Connect with FacebookLonely Planet's Top Ten Cities To Visit in 2010
Having run Lonely Planet's top ten countries for 2010 last week, this week we thought we'd get a touch more specific, and introduce the top guide book's top ten cities for this year, as given in the book 'Best In Travel 2010'. This list is entirely unranked, so we'll leave it up to you to decide which ones are worthy of number one, and which are not worthy of a place at all. Don't forget to tell us which cities you'd slip in. Here goes....
Cuenca (Ecuador) A city located in a soaring valley 2,400 metres above sea level in beautiful Ecuador, Cuenca might not be the country's biggest tourist attraction, but it's getting there. While the city itself is picturesque and petit (with around 400,000 inhabitants), the main attractions are in its surrounding, which include quaint mountain villages, stunning lakes and some striking hot-spring baths.
Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Another petit city that not so long ago was known for being the site of a terrible, rampaging war, Sarajevo has recovered to become on of the most attractive spots in Europe. Combine the sensational old town (made for tourist sightseeing) with the tunneled remnants of the war and the collapsed floors that still litter the skyline and you've got a memorable, alternative-Europe travel experience.
Abu Dhabi (UAE) Abu Dhabi probably made the list by virtue of being unlike almost anywhere else except Dubai, and somewhat more of an up an comer. Even the airport's an amazing site, while the flush hotels, desert safaris and incredible waters of the Persian Gulf all bring with them their own charms. Think modernity mixed with a strong identity and plenty in the way of luxury and duty free shopping and you're getting the right idea.
Kyoto (Japan) Long hyped as the must-see sight in Japan, Kyoto is where the history you've seen in the like of Memoirs Of A Geisha comes to life. It's also become fairly well-known that Kyoto's beauty takes a little bit of uncovering, but when you put the effort it you'll find a city sporting such riches of sights and cultural background its almost embarrassing. Don't expect to even get close to seeing it all.
Lecce (Italy) A baroque city in the South of Italy that's been nicknamed 'the Florence of the South', Lecce is an architecture lovers dream, and anyone else's picturesque and archetypal Italian experience. With its own obelisk, striking cathedral and maze of pretty little squares, getting lost in little Lecce is a pleasure far more valued by its fans than the more common local option: straight to the beaches.
Singapore Being both a city and a country, some would say Singapore has a bit of an unfair advantage. Still, we don't make up the rules... something Singapore residents are known for, incidentally. Arguably excessive legal restrictions aside, though, this is an upmarket corner of Asia with an interesting history and a different feel to almost anywhere else in the neighborhood. Don't forget to grab one of those Singapore Slings.
Vancouver (Canada) A sizable city located on the west coast of Canada, Vancouver is well-known for combining all the advantages of city living with some truly gorgeous countryside. There's plenty in the way of cultural attractions, too, from the various neighborhoods each offering their own vibes, to a host of North America's most interesting museums. Get on those views, there are plenty of them.
Istanbul (Turkey) Where East meets West... Turkey has always been an enticing spot in terms of cultural mish-mash, and Istanbul is the height of things. From bargaining in the markets to being woken early in the morning to the sound of a thousand minarets, you could be forgiven for not even taking a trip across the river or heading into too many mosques. The perfect place to wonder streets and soak up culture.
Charleston (USA) From carriage tours to an entire miles of museums, Charleston has far more to offer than its reputation outside of the US suggests. There are attractive beaches, Oyster Festivals, Palm Islands and a generally great, upbeat vibe. Be sure to explore the seafood, and dig into one of America's older histories, which dates back to 1670. Truly charming.
Cork (Ireland) Reviled by locals as 'the Republic Of Cork' and 'the home of the true Irishman', Cork certainly has a beast of an atmosphere. It's not the most picturesque of cities, despite spots like St. Finbarr's cathedral, but Cork is home to a truly epic amount of 'craic' and some of the friendliest locals you'll ever stumble across. Most of the attractions are nicely tucked up against the banks of the quaint River Lee.
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Photos by Gabriel Villena (top), syvwlch (middle) and Senor Demir (bottom).
