22 Places to Travel in 2025, According to AD’s Global Editors
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As 2024 draws to a close, you might be looking ahead to 2025 and wondering about which places to visit in the year ahead. We certainly are—every year we bring you our list of the best places for architecture and design lovers to travel over the next 12 months. And this year, AD’s global editors, based around the world, have tapped into their resources to determine which places will be hot in 2025.
Narrowing down this list is no easy task. There are just too many incredible places around the world. Should we return to tried-and-true favorites? Or seek out new horizons? Stay close to home? Or venture to the farthest corners of the planet? This list offers a mix of all of the above, highlighting some beloved destinations with compelling new reasons to visit as well as under-the-radar places you might not have considered before.
Whether they have exciting new museums or cultural institutions, natural landscapes worth preserving, buzzy new hotels to check into, or emerging architecture and design trends, these places represent the best destinations for curious travelers hungry for inspiration. So go ahead, read on to find out which places our global editors have their sights on for 2025. As always, to be safe we recommend checking your local nation’s latest travel regulations and guidance before planning any international trips.
Photo: Getty Images/Walter Bibikow1/22Metz, France
2025 marks an exciting time for Metz, located in eastern France. Construction on Philippe Starck’s titanic project, the eight-story Maison Heler hotel, should be finished in the city’s Amphitheatre district. Starck described the project as “a masterful architecture out of the ordinary. It’s a play on uprooted roots, a symbolic construction of Lorraine.” The Centre Pompidou Metz will also house some of the works from the Centre Pompidou Paris when the latter closes for renovation—between 2025 and 2030. —Fanny Guenon Des Mesnards, AD France
Photo: Getty Images/Boris Stroujko2/22Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is finally more easily accessible than ever thanks to the recently opened Salerno Costa d’Amalfi airport. Recent TV series have put small villages throughout the coast, such as Atrani (Ripley on Netflix), in the spotlight. Along the coast, towns such as Furore are, dare we say, more authentic, yet remain splendidly beautiful. In Furore, a new luxury hotel called called Furore Grand Hotel promises views overlooking the sea and a Michelin-starred restaurant. —Alessandra Pellegrino, AD Italy
Photo: Getty Images/Jeff Schneiderman3/22Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
Hop on a three-hour flight from LA, or a 90-minute flight from Mexico City, and you’ll arrive in a city that’s often overlooked by travelers from outside the country. Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco, a state that’s long been famous as the home of tequila and now increasingly known for its booming cultural scene. Getting to and from Guadalajara has become easier in recent years thanks to the ambitious expansion of its airport led by architect Lucio Muniain. The city’s museums, art galleries, restaurants, design shops, and boutique hotels have opened their doors to visitors looking to experience both the traditional flavors and colors of Mexico as well as the city’s more cosmopolitan side. In particular, February has become one of the best times of the year to visit thanks to Art Wknd, an art, architecture, and design fair, which has managed to secure a spot on the calendars of Mexican and international artists and collectors. On the gastronomic front, the World’s Best 50 Bars included in its list a favorite among locals and visitors alike, Gallo Altanero, a bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu of delicious drinks. As for restaurants, Bruna and Octo are among the new spots where tables are coveted. Finally, the new Plataforma has become the leading home of contemporary art and the epicenter of the creative scene in Guadalajara since its inauguration in early 2024. It houses the private collection of Marcela Preciado and José Noé Suro, as well as hosting temporary exhibitions and events. Guadalajara also offers a number of options for short excursions nearby including Tequila, Tapalpa (a charming town famous for its wool weavings), Lagos de Moreno (a city with a number of colonial-era landmarks), Lake Chapala, the Bosque la Primavera (a biosphere reserve), the city of Tonalá, and Mazamitla (a mountain resort town). —Mariela Martinez, AD Mexico
Photo: Courtesy of Tobias Lamberg Torjusen4/22Hardangerfjord, Norway
Norway has never been short on good reasons to visit: unspoiled nature, colorful wooden houses, and culture, to name a few. Now there is yet another extraordinary one. Located near the city of Rosendal is the Folgefonnanatural park, which features a giant steel egg floating in the Hardangerfjord. Crafted by Kvorning Design, the floating structure is the Salmon Eye aquaculture sustainability research center and is open to the public. Within the structure is another surprise; the new Iris restaurant. The restaurant’s interiors, which were done by Norm Architects, masterfully contrasts and complements the innovative, ellipsoid architecture of the exterior. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability, local ingredients, and the vibrant life beneath the sea. —Valentina Raggi, AD Italy
