A recent Accor study indicated people intend to take an average for 4.4 trips in 2023 (an increase from 3.8 in 2022). The study of 2000 adults suggested a third of Europeans agree ‘there are plenty of places in Europe I am yet to explore’, in fact one in six say they ‘want to travel in Europe more and travel long haul less’. In response to the study, Accor has compiled a list of 23 places in Europe to explore and enjoy in 2023.
2023 will be a year to ‘Discover Differently’ – a response to time, wellbeing and sustainability. Discover Differently is to travel slower, purposefully and explore emerging destinations not necessarily far-flung destinations. No-Fly travel, EV travel and rail innovation will impact travel plans like never before. Travel experiences will shift to the Human Dividend theory aligning with the core traits that make us human: nature and community will be priorities.
Europe is perfect for discovery, as new international tourism destinations emerge, travel routes ease and expand, and the vast continent opens up for a world of exploration. From mountains to seas, wine regions to heritage sites, arts and culture to culinary delicacies, Europe has it all.
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1/ Baku, Azerbaijan – The Caucasus region city of F1
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus region. It is a fabulous city where ancient legends meet technologies of the future, where magnificent skyscrapers and ancient mosques harmoniously blend into unique architectural ensemble. Examples of modern architecture in Baku are the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, and the Flame Towers, three skyscrapers equipped with LED screens and home to the Fairmont hotel.
- Reason to visit: Formula 1: Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held again in Baku in April 2023
- Where to stay: Fairmont Baku Flame Towers
2/ Bamberg, Germany
Anyone who thinks Munich is the capital of beer is wrong! Bamberg in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the country and has an exceptional beer and nightlife culture. At its height, there were more than 70 breweries in the city of just under 78,000 inhabitants. Today there are 11. The epicentre of the city is Sandstraße in the middle of the picturesque old town.
- Reason to visit: Immerse yourself in Bavarian culture (and beer!) at Sandkerwa, Bamberg's most beautiful folk festival. In 2023 it will be exactly 25 years since Bamberg was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Where to stay: ibis Styles Bamberg
3/ Bern, Switzerland – 175 years of Swiss Parliament
The UNESCO World Heritage old town is widely regarded as one of Europe’s greenest cities. The medieval city is North of the Bernese Alps, surrounded by a stunning natural landscape of rivers, mountains and the Gantrisch Nature Park. Swiss Parliament will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Swiss Federal Constitution in Bern in 2023. Throughout the year, festivities will take place in the city and visitors will be able to take a look at the various federal buildings. The highlight of the celebrations is 12 September. Don't forget to visit the city's landmark, the Bernese Bears, and toast the Constitution in the famous Kornhauskeller.
- Reason to visit: Celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Swiss Federal Constitution
- Where to stay: ibis Styles Bern City (opening end 2022), Swissôtel Kursaal Bern
4/ Bukhara, Uzbekistan – Museum City of Monuments
Located on a crossroads of ancient trade routes, Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia, which history was closely intertwined with the growth of the Silk Roads through this area. The historic city of Bukhara has been a hub for traders and travellers since its foundation over 2,000 years ago. Now it is a museum city boasting more than 140 architectural monuments of the medieval period, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Reason to visit: ‘Silk and Spices’ is one of Uzbekistan's oldest festivals traditionally held in Bukhara in May every year
- Where to stay: Mercure Bukhara Old Town (opening end 2022)
5/ Budapest, Hungary – Athletics and Culture
Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, and is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Located on the banks of the Danube River, Budapest is home to a number of iconic landmarks, including the Buda Castle, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, and the Szechenyi Thermal Bath. Veszprém, one of the 203 European Capitals of Culture, is less than 2 hours away. one of the oldest parts of Hungary, its medieval streets open up to ornate fountains, ancient mosaics line the walls of theatres and hilltop castles give a fairytale feel.
