Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014: Top 10 Must-Visit Cities
Lonely Planet's expert travel editors have unveiled their definitive picks after rigorous deliberation. Dive into the Best in Travel 2014 selections on our dedicated page, featuring the planet's most compelling experiences and destinations. Leading the list are these top 10 cities—from revitalized icons to rising stars—poised to shape your 2014 adventures.
1. Paris, France
Urban Renaissance
Tulips blooming in front of Paris' iconic Sacre Coeur. Image by Suzanne and Nick Geary / Stone / Getty Images.
Paris is undergoing a stunning rebirth. Efforts to ease traffic congestion, especially along its UNESCO World Heritage-listed riverbanks, have transformed a 1.5km stretch of the Seine's Right Bank into pedestrian and cycling paths. The highlight is the new 2.5km car-free zone on the Left Bank from Pont de l’Alma to the Musée d’Orsay, featuring floating gardens on 1,800 sq meters of artificial islands and scenic promenades. Additional gems include a golden 'flying carpet' roof over the Louvre's Islamic art galleries, nine new bells echoing medieval chimes at Notre Dame, and the renovated Musée Picasso reopening in a historic Marais mansion. The world's most beautiful city is more enchanting than ever.
2. Trinidad, Cuba
Uncover Fascinating History
A classic car on a Trinidad street. Image by Drazen Vukelic / E+ / Getty Images.
Nestled between the Escambray Mountains' foothills and the Caribbean Sea, Trinidad is a pastel-hued UNESCO World Heritage gem frozen in time. Showcasing 19th-century opulence—Mudéjar ceilings, French porcelain, and Carrara marble—the city celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2014 with vibrant festivals. Born from a sugar boom fueled by enslaved African labor, Trinidad pulses with Afro-Cuban heritage: dynamic dance shows, ancient brotherhood rituals, and the infectious clave rhythm fueling nightly salsa sessions.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
Designer Facelift for the Mother City
Aerial view of Cape Town and Table Mountain. Image by Allan Baxter / The Image Bank / Getty Images.
Cape Town's natural splendor has long earned global praise, and 2014 elevates it further as World Design Capital. Anticipate sculpture-filled green spaces, eco-initiatives, and revitalized industrial areas like Woodstock and The Fringe, now hubs for stylish shopping and dining. Bridging social divides, innovative township tours and an improved bus network make the city more accessible than ever.
4. Rīga, Latvia
Europe's Cultural Capital
Town Hall Square in Rīga. Image by Wayne Walton / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images.
Historically pivotal at Europe's empire crossroads, Rīga emerges from obscurity post-Iron Curtain. Now Latvia's vibrant capital, it boasts trendy cafes, modern Nordic cuisine replacing hearty staples, and restored art nouveau facades—perfect timing for its 2014 European Capital of Culture title.
5. Zürich, Switzerland
Trade Fondue for High-Speed Thrills
The Old Town riverfront at dusk. Image by Cosmo Condina / The Image Bank / Getty Images.
Zürich hosts the 2014 European Athletics Championships in August, drawing elite athletes to shatter records. Beyond finance, relaxed opening hours fuel a booming nightlife, especially in Züri-West's transformed industrial spaces. Indulge in luxury fashion, fine dining, and cozy cafes amid lakeside energy.
6. Shanghai, China
Shanghai Comes of Age
Morning tai chi in Shanghai. Image by Photography by Bobi / Flickr / Getty Images.
Shanghai buzzes as China's powerhouse. Its metro expands with the 59km Line 16, becoming the world's third-longest. The 121-storey Shanghai Tower rises as China's tallest (world's second), featuring the highest hotel. Plus, 72-hour visa-free transit for 45 nations eases short visits.
7. Vancouver, Canada
Follow the Active Lifestyle Leaders
Sunset on Mt Seymour in North Vancouver. Image by Michael Wheatley / All Canada Photos / Getty Images.
Vancouver blends urban edge with epic nature: mountains, parks, and beaches abound. The 'City of Glass' skyline offers premium views. Locals thrive on outdoor pursuits; nearby Cypress, Seymour, Grouse Mountains, Whistler, and Blackcomb provide endless adventures.
8. Chicago, Illinois, USA
Centennial Ballpark Celebrations
Chicago's Millennium Park. Image by Hisham Ibrahim / The Image Bank / Getty Images.
Chicago's architecture and museums shine, but 2014 highlights include Wrigley Field's 100th birthday festivities and The Second City's 55th, birthplace of comedy stars like Bill Murray. Summer festivals—Blues Fest, Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, plus new Wavefront and Riot Fest—rock the city.
9. Adelaide, Australia
Ready to Uncork Its Potential
South Australia Parliament Building in Adelaide. Image by Neale Clarke / Robert Harding World Imagery / Getty Images.
Adelaide hosts premier events like the Adelaide Festival, Fringe, and WOMADelaide. The 2014 Adelaide Oval refurbishment connects the city center to parklands and wine regions, revealing its chic allure.
10. Auckland, New Zealand
Cuisine, Culture, and Coastal Beauty
Auckland from Hauraki Gulf at twilight. Image by www.tonnaja.com / Flickr Open / Getty Images.
Often bypassed for South Island wonders, Auckland excels in food, arts, and coastlines. New dining precincts in heritage spots, craft beer at City Works Depot, revamped Auckland Art Gallery, and Wynyard Quarter's marina views make it irresistible.
Plan your dream travels with Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014, the essential guide to the world's top destinations.
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