Lonely Planet's Best New Travel Openings of 2017: Attractions 21-35
Seeking inspiration to update your 2017 travel wishlist? Lonely Planet's travel experts have curated the year's most exciting new openings—from a heart-pounding tightrope walk over a 3,000m abyss to gourmet dishes printed via 3D technology. These standout attractions promise unforgettable experiences.
Discover our top 10 and entries 11-20 from the New in Travel list if you missed them. Stay ahead with ongoing Lonely Planet travel news.
Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, Connemara, Ireland
Opened November 2016
Situated in the Gaeltacht heartland where Irish thrives as a living language, this new visitor center at Patrick Pearse’s Cottage honors a key figure in Ireland's revolutionary history. It also highlights local heritage and the cultural legacy of the Irish language amid stunning, windswept Connemara landscapes—revealing a lesser-known side of Ireland.
Ruta de Cafe, El Salvador
Trace the origins of the world's favorite beverage along El Salvador's Coffee Route. These lush coffee forests are welcoming tourists with adventures in extreme sports, wildlife viewing, and hands-on bean cultivation—all framed by breathtaking hills and mountains.
Food Ink, Worldwide
Worldwide tour in 2017
Experience culinary innovation at the world's first 3D-printing restaurant (foodink.io), launching a global tour after its London pop-up success. This fusion of fine dining and cutting-edge tech delivers visually spectacular gourmet creations. Daytime visits offer snacks and printer demos.
Thrill Walk, Switzerland
Opened July 2016
Elevate your Bernese Alps adventure on Schilthorn Mountain's Thrill Walk. Test your courage crossing a tightrope with only a safety net below a nearly 3,000m drop, rewarded by epic views and photos from the observation deck.
World’s largest Lego store, London, UK
Opened November 2016
Lego enthusiasts of all ages must visit the world's biggest Lego store (lego.com) in Leicester Square. Spanning 914 sq m over two floors, it's a creative paradise celebrating decades of brick-building joy.
Shanghai Tower, China
Opened July 2016
China's Shanghai Tower, now the world's second-tallest building, boasts the highest observation deck at 118 stories up. Ascend in the fastest elevator globally (18m/second) for unparalleled skyline vistas.
Pike Place Market expansion, Seattle, USA
Opening June 2017
America's iconic Pike Place Market expands in 2017, adding 30,000 sq m of public space in the Historic District. Expect more local shops, eateries, farm stalls, and artisan crafts for authentic Seattle souvenirs.
Mangrove Museum, Chilaw, Sri Lanka
Opened July 2016
Mangroves combat climate change by sequestering up to five times more carbon than other forests. Sri Lanka's Mangrove Conservation Project (seacology.org) spotlights their vital role through this new museum.
Europe's first beer fountain, Žalec, Slovenia
Opened September 2016
Toast Slovenian brewing pride at Europe's pioneering beer fountain in Žalec's public square. Micro-chipped glasses dispense eight local varieties around the clock.
University of Kairaouine Library, Fez, Morocco
Opened June 2016
Book lovers rejoice: the world's oldest library (est. 859) at Kairaouine University has reopened after closure since 2012. Explore its historic courtyards, reading rooms, and opulent interiors—a hub of Islamic scholarship for over 1,100 years.
Noma’s urban farm, Copenhagen, Denmark
Opening February 2017
Renowned Noma relocates to its own urban farm, emphasizing hyper-seasonal menus: seafood (winter), vegetarian (spring/summer), and game/forest fare (autumn).
IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai, UAE
Opened September 2016
Dubai's IMG Worlds of Adventure (imgworlds.com), the largest indoor theme park, features dinosaur, Marvel, and Cartoon Network zones—perfect for families. More mega-parks planned in Doha and Abu Dhabi.
H&W Shipyard Hotel, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Opens 2017
Relive Titanic history at this authentic-themed boutique hotel in a landmark Belfast shipyard building—where guests can immerse in maritime legacy.
Turismo Bribri, Talamanca, Costa Rica
Starts April 2017
Turismo Bribri (turismoindigenacr.com) offers immersive tours led by indigenous guides, exploring Bribri rainforest, cuisine, medicine, language, and culture—while empowering local communities.
The Abraj Kudai hotel, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Expected to open 2017
The world's largest hotel, Abraj Kudai, offers 10,000 rooms across 12 towers (10 four-star, 2 five-star) and 70 restaurants over 1.4 million sq m—tailored for Mecca pilgrims.
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