The Ultimate Wanderlist: 60 Cities To Visit Before You Die

Posted on at


 

It’s never too late to go on a holiday you’ll never forget. Or 60 holidays! Here’s a list of 60 of the best cities to visit, according to tourists around the globe. It will give you a little glimpse of each location with three suggested attractions or activities that are a must-see (or do!) while you are there. Read on and maybe you’ll be a little inspired to start planning the ultimate holiday.

1. Los Angeles, USA

Hollywood_boulevard_from_kodak_theatre

Sunny LA with all its energetic buzz of dreamers and go-getters, it can be superficial but also multicultural and complex. Visiting Hollywood, the birthplace of the iconic Mickey Mouse, and taking selfies on the Star Walk of Fame are just a snippet of the LA experience.

Things to do:

2. Marrakech, Morocco

Maroc_Marrakech_Jemaa-el-Fna_Luc_Viatour

Pulsating with stunning mosques, fascinating crafts and luxury living, Marrakech is a very popular destination amongst travellers. Whether you’d like to circle the Koutoubia mosque or enjoy a culinary high with a side of modern art, it’s all here from the exotic to the hypnotic.

Things to do:

3. New York City, USA

new_york_hop

If you’re a first-timer, go ahead and be as touristy as possible. Visit the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Met, Central Park … But if you’ve got more time, be sure to delve into the neighborhoods because you’ll surely find quirky shops, delis and hole-in-the-wall bars. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to go behind the scenes here.

Things to do:

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

 

Chiang Mai is laid back, vibrant and reverential. Explore the famous Night Bazaar, the National Museum, and the Botanic Gardens to soak up as much of the culture and exquisite aromas of Thai orchids as possible. Spiritual vibes are also at an all-time high here with the city’s center being home to over 30 temples.

Things to do:

5. Budapest, Hungary

c64c7908bff8748b5c81434bb4c48bdb123e330f

Budapest is a gem of Baroque, neoclassical, eclectic and Secessionist buildings to satisfy the architectural cravings of its eager visitors. Not your thing? Well, Budapest has more to offer, from the poignant scars of war and history, to an abundance of thermal and mineral hot springs, so the options are numerous.

Things to do:

  • Take a Danube cruise for a stunning panoramic view
  • Take a dip at one of Budapest’s famous baths
  • Walk across Chain Bridge and you’ll understand why it’s often called the ‘Pearl of the Danube’

6. Krakow, Poland

Krakow_rynek_01

Krakow is Poland’s second largest city covering both banks of the Wisla River. To many first-timers it’s easy to feel at home very quickly in its old-world ambiance and charm. Old Town and Kazimierz’s streets are crammed with galleries, cafés, pubs and restaurants, all for your touristic enjoyment.

Things to do:

7. Saint Petersburg, Russia

2808391_orig

This is the Russia cultural heart, home to the architectural jewels of the Winter Palace and the Kazan Cathedral, with a side of the world-renowned art of the Hermitage. You’ve got everything from art and nightlife to fine dining here.

Things to do:

8. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos-Aires-7

This is the seductive and energetic birthplace of the tango, with atmospheric neighbourhoods bursting with romantic restaurants and pumping nightlife. Embellished with European heritage in the architecture, boulevards and parks.

Things to do:

9. Florence, Italy

 

The dream of every art historian, this city is filled with the work of Michelangelo, which grace the walls of the Basilica di Santa Croce. The city appeals to photographers with its stunning views, and Tuscan cuisine is the cherry on top.

Things to do:

10. London, England

grossbritannien_london_eye

The ultimate cocktail of history, art, fashion and food in one place, that’s London! There’s a little something for everyone from the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House for the art fanatics, Oxford Street shops for the ones willing to splurge, and Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum for the music and book lovers.

Things to do:

11. Riga, Latvia

walking_in_riga_by_tori_tolkacheva-d71qdfq

This city is the largest metropolis in the Baltics and it’s a compelling mix of Latvian traditions and influences from various other countries. Riga is funky and vibrant, trapping travelers long past their departure date. Riga manages to combine its steeples and turrets with an irresistible nightlife and restaurant scene. Old Town, once dubbed the ‘Paris of the East,’ is filled with lavish glass hotels and business centers.

Things to do:

  • Visit the living history of Old City
  • Take part in a day tour around the city
  • Go shopping at the Central Market

12. Montreal, Canada

montreal-skyline-from
The Quebecois cosmopolitan center, Montreal is home to an alluring mix of cuisine, festivals and culture with its irresistible pastries, breathtaking heritage such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, and its winter wonderlands of nearby ski resorts and ice hotels. Despite its modest size, it’s packed and you don’t want to miss out on it.

Things to do:

13. Berlin, Germany

Berlin-Ville

A sobering and edgy reminder of the postwar atmosphere, from its fashion to its architecture to its history. But Berlin is a combo of museums, galleries, operas, guerrilla clubs and snack shacks that go beyond its dark history, making it almost reminiscent of 1980s New York.

Things to do:

14. Lhasa, Tibet

Lhasa Tibet China 11

The heart and soul of Tibet, deep in the Himalayan mountains, Lhasa remains to be a city of ancient wonder despite the modern Chinese influence. Its streets are bustling with people from all around the world and the city has become a cultural hybrid. Being seen as the ‘real Tibet,’ Lhasa deserves a week of exploration to fully capture the vibes it possesses.

Things to do:

15. Cape Town, South Africa

 

Known as the ‘Mother City’ with all of Mother Nature’s beautiful wonders, the proudly multicultural community that coexists in harmony gives Cape Town an exotic and delicious touch. The Table Mountain National Park is the most important attraction and in essence defines the city as a whole, and the gorgeous metropolis is filled with chalets, parks, Afro-chic decor and restaurants for all tastes.

Things to do

16. Siem Reap, Cambodia

dsc_8153

Being one of the largest religious complexes in the world, Siem Reap has become one of the most popular destination for tourists worldwide. The home of the temples of Angkor, Cambodia’s eighth wonder of the world, has reinvented itself into becoming the epicenter of the new Cambodia. With its temples, history, shopping stalls, food vendors, and  world-class spas, you might want to spend a little more than just a couple of days here.

Things to do:

17. Skopje, Republic of Macedonia

SKO1_1_Skopje08

One of Europe’s most riveting and multifaceted cities, with a very historic vibe derived from all that survives from Skopje’s Ottoman and Byzantine-era–from hand-carved ornaments to fortresses. This is accentuated with a very contemporary culture with its bars, clubs and galleries.

Things to do:

18. Istanbul, Turkey

2252

Istanbul is one of the hottest tourist attractions around nowadays. With its mosques, bazaars, Turkish baths, restaurants, galleries and clubs, it’s been dubbed the ‘World’s Hippest City.’ There’s plenty to keep you busy during the day, from sightseeing to getting the ultimate Turkish treatment at a spa, but at night there’s this joie de vivre sensation throughout when the clubs and restaurants are buzzing with action.

Things to do:

19. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi the huc bridge

This exotic city blends medieval and modern as they co-exist in an urban center with Parisian chic and Asian pace. Having survived American bombs and Russian planners, Hanoi re-emerged after economic reforms and is now scattered with huge mansions, grand boulevards, lakes, and parks, not to mention the 600 temples and pagodas. The City of the Soaring Dragon awaits you.

Things to do:

20. Vilnius, Lithuania

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Curiously charming, eccentric and soulful. Lined with decadent and fragile Orthodox and Catholic churches, there’s more to this capital than meets the eye as the underlying magic is what creates its soul. The true essence of boho spirit lurks around the reminders of loss and pain that only make it more captivating.

Things to do:

21. Bangkok, Thailand

PBK_Landing_Leaderboard

Bangkok is split into 50 unique districts filled with golden palaces, porcelain inlaid spires, and floating markets and food stalls. The old districts still possess the grit that the city used to have, which makes them a must-see for any first-time visitors. Thai cuisine is one to marvel at too with its diverse sweet, spicy, sour and salty flavors.