- Reason to visit: Hosting the World Athletics Championship in August. Veszprém, one of the 203 European Capitals of Culture, is less than 2 hours away
- Where to stay: Mercure Budapest City Center Hotel, ibis Budapest Castle Hill, ibis Budapest Liberty (opening summer)
6/ Bucharest, Romania – Film & TV locations
A century ago Romania’s capital was called the “Paris of the East” thanks to its French-style Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant cultural life. Whilst much of that architecture has not survived the 20th century, the vibrant culture has. The Palace of Parliament, also known as ‘The People’s House’, is a staggering piece of architecture and one of the largest buildings in the world, with ornate interiors which also feature in Sharon Stone and Andy Garcia’s new film, ‘What About Love’ (2023). The city’s café culture, art scene, museums, are quirky neighbourhoods are all just part of the city’s incredible charm.
- Reason to visit: The hit Netflix series, Wednesday, was filmed all over Romania. Visit for Halloween and relive the folklore and legends.
- Where to stay: ibis Bucharest Politehnica Hotel
7/ Copenhagen, Denmark - UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture
A recent survey by American Express found that the Danish Capital is top of most people's bucket lists for 2023. Copenhagen is considered one of the most environmentally friendly and visionary cities in the world. In fact by 2025, the city plans to be CO2-neutral. Deisgn and innovation is at the city’s core and in 2023 will be UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture. Copenhagen is also home to the "hygge" culture and one of the world's culinary hotspots with one of the highest number of restaurants and bars in relation to its inhabitants worldwide.
- Reason to visit: In 2023 Copenhagen will officially bear the title of UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture. Expect plenty of unique events and 'open house' experiences behind doors that normally remain closed.
- Where to stay: ibis Styles Copenhagen (opening January 2023)
8/ Dresden, Germany – Christmas Legacy
The city of Dresden is the capital of Saxony and a real cultural gem. The city is something of an unofficial Christmas city throughout Germany. Dresden's Striezelmarkt has been hosting one of the oldest Christmas markets in the country since 1434. In addition, a very special Christmas delicacy comes from Dresden: the Dresden Stollen. This sweet Christmas cake has to be stored for several weeks before it is sold all over the world. The city also has phenomenal baroque and Mediterranean architecture and a wide range of museums and exhibitions.
- Reason to visit: Dresden Christmas market
- Where to stay: Pullman Dresden Newa, ibis Styles Dresden Neustadt
9/ Karkonosze National Park, Poland – Escape to Nature
Karkonosze National Park is a protected area located in the Karkonosze Mountains in southwestern Poland along the border with the Czech Republic. The 35,000 hectares national parkland is home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the lynx and the European bison. Its stunning natural scenery, which includes alpine meadows, forests, and rocky cliffs, make it an increasingly popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hikes, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
- Reason to visit: The draw of nature continues in 2023. Karkonosze National Park is part of the UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere programme
- Where to stay: Mercure Szklarska Poreba, Mövenpick Wrocław (opening summer)
10/ Kolasin, Montenegro – New Ski Destination and Europe’s last Rainforest
Kolašin is a small town located in the north of Montenegro, at the foot of the Biogradska Gora National Park, which is home to one of the last remaining rainforests in Europe. The park offers a range of trails for hikers of all skill levels, as well as guided tours and nature walks. The historic town is also home to several churches and monasteries, as well as the Durmitor National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Reason to visit: Kolasin’s new K16 resort completes this year, alongside the magnificent mountain range of Bjelasica - a perfect destination for those looking to hit the slopes.
- Where to stay: Swissôtel Kolasin (opening late 2023)
11/ Lake Balaton, Hungary – Central Europe’s largest lake in Central Europe
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe known for its stunning natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and forests, popular with hikers, and the lake itself draws water-sport enthusiasts from all over Hungary. The southern shore of the emerald waters is becoming a major holiday destination while the hills of the north shore are home to the Balaton wine-growing region, representing 10,000 hectares of vineyards.
- Reason to visit: Veszprém, of the 203 European Capitals of Culture is less than an hour’s drive
- Where to stay: Mövenpick Balaland Resort Lake Balaton (opening early 2023)
12/ Lake Constance, Germany/Austria/Switzerland – Nature’s Finest
Lake Constance is the largest lake in Germany and also marks the border of three countries; Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Around the lake you will find beautiful towns, some of which are thousands of years old, orchards and local recreation areas. Don’t miss the “flower island” Mainau with its castle which is still inhabited by a German noble family, and the monkey hill Saleem which is the home of 200 Barbary Apes.