Photo: Rosewood London/Durston Saylor5/22London, UK
The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train will be the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, scheduled for launch in July 2025. It will depart from London and offer three-night trips with a choice of three itineraries through the landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. In London itself, there’s no shortage of hotel openings between Cambridge House designed by Jean-Louis Deniot while Laura Gonzalez will design the club’s bars, dining venues, spa, and nine members’-only club rooms. Six Senses London will open in 2025, as well as Rosewood London designed by Joseph Dirand. At Sloane, which opened in 2024, is located in the heart of Chelsea in a Victorian building and sure to delight any design-loving traveler. As for private clubs, which are legion in the English capital, the latest Soho House is very select: membership and access to Soho Mews House is offered by invitation only. —Fanny Guenon Des Mesnards
Photo: Mark Anthony Fox6/22Al Moudira, Luxor, Egypt
Many years ago, when the Italian-Lebanese tastemaker Zeina Aboukheir embarked on her dream project—to create her own version of a nature-bound hotel in Egypt—little did she know that the plot of land she planted date seeds on would one day transform into a desert paradise attracting tourists from all over the world. Today, that dream, the Al Moudira hotel, has entered a new era, becoming a member of the renowned Relais & Chateaux group. Located on the east bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt is the city of Luxor, the hotel is near the UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Thebes and the Valley of the Kings. Recently, a major expansion project has seen six new private villas added to the property—one of which was Aboukheir’s home for 22 years. Charming hand-painted frescoes, vintage furniture and antique textiles unearthed by Aboukheir on her travels adorn the villas, all constructed using locally made terra-cotta and sandstone bricks, and designed in the same style as the original buildings. —Amy Bradford, AD Middle East contributor
Photo: Getty Images7/22Tabanan, Bali
A curious mix of art, nature, and technology is at the heart of Nuanu, a soon to be opened creative center in Tabanan, a city on the southwest coast of Bali. The brainchild of entrepreneur Sergey Solonin, Nuanu is an experimental ecosystem spread across 44 hectares, based on a philosophy of harmony. It’s attracting artists, technologists, designers, and wellness and hospitality professionals from around the globe. There is local housing, an in-house school, boutique hotels, a popular beach club called Luna, craft workshops, and most interestingly, the Aurora Media park which is a over a half-mile long trail in a forested area by the riverbank. Artists have joined local Balinese artisans to create site-specific works that inspire a connection to nature. There are bamboo groves illuminated from within, foot bridges incorporated in gnarly branches with an installation that throws light projections on the surface of the water—we won’t be surprised if you feel like you’re in a scene from the movie Avatar. —Komal Sharma, AD India
Photo: Courtesy of MVRDV8/22Tirana, Albania
Do you remember the Dubai boom in the early 21st century? The lavish construction of The Palm, the glorious Burj Al Arab, and the futuristic transformation of an old pearl-fishing village into a city that pushed the boundaries of reality…. Well, something similar is happening in Tirana, the capital of Albania, where the historic center is reaching for the sky with a massive construction of skyscrapers and buildings. After opening an international call for urban development projects that included green spaces, avenues, and modern public transport, Tirana has become an architectural hub for major international firms such as Bjarke Ingels Group, Zaha Hadid Architects, MVRDV, and Alejandro Aravena, among others. The result is a boom that now includes the construction of a 984-foot-high skyscraper, six buildings over 650 feet tall, and another 21 above 325 feet tall. In addition, four more towers have been inaugurated in Tirana over the past five years, including the now-iconic Downtown One by the Dutch firm MVRDV (pictured). —Alberto Piernas Medina, AD Spain contributor
Photo: Getty Images/Predrag Vuckovic9/22New York, New York, USA
If you haven’t visited New York City in a while, 2025 is the year to go. A clutch of new hotels is giving travelers some very design-minded places to stay. The Fifth Avenue Hotel, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, has become an instant classic thanks to its maximalist interiors courtesy of AD100 designer Martin Brudnizki and Café Carmellini by lauded chef Andrew Carmellini. Brudnizki is also behind the Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel, a historic hotel on the Upper East Side that just emerged from a major renovation with a rather muted color scheme and an outpost of Casa Tua. Downtown, meanwhile, everyone is talking about the Manner, a new hotel in SoHo from the team behind Standard Hotels with a restaurant by acclaimed chef Alex Stupak and a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. In 2025, the Metropolitan Museum will reopen the renovated Michael C. Rockefeller Wing dedicated to the arts of Africa, the ancient Americas, and Oceania, and the Studio Museum will move into its sleek new home in Harlem. A dash of culture, a big helping of style—the country’s melting pot continues to bubble and boil. —Laura Itzkowitz, AD US contributor
