Revealed! The surprising destinations on the rise

Revealed! The surprising destinations on the rise Kiev, Ukraine. Rex

Ever considered visiting Valencia instead of Barcelona, Turin instead of Rome or Manchester instead of London? The winners of TripAdvisor's Choice Destinations on the Rise awards have been revealed and the results show some surprising up-and-coming cities for 2012.

The top European destination, which has seen an increase in positive feedback and interest from travellers year-on-year is the city of Kiev.

Capital of Ukraine, Kiev hosted the Euro 2012 Football Championship this summer and its significant presence in the ranking shows Eastern Europe is no longer off the tourist radar.

Moscow took second place and has experienced major tourism developments recently, with a number of airlines announcing new routes to the Russian city.

Third in the European list was Turin in Italy. There was encouraging news for Britain too, as Glasgow, Manchester and Belfast took sixth, seventh and eighth places, while Liverpool came 10th.

TripAdvisor spokeswoman Emma Shaw said: 'All winners should be incredibly proud of their award - not only has traveller interest in their destination increased, but each city has also seen an increase in positive feedback on their hotels, restaurants and things to do.'

The winners for the worldwide category saw Mar Del Plata in Argentina take the top spot, followed by Sao Paulo in Brazil, Kiev in Ukraine, Montevideo in Uruguay and Perth in Australia.

'For those unsure about where to travel next year, this list may offer welcome inspiration,' added Ms Shaw. 'With the hangover of the Jubilympics set to hit in 2013, it's great to see four UK destinations recognised in what may mean a great boost to the UK's tourism industry.'

Europe's top 10 destinations on the rise

1. Kiev, Ukraine
2. Moscow, Russia
3. Turin, Italy
4. St Petersburg, Russia
5. Naples, Italy
6. Glasgow, UK
7. Manchester, UK
8. Belfast, UK
9. Valencia, Spain
10. Liverpool, UK

World top 10 destinations on the rise

1. Mar Del Plata, Argentina
2. Sao Paulo, Brazil
3. Kiev, Ukraine
4. Montevideo, Uruguay
5. Perth, Australia
6. Mexico City, Mexico
7. Hobart, Australia
8. Guadalajara, Mexico
9. Moscow, Russia
10. Turin, Italy

Unusual cities for weekends away

Utrecht
 With canals, cobbles and culture, Utrecht is an ideal European city for a short getaway. Visit the gothic Dom Church, take in the historic surroundings on a cruise through the canals and check out the Saturday flower market along the Oudegracht canal. The Centraal Museum (centraalmuseum.nl) is a must-see for its permanent art collection of children's character Miffy (one for the kids and adults!) How to get there:Fly to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and get a direct train to Utrecht, which takes around 30 minutes. <div firebugversion="1.5.4" id="_firebugConsole" style="display: none;"> </div>
Bern, Switzerland
 As the capital of Switzerland, Bern is the home of the Houses of Parliament but has managed to retain the charm and uniqueness of a historic city. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of the must-see attractions include the Zytglogge clock tower overlooking the old town, the bear park (baerenpark-bern.ch) and the Garden of Roses. How to get there: Fly to Zurich and catch a direct train to Bern, which takes around an hour and 15 minutes.
Braga, Portugal
 As the oldest Portuguese city, Braga has plenty of historical sites for you to see. Highlights include the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, which has a unique baroque staircase, the 19th-century, domed Sameiro Sanctuary and the beautiful baroque Raio Palace. Foodies should try the local specialities, like potato and cabbage broth, maize bread and the local hams. How to get there: Fly to Porto and Braga is around a 40-minute drive away.
Cordoba, Spain
 Head to the Andulician city of Cordoba that was once the centre of Muslim Spain and where you can still find some remaining Islamic architecture, like the Great Mosque of Cordoba (pictured) and the fortified Calahorra Tower. The city is famed for arts and crafts, so if you're thinking of picking up a locally-produced souvenir, there's leather, silver and ceramics on offer. How to get there: Reom Seville, catch a direct train to Corboba, which takes around 45 minutes.
Cork, Ireland
 While most people head to Dublin, Cork has as tonnes to offer and is fast becoming one of Europe's hippest cities. Marvel at the gothic spires of St. Finbarre's Cathedral, visit the picturesque Blarney Castle and check out the bustling English Market. If you're staying for more than a weekend, explore the nearby fishing village of Blackrock for a refreshing day out of the city and to stroll along its tree-lined avenue on the edge of the River Lee. How to get there: Fly direct to Cork Airport.
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
 The spa city of Karlovy Vary, with its wonderful hot springs, is a great alternative to Prague. As well as having a relaxing treatment in one of the city's spas, you won't want to miss a visit to the Moser Museum to see the glassmakers at work, the views of the city from the Diana Lookout Tower, and a taste of the herbal Becherovka liquor, which is only produced in Karlovy Vary. How to get there: Fly to Prague and get a bus to Karlovy Vary, which takes around two hours and 15 minutes.
Nicosia, Cyprus
 or a mix of the old and new, the divided Cypriot capital Nicosia, allows you to get a taste of its Greek and Turkish influences for a varied break. Get world-class views of the city from the Ledra Museum Observatory, feast on mezze in the local tavernas, visit the 16th-century Great Inn with its courtyard cafés, galleries and souvenir shops, and relax with a Turkish bath at the Omeriye Hamam, where you'll be scrubbed down after sweating out in a sauna - all things you can fit in a weekend break! How to get there: Fly to Larnaca Airport where Nicosia is a 30-minute drive away.
Regensburg, Germany
 Experience two thousand years of history in southern Germany's Bavarian city, Regensburg. The 850-year-old Stone Bridge is a medieval masterpiece at 330 metres long and is the oldest preserved stone bridge in the country. For a trip to remember, take a guided tour through the Prince Thurn and Taxis Palace Museum displaying history dating back to the 12th century, eat at the oldest sausage kitchen in the world, the Sausage Kitchen and stroll through the twisting lanes and hidden courtyards of the old town, where you'll find some charming independent shops. How to get there: Fly to Munich and catch a direct train from the airport to Regensburg, which takes about an hour and a half.
Reims, France
 Fancy a boozy weekend with style? Reims in the north-east of France is the champagne capital and home to the Veuve Clicquot (veuve-clicquot.com) house, where you can learn the secrets of its champagne production and take a guided tour of the cellars. Other highlights include the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral - known as the Westminster Abbey of France, the lively Place Drouet d'Erlon with its many bars and restaurants, and the charming sweet shops, like Chocolaterie des Sacres ( HYPERLINK "http://www.chocolaterie-des-sacres.com/" http://www.chocolaterie-des-sacres.com/) and Maison Fossier (fossier.fr), which is famous for its pink biscuits that you dip in champagne! How to get there: Travel by train with Eurostar from London to Paris, then Paris to Reims via TGV Est.
Turin, Italy
 The baroque city of Turin is a must for architect lovers and is the car capital of Italy, being the home of Fiat automobiles. Around the city you'll find the towering Mole Antoniella building - a symbol of Turin, the spectacular Superga Basilica (pictured), which overlooks the city in the hills and a variety of historic cafés. Try Al Bicerin ( bicerin.it) for its delicious bicerin - a mixture of espresso, chocolate and fresh cream. How to get there: Fly direct from the UK to Turin Airport