- Reason to visit: 40th anniversary of the Lake Constance Cycle Route “Bodensee-Radweg”
- Where to stay: ibis Styles Friedrichshafen (Germany), Grand Hotel Bregenz – MGallery (Austria), ibis Styles St. Margrethen (Switzerland)
13/ Leeds, England – UK City of Culture 2023
Known as the unofficial capital of Yorkshire, Leeds is the UK’s City of Culture in 2023 with year-long celebrations and creative experiences happening across the city. From art to the architecture, dance to design, there is something for everyone.
- Reason to visit: Leeds 2023 is a year-long celebration of culture to mark UK City of Culture
- Where to stay: ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena, Mercure Leeds Centre
14/ Liverpool, England – Home of Eurovision 2023
Famously the hometown of The Beatles, this maritime city in northwest England is one of the UK’s cultural capitals with a vibrant program of arts and music festivals all year. The 67th Eurovision Song Contest will place in Liverpool in 2023, with the UK hosting on behalf of Ukraine. The UNESCO City of Music, aims to reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities as part of its cultural calendar. The Turner Prize comes back to Liverpool in 2023, as does the Liverpool Biennial which also delivers exceptional works. For a different pace, day trips for fish & chips on the wild Wirral coast with its seemingly endless estuary are not to be missed.
- Reason to visit: Liverpool is hosting the 2023 Eurovision song contest, set to attract thousands of visitors from all over the world.
- Where to stay: Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village, Pullman Liverpool, ibis Styles Liverpool Centre Dale Street - Cavern Quarter
15/ London, England – Long live the King
London remains one of the most exciting cities in the world. On 6 May 2023, Britain will celebrate the official coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Travellers across the world will flock to be part of this incredible history in the marking. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of royalty with a tour of Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace or the Tower of London and immerse themselves in London’s rich history, culture and culinary scene.
- Reason to visit: Coronation of King Charles III
- Where to stay: Raffles London at The OWO, Sofitel London St James, Novotel London Tower Bridge
16/ Marseille, France – Rugby World Cup
Marseille is the second-largest city in France and is located on a stunning stretch of the Mediterranean coast in the southeast of the country. It is known for its rich port history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. The Calanques National Park is a wonder of natural architecture, formed of limestone cliffs, rocky coves and turquoise waters. The city itself, often considered one of France’s grittiest, is home to museums, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants serving classic bouillabaisse, a thriving nightlight and a world-renowned street art scene. The Vieux Port (Old Port) is a must-visit and a tranquil center of a thriving city.
- Reason to visit: In October 2023, the Rugby World Cup will take place across nine French cities, including Marseille
- Where to stay: Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux-Port-MGallery, greet Hotel Marseille Centre Saint Charles
17/ Plovdiv, Bulgaria – The oldest inhabited city in Europe
The perfect balance of modernity and history, the ancient city has Roman, Persian and Ottoman influences as well as a strong creative quarter which grew out of its 2019 European Capital of Culture status. Bulgaria’s second largest city, Plovdiv is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and one of the world’s most ancient cities. Home to impressive historic monuments, including the Roman Stadium and the Ancient Forum.
- Reason to visit: Plovdiv is a cultural and historical hub, voted as one of the European Best Destinations 2022 by Forbes, Best Cultural Destinations in Europe 2022 and the winner of the European Capital of Culture 2019.
- Where to stay: The Emporium Plovdiv - MGallery
18/ Sofia & OKOL, Bulgaria – Nature’s Finest
There are more than 300 protected sites and natural landmarks in Sofia Region, the cuntry’s capital of natural escapes. Sofia itself retains the relaxed student vibes of gap-year travel set against a patchwork of Ottoman and Soviet architecture. Sofia’s Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its green and golden domes, is one of the largest Christian churches in the world. The mineral-rich Iskar River threads from Sofia, where it feeds manf hot springs, south west to Bulgaria’s largest artificla lake, Iskar Resivoir. The new OKOL Lake Park project, on the edge of Iskar Lake, an hour from Sofia, is an impressive new golf and wellness facility surounded by 230 acres of parkland. One of the biggest ski resorts in Bulgaria – Borovets – is just a 20 minute drive away.
