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Have you ever visited a place that wasn’t necessarily on your bucket list, only to be blown away by how amazing it was? It’s a wonderful experience – and certainly worth repeating. That’s why a recent study analyzed over 825,000 TripAdvisor reviews from over 100 of the world’s most visited cities to find out which cities have exceeded expectations more than any other. From the obvious to the lesser known, below are the top 10 destinations that will exceed your expectations in 2023.
10) Sydney, Australia
Australia lifted all Covid restrictions over the summer and Sydney is the perfect place to call home while you check out what the country has to offer. 95.44% of TripAdvisor city reviews have positive things to say about Sydney. Be sure to visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, where you dine at world-class restaurants before seeing a show.
Spend a day exploring some of Sydney’s beautiful beaches such as Bondi Beach or Manly Beach. There’s plenty to keep you busy in Sydney, and travelers are sure not to leave disappointed.
9) Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand was a little slower to lift restrictions, but travelers can now enjoy Auckland without any problems. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and a great jumping off point for the rest of the country. As the country’s largest city, it is also home to New Zealand’s busiest airport, with direct flights from several US cities, including Houston and San Francisco.
Be sure to take a day trip to Waiheke Island, only about 40 minutes by ferry from the city center. Spend the day enjoying gorgeous beaches, award-winning wineries, or adrenaline-filled adventures like ziplining and jet skiing. 95.45% of TripAdvisor reviews for Auckland had something positive to say. After visiting, maybe you will too.
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8) Nice, France
France lifted restrictions in August and Nice is the perfect underrated French destination to visit in 2023. Located on the French Riviera, Nice is full of history, great food and gorgeous scenery.
Travelers love to walk through the Old Town to appreciate the unique architecture on their way to Castle Hill. Castle Hill offers an incredible vantage point over Nice that is perfect for taking pictures. 95.63% of TripAdvisor reviews for Nice were positive, further proving its designation as a destination that is sure to exceed expectations.
7) Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is no stranger to the spotlight and is a very popular destination for digital nomads. However, they are not the only ones who love this city! Travelers flock to Mexico City for its delicious food scene, beautiful colonial architecture, incredible weather, great music, and proximity to great day trips like Teotihuacán. 95.74% of traveler reviews had nothing but praise for Mexico City, further cementing its place on this list.
6) Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal was one of the most popular destinations this year, and Lisbon is particularly impressive. Lisbon tied with Mexico City, with an identical 95.74% of reviews filled with positive comments. The city is great for lovers of Europe on a budget. Lisbon is more affordable than many of its Western European counterparts. The weather and food are great, and the prices are even better. No wonder so many travelers have exceeded their expectations here!
5) Lima, Peru
Peru was one of the destinations that took a long time to open, but the country finally fully reopened on November 1.str of this year. 95.87% of traveler reviews had good things to say about Lima. Formerly known as City of Kings, Lima has beautiful colonial architecture and many historical monuments. This includes downtown Lima, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
4) Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is a must when visiting Ireland, and new flight routes from the US were recently announced. Dublin itself is full of things to do and is surrounded by incredible day trips such as Glendalough, a glacial valley south of Dublin that is home to picturesque landscapes that make you feel like you’re walking through a fairytale.
While in town, be sure to check out Dublin Castle, one of the most popular attractions in the city. 95.90% of traveler reviews had good things to say about Dublin, so it’s definitely worth a visit!
3) Zurich, Switzerland
Although Zurich is a little more on the expensive side, travelers are consistently pleasantly surprised by this Swiss gem. Depending on the time of your visit, you can go for a swim in Lake Zurich or sit by the water enjoying a drink with a view at one of the bars or cafes dotted along the shore.
Nightlife is abundant in Zurich, so if you’re a night owl, you’ll feel right at home. 96.02% of travelers had good things to say about Zurich, despite its higher cost compared to many other destinations on this list
2) Brussels, Belgium
96.04% of travelers had exceeded their expectations in Brussels, ranking it #2n.d country in general. Brussels has plenty to keep travelers entertained. Countless museums, thriving nightlife, street art, and incredible food are just a few reasons why travelers find this city so exceptional.
1) Budapest, Hungary
Considered one of the world’s cheapest destinations for digital nomads, Budapest is a great place to visit for both long and short term. 96.17% of TripAdvisor reviews of Budapest had positive things to say about the city, making it the city that exceeded travelers’ expectations more than any other. Travelers also rated Budapest as the ‘most beautiful’ city on the list.
Offering many of the things that attract visitors to Western European cities at a much lower rate, Budapest is an excellent destination to get the most value for money in Europe. As the spa capital of the world, visitors can spend the day relaxing in an ancient thermal bath before heading out for a night filled with great music and food. Be sure to try a night river cruise for a spectacular view of the parliament building!
Warning for travelers: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
