22 Bucket List Places to Visit in 2025

With an almost inexhaustible choice of bucket list places to visit, deciding where to travel can be a long and enjoyable process in any year—and 2025 is no exception.

Many of Europe’s cities will be even more atmospheric than usual, courtesy of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, Rome’s Jubilee, and France celebrating everything from Cezanne to the reopening of Notre Dame. Likewise, exciting new cultural experiences from Sydney to Spain are furnishing much-loved favorites with timely reasons to visit.

Add in some always-alluring islands—the Galapagos’ unrivaled wildlife, shimmering Caribbean shorelines, and postcard-perfect Pacific escapes—and quickly, these once-in-a-lifetime destinations create a conundrum: which bucket list destinations to visit first?

Italy

With history-defining Roman monuments, rainbow villages clambering from cinematic coastlines, and the world’s most compelling canals, Italy boasts more bucket list places to visit than styles of nonna-pressed pasta—and that’s a lot.

Home to 60 World Heritage Sites—the most of any country in the world—any bucket-list-worthy trip to Italy should string together a few of the country’s greatest cities.

Marvel at Ravenna’s flashy, almost unfathomable Byzantine mosaics and amble around the Valley of the Temples, an ancient Greek archaeological site in Sicily’s Agrigento, the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025. Awe appears at every turn.

Central to it all is evocative Rome, the former heart of the Roman Empire. Envision gladiator battles in the ancient Colosseum amphitheater, gaze up at the imposing dome of the well-preserved Pantheon, and roam the ruins of the Roman Forum. It’s almost impossible not to feel like Augustus himself might appear around the corner.

Adding further incentive for a timely Rome visit, Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee year. Renovation works in the lead-up have ensured that landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain, are sparkling. Add the expected steady stream of pilgrims and The Eternal City will retain an exceptional atmosphere throughout the year.

Once you’ve experienced your fill of Roman marvels, flit between Florence’s unforgettable Duomo Cathedral, glide through Venice onboard a gondola towards sensational St. Mark’s Basilica, and savor the world’s best pizza margherita in Naples. Then fall in love with Amalfi Coast’s handsome, mountain-hugging towns. Italy and bucket list are practically synonymous.

Galapagos Islands

Few, if any, places on our planet can rival Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands for protected landscapes and unique wildlife encounters.

This astonishing archipelago, surrounded by deep, sapphire waters, is a sanctuary for endemic penguins, giant tortoises, sea lions, flamingos, marine iguanas, and more.

For wildlife lovers, an expedition across these isles, which were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago vows to roll numerous bucket list experiences into one unforgettable adventure.

On Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station furnishes a fascinating peek into crucial scientific projects and conservation. The endemic flora is intriguing in the center’s gardens. However, the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where giant Galapagos tortoises are reared before being released into the wild, is most indelible.

Head to inhabited Isabela Island to try and spot over a dozen whale species before exploring the once pirate-plagued Tagus Cove, now harboring penguins and green turtles. At Egas Port on Santiago Island, a colony of fur seals is the star, while San Cristobal Island is home to the largest marine iguana species. With no two islands quite the same, bucket list experiences abound.

Barcelona, Spain

Spain isn’t short of bucket list places to visit, but Barcelona arguably takes the top spot. Embellished with Gaudì’s eye-catching architecture, brimming with top-tier restaurants, and fronted by always atmospheric Barceloneta Beach, Spain’s second city is simply sublime.

The city is gearing up to celebrate, finally, the completion of Gaudì’s most magnificent project, the unprecedented Sagrada Família. The basilica’s penultimate Chapel of the Assumption is set to be finished in 2025.

Step inside the majestic main hall, stand under the heaven-reaching central columns, bathed in a kaleidoscopic stream of stained glass light, and it’s instantly clear why few other religious temples are comparable.

After witnessing his monumental marvel, plenty more ingenious and playful designs await. From the al fresco artworks of colorful Park Güell to the reimagined immersive experience beyond the whimsical facade of Casa Batlló, Gaudì’s influence on the city is undeniable.

But there’s more. Amble around the Gothic Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood, webbed by narrow lanes spilling onto plaças, or squares, and landmark buildings. Or take a day trip to Montserrat’s monastery, clinging to the side of a mountain. Montserrat is observing its 1,000th anniversary in 2025.

Add an accoladed dining scene elevating everything from paella to patatas bravas, especially since Catalonia has been crowned the World Region of Gastronomy for 2025,  and it’s definitive that Barcelona is delicious in every way.

