A Guide to the Best Cities…and Streets…for 2025

As travelers plan their 2025 adventures, two key questions emerge: which cities offer the most compelling experiences, and within those urban landscapes, which streets capture the true essence of local life? Recent rankings from Time Out shed light on both, offering a comprehensive guide to the world’s most vibrant urban destinations. So if you’re thinking of exploring cities in the year to come, here are some great suggestions.

Cape Town Claims the Crown

Cape Town has emerged as 2025’s must-visit city, offering an unmatched combination of natural wonders and urban excitement. Where else can you encounter African penguins, sample world-class wines, and gaze upon one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature all in one day? The city’s blend of historical significance and affordable experiences makes it particularly appealing for international visitors, with areas like trendy Kalk Bay and the food-centric East City leading the charge in urban innovation

Global Cities Making Waves

Following Cape Town’s lead, Bangkok secured the second spot, earning praise for its legendary food scene, with 86% of locals rating it as exceptional. New York City, though dropping from its top position last year, still commands attention as the third-best city globally, with an impressive 92% of respondents celebrating its world-class cultural offerings.

Melbourne, securing fourth place, proves itself a double threat – not only is it among 2025’s top cities, but it’s also home to what’s been crowned the world’s coolest street for 2024: High Street.

With all of this in mind, here is the rundown of the top 10 cities to visit this year:

  1. Cape Town, South Africa
  2. Bangkok, Thailand
  3. New York, US
  4. Melbourne, Australia
  5. London, UK
  6. New Orleans, US
  7. Mexico City, Mexico
  8. Porto, Portugal
  9. Shanghai, China
  10. Copenhagen, Denmark

What about the best streets?

It’s interesting to evaluate places to visit based on which ones have the coolest streets. Undoubtedly, if you have one cool street, you probably have other places worth seeing. High Street in Melbourne exemplifies what makes a street truly “cool” – a perfect blend of epic restaurants, hidden bars, live music venues, and boutique shops, all wrapped in a warm community spirit. This vibrant thoroughfare, crossing through the suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury, and Preston, showcases everything from Portuguese custard tarts at Casa Nata to innovative pasta at 1800 Lasagne.

Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road claims the second spot among cool streets, featuring Michelin-starred dining at Tate Dining Room and cultural landmarks like Man Mo Temple. Meanwhile, Austin’s East Eleventh Street packs remarkable variety into just a quarter-mile, with highlights including the unique Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar and the perpetually festive Kenny Dorham’s Backyard.

Here is the list of the top ten streets to visit, as covered by Time Out.

  1. High Street, Melbourne, Australia
  2. Hollywood Road, Hong Kong
  3. East Eleventh, Austin, Texas, USA
  4. Guatemala Street, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  5. Commercial Drive, Vancouver, Canada
  6. Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  7. Rua da Boavista, Lisbon, Portugal
  8. Arnaldo Quintela, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  9. Chazawa-dori, Tokyo, Japan
  10. Consell de Cent, Barcelona, Spain

This certainly offers a lot of suggestions as you plan your 2025 travels!

Carcassonne: A Medieval Marvel Reborn

If your daydreams consist of sipping wine at a castle in the French countryside, you need to add Carcassonne to your bucket list. This enchanting walled citadel in southwestern France has recently unveiled a spectacular €5.6 million restoration that promises to transport visitors back in time. As a UNESCO World Heritage site with 2,000 years of history, Carcassonne now offers a complete 1.3km walkable circuit along its upper ramparts, providing an unparalleled 360-degree panoramic view of the medieval city.

The ambitious 31-month restoration project, led by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, has breathed new life into this ancient fortress. As you traverse the ramparts, prepare to be awestruck by panoramic views of the multiturreted castle, soaring cathedral, and Roman-tiled roofs set against the backdrop of the Aude river valley and the Black Mountains. Visitors can now also explore the restored walls and nine refurbished towers with installed oak flooring throughout. The result is a seamless blend of historical authenticity and modern accessibility.

Carcassonne’s appeal extends beyond its architecture to a wide variety of cultural experiences. The city has connections to the 13th-century Cathars. It has also achieved modern literary fame through Kate Mosse’s Languedoc novels. Known as a wine tourism destination, the area boasts a number of vineyards for tourists to get lost in and try new wine varieties. Hiking trails in the nearby Ariège Pyrenees provide stunning views perfect for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts.

For those seeking to explore more of France’s medieval heritage, consider visiting other well-preserved walled towns like Provins, Aigues-Mortes, or Saint-Malo. While Carcassonne remains the most famous and extensive example, each of these sites offers its own unique glimpse into France’s fascinating past.

Travel’s Lure: Whether You Can Afford It Or Not

There has been a lot written over the last few years about how the COVID years changed the work habits of the young and have had a lasting impression on people in many of their habits and thoughts. One new example that is emerging is the desire for many (in America) to focus on vacationing, even at the expense of incurring debt.

