2020 has been a challenging year so far. Many of us have had plans cancelled and trips abandoned. Do you remember that post I did on the best destinations to visit in 2020? No me neither, and that’s because I haven’t visited any of them. But it looks like things are starting to look up and some of us might be able to get back to what we love doing most – travelling! Together with some friends across the Internet I’ve assembled this guide to the 7 top destinations to visit after Covid-19.
1. Athens, Greece
Recommended by yours truly
If you’re looking for the top destinations to visit after Covid-19 then I recommend starting with Athens. With stunning architecture and amazing history Athens has a bit of everything. It’s also one of those cities which never sleeps. No matter what time of day or night you’re milling around on a summer’s evening, there are always bars open and people enjoying themselves.
There’s so much to see and do in Athens that you’re definitely going to want a couple of days. I recommend you visit the Acropolis of Athens as well as the Panathenaic Stadium and Monastiraki flea market.
Insider’s Tip: Eat as much street food as possible. The gyros are heavenly!
2. Berlin, Germany
Recommended by Tash at A Girl With A View
Berlin is a city that is an absolute must-visit! It is steeped in so much history that regardless of where you find yourself there will be something fascinating to look at. You can walk along the remains of the Berlin Wall, take a trip to Checkpoint Charlie, visit the Soviet War Park and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews to fully immerse yourself in Berlin’s past and its shocking history. However, Berlin is not just a history book, the city is thriving with so many things to see and do with particular highlights being the Reichstag, Gendermarkt and Museum Island!
The combination of the remnants of the Soviet, gritty East side of Berlin contrast with the more elegant West side meaning its full of culture, history, and beauty! Perhaps the hidden gem of Berlin is its Ampelmann! The traffic light man that helps you cross the road has become a huge phenomenon in the city and depending on whether you see Ampelmann or a regular man you will know whether you are in East or West Berlin (Ampelmann features in the East)!
Insider’s Tip: You must try a Currywurst when in Berlin! There are so many stalls across the city and they really are delicious!
3. Savannah, Georgia
Recommended by Carrie at The Mandala Traveler
Savannah, Georgia, is a historical gem of the southern United States. The past seems to come alive as you pass quaint homes, walk on cobblestone streets, and watch the ferries drifting up and down the river. It’s hard to believe that a town like this can still exist in 2020!
But there’s far more to enjoy in Savannah than just appreciating the historic architecture. It’s also home to some iconic sites like the Bonaventure Cemetery and Wormsloe Historic Site, where you can find those gorgeous mossy oaks, amazing local restaurants, and a nightlife that will keep even the strictest travelers up late!
Insider’s tip: Take a ride the Savannah Belles Ferry at sunset. It’s completely free, and the 360-degree decks provide unmatched views of the river and Savannah lighting up for the night.
4. San Fransisco, California
Recommended by Sarah at In Full Flavour
San Francisco is such a wonderfully unique US city. It is warm, friendly and inviting, and its wide variety of activities make for a really eclectic visit. You can walk the length of the Golden Gate Bridge in the morning, and be rattling around the picturesque streets on a trolley by the afternoon, stopping off for a bite in one of the city’s many eateries. There is something to accommodate every budget, and plenty to see just from walking around if you’re looking for some more wallet-friendly activities.
Insider’s tip: If you’re planning to visit Alcatraz, choose the evening/night trip. It really adds to the atmosphere of the tour and makes for an eerie encounter. The audio tour is definitely worth the money too; it even features narration from some former inmates of the prison. Book as far in advance as you can as well; these tours are really popular and you can end up being disappointed if you leave it until you are in San Francisco.
5. Rome, Italy
Why I fell in Love with Rome: Recommended by Harriet at Horizons with Harriet
From the rustic charm of the city, the friendly people, and the yummy food (as to be expected in Italy lets be real!) The romantic blend of Italian history and culture is spiced up in Italy’s capital.
As the third most visited city in Europe, Rome attracts visitors from all over the world, who are desperate to explore the fine mix of old and new. My favourite part about this pasta loving city is it has remained so true to its history, so much so that a glass modern skyscraper would look out of place. The Colosseum, Amphitheatre, and Trevi Fountain are just a few of the ancient architecture blended amongst the many pizzerias and gelato scoops. Set in the heart of the busy cobbled streets, the grand Trevi Fountain stands 86ft above the popular Trevi district.
Insider’s Tip: Visit the Trevi fountain at night, with no crowds and a beautifully lit backdrop for that perfect Insta pic. And don’t forget to visit The Vatican!
The perfect place for a weekend break or romantic getaway, just be prepared to do lots of walking!
6. Tallinn, Estonia
Recommended by Matt at Two Tickets To
My choice for one of the top destinations to visit after Covid-19 is Tallinn, the beautiful capital of Estonia! From the picture-perfect medieval old town, to the busy shoreline of the Baltic Sea, the city’s brilliant mix of history, architecture, and culture will keep any visitor entertained and enchanted. It’s an easy place to fall in love with, and I can’t wait to go back.
Tallinn particularly stands out to me for its size. This is not a mega-city – you can easily spend a week here without ever needing to jump into a car or onto a bus. You can be enjoying the view from a medieval watch-tower on the city walls, before strolling 10 minutes down the road and finding yourself in a Soviet-era hotel learning about the mysterious world of the KGB. Tallinn is compact, walkable and packed full of fascinating things to do.
Insider’s Tip: After a busy day exploring the city, head towards the Baltic Sea. 5 minutes from the Old Town, you’ll discover Linnahall, an abandoned Soviet cultural center. Linnahall’s roof is the best place to watch the sunset – don’t forget to wrap up warm!
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Recommended by Millie at Modish Rambling
Last Summer, I visited Copenhagen – famous for the laid-back culture, design and colourful canal-lining buildings. Did you know it’s known as the happiest city in the world? After visiting, I can see why. It’s the most vibrant, upbeat city I’ve ever visited. It’s clean and contemporary, without being obnoxiously modern. You must visit the Nyhavn – ‘New Harbour’ – the canal district; it’s where you’ll see the typical image of Copenhagen spring to life, and the bright yellow and orange buildings are just as pretty up close, it’s like stepping inside a painting! Definitely a must-see.
In other cities, I can understand writing off ‘typical tourist’ activities but Copenhagen really is something special, including Copenhagen Zoo and the famed Tivoli Gardens amusement park. I highly recommend visiting both of those, no matter how far off the beaten path you intended to go. The Zoo is enormous and so stunning, it’s very open plan and uniquely designed. For example, the pandas are housed in a spiral shaped enclosure and the polar bears are on a replica rocky cliff face. I know zoos are contentious, but Copenhagen Zoo is part of EAZA and operates the European Endangered Species Programme.
Insider’s Tip: Absolute must-see is Tivoli Gardens, which isn’t your typical amusement park. I don’t even like rides, but I easily spent a day there and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The design is incredible, with Chinese mountain landscape-inspired gardens, an orangery, boat rides, the sweetest hot air ballon ferris wheel and bigger rides for those with the gall to ride them, not to mention a quirky alley of funfair games as well. There is so much to see and do in Tivoli, I wouldn’t even know where to suggest to begin!
The Best Destinations to visit
So that’s the roundup. The 7 top destinations to visit after Covid-19. I don’t know about you but I have missed travel so much and I feel like I’ve spent the last 4 months adding places to my bucket list. Where are you going to travel to first? Let me know!
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