Alaska, USA

Where can you go whale watching, bear spying, dog sledding, glacier glimpsing, and gold panning in one trip? Alaska, of course. From its beauty and climate to the first taste of locally sourced salmon, the US’s 49th state is a bona fide bucket list adventure and a land of extremes.

Taking top billing is the state’s pristine wilderness and wildlife. Whether you’re watching humpback whales breach in Glacier Bay National Park or witnessing grizzly bears roam around Lake Clark National Park, wonderment is never far away.

For a more intimate experience of the Last Frontier’s landscapes, try your hand at dog-sledding near Seward, for decades a necessary way to traverse the inhospitable winter landscape. Excitingly, 2025 marks a century since a team of heroic dog sledders crossed the region, delivering much-needed diphtheria antitoxin, commemorated annually with the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

With an almost endless list of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from marveling at Mendenhall Glacier aboard a kayak to riding the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, and learning about Indigenous culture in a Tlingit village, a visit to Alaska is life-affirming.

St. Lucia

Embarking on a catamaran trip around any Caribbean island and stepping onto silky soft sands lapped by bath-like ripples is about as perfect as a vacation can be. But volcanic St. Lucia, one of the Lesser Antilles’ Windward Islands, stands out as much for its jaw-dropping topography as dazzling beaches.

Coastal sights here are superlative. Reduit Beach is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Hopping on a water taxi in Soufriere to reach secluded sands is magical, while purposefully scuttled ships afford snorkelers and scuba divers a captivating, colorful explosion of corals.

Back on terra firma, St. Lucia continues to be second to none. Gaze at the Pitons, two World Heritage Site volcanic plugs that soar above the rainforest, and soak in sulfur hot springs and witness a steam-bubbling volcano. Bucket list moments promise unforgettable memories—best reflected on over an ice-cold, fruity rum punch.

Japan

From Tokyo’s futuristic skyline to snow-capped Mt. Fuji and cultural capital Kyoto, Japan’s bucket list places to visit all pledge the trip of a lifetime.

Whether you’re seduced by the cherry blossom sakura season, excited to sample sake or sushi at source, or simply want to lose yourself in the world’s most populated metropolis, there’s a one-of-a-kind experience in Japan for all.

For foodies, Osaka—known as Tenka no Daidokoro, or “the nation’s kitchen”—can’t be beaten. Savoring scrumptious street food is a way of life here and mitarashi dango, soy sauce glazed rice dumplings, and takoyaki, fried octopus balls, are just two of the tempting local dishes to try. And with the city hosting its second World Expo throughout 2025, expect an atmospheric visit.

Slightly north, Kyoto is where Japan’s timeless traditions thrive. Close to 2,000 temples and shrines can be explored across the city. Gold-glowing Buddhist Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera’s three-story pagoda are two of the most photogenic.

Not that Kyoto only focuses on the classics—there’s plenty of contemporary experiences here, too, including the flagship Nintendo Museum, which opened in October.

Of course, no trip to The Land of the Rising Sun is complete without touring Tokyo, the almost endless capital that blends forward-thinking design with culture-respecting traditions. Ascend to the top of the soaring Tokyo Skytree to survey the sprawling city in all its glory and you’ll soon see why Tokyo is one of the greatest cities on earth.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Scuba diving or snorkeling above Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of our planet’s most remarkable aquatic adventures. The world’s most extensive coral reef system—roughly half the size of Texas—is a vast marine park, sheltering over 1,000 fish species amongst its colorful corals.

Set off the coast of Queensland, the sprawling reef is easily accessed by boat trips. You only need to take a short journey to reach some of the most popular diving and swimming spots. Once you’ve jumped in, you’ll be submerged in an unforgettable canvas of corals.

However, to truly appreciate the scale of the reef, consider a scenic flight. From the passenger seats of the small aircraft and seaplanes that swoop low over the Pacific Ocean, you’ll have a perfect aerial panorama of the reef through the crystal-clear shallow waters—a view that will stay with you forever.

France

Famed for iconic architecture, endless art, and an unequivocal culinary scene, France is perpetually one of the world’s most lauded bucket list places to visit. Last year, the Paris Olympics dominated, but in 2025, France’s joie de vivre will likely be even more infectious across the capital.

Following a devastating fire and a five-year renovation project, the Parisian landmark Notre Dame Cathedral is again visitable. From the facade’s repaired bas-relief and soaring spires to the restored interior—appearing as luminous as the day it was constructed—France’s most beloved cathedral is once more the centerpiece of any visit.

