Here Are the Best Cities To Travel in 2025 According to Lonely Planet

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From culinary hotspots to beachside retreats, here are the best cities to travel to in 2025, according to Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel.’

Lonely Planet’s ten best cities list includes impressive destinations for foodies and culture lovers. From ancient capitals to nightlife hubs, these cities are worth visiting during the new year.

Lonely Planet chose these destinations because of several factors, including safety, beauty, cultural highlights, and cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie or a lover of culture and history, you’ll find the perfect destination for you. According to Lonely Planet, these are the best cities to visit in 2025.

Swipe and Vote: Choose Your Favorite

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

Best Cities to Travel in 2025 According to Lonely Planet Osaka, Japan

Osaka, Japan 1/5

Most Expensive Cities To Live in France_Toulouse

Toulouse, France 2/5

Best Cities to Travel in 2025 According to Lonely Planet Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca, Spain 3/5

12 Best Fall Festivals in the World Yi Peng, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand 4/5

Best Cities to Travel in 2025 According to Lonely Planet Pondicherry, India Sacred Heart of Jesus

Pondicherry, India 5/5

Results

Osaka, Japan

3 2

Toulouse, France

2 3

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

3 2

Chiang Mai, Thailand

4 1

Pondicherry, India

2 3

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Osaka, Japan

Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city and one of Asia’s hubs for cuisine. If you love to eat well and party into the night, you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit. Plus, the city is close to stunning natural scenery, including mountains and rivers.

Some of its highlights include visiting Osaka Castle, hiking, and experiencing the city’s culinary heritage. There are also theme parks, gorgeous parks, and shopping districts that give Tokyo a run for its money.

You can explore this massive city for a week or more and barely scratch the surface. Come ready to eat the best food of your life and enjoy long nights out dancing and singing karaoke. The city is so fun that many people find it hard to leave.

Pondicherry, India

Pondicherry is a beautiful city on the Bay of Bengal, famous for its architecture and beaches. The city is turning into India’s capital of beach culture with tropical beaches and warm water. It also has a booming food scene with fine dining and incredible street food.

Some of the highlights include the historical architecture of White Town, the Puducherry Contemporary Art Gallery, and ancient ruins. The botanical garden has rare plantlife, and you can experience incredible sunrises on Puducherry Beach.

Plan your visit around local festivals and events to get the most out of your experience. You can also extend your stay and check out the surrounding region and its charming destinations. If you love history, natural beauty, and inspiring cuisine, Pondicherry should be on your bucket list.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning city in the Mediterranean Sea with inspiring architecture and cultural highlights found nowhere else. You’ll see ancient buildings and explore beautiful beaches and mountains. It also offers some of Spain’s best seafood and plenty of delicious local wine.

You’ll experience live music, beautiful architecture, and breathtaking beaches when you visit. Don’t miss the 13th-century Castell de Bellver and the Coves de Gènova caves. There’s also world-class hiking in the surrounding mountains with unparalleled views of the city.

From tours and experiences to traveling solo, there’s a travel itinerary for every type of adventure. The city is putting even more investment into its tourism infrastructure. If you visit Palma de Mallorca in 2025, you could easily spend a week in the city.

Toulouse, France

Toulouse is a French city with a spectacular history, culture, and cuisine. It’s also packed with natural highlights and adventurous activities. Hikers and bike riders will love its surrounding trails, while foodies will find its cuisine hard to match.

You can catch live music at places such as Le Saint des Seins, tour its architecture, and dine on riverboats. Tour the ancient monuments and historical buildings and see its famous museums that feature renowned art and artifacts. You can also time your visit to coincide with the annual Violet Festival and other celebrations.

From shopping to eating, bring your appetite and extra suitcases to fill with local crafts and clothes. If you spend a week or more in the city, make a trip out to the countryside and explore vineyards and historical communities.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in northern Thailand that should be on any traveler’s bucket list. It is home to gorgeous temples, natural beauty, art, and architecture found nowhere else in the world. It’s also a foodie’s paradise, with high-end restaurants, street food, and exotic fruits.

Highlights include visiting its ancient temples, hiking through the surrounding jungles, and experiencing the Chiang Mai Food Festival. You can shop in ancient markets and spend the evening dancing at local clubs.

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No matter which season you visit, you’ll enjoy local festivals and events, including the Thai New Year, known as Songkran. If you have time, you can even visit the surrounding national parks to see wild elephants or visit forest temples.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko is a winter sports capital in the mountains of Bulgaria with endless offerings for tourists. You’ll enjoy outdoor experiences, great food, and endless adventures in a rural setting. Plus, people want more visitors, so 2025 is the perfect year to visit.

Some of Bansko’s highlights include sampling banitsa at a local bakery, skiing, and its art scene. No matter which season you visit, there are plenty of events and festivals to enjoy.

Outside the city are stunning natural wonders and forests where you can camp, hike, and mountain bike. There are also endless skiing opportunities in the winter. Time your trip right; you may catch the city gearing up for its fun annual Christmas celebrations.

Pittsburgh, USA

Pittsburgh is home to famous artists, beautiful architecture, and a booming food scene. It’s one of the US’s most up-and-coming tourist destinations and offers plenty to experience.

Some of its highlights include dining on the riverfront, exploring its art, and hiking in the surrounding hills. There are plenty of natural wonders nearby and a warm and inviting culture.

Try timing your visit with national holidays such as Christmas or the 4th of July. You’ll celebrate in one of the country’s liveliest cities. If you extend your trip, you can travel outside the city and visit charming towns, villages, and orchards.

Genoa, Italy

Genoa is one of Italy’s lesser-visited cities but holds an immense amount of historical highlights and cultural attractions. You’ll sample gourmet cuisine and stare out over the coast. There is also some of Europe’s most impressive architecture to gaze at in wonder.

Some highlights include exploring its alleyways, sampling pesto, and experiencing its coastline. Visit its famous museums to learn about its role in European history. Then, explore the surrounding hills to experience romantic views and landscapes.

If you’re a foodie and history lover, this city is hard to top. It also has some of Europe’s most famous fine wines. Time your trip to coincide with events such as the Suq a Genova and its annual poetry festival.

Curitiba, Brazil

Curitiba is a city in Brazil famous for its eclectic art, music, and friendly culture. You’ll get to explore its surrounding forests and eat traditional food that will inspire you to try more. Bring your dance shoes because you’ll be partying all day and night.

Visit the Museu Oscar Niemeyer art museum, see rare plants at the Jardim Botânico, and travel by train through the verdant forest. You’ll also experience endless cultural activities and nightlife.

Curitiba hosts an annual Olhar de Cinema film festival and carnival celebrations. If you have time, make your way into the countryside to see charming towns and villages.

Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton is Alberta’s cosmopolitan capital and one of Canada’s most charming cities. This beautiful hub of nature and cuisine is also home to one of the largest sports complexes in the world. Given all it offers tourists, it’s no wonder Lonely Planet included it on its list for 2025.

Don’t miss live music at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, shopping, and visiting the Royal Alberta Museum. From historical places to natural highlights, this wonderful city is well worth spending a week in.

If you have time, try venturing outside the city to explore its surrounding nature. You’ll see wild animals like moose and deer and unparalleled natural scenery.