The 21 Best Places to Go in 2023
It’s now 2023 and the world has effectively reopened. The last holdouts, including China, are open for tourism and while COVID-19 is still very much a thing, we have effectively reached a new normal for travel. As such, this is the first year that my “Best Places to Go According to the Powers that Be” List feels normal, the first time travel research feels relatively normal, since the pandemic began.
If you haven’t read this in previous years (see all of them starting from 2018 here), this is how it works. Every year I compile the “where to go lists” from Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Travel and Leisure, CNN, and The New York Times into one massive list. Any location that multiple organizations mention is placed on my greatest hits lists, including if one publication lists a subsection of an area recommended elsewhere (ex. if one publication says Colorado, and another says Denver, it counts). This process weeds out the more idiosyncratic choices and leaves only the places that the Travel Powers That Be agree you should visit for a given year. They are not my personal recommendations.
This year was actually relatively balanced, although Europe and particularly the UK were especially prominent this year, Africa has nearly as many entries on this list and the rest were spread fairly evenly across the globe.
Wherever you decide to go, whether it’s close to home or across the world, enjoy and stay safe and healthy as you travel this year.
The United Kingdom
Travel and Leisure named the United Kingdom their overall top place to visit in 2023, and all the other Travel Powers That Be have agreed. There are so many places listed that I’ve split this entry into multiple parts. This truly is the year of UK for travel.
Part 1 - Scotland
Both National Geographic and Lonely Planet suggest going to Scotland, with National Geographic and Travel and Leisure focusing on the Scottish Highlands and the current rewilding movement, ie. reintroducing flora and fauna to rebuild the woodlands and local ecosystems that have been destroyed by humans. Lonely Planet suggests the southern “borderlands” of Scotland to learn more about Scottish history. Going further back in time, the NYTs suggests Kilmartin Glen which has more than 800 prehistoric and archeological monuments.
Part 2 - England
In England the biggest place to go this year is the city of Manchester. The must see for Manchester is Factory International, a newly opened cultural and arts space, which does everything from showing exhibits to hosting Manchester International Festival to supporting developing artists. And finally, CNN recommends the port city of Liverpool, which will be the host of Eurovision 2023 while the New York Times suggests London, particularly if you are interested in the coronation of King Charles III.
San Francisco
As a Bay Area native, I fully endorse the inclusion of San Francisco in both National Geographic’s and Travel and Leisure’s top places to go in 2023 lists. San Francisco is opening new attractions for urban-nature experiences that are accessible and designed to be inclusive. The Presidio Tops, part of the Presidio National Park site, is a new 14-acre, free public recreation site that has been built on top of concrete freeway tunnels. There is also the 17-mile Crosstown Trail, a series of connected walks and trails that connect across San Francisco and is run by local volunteers. Other things I personally would recommend are the Asian Art Museum, Golden Gate Park, and, of course, going to a Giants game.
Ghana
One of the buzziest places to visit in West Africa in the last several years, Ghana is one of National Geographic’s top places to visit for 2023. A major reason to visit it the history. Ghana was a key point in the slave trade and the coast is dotted with Portuguese-built castles where imprisoned and enslaved Africans were held before being transported across the Atlantic Ocean. Ghana is a place for reckoning with history, remembrance and, hopefully, healing for the Black diaspora. But it’s not all about the past. Accra, a Lonely Planet and New York Times picks, is the design and fashion center of the country and is also developing an innovative food scene. And finally, Ghana has 21 protected areas, including seven national parks, for people interested in a more outdoorsy trip.
Fukuoka, Japan
Japan finally reopened to international tourism in October 2022, and both Lonely Planet and the NYT has the place for you to check out when you go: Fukuoka. A city on the coast of Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is particularly known for its nighttime open-air street food stalls called yatai. Yatai have been disappearing from Japan since the 1960s, although the Japanese government has begun issuing more licenses for the food stalls. One dish to check out at a yatai is the Hakata ramen, which has a pork-bone-based broth and originates from the city. Whatever you get, make sure to enjoy it with a beer from one of the city’s craft breweries.
Colombia
Colombia has been on many a “must see” list over the past several years and 2023 is no different. This year National Geographic focused on Colombia as one of the best places in the world to view and observe birds, any number of the country’s 1,900 species. And where better to view them than Colombia’s National Parks, one of Lonely Planet’s picks. Colombia has 59 protected natural areas, which have not just birds, but overall high levels of biodiversity, and cross a number of different ecosystems. The NYT recommends La Guajira, an arid peninsula near the Venezuelan border and home to salt flats, orange sand beaches, and the Wayuu people. If cities are more your thing, CNN recommends the capital Bogota, particularly La Calendaria Quarter for street art tours and coffee shops, and the NYT recommends La Poblado, in Medellin, which is filled with boutique hotels and nightlife.