Strolling or sailing along the River Seine, sparkling from its Olympic clean-up, has never been more delightful. Pop into the Louvre for iconic masterpieces and new collections focused on fashion and Eastern antiquities.

Then ascended the iconic Eiffel Tower for unrivaled Paris panoramas. With Chef Thierry Marx’s Madame Brasserie now serving refined dishes inside Gustave Eiffel’s wrought-iron tower, it’s a coveted lunch reservation.

Not that all your attention should be on the capital. Nearby, coastal Caen is honoring its millennium with year-round events. Southern Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s prettiest cities, is celebrating all things Cezanne as the post-impressionist artist’s studio reopens to the public, paired with an exciting exhibition.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam, is a phenomenal landscape of vegetation-clad limestone islets rising from peaceful, gemstone-green waters.

Discovering the bay by traditional wooden junk boat, or kayak for a more intimate experience, is thrilling. Visiting Viet Hai, a small fishing village of vividly painted floating houses, is equally memorable.

After overworking your camera around the bay, explore the karst formations and their naturally-formed caves. Two of the most striking are called Dark and Bright Cave because one of the neighboring duo is visitable while the other is only peekable, as it’s usually fully submerged.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

As passionate as its famed tango dance and as scrumptious as its steaks, Buenos Aires is one of South America’s best bucket list places to visit. You’ll be spellbound within seconds of arriving in Argentina’s compelling and culture-rich capital city.

Catch a show or join a tour around Colón Theatre, the resplendent red-velvet and gold-embellished opera house. Stroll down colorful Caminito, an animated street of tenement buildings in kaleidoscopic colors.

Then, marvel at the world-class exhibitions in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and you’ll soon understand why Buenos Aires is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a UNESCO City of Design in 2005.

Don’t miss the chance to see a live tango performance, or better still, feel the rhythm yourself at milongas, or social dancing spaces. Stand in Plaza do Mayo and survey the balcony where Evita Perón famously addressed the crowds. And indulge in all of Argentina’s appetizing dishes, from on-the-go empanadas to a complete asado feast.

Athens & Santorini, Greece

Athens has been one of the most momentous bucket list places to visit for millennia, long before the phrase was even coined.

Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Greece’s capital city is a living time capsule of civilization. From the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel dating to the fifth century BC and includes the iconic Parthenon, to the remains of The Theatre of Dionysus, unique archeological finds are present at seemingly every turn.

Walking between these vestiges of the ancient Greek Empire, pausing for refreshing, feta-filled salads, tzatziki, and fluffy pita bread en route, is a once-in-a-lifetime reminder of their sizable influence.

However, Greece’s attractions aren’t solely archaeological. A visit to Athens should absolutely be paired with one of the country’s outlandishly attractive islands. Set your sights on volcanic Santorini in the southern Aegean to experience two bucket list destinations in one trip.

Recognized worldwide for the panorama from Oia, a whitewashed clifftop village embellished with azure blue domes, Santorini is a thrilling introduction to the spellbinding Greek Islands.

South Island, New Zealand

Nowhere on earth has the same feeling as New Zealand’s South Island, larger than its northern counterpart, yet home to only a quarter of the nation’s population. The island’s landscapes are blissfully unspoiled and temptingly tranquil.

Keeping it serene is the scenery, which will leave you speechless. Sailing through spectacular Milford Sound, a feast-for-the-eyes fjord sheltering fur seals and dolphins or swooning at the snow-sprinkled Southern Alps are humbling experiences.

All of the South Island showcases Mother Nature’s finest work. From the colonies of penguins breeding along the Otago Peninsula to the sunken river valleys of Marlborough Sounds, every turn will stop you in your tracks.

Securing the South Island’s bucket list credentials is the country’s renowned wine production. The Marlborough wine region is one of the most picturesque in the world and sipping a razor-sharp Sauvignon Blanc against a backdrop of perfectly manicured vineyards and verdant mountains is reason enough to visit.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam harbors the kind of experiences every city should have. In just one day, you can cruise along canals flanked by stepped gable façades, cycle between tulip markets and Flemish masters’ museums, snack on a syrupy stroopwafel, and still have time to learn the city’s history.

Especially true in 2025, as the capital of The Netherlands prepares for a year-round 750th birthday party, there’s never been a better time to visit to discover one of Europe’s top bucket list destinations.

Beyond the canals, culture is what makes Amsterdam gleam. A visit to the Anne Frank House, dedicated to the young Jewish diarist who documented life during the German occupation, is a reflective must.

