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 top 10 must-visit destinations for 2025.

The travel publishing giant’s list is spread over cities, countries and regions, with Puducherry in India, Osaka in Japan and Edmonton in Canada all making the cut as urban hot spots.

Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry) is reimagining itself as “a top destination for sand and surf, with an extensive project that’s reclaiming the beaches that eroded into the sea,” Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s SVP, content and executive editor, told CNN.


The top 10 cities to travel in 2025:

Toulouse, France
Often referred to as "Paris in miniature," Toulouse is a maze-like city overflowing with art galleries in repurposed industrial spaces, excellent food and scenic river and canal banks, says Lonely Planet. Time your visit for the 2025 reopening of Musée des Augustins, a 14th-century cloistered convent that has been a beacon of Toulouse's art scene since 1795.

Puducherry, India
The union territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry; generally known as ‘Pondy’) was under French colonial rule until 1954. Some people here still speak French (and English with French accents). The internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot just north of town, Auroville, draw large numbers of spiritually-minded visitors. Thus Pondy’s vibe: less faded colonial-era ville, more bohemian-chic, New Age–meets–Old World hang-out on the international travel trail.

Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko, traditionally recognized as a winter resort town, is undergoing a transformation into a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and location-flexible professionals. This delightful Bulgarian village has emerged as a leading hub for digital nomads, drawing both remote workers and adventure seekers alike.

Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai delights with its sophisticated mix of unique flavors. Here, greetings often center on whether you've eaten, highlighting the central role of food in Thai culture. Whether it’s lively debates about the best vegetables for basil stir-fry or mastering the intricate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, Thai cuisine embraces a rich tapestry of tastes.

Genoa, Italy
Few places in Italy are “undiscovered,” but Genoa feels like a treasured secret, says Lonely Planet. With a new high-speed-train connection in the works, now is the time to seek out this stately city with superlative culinary chops, a stunning seaside and a well-earned 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 charm draws all manner of artists and creators. “Walk around Butler St to witness the alchemy at local coffee shops, boutiques, independent restaurants and breweries. Soon you’ll understand Pittsburgh's particular brand of magic, at once disarming and familiar.”

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

Curitiba, Brazil
A city that values its citizens as well as its tourists, Curitiba is an immersive yet low-key experience. Hop on an e-bike to visit its singular sites, like the architectural gem that is Museu Oscar Niemeyer and one of the city’s largest parks, Barigui, that powers its facilities through a small hydroelectric plant with an artificial waterfall and lake.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Vibrant food and arts scenes, a rich local-crafts heritage and curious historical monuments collide in stylish Palma, on the sunny Balearic island of Mallorca. In 2025, this ancient, Mediterranean-hugging regional capital will debut a long-awaited, green-driven waterfront promenade, says the Local Planet. Sidestep the high season and discover how Palma (which is working to balance tourism and the needs of residents) has grown into a dynamic year-round destination.

Edmonton, Canada
Edmonton, Alberta, has long been celebrated for its fringe 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 at Royal Alberta Museum's Human History Hall.