Photo: Getty Images10/22Tangier, Morocco
Located near the Strait of Gibraltar and less obvious than the popular Marrakech, Tangier has all the charm of a seaside city with the added flair of being positioned between Africa and Europe. Among the must-see sights is the Sultanate Palace, a museum and historical building. But for those who want to experience life as a sultan, and not as a visitor, there is a new hotel that promises splendor. Owned by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay is located just east of the city, which means it overlooks Gibraltar, promising a noble stay. —Alessandra Pellegrino
Photo: Getty Images11/22Medellín, Colombia
Vibrant Medellín has a number of spaces dedicated to design, art, and culture, as well as some impressive works of architecture. It’s a city that is both surprisingly green and famous for its nightlife that offers options for everyone. Its ideal climate has earned it the nickname “the city of eternal spring,” and most days are perfect for exploring its parks, nature reserves, and the Aburrá Valley that surrounds it. The city is famous as the birthplace of Fernando Botero and for the Plaza Botero, where the artist’s sculptures can be admired outdoors. It is also known for its red brick buildings and the Metrocable, a gondola lift system built to provide transportation to some of the informal settlements on the city’s edges. For both visitors and residents alike, Medellín is easy to navigate on foot or using public transportation. You can take a break from wandering with a stop at the Museum of Antioquia, which houses works by Botero and murals by Pedro Nel Gomez. It was designed by the firm H. M. Rodríguez e Hijos in the 1930s and is a notable example of rationalist architecture of that period. Via Provenza is a pedestrian street with nearly 250 restaurants. The restaurant El Cielo, led by Juan Manuel Barrientos, is one of the city’s most famous dining spots. When deciding when to visit Medellín, you may want to time your trip around the annual Feria de las Flores, or Flower Festival, an event held in August that dates back to the era of colonial rule and which promotes local flower production. (Colombia is the second largest exporter of flowers in the world.) Similar to the Flower Festival, other fairs like Heimtextil have encouraged the growth of the city’s design and interior design scene. Drop into the 902 Showroom, where Andrea Landa and Nicolás Agustín Romero turned an old warehouse into an exhibition space for furniture, fashion, and art. ABC&D is a design space that offers the latest in finishes and home installations. The La Balsa Arte Gallery (there’s also a location in Bogota) shows works by artists reflecting on contemporary social issues. —Diana Garrido, AD Mexico
Photo: Getty Images12/22Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital, whose artistic and intellectual heritage was formed by residents such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud, continues to inspire visitors and residents today with both its historic and contemporary elements. The MAK (Museum of Applied Arts) and the MuseumsQuartier, a cultural complex including nine different institutions, are musts, as is the Vienna Secession building, where many of the exhibitions in 2025 share a common theme with artists reflecting on and engaging with architecture. The Wiener Werkstätte or Vienna Secession was a group of artists active in Vienna between 1897 and 1914 who drew their inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement. They wanted to create a new formal language—an Art Nouveau with geometric elements. It became an iconic look that is more relevant than ever in 2025 as interior and furniture design increasingly embrace a nostalgia for modern styles whose roots can be explored in Vienna. Overnight options include the classic Hotel Sacher, the Rosewood Vienna, or the newly opened The Hoxton, which has a fresh, eclectic look and a pool on the roof terrace. The traditional Viennese coffee house par excellence is Café Central, and for a drink the Loos Bar is a stylish choice. The city’s gilded history is impressive but its current style leans towards the unconventional: You can shop for fashion in an only-in-Vienna way at Song, which bills itself as a “fashion department store.” The shop is filled with cutting-edge pieces from cult brands. Vintage furniture is the draw at two other boutiques, Vintagerie and Ohne Butter. —Katharina Schwarze, AD Germany
Photo: Getty Images/Carmen Steiner13/22Vilnius, Lithuania
