When many of the World’s conflicts are in Muslim countries, one could be excused for being shocked that the World’s best rated holiday destination include Muslim countries. Taking the top spot is Marrakesh in Morocco followed closely in third place by Istanbul, another city from the Muslim world.

The yearly rating system takes into account a wide selection of reviews from millions of users throughout the year.

The magical city Marrakesh includes Jardin Majorelle and also Medina, a World Heritage Site where tourists can stay in the top rated hotel Riad Noir d’Ivoire or take a dip in the scenic Medina Gardens resort pool. With hundreds of market stalls and dessert landscapes in this modern city, it is no wonder it is nicknamed “Jewel of the Desert”

Istanbul, once the capital of the great Ottoman Empire, claimed third best. The city where East meets West, has one of the World’s richest histories and mosques with world famed hammams and bazaars.

‘Marrakech is one of those cities that should be on everyone’s bucket list’
– Steve Jackson

TripAdvisor’s James Kay explained that this years selection had been tougher and explained that lower booking rates as well as excellent reviews propelled Marrakesh to the top.