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The best cities in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Condé Nast Traveller

The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.

Cities, like dreams, are made of desires and fears, reckoned Italo Calvino; but the best have pretty decent architecture , a buzzing food scene and smart places to stay too. For our most recent annual Reader's Choice Awards survey, with results announced in October 2023, the desire of discerning travellers to explore bucket list destinations off-limits for sometime was evident. Singapore is booming once again, Australia is raring to go, and Japan is ready to share its cultural wonders once again.

These are the best cities in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards . The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.

10. Oslo, Norway. Score 88.67

Oslo has, surprisingly, remained relatively under the radar, often overlooked by its other Scandi neighbours. But this year, the Norwegian capital has started turning heads. In 2023, Oslo was named one of  Europe's most artistic cities , thanks in no small part to the new National Museum of Art and the annual Oslo Art Weekend, and new hotel openings like the Sommerro – a glamorous foodie hotspot where you'll find much of the city's creative crowd.

9. Copenhagen, Denmark. Score 88.78

Another Scandinavian city has graced the list of the world's best cities this year, but Copenhagen is no stranger to the limelight. While Noma may have recently announced its closure, the city's culinary scene is as strong as ever – Geranium (located in the country's National Football Stadium) was named the  world's best restaurant  in 2022. The  Tivoli  neighbourhood is rapidly becoming one of the hottest neighbourhoods to know about, with a slew of Michelin-worthy chefs, new restaurants and markets. Stay in one of  Copenhagen's top hotels  to get to grips with the city.

8. Sydney, Australia. Score 88.98

Sydney has never been a place to sit still for long. Come for the sunshine, stay for the  ocean pools , cute cafés, rooftop bars and culture – the city has recently opened the Sydney Modern Project, which shines a light on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Plus,  Qantas is about to launch the world's longest flight from London to Sydney  – complete with the first dedicated wellness zone on an aircraft, meaning there's more reason than ever to start planning your trip to this Australian city.

7. Cape Town, South Africa. Score 89.21

On pristine  beaches , penguins waddle about their business while leaping dolphins frame spectacular sunsets – and thrill-seekers head out on boats to come face-to-face with fearsome sharks. Away from the ocean, guests check into world-renowned hotels such as  The Silo , the recognisable property where rooms feature contemporary African art and 360-degree city views. Table Mountain views are enjoyed over supper, especially during trips to  Delaire Graff Estate  for wine-swirling and impeccable tasting menus.

6. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Score 89.41

Despite dropping to sixth place this year, the 2022 winner was  San Miguel de Allende . UNESCO declared this town a World Heritage Site in 2008. However, it’s not just this rich history that has travellers falling for the city. A low crime rate, thriving cultural scene, and endless culinary possibilities are all contributing factors, plus some fabulous places to bed down – including  Rosewood San Miguel de Allende  and  Hotel Mansion San Miguel by Concordia.

5. Seoul, South Korea. Score 89.47

Seoul has gone from strength to strength recently. A behemoth of a city, both in size and heart, the South Korean capital is the place to add to your 2024 travel bucket list. Home to cloud-piercing skyscrapers in the shadow of towering mountains, spend days shopping in the city centre and hop between bibimbap restaurants, Seoul street food or Korean cafés – or treat yourself to the culinary delights of chef Kang Mingoo for Michelin-starred dining.

4. Tokyo, Japan. Score 89.99

Often viewed as the gate to the rest of  Japan’s  wonders, the bustling metropolis of Tokyo (population 13.96 million at the last count) has much to offer as a destination. That  Tokyo hotels  have been joined by smart chains speaks volumes, with newcomers like the  Bulgari Tokyo  attracting increased interest. Japan was closed to visitors for almost two years due to the pandemic, but recent figures show the country has no issues pulling in the international crowds again.

3. Singapore. Score 90.46

This year’s third place is no stranger to inquisitive travellers, with more than 19 million visiting in 2019. Whether the names are familiar or not, you will have seen the rooftop pool of  Marina Bay Sands Hotel  and the biometric trees that illuminate the city. Increasingly seen as one of the cities of the future, the metropolis released plans to greenify by 2030, with parks on every corner, eco-friendly energy sources and a circular economy. See more of the best  things to do in Singapore .

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

2. San Sebastián, Spain. Score 90.54

If there’s one thing that’s helped bolster  San Sebastián’s  popularity in recent years, it’s food. While the city's beauty has been acknowledged for years, this Spanish city-break favourite has welcomed  exciting restaurants  and hotels in recent years. Michelin-starred options include Akelaŕe, a three-star restaurant offering spectacular views and playful takes on contemporary dishes, while pintxos bars such as Ganbara and Antonio Bar are must-visits on any gluttonous group escape.

1. Victoria, Canada. Score 91.67

In first place for 2023 is Victoria. While the restaurant and nightlife scene is something to be celebrated, with views over the Pacific Ocean along the coastal boulevards, this is a city that embraces adventure – the capital city of British Columbia draws outdoorsy types. Appreciate the surrounding landscape by seaplane, spot whales on the horizon on kayaks or zipline through the treetops.

More From Forbes

Ranked: the 20 best cities in the world, according to time out.

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What are the best cities in the world? Time Out has just released its latest report of the world’s 20 best cities, which is based on the Time Out Index, created from a survey of more than 20,000 city dwellers around the world, along with its own network of editors.

Criteria on the Time Out Index includes food (both quality and affordability), culture, nightlife, how the city makes people feel and more. The list reflects cities that are great places to visit—but also to live.

“As our global ranking shows, cities haven’t just pulled together through the pandemic—they’ve come out reborn and are back, better than ever when it comes to going out and experiencing great things to do,” Time Out’s travel editor Grace Beard told me in an interview. “Time Out’s 2024 list of the world’s best cities is not only an essential travel guide for the coming year, spotlighting the most exciting places on earth right now for food, nightlife and culture, but it’s also a global snapshot of city living.”

New York City has been named the best city in the world in a new Time Out list.

This year, New York City tops the list as the best city in the world, followed by Cape Town, Berlin, London and Madrid.

New York City earned top honors thanks to several factors, including its food scene, culture, beauty and happy residents. Plus, the rest of the world wants to live in New York: In the survey, 15% of respondents said they would like to relocate to the Big Apple.

“Locals know how great New York City is with its historic beauty, welcoming nature and its never-ending list of things to do, from cutting-edge theater and art to innovative culinary experiences,” Shaye Weaver, editor of Time Out New York, told me in an interview. “Its top spot in Time Out’s ranking is a reminder that people still hold NYC in high regard and see it as the place they want to be—despite the challenges it faces. It is always adapting, always trendsetting and always pushing the boundaries. That’s what makes people return time and time again.”

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Second on the Time Out list is Cape Town, South Africa

Two other U.S. cities are in the list of the top 20, including Chicago (at number 14), which was at the top of the list in 2018 and 2016. Los Angeles comes in at number 17.

"Chicago is a world-class city with a rich history, an expansive culinary scene and vibrant culture,” Jeffy Mai, editor of Time Out Chicago, told me in an interview. “Whatever your interests, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do—at any time of the year—across the city’s diverse neighborhoods."

The top international city is Cape Town, South Africa. According to the survey, the city’s ranks highly due in large part to its vibrant culture scene. It is home to many galleries, studios and public events, including the Cape Town Art Fair, the largest art fair in Africa.

Continue on to see the list of the world’s top 20 cities; you can read more about the world’s 50 best cities on TimeOut.com.

New York City was named the place that other city-dwellers around the world most want to live.

The World’s 20 Best Cities In 2024

• New York City
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Berlin, Germany
• London, U.K.
• Madrid, Spain
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Liverpool, U.K.
• Tokyo, Japan
• Rome, Italy
• Porto, Portugal
• Paris, France
• Mumbai, India
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Manchester, U.K.
• São Paulo, Brazil
• Los Angeles
• Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Melbourne, Australia

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28 Top Cities in the World to Visit

Written by Meagan Drillinger and Anietra Hamper Updated May 3, 2023

The excitement of travel is all about discovering new destinations, and with so many incredible places to visit, it is hard to narrow down your options. You can spend a lifetime visiting the greatest cities in the world and still not see them all, but as a starting point, you can get familiar with the upper echelon of city environments that set the bar for the rest of the world.

The best cities to visit are often home to some of the world's most iconic sites and are found around the globe, from Asia and Europe to the Middle East and the Americas. For travelers hoping to find inspiration for their next trip, here is a list of some of the top cities in the world to visit.

1. Paris, France

2. new york city, usa, 3. london, england, 4. bangkok, thailand, 5. hong kong, china, 6. dubai, united arab emirates, 7. singapore, 8. rome, italy, 9. macau, china, 10. istanbul, turkey, 11. kuala lumpur, malaysia, 12. delhi, india, 13. tokyo, japan, 14. antalya, turkey, 15. mexico city, mexico, 16. porto, portugal, 17. san francisco, usa, 18. beijing, china, 19. los angeles, usa, 20. chicago, usa, 21. barcelona, spain, 22. abu dhabi, united arab emirates, 23. amsterdam, netherlands, 24. madrid, spain, 25. sydney, australia, 26. san miguel de allende, mexico, 27. lisbon, portugal, 28. vienna, austria, map of cities in the world to visit.

Paris, France remains one of the most loved cities to visit in the world because it is an iconic destination for grand life events, like milestone vacations, engagements, celebrations, and honeymoons. It is also an easy place to visit for quick getaways, with regular flight schedules and tours available.

Many travelers enjoy Paris for the art and go to see the galleries and museums , like the Louvre Museum and the Musee d'Orsay. Some travelers go to Paris because it is a bucket list destination for many people. They want to see the Eiffel Tower , the Notre Dame Cathedral , and the Arc de Triomphe in person.

Paris is notoriously a city of romance, so many marriage proposals happen frequently in Paris, and honeymooners enjoy vacationing with a romantic cruise down the Seine River.

The time of year you visit may determine some of your activities, but even in winter, there are plenty of things to do in Paris .

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris

There are so many elements that make New York City one of the best cities in the world. The city and the Statue of Liberty that travelers see as they arrive is symbolic of the culture and freedom that America stands for. The Big Apple is the financial hub of the United States, with Wall Street and international businesses.

Most people visit New York City just to be a part of the city scene. It is where people go to make dreams come true, with experiences like seeing a Broadway show, watching the famous ball drop on New Year's Eve in Times Square, and taking part as a spectator watching the elaborate floats go by in the Thanksgiving Day parade.

The parks in New York City have their own draw. From the many attractions in Central Park to winter ice skating in Bryant Park, you can spend several days in the quiet natural retreats located throughout the concrete jungle.

New York City is where things happen, and travelers enjoy having a taste of that excitement. It's another one of those great bucket list destinations that you can visit at any time of year , even winter in NYC is fun.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City
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There is never a lack of intrigue or interest in London as a destination which is makes it one of the most touristic cities in the world. The Royal intrigue is one of its main draws, as thousands of tourists descend on Buckingham Palace to get a brush with the British monarchy.

Millions of tourists visit London each year and tour the top attractions , like the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul's Cathedral. Part of what makes London such a treat to visit is its public transport system, which makes it easy to get from one place to another without a car. With so much to see, it is easy to stay mobile in London to visit popular landmarks in a single day, like the Tower Bridge and the Skydeck at The Shard 800 feet above the city.

It is also possible to see many of London's top attractions on foot, with several great walking routes that take you through popular parks, landmarks, and neighborhoods.

Speaking of neighborhoods, London is revered for its diverse districts and famous markets , like the Borough Market , operating since the 13 th century, and the Camden Market , with small stalls selling food and local goods.

The bustling city of Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the top tourist cities in the world, with nearly 26 million visitors a year. The city is usually the first stopping point for anyone touring through Thailand.

Bangkok has an exciting mix of packed subways; huge skyscrapers; temples ; historic architecture; lavish gardens; palaces like the Grand Palace ; and almost nightly sporting events, like kickboxing, that draw thousands of fans.

Spend time on the beaches near Bangkok for a mix of the city scene and a tropical ocean escape.

Bangkok has a lively atmosphere, even during the daylight hours. Travelers on a budget can find cheap entertainment, shopping bargains, and low-cost accommodations, especially in the area of Khao San Road.

Travelers with unlimited budgets can find everything on the opposite end of the spectrum, from luxury hotels to extravagant shopping at high-end stores at the Siam Paragon Mall.

The city is also popular for more traditional experiences, like the floating markets and Thai massage parlors where you can get an hour of relaxation for less than $10 dollars.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bangkok

Hong Kong is one of the most famous cities in the world. It is a convenient holiday destination, and its shopping, especially for bargains, is unmatched.

Hong Kong is one of the most popular cities in the world, but it is also one of the most expensive places to travel if you plan to stay in the heart of the city. If you stay just beyond the main tourist areas in places like Jordan or Kowloon, you can find slightly less expensive accommodations.

Some of the other reasons travelers flock to Hong Kong include an easy public transportation system, so there is no need to drive; massive theme parks; 24-hour dining; the world's largest skyscrapers; bargain shopping for high-end goods; and beaches and mountains that are quickly accessed just outside the city. You can even find beautiful hiking trails in Hong Kong .

Hong Kong also offers unusual finds that are just plain interesting, like a 24-karat solid gold toilet inside a Hong Kong jewelry company and a beautiful tunnel of pink flowers located inside the Un Chau Estate public housing complex.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong

Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is synonymous with luxury lifestyles. While Dubai is a large global business center, people enjoy vacationing among the rich and the attractions that cater to them. Dubai is home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and it's where tourists find some other attractions that are among the largest in the world, like the shopping malls and aquarium.

Dubai's grandiose fantasy atmosphere is what travelers want to experience. From over-the-top luxury hotels and resorts to the urban green space like the Dubai Miracle Garden, the sights, sounds, colors, and other sensory experiences in Dubai are unlike any other destination.

Dubai's nightlife and world-famous beaches also draw visitors, who come to enjoy kicking back among the natural and man-made beauty of this extravagant city.

The small Asian country of Singapore attracts travelers year-round, and its popularity is growing. The island of Singapore has a stunning blend of historic culture with old buildings nestled in among large skyscrapers. There is a charm between the old and the new in the way that small neighborhood shopping districts exist between the mega luxury shopping malls that Singapore is known for.

The beauty of Singapore is another reason people visit. The Supertrees in the vertical gardens and the artistic green displays in Gardens by the Bay have a wow factor as they light up the city. Singapore is known for its vast amount of green space, with urban gardens like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Orchid Garden, and the Cloud Forest.

Besides a visually beautiful location and so many things to do, Singapore is a clean and safe city, which gives it high appeal for travelers. It has the best of both worlds, from city life to beaches and posh resorts, which is why it ranks consistently as a top destination for travelers.

Rome is one of those destinations that sits on many travelers' must-see someday lists. The culture of Rome and its historic architecture are its main draws. The Colosseum , Pantheon , Trevi fountain, and the Vatican usually top the list of things vacationers want to check off their list.

Besides the famous cultural sites , visitors head to Rome for its famous homemade Italian food, from fried artichokes to homemade pasta. Tourists like to try authentic Italian cuisine and feel like a local. The monuments and artwork throughout Rome are also a draw for visitors who want to step inside some of the oldest museums in the world.

Make your base here and enjoy day trips from Rome to surrounding towns or out the nearby beaches .

• Read More: Top-Rated Museums and Palaces in Rome

Macau in southern China has become one of the most visited cities in the world, especially among the rich. There are several reasons for this: First, because Macau has become a thriving investment metropolis, the people traveling for business are also spending time in the city, connecting with the locals and enjoying the more pleasure-filled side of things like shopping, sightseeing, and sports car racing.

