Published December 19, 2022
2023 Culture Capitals
The throng of crowds in a fragrant, open-air market; sizzling street food and roadside coffee carts; clinking glasses and laughter on a lively plaza, all while you are serenaded by live music. After nearly two years of national parks, nature reserves, and rural retreats, the city is calling. The Expedia 2023 Travel Trend Report shows an increasing demand for city breaks, as travelers crave the fast-paced buzz of city life and culture-packed itineraries.
Discover cities where astounding historic architecture and cobblestone corners coexist alongside soaring modern marvels and slick urban boltholes. Then go wander through leafy parks that give way to bandstands, temples, and labyrinthine alleys lined with hole-in-the-wall bars and stores selling artisanal wares. Here are five trending cities to have on your radar in the year ahead. Read on and start planning your next city break adventure.
The Travel Trends Report is based on a study that was conducted on behalf of Expedia Brands (Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo & Wotif) by OnePoll, a global strategic research firm. The survey was conducted online from September 22 – October 14, 2022, across North and South America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific using an amalgamated group of best-in-class panels. The study was conducted among 24,000 respondents across 17 countries, amongst adults who are planning domestic or international travel in the next 36 months.
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Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s vibrant capital city brings together artful azulejo-tiled facades, a soulful music scene, beautiful beaches, and culinary excellence, buoyed by a new generation of chefs, artists, and makers. Mingle in the medieval Moorish architecture in Alfama, wander the Gulbenkian’s museums and serene garden, and bar hop in bohemian Bairro Alto. The annual Santo António Festival will take place June 12 2023, for a celebratory night of live music, dancing, street food, and festivities.
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Tokyo, Japan
After two years of restrictions, Japan has reopened for tourism. Take a trip to Tokyo, where cherished temples stand alongside neon skyscrapers, and artisanal craftsmanship is met by world-leading technology. Choose between fine dining (Tokyo has the most Michelin stars in the world) and sizzling street food beneath the city lights; zip around the city on a fantastic network of trains and subways and experience Ginza’s tempting shops and tasting menus. Visit from late March to mid-April to experience Tokyo’s immersive cherry blossom displays, or in late October for the annual Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony festival.
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New York, USA
Brunch in the West Village; shopping in SoHo; mighty museums alongside modern incubators for creativity. Then, take a trip across the Brooklyn Bridge to discover microbreweries, thrift stores, and boutique hotels with hidden bars. Brownstone buildings, Central Park, Broadway shows, and no shortage of things to do. New York is back in full swing, and you’re invited. To see the city at its most colorful, visit during Pride Month in June, when a packed calendar of celebratory events culminates with the world-famous NYC Pride March on June 25th.
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Munich, Germany
Baroque palaces, beer halls, abundant green space, and a compelling arts scene make Germany’s Bavarian capital a top pick for a city break. In summer, join the locals at the nearby lakes, the English Garden, and the many biergartens that spring up throughout the city. Or catch a wave in a river (seriously! The Eisbach Wave is a favorite). In the evening, rummage for vintage wares at the Midnightbazar night market, which runs until midnight most weekends, accompanied by cocktails, street food, and live music. But perhaps the most celebrated time to visit Munich is during Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer celebration (curiously held in September). Put on your dirndl or lederhosen and grab a stein. Prost!
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Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok strikes the unique balance of a busy metropolis with a relaxed pace of life. Reflect at an ancient temple, chill out at a heritage hotel by the river, or head to one of the many rooftop bars for a cocktail overlooking the skyline – where temple spires jostle for space among the glass and concrete of this fast-developing city. Go in November and December for dry, sunny days, pop-up bars, and the Wonderfruit music festival in nearby Pattaya, or celebrate Songkran (the Thai New Year) like a local in April.
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