You could call it Vilnius, or you could call it the Green City of the future. Verdant spaces cover over 60% of entire urban footprint. It's no coincidence that the capital of Lithuania was elected European Green Capital by the EU for its commitment to sustainability. Visiting means breathing clean air, but also getting lost among its many exciting art galleries. And it will be much more convenient to get there and back thanks to a new airport terminal, which is scheduled to open in February 2025. —Alessandra Pellegrino
Photo: Getty Images14/22Sicily, Italy
Thanks to the second season of the White Lotus, travel to Taormina is booming—but that’s far from the only thing happening on Italy’s largest island. On the other side of the island, Agrigento has been named the 2025 Italian Capital of Culture. Known for the Valley of the Temples, an archeological park with some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, the province of Agrigento is also home to pristine beaches with luxe but laid-back beach clubs like Insula and wineries by Planeta and Mandrarossa. Just north of Agrigento, in Marsala, wine lovers can visit one of the estates of Donnafugata, a family-run winery known for excellent wines and whimsical labels by a children’s book author. —Laura Itzkowitz
Visuals by Celine Laurand15/22Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary with its usual verve, positioned between the past and the future. Starting with the exhibition at the H’ART Museum that’s dedicated to Holland in the 17th century (the century that cemented Amsterdam as a global city). The Drift Museum, which will be a new dreamlike museum, will open before summer in the historic Van Gendt Hallen. The creative duo’s artwork and performance installations will be enhanced by the grand character of the five industrial halls in the center of Amsterdam designed by architect Dolf van Gendt in 1898 to build the steam trains. —Elena Dallorso, AD Italy
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Photo: Getty Images/Anibal Trejo16/22Buenos Aires, Argentina
The capital of Argentina, South America’s second largest country, Buenos Aires is a vibrant city where life revolves around gastronomy, arts, culture, and an unbridled passion for soccer. A tour of its neighborhoods is like traveling through time as wonderful old buildings sit next to dazzling contemporary ones. From the only Le Corbusier project in Latin America to the Latin American Museum of Buenos Aires (known as MALBA), this city has a range of cultural attractions, as well as a fixation on world renown speakeasies. Bookstores occupy a special place at the heart of this city’s culture. Among those you’ll want to add to your itinerary are the Librería de Ávila, the oldest in Argentina; the famous El Ateneo Grand Splendid, which was originally constructed as a theater and is now an obligatory stop for bibliophiles; and more recent additions like Falena, located in a restored mansion. Soccer fans will want to visit the Estadio Alberto J. Armando, the stadium better known as La Bombonera, where the Club Atlético Boca Juniors plays. The smaller towns that surround Argentina’s capital provide introductions to rural life and the gauchos who are iconic figures in the country’s culture. Some that make for good day trips from the capital are San Antonio de Areco, San Andrés de Giles, San Miguel del Monte, Chascomús, Carlos Keen, and Tomás Jofré. —Mariela Martinez
Photo: Getty Images17/22Richmond, Virginia, USA
The capital of Virginia, Richmond is emerging from the shadows of decades of urban decay and transforming itself into a destination full of creative energy. The city has been gaining a reputation as a gastronomic powerhouse with a dynamic restaurant scene. The hotel scene is catching up too. AD100 alum Ash—the team behind the Siren Hotel in Detroit, Ulysses in Baltimore, and Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans—is getting ready to reveal its newest boutique hotel in Richmond’s bohemian Fan District. Shenandoah Mansions is giving new life to a 20th-century apartment building, filling it with Americana, such as block-printed quilts that nod to the folk artists in the area. —Laura Itzkowitz
Courtesy of Mercury Towers18/22Malta
Thanks to its rich history and ideal year-around climate, Malta is a destination to perpetually be excited about. Its capital, Valletta, has been a World Heritage Site since 1980 and is the current European Capital of Culture. But it’s more than just that. Malta is a welcoming place; it is no coincidence that it’s an LGBTQ+ destination for so many. New to the island, in the Mercury Towers complex, is the recently opened ME. A hotel born from the collaboration with the late architect Zaha Hadid, ME aims to become a landmark not only in hospitality, but also in entertainment and gastronomy. —Alessandra Pellegrino
Photo: Getty Images19/22Escalante, Costa Rica
