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The turn of the calendar is not just the time for hordes of wishful thinkers who convince themselves that from now on they will be gym rats; it’s also the time of year when countless travel publications tell you where to go.
Most of these curated lists consist of a bunch of regurgitated destinations with little to nothing new going on.
Sometimes, though, there are some real surprises on these lists when they’re mixed with global icons like New York City, London, and Paris.
That’s the case for TimeOut, especially for a city that will be crowned the best city in the world in 2025.
Time-out has just released their list of ’50 Best Cities’ to visit this year, with some real head-scratchers rounding out the top 10.
Copenhagen: Europe’s anti-Karen
What is the opposite of a “Karen”? I don’t have an answer, but that’s what Copenhagen is aiming for.
Often voted one of the friendliest cities in the world, if not the friendliest city, Denmark’s capital is vibrant, welcoming and full of wonderful attractions.
While some popular destinations in Europe are seeing scattered anti-tourism campaigns and protests, Copenhagen is the antithesis of those looking to rip welcome mats from tourists’ feet.
So much so that Copenhagen has even put together a tantalizing film rewards for well-behaved tourists, unlike places like Amsterdam where tourists are expected to mind their P’s and Q’s despite the wild nightlife.
Although Copenhagen may not be the most desirable place in winter, unless you like ice swimming, you will discover incredible restaurantswell-connected metro lines and the rest of the year an easy-going local population with a positive, infectious spirit.
Shanghai: Are Americans Ready to Visit China Again?
There’s no doubt that China remains a global power, but after multiple travel advisories and, shall we say, unanswered pandemic questions, Americans’ confidence in visiting China became questionable at best.
As someone who was lucky enough to visit China before Covid, I’m ready to give China another try since I paid for a 10 year tourist visa for a reason!
It seems China realized that being one of the most locked down countries in the world between 2020 and 2023 didn’t exactly bode well for a tourism boost, especially since there wasn’t a long list of Western travelers waiting to get the to experience the wonders of a country. of the most fascinating countries in the world.
China is a notoriously strict country with many rules to follow, so it came as a surprise to many when entry rules were recently relaxed, where Americans can now visit China. visa-free for 10 days during transit.
This may seem like a small step, but “China” and “convenience” rarely belong in the same sentence. TimeOut highlights Shanghai as the 9th best city to visit, one spot ahead of Copenhagen.
They’re certainly not wrong when it comes to the fact that Shanghai is never a dull moment, as the impeccably clean streets, impromptu musical performances and allure of old China and new China are impossible to dismiss as an unforgettable trip.
Not to mention that Shanghai’s record levels of pollution often deter tourists from visiting the country.
While I have no official travel plans, the U.S. State Department has lowered the reason I believe 2025 is the year I return Travel advice for mainland China Unpleasant Level 2.
Porto: Portugal’s new “It” destination
Portugal is on the rise! Travelers no longer focus exclusively on Lisbon, the Algarve and of course countless paradise islands.
In fact, Porto set a record for tourism in 2023 and is now easier to get to than ever thanks to TAP Air Portugal’s US expansion.
This historic town of red-tiled buildings, waterfront delights and delicious port wine makes for a great escape any time of year, although TimeOut says the sooner the better since they have their own market!
Beyond the beautiful cityscape lie beautiful coastlines and idyllic wineries, both of which have won awards in their own right.
Overall, Porto finished 8th on the TimeOut list, but 4th for beauty alone.
Cape Town: the world’s best city to visit in 2025
Following on from Shanghai, Cape Town is known as a dubious destination in terms of safety for several reasons.
But it seems like this is all a thing of the past since the US State Department last classified South Africa as Level 2 in the fall.
And if it’s good enough for digital nomads, it should be good enough for everyone else, right?
Cape Town is as beautiful as it is culturally magnetizing, offering unforgettable experiences for first-time visitors ranging from wine safarispristine beaches, epic food and affordable luxury.
Save your points because you can score well-known names such as DoubleTree and Hyatt Regency cheaply.
Visiting Cape Town without exploring the city’s amazing nature should be a crime. Indispensable Table Mountain should be at the top of your list for breathtaking views, followed by Robben Island for insight into the fascinating life of Nelson Mandela, and Camps Bay for vibrant blue water under the radiant African sun.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