Yes, this is from their official tourism site
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, is spending 2023 celebrating its 700th birthday, and maybe we should too. The Baltic city, a NYT and CNN pick, has festivities planned throughout the year, including a light festival, live musical performances, and exhibitions. Explore the city’s history through its architecture, which spans from Gothic to Renaissance to Baroque. You can explore the sites by ground or by air – as one top thing to do is taking a hot-air balloon tour of the city. The city has had a rough go of it during its latest century – it was occupied by both the Soviets and the Nazis at different points and the history of those occupations can be seen at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights. But 2023 is the year to appreciate its last 700 years, both good and bad, and usher it into its next century.
Egypt
A perennial favorite and high on many a travel list (mine included), Egypt is one of the top places to go for 2023. National Geographic focuses on the whole country, while CNN and Travel and Leisure focus on Cairo, specifically to see the new home of King Tut and his treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum. That said, the Grand Egyptian Museum has been scheduled to be opening since 2019, so I’d suggest keeping that in mind. CNN recommends checking out not just the pharaohs, but Islamic Cairo (also known as Medieval Cairo) which is a UNESCO site and known for its historic mosques and architecture. From Cairo, Travel and Leisure recommends you take a cruise up the Nile, at least to the city of Luxor, which recently has had the Avenue of Sphinxes renovated.
Laos
Laos has long been high on my list of places I want to travel, so I’m excited to see it listed as one of National Geographic’s and CNN’s top places to visit, especially since the country reopened to travelers in 2022. Travel and Leisure highlights the recently opened Boten–Vientiane railway. The new bullet train, named Lane Xang, goes from the town of Boten, on the Laotian-Chinese border, to the capital city of Vientiane. A high point to check out on the route is old imperial capital Luang Prabang, Laos’ most famous city and arguably it’s cultural capital. The train also stops in Vang Vieng, a town on the Mekong River and a favorite on the backpacker route. CNN also recommends checking out the Plain of Jars, an ancient archeological site covered it, giant stone jars of unclear origin and purpose.
Albania
If you’re interested in checking out the eastern Mediterranean in 2023, the best place to go is Albania. One of Lonely Planet’s picks, the country is still largely off the tourist maps. One thing that could put in on there is the Vjosa River, a NYT pick, and the upcoming Vjosa Wild River National Park. The new park is scheduled to open this year and will preserver a 120-mile stretch of the wild (undammed) waterway. One way to enjoy the river in an eco-friendly way is by taking the UNESCO Cycling Route, which takes cyclists to fortified historic city centers, such as Gjirokastra. But whether you’re cycling along the river or enjoying the Albanian beaches, you can enjoy the area without being hobbled by overtourism, at least for now.
Zambia
If you’re interested in going to Southern Africa in 2023, Lonely Planet suggests Zambia. The landlocked country just north of Zimbabwe, is home to several major rivers, including one of the most famous in the region, the Zambezi. Travel and Leisure recommends going on a safari in the Lower Zambezi National Park, where the focus on the river provides a different experience than savannah-based safari. And of course, if you’re in Zambia you cannot miss one of the wonders of the natural world: Mosi-ao-Tunya, also known as Victoria Falls.
New Zealand
New Zealand has finally reopened to tourism after having one of the strictest pandemic lockdowns, and National Geographic and Travel and Leisure both say 2023 is the year to go. National Geographic focuses on the South Island and in particular the city of Queenstown, home to adventure travel, which is developing an 80-mile biking route from the city out into the countryside. In addition, the New York Times recommends Auckland on the North Island, and its excellent food scene. And I’d be remise if I didn’t mention New Zealand’s wine scene. There is of course the fantastic Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, but one of my friends swears by the Pinot Noir from Central Otago, so check that out as well.
Manaus, Brazil
Both CNN and the NYT recommend the capital city of the Brazilian Amazon, Manaus, for 2023. With devastating deforestation continuing, now is the time to visit the Brazilian Amazon. Ecotourism continues to expand, and lodges are working to become more and more ecofriendly. Traveling through a rainforest can build up an appetite though, and Manaus is the best place to try traditional Amazonian foods and ingredients, both made in traditional methods and with a modern twist. That said, if you do travel to Brazil, even though Manaus is nowhere near the capital, please keep in mind that the political situation in the country is volatile and stay safe.
