London pipped by Paris and NYC in TripAdvisor destinations poll

London is rated as the world’s third top destination behind Paris and New York City in annual awards by TripAdvisor.

London has been rated as the world’s third best destination behind Paris and New York City in TripAdvisor’s annual awards.

The 2013 Travellers’ Choice Destinations Awards saw the capital beat Rome, Barcelona, Venice, San Francisco, Florence, Prague and Sydney in the world’s top ten as selected by users of the reviews website.

In a separate category listing the UK’s top 10 destinations, Manchester came second to London followed by Glasgow, Liverpool, Belfast, Blackpool, Birmingham, Torquay, Llandudno and Bristol.

Paris topped the top ten in Europe, with London in second place followed by Rome, Barcelona, Venice, Florence, Prague, Berlin, Istanbul and St Petersburg.

A TrispAdvisor spokesman said: “These awards honour the world’s best destinations as decided by those judges that really matter – travellers themselves.

“Now that the ‘Jubilympics’ are over it’s vital that UK tourism continues to flourish, so it’s great news that London is rated so highly among the world’s and Europe’s best destinations.”

Gordon Innes, chief executive of London & Partners – the mayor’s official promotional organisation for London – said: “These are crucial awards for us as they are voted for directly by visitors.

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee were all brilliant moments for London to shine in 2012 and the magic continues here in the UK capital for 2013.

“Major events such as the reopening of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in July, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation along with our world-class music concerts and sporting events will give even more reason for visitors to return to London in the years to come.”