The other reason Macau is popular is because of its culture. Its small footprint of nearly 12 square miles is a multicultural mecca, with a blend of Asian natives and European influences in the people, shops, and local food. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town is a prime example and is just one of the many beautiful places to photograph in the region.

Macau is also famous for its beautiful beaches and urban gardens like Casa Garden and Sun Yat Sen Park.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Macau

One of the most famous cities in the world is Istanbul, Turkey, so it makes sense that people want to visit. The city is filled with historic mosques and palaces surrounded by cafés, shops, and chic hotels. The relaxed vibe in Istanbul attracts a crowd that enjoys afternoons hanging out and sipping tea or uncovering a vintage find at a local thrift store.

Visitors enjoy uncovering the historic and modern mix in local neighborhoods. The historic Sultanahmet District and the touristic Istiklal Caddesi area are two examples. Istanbul is also popular because of its elegant scenery. The artistic architecture of the homes along the Bosphorus Strait is one of the most picturesque sites in Turkey.

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The capital city of Malaysia , Kuala Lumpur welcomes millions of visitors a year. It is a city with museums and ties to its culture in places like the Old Market Square, yet it is balanced by the edgy architecture of the Petronas Twin Towers and mega shopping malls. The city is always "on," so you can find a nightlife scene any time of the day as you take in meeting the locals, dining, and watching sporting events.

The appeal of Kuala Lumpur is in part because of its ultra-modern city but also for the natural beauty that surrounds it. There are popular attractions that highlight the wildlife of the region, from the Aquaria aquarium and the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park to the KL Butterfly Park. There are also many elaborate urban parks throughout the city and around the River of Life waterfront.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

India is such a big country and is so popular with tourists that several of its main cities are among the most visited cities in the world, including Delhi. One of the reasons Delhi is popular is because it is close to a number of other top experiences in India , so it is a convenient base.

Delhi has many religious landmarks that attract tourists, like the Swaminarayan Akshardham and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Delhi is known for its markets, selling inexpensive wares and street food, where tourists enjoy finding nice bargains.

Delhi is only a few hours from Agra , where vacationers can take a day trip to see the Taj Mahal.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Delhi & New Delhi

The metropolis of Tokyo in Japan is one of the most exciting cities in the world, which is why millions of tourists go there every year. What makes Japan so popular is the whirlwind of eye-popping attractions , from ancient temples and Anime to the Tokyo Skytree broadcast tower.

Tokyo has the world's most famous and biggest fish markets, and exquisite and artful sushi. Japanese culture is colorful and playful, and that is reflected in Tokyo's parks, museums, and malls. Tourists are attracted to the opportunity to learn more about traditional Japanese culture with experiences like trying on kimonos.

Japan's fantastic interconnected train system makes it easy to base yourself in Tokyo and make day trips to other places like Mount Fuji and Tokyo Disneyland.

The Mediterranean Sea sitting against the backdrop of beautiful Antalya, Turkey makes it a desired vacation spot for travelers. From the beautiful sandy beaches and warm weather to the waterfalls, cliffs, and sunsets, it is a perfect vacation.

Lara and Konyaalti beaches are the most popular and are easily identified by the many luxury resorts that line the coast. History buffs visit Antalya to explore the ruins of the Aspendos , an ancient city dating back to AD 16. The town is a mix of mosques, ruins, cafés, and an old town square where locals congregate.

• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Antalya
• From Istanbul to Antalya: Best Ways to Get There

Mexico City has risen in the ranks over the years to be recognized as one of the greatest cosmopolitan capitals in the world. If you want culture, cuisine, the arts, architecture, history, and glamorous hotels, Mexico City checks every single box.

Mexico's capital has been the political and cultural center of its universe since the pre-Columbian days, back when it was called Tenochtitlan and was the main city of the Aztec Empire. Today Mexico City is built upon the strata of time, showcasing everything from archaeological ruins to ornate Spanish architecture and the glamorous design of the 21st century.

From the incredible time capsule that is the Centro Historico to the cultural institutions, like Palacio de Bellas Artes, to the hip, bohemian streets of the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods, Mexico City has something to offer everyone.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mexico City

Sliced by the winding Douro River, Porto, Portugal is one of the most beautiful European cities. Colorful buildings and red-tiled roofs rise up over the hills from the river's edge. Porto is as charming as it is historic, seeming to spring from the pages of a fairy tale.

The gorgeous jewel of a city is just as cosmopolitan as it is historic. It is known for its decadent food; cobblestone back alleys; and the gritty river shipping culture, which has been part of Porto's history for centuries.

Street art is one of the biggest draws to Porto, from the hand-painted tiles to the murals splashed across the ancient walls. You can see how art has made its way into Porto's 21st century, as well, with a visit to the Museu de Arte Contemporanea.

Porto is also characterized by its lavish churches, clanging bell towers, and beautiful vantage points all over the city.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Porto

Always eclectic, offbeat, and drenched in culture, San Francisco, California never disappoints. Steeped in history, from Wild West gold rushes to counter-culture revolutions and the tech industry, San Francisco has always been a hotbed of activity since its inception.

It's also a haven for foodies. Some of the best restaurants in California can be found right here in the capital of the Bay Area, including a good selection of vegan and vegetarian restaurants . It's also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by the bay, the Pacific Ocean, and redwood forests. Enjoy San Francisco's beaches and nearby hiking trails . The city itself is an adventure, with its 48 hills that are accessible via historic cable cars.

Peppered with parks and green space and always blanketed in fog, and lined with pastel-colored Victorian buildings, San Francisco is one of the most unique cities in the United States, if not the world.

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For nearly 1,000 years, Beijing has been the capital city of China and has seen the rise and fall of three of China's dynasties. It is a city that is packed with centuries of history, yet is still one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in the entire world.

Step back in time inside The Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, learn the sad truths in Tiananmen Square, and wander the zigzagging alleys of the historic Hutong neighborhoods. As you walk around, you will realize why these areas of Beijing are some of the best places to visit in China because of their cultural significance. These historic sites sit alongside luxury shopping malls, thriving night markets, world-class museums, theater, and music venues.

You'll also find some of Asia's finest hotels within Beijing, from five-star international brands to boutique, design-forward hotels. If you are looking to get to Shanghai, just hop on the bullet train and take off at warp speed for another one of China's cultural capitals.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Beijing

What makes Los Angeles one of the best cities in the world to visit is that you are getting so many different experiences in one. Los Angeles is big. It's very, very big, actually, and its many neighborhoods are as diverse as the people who live in and visit Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is about natural beauty, with massive mountains that roll down to the Pacific Ocean. It is also about creative beauty, with world-class performing arts, the film industry, museums, street art, culinary arts, design, and culture. A stroll down any street in Los Angeles reveals a veritable Tower of Babel for language, from Spanish and Korean to Armenian and Arabic.

This is a city where you can eat $2 tacos on one corner and a Michelin-starred meal on the next. It has some of the sleekest modern homes in America, a movie theater shaped like a Chinese palace, and a concert hall designed by Frank Gehry.

Go rollerblading in Venice Beach, hike in Runyon Canyon, or practice Pilates at one of the dozens of high-end studios all around town. Los Angeles is a playground for the rich, the famous, and literally everyone else, but despite all of this, there are still plenty of free things to do and an endless supply of people-watching opportunities.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles
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One of the largest cities in America, Chicago can often be overlooked for the flashier, glitzier cities like New York or Los Angeles . But this midwestern capital packs a punch all on its own, from trendy restaurants and live music to museums, glamorous hotels, and lakefront living.

The Windy City will, quite literally, blow you away. High-rise skyscrapers on the shores of Lake Michigan make for some robust gusts of wind throughout the year. But figuratively speaking, your mind will be blown in Chicago, from the world-renowned Art Institute to the sky-high Willis Tower.

Dining is dizzying in Chicago, whether it is down-home hot dogs or five-star cuts of steak. Festivals are rocking year-round in Chicago, from blues music to the world-famous Market Days. And, of course, let's not forget about the stunning hotels and landmarks that line the Magnificent Mile.

Read More: Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in Chicago

Beaches, buildings, and boats. That's what Barcelona is all about. From the stunning Mediterranean beaches to the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudi to the yacht culture, Barcelona lives and breathes by the sea. Add to that fantastic gastronomy, art, history, and hotels and it's easy to see why Barcelona is one of the best cities in the world to visit.

Did you know that Barcelona's history dates back more than 2,000 years? That means you'll find Roman-style architecture alongside Gothic structures and Renaissance cathedrals, all the way up to the world-famous architecture designed by Antoni Gaudi. In fact, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Barcelona .

Barcelona is one of the main cities of Spain's Catalonia region and, as such, is the capital of Catalan cuisine. But you can find all of Spain's regional delicacies here, from Basque and Galician to Andalusian and beyond.

Abu Dhabi is the counterpart to the towering skyscrapers and glitzy lifestyle of Dubai. Sure, it has its own Louvre, but the focus in Abu Dhabi is to embrace the local lifestyle and culture and put a spotlight on the unique heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

Abu Dhabi is where Islamic architecture reigns supreme, from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the museum Qasr Al Hosn. Of course, the 21st century comes through loud and clear in Abu Dhabi architecture, as well, in the forms of Etihad Towers and the Yai Viceroy, among others.

Much like Dubai, no expense is spared in Abu Dhabi. Just look at the luxury hotels on Saadiyat Island or the Formula One track at the Yai Marina Circuit. There is even a Ferrari World and a Warner Bros World for the kids. But nature is also a big part of life in Abu Dhabi, from the Mangrove National Park to the gorgeous beaches on Hudayriat Island.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Amsterdam is one of the most easily accessible cities in the world, with flights from most of the major gateways in North America and Europe. But far beyond easy access, it is what Amsterdam has to offer travelers that makes it one of the best cities in the world to visit.

Amsterdam is simply stunning, with a maze of canals, bike-friendly streets, and cobblestone alleys, world-renowned museums, historic architecture, shops, cafés, and great restaurants.

Amsterdam is color. Come spring, the city explodes with every shade of the rainbow from the many flower stalls selling the iconic bouquets of Dutch tulips. Even the once-dreary industrial shipping and dock areas have transformed into boutique shops, hotels, and galleries.

While spring is one of the best times to visit Amsterdam, the festive nature of the city makes visiting in the winter months a unique and fun experience, too, not to mention the cheaper airfare and lodging rates.

And then there is Amsterdam's cultural scene. The museums in this city are next level, from The Van Gogh Museum to the iconic Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, and more. Locals and visitors alike get by in Amsterdam on two wheels, or on the water, whether it's a bike path or a canal cruise.

Read More: Top-Rated Places to Visit in Amsterdam

Spain has so many fantastic cities to explore, but none is quite as compelling as the capital, Madrid. A combination of history and culture, art and design, cuisine and entertainment, Madrid is the embodiment of everything people love about a fantastic European city.

Centuries of history came together to make the Madrid we know today. From its royal roots to the Moorish influence, the years of the revolution, and the cosmopolitan and technological advances of the 21st century, the layers of Madrid are varied and deep.

It's no wonder this is a city that inspired the great works of Goya and Picasso, Balenciaga, Almodovar, and beyond. Visit the world-renowned Museo del Prado or marvel at the fantastic Baroque and Belle Epoque architecture all over the city.

When it comes to hotels, dining, and entertainment, Madrid is beyond elegant, refined, and impeccably designed. Wander through the centuries down its historic streets and step right into the modern-day restaurants and cafés for an experience that withstands the test of time.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Madrid

With its spectacular harborside perch, stunning beaches , and cosmopolitan (yet decidedly laid-back) flair, Sydney is truly one of the greatest cities in the world. Residents and visitors alike take pleasure as much in a fine meal as they do in a beachfront hike.

Locals here live and die by the water, whether it's a sunset cruise or a casual waterfront lunch. Culture and design are excellent here. Just look at the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney is about electricity and excitement, but also about being best equipped to ride the perfect wave.

From the shores of Bondi Beach to the glamor of George Street, you can fit in just about anywhere in Sydney. It's also one of the jumping-off points from which to explore the tropical, beachy Gold Coast all the way up to Brisbane .

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Sydney: Best Areas & Hotels

Read More: Best Tourist Attractions in Sydney

There's a reason that San Miguel de Allende is voted the best city in the world by top international travel magazines. It is a veritable outdoor museum, splashed with bright colors and veined with cobblestone streets.

Add to that some of the best boutique hotels in Mexico, fabulous restaurants, museums, outdoor entertainment, and so many things to see and do in the surrounding region , that it will be difficult to deny San Miguel de Allende's inherent beauty and charm.

At the center of the city is the glimmering pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel — the Neo-Gothic church that serves as a beacon at the center of the city. This is the heart of the action, where you'll find a wide plaza with small shops, and streets that branch off in every direction flanked with cafés, boutique stores, and small galleries.

San Miguel de Allende is an artist's paradise, saturated with gorgeous vistas, and spectacular architecture.

Lisbon is truly a masterpiece — and a hidden one, at that. One of the most under-the-radar Western European capitals, Lisbon is laid out like a painting, complete with red-tiled roofs, brightly colored waterfront buildings, cable cars, and medieval architecture.

But Lisbon is very much a 21st-century city, as well, with trendy cafés and restaurants, boutique hotels, entertainment, and impressive museums like the National Tile Museum. Built on seven hillsides, Lisbon overlooks the cityscape, as well as the Rio Tejo where it feeds out to the Atlantic Ocean. Picture cobblestone streets, ancient structures, and the peaks of cathedrals snooping out over the clouds.

One of the most popular neighborhoods, the Bairro Alto, is where the heart of Lisbon pulses. We're talking about cozy restaurants, boutiques, hot spots, and waterfront promenades.

Lisbon calls as much to the appreciators of European antiquities as it does to the fierce-hearted night owls and the effervescent youth. It is a city for all ages and one that has managed to bubble beneath the surface for so long.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lisbon
• 1-Day, 2-Day & 3-Day Lisbon Itineraries

If you like Paris, you'll love Vienna. Though the cities are decidedly different, their elegance, history, glamor, and charm are remarkably simpatico. They both live with remnants of an opulent past, decadent architecture, bejeweled fabrics, and imperial lavishness. Today Vienna is known for its art, coffeehouses, dining, and design.

For centuries, Vienna was the seat of the Habsburg monarchy. Six hundred years of imperial richness was set at the heart of Hofburg Palace . Today the architecture of Vienna still tells the story of its opulent past. Remnants of the past centuries are still present today, from the Spanish Riding School to the Vienna Boys' Choir.

Still, Vienna is a city that has embraced the 21st century. Boutique hotels, fine dining, live music, outdoor festivals, and more all tell the story of a creative and energetic youthful generation that is setting the nation firmly in the present.

Vienna is the city to appreciate the Old Masters of art and walk in the footsteps of Beethoven and Mahler, all the while sampling cutting-edge gastronomy and dancing the night away until the sun comes up.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Vienna

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Places to Visit around the World: If you are interested in some of the other top experiences in destinations around the world review our articles on the top World Heritage Sites and the best tropical vacations around the globe. If you are planning a special getaway, you will want to read about the most romantic places in the world or the best places to get married and have an unforgettable honeymoon.

More on England

The World’s 10 Best Cities of 2024

Resonance’s annual ranking takes into account factors that include a city’s gdp per capita, cultural programming, airport connectivity, even instagram hashtags..

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Photo by Michelle Heimerman

What makes a city the greatest in the world? For more than 15 years, Resonance—a consultancy group in real estate, tourism, and economic development—has taken a holistic approach to a popular “best-of” list.

