Already dreaming up that 2023 vacation but tired of your usual haunts? Well, wonder no more. Airbnb released a report detailing the top places to visit in 2023, and the list will take you from Bangkok, Thailand, to Queenstown, New Zealand. This year, Brazil and Australia topped the charts with the most destinations: Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Florianópolis, Porto Seguro and Salvador claimed six of the ten spots. Wine countries, sweeping vista views, rich history, outdoor activities and sumptuous local food abound—so what are you waiting for? Pack those bags. These are Airbnb’s top 10 places to visit in 2023.
The Top 10 Places in the World to Visit in 2023, According to Airbnb
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Published Jan 10, 2023
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This coastal Andalusian city south of Seville has plenty to its name. Birthplace of Picasso. Sixteen dazzling beaches. Alcazabra, one of the region’s largest Arab fortresses. Málaga, Spain caters to every traveler, from the art enthusiast to the beachgoer. Spend warm summer evenings ambling through lively neighborhoods, eating your way through tapas bars like the institution Bodega El Pimpi. For spectacular city views, you’ll want to scale the Gibralfaro Castle. Looking for a taste of local life? Be sure to hit the many markets and contemporary art Málaga has to offer. Round out your stay by paying a visit to the Picasso Museum and home—you’d be remiss not to.
Where to stay:
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What better way to live up 2023 than with an adventure down under? You may know Sydney for the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge, but look a little closer and you’ll find a vibrant metropolis brimming with rooftop bars (The Glenmore will give you an Insta-worthy view of the Opera), theater performances and the famous Paramount Coffee joint. Want to head to the beach? Sydney has over 100, where you can snorkel, kayak, canoe, paddle board and surf, naturally. (Though if you want the full experience, head to the famous Bondi Beach.) At Gordon’s Bay, you’ll find over 1,000 feet of underwater nature trails with reefs, sand flats and kelp forests.
Where to stay:
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Follow the Australian coastline south from Sydney and you’ll find yourself in Melbourne. (That’s “Mel-bin," in case you were wondering.) The ideal itinerary will take you to the beloved Manchester Press for a morning cup of joe before you explore the eclectic street art of the city’s hidden laneways—Union Lane is not to be missed. After spending the day checking out international and local exhibitions and shows, kick back with a julep at Loop Roof, one of Melbourne’s many urban gardens. Considered the “New York” to Sydney’s “L.A.,” the art, culture, shopping and food scene in Melbourne is constantly changing and ever cool.
Where to stay:
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If you love the outdoors, Auckland, New Zealand might be one of the ultimate destinations. Great Barrier Island is designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, which means the area is prime for stargazing. Black sand beaches offer a novel oceanside escape, and hiking trails that lead to graceful waterfalls abound. And don’t worry—if you’re not the rugged outdoorsy type, there are plenty of glamping experiences that go far beyond a cabin in the woods. Think spas, gourmet meals, beauty treatments and ocean views. You can even embark on a whale safari in Hauraki Gulf or spend the day on the “island of wine,” also known as Waiheke Island.
Where to stay:
- Graceful Studio Near Queen Street (2 guests): $68/night
- Wynyard Quarter Luxury Apartment (4 guests): $247/night
- Anzac North Loft Apartment (8 guests): $383/night
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Bangkok, Thailand was one of the most searched destinations in 2022, and Airbnb predicts that it’ll continue to trend into the new year. It’s easy to see why. The Chao Phraya River gives the city the title of “Venice of the East,” filled with the majestic architecture of The Grand Palace, ornate temples like Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan (it’s said to hold some of the Buddha’s relics) and the Bangkok National Museum. There, you can examine art and artifacts ranging from weapons to clothing and precious stones. Make sure to also swing by the country’s largest market, Chatuchak Market, which boasts 8,000 stalls of food and goods over 27 acres.
