Introduction
What’s great about destinations? The scenery? The people? Perhaps the gastronomy that presents itself blanketed with other goodies such as rich prehistoric background and highlights? There are so many characteristics that make up a great holiday place but most destinations have withstood the test of time to feature in our top 10 best city destinations in the world, even after a decade of countless trips and tours in the cities.
Hong Kong
Many outsiders question the territory of Hong Kong, trying to decide whether it belongs to China or not and whether it has a few islands. With a dominant native Mandarin language, you will find a few locals stringing a few words in English since the rush in its tourism industry.
Having returned to the possession of China in 1997, the territory slipped out of the chains of the British. When the city was reunified with China, the action increased the degree of autonomy in Hong Kong. Some stipulations that have enacted the act are:
- The official currency of the city is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
- The official languages are English and Chinese
- An independent judiciary system
‘Hong Kong and China’ is a specific case of a country with two systems. Although this may baffle several foreign tourists, it is best to enjoy the offerings of the city without bias.
Compared to Beijing and Shanghai, Hong Kong is their Chinese brethren with specific cityscape and multi-dimensional culture. The effortless juxtaposition of the landscapes and skyscrapers is the reason why the British-Chinese hybrid holds center stage in the amusement of visitors. Farther than your cliché need for sandy beaches, the fresh breath of air and rugby pitches are a plus.
As a fascinating metropolis, there are quite a number of urban spaces such as museums, culinary spots, and more. And if you don’t travel to Hong Kong as soon as you can manage, you may belong in the group of people who wish they had toured the city sooner.
Santorini
Conduct a poll on the favorite holiday destinations in the world and Santorini will be among the first five. Being Greece’s and the world’s island destination, it has stolen the hearts of many as the favorite romantic spot. Oia and Fira are the cliff-top towns that form the backdrop of picturesque ambiance. Both towns are mounted in the West Coast of the city and overlooking the caldera with a striking bluish tone in the deep.
Apart from its lush and indescribable beauty, the city is deeprooted in archaeological and geological sites. It is most unsuitable to refer to Santorini as it combines ancient and mythical islands more than any other destination on Earth.
On the South and East coasts are the black volcanic sand beaches and dunes. More so, the historical Akrotiri is a product of the caldera-producing volcanic eruption in the Ancient Minoan settlement that lies deep in the lava in the early years of mankind.
New York
New York is the seat of excellence, ambiance, and elegance. Try to run a poll on the city and you will get different feedback about the city – each one better than the last. Many visitors have conveniently converted the destination to their residence because of several reasons, part of which could be:
- The fashion flair
- The unbeatable cultural institutions
- Its legendary energy
- Fascinating parks
It isn’t surprising that it was so easy to formulate the joke ‘in a New York minute’.
In present times, Manhattan prospers with glamour, glitter, and genuine safety. Nonetheless, Gotham city still presents the unique and unpredictable nature of the old New York City.
To grab a quick taste of the modern New York, you can check out Brooklyn. Brooklyn is known as the spot where residents ascend and dream. Favorite destinations would be Jackson Heights, Bushwick, Sunset Park, and Flushing. The last two destinations have great Chinatowns where you can relax and assimilate the Asian culture. With an observant eye and a delish appetite, you will notice that the people of New York are always in a rush and with boisterous energy that commands success.
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the few selected cities that boast of charming and serene cities in the Mediterranean style. Combining exotic dishes, endless sunshine, and relaxing scenery, Barcelona has a peculiar design for a city in Spain.
Since the early ‘902, Barcelona has been on the lips of tourists and the fire has never been doused. Rubbing shoulders with prominent cities such as Bordeaux and Santorini, Barcelona is as exquisite as it is elegant.
In 1992 when the city hosted the Summer Olympics, the rush for a tour in the city has been on the increase. Contrary to some cities that were victims of negative spotlight, the city has continuously improved. Since that year, the city has transitioned from the Gothic Spain capital to an endless source of resources and trends. Although Catalunya requests to be independent of the country, Barcelona presents an artistic representation of the spirit of the rebellious Catalan. Talking about gastronomy, the creative city of Barcelona became one of the fewest cities that invented exotic dishes for the inquisitive tourist. To affirm great aesthetics of the city, the buildings of Antoni Gaudi symbolize the grandeur of the mosaic laden city. More so, you will get addicted to festivals, beaches, and the Gothic buildings in the beautiful city of Barcelona.
Dubai
A city nestled in the Middle East, Dubai opens its arms to welcome different visitors – irrespective of the skin color or religion. Nevertheless, it is great to understand that while there is an allowance in the city, Dubai may be quite sensitive to a few religious rules without any hindrance on the quality of fun available. A product of respect and independence, the city has become one of the few places in the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula that are celebrated for glorious deserts, a stunning coastline, constant sunshine, and more. For the sake of history, you may note that Dubai (and six other cities) makes up the United Arab Emirate’s municipalities.
Law and order enforcement is undoubtedly dear to the citizens of Dubai. For this reason, many visitors and foreign tourists feel a sense of safety and security during exploration during daytime and at nighttime. Hence, Dubai is considered safe for travels and tours without a need to watch over your backs for peculiar invasions. Yet, ensure to be cautious of your surroundings and belongings as you tour the city.
For sight-seeing, take a walk in the Miracle Garden, watch the high-rising Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, and shop items at the endless list of stores and malls.
London
The tourism industry in London has been a great influence on the plummet of the country’s denomination which makes it even easier for foreign visitors to make a stop at the destination.
England is one of the few underrated cities in the world. London, the glorious capital of the country, is in the center of the thrills of the Anglophiles. London is most familiar to the sophisticated North Americans, featuring a conglomeration of rich fashion culture, entrepreneurial craze, accented language, and a multicultural spirit that reeks of envy.
Initially known as Londinium, the city has plowed through several millennia to take a shift from its original Imperial Roman nature. In today’s news, London city is a futuristic abode of a blend of traditions and backgrounds that form the United Kingdom which we all know. There are many activities to choose from – if you aren’t enjoying a favorite bottle in historic pubs, then you may opt for champagne in a renowned train station. Other remarkable spots are the British Museum and the Tate galleries – both of which seal the rich historical background of the European destination.
The London Eye is the spot of touristic evolution and is fast becoming the mainstay of visitors across the globe. Cast a glance over London and you will see the future, present, and past world.
Bangkok
For what seems like decades, foreign tourists and residents alike have narrated the hassle in fathoming the personality of Bangkok. Nestled in the core of Asian culture, the city seems to be stuck between the present and the past. In Thailand’s capital are a constitution of urban shopping malls and ancient temples. Across the streets, you will spot Buddhist monks as well. The red light district known as Patpong adorns the streets with a mesh of chaotic yet exhilarating appearance.
Like New York, the city features a dynamic environment that demands energy. Unprepared visitors often complain about the persistent crowds taking a stroll under the warm horizon. However, the city doesn’t cease to show its love for humanity and humidity. And it is within the exotic nature of the city that the travelers find succor.
From the biggest open-air markets in the world to the alluring aquarium in the euphoria of recreational spaces, religious centers, and charming monuments in a picturesque incongruity.
Singapore
If you are vast with the dynamism of Asia, you will agree that Singapore holds the stake as one of the efficient and immaculate Asian settlements. A merger of skyscrapers and space, the city demonstrates a fine balance between nature and artwork. Chinatown and Little India are ethnic enclaves that are held in high regard.
The contrasting distribution of cultures has distinguished the Singaporean community from its early British form, with every individual united with a common mindset. With respect to patriotism and determination, the citizens revere their achievements – a specific example is the Marina Bay which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Asia.
Although the skyline brims with troughs and monumental peaks, the citizens reminisce on their past and present in the assembly of natural sceneries. To satisfy your curiosity for exploration, check out museums that are suitably positioned for both professional and amateur lovers of history. In ‘Singapore’ Island, there are numerous wetlands that preserve the rich culture of the city while demonstrating the sharp contrast with modern achievements. Despite the size of the city, it boasts of deep-rooted and mindblowing achievements in a cosmopolitan assembly. Since chewing gum is illegal for sale and imports, grab a cold drink and hop on the next available flight to the beautiful city of Singapore.
Quebec City
This Canadian destination is the place for every season. Standing tall on a hilltop, Quebec dates back to the early 17th century when all that was Canadian was white snow, cathedrals, and castles. Enlisted as one of UNESCO’s favorite seats of heritage, old Quebec features a citadel – a site of military history mounted on Cap Diamant. Check out the artisan boutiques and pedestrian streets wrapped up in a total package called Quartier Petit-Champlain. If you ever visit with a large family, check the rooms at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and get lost in its aesthetic presentation. Hear about Quebec cheeses? The ‘1608 Wine and Cheese Bar’ at the hotel has great diners that will satisfy your thirst for cheeses and snacks.
Istanbul
Istanbul is considered an urban melting pot that is worth every penny of a trip. Without wasting another minute, add the city to your bucket list of trips while you still can. Both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are religious sects that have become sensational destinations in Istanbul. Thanks to the historical bank of the city, Blue Mosque came into the limelight in the early 17th century while Hagia Sophia is the symbol of Constantinople and a modern conversion of a church to a mosque.
Need to buy antiques, spices, and carpets at the most considerate price without breaking the bank? Check out the Grand Bazaar which is a combination of stalls turned market. Coupled with the fact that the city has one of the best views in Turkey, the metropolis possesses the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus – both of which are great sceneries at sundown.
Word From Us
However, there are so many other cities that have both been discovered and undiscovered that could rub shoulders with these ten. But for the purpose of this article, we have limited the number to allow for a streamlined decision-making process.