Lonely Planet has released their list of the top 10 cities to add to your itinerary if you’re travelling in 2019.

We regret to inform you that there are no South African cities on that list, so be prepared to travel abroad.

The top 10 list offers a mix of well-known and lesser-known locations. Some of the cities featured are already popular destinations known for their attractions and events.

Others are cities that you wouldn’t normally think to visit, or are areas damaged by natural disasters that deserve some focused attention, reports CNN.

So without further ado, here are the top 10, with a more detailed look at the top five:

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copengagen’s street food scene is booming on Refshaleøen, a former industrial area with a food and craft market, Reffen. Tivoli Gardens theme park (one of the world’s oldest) is offering a February winter season, says Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s editorial director.

2. Shēnzhèn, China

While most visitors to China want to explore the capital Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong, Shēnzhèn is making its mark as a city of the future featuring “hypermodern architecture, innovative environmental practices and a slew of new design openings, all connected to neighbor Hong Kong by high-speed rail,” says Hall.

There’s also a booming art and design scene, excellent food choices, a fun club and music scene and quirky theme parks.

3. Novi Sad, Serbia

While Novi Sad isn’t nearly as well known as the capital of Belgrade, it’s much more hip. Nicknamed the “Athens of Serbia,” it’s home to the country’s annual EXIT Festival, which is held each July at the 18th century-era Petrovaradin Fortress (which is worth a visit anyway).

The festival contributes to a vibrant music and arts scene and a youth-oriented vibe. Next year, Novi Sad will be 2019’s European Youth Capital. It may be a practice run for 2021, when the city will celebrate the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture.

4. Miami, Florida

With its stunning beaches, South Beach scene and art scene mixed with Cuban and other Caribbean and Latin American cultures, Miami is hopping with something for everyone.

The art and design community is especially vibrant these days, with Art Basel Miami Beach in December (note the Rubell Family Collection re-opening on December 3), the Perez Art Museum Miami and the child-friendly Frost Museum of Science.

5. Kathmandu, Nepal

Three years after it was hit by a devastating earthquake, Kathmandu is welcoming visitors to a city that is much quieter, by design.

“It remains the doorstep to the Himalayas, with medieval architecture, great food and nightlife and increasing wellness offerings,” says Hall.

“It’s also much quieter than it has been in the past with cars banned from the historic center and motor horns banned across the Kathmandu Valley,” Hall points out.

Katmandu will be hosting the South Asia Games in 2019, showcasing its remarkable recovery from the 2015 earthquake.

Following on from Katmandu, numbers six through 10 are as follows:

6. Mexico City, Mexico
7. Dakar, Senegal
8. Seattle, Washington
9. Zadar, Croatia
10. Meknes, Morocco

Happy travelling!

[source:cnn]