Lonely Planet's top 10 cities to explore in 2020

Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the former home of the family that inspired the iconic film, 'The Sound of Music.'

To add even more allure, 2020 marks the centenary of the Salzburg Festival, a renowned summer event featuring music, theater, and cultural performances throughout the city.

Salzburg, Austria, has been named the top city to visit in 2020 by Lonely Planet.

A perfect example of an ecclesiastical city-state, Salzburg's historic center lies strategically between Northern and Southern Europe, creating a beautifully preserved Baroque town where Italian and German influences blend seamlessly. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique cultural experience.

What makes these cities worth visiting?

Salzburg is renowned for its connections to Mozart and the beloved film 'The Sound of Music.'

Salzburg is famous for its association with Mozart and the iconic movie 'The Sound of Music.' Education Images/UIG/Getty Images

This year's top 10 travel list offers a delightful mix of well-known destinations and hidden treasures: well-established cities with must-see attractions and events, lesser-known towns that deserve a second glance, and wonderful places that need our support.

For the 15th edition of the list, Lonely Planet's editors sought nominations from their team and hundreds of global contributors. They curated a list of 10 cities, regions, countries, and value destinations for its Best in Travel 2020 selections.

"These are the destinations to discover in 2020," says Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s vice president of experience. "This year, our Best in Travel list highlights the most sustainable experiences worldwide, ensuring that travelers will have a meaningful impact wherever they go."

The list includes second-place Washington, D.C., the U.S. capital; third-place Cairo, Egypt; fourth-place Galway, Ireland; and fifth-place Bonn, Germany.

Election year

As with many sites in Washington, DC, the Lincoln Memorial and its reflecting pool are open to the public for free.

Much like many attractions in Washington, DC, the Lincoln Memorial and its iconic reflecting pool are free for visitors to enjoy. Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

Washington, D.C. will take center stage in 2020, with the presidential election and the centennial of the US Constitution’s 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. (However, it mostly benefited white women until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.)

Hall says Washington could easily make the list every year due to its abundance of free attractions, including all the Smithsonian museums, and its ongoing reinvention.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has expanded with The Reach, a new addition to the campus, while The Wharf revitalizes the waterfront along the Potomac River for both locals and tourists. (You can rent a kayak and paddle past some of the city’s iconic monuments.)

Ancient wonders find a new home

In 2020, Egypt’s ancient artifacts will have a new $1 billion home when the grand museum opens its doors.

When the Grand Egyptian Museum opens next year near Giza, just outside Cairo, it will become the world's largest museum – covering 5.2 million square feet – dedicated to a single civilization.

Cairo, a vast, chaotic, and bustling city, is definitely worth discovering, says Hall. "It’s so intense and overwhelming that you can’t help but feel the thrill of being there," he adds.

In this city with a UNESCO-protected historic center, Hall enjoys diving into Cairo's vibrant food scene, as well as visiting the Museum of Islamic Art, Coptic Christian landmarks, and the Tentmakers Bazaar (Souk Al Khayamiya).

Ireland's cultural capital

Galway has been named the 2020 European City of Culture.

Galway has been named the European City of Culture for 2020. Education Images/UIG/Getty Images

As a European Capital of Culture for 2020, Galway is Hall’s top pick for Ireland’s most captivating city. While other Irish cities might contest this, he believes Galway stands out for its vibrant live music scene, lively atmosphere, and the overall joy of its residents.

The upcoming year will bring a fantastic arts program to mark this honor, and Hall says, "Galway is sure to put on a spectacular show."

Although most events will take place within the city, nearby villages and islands off the west coast will also host celebrations. These will follow the ancient Celtic calendar, celebrating the four fire festivals: Imbloc, Bealtaine, Lughnasa, and Samhain.

Looking for a touch of nature? County Galway’s breathtaking countryside is definitely worth a visit, too.

A former capital city becomes cool again

Next year, Bonn will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its most famous native, Beethoven.

Bonn will mark the 250th birthday of its most beloved figure, Beethoven, next year. Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Once the capital of West Germany before reunification in 1990, Bonn faded from the spotlight when it lost that status.

However, Bonn has always been the birthplace of the legendary Ludwig van Beethoven, and in 2020, his 250th anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year with events and festivities.

Once a quiet city, Bonn is now a vibrant hub of craft beer, cafes, and art galleries. In 2020, it will host a full year of concerts, with local musicians opening their doors and the city embracing the arts.