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Dec 24, 2022
What a year it’s been...again! Travel roared back in a huge way, and shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, as we turn our attention to 2023, we see that people are spreading their wings and returning to amazing destinations like South East Asia, Japan, the southern tip of South America, Morocco and South Africa. Curious what the "hot" destinations are shaping up to be in 2023? So were we! So we crunched our booking numbers and can reveal the following ten destinations as the new year's leaders.
Rome
No surprise to see Rome sitting on top of the list! The Italian capital city will always be a firm favourite, along with Italy's other star destinations.
Local guide Fabio tells us: “As has happened for most cities, Roma has also of course been impacted by the pandemic, yet its atmosphere has somehow changed for the best, since the local government has allowed cafes, restaurants and bars to use outdoor space more than ever before, giving owners the possibility to increase the number of tables outside for gathering. This creates less space for cars parked everywhere and a nicer atmosphere in the city centre.”
Paris
After the release of yet another season of Emily in Paris, we’re more than ready to plan a trip to the French capital. Like Rome, Paris always sits right at or near the top of our most popular destinations, spring, summer, winter or fall, so pick your favourite season and get ready for some Parisian joie de vivre. And when you’re there, be sure to check out these fabulous day trips from Paris, when you’re ready to explore beyond the city.
Mexico City
Welcome to Mexico City - the third largest urban centre in the world. Steeped in layers of pre-hispanic, colonial and modern day arts and culture, the city blesses adventurous travelers with a wealth of history. In addition to being one of the largest, Mexico City is also one of the liveliest cities in the world, with a renowned arts and culture scene (an entire district was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and some of the best cuisine in the Western Hemisphere. Don’t worry about getting lost: on a Mexico City tour, your friendly local guide will help you navigate this fascinating city with ease.
Start getting acquainted with Mexico City in the Zocalo, the city's ancient heart. The thriving public plaza is flanked by landmarks such as the Great Aztec Temple, Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio Nacional. Your guide can take you through the charming cobbled streets around San Jacinto Plaza to browse its thriving art market. Maybe spend your evening mesmerized by a world-class opera performance at the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes, followed up by late night street tacos. When you’re ready for a change of scenery, take a day trip to the Teotihuacan Pyramids, the ancient Aztec canals of Xochimilco, or perhaps the colonial streets of Puebla. We promise you won’t get bored.
Buenos Aires
We have a big soft spot for Buenos Aires, as a large chunk of the ToursByLocals staff team is based in the Argentinian capital. It’s the land of football and grand boulevards, empanadas and maté, tango and nightlife. The city bursts with grand colonial facades and colourful, crumbling buildings, living side by side. Distinct neighbourhoods all have their own flavour, and the local guides in Buenos Aires are excited to welcome you and share with you their favourite places.
Tokyo
Ever since ToursByLocals’ inception in 2008, Tokyo has been an extremely in-demand destination, regularly occupying a spot in our top five most popular places to book a tour. Now, for the first time since 2020, it’s back! Travel to Japan has re-opened to international visitors who can demonstrate either a negative covid test or a vaccination record.
There are direct flights to Tokyo from all over the world, with more routes popping up all the time. The city offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and food adventures to locals and travellers alike. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. And it’s not all skyscrapers, glass and concrete; Tokyo also offers a number of lovely and calm green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.
We have a feeling that sakura (cherry blossom) season is going to be particularly popular this year, so if you’re travelling to Tokyo in the springtime, you’ll want to book tours soon.
London
2022 was quite the year for London and the rest of the United Kingdom. The resignation of not one but two British prime ministers (one after only 6 weeks in office) and the death of Queen Elizabeth II kept Britain in the international news cycle most of autumn. As Brits and many around the world mourned the death of the monarch and the end of an era, a new one was beginning. In May 2023, King Charles’s coronation will take place in London, and the world will have another chance to be wowed by the pomp and ceremony no one does as well as the English.
A weak pound and strong interest in the British royalty and anglophile culture will keep international visitors coming to London in large numbers in 2023. It’s our duty to remind you that England is so much more than just London. Locals guides have a fabulous roster of day tours that take you out of the capital and into the towns, villages, coast and countryside England is famous for.
Florence
The jewel of Renaissance Italy, Florence is a city of timeless beauty and countless artistic treasures. Full of family legacies and modern imaginings, Florence is truly a city to savour. If you're lucky enough to be traveling here, pour yourself a glass of Chianti and start planning your time!
Even people who don't consider themselves "art gallery types" end up bewitched by the sheer richness and historical scope of the sculptures and paintings on display in "Firenze". Locals guides will tell you that visits to the Uffizi and Accademia Gallerias are a must. From Giotto through Botticelli, your guide will explain what you're seeing and provide you with tools to understand the context of the artwork. Outside the galleries, wander the city's streets, knowing your guide's expertise also extends to where to find the best gelato, or that perfect view over the rooftops of Florence.
Lisbon
Sitting astride seven hills and overlooking the majestic Rio Tejo, lies the exquisite city of Lisbon. Replete with centuries-old history, yet exuding a youthful vibe, the city is a delightful place to explore.
The sights in Lisbon are plenty - from St Jerome Monastery to Belem Tower - and walking around its many enchanting neighbourhoods with your very own Portuguese guide is a wonderful way to discover the city. Take a bright yellow tram through the narrow cobbled streets of the Moorish Alfama quarter and enjoy lunch on a patio while listening to traditional Fado music. Shop the upscale boutiques in trendy Chiado, and take the steep funicular ride to the Bairro Alto for the city's best nightlife. And save time for a short day trip to Sintra! This colourful, magical place is unforgettable.
We think guide Ines sums up why you should come here perfectly: “Life is short and Lisbon is amazing. Great weather, great food, such welcoming people, vibrant cultural life, great cityscape, amazing nature around it...what else do we need in life? Enjoy now, because now is the moment!”
Athens
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Athens is antiquity, but local guide Panos shares that the city’s modern art scene is flourishing: “In the past couple of years the city has been embellished with the new Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation and the new National Museum of Contemporary Art, while at the same time the National Gallery was refurbished and expanded. Here, one can view masterpieces from Greek and international painters, like El Greco and Picasso. Lovers of modern art can also visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center in the southern suburbs of Athens: this is a new National Digital Library and the new Opera House of the city, designed by the water by the famous architect Renzo Piano.”
Our suggestion for Athens? Considering going in low-season, when the cruise ships aren’t in port. Or if you go in high season, book your tour early. Athens was one of our busiest destinations last summer, and it’s looking likely it will be again.
Kyoto
Boasting 17 World Heritage sites and a stunning array of Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese history and culture. But while this ancient city is one of the world's most culturally rich places, its true beauty can sometimes lie hidden behind modern facades. When you take a Kyoto tour with a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll discover the 'real' Kyoto - the Kyoto of your dreams.
Walk with your guide around Old Kyoto, through winding alleys lined with traditional narrow wooden houses. In Gion Corner you can experience dance performances by apprentice geisha, and learn about the traditional Japanese arts of puppetry and flower arranging. Your guide will want you to see Kinkaju, the shimmering Golden Pavillion, and the beautiful Kiyomizu Temple - especially during the spring Cherry Blossom season. As in Tokyo, we expect spring time to be a particularly busy season for visiting Japan in 2023, so if you’re hoping to go at cherry blossom time, book your guide soon!
