Valletta is one of the top 10 cities in the world to visit next year, according to a British travel guide.

Lonely Planet announced its destinations of choice in its Best in Travel 2015 book published last week.

Malta’s historic capital came fifth in the list, which was topped by Washington DC in the US.

“Valletta has had an architectural overhaul, introducing Renzo Piano’s new gateway to the city, his Parliament building faced with laser-cut stonework and an open-air auditorium,” says the guide.

“Unspoilt, 17th-century buildings line a beautifully laid-out grid of streets. The contrast between old and new makes the new additions all the more startling.”

The contrast between old and new makes the new additions all the more startling

Although 2014 has seen four major milestones in Malta’s history – 50 years since Independence, the 40th anniversary of the Republic, 35 years since Freedom Day and the 10th anniversary of joining the EU – the publisher notes 2015 has a special date as well.

“This year the city will also commemorate 450 years since the Great Siege, with remembrance particularly strong on September 8, Victory Day.”

Argentina’s El Chalten came second, followed by Milan then Zermatt in Switzerland. Plovdiv, Bulgaria, came after Valletta in sixth place and the rest were Salisbury in the UK, Vienna, Chennai and Toronto.

Best in Travel 2015 also listed its top 10 countries and regions. See www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel.