The New York Times has named its top picks for the up-and-coming travel destinations of 2015 – and one Australian city has made the cut.

Adelaide secured a spot at No.25 on the comprehensive countdown, which features everything from the panda capital of the world (Chengdu, China) to Eurasia’s premium wine country (the republic of Georgia).

• Into the wild: the best campgrounds in Australia

The South Australian city is lauded for its “energetic arts scene” – a nod to the ever-popular Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide festivals – and its “robust dining scene”.

Local hotel The Watson also receives a nod while eateries Sean’s Kitchen and La Moka are also singled out.

The other 51 countries are a mishmash of unexpected destinations and old favourites, with Rome maintaining its tourism prowess while Azerbaijan makes a surprise bid for travel stardom.

The top spot goes to Milan, the host of this year’s World Expo and a perennial favourite for food and fashion lovers the world over.

Here’s how the rest of the list played out:

1. Milan, Italy

2. Cuba

3. Philadelphia, United States

4. Yellowstone National Park, United States

5. Elqui Valley, Chile

6. Singapore

7. Durban, South Africa

8. Bolivia

9. Faroe Islands

10. Macedonia

11. Medellín, Colombia

12. St Vincent and the Grenadines

13. Orlando, Florida

14. Zimbabwe

15. Burgundy, France

16. Lower Manhattan, New York

17. Tanzania

18. The North Coast of Peru

19. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

20. Oman

21 – 30: Cleveland (US), Sri Lanka, New Orleans (US), Adelaide (Australia), Georgia, Manchester (UK), Campeche (Mexico), Greenland, Papua New Guinea, Bend (US).

31 – 40: Rabat (Morocco), Squamish (Canada), Seoul (South Korea), St Kitts, Shikoku (Japan), San Antonio (US), San José del Cabo (Mexico), Alentejo (Portugal), The Catskills (US), Quebec City (Canada).

41 – 52: Canton Valais (Switzerland), Île-de-France (France), Danang (Vietnam), Chengdu (China), Miami Beach (US), Shangahi (China), Tulsa (US), Rome (Italy), Cáceres (Spain), Taos Ski Valley (US), Baku (Azerbaijan), Kas (Turkey).