Lonely Planet: The Best Travel Destinations for 2025
Lonely Planet has released its new list of the best European travel destinations for 2025, setting the trends for the coming year once again. This year’s recommendations feature some of the best European highlights, combining well-known attractions with hidden treasures to explore. If you want to experience the diversity of Europe, here are Lonely Planet’s top picks. If you want to experience the diversity of Europe, here are the best tips directly from Lonely Planet.
Top 10 Cities in Europe
Explore the best European cities to visit in 2025, as chosen by Lonely Planet. These cities offer a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Toulouse, France (Rank 1)
- Highlights: Airbus factory tour, Cité de l’Espace, Capitole de Toulouse.
- Must-See Places: Place du Capitole, Basilica of Saint-Sernin, Canal du Midi.
- Experience: Toulouse, the “pink city,” delights with a unique blend of history, innovation, and French lifestyle. The city is the heart of the European aerospace industry, as seen in attractions like the Airbus factory tour and Cité de l’Espace. Toulouse also offers a rich cultural history reflected in impressive buildings like the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the bustling streets of the old town.
Genoa, Italy (Rank 5)
- Highlights: Historic old town, Palazzi dei Rolli (UNESCO World Heritage), Mediterranean cuisine.
- Must-See Places: Genoa Harbor, Palazzi dei Rolli, Boccadasse neighborhood.
- Experience: Genoa, a city with a maritime heritage, invites visitors to explore its narrow streets (Caruggi) and admire the splendid Palazzi dei Rolli, which testify to the city’s illustrious past. In addition to architectural treasures, Genoa offers culinary highlights such as fresh pesto. The historic harbor and the picturesque Boccadasse neighborhood add charm and vibrancy to Genoa.
Palma, Spain (Rank 9)
- Highlights: La Seu Cathedral, old town, art and culture.
- Must-See Places: La Seu Cathedral, Fundació Miró Mallorca, old town streets.
- Experience: Palma de Mallorca offers a vibrant mix of history, art, and Mediterranean flair. The impressive La Seu Cathedral, majestically towering over the city, is one of Palma’s landmarks. The old town with its narrow streets and charming squares invites you to stroll, while the Fundació Miró Mallorca offers art lovers insights into the life and work of Joan Miró. Palma is the perfect destination for those who want to experience culture, history, and sunny days by the Mediterranean.
Other Top Cities Worldwide
- Puducherry, India (Rank 2)
- Bansko, Bulgaria (Rank 3)
- Chiang Mai, Thailand (Rank 4)
- Pittsburgh, USA (Rank 6)
- Osaka, Japan (Rank 7)
- Curitiba, Brazil (Rank 8)
- Edmonton, Canada (Rank 10)
Top 10 Countries in Europe
Discover the best European travel destinations for 2025 as highlighted by Lonely Planet. Each destination offers unique experiences, from cultural heritage to natural wonders.
Lithuania (Rank 2)
- Highlights: Capital Vilnius (UNESCO World Heritage Site), baroque architecture, Curonian Spit.
- Must-See Places: Trakai Castle, Old Town of Vilnius, Baltic Coast.
- Experience: Lithuania offers a fascinating mix of beautiful nature, rich history, and vibrant culture. The baroque churches and charming streets of Vilnius are particularly worth seeing, while the Curonian Spit with its unique dunes invites relaxation and exploration. The country’s traditions come alive in numerous folk festivals and impressive historic sites like Trakai Castle.
Slovakia (Rank 9)
- Highlights: High Tatras, medieval castles, capital Bratislava.
- Must-See Places: High Tatras National Park, Spiš Castle, Old Town of Bratislava.
- Experience: Slovakia impresses with a combination of natural wonders and historical heritage. The majestic peaks of the High Tatras are a paradise for hikers and skiers, while Spiš Castle is one of the largest medieval castle ruins in Central Europe. Bratislava, the charming capital, offers numerous cultural and historical experiences that bring the region’s history to life.
Armenia (Rank 10)
- Highlights: Historic monasteries, Mount Ararat, breathtaking landscapes.
- Must-See Places: Geghard Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Garni Temple, Mount Ararat.
- Experience: Armenia, one of the oldest Christian nations in the world, fascinates with its numerous historic monasteries and churches. Geghard Monastery, carved into a cliff, is a particularly impressive example of the country’s spiritual architecture. Mount Ararat, a symbol of Armenia, dominates the landscape and offers stunning views. Armenia’s hospitality and delicious cuisine make it an unforgettable destination.
Other Top Countries Worldwide
- Cameroon (Rank 1)
- Fiji (Rank 3)
- Laos (Rank 4)
- Kazakhstan (Rank 5)
- Paraguay (Rank 6)
- Trinidad & Tobago (Rank 7)
- Vanuatu (Rank 8)
Top 10 Regions in Europe
- Valais, Switzerland (Rank 5)
- Highlights: Matterhorn, wine regions, outdoor activities.
- Must-See Places: Zermatt, Sion wine village, Aletsch Glacier.
- Experience: The Valais region offers some of the most breathtaking alpine panoramas in Europe. With the Matterhorn as its landmark, the region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, skiing, or mountain biking. Valais is also known for its culinary delights, including the famous raclette cheese and excellent wines. A visit to the wine villages of Sion or Salgesch provides the opportunity to taste local wines amidst a beautiful mountain setting.
- Bavaria, Germany (Rank 7)
- Highlights: Neuschwanstein Castle, alpine landscape, Oktoberfest.
- Must-See Places: Neuschwanstein Castle, Lake Chiemsee, Munich old town.
- Experience: Bavaria is world-famous for its stunning alpine landscapes, majestic castles, and rich culture. Neuschwanstein Castle, often referred to as a fairytale castle, attracts visitors from all over the world. Munich, the Bavarian capital, hosts the Oktoberfest, the largest folk festival in the world, known for its lively atmosphere and Bavarian hospitality. The idyllic lakes and traditional Bavarian cuisine complete the experience.
- East Anglia, England (Rank 8)
- Highlights: Historic towns, coastal landscapes, University of Cambridge.
- Must-See Places: Cambridge, Norfolk coast, Suffolk countryside.
- Experience: East Anglia in eastern England is a region full of historical and natural beauty. Cambridge, with its world-renowned university, offers impressive architecture and a lively student atmosphere. The Norfolk coast, with its extensive beaches and charming fishing villages, invites you to take long walks, while Suffolk’s gentle hills are perfect for cycling. East Anglia is an ideal destination for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Other Top Regions Worldwide
- South Carolina Lowcountry & Georgia Coast, USA (Rank 1)
- Terai, Nepal (Rank 2)
- Chiriquí, Panama (Rank 3)
- Launceston & Tamar Valley, Australia (Rank 4)
- Valais, Switzerland (Rank 5)
- Giresun & Ordu, Turkey (Rank 6)
- Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge, USA (Rank 10)
These travel destinations selected by Lonely Planet offer a diverse and immersive travel experience that combines popular highlights with lesser-known treasures. Whether it’s cultural heritage, breathtaking nature, or culinary discoveries – these European spots should be at the top of your travel wishlist for 2025.
For more information, visit the Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2025 page.
