10 Must-See Cities

Ten must-see cities according to “Best in Travel” by Lonely Planet, the special ranking that highlights the world’s top destinations chosen by readers worldwide.

1 Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown, is famous for its music events and captivates visitors with its charming narrow streets and picturesque squares nestled beneath the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress. Don’t miss the chance to discover the places that marked the life of the great composer.

Two key highlights: Mozart’s birthplace on Getreidegasse, and the house where he lived as an adult, located across the Salzach River. On the same bank, you’ll also find the Mozarteum, Mirabell Park, and the Castle.

2 Washington DC, USA

The American capital needs no introduction. Among its highlights: the surroundings of the White House, Capitol Hill, the Arlington Cemetery, and the National Mall are all must-sees.

3 Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is another top destination. This bustling metropolis boasts over 10 million people and sits on the Nile River. Don’t miss Tahrir Square and especially the Egyptian Museum with its priceless collections including royal mummies and golden treasures of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Just outside the city lies Giza, home to the iconic pyramids and the Great Sphinx. For a sweeping view of the city, head up the 187-meter high Cairo Tower.

4 Galway, Ireland

In 2020 (and 2021), this charming Irish town was named European Capital of Culture. What better reason to visit Galway? Long the heart of Western Ireland and home to Irish-speaking communities, Galway has ancient origins and a rich commercial history.

5 Bonn, Germany

Germany continues to attract visitors, especially in cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin. But Bonn is worth adding to your list, too! Famous for Beethoven’s House, Bonn also offers plenty of other attractions: the cathedral, Altes Rathaus (old town hall), and Poppelsdorf Palace, to name just a few.

6 La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, is emerging as an increasingly popular destination. It also holds a world record as the highest capital on the planet, at over 3,500 meters above sea level. To get a panoramic view of the city, take a ride on the Mi Teleférico cable car.

7 Kochi, India

The East offers a wealth of unforgettable sights, and in India, Kochi stands out as the true gateway to Kerala. The city’s history and architecture reveal a mix of influences: Portuguese, Arab, Dutch, British, and Chinese.

8 Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest cities, located on the southern coast. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it’s home to a vibrant and busy port. Vancouver and nearby Whistler hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games. The city itself has more than 600,000 residents, expanding to over 2.4 million with its metropolitan area. Originally a small settlement in the late 19th century, Vancouver’s growth exploded with the arrival of industry. Positioned in British Columbia, the city boasts rich natural resources—forests, fishing, agriculture. Services and tourism are also major economic drivers, along with booming film and technology industries. Vancouver is often compared to European cities such as Vienna, Zurich, and Geneva for its high quality of life. The city is easily accessible by road, train, and air, with enhanced international connections since the Olympic Games.

9 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is one of today’s most talked-about destinations. With ever more astonishing attractions such as the world’s tallest skyscraper, Dubai hosted Expo in 2020 (and 2021)—the perfect occasion to experience its thousand wonders.

10 Denver, United States

The U.S. continually offers new travel ideas. The States are a prime draw for many international tourists—including Italians—who often pick them for long-haul trips. Denver, the capital of Colorado, might attract fewer mainstream tourists, but it’s a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and packed with interest. Founded during the Old West era, Denver features a historic core in Larimer Square. Museums worth visiting include the ultramodern Denver Art Museum, noted for its indigenous collections, and the former residence of Titanic survivor Molly Brown.