Madrid, Spain
The capital of Spain is one of the top picks for both the NYT and Travel and Leisure this year. One big draw is the Picasso Celebration, a worldwide celebration of Pablo Picasso 50 years after his death. Several different Madrid art museums will have exhibitions over the year focusing on the great painter and his works. Aside from Picasso, relax in El Retiro Parque, which has numerous gardens, sculptures, fountains, and a 400-year-old conifer thought to be Madrid’s oldest tree. And of course no visit to any Spanish city is complete without enjoying the food, particularly tapas accompanied by quality Spanish wine. Personally, I recommend Alberino.
Bhutan
Travel and Leisure, the New York Times, and Lonely Planet all say that 2023 is the year to visit Bhutan. Bhutan’s reopening in September 2022 included the now fully restored Trans-Bhutan Trail, a 250-mile route through the country that is a former pilgrimage route. The route connects hundreds of historic sites, museums, fortresses, temples, and nature. Long-known for being focused on high-value, low-volume tourism, Bhutan has also changed its entry rules. The good news – tourists may now travel independently throughout the country, rather than be on an organized tour with a guide. The bad news – travelers must pay a $200 a day Sustainability Tax. But if you’ve been saving up for an epic trip over the pandemic, Bhutan is ready and waiting for you.
Alaska
Forget the lower 48, in 2023 head up north to Alaska. One of Lonely Planet’s picks, Alaska has over the past few years, increasing the emphasis on Alaskan Native cultures, including native-owned tourism companies. There is also an emphasis on sustainable travel, which encompasses supporting green business and locally produced or grown products to leaving no trace when you trek through the wilderness. One eco-friendly way to travel through the largest state is the Alaskan Railroad, a NYT pick. The railroad turns 100 this year and the trains are designed to make it easy to admire the wilderness as you pass through it. The rail network can take you to Denali National Park, or the Kenai Fjords or even to see the aurora borealis from its glass-domed cars.
Western Australia
2023 is the year both Lonely Planet and CNN say you should check out Western Australia. In April 2023, there will be a hybrid total solar eclipse, and one of the few places to see it is Exmouth, in Western Australia. If eclipse-chasing isn’t your thing, the region has plenty more to offer. The Kimberley, in the northern part of the state, is a large, sparsely populated area is home to largely unspoiled wilderness. Perth, situated on the coast, is becoming known for its food and culture scene, and the Margaret River is one of Australia’s major wine regions.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, one of National Geographic’s, New York Times’, and CNN’s picks, has long been on many top travel lists for the south. But in the past the city’s brutal history has been ignored or literally whitewashed. No longer, as this year, and the impetus for it’s inclusion on the 2023 lists, is the opening of the International African American Museum. The museum is located right by the Charleston Harbor and aims to “explore cultures and knowledge systems retained and adapted by Africans in the Americas, and the diverse journeys and achievements of these individuals and their descendants in South Carolina, the United States, and throughout the African Diaspora.” After all that history and knowledge, enjoy a living embodiment of African-American history – soul and southern food, as Charleston is a renowned foodie city.
Switzerland
If you’re looking for a European getaway this year, Switzerland is definitely a place to check out. National Geographic focuses on the country’s train journeys, which are definitely about the journey and not the destination. The Kambly Train, also known as the cookie train, travels from Bern, Lucerne, and Trubschachen – where travelers can learn the art of baking cookies, hence the name. And if you’re interested in cheese, then you’re in luck as CNN recommends the city of Gruyeres, home of the famous cheese. Finally, the NYT recommends Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva. The city’s arts district is opening two new museums, and it is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. Wherever you go in Switzerland, you’re certain to eat some truly excellent food.
Cuba
Cuba remains a complicated place to visit for Americans, but in 2022 President Biden eased restrictions on visas, helping make it one of the NYT recommendations for 2023. If you are able to get a visa, start at Travel and Leisure’s recommendation – the capital city of Havana. The city center, Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its Spanish Colonial architecture and its city walls and fortifications. Outside Havana, visit the Vinales Valley, where you can both hike and see traditional tobacco-growing techniques. And on the other end of the island, visit Santiago, and its Castillo de San Pedro. Wherever you do visit, make sure to take some time to listen to the music and of course, try some rum.
Tanzania
Both Travel and Leisure and CNN listed Tanzania as one of their picks for 2023, and its easy to see why. Tanzania is home to Mt Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater – some of the top sites for nature lovers on the entire continent. However, there is more to Tanzania than the savannah. The Zanzibar Archipelago has everything from the historic Stone Town, to food and spice tours, to white sand beaches. It's also the home of the current president of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is focusing of improving infrastructure, women’s businesses, and education in the country.
