Marrakesh named world’s best destination

(Source: Stuff)

The world's largest travel review site has revealed the world's best travel destinations for this year in its 2015 Travellers' Choice awards. The "Red City" of Marrakesh in Morocco took out the top spot with its mesmerising arrays of markets, gardens, palaces and mosques. Cambodia's second biggest city, Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat and a growing tourist population, slotted in at number two. Istanbul's artistic revolution, majestic architecture and the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque earned the third spot in the list of destinations to visit in 2015. Vietnam's historic and cultural capital Hanoi may be best known for its French colonial architecture, but it's also forging a contemporary path, seeing it take fourth place in the list. Rounding up the top five is Prague, Czech Republic. Its 'bohemian allure and fairy-tale features' makes this a destination ideal for travellers who love history, culture and hearty food. Queenstown was the only New Zealand destination to make the top 25, coming in at the 22nd spot: "Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits—much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jet boating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing."
 

1. MARRAKESH, MOROCCO

The "Red City" of Marrakech is a magical place, brimming with markets, gardens, palaces, and mosques. Exploring the intimate courtyards and snaking alleyways of the historic Medina can easily eat up a day.


2. SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Cambodia, and Siem Reap especially, has become a hugely popular destination over the past two decades, as the country emerged from war and internal conflict and invested in restoring Angkor Wat. Get a lesson in national history at the Cambodian Cultural Village, and a lesson in bargaining at the Angkor Night Market, a bonanza of shopping stalls, food vendors, and bars.


 

3. ISTANBUL, TURKEY

The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep travellers happily occupied for their entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Many travellers recommend kicking the trip off with the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city.


 

4. HANOI, VIETNAM

Vietnam's historic and cultural capital Hanoi, known for its colonial architecture and French remnants in the Old Quarter, is forging a contemporary path making taking it to the number four on the list.


5. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

The bohemian allure and fairy-tale features of Prague make it a perfect destination for beach-weary vacationers who want to immerse themselves in culture. Travellers could devote an entire day to exploring Prazsky hrad (Prague Castle), then refuelling over a hearty dinner at a classic Czech tavern.


6. LONDON, ENGLAND

Walk around the city where history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day can be different for everyone: culture hounds should hit the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. For foodies, cream tea at Harrods's or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavour. Music and book buffs will freak out over Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum.


7. ROME, ITALY

The city of Rome feels like the exhibit halls of a giant outdoor museum, a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and mind-boggling historic sites. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, drop your jaw at the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and fuel up on cappuccino for an afternoon of shopping at the Campo de'Fiori or Via Veneto.


8. BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

The birthplace of the tango is, like the dance itself, captivating, seductive and bustling with excited energy. Atmospheric old neighbourhoods are rife with romantic restaurants and thumping nightlife, and Buenos Aires' European heritage is evident in its architecture, boulevards and parks.


9. PARIS, FRANCE

Paris receives around 28 million tourists per year, of which 17 million are foreign visitors, which arguably makes the city and its region the world's leading tourism destination. The city is encompassed with centuries of cultural and political development has brought Paris a variety of museums, theatres, monuments and architectural styles.


10. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa. Cape Point is recognised as the dramatic headland at the end of the Cape Peninsula, and travellers also favour surrounding beaches.

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