Lonely Planet Names Philadelphia One of the Best Cities in the World to Visit in 2024

Lonely Planet Names Philadelphia One of the Best Cities in the World to Visit in 2024

Renowned travel guide says Philly’s history, attractions and dining have earned it a top five ranking on its “Best in Travel” of world cities

Philadelphia — Philadelphia has been named one of the best cities to visit in Lonely Planet’s 2024 “Best in Travel” awards. The respected travel guide publisher named a list of 50 worldwide destinations across five key categories: top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations, and best value location, including Philadelphia among the 10 top cities.  In selecting Philadelphia, Lonely Planet cited Philadelphia’s role as the “birthplace of the United States” and the nation’s first World Heritage City in combination with the city’s “kinetic energy,” museums and eateries as key factors.

Philadelphia is one of only two U.S. cities included on Lonely Planet’s list of cities to visit in 2024, coming in at number five, behind only Nairobi, Paris, Montreal, and Mostar. Kansas City, Mo., the only other U.S. city on the list, ranked tenth.

Lonely Planet’s website praised specific attractions and restaurants in Philadelphia as particularly worthy of a visit, including DiBruno Brothers and South Philly Barbacoa in the historic Italian Market, the Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park, Bassett’s Ice Cream in the Reading Terminal Market, and Zahav, Michael Solomonov’s multiple-award-winning Society Hill restaurant.

This distinction from Lonely Planet continues a trend of national and international recognition for Philadelphia from the influential institutions who help drive travel decision-making. In May of this year, the globally recognized travel authority Michelin published its very first Philadelphia destination guide, highlighting the city’s top leisure travel experiences. In June, Philadelphia chefs and restaurants won four major categories in the 2023 James Beard Awards. Philadelphia’s restaurants and food markets have continued to garner top spots in national “best of” lists published by publications including Food and Wine, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. In addition, USA Today readers voted Philadelphia the “Most Walkable City” in America and the “Best City for Street Art” for 2023.

“There’s no doubt about it: Philadelphia has momentum, both nationally and internationally, and for both group meetings and leisure travel. People want to come here, eat in our restaurants, visit our museums, see our public art, and soak up the history and culture of this amazing city. We’re seeing this momentum in our visitor numbers, in the new international routes coming to Philadelphia International Airport, and in accolades like this one,” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. ”We’re confident about carrying this momentum on through to 2026 and beyond.”

To begin planning your Philadelphia adventure, visit DiscoverPHL.com.

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About the PHLCVB:
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of overseas leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit DiscoverPHL.com.