According to a 2023 study from the website WalletHub, 25% of Americans interviewed said that it was worth going into debit to enjoy a great vacation. Professor of public policy at USC Elizabeth Currid-Halkett explains that, “We wouldn’t have been able to predict it, the way the pandemic affected different generations in different ways, but the idea that our friends matter, living life matters, how important living a good life is – that has led to a change in how people spend their money. When you’re young, you don’t have money to shift into another area, but you can say, ‘I’ll think about this later and live my best life right now.”

Certainly, a number of factors play into these decisions. With the social media boom and the visual of so many people traveling, many people feel both left out and that travel is accessible and easy for all. There is also the idea that people may be “doomspending” and Alex King of the personal finance website Generation Money puts it.

Unique Travel Ideas: The Madonna Inn

There are so many great places to go in the world. Sometimes, however, we forget that we might have interesting places to see right in our own backyards. If you live in California, here is one outstandingly interesting location – the Madonna Inn. Get a feel for the hotel and you just might want to make this your next travel destination!

3 Top-Rated Streets Around the World

The website TimeOut has recently done a feature on the 30 most interesting streets around the world to visit for food, entertainment and culture. Here is a sneak peek into three of those locations; the full list can be enjoyed and, perhaps, your next trip can be planned with one of these ideas in mind! Here are ideas from Australia, Japan and Los Angeles.

High Street in Melbourne’s inner north emerges as a hot spot, boasting diverse local businesses like Casa Nata for Portuguese tarts, Northside Wines for local vino, and Francesca’s Bar for late-night fun. Its vintage stores, cool cafés, and indie cinema add to the allure, catering to all tastes. Nearby tram access and a vibrant music scene further elevate its appeal.

In Tokyo, Sangenjaya’s Chazawa-dori offers a blend of urban excitement and residential charm. Closed to traffic on Sundays, it invites exploration of friendly restaurants, cozy cafés, and charming bakeries. Sancha Monica serves sushi with wine, Guuutara Coffee offers extravagant cream soda floats, and Carrot Tower provides a free aerial view of Tokyo.

LA’s Arts District on 3rd Street transforms industrial spaces into a walkable haven, featuring Michelin-starred sushi at 715 and pinball stardom at EightyTwo. Camphor draws people in with French bistro dishes, Death & Co crafts top-notch cocktails, and Hauser & Wirth’s former flour mill complex offers a unique gallery experience.

These are just three of the many unique offerings around the world. Happy traveling!

Best Travel Locations for 2024


As international tourism rebounds about the lulls of COVID-19 and travelers seek new, less crowded destinations, CNN Travel has curated a list of 24 places to consider for your 2024 travel plans. These destinations offer a mix of cultural richness, natural beauty, and sustainability. Here is the top 7 that they outline. See the whole list and get ready for a great travel year ahead!

  1. Sumba, Indonesia: Escape the crowds of Bali and explore the Indonesian island of Sumba, known for its remote villages, untouched forests, ancient rituals, and world-class surf breaks. Luxury eco-resorts like Nihi Sumba and The Sanubari make it an enticing destination.
  2. Turkey’s Black Sea Coast: Discover the lesser-known Black Sea region in Turkey, with historic towns, beaches, and adrenaline-pumping activities. In the summer, it provides a refreshing escape, while winter transforms the Kaçkar Mountains into a heli-skiing paradise.
  3. Tartu, Estonia: Named a European Capital of Culture for 2024, Tartu is Estonia’s intellectual hub. Home to the oldest university, Estonian National Museum, and Science Centre AHHAA, it combines high-minded pursuits with charming Old Town architecture.
  4. Tainan, Taiwan: Celebrating its 400th anniversary, Tainan has become a hotspot, surpassing Taipei in hotel occupancy. Known for its street food, natural landscapes, and vibrant temples, Tainan was listed among Booking.com’s top 10 sustainable tourism destinations in 2023.
  5. Northwest Michigan: Beyond the summer tourist influx, Northwest Michigan offers year-round attractions. Traverse City, on Grand Traverse Bay, serves as a great base for exploring wineries, picking fruits in season, and enjoying the picturesque M-22 highway.
  6. Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, Balkans: Launching in 2024, this 4,000-kilometer cycle route links all eight Western Balkan countries. Cyclists can traverse Albania and Croatia’s coastlines, Kosovo’s national parks, Montenegro’s rugged mountains, and more, experiencing the region’s diverse landscapes.
  7. Culebra, Puerto Rico: The list concludes with Culebra, Puerto Rico, inviting travelers to explore its pristine beaches and vibrant culture. As a relatively undiscovered gem, it offers a serene escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Consider these destinations for a unique and fulfilling travel experience in 2024, away from the crowds and amidst the wonders of diverse landscapes and cultures.