Istanbul tops list of world's top 25 travel destinations

TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice awards has named Istanbul as the top travel destination.

The list, which is based on users' reviews and ratings over 12 months, features Rome and London at the second and third position, respectively, CNN reported.

London has surpassed 2013's top two destinations Paris and New York , which dropped to 7th and 12th places respectively, while Beijing secured the fourth position followed Prague and Marrakech in Morocco.

TripAdvisor spokesman James Kay said that these awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings by travellers themselves and Istanbul's combination of wonderful culture, amazingly beautiful architecture and great shopping have appealed to people.

The top 25 Travelers' Choice global destinations are:

1. Istanbul, Turkey

2. Rome, Italy

3. London, England

4. Beijing, China

5. Prague, Czech Republic

6. Marrakech, Morocco

7. Paris, France

8. Hanoi, Vietnam (New)

9. Siem Reap, Cambodia

10. Shanghai, China

11. Berlin, Germany

12. New York City, New York

13. Florence, Italy

14. Buenos Aires, Argentina

15. Barcelona, Spain

16. St. Petersburg, Russia

17. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (New)

18. Chicago, Illinois

19. Cape Town, South Africa

20. Bangkok, Thailand

21. Budapest, Hungary (New)

22. Sydney, Australia

23. Lisbon, Portugal (New)

24. Chiang Mai, Thailand

25.