Tenth place Toronto, Canada, is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with more than 140 languages spoken on its streets. The Pan American/Parapan American Games promises to up the ante with an expected 250,000 visitors in 2015.
Courtesy Lonely Planet
9. Chennai, India —
With the opening of the Chennai Metro Rail, expect the spotlight to shine more brightly on ninth place Chennai, India. It has Dravidian temples to explore, institutes dedicated to the study of Indian classical dance, India's second largest movie industry and a beach that's packed with residents at all hours of the day and night.
Courtesy Lonely Planet
8. Vienna, Austria —
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Ringstrasse, Vienna's grand boulevard built by a Hapsburg monarch, when you visit the city that came in eighth place. Celebrations are scheduled to mark the special occasion.
Sixth place Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is that rarest of beasts: a genuine hidden gem in Europe. It dates back to pre-Roman times, a significant crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures. It's now a joyous mix of ancient and modern architecture.
Courtesy Lonely Planet
5. Valletta, Malta —
Fifth place Valletta, Malta, will mark 450 years since the Great Siege in 2015. That's when a small number of Christian Maltese knights battled the Turks, with much bloodshed on each side. Some 17th century architecture still remains, and modern design is also taking over the city. Of note: architect Renzo Piano's parliament building, a gateway to the city, and his open-air auditorium.
Courtesy Lonely Planet
4. Zermatt, Switzerland —
Fourth place Zermatt is classic Switzerland, with the Matterhorn, dramatic alpine vistas and winter sports galore. This is a true Swiss winter sports town, and it will be marking the 150th anniversary of the successful Matterhorn climb of English mountaineer Edward Whymper. These days, the town's nightlife is hopping, too.
Courtesy Lonely Planet
3. Milan, Italy —
Third place Milan is all elegance and refinement but it will welcome the masses with Expo Milano 2015 between May and October to celebrate food, drink and culture. Be sure to visit Duomo di Milano no matter what time of year you go. The Dumo took six centuries to complete and includes hundreds of carved statues and spires.
Courtesy Lonely Planet
2. El Chalten, Argentina —
Second place El Chalten, Argentina, is more village than city. Although it turns 30 years old next year, it's already significant to travelers heading to South America to go trekking. Head to Los Glaciares National Park to hike and explore these amazing glaciers. (Don't wait too long. More tourists will discover this spot soon.)
Courtesy Lonely Planet
1. Washington, United States —
The undisputed star of the television hit "House of Cards" and the United States' power center, Washington topped Lonely Planet's list of the top 10 cities for 2015. Tour the White House, with its recently re-opened visitors center, visit any of the Smithsonian's spots; or check out the New Year's Day outdoor National Hockey League game at Nationals Park.
