The 10 most popular travel destinations of 2025, according to Google

Remember that moment when a late-night scroll turned into a full-blown travel rabbit hole? One search led to another—best cities for a long weekend, cool places to escape the heat, cheap European getaways—and suddenly you were planning a trip you hadn’t even told your friends about yet. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In 2025, billions of people did exactly that. And thanks to Google’s annual Year in Search report, we now know which destinations captured the world’s collective imagination. These aren’t just the most visited places—they’re the places people couldn’t stop Googling. From culture-packed cities and sun-soaked islands to cooler alternatives and sporting hotspots, these destinations saw sustained spikes in interest throughout the year, making them uniquely of 2025. So, where did wanderlust take the internet this year? Here are the 10 most Googled travel destinations of 2025.

10. Düsseldorf, Germany
With travellers increasingly dodging Europe’s overcrowded capitals, Düsseldorf quietly climbed search charts in 2025. Germany’s fashion-forward city won people over with its walkable layout, lively Old Town, riverside cafés and polished shopping streets—offering culture and style without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

9. Basel, Switzerland
Basel is no stranger to global attention thanks to Art Basel, but 2025 gave the city an extra boost. Hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final in July sent flight searches soaring, introducing many travellers to this elegant Swiss city set along the Rhine.

8. Reykjavik, Iceland
As “coolcations” became the travel buzzword of the year, Reykjavik emerged as a clear favourite. Expanded flight routes, dramatic landscapes and a growing appetite for off-grid experiences pushed Iceland’s capital higher in search rankings, with foreign traveller departures rising sharply in summer 2025.

7. Málaga, Spain
Málaga’s appeal stretched beyond peak summer in 2025 as travellers prioritised comfort over crowds. Mild winters, long sunlit springs and rising European heat made it a season-savvy destination for beach time, culture and warmth.

6. Kraków, Poland
Kraków’s moment came as travellers grew more budget-conscious without wanting to compromise on culture. Interest in the historic Polish city hit record levels in 2025, driven by affordable flights, lower hotel prices and a rich mix of medieval architecture, museums and café culture.

5. Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza surprised many by seeing sustained search growth in 2025. While the island’s nightlife still draws partygoers, renewed interest focused on its quieter northern side, wellness escapes and headline-making new openings like Soho Farmhouse Ibiza and the futuristic UNVRS “hyperclub.”

4. Santander, Spain
Often overshadowed by Spain’s southern coast, Santander emerged as a quiet winner in 2025. Cooler summer temperatures, scenic beaches and excellent seafood at reasonable prices helped the Cantabria capital stand out during a record-breaking year for Spanish tourism.

3. Dubai, UAE
Dubai continued its unstoppable rise in 2025. Searches surged as travellers planned sun-filled breaks centred around glamorous beaches, world-class shopping and a steady stream of sleek new hotel launches. Few cities matched Dubai’s ability to reinvent itself—and keep travellers curious.

2. Barbados
Barbados claimed second place thanks to increased air connectivity and a wave of high-end resort openings. The island’s blend of Caribbean charm, turquoise waters and elevated luxury experiences kept it firmly on travellers’ minds throughout 2025.

1. Bilbao, Spain
Topping Google’s travel searches for 2025 is Bilbao—a city that finally got the attention it deserves. Major sporting events, including the UEFA Europa League Final in May, sparked global interest, while cultural heavyweights like the Guggenheim Museum and Bilbao Fine Arts Museum sealed its status as the year’s breakout destination.