Meanwhile, the Rijksmuseum, with its 8,000 displayed pieces of art—including works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer—is one of the continent’s top galleries. Nearby, fellow Flemish artist Van Gogh’s dedicated museum is another cultural trove.

Couple this with the al fresco café culture, excellent beer brewing scene, and unbelievably photogenic canals that make the laid-back Dutch way of life so appealing and it’s impossible not to be charmed.

French Polynesia

The islands of French Polynesia are a dreamy getaway renowned for being one of the finest bucket list destinations for a romantic honeymoon or an indulgent tropical retreat. Scattered like emeralds across the South Pacific, the archipelago is astonishing, no matter which island you visit.

Tahiti, the nation’s largest island, is the best place to participate in local culture. In Papeete, the country’s capital, treat yourself to sweet tropical guavas and papayas at the lively market before appreciating Polynesian wood-carved art at Mauna Gallery.

On magical Moorea Island, continue your cultural journey at Tiki Village, watching traditional Tahitian dancers on the soft white sands. For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, dive into the crystal-clear waters to swim among sharks and dazzling tropical fish.

Raiatea Island, often considered the most sacred and spiritual, is equally fascinating, furnishing an unimaginable blend of turquoise-rippled beaches, lush mountains, and mythology.

Iceland

Labeled the “The Land of Fire and Ice,” it’s little surprise that Iceland promises numerous bucket list places to visit. Where else can you walk behind an ethereal waterfall, submerge yourself in rejuvenating thermal pools, and witness volcanic activity in every direction in one day?

Formed above the mid-Atlantic ridge, where the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates align, Iceland is a volcanic wonderland of almost unimaginable experiences. You can even snorkel or scuba dive in the astonishingly clear waters of the Silfra fissure between the two plates.

Prefer your bucket-list bathing warmer? Swimming doesn’t come more special than lazing in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, a steamy spa pool in which the milky water has healing properties.

Iceland’s other-worldly landscapes await. Venture to the Golden Triangle to watch roaring Gullfoss, a tiered waterfall, cascade down a canyon, and the Geysir geothermal area, where you can admire boiling cauldrons and mud pools.

Further life-affirming adventures await in the hinterlands, where you can embark on an ice hike on the vast Langjokull Glacier or roam the craggy lava fields and folklore-laced “Black Forest” of Dimmuborgir. It might be a small country, but Iceland will leave you with oversized memories.

Read: Best Things to Do in Iceland

Machu Picchu, Peru

Shrouded in myth and mystery—and, on many days, low-hanging clouds—the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most engrossing archeological discoveries.

Tucked into the Andes Mountains, the 15th-century complex was only uncovered in 1911. Since then, the lost city has been crowned one of the Seven Wonders of the World, becoming a bucket-list attraction for many.

No amount of photos can prepare you for witnessing the panorama of Huayna Picchu, the pointy mountain towering behind the hundreds of remaining granite homes, temples, and agricultural terraces.

Seeing the archeological site for yourself can be life-changing, further accentuated by the believed Inca spiritual connections held here, high above the Sacred Valley.

The Bahamas

Most bucket list places to visit come with a checklist of must-see sights. Not in The Bahamas. This tropical archipelago, consisting of numerous coral islands, is just as magical even if you don’t experience more than the soft, sugar-white sands.

Swim, sunbathe, relax, and revive, perhaps sipping a fruity Bahama Mama rum cocktail. It’s the simple pleasures in a sublime setting that make these idyllic isles, just a short hop from Miami, a dreamy destination.

Lounge on CocoCay, a private island retreat with everything from a fun-packed waterpark to an adult-only hideaway, and you’ll never want to leave the wave-lapped paradise. However, if you’re inclined to venture beyond the beach, bucket list activities abound.

Swim with stingrays at Bimini’s Honeymoon Harbor Beach or fly down the water slides at Aquaventure in Nassau. Scuba dive shipwrecks or power through the ocean on an electric underwater “scooter” to witness sea turtles gliding through the blue. Sample Bahamian rum on a tour of John Watling’s distillery. And spot pink flamingos, the Bahamas’ national bird, at Ardastra Gardens.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s time-honored charm, azulejos, or hand-painted ceramic tiles, and feastable food scene remained relatively under the radar a decade ago. Yet today, the country’s capital is one of 2025’s trending bucket list destinations—and it’s easy to see why.

Built over seven hills and surveying the Tagus River, Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in the western world, enchants with its rickety yellow trams, Manueline architecture, and calçada portuguesa patterned pavements.