If the Escalante neighborhood in Costa Rica’s capital, San José, has become fashionable in recent years, it’s not by mere chance. Rather, it's due to the growth of its wide range of cultural and culinary offerings. Little by little, this area of 26 blocks has become crowded with restaurants, bars, and galleries, many of which are housed in restored historic buildings. The streets, lined with designer stores and trendy restaurants, also feature murals by local artists. Art is a key part of the character of Escalante, with both the local government and residents committed to making the arts a central part of everyday life. The historic early 20th-century Steinvorth Building embodies the air of change in Escalante. It was rescued and renovated by Julian Mora when he was an architecture student; today he is one of the most recognized creatives in Costa Rica. Another must-see is the Galería Valanti, which originally promoted only Costa Rican art, but since the 1980s has diversified to feature works from all of Latin America. It is also known for its annual seminar on Latin American Art, an important event for many authorities in the field. Inside the neighborhood’s historic buildings you’ll find places to eat, view art, and admire—as well as acquire—works by local designers. Many of these buildings are wonderful examples of adaptive reuse and reminders of the importance of caring for historic structures. The Mercado Gastronómico, 5ta Calle is another highlight, an innovative urban project in a rapidly growing area with spaces dedicated to cinema, design, art, and architecture. —Diana Garrido
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Photo: Shoayb Khattab20/22The Old Town, AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Home to the ancient Nabataean civilization that dates back to the 1st millennium BC and dotted with their intricate tombs cut into monumental rocks that create an otherworldly landscape, AlUla in Saudi Arabia is one of the last untouched locations in the world. Now, its historic center, the Old Town, has been reborn as a cultural destination spotlighting rare craft, art, and indeed architecture. The meandering alleyways of the Old Town will transport you to a different time when, instead of stone and mud brick ruins, a thriving settlement once stood witness to silk, spices, and incense being traded between the east and west. At the heart of its revival is Dar Tantora the House Hotel, a unique restoration project that authentically depicts this 800-years-old neighborhood at the height of its influence. Adopting native construction methods of the past, Egyptian architect and archeologist Shahira Fahmy has restored 30 mudbrick ruins as a unique stay, with each dwelling decorated by local artisans in the same way the original inhabitants would have adorned their homes. —Pratyush Sarup, AD Middle East
Photo: Getty Images/Lepretre Pierre21/22Arequipa, Perú
Known as the White City due to the architecture built using white volcanic stone, Peru's Arequipa has colonial-era houses in a unique Europe meets the Andes style. With the Ampato, Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes surrounding the city, Arequipa has become a must-see in Peru. The main highlight might just be the Monastery of Santa Catarina de Siena, a small citadel founded in 1579 that extends over almost five acres. Throughout history, many daughters of the city’s wealthiest residents lived here as cloistered nuns, often with their own staffs of maids and attendants. Nearby is the Alvaro Valdivia antique shop, a unique store offering art and design pieces from around the world. You’ll also find the Mario Vargas Llosa Museum in this part of the city. It’s located in the home where the writer was born and its collection includes some of his manuscripts and personal objects, while it also hosts temporary exhibits. In 2000, the historic center of Arequipa was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, thanks to the remarkable conservation of many of its landmarked buildings, mainly churches and monasteries. However, this Peruvian city’s appeals are not only historic. Visitors will also find many galleries, museums, and other attractions for lovers of culture as well as gastronomy. Another draw of Arequipa is that it’s the only place on Earth where the enormous Andean condor can be spotted year-round. Local authorities strictly enforce measures to protect the species but you can spot them following the route of the Chili River, a natural reserve that’s perfect for kayaking and paddling by canoe, in addition to observing the area’s remarkable natural beauty. The Quebrada de Culebrillas archaeological site is another place that is worth a detour for its remarkable geological formations and ancient architecture made of white volcanic stone. —Diana Garrido
Photo: Harshita Nayyar22/22Jaipur, India
Jaipur is in the thick of a cultural and creative awakening. With its tourist influx at an all-time high, the glorious Pink City is, once more, proving why it’s such an architecturally rich destination. One oasis is the Raffles Jaipur, which features a striking blend of Mughal and Rajput nuances. Veteran jewellery designer Sunita Shekhawat introduced the new Museum of Meenakari Heritage, brought to life by AD100 architect Ambrish Arora of Studio Lotus, which is a nod to Jaipur’s Indo-Saracenic roots. Speaking of Jaipur’s roots, AD100 designer Marie-Anne Oudejans helped Sawai Padmanabh Singh, the head of Jaipur’s royal family, redesign their royal 19th-century holiday home, The Jaipur House, in Mount Abu. As an extension of her vision, Marie-Anne, in association with Barbara Miolini, created Jaipur’s newest dining haunt, Polo Palladio, a colorful and theatrical ode to Indian maximalism. —Harleen Kalsi, AD India
