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Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities to visit in 2025; and there’s an Indian twist
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Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities to visit in 2025; and there’s an Indian twist

Passport, sunglasses and sunscreen; These essentials will be crucial for your next trip, as Lonely Planet reveals its 10 must-visit destinations for 2025.

The travel publishing giant’s list spans cities, countries and regions; Puducherry in India, Osaka in Japan and Edmonton in Canada are all among the urban hotspots.

Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) has reimagined itself as “a top destination for sand and surf, with a comprehensive project restoring beaches eroded by the sea,” Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s senior vice president, content and managing editor, told CNN. It does.

The 10 best cities to travel to in 2025:

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Toulouse, France

Lonely Planet says Toulouse, often referred to as “Paris in miniature,” is a maze-like city brimming with art galleries, excellent food, and scenic river and canal banks in repurposed industrial spaces. Time your visit for the 2025 reopening of the Musée des Augustins, the 14th-century monastic cloister that has been a beacon of Toulouse’s art scene since 1795.

Puducherry, India
The union territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry; commonly known as ‘Pondy’) was under French colonial rule until 1954. Some people here still speak French (and French-accented English). The internationally renowned Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its branch, Auroville, just north of the city, attract many spiritually-minded visitors. Thus Pondy’s vibe: less faded colonial-era town, more bohemian-chic, hanging out on the New Age-meets-Old World international travel route.Bansko, Bulgaria
Traditionally known as a winter resort, Bansko is evolving into a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals with location flexibility. This delightful Bulgarian village has become a leading hub for digital nomads, attracting remote workers and adventure seekers alike.Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai delights with its sophisticated blend of unique flavors. Greetings here often focus on whether you are eating or not, emphasizing the central role of food in Thai culture. Whether it’s lively debates about the best vegetables for stir-frying basil or mastering the complex balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy, Thai cuisine embraces a rich texture of flavor.

Genoa, Italy
Lonely Planet says there are few “undiscovered” places in Italy, but Genoa feels like a treasured secret. With a new high-speed rail link under construction, now is the time to explore this magnificent city with outstanding culinary delights, a spectacular seaside and a well-deserved reputation as one of Italy’s most historically and culturally vibrant cities.

Pittsburgh, USA
This city effortlessly combines its industrial past with its artisanal present; Its affordability and appeal attract artists and creators of all kinds. “Wander down Butler St to witness the alchemy in local cafes, boutiques, independent restaurants and breweries. You’ll soon understand Pittsburgh’s distinctive magic, which is both disarming and familiar.

Osaka, Japan
It’s fitting that Expo, the world’s largest showcase of innovative design and scientific advancement, will return to Osaka in 2025; after all, the city is among Japan’s most progressive and vibrant. Visitors can explore world-class museums and enjoy the best Japanese cuisine, with plenty of delicious vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Curitiba, Brazil
A city that values ​​its citizens as well as its tourists, Curitiba is an immersive yet homely experience. Ride an e-bike to visit unique sites like Barigui, an architectural gem like the Museu Oscar Niemeyer and one of the city’s largest parks, which powers its facilities via a small hydroelectric power plant that includes an artificial waterfall and lake.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain
A lively food and arts scene, a rich local craft heritage and intriguing historical monuments combine in stylish Palma on the sunny Balearic island of Mallorca. By 2025, this ancient regional capital hugging the Mediterranean will get a long-awaited, green-heavy coastline, says Local Planet. Skip the high season and discover how Palma has become a dynamic year-round destination (working to balance tourism with the needs of its residents).

Edmonton, Canada
Edmonton, Alberta, has long been celebrated for its fly festival and bohemian Old Strathcona district. Today, the city is doubling down on its downtown with the opening of the Ice District, the second largest sports and entertainment complex in North America. Further enrich your visit by learning about Indigenous history in the Royal Alberta Museum’s Hall of Human History.