Rather than just rely on data around, say, a place’s landmarks or how easy it is to bike there , Resonance uses a combination of core statistics (like GDP and number of Fortune Global 500 corporate headquarters) and qualitative evaluations by both locals and visitors (from online channels like Instagram and TripAdvisor) to paint a more comprehensive picture of a world’s best city.

The organization’s new 2024 World’s Best Cities list has just been released with many familiar destinations at the top. The cities on this year’s list—all with metropolitan populations of more than 1 million—have moved toward a postpandemic reality in their own ways: One rolled out 464 miles of bikeways (San Francisco), while another is imagining a place in which residents can access 80 percent of their daily needs and destinations in less than 30 minutes’ time by foot or bike ride (Dubai).

How the best city rankings work

“This year, we’ve regrouped our previous six categories [Place, People, Programming, Product, Prosperity, and Promotion] into three larger pillars that we utilize in our work with clients—Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity—to define each city’s relative Place Power Score,” Resonance Consultancy president Chris Fair said in the 2024 report. ”Our rankings are still built from 24 subcategories that we analyze to measure the performance of each city. . . . The criteria we select to rank these cities are limited to those that have historically shown positive correlations with attracting employment, investment and/or visitors.”

Livability: This category measures the quality of a place’s environment, both natural and built. Subcategories include walkability (the city’s walkability score on Walk Score), airport connectivity (the number of direct destinations served by the city’s airports), and higher education (the QS Rankings score of the top local university).

Lovability: The lovability pillar considers the vibrancy and quality of a city, as well as how much it inspires residents, businesses, and visitors to promote it. This includes culture (number of quality performing arts and cultural experiences recommended by locals and visitors according to Tripadvisor.com), shopping (number of quality shopping experiences recommended by locals and visitors according to Tripadvisor.com), and number of Instagram hashtags.

Prosperity: The prosperity pillar measures the strength of a city’s human capital. Subcategories include educational attainment (percentage of the population with a bachelor’s degree or higher), Fortune Global 500 companies (number of Fortune Global 500 corporate headquarters), convention center size (size of the largest convention center in a city), and poverty rate (percentage of the population living below the national poverty line).

Here’s how the world’s best cities ranked in the 2024 report, released October 3, 2023:

1. London, England

Rankings: Livability (1), Lovability (1), Prosperity (3)

“London is rarely quiet these days,” says Resonance. Most of the Tube’s lines are running at its pre-COVID cadence, with added metro stops like the October 2022-opened Bond Street’s Elizabeth station. Thanks to policies that give the U.K. the lowest corporate tax rate among G7 countries, Resonance says London’s resilience has been “buoyed by a sinking currency that has attracted investment and, of course, previously priced-out tourists. And new residents . . . who can now afford to check off a big item on the multi-millionaire bucket list: property in the planet’s most coveted city.”

Why we love it: London’s main sights might date back millennia, but the capital’s shops, bars, hotels, and restaurants continue to evolve on an almost weekly basis. Whether you’re outdoorsy, hungry, or bringing a family in tow, there’s a distinct London neighborhood to investigate —and it will likely look different from your last visit. For new hotel options , there’s everything from the much-anticipated Raffles London at the OWO to the sustainability-meets-luxury inspired 1 Hotel Mayfair .

Plan your next trip with AFAR’s Guide to London.

Photo by Catarina Belova/Shutterstock

2. Paris, France

Rankings: Lovability (2), Livability (6), Prosperity (12)

“The city remains the most visited on the planet, with 44 million visitors last year,” Resonance says. “Good thing Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport used the past three years of lower volume to invest €250 million into a renovation of Terminal 1. Reopened this year, it now has a colossal junction building and a central lobby full of the latest tech to improve the traveler experience. Rail access and infrastructure are also unprecedented. A seven-hour direct Berlin-to- Paris TGV line launches next year, with more ambitious directs like the Venice-to-Paris Midnight Trains coming in 2025. No matter how they arrive, what Paris visitors new and returning will find is a city that has codified pedestrianism and alfresco living.”

Why we love it: As Paris gears up for the 2024 Olympics, it’s only getting better. Improved infrastructure, a commitment to pedestrians, and luxurious hotels add to a city we love for its world-class art, shopping, and global cuisine.

Plan your next trip with AFAR’s Guide to Paris.

Photo by Colton Duke/Unsplash

3. New York City, United States

The pandemic exodus led some to believe New York City’s reign was over, but this U.S. city’s number three ranking—the same as last year—proves that it’s not going anywhere. Resonance says tourism numbers for the city are skyrocketing from 33 million visitors in 2021 (which was less than half of 2019’s numbers) to a projected 61 million in 2023. NYC is welcoming back visitors in style with major upgrades to its international gateways: LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport all have new terminals, “with the new Terminal B at LaGuardia alone boasting 35 gates” and looking fine . Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, and Thompson in Midtown are only a few of the impressive hotels ready to host incoming visitors—check out AFAR’s review of the $3,200-a-night Aman .

Why we love it: “The City” (as locals call it) consistently ranks for its culture; this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop music’s founding and the 100-year anniversary of the Museum of the City of New York. New sights and landmarks are constantly being added to classics like the Empire State Building, such as the viewpoints from Summit One Vanderbilt’s all-glass exterior elevators.

Plan your next trip with AFAR’s Guide to New York City.

Photo by Shutterstock

4. Tokyo, Japan

Rankings: Livability (3), Lovability (4), Prosperity (11)

“The Japanese government remains steadfast, keeping its target of 60 million visitors and $136 billion in tourism revenue by 2030. It’s not as delusional as it sounds: the country enjoyed record tourism for seven straight years and can now accommodate even more, with the expansion of the international terminal at Haneda, the city’s main airport (ranked #38 globally), and a planned 18-minute rail link from arrivals to downtown by 2031,” says Resonance. There’s much ado around Japan’s recent reopening to international travelers —and as the world’s best city for shopping, wallets will likely open on their visit to spots like the newly renovated Miyashita Park.

Why we love it: Ranked number in the survey’s restaurants subcategory, Tokyo is home to some life-changing ramen , making it a destination worth planning an entire trip around food. And if most of your travel budget goes to eating, don’t worry. There are plenty of affordable hotels in Tokyo to book.

Plan your next trip with AFAR’s Guide to Tokyo.

5. Singapore

Rankings: Prosperity (2), Lovability (14), Livability (17)

Shooting up from its number nine ranking on the 2023 World’s Best Cities list, Singapore has become one of the continent’s most captivating cities, according to Resonance. And it’s not just iconic views from the rooftop infinity pool of Marina Bay Sands that are grabbing people’s attention. “A new waterfront district is being explored just south of the airport, called the Great Southern Waterfront, which is slated to build 9,000 housing units along Singapore’s southern coast,” the report says. “Locals are also buzzing about the forthcoming NS Square, a future outdoor multipurpose venue in the Downtown Core area of Marina Bay that will replace the popular Marina Bay floating platform.”

Why we love it: The Little Red Dot, as the city-state is affectionately called, is highlighted for biking and shopping; it earns top spots in our eyes (and stomachs) for its famous hawker stall street food, its garden-like airport terminal , and the reopened Raffles Singapore hotel, which has been welcoming travelers since 1887.

Plan your next trip with AFAR’s Guide to Singapore

6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Rankings: Prosperity (4), Lovability (5), Livability (35)

“Famed for outlandish developments like Palm Jumeirah, home to Atlantis, the Palm and the made-famous-by-Tom-Cruise Burj Khalifa—the tallest building in the world—the city has, over the years, made breaking world records a national pastime: tallest, longest, fastest, largest,” Resonance says. Moving forward, Dubai’s 2040 Urban Masterplan aims to make it feel smaller by developing a “20-minute city,” in which city residents can access 80 percent of their daily needs and destinations by either a 20-minute walk or bike ride.

Why we love it: Its Museum of the Future ; greater accessibility with more than 700 hotel options ; a new Michelin guide featuring 89 restaurants , including three with a Green star sustainability honor.

Plan your next trip with AFAR’s Guide to Dubai.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks.

Photo by ESB Professional/Shutterstock

7. San Francisco, United States

Rankings: Prosperity (5), Livability (20), Lovability (28)

Despite San Francisco’s steep population decline and an office vacancy of about 30 percent, city leaders remain “undeterred,” says Resonance: The city is “rolling out the most daring bike and pedestrian infrastructure in America and the protected bike network now boasts 464 miles of bikeways, including 50 miles of new car-free/car-light streets in the past year alone.” Global talent continues to come, thanks to high salaries and the Bay Area, which Resonance says “remains the number one place for start-up innovation, powered by venture capital kept interested in the city’s famed ‘ecosystem’—for talent, for research and for universities.”

Why we love it: Besides being AFAR’s birthplace, there are endless things to do ( even for a local ). With plenty of vibrant neighborhoods to explore, it’s a no-brainer stop for those on the Pacific Coast Highway .

Plan your next trip with AFAR’s Guide to San Francisco.

Photo by Luis Pina/Shutterstock

8. Barcelona, Spain

Rankings: Lovability (7), Livability (10), Prosperity (48)

Why we love it: Barcelona is an almost ideal European city, one with great weather year round and “era-spanning neighborhoods that are destinations at all hours,” says Resonance. Add bike-friendliness to the list; according the World’s Best Cities report, travelers coming to the city will find more than 150 miles of new bike lanes, as well as “daring initiatives like Eixos Verds (Green Axis), a network of quieter roads that share space equally between cars, bikes and pedestrians, and are dotted with benches and community squares.”

Why we love it: This Spanish city is home to miles and miles of beaches , iconic parks, and Gaudí’s iconic architectural landmarks . Its activities aren’t just limited to the daytime—Barcelona ranks number three in the nightlife subcategory.

Plan your next trip with AFAR’s Guide to Barcelona.

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rankings: Livability (5), Lovability (22), Prosperity (24)

According to Resonance, an attitude of care for others and willingness for locals to do the work is reflected in the city’s Top 5 ranking in its Livability score. Just look at the approach Mayor Halsema’s administration took in accommodating unhoused migrants during the refugee crisis. Making its livability sustainable has led to several efforts on the tourism end: Over the summer, city council moved to ban cruise ships from the city center as part of its clean-air efforts . Resonance says “tours and programs focusing on the city’s enviable livability and Dutch history” are also encouraging tourists “from the city center and out to the #8-ranked shopping and #11-ranked museums that pepper the city.”

Why we love it: With nonstop flights available from most U.S. cities, Amsterdam’s easy accessibility—and beautiful canals and world-class museums—make it a popular stop for any trip to Europe. In addition to its top-notch cultural offerings, Amsterdam is also on the forefront of sustainable tourism. In 2018, one hospitality company started to repurpose Amsterdam’s out-of-use bridge houses into charming stand-alone hotel rooms , and by 2030, all gas and diesel cars will be banned from the city.

Plan your next trip with AFAR’s Guide to Amsterdam.

Seoul’s history can be found in places like Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Photo by Travel Take Photos/Shutterstock

10. Seoul, South Korea

Highlighted rankings: Prosperity (8), Livability (26), Lovability (31)

“In an astonishingly short span, South Korea’s capital has 180ed from war-ravaged city to high-tech hub,” says Resonance. “The city’s ascent is boosted by our eighth-lowest Poverty Rate ranking, sixth-most Global 500 firms located in town, and a growing start-up ecosystem waiting its turn to disrupt the incumbents. All that innovation is sated by the 176 Michelin-rated venues that have earned Seoul a #3 ranking in our Restaurants subcategory.”

Why we love it: The Korean wave has brought Seoul into the mainstream as traditions like Korean Banchan have gotten recognition. The food scene can be found in places like Gwangjang Market, “where you can eat everything from a soup of rice cakes and kimchi-tofu dumplings to squirmy live octopus (really),” says Resonance.

Plan your next trip with AFAR’s Guide to South Korea.

To see the full list of the world’s 100 best cities, visit bestcities.org .

This article was originally published in 2020. It is updated annually.

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The world’s 20 best cities for culture right now

We quizzed over 21,000 city-dwellers to find out the world’s greatest cities for art and culture

How would you rate your city’s culture scene? To find out the best cities for art and culture right now, we asked over 21,000 city-dwellers across the globe that exact question – and the results are in. 

Each city on this list has earned its place through a meticulous curation process. Locals were quizzed on their city’s best cultural venues and experiences, and were also asked to score their city’s cultural offering based on both its quality and affordability. Of course, affordability is relative here: what’s considered cheap to locals in one city might not be to those in another. But whether it’s because of discounted museum entry for locals or free open-air festivals, these are destinations where art and culture won’t break the bank. 

We then narrowed down the selection by excluding cities with lower overall scores, and only including the highest-scoring city for each country. (Better luck next time, London !) Four ‘spotlight’ cities were added to the final ranking – cities that weren’t surveyed but were nominated by Time Out’s clued-up editors and local experts as cultural capitals that deserve a spotlight on this year’s list.

So, ready to get out there? From  Mumbai to Melbourne , these are the very best cities for art and culture right now.

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The world’s best cities for culture

1.  Mexico City

Mexico’s charismatic, cosmopolitan capital nabbed the top spot, with locals scoring their city exceptionally high for both the quality and affordability of its culture scene. And while architecture, theatres and street parades like Dia de Muertos all got the nod in our survey, it was the city’s mighty museum scene that got the biggest shout-out. CDMX’s museums showcase everything from Aztec artifacts and folk art to surrealist paintings, and many of them are housed in showstopping buildings – just check out the grand, neo-baroque Palacio de Bellas Artes   or the twisty, shiny and ultra-modern Museo Soumaya . Best of all? Many are either permanently free or offer free entry on Sundays for those with Mexican residency. 

‘What captivates me most is the diversity and vitality of the art scene,’ says Mauricio Nava , editor at Time Out Mexico City . ‘One of my favourite places is Kurimanzutto in San Miguel Chapultepec, a scene of contemporary and avant-garde art – but the Frida Kahlo Museum , which offers a unique insight into the life and work of the iconic artist, holds a special place in the city’s cultural fabric. In addition, the Festival del Centro is a renowned event that combines music, theatre and dance from around the world. CDMX is always redefining the boundaries of creativity, and that's what makes it so vibrant.’

🏺 Discover the best museums in Mexico City

2.  Prague

Czech republic.

The beauty of Prague ’s architecture, with striking Czech Gothic towers, arch bridges looping over the Vltava and over a dozen castles, makes it a veritable outdoor museum – no wonder simply ‘walking around’ was one of the most common responses among locals when asked what they loved about culture in their city. But the City of a Hundred Spires offers more than just good looks: it’s also a hub for performing arts, with locals raving about the city’s opera heritage, classical concerts and venues like the  National Theatre . Of all cities surveyed, Prague scored the highest for affordability – it doesn’t cost much to wander around, after all.  ‘There's always something going on in Prague, no matter what season,’ says writer and Prague local Yaren Fadiloglulari . ‘In spring, classical music lovers enjoy the Prague Spring International Music Festival . In summer, the picturesque Letná Park hosts the circus and theatre festival Letní Letná , and the Metronome Festival brings together musicians from all over the world. No matter what time of year, look out for ballets and operas at the National Theatre and contemporary art at MeetFactory .’

🛍️ Discover the best places to go shopping in Prague

3.  Cape Town

South africa.

Not to use the old ‘melting pot’ cliché, but Cape Town ’s multiculturalism has lent the city an enviable offering when it comes to art and culture. From the lively annual Kaapse Klopse street parade, to cabaret and comedy at mega-institutions Baxter Theatre  and Artscape , every corner of South Africa’s sprawling seaside city has something to offer culture-seekers. ‘Vibey’ and ‘diverse’ were two of the most common terms locals used to describe Cape Town’s culture scene in our survey. Plus, the city ranked highest overall for the quality of its cultural offerings, nudged down a couple of places by their affordability (though on the affordable front, it’s worth noting the city still did pretty well overall). 

‘ While most visitors gush over Cape Town’s natural beauty, it’s hard not to fall in love with the city’s cultural energy,’ says writer and Cape Town local Richard Holmes . ‘There’s a thriving theatre landscape, but it’s in the visual arts that the city is most remarkable. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa  is a must for the architecture as much as the art, but I also love the winelands setting of the Norval Foundation . There’s a fantastic street art scene in the city too. Try a guided tour through the suburb of Salt River, or visit during the annual International Festival of Public Art in early March. And for a really immersive experience, seek out the AfrikaBurn  event (April 29-May 5 2024); South Africa’s take on Burning Man.’

🎨 Discover the best museums and galleries in Cape Town

4.  Buenos Aires

Said to be the bookstore capital of the world, the birthplace of tango, and a hub for every branch of the arts (visual, literary, performance, you name it), culture pulses through Buenos Aires ’ veins – and so say the locals. Theatre is a serious pastime here, with opera titan Teatro Colón  topping the list of locals’ favourite venues; late-night tango, libraries and the street art-plastered neighbourhood of San Telmo each received several mentions, too. Taking in all that culture won’t cost you much, either, as Buenos Aires boasts the second-most affordable culture scene of all cities surveyed.

‘ Plan a night out in Buenos Aires nowadays and you’re just as likely to catch a tango show as you are to witness some of the best trap and hip hop in the region,’ says writer and Buenos Aires local Pedro Camacho. ‘Multifaceted musician Louta perfectly encapsulates this bridge between the city’s old and new. The son of Diqui James, the mastermind behind pioneering theatre company Fuerza Bruta , Louta has amassed quite the following himself by injecting the local music scene with some showstopping visuals and theatrics.’

📍 Discover the best things to do in Buenos Aires

5.  Athens

Athens has been a global centre for the arts since… well, forever. These days, the Greek capital is known as much for its anarchic underground culture as it is for ancient ruins – and exploring Athens’s culture scene means getting to know both sides of this enduringly creative city.  Culture is best enjoyed outdoors in Athens, with locals praising their city’s summertime festivals and open-air cinemas .  The Benaki Museum and  Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center  also got the nod – but  it was the Acropolis and the  Acropolis Museum that locals named their favourite cultural venue, proving just how much the city remains gripped by its own history. 

‘ Old buildings renovated into modern cultural venues have taken over the city over the last few years,’ says writer and Athens local Demetrios Ioannou . ‘A perfect example is the Municipal Market of Kypseli in the center of the city. This old market is now a creative hub where festivals, DJ sets and workshops – comic sketching, gardening, crochet, woodworking, creative writing, theatre, you name it – take place all year round. Similar initiatives include the Public Tobacco Factory , Bageion Hotel and the former National Opera, now officially called Olympia Municipal Musical Theater Maria Callas .’

📍 Discover the best things to do in Athens

6.  Edinburgh

All the world’s a stage come August in Edinburgh , when the largest arts festival on the planet takes over almost every street, pub and theatre across the Scottish capital. And while Edinburgh Festival Fringe got its fair share of love in our survey, locals also praised the city’s world-class museums and galleries: namely the National Museum of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland (of which there are four, no less). ‘Variety’ was overwhelmingly commended as Edinburgh’s biggest asset when it comes to culture – hardly surprising, given the city hosts not just one but a whole blockbuster of summer festivals, from books to jazz to performing arts .

‘Edinburgh’s cultural scene has suffered a series of knocks in the last few years – first with the Modern Two art gallery temporarily closing and then the Filmhouse cinema shutting after going into administration,’ says Chiara Wilkinson , UK features editor at Time Out. ‘But I take comfort knowing that locals have been taking matters into their own hands. There are all sorts of DIY projects keeping culture alive in the city: my go-tos are grassroots radio station EH-FM  and hole-in-the-wall venue Sneaky Pete’s , both platforms to discover the best new music coming out of the city. Meanwhile, Hidden Door Festival is a new highlight in the cultural calendar, turning disused spaces into temporary art galleries and spoken word theatres.’

🎭 Discover the best theatres in Edinburgh

7.  Vienna

When the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert have called a city home, you can bet that the culture scene there is pretty good. Well, it’s not just good: culture in Vienna is exceptional, by anyone’s measure. Vienna ranked third for the quality of its culture scene in our survey, with locals raving about opera, art and Donauinselfest – the largest (free!) open-air music festival on the planet. Locals named The Albertina and Albertina Modern as the city’s best venue, which is packed with masterpieces from art titans including Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Kirchner, and (of course) Klimt. If there’s one city with a license to name-drop, it’s Vienna.

‘Culture is part of Vienna’s very fabric and highly prized by those who live here,’ says Vienna-raised writer Natalie Marchant . ‘The city renowned as the capital of classical music also hosts contemporary cultural events such as Europe’s largest music festival, the free-to-enter Donauinselfest. A summer evening whiled away in front of City Hall watching music and films with a beer at the Filmfestival is one well spent, while cold winter evenings call for jazz at Porgy & Bess .’

⛪ Discover the best attractions to visit in Vienna

8.  Madrid

The capital of Spain is also one of Europe’s greatest art capitals. First of all, there’s the gigantic, neo-classical Museo del Prado , overwhelmingly named the city’s best venue by locals in our survey, which houses a vast and spectacular collection of Spanish and European art. Follow that up with the Thyssen and shrine to twentieth-century art the Reina Sofía and you’ll have experienced the city’s Golden Triangle of Art. More into theatre? Madrid won’t disappoint you there, either – Teatro Real was the second-most shouted-about venue in our survey, and is one of Europe’s most esteemed venues for opera and the performing arts. 

‘Culture in Madrid is more alive than ever,’ says Marta Bac , editor of Time Out Madrid. ‘The closure of venues due to the pandemic and the capacity restrictions that followed are a thing of the past. Now the theatres are full again, new cultural spaces are opening – such as  Cines Embajadores , opening next to Madrid Río – and new festivals are coming to the city, like the arrival of Primavera Sound this past summer. In fact, this year Madrid opened the most important museum project in Europe, the Galleries of the Royal Collections .’

🖼️  Discover Madrid’s best museums

9.  Florence

SPOTLIGHT CITY

Small but mighty, Florence punches above its weight on the global cultural scene. It’s not just about priceless Renaissance treasures – the Botticellis and Caravaggios crammed into the Uffizi Galleries , Brunelleschi’s vast and majestic Duomo , and the newly revealed ‘secret’ chambers beneath the Medici Chapel housing previously unseen sketches from Michelangelo’s final years . Florence also holds its own on the contemporary art scene, with an excellent Anish Kapoor exhibition currently in Palazzo Strozzi , and cutting-edge menswear show Pitti Uomo  taking place twice a year. Day to day, Florentine culture is about strolling around vintage markets and enjoying aperitivo in the birthplace of the negroni. 

☀️ Discover the best way to spend a weekend in Florence

10.  Melbourne

From graffiti-covered  laneways to the artistic hub of Fed Square , culture is alive and well in Melbourne . The city is home to a thriving community of creatives and artists, which – as you’d imagine – makes Melbourne a pretty fun place to be. Take it from the locals: Melburnians praised their city for its vibrancy, variety and sense of community, shouting out annual events like Moomba as well as cultural institutions like the NGV , Australia’s most-visited and longest-running art museum. 

‘To say we're spoiled for choice when it comes to what Melbourne's dynamic arts scene has to offer is an understatement – this is Australia's undisputed culture capital we're talking about, after all,’ says Leah Glynn , editor of Time Out Melbourne. ‘Sure, there are blockbuster exhibitions and musical premieres galore, but I'm constantly surprised by the innovative and exciting concepts that pop up. Now or Never , a new festival of ideas and technology, and Rising , a city-wide celebration of music and art, are just two events that blew me away in 2023. And knowing Melbourne, there's more where that came from.’

🎪 Discover the best music festivals in Melbourne

11.  Paris

You can’t talk culture without talking Paris . Its cafés and bistros have long been the haunt of writers, artists and intellectuals – and, of course, the French capital boasts the world’s largest and most-visited museum in the Louvre . But what do the locals say? Parisians certainly rate the Louvre, naming it the city’s best cultural venue, but they also gave props to the French capital’s theatre scene, fashion sense and two other art heavyweights: the Centre Pompidou and Palais de Tokyo .

‘Paris stands out for the immense diversity of its culture scene’ says Rémi Morvan , writer at Time Out Paris. ‘I take as much pleasure in going to the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay  for their timeless masterpieces as I do in strolling through the galleries of the Marais  and discovering emerging talents. And if I want to immerse myself in the cutting-edge independent music scene, there is only one destination: La Station , a former coal station which now welcomes the cream of the underground.’

🌳 Discover the best free things to do in Paris

12.  Montreal

It wouldn’t be a stretch to crown Montreal festival capital of the world, so packed is its cultural calendar. Montrealers named ‘festivals’ the city’s best cultural asset, spotlighting winter light festival Montréal en Lumière and summer’s Festival International de Jazz de Montréal , which proudly holds the current world record for the world’s biggest jazz fest. There’s even a year-round dedicated space just for festivals at Place des Festivals , a plaza at the heart of arts district Quartier des Spectacles . Performing arts venue Place des Artes also lives in the enclave and was crowned the city’s top cultural venue by locals in our survey. One thing’s for sure: Montreal knows how to put on a show.

‘If you’re the kind of person that gets itchy feet on a random Tuesday night you’ll love Montreal,’ says writer and Montreal local Isa Tousignant. ‘There’s literally always something going on. Queer line dancing at Champs   sports bar, live post-punk at Sala Rossa  by great local bands like CRABE, a life-changing whole-body immersive EDM art night at the dome-shaped Satosphere … dream it up and you’ll find it here.’

📍 Discover the best things to do in Montreal

13.  Marrakech

Arts aren’t a specialised, lofty pursuit in Marrakech ; they’re a bright thread that runs through the fabric of life. It’s why Yves St Laurent was so inspired here, his fabulous designs now showcased in his namesake museum . The city continues to inspire contemporary designers such as LRNCE, who has just opened a most artful riad, Rosemary . The excellence of Marrakech’s master craftsmen is splendidly displayed at Medersa Ben Youssef or just take tea in the courtyard of the Royal Mansour , the King’s hotel. For the best contemporary art, check out Galerie Siniya 28 and MACAAL – and book now for the 1-54 Art Fair in February 2024. 

🌤️ Discover the best things to in Marrakech

14.  São Paulo

A s you’d expect, Brazil’s enormous metropolis plays host to a dizzying line-up of cultural heavyweights. Take a walk along Paulista Avenue and you’ll see what we mean – between the banks and skyscrapers are behemoths including the huge Livraria Cultura  bookstore and the São Paulo Museum of Art , Latin America’s largest art museum (more widely known as MASP). And while locals rated MASP the city’s best venue, they also gave props to São Paulo ’s theatres, independent cinemas and sprawling parks – many of which, like Parque Independência, are themselves home to some of the city’s major museums. 

‘No area in the city concentrates as many cultural hotspots as the surroundings of square Praça da República,’ says Patricia Figueiredo, writer and São Paulo local. ‘Even more so during the free 24-hour festival Virada Cultural , when several stages are set up in Downtown São Paulo. But even on a normal day you’re spoiled for choice. One of my favourite places is Sesc 24 de Maio , a cultural centre spread over 13 floors of a building renovated by Pritzker-winning architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha. For a smaller alternative, try independent movie theatre Cortina Cineclube , which opened in 2022 in a former parking lot right across Praça da República.’

🌃 Discover the best way to spend 72 hours in São Paulo

15.  New York City

Broadway, Off-Broadway, MOMA, The Met… when it comes to art and theatre,  New York City is second to none. Locals agree: ‘Museums’ and ‘Broadway’ each got the highest number of shout-outs in our survey, followed by the Lincoln Center , Central Park and the Brooklyn Museum . New Yorkers also praised the openness, diversity and variety of their city’s culture scene. There really is something for everyone in the city that never sleeps. 

‘New York City has always been a wellspring of culture in every respect, full of diverse and niche events that drive the scene,’ says Shaye Weaver , editor of Time Out New York. This year alone, I’ve attended Catbaret , a variety show for cat lovers at Q.E.D. Astoria and enjoyed a night with comedian Amy Sedaris at Union Square Travel Agency , a newly licensed recreational cannabis dispensary. We’ve written about a sex-free sex party , a gathering just for people named Ryan and a comedy show for only lonely people . Most excitingly, NYC is also home to the brand-new Perelman Performing Arts Center and will soon see the return of the Upright Citizens Brigade and a new comedy outpost for The Second City this month. I’ve been excited about The Shed , too, the fairly new performing arts center at Hudson Yards. Right now, it’s showing ‘Here We Are’ , the last musical that Stephen Sondheim worked on before he died. In the few years it’s been open, I’ve seen some of the most experimental and immersive shows I’ve ever witnessed.’

🎵 Discover the best live music venues in New York City

16.  Tokyo

It’s hard to pin down ‘culture’ in Tokyo . In this 24-hour city, culture encompasses high-tech digital art and historical shrines, sumo shows and sakura festivals, cutting-edge fashion and architectural marvels, traditional performing arts from Kabuki to Noh – and so, so much more. The city’s implausibly endless variety of cultural offerings was reflected in survey responses, too: asked what Tokyo’s best cultural venue is, locals named everything from mini theatres to the Mori Art Museum and Blue Note jazz club, but no two answers were the same. 

‘Tokyo always prides itself on being the city where old meets new, and that’s particularly evident in its culture scene,’ says Lim Chee Wah , editor of Time Out Tokyo. ‘While historical shrines host traditional festivals, you also have cutting-edge exhibitions on niche topics like parasites and love dolls alongside big names from today’s contemporary art scene. Recently, avant garde artist collective Chim-Pom from Smappa!Group , known for their experimental performance art laced with social commentary, put on a memorable project-based exhibition in Shinjuku. Meanwhile, teamLab Borderless – arguably the most popular museum in Tokyo – is making a highly anticipated comeback in a new location in central Tokyo come January 2024, promising to unveil a number of never-before-seen immersive installations.’

🎨 Discover the best art museums in Tokyo

17.  Abu Dhabi

United arab emirates.

The cultural (and literal) capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is home to some of the world’s most iconic sites, with the city’s cultural scene centred on Saadiyat Island. From architectural marvels like Louvre Abu Dhabi to the striking Abrahamic Family House , the buildings hosting these wonders are just as impressive as what’s inside. For a glimpse of old-world Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn , the city’s oldest stone building, is a must-see – as is the Cultural Foundation next door, with free exhibitions year-round. Abu Dhabi might not have the extensive history of some cities, but with the number of art galleries and museums on the horizon, it’s history in the making.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Abu Dhabi

18.  Mumbai

Mumbai has a lot to show off about. It’s not only India’s largest city but also the country’s cultural capital, home to Bollywood and mammoth institutions including the National Centre for the Performing Arts  –  named by locals as the city’s best cultural venue. The small but spectacular Prithvi Theatre also got the nod in our survey, alongside the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival , which sees artists, performers and craftspeople take over the creative enclave of Kala Ghoda. Mumbaikars praised their city’s culture scene as inclusive and diverse – it’s not hard to see why. 