Exuding old-world European allure, Alfama, the city’s oldest district, is full of simple pleasures. Washing flutters under tiled window sills, the sounds of fado—Portugal’s melancholic musical genre—float through the air, and bougainvillea-veiled miradouros, or viewpoints, provide a painting-like panorama.

Historical monuments, such as the hulking Castelo de São Jorge, a Moorish-built castle on the city’s highest hill, and churches that were partly shattered in the great earthquake of 1755 recount the city’s age.

Yet the best bucket-list outing will take you to Belem. This riverside neighborhood is home to the UNESCO-recognized Jerónimos Monastery and pastel de nata, where thousands of the beloved custard tarts are baked daily.

Sydney, Australia

Famed for its iconic steel arch bridge and instantly recognizable opera house, Sydney Harbour has helped to enshrine Australia’s largest city as a bucket list place to visit.

Officially named Port Jackson, the harbor is a playground for Sydneysiders and visitors. Walk atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge, tour the world’s most distinguishable opera house, or hop on a seaplane flight to marvel from above, and you’ll have memories that will last a lifetime.

Equally world-class is the seafood scene. Order a platter of Balmain Bugs, a type of lobster, Sydney Rock Oysters, locally-caught cockles, and plump king prawns from Sydney Seafood Market. A futuristic reimagination of the market is set to open in 2025.

Post-feast, slip away to one of the breathtaking beaches of Sydney, Bondi, renowned for its surf and ocean-facing Iceberg swimming pool, to discover the other side of this city that seamlessly blends urban living with the Aussies’ love for the perfect wave.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik’s Old City is one of Europe’s most magnificent medieval marvels. Wrapped in defensive walls and lapped by the sparkling waters of the Adriatic, it’s unsurprising that UNESCO deemed it a World Heritage Site in 1979.

Since then, the jewel of Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline has graced screens worldwide, providing cinematic backdrops to major movies and TV shows and cementing the city’s status as a bucket list destination.

Inside the ancient pedestrianized center, the historical importance of the affluent Republic of Ragusa, as it was once called, is recounted across Gothic and Renaissance palaces, mansions, and museums. Stroll down Stradun, the main thoroughfare carpeted with polished marble, and you’ll be transported back in time.

The stand-out of any visit is walking atop the walls of Dubrovnik, torn between admiring the shimmering Adriatic or peering down on the terracotta rooftops. For aerial appreciation, ride the cable car up Mt. Srd to relish one of Europe’s most notable panoramas.

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand’s trove of bucket list places to visit spans the soft sands of Ko Samui to the jungly island of Phuket. But it’s in Bangkok, the capital city, where you’re assured the most exciting and eclectic experience.

World-renowned for its scrumptious street food and markets, Bangkok is now equally celebrated for its upscale eateries, with 181 restaurants featured in the most recent Michelin guide. From pad Thai, Thailand’s national noodle dish, to lemongrass-infused green papaya salads, this is a bucket-list city for its culinary scene alone.

Yet you shouldn’t linger too long over lunch; there’s an abundance of architectural treasures to squeeze in. Most prominent is the extensive Grand Palace complex, a former royal residence still used today for hosting VIP dinners with the King. Equally decadent is adjacent, gold-shimmering Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Whether your perfect vacation is packed with temple hopping, endless shopping, or devouring perhaps the most fragrant feast of your life, Bangkok is one of those bewitching cities that manages to blend it all flawlessly.

The Norwegian Fjords

Snaking from the North Atlantic Ocean into western Norway like watery veins, the thousand-plus Norwegian fjords shelter many of the country’s most magical bucket list places to visit.

From pretty settlements like Bergen, known for Bryggen, its historical wooden wharf, to the expanses of untouched nature along Hardangerfjord, the country’s second-longest, this stretch of coast is the verdant realm of whales, seals, eagles, and unmatchable moments.

Adding impetus to discover the Norwegian fjords this year is that the nation has named 2025 “The Year of Friluftsliv”, a word used to celebrate the local love for living life outdoors.

Kayak through glacier-carved Geirangerfjord, a sublime landscape of tumbling cascades, soaring mountains, and flower-filled pastures, for a more intimate introduction to one of the country’s finest bodies of water. Or simply amble around Ålesund, famed for its art nouveau architecture, for a more easy-going introduction, and you’ll soon see why Friluftsliv is the very soul of this Nordic nation.

Browse Celebrity’s 2025 cruises and start planning your dream vacation, combining a few of these unforgettable bucket list destinations into one incredible sailing.