Tuesday 26 December 2023

Lonely Planet Best in Travel Destinations 2024 : Cities

Nairobi, Kenya 
Lonely Planet has announced its Best in Travel 2024. To mark the publishers 50th anniversary, the Best in Travel 2024 has expanded from the top 10 best cities, countries, and regions to include best value and best sustainable destinations. 

Over the past 50 years Lonely Planet has printed over 150 million guidebooks covering 221 countries and other titles showcasing the wonders of the world for travellers. Now in its 19th year Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel is voted for by the publishers global community of staff, local writers, and partners. 

It looks to provide expert insight into lesser-known destinations and new takes on popular places. New cycling trails, train and flight services making destinations more accessible, bids for UNESCO world heritage status and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity have all contributed towards this year’s list. 

Best Cities 
1. Nairobi, Kenya 
2. Paris, France 
3. Montreal, Canada 
4. Mostar, Bosnia 
5. Philadelphia, USA 
6. Manaus. Brazil 
7. Jakarta, Indonesia 
8. Prague, The Czech Republic 
9. Izmir, Turkey 
10. Kansas City, Missouri

1) Nairobi, Kenya 

Kenya’s capital is staking its claim as a global centre of culture, sizzling with unmissable travel experiences. Shrugging off the colonial gaze and embracing its unique rhythms, with a dynamic array of restaurants, food carts and cafes, along with a steady rotation of arts and cultural venues that all fuel a distinct Nairobi cool. Within easy reach, its namesake national park is teeming with wildlife. www.lonelyplanet.com/kenya/nairobi

2) Paris, France 

Paris will stage the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, providing visitors a new way to interact with one of the world’s cities. Cycling time trials will spin through town; beach volleyball and blind football will unfurl beneath the Eiffel Tower; and break-dancers will six-step to DJ beats across the square where Louis XVI’s head rolled in 1793. A city constantly reinventing the wheel with a pharmacy prescribing books, photography exhibitions afloat the Seine, a triangle-shaped glass skyscraper – Paris is showing off innovations outside the sporting arena. 

3) Montreal, Canada 

One of Canada’s coolest destinations with an all-season calendar of festivals and arts events, changing neighbourhoods packed with diverse cuisine, au courant galleries and quirky shops. This year, new museums, revamped attractions, an ever-vibrant restaurant scene and added transport options provide even more reasons to explore. 

4) Mostar, Bosnia 

The unforgettably scenic, minaretdotted medieval Old Town and infamous bridge now draws visitors for more than a daytrip to its dynamic arts, crafts, and music festivals. With the 20th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Stari Most bridge coming up, there has never been a more jubilant time to go. 

5) Philadelphia, USA 

Philadelphia, USA 
At the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers sits the nation’s first World Heritage City, the birthplace of the United States and the ‘City of Brotherly Love.’ But in all that historic high-mindedness what can get lost is modern Philly’s kinetic energy – and tectonically shifting cultural core. Between major new openings and milestone anniversary events, the museums alone warrant a trip in 2024. www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/pennsylvania/philadelphia and www.visitphilly.com

6) Manaus, Brazi

A poetic collision of steamy spectacle and ecotourism adventure awaits in the Amazon region’s largest city. Standing at the strangely unmixing confluence of the blackwater Rio Negro and the khaki-coloured Rio Solimões, surrounded by the world’s largest rainforest, where countless unique and endangered species find their home.

7) Jakarta, Indonesia 

Indonesia’s soon-to-be former capital has long been a base camp for international travellers going on to the nation’s wild rainforests and far-flung islands. In 2022, the government announced that it would move to a newly built capital due to Jakarta’s repeated flooding and infuriating traffic. This cosmopolitan city is still the place to indulge in urban comforts before venturing into the nation’s remoter corners. 

8) Prague, Czechia 

A pulsating capital cloaked in a Gothic cityscape, with iconic attractions like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge almost feel too beautiful to be real. In the past decade, visitors arrived in droves, partly spoiling the city’s charms. The Covid-19 lockdown gave the city the chance to hit the reset button, and in 2024, the city promises to alleviate the crowds by promoting slow tourism and attractions away from the city centre. 

9) Izmir, Turkey

A city that prides itself on living the good life, its seaside location, fresh Aegean cuisine, and blend of rediscovered heritage and revitalized contemporary culture merits a turn in the spotlight. A lively old bazaar quarter, a popular annual music and dance festival, new arts and culture venues, a blossoming wine region, and easy access to beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. www.lonelyplanet.com/turkey/aegeancoast/izmir and www.visitizmir.org/en 

10) Kansas City, Missouri 

Thanks to the opening of a new state-of-theart airport terminal and the extension of the free-to-ride streetcar line through Kansas City’s urban centre, the ‘Heart of America’ is more firmly on travellers’ maps than ever before. 

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