‘Mumbai has timeless cultural institutions, such as the NCPA and the Kala Ghoda Festival , that have been celebrating India’s art, dance and music for decades,’ says writer and Mumbai local  Soumya Gayatri. ‘ At the same time, the city is also home to grassroots organizations like the Marol Art Village , which champions indigenous Indian art forms like Warli and Gond. I find this beautiful blend of the classic and the unconventional is what makes Mumbai’s culture scene truly unique.’

✨ Discover the best clubs in Mumbai

19.  Amsterdam

Netherlands.

A city break in Amsterdam offers the best of all worlds: days spent mooching around world-class museums and strolling along pretty canals; nights spent sweating it out in an intimate bar or a warehouse club in one of Europe’s best cities for nightlife. You’ll find masterpieces from the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum , while the Stedelijk  serves up the cream of the modern art crop. But it was the city’s music scene that got the most love from locals in our survey, with Paradiso – a live music venue in a former church – named the Dutch capital’s greatest cultural venue. See you on the dance floor!

‘ Doe normaal is a Dutch phrase that literally translates to ‘act normal.’ This idea of blending in is a key part of the national psyche — but it’s those bucking against this trend that makes Amsterdam a cultural force,’ says writer and Amsterdam local Callum Booth . ‘Underground collectives and venues are the lifeblood of the Dutch capital, whether it’s comedy and eclectic DJ sets at De Nieuwe Anita , chess clubs and punk bands at Vondelbunker , or the people’s kitchen and collective public space De Sering , Amsterdam overflows with people and groups unafraid to stand out.’

🏙️ Discover the best way to spend a weekend in Amsterdam

20.  Seoul

South korea.

For me, the best thing about Seoul ’s culture scene is its marriage of past and present. Summertime calls for hip-hop with a twist at the Waterbomb Festival , where artists like Jay Park and Jessi have previously beckoned huge crowds to dance the heat away. Unlike your typical music festival, the dress code here is swimwear: with everyone from the audience to the performers armed with a water gun, you can expect to leave completely soaked – just the ticket for Seoul’s scorching summer heat. Pumping music aside, I also love just wandering around many of the palaces located in the city. Gyeongbokgung , the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, is an iconic place to experience the country’s history first-hand while dressed in a Hanbok, a type of traditional Korean clothing.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Seoul

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With the menu written, the feast commenced. We interviewed local experts to highlight edible adventures in each city on our list, from street food to haute cuisine, iconic dishes, markets, and restaurants. “People are learning that food is the vehicle to understand a culture,” says Marwa Preston, founder of Wanderbeak , a Barcelona-based company that offers gastronomic experiences. “After just a few meals, suddenly the unknown feels familiar.” Eat the world, one bite at a time!

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Here are the top 10 smartest cities in the world — and none are in the U.S.

Smart cities in Europe and Asia are gaining ground globally while North American cities have fallen down the ranks, according to the 2024 Smart City Index released April.

Of the top 10 smart cities on the list, seven were in Europe.

This year's index was produced by the IMD World Competitiveness Center's Smart City Observatory in collaboration with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) that's based in Seoul, South Korea.

The report ranks 142 smart cities worldwide based on data analyzed by researchers, as well as survey responses of 120 residents in each city. The study captures an overview of how the infrastructure and technology available in a city impacts the city's performance and the quality of life of its inhabitants.

So, what is a smart city?

According to the IMD , a smart city is defined as "an urban setting that applies technology to enhance the benefits and diminish the shortcomings of urbanization for its citizens."

With very few exceptions, cities in the top 20 are geographically located in areas where social and economic environments are relatively predictable, even against the overall climate of global uncertainties. IMD Smart City Index 2024

The cities that perform well on the list have also developed initiatives that cater to their citizens' overall quality of life.

"Such initiatives have focused on developing green spaces and broadening opportunities for cultural events and social bonding, for example," according to the report.

"In the majority of these leading cities, such efforts have been combined with innovative strategies to attract and retain talent, foster investment in a selective fashion [e.g. pro-sustainability], and tackle long standing issues regarding geographical inequalities and inclusion," the report said.

Here are the top 10 smart cities, according to the 2024 Smart City Index.

• Zurich, Switzerland
• Oslo, Norway
• Canberra, Australia
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Lausanne, Switzerland
• London, England
• Helsinki, Finland
• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Notably, for the first time since the index's inception in 2019, there is an absence of North American cities in the top 20.

"Using three year moving averages (i.e. comparing a city's average ranking for the period 2021-24 to that of the period 2020-23), a significant number of US cities have been losing ground," according to the report.

"This is the case in particular for Washington DC, Denver, and Los Angeles (-12, -12, and -11 respectively), but also for San Francisco (-9), New York City (-7), and Chicago (-4)."

The highest ranking U.S. city this year is New York City which ranked 34th, followed by Boston at 36th and Washington DC, coming in at 50th place.

While European cities dominated the list, Asian cities are gaining ground too.

Here are the top 5 smart cities in Asia:

• Singapore (5th)
• Beijing (13th)
• Taipei City (16th)
• Seoul (17th)
• Shanghai (19th)

Singapore has consistently ranked among the top 10 positions since the index's inception in 2019. It ranked 7th from 2020 to 2023 — except in 2022 when no rankings were released, and jumped up two positions this year.

Taipei City has also jumped 13 positions over the last year, from 29th in 2023 to 16th this year.

"Cities must design and adopt strategies that can resist the test of a future plagued with growing uncertainties, " said Bruno Lanvin, president of the Smart City Observatory.

"Health-related concerns remain high, while climate-related ones grow even larger; a mix complicated by renewed international tensions. Trust and good governance are growing in importance, and the significance of Al in city design and management is set to increase," he said in the report.

"Counterintuitive as it may sound, Al can help cities to become more human-centric," Lanvin added.

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These 5 Arizona hotels were just named among the world's best. Here's why they stand out

Five Arizona hotels were just named among the best in the world for 2024.

Travel + Leisure unveiled its 2024 T+L 500 list of the world's best hotels, compiled based on ratings from its readers, in its May issue. The list includes five Arizona hotels, including four that made T+L's 2023 best hotels in Arizona ranking .

Readers evaluate based on their levels of quality, luxury, service and amenities. Here's a look at which Arizona hotels made the Travel + Leisure 2024 best hotels list.

For more hotels recognized as being among the best of metro Phoenix, read about the honorees in  U.S. News & World Report's 2024 ranking ,  Forbes' 2024 Star Awards , and  Esquire's best new hotels in the world .

Five Arizona hotels selected by Travel + Leisure

Readers of Travel + Leisure, America's largest travel media brand, selected five Arizona hotels on its 2024 ranking of the world's best hotels:

• Castle Hot Springs, Morristown.
• The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley.
• Mountain Shadows Resort, Paradise Valley.
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley.
• Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson.

“We’re honored to be recognized on the highly coveted T+L 500 List,” said Andrew Chippindall, general manager of Mountain Shadows Resort. “It’s a true testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our treasured guests.”

How Travel + Leisure World's Best hotels 2024 were chosen

The T+L 500 list is derived from T+L's annual World's Best Awards, selected based on reader reviews and feedback. Readers were surveyed about their travel experiences around the world, including hotels, cities, islands, airlines, cruise ships and other experiences.

Readers rated hotels based on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and overall value. They scored each category on a scale from "excellent" to "poor."

The hotels recognized this year are favorites among the publication's readers, who named Castle Hot Springs the best Arizona hotel of 2021 and 2022 and the Hermosa Inn the state's best of 2023. All except for Tanque Verde Ranch were included on last year's list of the 10 best hotels in Arizona.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at   [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:   @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

From far-flung destinations to hometown favorites, 2022 is the year to get back out there and turn your dream trips into reality.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Planning new adventures as a new year approaches is always a thrill, but finding the best places to visit in 2022 is unique. After two years of border closures, cruise cancellations, and travel restrictions galore , 2022 is the year we hope to get back out there, uninhibited (albeit vaccinated and COVID tested ), return to our favorite destinations, and cross new ones off our lists.

Though the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, many properties used the forced downtime to renovate rooms, add new amenities, and expand outdoor spaces to offer even more once guests return. 2022 is when many travelers will venture further from home, and even overseas, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, finally reaping the benefits of these valiant efforts.

Although COVID variants remain, regulations are still evolving, and precautions must still be taken, many of the destinations we chose for 2022 offer what we believe travelers are looking for in a post-pandemic world, from hotels with private accommodations to destinations teeming with fresh-air activities . Others, like Las Vegas, are for those who are ready and raring to make up for all the social time they missed — with a few splashy headliners, including Adele and the Raiders, thrown in for good measure.

As cruising makes its comeback , we included unforgettable places to see by water, from Antarctica to the Nile, and as hard-hit destinations like Italy and Asia recover, we found the buzziest reasons to return. Of course we didn't forget about all the stateside gems we got to know while domestic travel was surging, from Alaska and California to Florida and Michigan.

Our 2022 list, organized alphabetically, doesn't hold back, with aspirational trips as far away as India, Mozambique, Qatar, and even space — but we're also including hometown favorites, like Walt Disney World and its new Star Wars hotel ; the wellness retreats of beautiful Sedona; and the simple pleasures of small-town, farm-to-table living in Franklin, Tennessee. Because no matter what type of trip you've been dreaming of, we want to help you turn 2022 into the year you get back out there and make it a reality.

— Edited by Nina Ruggiero and Scott Bay

1. Abruzzo, Italy

Stretching from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea on the peninsula's southeastern side, Abruzzo, Italy has long been one of the country's most overlooked destinations despite its unspoiled villages, picturesque Trabocchi Coast, and stunning natural escapes. Over the past few years, however, it has gone from a sleepy underdog to an ambitious harbinger of slow travel, sustainable gastronomy, and conscious hospitality. Villa Corallo , a 19th-century mansion near Civitella del Tronto was transformed into a five-star hotel in 2019. Dimore Montane , an eco-lodge opened in 2020 in Majella National Park, marries glamping with environmentally-friendly facilities with a zero waste policy. Meanwhile, restaurants like Bottega Culinaria in San Vito Chietino and Materia Prima in Castel di Sangro are redefining the region as one of Italy's most exciting food hotspots for their innovative and sustainable takes on local produce and traditional dishes (in case Niko Romito's three-Michelin-starred Reale wasn't enough). And completing construction this Spring is Via Verde dei Trabocchi: a cycling and pedestrian path along the Adriatic sea that's being built on a disused railway route. — Marianna Cerini

With many international borders closed over the last two years, many eager U.S. travelers' eyes turned to Alaska. The vast state, famous for its towering, snow-capped peaks, pristine wilderness, massive national parks, and colorful locals, made for a dynamic destination with no passport required. But as borders reopen, interest in the 49th state is showing no signs of slowing down. Alaska's tourism board said early forecasts are projecting that more than 1.57 million cruise ship passengers could visit southeast Alaska in summer 2022. That's an 18% jump from 2019, the previous record year. Many perennial favorite cruise lines , like Holland America, will be returning to full strength after a non-existent 2020 and abbreviated 2021. Others, like Windstar Cruises, UnCruise, and Hurtigruten are rolling out fresh itineraries or are launching new ships. On dry land, Alaska is set to see myriad new offerings and events. In Juneau, the Sealaska Heritage Institute will open their Arts Campus (where visitors will be able to learn about Alaska Native art and culture) and will host Celebration , one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous peoples. In Anchorage, Fur Rendezvous , Alaska's oldest and largest winter festival, will be back from Feb. 25 to March 6 (which also happens to be peak aurora season ). The event hosts activities like the Running of the Reindeer and the Outhouse Races, before culminating with the 50th running of the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race . — Bailey Berg

3. Anguilla

This easy-going Caribbean gem is simpler than ever to get to with American Airlines launching the first-ever nonstop, direct flight from Miami on Dec. 11. Private charter flights by Tradewind Aviation have also resumed service to the island. And the just-opened Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club has a fleet of jets to ferry guests from key U.S. cities. The sprawling luxury resort will include a few restaurants overseen by chef Abram Bissell, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, The NoMad, and The Modern. Quintessence , a boutique luxury resort with perks like butler service and a 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio, is opening a more affordable annex of suites called Quinn that will debut in 2022 (along with a Champagne cellar tasting room and Art Bar). New Restaurant Uchu at Belmond Cap Juluca is taking inspiration from Belmond's collection of properties in Peru. Named after the Quechuan word for spice, the menu will feature contemporary Peruvian cuisine inspired by three of the country's regions: the coast, the jungle, and the highlands. — Scott Bay

4. Antarctica

The pandemic shutdown created a compelling reason to visit Antarctica in 2022: See how the whales, seals, and penguins react after nearly two years without seeing humans. New polar-class expedition ships and new ways to get to the White Continent are reasons to pack your boots too. Viking Expeditions will be in Antarctica for the first time in 2022 with new, twin 378-passenger expedition ships. Ponant's new 270-passenger Le Commandant Charcot introduces eco-friendlier sailing, as the first hybrid-electric ship fueled by liquified natural gas (rather than heavy fuel). Quark Expeditions' long-awaited 199-passenger Ultramarine delivers exciting heli-hiking adventures via two eight-seat twin-engine helicopters. Hit a craps table in between icy exploration on the luxurious new all-suite 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor . Silversea Cruises' posh, 144-passenger, all-suite Silver Explorer returns with a debut travel option: Skip the notorious (for rough water) Drake Passage and catch a private flight directly from Chile to Antarctica to board the ship. — Fran Golden

American travelers have long loved the Bahamas for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and sunshine just about 50 miles off the coast of Florida, but there are even more reasons to visit the island nation in 2022. Baha Mar on the Island of New Providence has a brand new water park equipped with everything from a lazy river to a surf simulator, and day passes are available for purchase to those who aren't resort guests. For more rest and relaxation, journey to the outer islands of the Bahamas. While charter flights will get you exactly where you need to go, Crystal Cruises is offering a Bahamas-centric cruise that brings guests to some of the quieter and more remote islands. On its mid-July cruise, guests will embark and disembark from Nassau and then be whisked away via "6-star" service to the islands of Bimini, Great Exuma, San Salvador, and Long Island. Beyond the beach, don't forget to indulge in some local food and culture. The Island archipelago is famous for its conch, stew fish, and rock lobster. From late April through early May, Carnival is celebrated in Nassau and back after a pandemic hiatus. Keep an eye out for the famous sound and dance of the junkanoo. — Jamie Aranoff

6. Barbados

Whether you want a relaxing all-inclusive stay or a vibrant vacation filled with dining and nightlife, Barbados has you covered. Nowhere is that more evident than the pedestrian-friendly South Coast, which is teeming with new resorts and restaurants. The O2 Beach Club & Spa is an all-inclusive resort set on the white sands of Dover Beach, with three pools, six dining options, seven bars, and the Acqua spa, featuring the only hammam treatment room on the island. It joins other luxurious South Coast hotels, including Sandals and Sea Breeze Beach House . If you can pull yourself away from the resort pools, head along the coast to Worthing Square Food Garden, an outdoor food hall with 20 vendors serving dishes from around the Caribbean. Or stroll down the mile-long boardwalk for easy access to ocean-front food and drinks at local favorites like Champers, Salt Café, Tiki Bar, and Chill Café & Bar. — Kevin Gray