- Reason to visit: The impressive OKOL Lake Park opens in 2023, perfect for wellness seekers and golfers.
- Where to stay: Pullman Okol Golf Resort & Spa, Maison Sofia – MGallery
19/ Tashkent, Uzbekistan – The largest city of Central Asia
Tashkent is the capital and largest city in Uzbekistan and in Central Asia, as well as its main transportation hub. Tashkent features exquisite medieval buildings as if they materialized straight from the pages of ancient Oriental fairy tales, elegant European architecture and gleaming skyscrapers of modern business centres. The city is home to the Tashkent Tower, which is the tallest structure in Central Asia, and the Khast Imam Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Reason to visit: Celebrate Navruz with locals on March 21 – a chance to celebrate nature, to welcome a new year, and to enjoy flavorful food with friends, neighbors, and family.
- Where to stay: Mercure Tashkent, Swissôtel Tashkent (opening late 2023)
20/ Tbilisi, Georgia – Go before the crowds
The Georgian capital is a picturesque city set within a rocky gorge, with a love of good food and wine, traditional dancing and a city waterfall, all over-seen by the majestic 20m tall Kartlis Deda (Mother Georgia) statue that stands above the city on a wonderful viewing platform. Tbilisi has a rich cultural heritage, historic districts and wonderful cuisine and is surrounded by incredible days-trips, from mountain hikes to medieval caves and monasteries.
- Reason to visit: Emerging destination, go before the crowds. Visit the annual ‘Georgian Wine Festival’ in mid-October.
- Where to stay: Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers, Mercure Tbilisi Old Town, ibis Styles Tbilisi Centre, Swissôtel Tbilisi (opening summer 2023), Novotel Tbilisi Center (opening summer 2023)
21/ Timisoara, Romania – European Capital of Culture
Timisoara is a city of history, culture and innovation, famed for being the first city in Europe to have electric streetlighting and one of the first in the world to have horse-drawn trams. Architecturally beautify, the city is built around restored public squares, such as Union Square (Piata Unirli) and Piața Victoriei, with beautiful baroque architecture and 36 city gardens, which give it its nickname, "City of Flowers".
- Reason to visit: Timisoara is one of the 2023 European Capitals of Culture
- Where to stay: Mercure Timisoara, ibis Timisoara City Centre
22/ Tirana & Durres, Albania – Tourist Free Travel
2023 will be the year of undiscovered destinations. Albania, between Montenegro and Greece, was overseen for a long time - also because it opened up to tourism late. Those who visit the capital Tirana discover a fascinating mix of eras; socialist stately buildings meet modern architecture, and the largest mosque in the Balkans is being built in between. Less than an hour away, Durres is the largest sea destination in Albania and a budget traveler’s paradise, with lots of ancient buildings and sights dated back 5-6 century BC. Durres has the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans, Byzantine city walls, sensational seafood and one of the most stylish stretches of coast in Albania – a perfect day trip.
- Reason to visit: Enjoy travel before the tourist masses
- Where to stay: ibis Styles Tirana Entry Hotel (opening Spring), Mövenpick Hotel Lalëz Durrës
23/ Vienna, Austria - 150th anniversary of the Vienna World’s Fair
Vienna is the capital of Austria and each year among the top cities worth living. In 2023, the city celebrates the 150th anniversary of Vienna World’s Fair. On 1 May 1873, the Vienna World's Fair opened its doors. For six months, the city became the scene of an unprecedented exposition. As the fifth in the history of world exhibitions and the first ever in the German-speaking world, it far surpassed its predecessors both in terms of space and exhibits.
- Reason to visit: 150th anniversary of the Vienna World’s Fair
- Where to stay: Mercure Vienna First, Hotel am Konzerthaus – MGallery, greet Wien City Nord (Opening March 2023)
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