Montreal one of top 10 best cities in the world: Lonely Planet

MONTREAL – A leading travel publisher has listed Montreal in its list of Top Ten best cities to visit in the world.

The Lonely Planet has been publishing travel guides since 1973 and according to it’s Best in Travel 2013 guide, Montreal’s “mélange of cultures marries brains and beauty.”

The city’s new Planetarium, its urban beach and the endless list of events planned for 2013 are just some of the reasons the publisher says put Montreal at number eight.

“We chose Montreal for Best in Travel 2013 due to its mélange of cultures, socially-responsible businesses, great food and unique style,” said Jennye Garibaldi, Lonely Planet’s Commissioning Editor for Canada.

Montreal was the only city in Canada to make the list and just one of two North American destinations.

Last week, Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood was ranked amongst the top 50 most stylish in the world and last year, it was named one of the world’s hippest destinations, according to the New York Times.

With the NHL lockout and student protests having a detrimental effect on Montreal’s tourist economy in 2012, this accolade is welcome news for the city’s many shops, restaurants and hotels.

“This is outstanding news!” said Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montreal.

“We’ve worked diligently with many partners to position our city as a vibrant, creative and exciting destination for all kinds of tourists and as this recognition shows, it is paying off.”

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 cities in 2013:
1. San Francisco, United States
2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
3. Hyderabad, India
4. Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland
5. Beijing, China
6. Christchurch, New Zealand
7. Hobart, Australia
8. Montréal, Canada
9. Addis Abada, Ethiopia
10. Puerto Iguazù, Argentina

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