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

A favorite of adventure travelers for its rainforests and divers who explore the Great Blue Hole and expansive barrier reef, Belize offers an abundance of casual spots and a handful of luxe resorts. The latest arrival is Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection Hotel , in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, opened mid-2021 with plans to add to its already extensive guest room, suite, and oceanfront villa accommodations. Major airlines are also recognizing the destination's potential with nonstop flights and convenient connections from most U.S. cities. In addition to United and Delta's nonstop flights from Houston and Atlanta, respectively, Alaska Airlines added nonstop service from Los Angeles and Seattle to Belize City in November, and Frontier Airlines will start weekly nonstop flights from Denver and Orlando. — Patricia Doherty

8. Budapest, Hungary

Very few places in the world capture both old-world charm and elegant modernity like Hungary's capital city, and Budapest's latest 130-room luxury hotel, Matild Palace , is a shining example. The neo-baroque palace-turned-hotel, which opened last summer in the city's District V, is a UNESCO-protected site that once housed the city's royalty. The hotel is now home to Wolfgang Punk's famed restaurant, Spago , the first of its kind in central Europe. It also hosts the Duchess bar — a rooftop "liquor library" that mixes craft cocktails using local wines and pálinka, Hungarian fruit brandy, which can be enjoyed alongside panoramic views of the Danube river. Surrounded by 22 wine regions, Budapest is a city for oenophiles. Enjoy a glass of Kékfrankos or Kadarka in the Castle District's newly opened wine bar, Takler Borbár Buda , founded by one of the country's renowned winemaking families. Don't leave the city without visiting Marlou , a biodynamic wine bar near the Hungarian State Opera, and Portobello , an unassuming coffee and natural wine bar around the corner from Matild Palace. — Stephanie Andrews

9. Burgundy, France

The region of Burgundy is known for — you guessed it — its Burgundy wine, but French wine isn't the only reason Burgundy is a must-visit in 2022. In the spring, the region's capital city of Dijon will welcome the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin (International City of Gastronomy and Wine), an expansive complex with a cooking school, a new hotel, a handful of restaurants, and a wine cellar with over 250 by-the-glass offerings. The new project is perfectly situated at the starting point of Burgundy's famed wine route — Route des Grands Crus — which runs from Dijon to Santenay and produces some of the country's most well-regarded wines, including pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc. — Evie Carrick

10. British Virgin Islands

Within the Caribbean, the 60 islands that comprise the British Virgin Islands have long held the reputation of luxury draped in relaxation. And now it's doubling down on that brand of island spirit with Richard Branson's second private island, the 125-acre Moskito Island that opened in October and sits right across from his first BVI paradise, Necker Island (which received a serious upgrade when it reopened last year after a two-year closure). The new destination will eventually have 10 private estates that can be rented through Virgin Limited Edition , but among the ones already available are Point Estate, starting at $17,500 a night, and Oasis Estate for $19,000. But Moskito isn't the only shiny new reason to visit BVI. Proving the area's resilience following the devastation after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Saba Rock , the private island long known for its diving, went through a complete reconstruction before reopening in October; the Bitter End Yacht Club reopened in December with BVI's first over-the-water bungalows; and Oil Nut Bay will expand in early 2022 with new villas, a watersports center, and spa. Also on tap for 2022, the solar-powered White Bay Villas and new hilltop suites at Long Bay Beach Resort . And with the Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival returning in the spring of 2022 after being canceled for two years, BVI is proving it's truly back and stronger than ever. — Rachel Chang

11. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

You're likely to glimpse Europe's pro athlete and yachting crowds at Marriott's four hotels on the Costa Smeralda, the glitzy Italian destination known for its Caribbean-like beaches and luxury resorts. Its glamorous Hotel Cala di Volpe has gradually been unveiling room renovations alongside new dining options, including its Harrods Suite, with a roof terrace and sea-facing plunge pool, and BeefBar 's first Italian outpost. The entire area is one big " Billionaire Experience ," but Formula One and entertainment mogul Flavio Briatore snagged the term for his new dining and nightlife venue in designer shopping destination Porto Cervo. For more of a low-key, family-friendly escape, the Baglioni Resort Sardinia opened an hour south in San Teodoro in June, overlooking the stunning Tavolara Marine Reserve . — Nina Ruggiero

12. Crete, Greece

The Greek Islands have long been a perennial favorite vacation destination for discerning travelers, and Crete, the largest of the 227 islands in the archipelago, deserves a spot atop your must-see list. Yes, it's a place where you can find the white-washed buildings and blue roofs you've lusted after on Instagram for years, and a spot where you can dive into the cerulean blue waters of the Mediterranean at every turn. And of course you can dig deep into both history and mythology as humans have lived on the island since the 7th millennium B.C ., not to mention the fact that Crete is the birthplace of Zeus . It's little surprise then, with all this beauty and history, that Crete continues to harbor a rich creative community, mostly centered in the neighborhood of Chania. There, visitors can peruse works in museums like the Mediterranean Architecture Center , or seek out unique pieces in galleries like the Municipal Art Gallery or the Redd Gallery . To visit Crete, hop aboard a sailing with Silversea , which takes guests to Crete and several other stellar islands, or book a stay at the Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort , named one of the Top 10 Greece Resort Hotels in Travel + Leisure 's World's Best Awards, 2021. — Stacey Leasca

13. Walt Disney World

The " World's Most Magical Celebration " — Walt Disney World's 18-month-long 50th anniversary event that kicked off on Oct. 1 — continues through 2022 with enchanting touches and highly anticipated ride and hotel openings. Star Wars : Galactic Starcruiser will begin offering its immersive, two-night adventures in a galaxy far, far away on March 1. The interactive, choose-your-own-adventure experience will have guests wielding lightsabers, sleeping on the ship, brushing shoulders with Star Wars characters, eating intergalactic cuisine, and maybe even going on a secret mission, making this a truly unique experience that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Other 2022 openings include the Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind indoor coaster at Epcot, slated for summer. — Elizabeth Rhodes

14. Doha, Qatar

As we ask ourselves what cities of the future should look like, we naturally look around for examples. Places like Shanghai, Tokyo, and New York City seem to fit the description on paper, but I'd argue that no city better encapsulates that definition than Doha, the capital of Qatar. There is so much to discover — from East-West/West-East , a series of four steel monoliths created by sculptor Richard Serra to the Museum of Islamic Art , the massive 560,000-square-foot gallery. Eat at Syrian comfort food spot Damasca One, Em Sherif a rooftop spot that serves up authentic regional dishes, and the lively corner restaurant Nourlaya Contemporary for Sri Lankan cuisine. Stay at the Mandarin Oriental Doha or Banyan Tree Doha . (Read Robinson's full dispatch on Doha in the July 2021 edition of Travel + Leisure) — Whitney Robinson

15. Edinburgh, Scotland

The Auld Reekie is buzzing with new energy. The highly anticipated Hotel W , designed by Jestico and Whiles in conjunction with Allan Murray Architects, is opening next winter. And several other hotels have recently opened in and around the city — Marine North Berwick , the Market Street hotel , Rusacks St. Andrews , and ship-turned-luxury-hotel Fingal . Gleneagles Townhouse , a first-ever city outpost from the famed Gleneagles estate, is opening in the spring. St James Quarter, a developing area of the city, and where Hotel W is being built, is opening next year with 85 shops, 30 restaurants, and a cinema. New in whisky is the September christening of Johnnie Walker Princes Street . And promising to shake up the scotch scene in the capital city is Leith Distillery , opening in the summer. — Scott Bay

16. Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes have bolstered their wellness and culinary offerings in recent years, carving out a name for themselves in the luxury travel realm. Inns of Aurora , comprising five historic mansions, debuted a holistic wellness facility in 2021 — set on 350 acres overlooking Cayuga Lake, complete with hydrotherapy pools, meditation areas, and a farm fresh cafe. Forty miles west of Cayuga, The Lakehouse on Canandaigua — situated on, yes, Canandaigua Lake — recently unveiled the Willowbrook Spa, which boasts lakeside barrel sauna sessions among other innovative treatments. Sandwiched between Cayuga and Canandaigua lakes is Seneca Lake, home to the largest of the Finger Lakes wine trails (this might be riesling country, but don't knock the lighter-bodied reds till you try 'em) and foodie draws like the 14-seat F.L.X. Table . Travelers visiting in the coming year will also see the Finger Lakes festival roster return in full force, including Rochester's Lilac Festival in May and International Jazz Festival in July, as well as attractions for the historically inclined road tripper, like Cayuga County's celebration of Harriet Tubman's birth through a number of walking tours and activations rolled out through 2022. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

17. Franklin, Tennessee

Despite its count of more than 80,000 year-round residents, the very walkable Franklin firmly grasps onto its small-town charms , starting with a quintessentially quaint downtown chock-full of shops and restaurants finding shelter in brick storefronts lining the sidewalks. The uninitiated might know this place for its past — Civil War museums, battleground sites, and historical markers telling the stories of a slave market, race riots, and Black soldiers in the U.S. Colored Troop division of the army all offer points of education and reflection. But the southern city has many modern-day draws as well — for starters, an exciting food and drink scene that includes the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and Arrington Vineyards , the largest winery in the region. Musical events and venues abound, too: The Pilgrimage Music Festival is one of the biggest in the state, and the 7,500-seat FirstBank Amphitheater , newly opened inside a former rock quarry, has welcomed the likes of the Jonas Brothers and Santana to its stage. There's also Leiper's Fork , a quirky-cool enclave filled with antique shops and art galleries. Even more brand-new to the scene is Southall , a 325-acre farm and inn with 62 rooms and suites and 16 cottages opening this June. The lush setting amid rolling hills makes active adventures (hiking, biking, kayaking), wellness pursuits (a spa, meditation, yoga, and two outdoor pools), and nourishing food (the restaurant uses ingredients grown, raised, and foraged on the property) easy to find. All of this and more lie just a short, 30-minute drive from bustling Nashville, making it tempting to tack onto a visit to the capital city. — Alisha Prakash

18. Galápagos Islands

The world's largest marine biosphere reserve will expand more than 20,000 square miles next year thanks to a recent presidential decree . The conservation measure seeks to combat illegal fishing by offering increased protection to the thousands of species that populate the archipelago's waters as well as a migration corridor stretching up to Costa Rica used by sharks, whales and other sea life. Come January, travelers can cruise this UNESCO-protected region on new nine-day adventures from Hurtigruten Expeditions and outfitter Metropolitan Touring aboard the 90-guest carbon-neutral MS Santa Cruz II. For a more intimate experience, passengers can book Aqua Expeditions ' seven-suite 164-foot superyacht, Aqua Mare, when it debuts in May. At the end of the year, eco-enthusiasts can sail to lesser-explored islands to spot giant tortoises, sea lions, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and marine iguanas on Quasar Expeditions ' new sustainable yacht — the 18-passenger M/Y Conservation featuring biodegradable amenities, renewable energy and a carbon-neutral footprint. Those with timid sea legs should check into the locally owned and run Montemar in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. — Nora Walsh

19. Greater Palm Springs, California

Greater Palm Springs is kicking its signature self-care into high gear in the coming year. Taking a cue from its sister property, Sensei Lanai , the new Sensei Porcupine Creek is converting a 230-acre private estate into a luxury wellness experience in Rancho Mirage in 2022. In Palm Springs proper, Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza will celebrate Indigenous art and history alongside the new Spa at Séc-he , where visitors will soak in approximately 12,000-year-old hot springs. Nearby, Fleur Noire Hotel just opened its adults-only casitas and bungalows, with a speakeasy Champagne bar to follow. Unexpectedly, the desert has a budding surf scene — the former Wet 'n Wild waterpark is becoming Palm Springs Surf Club , with a state-of-the-art wave pool, spa, restaurant, and bar; DSRT Surf is set to open a 5.5-acre wave lagoon in Palm Desert; and Kelly Slater himself is bringing a green energy–powered wave basin to Coral Mountain , a proposed new wellness resort with a hotel and residences, set to open in La Quinta by 2023 pending city approvals. And for entertainment outside the splash zone, the $250-million Coachella Valley Arena will host hockey, concerts, and more live events by the end of the year. — Nina Ruggiero

20. Greenville, South Carolina

Once in the shadow of Charleston and Asheville, Greenville has emerged in recent years as a go-to destination in its own right — and it keeps giving travelers more reasons to visit. In 2022, the city of just over 70,000 people will welcome a luxury boutique hotel, unveil a new public gathering place, and build on its well-earned reputation as a culinary and craft beer hotspot. The long-awaited, 187-room Grand Bohemian hotel is expected to open its doors this spring, complete with a two-story restaurant and bar, art gallery, and spa. The 60-acre Unity Park will feature plenty of greenspace, an observation tower, baseball fields, playgrounds, and walking and biking trails. And recently opened restaurants, including French Laundry alum Drew Erickson's Camp , Urban Wren, Coral, and an outpost of Nashville's famous Prince's Hot Chicken located inside Yee-Haw Brewing will ensure you're well-fed while in town. — Kevin Gray

21. Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

While South Africa and Uganda grab headlines for African wildlife, Mozambique has been quietly making strides protecting 17 percent of its land — including beaches, coral reefs, and islands — showcasing its dedication to its natural beauty both on land and underwater. Ever since the country's 16-year civil war ended in 1992, the southeastern African nation has been aiming to build back in the right ways. Case in point: the private island of Ilha Caldeira, less than seven miles off the coast as part of the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, located within the marine-protected area with 20 percent of the country's intact living coral. It's here that the eco-luxury Banyan Tree resort chain has developed one of its most ambitious projects yet, a five-star property — accessible by jetty or helicopter — with 40 private pool villas that will be completely solar powered. Add to that a fish market restaurant with a 270-degree ocean view, the brand's trademark Banyan Tree Spa, and world-class diving, all in a too-pristine-to-believe beach setting, and this island escape is sure to draw attention away from its Indian Ocean neighbors when it opens at the end of 2022. — Rachel Chang

22. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Those wary of traveling internationally in 2022 will find solace in Jackson Hole, a mountain town with endless open space (Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S.) and plenty to do. In the winter, life revolves around Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , home to some of the nation's best skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, plan your trip around the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Summer Festival (June 23-25) or head to the nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. For easy access to the mountain town, travelers can hop on one of Aero's high-end, seasonal flights and stay at The Cloudveil off the Town Square or the Caldera House at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. — Evie Carrick

23. Kafue National Park, Zambia

Straddling three regions of Zambia, Kafue National Park is the largest (and oldest) in the country, measuring 8,648 miles. In the wildlife-rich Busanga plains — located in the secluded northern side of the park — spend the night at newly opened Chisa Busanga Camp in their bird's nest shaped rooms. Enjoy a silent safari, thanks to e-cruisers or an e-bike safari provided by the property. See wildlife from above with a hot air balloon safari from Shumba Camp or Busanga Bush Camp . Other accommodation offerings in the park include riverfront Ila Safari Lodge and Mukambi Safari Lodge . Both properties offer fishing, walking safaris, boat cruises, and have Instagram worthy pools (perfect for a soak and the traditional safari sundowner: a gin and tonic). — Mazuba Kapambwe

24. Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas, Lithuania has a lofty New Year's resolution. After a century of wars, Soviet rule, and, since the 1990s, independence, this UNESCO Creative City of Design is ready to cultivate a new identity — and it's doing so as one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2022 (alongside Novi Sad, Serbia). The festivities commence in January, with thousands of concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and events throughout the year to celebrate Kaunas' history while cementing its path forward . Also this year, Kaunas will welcome the highly anticipated $30 million Science Island, Lithuania's first national science and innovation center designed by UK firm Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC). By May, the city's former Magnus Hotel will reopen with sparkly new digs and a posh rooftop under the ibis Styles umbrella . This lively city is also a main stop on the recently unveiled 1,330-mile Forest Trail across the Baltics. And, a host of just-announced Ryanair flight routes, including Madrid to Kaunas, will make visiting this capital of culture a breeze. — Stephanie Vermillion

