Since 2018 said goodbye to us and a new travel year has just begun, Lonely Planet, which is the top travel site in the world, announced the Top 10 cities to visit in 2019. Cities of all lengths and breadths of the world, each with its own beauty and culture, will make you pack your bags to discover them.
10. Meknès, Morocco
Undoubtedly Meknes is not one of the most popular destinations in the world, while Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Fez have more traffic in Morocco. But few people know that Meknes was also the capital of the country for a period (1672-1767) and is characterized by many travelers as a hidden treasure. This year the ornate mausoleum of Islam in the heart of the town, which is a national treasure, reopens its gates to the public after a two-year restoration, thus giving travelers more reasons than ever to visit this underrated imperial city.
9. Zadar, Croatia
Another city that is not so well known to the general public and this year is the right year to explore it is Zadar, Croatia. The history of the town is long and turbulent, since it was at the center of the war and completely destroyed, but it flourished through its ashes and is now an attractiveand cosmopolitan city, which every self-respecting traveler must visit. The hallmark of the city is Morske Orgulje, located on the waterfront of the coastal pedestrian street of Zadar and from where you will be able to listen to the melodies composed by the magical blows of the waves of the Adriatic Sea and admire the beautiful sunset together with the locals.
8. Seattle, USA
Seattle of the United States is a highly progressive and creative city, always in the global spotlight. It is the headquarters of one of the largest online sales platforms in the world, Amazon, which together with its own giant has lured the entire region into development, creating a dense business district of elegant skyscrapers with offices. Nearby is also the iconic "Space Needle," which has received its biggest renovation in over 50 years.
7. Dakar, Senegal
Of course, the Senegalese capital could not be missing from the list. Dakar is one of the most dynamic cities in Africa and perfectly combines sunny beaches, colorful markets and several nightclubs. Despite its dozens of attractions, Senegal's seaside capital has been overlooked by many travelers, and that will definitely change from this year, after the city's brand new, U.S.-sponsored International Airport was put into operation. Surely if you visit it, you should not miss admiring the pink lake (Lago Rosa) and see closely how the salt is collected by the local residents.
6. Mexico City, Mexico
It is no coincidence that Mexico City was declared World Design Capital for 2018, since it is an architectural diamond of our days. If you find yourself there, you will witness a terrible alternation between the pre-Spanish buildings in its historic center and the impressive colonial cathedrals. This creative development is a great proof that architecture is an effective tool of economic, social and cultural development.
5. Kathmandu, Nepal
In the wake of the 2015 earthquake, News reports from Kathmandu pointed to a city devastated and mired in mourning. Today these belong to the past, since all the evidence comes down to the fact that the capital of Nepal has turned the page and has been reconstructed and revitalized. Sure, slavery is still needed to fully restore the magnificent monuments that collapsed during the disaster, but historic spots have returned to their early glory, thus making Kathmandu more vibrant than ever. A few kilometers away from Kathmandu, lays Nepal's largest World Heritage site, the Buddha stupa. A place of worship, which attracts Buddhists from all parts of the world to pray.
4. Miami, USA
Miami is one of the sunniest cities in the USA, with beautiful beaches and intense night life, which the best for a traveler looking for a tropical paradise in North America. But Miami is not only that, since in recent years it has grown into a burning center for the arts and a must destination for foodies. Downtown is also the Natural History Museum, a $ 305 million building (!), which is a magnet of interest to tourists all year round.
3. Novi Sad, Serbia
Elegant but at the same time relaxed, Novi Sad is one of the top travel options for the year to come, as it will be the European Youth City for 2019. Serbia's second largest city year after year is gaining points in the consciences of its visitors, while trying to “wear” another crown, that of the European capital of Culture for 2021. If you find yourself there, it is worth visiting Svetozar Miletic square, with its churches, shops and cafes, but also the revitalized Chinatown, which has been transformed into an alternative cultural area.
2. Shēnzhèn, China
Welcome to the most innovative and innovative metropolis, Shenzhen or China's "Silicon Valley." A city that was previously known only for its cheap nightlife compared to Hong Kong, but has now made great strides in all areas and is one of the most tourist up-and-coming cities in the world. In the last three years, several art spaces have been created such as the Design Society, in conjunction with the V & A Museum in London, as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design Exhibition (MOCAPE), but also the Cultural Heritage Village OCT-LOFT, where you will admire miniature paintings of notable historical monuments from around the world!
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
At the top of the list is the Danish capital, Copenhagen which is the ideal travel and gastronomic choice for 2019. Nyhavn with its picturesque colorful houses, the statue of the Little Mermaid, the protagonist of Hans Christian Andersen's fairytales, the impressive palaces and the Tivoli theme park are just a few of the numerous attractions you can admire in Copenhagen. As far as food is concerned Copenhagen has grown into a hot culinary destination, with many talented chefs rediscovering Scandinavian cuisine. In total, there are 18 Michelin stars in the city, with most of them belonging to the famous restaurant Noma. For more information, read my article about Copenhagen here!
