December 12, 2025 | 12:08 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Three cities across Asia have been named among the top 10 best city destinations in the world for 2025. This prestigious ranking comes from the Euromonitor International 100 City Destination Index, an analytical data report compiled in collaboration with Lighthouse.
Furthermore, three additional Asian cities feature prominently in the list of destinations with the highest international visitor arrivals.
The Euromonitor International City Destinations Index 2025 evaluates 100 global cities across more than 50 metrics spanning six core pillars: economic and business activities, tourism performance, infrastructure, policies and tourist attractiveness, health and safety, and sustainability.
While Europe dominates the overall rankings, with Paris, France, taking the top spot and Madrid, Spain, ranking second, Asia is leading in terms of visitor numbers and is rapidly becoming a leader in smart and sustainable tourism development. Cities across the region are focusing heavily on improving infrastructure, implementing new travel regulations, and developing strategies to curb over-tourism.
Asia’s Top 3 Best City Destinations (Global Top 10)
1. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo achieved the highest placement in Asia, ranking third globally. The city’s excellence is driven by its advanced transportation system, sophisticated culinary offerings, and exceptional adaptability. It secures the third global rank for tourism infrastructure, supported by substantial expansion projects at Narita Airport, including a new runway projected to double passenger capacity by 2039.
2. Singapore
Singapore ranks 9th globally, maintaining its established reputation as a consistently high-performing Asian metropolis. This status is earned by successfully balancing luxurious green spaces with modern efficiency. Its strong position reflects stable tourism performance, robust infrastructure, and a demonstrable commitment to sustainability, a benchmark now referenced by other regional cities.
3. Seoul, South Korea
Positioned just below Singapore, Seoul was significantly propelled into the tenth global spot in 2025 by the enduring growth of the Korean cultural wave (K-wave). From influential fashion trends and distinctive national cuisine to globally recognized K-pop icons, the city provides boundless creativity that increasingly attracts tourists seeking a profound cultural experience.
Asian Cities with the Highest International Tourist Arrivals
According to data cited by Time Out, Asian cities also dominate the count for international tourist arrivals, with four securing top spots globally.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Although Bangkok did not make the global top ten major destinations index, the Thai capital emerged as the global leader for international tourist arrivals with an estimated 30.3 million visitors in 2025. The city also achieved the worldwide best ranking for tourism policies and attractiveness, credited to its vibrant nightlife, world-class cuisine, historic temples, and unparalleled traditional markets.
2. Hong Kong
Hong Kong recorded 23.2 million international arrivals, indicating a robust and rapid recovery. This recovery is strongly supported by the development of new art and cultural districts, enhanced border access convenience, and a series of world-class bars and new tourist attractions.
3. Macau
With 20.4 million visits, Macau continues to attract tourists primarily with its renowned casinos and glittering entertainment. However, the city is also actively promoting cultural tourism, cuisine, and historical heritage sites to provide a more diverse experience for millions of tourists.
4. Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur garnered 17.3 million arrivals. The Malaysian capital attracts visitors with a potent combination of giant shopping malls, legendary street food, modern skyscrapers, and rich multicultural diversity. The latest tourism strategy, focusing on encouraging longer stays and promoting higher spending per visitor, is expected to elevate its position further in the coming years.
Putri Az Zahra Suherman contributed to the report
Read: Christmas in Singapore 2025: Here's How You Can Celebrate It
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Tropical Cyclones: Why Are Some Countries More at Risk?
2 hari lalu
When tropical storms make headlines, certain countries and regions are repeatedly part of the story. Why is that? What fuels cyclones and their paths?
Asian Floods and Landslides Kill 1,750; Indonesia Suffers Majority of Fatalities
4 hari lalu
The death toll from severe floods and landslides across Asia has surpassed 1,700 as of Sunday, with hundreds still missing.
How Asia's Semiconductor Powerhouse Fits into ASEAN's Strategic Future
5 hari lalu
With tensions between Tokyo & Beijing rising, ASEAN & Taiwan must balance economic integration with political realities imposed by China.
Asian Flood Disaster: Death Toll Passes 1,400, Food Crisis Looms
7 hari lalu
Stalled relief operations are the result of damaged infrastructure and shrinking humanitarian funds.
US Halts Immigration Processing for 19 Nations
8 hari lalu
The US government is suspending all immigration requests from 19 countries, saying it is tightening national security screenings.
5 Best Shopping Destinations in Asia
9 hari lalu
Here are the five best shopping destinations in East and Southeast Asia.
Nearly 1,000 People Killed in Floods, Landslides Across Asia
10 hari lalu
Indonesia and Sri Lanka among the hardest-hits in the recent floods across several Asian countries.
18 Best Asian Destinations to Visit in 2026
17 hari lalu
The continent of Asia offers a wide range of cultural experiences, from delicious culinary traditions to festivals, local markets, concerts, and much more.
India, Israel Sign Framework to Resume Trade Talks
20 hari lalu
India is Israel's second-largest trade partner in Asia. Before this, the two countries were involved in negotiating a similar agreement.
13 Exciting New Train Routes Across Europe and Asia in 2026
24 hari lalu
From luxury routes in Europe to scenic adventures in Asia and North America, 2026 promises unforgettable train experiences for every traveler.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5243277/original/092151900_1749100247-front-view-cute-little-boy-listening-music.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4548967/original/094336900_1692782124-tanaphong-toochinda-FEhFnQdLYyM-unsplash.jpg)