Viator Viator Travel Blog

Thailand - Bangkok was voted #34 in 2008

Before we say farewell to 2008, let us take a moment to honor the Top 50 destinations of the year as determined by Viator.com travelers. This is our third annual “Viator Top 50″ list, and like last year, 2008 has been a great ride, full of surprises (good on ya Paris, Rome and Las Vegas) and some surprising absences (Mexico, we missed you).

If you’re not yet caught up on our end-of-year lists of top things to do around the world, these links will help: Europe, Asia, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Central & South America, Middle East & Africa.

Also have a look at our Top 10 Traveler Photos of the year - these photos will absolutely get you inspired to travel this year. Thanks again to the millions of travelers who visited us in 2008, we hope to see you again in 2009.

The Viator 50: Top Travel Destinations in 2008

50. Punta Cana. It’s the top resort in the Dominican Republic, with sandy white beaches, adventure safaris, snorkeling, speedboat rides, deep sea fishing, beautiful seaside golf course and a sunset cruise on the Caribbean. What more could you ask for?

49. Boston. Boston blends old-world beauty and modern convenience with grand architecture, renowned academic traditions, ghosts, harbour cruises, nearby seacoast and rolling New England countryside. Wicked cool, as they say in Harvard Yard.

48. Geneva. The most international city in Switzerland, Geneva is a peaceful place to explore museums, restaurants and cultural events, bask on the banks of Lake Geneva, hop across to the Alps, and eat plenty of chocolate!

47. Kyoto. The elegance and romance of Kyoto is found in its temples, shrines, palaces, gardens and museums. All this alongside famous artisans and cultural workshops, and a modern scene pulsing with life and activity. A definite must on your next trip to Japan.

46. Granada. Two words: simply breathtaking. Granada’s Alhambra is one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture, the next biggest attraction is the city itself, set against the backdrop of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

45. Montego Bay. Soak up the spirit of Jamaica with a walk in the canopy, trip to Kingston, horseback ride, jungle river tube safari, Jeep tour or just chill out to reggae.

44. Montreal. Montreal charms with a relaxed atmosphere, culinary excellence and lively nightlife, from the historic Old Port to Notre-Dame Basilica and Mont Royal Park, out to the magnificent surrounding countryside. Montreal puts a little oomph into any visit to Canada.

43. Auckland. Think: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Harbour Bridge Climb, Wilderness Experience, Aquatic Encounter, Bungy Jumping, America’s Cup and nearby Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools. They all make Auckland a city to savour, and a must-see when visiting New Zealand.

42. Kuala Lumpur. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (KL for short) is an Asian Tiger bustling with colonial history, markets and charm, enjoy panoramic views from the revolving restaurant, or get up close to the elephants and fireflies in the Malaysian countryside.

41. Nice. The capital of the Côte d’Azur is a sparkling, gritty, sexy city bursting with nightlife, fantastical belle époque architecture, modern art and a buzzing cultural scene. It also has glamorous day trips along the French Riviera to Monaco and Monte Carlo.

40. Christchurch. It’s a thoroughly modern Kiwi city, boasting art, fashion, food, the International Antarctic Centre, historic tram and gondola rides, culture and heritage, Wildlife including whale watching, and spectacular scenery along the Tranz-Alpine Railway and down to the glaciers.

#32 in 2008 - Cairo. Photo taken by Phillip D on a private tour to the Giza Pyramids from Cairo

39. Brisbane. Climb Story Bridge or take a dinner cruise on Brisbane River, discover the historic city centre and glitzy cafe scene and nightlight of Bris Vegas, getaway to Fraser or Moreton Island, double the thrills at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, and spend the day at Australia Zoo. Brisbane? Oh yeah, it’s also the capital of Queensland.

38. Singapore. A foodies paradise, from Little India to Chinatown. Have a Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel, eat at a hawker market, have a trishaw ride through town, have breakfeast at th4e Singapore Zoo with an orangutan.

37. Chicago. Diverse characters, unrivalled jazz and blues legends, and skyscrapers make Chicago an astonishing blend of tradition and modern, from Lake Michigan to Musicals and the prohibition, the Windy City is hoppin’! And see - we didn’t even need to mention it’s also the hometown of President Obama.