25. Kyushu, Japan

Kyushu may be less than two hours from Tokyo by plane, but it feels far from Honshū's well-beaten tourist circuit. The southwesternmost Japanese main island is still largely unexplored, providing those willing to venture off the beaten path with a much different Japan than the one they'll find in its cities. As a warm, subtropical island, Kyushu is home to long, golden beaches and some of Japan's best snorkeling and scuba diving. Inland, the country's most active volcano, Mt. Aso, feeds the island's myriad natural hot springs — many of which offer sea views. And while the island has accommodations that include both hot spring resorts and luxury beachfront villas , nothing tops a stay at Hirado Castle , which was recently restored and renovated to welcome visitors overnight . — Evie Carrick

26. Lanai, Hawaii

Wellness opportunities and cultural awareness are showcased along with luxury at Lanai's two Four Seasons resorts. At Sensei Lāna'i, A Four Seasons Resort , guests can now choose the Discover Sensei Experience , offering the ability to enjoy the retreat's amenities without joining the more comprehensive programs. New "Optimal Wellbeing" programs focus on improving performance in tennis and golf along with overall wellness. Four Seasons Resort Lanai is adding an observatory as part of "Love Lanai," featuring cultural experiences designed to share the island's rich heritage. The observatory program will center around the history of Pacific voyaging, native traditions, and astronomy. — Patricia Doherty

27. Las Vegas, Nevada

Never bet against the house: The pandemic may have put a damper on Las Vegas, but the ever-on-the-move city is back in a big way for 2022. A massive new development on the Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas, opened in June, has three distinct Hilton properties under one enormous roof, not to mention more than 40 restaurants and bars, plus pools (plural), and a handful of $15,000-a-night villas . Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the Cromwell , and downtown's Circa Resort & Casino are also giving visitors fresh options on where to stay. The city's pro sports teams — also now plural — are drawing in fans. And off-Strip "immersive experiences," like the Omega Mart by Meow Wolf and the Illuminarium, both at Area15 , are lending an additional layer of things to do beyond the expected. Not that there's anything wrong with splashing out on dinner and a show after the past two years. Live acts — like Adele's just-announced residency at The Colosseum — are once again hot tickets, as is a table at chic new supper club Delilah , at the Wynn Las Vegas. Some things, thankfully, never change. — Paul Brady

28. Louisville, Kentucky

Your cowboy boots were made for walking the streets of Louisville. Nicknamed "The Bourbon City," an official gateway to Kentucky's bourbon trail, the city is expanding its bourbon footprint in 2022. In October, the Urban Bourbon Trail welcomed the first and only African American–owned distillery in the state, Brough Brothers . Meanwhile, its trailmate, Angel's Envy , will wrap its $8.2-million expansion project complete with a new event space and five tasting rooms in the spring. The city is most well known for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby every spring at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack, and the Downs will open the first installment of its multi-year expansion plan, the Homestretch Club , just in time for the 2022 Derby. There, attendees will be able to enjoy the race with an all-new trackside lounge experience. — Hannah Streck

29. Malaysia

Malaysia is home to a beautiful medley of cultures (Chinese, Indian, and Malay) and a diverse smattering of terrain: bustling cities with towering buildings, verdant rain forests with incredible wildlife, and idyllic islands with dreamy beaches. But all of this and more has been closed to the world for much of the pandemic. Now that the island of Langkawi is open via a travel bubble, with the rest of the country expected to follow suit in 2022, travelers can once again experience Malaysia's many gifts. Langkawi, a beach lover's paradise, blends unspoiled nature (UNESCO-listed Kilim Karst Geoforest Park ) and unparalleled luxury ( Four Seasons Resort , Datai Langkawi ), while cosmopolitan capital Kuala Lumpur draws visitors with its gleaming Petronas Towers, delicious hawker food stalls, and shopping. Then there's Borneo, complete with wildlife-packed jungles and a rich Indigenous culture, as well as Desaru Coast, a 3,900-acre area that's home to coveted resorts like the One&Only Desaru Coast , a tropical oasis that opened in early September 2020 (the brand's first in Asia). — Alisha Prakash

30. Maldives

The Maldives' 1,000+ islands sit in the Indian Ocean like a string of turquoise pearls. The tropical nirvana has 166 accommodation options, including the new Joali Being nature retreat, which leads guests on a transformative wellness journey. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives debuts in February with 80 beach and overwater villas on the Raa Atoll. Coming to the same atoll in May, also with 80 luxury villas, is Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa on a massive lagoon primed for snorkeling. The ever-innovative Soneva Fushi has a new experience that includes zip-lining to a six-course meal 30 feet about the sand. Along with Soneva Jani, they've debuted Soneva Soul , a new spa complex melding ancient and modern techniques. Other vacation favorites are unveiling new digs like the sleek, contemporary renovation of Naladhu Private Island and the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island , debuting in February. — Katie Lockhart

31. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is considered one of the sailing capitals of the world. It is home to the largest fleet of America's Cup 12 Meter yachts , most of which are available for charter. In May, the coastal town is welcoming a Sailing Museum that is sure to solidify that title. Over the past few years, a slew of hotel openings have closed a much-needed gap for luxury accommodations, including Hammett's Hotel , Brenton Hotel , and The Wayfinder Hotel . The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection is debuting the property's highly anticipated transformation conceived by Dallas-based design collective Swoon — the lobby, dining room, and shared areas are now complete with guest rooms finishing early next year. Renowned beverage executive Maxwell Britten has joined the team as chief cocktail curator alongside an amazing chef who cooks up a selection of elevated pub-inspired dishes. And don't miss Giusto , at Hammett's Hotel, which serves up excellent Italian with a Rhode Island twist. — Scott Bay

32. Nile Cruise, Egypt

There is no trip that will convert you to a life of river cruising quite like a sail down (well, technically, up) the Nile. In fact, the world's first river cruises sailed in Egypt, a country designed around the central waterway, where it makes sense that the Nile would act as your home base. A typical Egyptian river cruise sets sail from Cairo to Luxor and then Aswan, with the occasional stop to visit an island temple along the way — complete with sights like the Pyramids, Valley of Kings and Queens, Nefertari's tomb, and the Temple of Kom Ombo. In 2022, there's more than one new river cruise to choose from, between Uniworld's newly launched S.S. Sphinx and AmaWaterways' Amadahlia , both of which sailed their inaugural voyages in fall 2021. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

In late 2021, Panama launched a tourism platform along with the coolest tagline in travel: " Live for More ." With a booming coffee scene and a renewed focus on its culture, history, and biodiversity , the Central American nation is ready for its moment in the spotlight. It's an attractive place for those looking to get out of resort mode and into a world open for exploration and adventure. Immersive environmental experiences abound here, including trekking through the rainforest on its suspended hanging bridges and walking to the top of the Volcán Barú, an active volcano with both Pacific and Atlantic Ocean views from the top. There is also abundant opportunity to learn from Panama's seven Indigenous communities, each of whom offer their own personalized experiences and are happy to share their craftsmanship and traditions. Panama offers plenty of luxury, too. In its capital city, check into the American Trade Hotel , centrally located in Panama's Casco Viejo district, a historic neighborhood which happens to also be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. — Stacey Leasca

34. Phuket, Thailand

Before the pandemic, Phuket was beautiful but crowded, full of beach bars and tourists chasing all-nighters. It's still full of energy and surrounded by the same pristine sea glass–colored water, but its luxurious side is finally getting the attention it deserves, from its high-end coffee shops to its cocktail bars. Hide from the world in paradise with a stay in one of the private pool residences at Trisara , featuring kitchens, a private chef, butler service, and breathtaking views over the sea, as well as access to the resort's PRU restaurant , which has earned both a Michelin star and a Michelin green star. Or book a stay at the brand-new V Villas Phuket , which offers a curated selection of 19 private-pool, 1-, 3-, and 4-bedroom villas. Later, party the night away in Phuket Old Town with inventive cocktails at Club No. 43 (think: rum with grilled pineapple juice and espuma), or settle in for a great dinner and a night of daring performances at the Junkyard Theatre , which just launched a weekly Saturday night show. — Alison Fox

35. Pico, Portugal

The islands of the Azores — a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean some 900 miles west of Lisbon — are more popular than ever, and for 2022, travelers will want to fix their eyes firmly on the second-largest isle: Pico, an alluring, otherworldly locale covered with black, volcanic rocks. Conquering Portugal's highest peak, the cloud-shrouded, 7,713-foot-high Mount Pico, used to be the island's main draw, but a recent uptick in hospitality infrastructure has allowed for more opportunity to partake of Pico's most important agricultural output: wine. Renowned Portuguese winemaker Antonio Maçanita just opened a new winery that comes with bookable design-forward apartments adjacent to the island's unique vineyards. On Pico, grapes are planted on volcanic terroir that are then protected from Atlantic winds with rock walls. Maçanita's ​​ Azores Wine Company 's mineral, sometimes slightly salty wines could be the perfect celebratory drink after a grueling hike.The crashing waves around Pico are beginning to seduce surfers, too. And there are also ample opportunities to watch for marine life thanks to 20 species of dolphins and whales (including humpbacks and orcas) that can be spotted in these waters. But if you'd rather eat what's in the water: Try lapas, a local shellfish delicacy best served grilled with butter and garlic and finished with a squeeze of lemon. Thankfully, getting to experience all of this has never been easier: Starting July 1, United Airlines will for the first time connect Newark to the island of São Miguel (the Azores' largest island), and from there, it's a quick hop over to Pico. Or you could always get there via direct flights from Lisbon or Porto with Tap Air Portugal's stopover program. — Chadner Navarro

36. Quebec, Canada

After over a year of tight pandemic restrictions, Canada reopened to American tourists in 2021, so now might finally be time to plan that trip to the Great White North, starting with the province of Quebec. From the charming, French-influenced cities of Montreal and Quebec City to the region's snow-capped mountains, there's something new to explore every season. In December 2021, the first Club Med mountain resort in Canada, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix , opened, offering all-inclusive ski vacations just a short flight from several major U.S. cities. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a foliage-packed autumn cruise from New York to Montreal in October. No matter what time of year you visit, Le Capitole Hotel in Quebec City and Humaniti Hotel Montreal are top picks for places to stay in the major cities. — Elizabeth Rhodes

37. Queensland, Australia

Australia's highly anticipated international border reopening will be well worth the wait, especially as more travelers seek nuanced cultural experiences and sustainable stays. The northeastern state has long been the gateway for visits to the rightly beloved Great Barrier Reef, and beginning in 2022, visitors can learn about conservation efforts and the ecosystem directly from the area's Traditional Land Owners and Indigenous guides during day trips from Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel . Aboriginal elders and Traditional Land Owners are also working with local operator Gudjuda Tours on a daylong excursion to tag and rescue one of the reef's most beloved creatures: sea turtles. Those who want to take a more extended trip to the Whitsunday Islands can look to Elysian Retreat , recently certified as the area's first fully solar-powered resort, or its carbon-negative sister property Pumpkin Island . Back on the mainland, within the verdant Daintree Rainforest UNESCO World Heritage Site, eco-luxury hideaway Silky Oaks Lodge will finally welcome guests back after its $15-million overhaul. — Sarah Bruning

38. Santa Ynez Valley, California

Two hours from L.A., the Santa Ynez Valley is rural, unassuming, and coming into its own. The region has grown grapes for decades and has even made a Hollywood cameo in the movie Sideways. The arrival of newer tasting rooms, restaurants, and hotels in recent years has firmly put the area on oenophiles' and travelers' radars. Start with a private olive oil tasting at Global Gardens and hard cider at Tin City Cider in Los Olivos. Follow with pizza pies at Full of Life Flatbread and vino at nearby female-owned A Tribute to Grace and Casa Dumetz . Detour to Firestone Walker 's outpost in Buellton for a few limited edition craft brews and finish with dishes such as roasted tomato and fennel risotto at the Ballard Inn's Gathering Table . Though it's technically just beyond the boundaries of the valley in Lompoc, The Hilt Estate , is too good to miss. And once it opens this year as an Auberge property, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern will make for the perfect base from which to explore it all. — Tanvi Chheda

39. São Paulo, Brazil

Known for its dynamic combination of luxury, design, and fashion influence, São Paulo is an international metropolitan hub of arts and culture. It's the largest city in South America, hosting an array of entertainment opportunities such as fabulous hotels, decadent restaurants, high-class museums, and iconic mid-century architecture. With airlines including American adding flights throughout Brazil in 2022 and a flourishing hospitality renaissance throughout the city, São Paulo is well prepared for its anticipated influx of new travelers. A must-visit destination for 2022 is the Rosewood São Paulo , located in the heart of São Paulo's Cidade Matarazzo and housed in a historic landmark building. Here, visitors will encounter 200-plus luxurious guest rooms, suites, and residences, plus six restaurants and bars and two pools. — Molly O'Brien

40. Savannah, Georgia

This coastal Georgia city is rightly famous for its atmospheric, moss-draped streets and squares, not to mention its hundreds of years of history. But lately Savannah has been boosted by creativity and innovation outside the sometimes frozen-in-amber Old Town, which means now is a particularly compelling time to visit. Make home base the brand-new Thompson Savannah , a slick 13-story tower with interiors by Studio 11 Design that anchors the still-developing Eastern Wharf neighborhood. Phase one of the 54-acre development, which aims to turn a once-industrial waterfront into a contemporary mixed-use destination, includes hundreds of apartments, fitness trails, access to the Savannah River, and multiple bars and restaurants, including Fleeting , a seasonally driven spot inside the Thompson. At the same time, Savannah's other major waterfront destination has also come into its own. The Plant Riverside District, a stone's throw from Old Town, marked its official grand opening in November 2021, putting a bow on a bustling JW Marriott hotel , countless restaurants and bars, and multiple live performance venues all along a rebuilt waterfront. Not that all the action is along the river: The ever-evolving Starland District, a short drive from Johnson Square, has its share of hangouts including Starland Yard , a food truck park that's also home to the excellent Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana ; Two Tides Brewing Company , which pours hazy ales and delicious sours in a super-cool taproom; and Troupial , a Venezuelan cafe. You'll also want to pack Wildsam Savannah , a newly released field guide that helps visitors understand the layers of history (and the contemporary politics) that are fueling the latest renaissance in Savannah. — Paul Brady

41. Seattle, Washington

Few places offer both an urban and a natural escape in one destination — and the Emerald City might be one of the best. The city center is world-class with top hotel accommodations ( Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and Thompson Seattle ), locally focused fine dining, and countless cultural sites. Then, just minutes away from all of that is some of the most stunning outdoor recreation out there. Adding to the city's luster is the newly opened Lotte Hotel Seattle . The 189-room tower is bringing high design and refined service to the area. Charlotte , the hotel's restaurant on the 18th floor, serves up an inventive menu that is sure to become an all-time favorite dining experience. The landmark Fairmont Olympic Hotel recently completed a $25-million historic restoration of its public spaces, quickly becoming one of the most Instagrammable spots in town. Plus, its buzzy new culinary showpiece will debut in the months to come. Before leaving Seattle, don't miss a meal at celebrated pasta specialist Brian Clevenger's new restaurant, Autumn . — Scott Bay

