Planning your holiday for the year? Take a look at some of the top 15 hotspots listed by Tripadvisor and plan
your dream vacation
Tallin, Estonia: A 2011 European Capital of Culture, Tallinn is scenically located on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, while Tallinn Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s beautiful architecture makes it a great place to
explore on foot.
Riga, Latvia: Riga is Latvia’s largest and the capital city and is home to an extensive collection of Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) architecture. The Old Town is particularly lovely with its cobbled streets and the city is known for its lively nightlife.
Moscow, Russia: Russia’s capital will not fail to impress. It boasts beautiful architecture, world-famous theatre and an endless supply of must-visit museums and historical sites. The ancient and modern are juxtaposed side by side in this city.
Catch a metro from one of the ornate stations to see Red Square, the Kremlin, the nine domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the KGB Museum and other symbols of Moscow’s great and terrible past.
Zurich, Switzerland: Located in north Switzerland on Lake Zurich and against a mountainous backdrop, Zurich it is the largest city in Switzerland is a major contemporary art and shopping destination. Important artworks are displayed in the Kunsthaus and the Rietberg Museum.
Those who consider shopping an art can hone their skills along Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf. Chagall’s stained-glass windows in the Fraumünster amaze. Zurich’s 500 clubs and bars, including several in swimming pools, pulse with life till the early hours. The city has excellent public transport.
Fethiye, Turkey (Aegean Coast): The sunny and warm coastal town in Turkey, Fethiye attracts with its beaches and history. It is located on the place of the ancient city of Telmessos, remains of which you can still see in the area.
Interesting enough, Telmessos left the area also Lycian sarcophagus, today a popular tourist sight. Many visitors go to see also the famous cave tombs located on a hillside close to Fethiye. The best known of them is the tomb of King Amynthas, once a commander of famous Macedonian King Alexander the Great.
Seminyak, Bali (Indonesia): Away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s main drag, Kuta beach, this picturesque town is one of the island’s more upscale areas. Enjoy fresh seafood while watching gorgeous sunsets and be sure indulge in the famous and relaxing Balinese spa treatments.
Vilnius, Lithuania: Vilnius, a European Capital of Culture in 2009, is the Lithuania’s largest city. It boasts an impressive array of Baroque and Gothic architecture, while the large Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Old Town contains almost two thousand medieval, gothic, renaissance, and baroque buildings, all centered on the neo-classical cathedral and town hall. Other popular attractions include the KGB Museum, located in a former Soviet prison, and the 13th century Higher Castle, which affords a glorious view of the city center.
Austin, Texas (USA): The capital of America’s second-largest state, Austin is well-known for its music scene, as well as its great restaurants. With its rolling hills, clear lakes and granite ravines, it also offers a variety of adventure and
outdoor activities.
History buffs can head to the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. LBJ was one of the city’s most famous residents. In 1982, his wife “Lady Bird” created a Wildflower Center dedicated to preserving the native plants of North America.
Austin also offers recreational activities from golf to walking trails in beautiful parks. The shopping, restaurants and nightlife offer world-class appeal with a down-home Texas feel.
Chania Town, Crete (Greece): Chania is situated on the western part of the island. The landscape varies in Chania prefecture; there are exotic sandy beaches with crystal clear seas, high green mountains, gorges, like the famous gorge of Samaria as well as traditional mountain and coastal villages. During your tour, visit the impressive monasteries of the area, Chania town the capital of the prefecture of the same name, which is the most charming place and the Archaeological museum of the town.
Bordeaux, France: Bordeaux is renowned not only for producing some of the best wines in the world, but also for its unique architecture which has earned a UNESCO World Heritage site listing. When not visiting vineyards, be sure to check out the area’s picturesque beaches.
Chaweng, Koh Samui (Thailand): Chaweng is the beach on the east coast of Koh Samui. The pristine white-sand and turquoise water beach is several kilometres long, with accommodations, restaurants and attractions to appeal to travellers of all budgets and interest.
San Sebastian, Spain: The ways to keep entertained in San Sebastian are seemingly endless, with its stunning scenery, great restaurants, beautiful beaches, lively nightlife and major film and music festivals, as well as ski resorts within driving distance.
Lyon, France: Located in the Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is France’s third-largest city. Like many of its neighbours, Lyon is well-known for its gastronomy and impressive selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, while the Saint-Jean and the Croix-Rousse areas — UNESCO World Heritage sites — are well worth visiting.
Essaouira, Morocco: Essaouira provides a relaxed alternative to the high energy of Marrakech. Visitors to this lovely coastal destination are attracted to its beaches, fresh seafood and medina.
Mendoza, Argentina: Mendoza enjoys a picturesque location on the eastern side of the Andes and holds the majority of Argentina’s vineyards.
With an abundance of parks, lakes and rivers, as well as its great skiing, Mendoza is an ideal destination in which to enjoy the outdoors.