36. Perth. The sunniest and most isolated city in Australia, Perth is a City of Lights on the Swan River, home to magical beaches and festivals, perfect to embark on a Desert Adventure, explore Rottnest Island, taste fine wines at Swan Valley and Margaret River wineries, or swim with dolphins in Monkey Mia.

35. Costa del Sol. Like wedding cakes strewn along the seaboard from Málaga to Gibraltar, Spain’s Costa del Sol is the perfect base for a visit exquisite Granada and the Alhambra Palace, day trips to Morocco, Seville or Cordoba, or soaking up the sunshine, sports and nightlife.

34. Bangkok. Absorb this vibrant city (it’s the capital of Thailand) through your senses, a morning at the floating markets, silk shopping, a temple visit, or Thai cooking class before dinner on Chao Praya River. Or mnaybe a day trip to the Bridge on the River Kwai and Khao Yai National Park for an elephant ride.

33. Phoenix. Time your trip to Phoenix for the Scottsdale Rodeo or Yaqui Indian Easter Ceremonies in Guadalupe, an urban trek on Camelback Mountain, and a timeless visit to the wonderous Grand Canyon, West Rim, Apache Trail and Sedona.

32. Cairo. Cruise the Nile, visit the Sphinx, promenade by the Pyramids, then explore modern Cairo, a city alive with an intensity of tastes and sounds from the souqs to the palace, the chaotic to the bazaar. Cairo is a must on any trip to Egypt.

31. Salzburg. The hills ARE alive with the Sound of Music, in this mecca of Mozart. This highlight of Austria oozed charm along with gold and salt in the mines, mysterious ice caves and - for culinary decadence - Sacher Torte.

#23 in 2008 - Ayers Rock & Uluru. Photo by Tomoko K on the Kata Tjuta (Olgas) sunset tour

30. Edinburgh. Look for Nessie in the Loch, escape to the Isle of Skye, have a Highland fling, learn the truth of the da Vinci Code, immerse yourself in culture at Festival time, or just sip a wee dram o’ wonderful whisky.

29. Naples. Pulsating, anarchic and crumbling, see Naples and live! Capri, Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius are nearby, taste Southern Italy along the Amalfi Coast, and head back into this colorful town to explore the Piazzas, Naples Bay or San Martino.

28. Oahu. Walk on the beach in Waikiki, hit the museums in Honolulu, or go underwater in a submarine. This magnificent Polynesian island paradise offers culture, nature and history in a sumptuous blend.

27. Hong Kong. The harbour, dim sum, a junk cruise at sunset, Hong Kong has plenty packed into a very small area - which makes it a fabulous place to visit for even a few days on your way to points east or west.

26. Vancouver. Cedar-scented rainforest to whale-watching cruise, shop, sail or ski, you’ll be back in the centre of this sophisticated and laid-back Canadian harbour city in time for a cocktail or three.

25. Dubai. Science-fiction skyscrapers stand alongside mosques and shopping centres in this lavish sun-drenched megalopolis. Desert adventure safari, vibrant cosmopolitan or lush oasis, all meet in Dubai.

24. Zurich. Creativity and innovation meet tradition and finance in Zurich, the chocolate box city blossoming into a unique cultural capital. Visit the City of Roses, admire the Alps, cruise on the lake and soak up the Swiss ambiance.

23. Ayers Rock. The geological ochre marvel at the heart of Australia, Uluru is an icon of magic and mystery. Dine under a million stars, ride a camel into the desert, learn about Aboriginal culture, or simply wonder at the sheer majestic beauty of this unique place.

22. Vienna. Echoes of grandiose empires abound in architectural wedding cakes, sumptuous theatres, lavish opera and grand churches, while low-brow pleasures are as simple as a walk in the forest, or splashing in the river.

21. Los Angeles. Fame and fortune’s siren call brings celebrities and stargazers alike to LA, land of the scrumptious power-brunch, Hollywood movie stars, shopping on Rodeo Drive, A-list nightlife and hidden enclaves.