Where to stay:
- Apartment with City Views (2 guests): $49/night
- Cozy Apartment in Bangkok City Center (5 guests): $98/night
- Duplex Loft (10 guests): $86/night
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The lakeside city of Queenstown caters to the outdoor enthusiast and wine aficionados alike. Here, hiking and skiing abound, whether you choose a backcountry trek like the Ben Lomond saddle hike or private skiing in Soho Basin. Queenstown is the perfect place to beat the heat if you’re traveling from the Northern Hemisphere, as ski season runs from June to October. You’ll find Olympic-sized super pipes and thrilling runs at locations such as Coronet Peak, Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort. Not a daredevil? The area offers day walks (try the waterfront gardens) and the more challenging Queenstown Hill Time walk. The reward for trekking three hours is a panoramic view. Then there’s the wine. Pinot Noir is a Gibbston specialty, and the region is said to be one of the country’s more scenic wine-producing valleys, tucked between the Kawarau River Gorge and rugged mountain landscape.
Where to stay:
- Lakeside Maisonette (2 guests): $240/night
- Little Wanderer Tiny Home (3 guests): $260/night
- 3-Bedroom Apartment with a View (5 guests): $349/night
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Longing for a South American getaway? Skip São Paulo and head to Florianópolis, a lively, coastal state capital in southern Brazil. Lagoa da Conceição promises a rollicking nightlife scene, and the historic center plenty of sites and monuments to discover, like Fernando Machado Square, Metropolitan Cathedral and São Francisco de Assis Church. Seeing Florianópolis by bus is a great (and efficient) way to get to know the city—be sure to leave time to explore the Mercado Municipal (public market) and walk the Lagoinha do Leste Trail, which offers peaceful ocean views.
Where to stay:
- Tree House with Panoramic View (3 guests): $53/night
- Penthouse with Beach View (6 guests): $127/night
- Beach House Colosseum (12 guests): $285/night
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North of Florianópolis is the oceanside village of Porto Seguro, famed for its nightlife, with most of the carousing happening on the bar-lined Passarela do Álcool (which literally translates to alcohol catwalk). Other must-sees? The Porto Seguro Museum is filled with colonial and indigenous artifacts. O Beco, an open-air galleria, is rife with restaurants and eateries, while the restaurant Rabanete sells food by the pound. For views and photo ops, head to Cidade Histórica in Old Town, where the reward is a view of Porto Seguro’s colorful buildings.
Where to stay:
- Sea View Suite (2 guests): $76/night
- Chalet with Beach Access (6 guests): $64/night
- Ocean Villa (16 guests): $122/night
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In Perth, a sprawling metropolis collides with the Australian outback and white sand beaches. Enjoy snorkeling and surfing or head to Rottnest Island for a run in with the most adorable herbivorous marsupial, the quokka. Here, you can also dive into the area’s aboriginal history through art and cultural experiences hosted by the Noongar people. Cap your day with a Turkish Delight Martini at Hadiqa, a rooftop garden and urban green space in Perth’s east end.
Where to stay:
- East Perth Apartment (2 guests): $67/night
- Beachside Abode (4 guests): $334/night
- South Perth Foreshore Retreat (9 guests): $164/night
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10. Salvador, Brazil
Filled with vivid Portuguese colonial architecture, Salvador, Brazil, is home to the Pelourinho UNESCO World Heritage Site, consisting of cobblestone streets, multicolored buildings and the oldest architecture in town, with structures dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It also lays claim to the nation’s oldest fort, Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra, which comes with beautiful views, a lighthouse and nautical museum. Visitors can also learn about the local community with a visit to the Afro-Brazilian Museum. Wood carvings, baskets, pottery, art and crafts are on display. Before you leave, be sure to eat at Restaurante do Senac. Lonely Planet calls it the “best Bahian buffet in town,” dishing up traditional seafood and deserts. Foodies will also enjoy a trip to hidden gem Paraíso Tropical.
Where to stay:
- Oceanfront Apartment (3 guests): $94/night
- Marina Apartment (3 guests): $70/night
- Luxurious Apartment in Salvador’s Old Town (10 guests): $71/night