Things to do:

22. Barcelona, Spain

barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s most cosmopolitan city, with its avant-garde chefs and its flamboyant street performers. Once home to Picasso, Barcelona has been revolutionary when it comes to art and despite the seeming aura of hedonism, its people are very dynamic and hardworking. The capital of Catalonia could keep you occupied for weeks so make sure you pay it a good visit.

Things to do: 

23. Venice, Italy

 

This is gondola central, with its canals, restaurants, romantic ambiance, Grand Canal palaces and marble churches. Venetians ignore the aqua altaand marvel in their paintings, wine, music and boho-chic trends. Always flowing with admirers at any time of the year, visitors appreciate its cuisine, art and espressos.

Things to do:

24. Dubai, UAE

 

Home to the tallest building in the world, the only seven-star hotel and the largest artificial islands, Dubai is the multifaceted cosmopolitan center of the future. Constantly full of surprises, Dubai is ever changing with its multiplying shopping malls, extraordinary architecture and delicious gourmet restaurants featuring a taste of places from all around the globe. In addition, you have the desert to explore: just rent a dune buggy and go crazy.

Things to do:

25. Miami, USA

 

Sun-kissed, sultry and shimmering. By day, it’s a must to hit the beach, walk about Miami’s colorful Art Deco architecture, or dare to hit the envious South Beach celebrity scene. West of the city is the Everglades, the most eccentric ecosystem in North America while to the North you’ve got the infamous Fort Lauderdale with its yachts and martinis. Miami is sweaty but glamorous and the party is always on, you take your pick!

Things to do:

26. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam-city-canal-in-Amsterdam-Netherlands

History with an urban flair, that’s Amsterdam. The gentle canals are a beautiful backdrop for the Jordaan and Rembrandtplein Square, and no one should miss out on the most moving experience of the Anne Frank House. Amsterdam is cosy and surrounded with artistic treasures like the Van Gogh Museum. Although many tourists are only there to see the Red Light District, be sure to explore the rich history in all the houses that date back to the Golden Age.

Things to do:

27. Phuket, Thailand

phuket-island-3

With its colorful blend of cultures, rubber trees and tin mines, Phuket has attracted entrepreneurs from all around the world. The Old Town has become infused by current art, food and music and attracts a very hip crowd after having its shophouses and homes renovated. This is a surreal vacation that is perfect for the tourist on a budget.

Things to do:

28. Agra, India

taj-mahal-agra-india-world-wallpaper-1920x1200-966

The Taj Mahal is the magical destination that draws tourists to Agra like mad, but that’s not the only attraction worth the visit. There are also the fascinating tombs and mausoleums that are scattered around the city, along with the many vibrant and bustling chowks (the marketplaces).

Things to do:

29. Varna, Bulgaria

image354-2

This maritime capital is by far the most interesting and cosmopolitan town on the Black Sea coast as it is a combination of port city, naval base and seaside resort. How could it get any more interesting? Beautiful enormous parks, historic feel, Roman baths, museums and a buzzing restaurant scene, that’s how!

Things to do:

30. Bali, Indonesia

390_16

The saying that the best things come in small packages is very true when it comes to Bali because it is more than just small, it’s an Indonesian paradise. Listening to your body’s needs and pleasuring it with a massage on the beach or a sybaritic spa is first on your travel checklist. Then comes the shopping, the cuisine and the beautiful, lively nightlife, you will never get enough of the frangipani trees or the enchanting temple ceremonies.

Things to do:

31. Brussels, Belgium

3156915

For every fan of the unknown, here’s a bizarre but interesting mix of French and Flemish and café culture. Renowned for great shopping, fab restaurants, sublime chocolate shops, and history dusted and polished into the walls of the historic and decaying buildings. Are you seduced yet?

Things to do:

32. Bucharest, Romania

2014-05-16-Bucharest3

Most don’t speak too fondly of this capital, but it’s perplexing. That’s its



160