Since 2019 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 2020. Towns of all lengths and widths of the world, each with its own beauty and culture, will make you pack your bags to discover them.
10. Denver, USA.
The city of Denver in recent years has been placed on the tourist map for good. The city's constant growth brings modern luxury hotels in place of abandoned buildings, unique food markets such as the milk market, ultra-modern theme parks (Water Park) and exciting art spaces (Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art).
9. Dubai, UAE
The best year to visit Dubai is 2020, as many government projects are about to be completed and many events will be held there. At the top of these is the six-month Word Expo, where 190 countries from around the world will present their ideas for the future (see flying cars) at their specially designed kiosks. The Museum of the Future is also expected to open in an impressive eye-shaped building and the ultra-luxury resort "The World", which will offer its guests underwater bedrooms and snow all year round!
8. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is an oasis of greenery between the blue waters of the Pacific and the forested peaks of the North Sea. Being the birthplace of Greenpeace, it seems that it is trying to lead the world in urban sustainability, through the Organization of Greenest city 2020. Take the opportunity and get to know the town through a beautiful 25km bike ride (or even better pedestrian), along the beaches, admiring the city's major attractions.
7. Kochi, India
At number seven on the list, we perhaps meet the least known of the ten, the city of Kochi. This attractive city of South India is located on the tropical coast of Malabar and in recent years has become a shining example of renewable energy, putting into operation the world's first fully solar airport, which was awarded the UN Champions of the Earth award. This is one side of their coin, since the other features boho cafes, traditional Indian houses, old colonial-era streets and a series of advanced galleries. In 2020, street art comes to prominence in the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, firmly placing India on the map of contemporary art festivals.
6. La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz in Bolivia has the largest cable car system worldwide, while in 2020 new lines are to be delivered, reaching hopefully 11! The city strives for a brighter and inspiring future, through development across the board. Infrastructure, gastronomy, art spaces, everything is on the alert. It is therefore not difficult to understand why the number of tourists is gradually increasing every year.
5. Bonn, Germany
The capital of once West Germany was left in the shadow of Berlin when it took back the reins in 1990. But it has now returned to the spotlight and in 2020 is set to celebrate Beethoven's 250th birthday. An exciting concert with world-famous orchestras, soloists and tenors (including Sir Simon Rattle and Daniel Barenboim) is scheduled, while the Bonn Theater puts on Fidelio, the composer's only opera. Beyond that, there are events and competitions focusing on Beethoven's musical genius, picnic performances and "home concerts," where local musicians open their doors to the public.
4. Galway, Ireland
The ultra-bohemian Galway is undoubtedly the most attractive city in Ireland. There you will find colorful pubs and unique cafes offering their front seats for people to observe the local street musicians. This year all this creative extroversion will increase due to the events that mark the role of the Galway area as the European Capital of Culture for 2020. The city calendar is full of activities, so get ready for street spectacle, live and digital art as well world-class music, theater and dance. Sleep may have to wait, as in Galway wanderers do not stop playing until late at night. Lively and full of imagination, Galway 2020 will be a party all year round. And you are all invited.
3. Cairo, Egypt
Egypt put Tutankhamun's Treasuries on a world tour in 2018, declaring it the last time the Pharaoh's burial prey would leave the country's shores. Therefore if you want to admire the wealth of ancient Egypt in the future, you should visit the Cairo Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). 2020 is the year that this unique museum will open its gates to the public and will be the world's largest museum fully committed to one culture. Also, for all those interested, the newly inaugurated Sphinx Airport in Giza will operate with domestic flights. For more information about the city click here!
2. Washington D.C., U.S.A.
All eyes will be on Washington DC this year as the city celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which embodied the law granting women the right to vote. Many museums such as the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American history and the National Museum of women in the Arts will have special exhibitions related to this important milestone in human rights. Combine it to the excitement about this year's presidential election, and Washington will be one of America's most dynamic cities in 2020. Beyond politics, Washington's renaissance is in full bloom, with a revitalized waterfront, filled with new museums and an "explosive" dining scene. Green roofs, hundreds of newly planted trees and an innovative system of floating wetlands, have made the city greener than ever.
1. Salzburg, Austria
At the top of the list is Salzburg, Austria, where in 2020 the city festival will celebrate 100 years of life. This is one of the biggest classical music festivals in the world, which is always bustling, let alone this year. There will be concerts, plays, readings, exhibitions and events everywhere in the historic city centre, culminating in Hugo von Hofmannsthal's Jedermann, which is based on a medieval play about morality and glory. So book your tickets from now and get ready for an unlikely summer.
