Beach gives a classic Sydney beach vibe with surfing, swimming, and recreational activities.

Australia’s oldest Hyde Park is home to tree-lined avenues, crafted fountains, and historic memorials. The interactive art museums attract visitors with impeccable collections of historic and modern artifacts. Whereas the Natural History Museum entices history buffs, exhibiting dinosaur skeletons, exotic Australian wildlife, and 10,000-year-old indigenous islander culture.

Ranked one of the world’s best cities to eat, post-WWII immigrants largely contributed to Sydney’s food culture, particularly Mediterraneans and Asians. Try diverse cuisine in different regions like Cabramatta for Vietnamese food, Ashfield for Chinese, and classic Australian meat pie in every corner.

Photo: Osaka Castle, Japan / Pexels

10. Osaka, Japan

Osaka ranked in the list of the top 10 best cities by T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, celebrated for its diverse culinary culture, rich history, and modern attractions.

The city houses Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, Shitennō-ji, from the 6th century. The iconic 16th-century Osaka Castle stands as a symbol of unity and peace. While Shinseki’s retro district provides an insight into post-war Osaka. Kiayukan, one of the world’s largest aquariums, contains 15 tanks across the Pacific Rim, inhabited by sea lions, penguins, whale sharks, and 620 marine life species.

The Umeda Sky Building’s rooftop garden observatory features the world’s highest escalator between two towers, offering spectacular city views.

The world’s third-most visited Universal Studios Japan features Hollywood-themed rides and live entertainment shows from your favorite movies. The American Village nearby is an artistic hub for young creatives and J-pop culture, boasting a unique street fashion.

Kuromon Market, a popular food street since the Edo era, and the neon-lit Dotonbori district, serve signature dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki along with fresh, grilled seafood, saucy skewers, fluffy cheesecake, and egg tarts.

Photo: Changi Airport, Singapore / Pexels

Bottom Line

These top 10 award-winning cities reflect what travelers value the most. Beyond lavish stays and five-star eateries, historic wonders, cultural traditions, creativity, culinary heritage, modern architecture, and unspoiled natural beauty thrive above all.

So, let’s plan where your passport will take you first in 2025!

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