#13 in 2008 - Amsterdam. Photo by Sari S on the Holland in One Day Tour

20. Cairns & the Tropical North. Adventures from rugged mountains to wild ocean, the biodiversity of World Heritage Rain Forests, snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef, riding Kuranda Scenic Railway, simply relaxing on lush island resorts or taking in local culture and cafes.

19. Washington DC. Histrionics and history meet in the Memorials and colorful pageantry of American politics, take a Trolley Tour, visit the Monuments by Moonlight, The White House and Gettysburg, and taste extraordinary eco-friendly cuisine.

18. Dublin. Decadent and down-to-earth, Dublin offers a warm welcome and a well-pulled pint, historic buildings, garrulous sociability, and trips to the natural beauty of the wild coastline.

17. Munich. Sophistication and kitsch mix into an intoxicating brew in Munich, experience Bavarian Folk Traditions and Oktoberfest, high-end auto adventures, glamorous castles, vibrant arts, culture and Black Forest Cake.

16. Madrid. Europe’s highest capital and Spain’s headiest city, the addictive ebullience of Madrid extends from El Prado and Museums, to Tapas, Flamenco, the Royal Palace and Toledo.

15. Barcelona. Barcelona sizzles with stylish cool, from the genius of Gaudi to Mediterranean beaches, it’s time for Fiesta and Flamenco, experience the nightlife or a pilgrimage to Montserrat and adventure in the Pyrenees.

14. Milan. Visit the Italian design capital for serious shopping, worldly pleasures, famous art, flourishing theatre and gourmet delights. Milan will have your senses reeling all the way to Lake Como.

13. Amsterdam. Cruise the canals, admire the tulips, or hitch your bicycle to a bridge, explore the culture and the beer, Amsterdam is the ultimate hangout, where big city exuberance mixes with small-town manageability.

12. Orlando. The Orange City, home of Mickey Mouse and Gatorland, also offers an out of this world experience at the Kennedy Space Center, sandy white beaches, fine dining or swimming with dolphins and manatees.

11. Melbourne. Marvellous Melbourne, where hedonism meets high art, a paradise for football and fashion lovers, foodies, wine snobs and outdoor adventurers alike.

#3 in 2008 - Paris. Photo by Nick C on a 2CV Citroen tour of Paris.

10. San Francisco. Offbeat and genteel, the gorgeous City by the Bay is a unique mix, from Golden Gate Bridge to Chinatown; Vampires to California Wine Country.

9. Sydney. Sun-drenched natural wonders, famous icons, world-class shopping, fabulous food - from the Harbour to the beaches, Sydney has it all!

8. Venice. Achingly beautiful Venice will seduce you equally with a Gondola Serenade along the Grand Canal, or a walking tour of hidden secrets in her labyrinthine lanes.

7. Tokyo. Dynamic Tokyo offers a dazzling mix of Zen-like calm, consumer culture, sushi and sumo.

6. Florence. Home of the Renaissance, Florence is blessed with art, culture and history; Pizzas and Piazzas; Fashion and Fishing Ports.

5. London. Cosmopolitan and traditional, take in the stellar sights of London from the London Eye to Portobello Rd, Buckingham Palace to a Musical or Theatre Show.

4. New York City. Go, go, go! to Gotham City for incomporable restaurants and nightlife, fashion-forward shopping, Broadway shows, or simply explore the fascinating streets and boroughs of this thriving metropolis.

3. Paris. Experience the magical lights, museums and monuments of Paris, taste mouth-watering French delicacies, listen to opera, jazz or sexy cabaret, and enjoy romance along the Seine.

2. Rome. Discover the wonders of the Eternal City in the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Colosseum, or on a day trip to the beautiful Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

1. Las Vegas. Fabulous Las Vegas! Experience the magic of a Casino Show on the Vegas Strip, getaway into the majestic landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam by air or land.

#1 in 2008? Las Vegas. Photo by Duncan H on the All American Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas

So how’s your wanderlust doing after reading this entire list? For us, the Viator 50 list of top travel destinations is all about getting inspired to take that next trip. We hope this year’s list of top travel destinations on viator.com has got you thinking about your next holiday, whether it’s across town or across the globe.

Do you have your own favorites? Share them with us. Simply leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite travel destinations.

Happy travels in 2009!

-The Viator Team