Travel

FABULOUS NEW REASONS TO VISIT THESE 10 BEAUTIFUL CITIES NOW

Courtesy of Museum of Contemporary Art. Cleveland, Ohio.

From ancient jungle ruins to cities you’ve known well, we’ve compiled a list of 10 beautiful cities, with brand new reasons to earn a spot on your travel bucket list.

1. CLEVELAND, OHIO

Cleveland is a city that has plenty of new beautiful reasons why it should be on your new beautiful-cities-to-visit list. Ogle at its unique architectural feats, like the recently re-opened Museum of Contemporary Art, a striking mirrored, hexagonal structure. Dine at the stunning new warehouse restaurants dotting the river’s edge in the Gordon Square Arts District. And more! LeBron James’ hometown is definitely worthy of a second look.

2. MILAN, ITALY

Milan rises to the top of Italy’s must-visit beautiful cities list with its recent citywide restoration projects, which have awakened new life in formerly neglected areas of the city.

Check out the newly restored historical attractions and canals in the charming Navigli District. The once dilapidated La Darsena harbor now offers tree lined streets, bike paths, and piazzas to enjoy. Once you’ve had your fill of the city’s delectable regional cuisine, get a good night’s rest at one of the newly opened luxury hotels.

3. MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA

After a dark and dangerous time in its history, Medellín is now a beautiful city to visit. Recent renovation efforts have transformed Medellín’s legendary slums. Buildings like the Biblioteca España, a gorgeous contemporary library, and the Museo de Arte Moderno, housed in a former steel mill, with its recent contemporary expansion, add beauty to formerly stark neighborhoods.

Additional highlights include aerial gondolas and 1,300-foot long outdoor escalators, which connect hillside communities to Medellín’s vibrant downtown, as they seamlessly combine innovation and elegance.

4. HAVANA, CUBA

Havana’s renaissance has begun and is now under full swing. The city, stuck in time since its relations with the US soured about 60 years ago, is rebuilding, polishing and welcoming the world once again.

Historic buildings are being restored. A number of magnificent private homes have been repurposed into trendy restaurants. What was once a crumbling oil factory is now the hip Fabrica de Arte Cubano, a unique space housing art galleries and music venues. Ride in the colorful antique cars. And don’t miss the super hot Cuban jazz clubs.

5. CAMPECHE, MEXICO

In the 7th century, the city of Calakmul was once one of the most powerful Mayan cities. It now sits within a protected biosphere reserve and was recently designated as the first mixed property on the World Heritage List, as it is of both cultural and natural importance.

The jungle is slowly reclaiming the astonishing stone pyramids of the Calakmul ruins. Enjoy them while you can, as monkeys and toucans play in the surrounding forest canopy.

6. RABAT, MOROCCO

In Morocco’s capital city of Rabat, old and new unite along the sea. Recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful city touts breathtaking Roman ruins and fascinating medieval districts. Equally worthy of your attention is the recently opened Musée Mohammed VI, the country’s first contemporary art museum.

7. DANANG, VIETNAM

Just 20 miles from the crowded metropolis of Hoi An, Danang is a rare find — a cosmopolitan city with a great deal of local charm.

With the recent addition of two luxury resorts and an airport expansion, it will soon become a popular tourist destination. For now, enjoy a heavenly bánh mi sandwich while relaxing, at one of the many shimmering beaches.

8. ROME, ITALY

The 2,000-year old city of Rome has many new reasons to visit again. Throughout the city, many historic sites and buildings have undergone extensive restorations. And recently, the Palatine Museum reopened, showcasing objects excavated from the city’s Imperial palaces. Visit the Villa of Livia’s stunning new exhibition space and pay your respects to Gaius Cestius at his resting place, the gleaming white Pyramid of Cestius.

After a year of renovations funded by the Italian fashion house Fendi, the 18th Century Trevi Fountain is finally open once again.

9. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Ten years ago, New Orleans’ urban charm was overshadowed by the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. But in recent months, the city has worked to both commemorate the past and celebrate its rebirth.

One notable development, the South Market District, is home to modern residential spaces, eclectic boutiques, and trendy restaurants. Just as impressive is the contemporary New Orleans Jazz Market, the state-of-the-art performance venue for the city’s famed jazz orchestra, which opened earlier this year.

10. NEW YORK, NEW YORK

New York City has a new crown jewel. A decade after the 9/11 devastation of lower Manhattan, the recently opened jaw-droppingly spectacular new One World Trade Center rises up proudly, while the neighborhood surrounding it has bloomed with new life, all serviced by the breathtaking transportation hub, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.

Check out Mario Batali’s new branch of Eataly, L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, celebrity chef Joël Robuchon’s newest restaurant, and dozens of other fabulous new boutiques, restaurants, and markets.

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IMAGE CREDITS:

Image: Courtesy of Museum of Contemporary Art. Cleveland, Ohio.
Image: by mbowes80. Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art. Cleveland, Ohio.
Image: by Jöshua Barnett. Milan, Italy.
Image: by Iván Erre Jota. Medellín. Medellín, Columbia.
Image: by Artur Staszewski. Cathedral in Havana. Havana, Cuba.
Image: by Dr. Rosa Martínez Ojeda Icela. Courtesy of Calakmul Primatology. Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico.
Image: by YoTuT. Rabat, Morocco.
Image: by Sheila Dee. Untitled. Danang, Vietnam.
Image: by mksfca. Trevi fountain. Rome, Italy.
Image: by Chad Carson. New Orleans Skyline. New Orleans, Louisiana.
Image: by Jason Mrachina. St Louis Cathedral - New Orleans. New Orleans, Louisiana.
Image: by Phil Dolby. Freedom Tower, NYC. New York, New York.
Image: by gigi_nyc. Lower Manhattan. New York, New York.
Image: by Richard Ricciardi. New Orleans - Bourbon Street. New Orleans, Louisiana.
Image: by BN App - Download now!
Image: by matt northam. Havana. Havana, Cuba.