42. Sedona, Arizona

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

With tourism already surging thanks to the Instagram fame of attractions like Devil's Bridge, Sedona garnered even more of a following during the pandemic among cooped-up city dwellers enthralled by the destination's red rocks and energy vortexes. In 2022, set your sights on North America's first landscape hotel, Ambiente , home to 40 standalone accommodations (called "atriums"), most with private rooftop decks perfect for stargazing. Opening in May, the sustainability-focused retreat will offer on-site trailhead access — further immersing guests in the Sedona landscape while combating traffic along the city's main highway — and reactivate an ancient waterway to populate a stream running throughout the hotel. Experience Sedona's culinary clout right on property at Ambiente's restaurant, Forty1, housed in a refurbished airstream, or venture next door to Mariposa , the city's must-visit restaurant by chef Lisa Dahl, who pioneered fine dining in this town. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

43. Singapore

Singapore reopened to vaccinated American travelers in October 2021 with the introduction of the country's Vaccinated Travel Lane . Travelers can fly from the U.S. on Singapore Airlines' vaccine-mandatory flights ; the World's Best airline 26 years running launched Vaccinated Travel Lane flights this fall, and United Airlines plans to follow suit by January 2022. Even in the early stages of reopening to foreign travelers, the city-state is already unveiling new culinary ventures. Recently, chef Julien Royer, behind three-Michelin-star Odette, opened Claudine , and Raffles Singapore unveiled Osteria BBR by Alain Ducasse, while Marina Bay Sands plans to debut chef Tetsuya Wakuda's second restaurant within the hotel in the new year. Of course, there's just as much flavor to be found at Singapore's famed hawker centers, now on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. As tourists return to Singapore, new cultural attractions follow — from the return of Singapore Art Week, beginning Jan. 14, to the recent unveiling of SkyHelix Sentosa , an open-air ride towering 300 feet above sea level, for anyone still in need of thrills after a 17-hour flight over the Pacific. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

44. Southwest Michigan

Beaches with ocean-like views were once the main draw to Michigan's southwest coast, but new high-style accommodations and hyper-local experiences are giving us more reasons to go. Where to stay with so many options? Consider the cool new motel-turned-boutique Lake Shore Resort in Saugatuck; The Fields glamping retreat with new spa tents in South Haven; the revamped, modern Harbor Grand Hotel in New Buffalo; or anywhere along the coast with high-touch Bluefish Vacation Rentals , which has killer lakefront homes now stocked with handmade local goods. Hop on the new pedestrian/bike trail in Union Pier, and definitely shop two new woman-owned standouts: the beautifully curated Haven and Ariane Prewitt's AP Cottage, scheduled to open this spring. Women are showing off the culinary scene, too, with everything from a special saison ale — winner of the 2021 Great American Beer Festival — at woman-owned Waypost Brewing Co. , to new herb-inspired cocktails at James Beard-winning chef Melissa Corey's Penny Royal Café & Provisions , to James Beard nominee Abra Beherns' Granor Farm , where dinners return this year in a new glass-enclosed barn. — Nina Kokotas Hahn

45. St. Moritz, Switzerland

If you're on the hunt for glitz, glamour, and powder for days, look no further than St. Moritz, Switzerland. The Alpine ski town has long been considered the birthplace of winter vacationing. Tourists first flocked to the mountain town in 1864 , when hotelier Johannes Badrutt took a few British travelers to the community, promising them bluebird days all winter. It wasn't long until others learned about this hidden winter oasis. Skiers and winter sports enthusiasts flocked to the mountain, which has now hosted the Winter Olympic Games not once, but twice. It's an ideal place for ski bunnies too, thanks to its luxury shopping, and its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants . This winter, head to St. Moritz for its fantastic events like White Surf (Feb. 6, 13, and 20, 2022), an international horse race that takes place across the frozen Lake St. Moritz, and the Snow Polo World Cup (Jan. 28-30, 2022), which happens to be the world's only high-goal tournament on snow. Book a stay at the Badrutt's Palace Hotel , which officially reopened on Dec. 3 for the 2021/2022 season and offers guests the chance to try their hand at high-octane winter sports like skijöring, snowkiting, tobogganing, and even private helicopter tours to the peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palü. — Stacey Leasca

46. St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida

The beaches of St. Petersburg and nearby Clearwater are consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. and even the world , but there's more to this destination than white sand, pristine waters, and 361 days of sunshine per year. St. Pete/Clearwater offers more than 30 museums and galleries featuring world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, as well as the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work outside of Spain. One could say brewing the perfect beer is also an artform that St. Pete/Clearwater has mastered, with its trail of 35+ locally owned craft breweries. Playfully nicknamed the " Gulp Coast ," complete your experience with a digital passport that tracks your beer-sampling progress. These year-round offerings mean you can visit any time, but head over in June 2022 to revel in the 20th anniversary of St. Pete Pride , the largest Pride event in Florida, hosting events for everyone from friends and families to couples and solo travelers. — Jessica Poitevien

47. Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos is one of Mexico's pueblo mágicos, or "magic towns," and locals are working to retain its history and culture while embracing the steady stream of travelers who have begun venturing an hour north of Cabo San Lucas to discover its charm. The area saw a handful of new boutique resorts pop up in 2021 that provide luxury amenities while keeping the rugged land and local flora the centerpiece. Wellness-focused Paradero describes itself as a "landscaping project" that just so happens to have luxurious suites, and El Perdido , an all-villa resort less than five miles south, provides all-terrain vehicles so visitors can get to Los Cerritos beach, the local surf break of choice. Oceanfront Rancho Pescadero 's multimillion-dollar transformation will be complete in the spring. Bookings for its oceanfront villas and penthouse rooms — some with private rooftops and plunge pools — open in January. Todos Santos has fully embraced farm-to-table dining, with Javier Plascencia's orchard-adjacent Jazamango leading the way, and Santa Terra , a cosmopolitan oyster bar meets arts and entertainment venue concept, is in the process of adding multiple bars and restaurants, plus a glamping site and amphitheater, according to its developer, "without chopping down a single tree." — Nina Ruggiero

48. Udaipur, India

After an extremely challenging 20-month closure, India reopened to vaccinated travelers on Nov. 15, 2021. Those looking toward South Asia in the new year, perhaps to see the Taj Mahal in Agra or hit the Goan beaches, should make sure Udaipur is on the itinerary. The city of lakes in southern Rajasthan is thought of as the most romantic Indian destination (even called the "Venice of the East") — but it's not just for honeymooners. From the vibrance of Hathi Pol bazaar and Shilpgram , an artisanal compound on the outskirts of the city with a festival set to return on Jan. 22, to the serenity of Lake Pichola, the artificial lake made in the 14th century, Udaipur is a city where you can fully immerse in Rajasthani culture. A hub of Indian luxury, Udaipur is now home to the country's first Raffles hotel, which opened in October. This private island hotel on Udai Sagar Lake is accessible only by boat — something of a trademark for the over-the-top hotels of Udaipur. Meant to be a flagship hotel in the Raffles portfolio, complete with brand staples (think: bars, both Long and Writers), 101 lavish suites, Rasoi cooking school, and lakeside open-air restaurant Belvedere Point. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

49. Wales, United Kingdom

The only path in the world to follow the whole of a country's coastline, the Wales Coastal Path celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2022. Walking its 870 miles would take three months, but its most spectacular stretches can be seen in one visit — and in style. St David's in Pembrokeshire, west Wales, is Britain's smallest city with a mere population of 1,600 and is home to a Medieval cathedral , a luxury hotel inside Roch Castle , some excellent pubs, and the upscale St David's Gin & Kitchen . Hiking paths with unbeatable coastal vistas are within easy reach (try the St David's Head loop ) and pass neolithic tombs and hillforts. — Jamie Carter

50. Yucatán, Mexico

Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán, has emerged as one of Mexico's most popular cities thanks to its lively restaurant scene, a busy calendar of cultural events, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Increasingly, however, travelers are venturing beyond the city to explore the state's unspoiled nature reserves, ancient Maya sites, and sprawling haciendas — a number now converted into hotels. Among the destinations that are drawing travelers to Yucatán are El Cuyo, a quiet beach town that was long a closely guarded secret of windsurfers. Now visitors can also enjoy gourmet Mexican fare at the El Chile Gordo restaurant and boho-chic lodgings at the new Casa Mate . In Espita, a charming colonial town near Valladolid, is the Casona los Cedros hotel which opened in summer 2021. Sisal, a historic port in the western part of the state, has attracted new interest since being named a Pueblo Mágico at the end of 2020. A new highway completed in April now connects Sisal to Hunucmá (and then beyond to Mérida) making it easier for beachcombers to visit, and perhaps spend the night at the cool Club de Patos . — John Newton

51. Bonus: Space

This was a monumental year for human spaceflight — not only did NASA and SpaceX achieve a regular cadence of astronaut launches for the first time since the Space Shuttle was retired in 2011, but space tourism has also lifted off in a major way, making space a top destination to visit in 2022. And it's a realistic trip, too, so long as you have the budget for it. Both Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic succeeded in taking passengers to space on short suborbital hops this year, and each company plans to ramp up those flights in 2022 — Virgin Galactic already has more than 600 bookings. The price for a quick jaunt to space? A few hundred thousand dollars . If you have an even bigger budget (say, a couple hundred million dollars), you could charter your own orbital flight in a SpaceX Dragon Capsule, as did entrepreneur Jared Issacman with his Inspiration4 mission in September. There are also tourism trips to the International Space Station in the works; Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa launches on his multi-day journey in December, courtesy of space travel agency Space Adventures and Russia's Roscosmos space agency, which plans to take even more " citizen space explorers " to the orbiting laboratory in the near future. Of course, not everyone has pockets deep enough to cover space travel, but more affordable journeys are on the horizon. Startup Space Perspective plans to launch high-altitude balloon rides to the edge of space in 2024 , for the relatively low price of $125,000. Potential dealbreaker, though — the balloons don't actually reach space, maxing out at 100,000 feet in altitude, while space is considered to begin somewhere between 264,000 feet (50 miles) and 327,360 feet ​​(62 miles). But hey, at least there's a bar on board. — Stefanie Waldek

Venice tests 5-euro entry fee for day-trippers as the city grapples with over-tourism

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Under the gaze of the world’s media, the fragile lagoon city of Venice launched a pilot program Thursday to charge day-trippers a 5-euro entry fee that authorities hope will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.

Visitors arriving at Venice’s main train station were greeted with large signs listing the 29 dates through July of the plan’s test phase that also designated separate entrances for tourists, and residents, students and workers. The fee is equivalent to about $5.26.

“We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents,’’ said Simone Venturini, the city’s top tourism official. “We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular days.”

Not all residents, however, are persuaded of the efficacy of the new system in dissuading mass tourism, insisting that only a resurgence in the population will restore balance to a city where narrow alleyways and water buses are often clogged with tourists.

World & Nation

UNESCO calls Italy’s ban on cruise ships in Venice ‘good news’

The chief of the United Nations culture agency hailed Italy’s ban on big cruise ships in the heart of Venice.

July 14, 2021

Hundreds of Venetians protested against the program, marching festively though the city’s main bus terminal behind banners reading, “No to Tickets, Yes to Services and Housing.” Protesters scuffled briefly with police in riot gear who blocked them from entering the city, before changing course and entering over another bridge escorted by plainclothes police. The demonstration wrapped up peacefully in a piazza.

Tourists arriving at the main station encountered almost as many journalists as stewards on hand to politely guide anyone unaware of the new requirements through the process of downloading the QR code to pay the fee.

Arianna Cecilia, a tourist from Rome visiting Venice for the first time, said she thought it was “strange” to have to pay to enter a city in her native country and be funneled through separate entrance ways for tourists.

She and her boyfriend were staying in nearby Treviso, and thus downloaded the QR code as required, but she was still caught off guard while taking in her first view ever of Venice’s canals by the sight of the entrance signs and her boyfriend telling her to get out the ticket.

On the other side of the entrance ways, workers in yellow vests carried out random checks at the train station. Transgressors face fines of 50 to 300 euros ($53 to $320), but officials said “common sense” was being applied for the launch.

Venice scrambles to save its treasures as floodwaters again submerge the city

Waters are on the rise again in Venice, just three days after the Italian lagoon city experienced its worst flooding in more than 50 years.

Nov. 15, 2019

The requirement applies only for people arriving between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Outside of those hours, access is free and unchecked.

Venice has long suffered under the pressure of over-tourism, and officials hope that the pilot project can help provide more exact figures to better manage the phenomenon.

The city can track the number of hotel visitors, which last year numbered 4.6 million and is down 16% from pre-pandemic highs. But the number of day visitors, which make up the majority of the crowds in Venice, could only be estimated until recently.

A Smart Control Room set up during the pandemic has been tracking arrivals from cellphone data, roughly confirming pre-pandemic estimates of 25 million to 30 million arrivals a year, said Michele Zuin, the city’s top economic official. That includes both day-trippers and overnight guests.

But Zuin said the data are incomplete.

“It’s clear we will get more reliable data from the contribution” being paid by day-trippers, he said.

Cruise ships restart in Venice; protesters decry their risks

The first cruise ship leaving Venice since the pandemic is set to depart amid protests by activists demanding that it be rerouted from the lagoon.

June 5, 2021

Venturini said the city is strained when the number of day-trippers reaches 30,000 to 40,000. On peak days, local police set up one-way traffic for pedestrians to keep the crowds moving.

Residents opposing the day-tripper tax insist that the solution to Venice’s woes is to boost the resident population and the services they need, limiting short-term rentals to make available more housing and attract families back from the mainland.

Last year, Venice passed a telling milestone when the number of tourist beds exceeded for the first time the number of official residents, which is now below 50,000 in the historic center with its picturesque canals.

“Putting a ticket to enter a city will not decrease ... even by one single unit the number of visitors that are coming,’’ said Tommaso Cacciari, an activist who organized a protest Thursday against the measure.

“You pay a ticket to take the metro, to go to a museum, an amusement park. You don’t pay a ticket to enter a city. This is the last symbolic step of a project of an idea of this municipal administration to kick residents out of Venice,” he said.

Venice officials expected paid day-tripper arrivals Thursday to reach about 10,000. More than 70,000 others had downloaded a QR code denoting an exemption, including to work in Venice or as a resident of the Veneto region. Hotels in Venice, including in mainland districts such as Marghera or Mestre, should provide a QR code attesting to their stay, which includes a hotel tax.

Travel & Experiences

New Laws in Venice Will Limit Tourists

The influx of tens of thousands of less-than-affluent day-trippers from Eastern Europe this summer has prompted city officials in Venice to institute new laws to cope with their tourist dilemma.

Sept. 16, 1990

Venturini, the tourist official, said that interest in Venice’s pilot program has been keen from other places suffering from mass tourism, including other Italian art cities, and municipalities abroad such as Barcelona, Spain, and Amsterdam.

But Marina Rodino, who has lived in Venice for 30 years, doesn’t see the fee as a cure-all. Neighboring apartments in her residential building near the famed Rialto Bridge once inhabited by families are now short-term apartment rentals.

The corner butcher shop closed. Yet she noted that the new entrance fee requirement will still allow young people to flood the city in the evening for the traditional aperitivo , which can grow rowdy.

She was passing out mock European Union passports for “Venice, Open City,” underlining the irony of the new system, and challenging its legal standing with citations from the Italian Constitution guaranteeing its citizens the right to “move or reside freely in any part of the national territory.”

“This is not a natural oasis. This is not a museum. It is not Pompeii. It is a city, where we need to fight so the houses are inhabited by families, and stores reopen. That is what would counter this wild tourism,’’ Rodino said.

Barry writes for the Associated Press.

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