The following are the World’s Top 100 cities that you should visit once in your lifetime.  From the most fascinating Asian cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong to the recent metropolis such as Dubai and entertainment capital such as Las Vegas and Macau, the list is packed with some of the planets most exciting destinations.  Our list is divided into various sections, starting with the top 10 most famous cities, followed by the key urban destinations within the various world regions including the Americas (North, Central, South), Europe, Africa, Asia and finally Oceania. Each item on the list comes with a short description as well as a photograph.

Topics

Top 10 Cities

The following are the world’s Top 10 Cities with some of the most famous global metropolis in Europe, Asia and America including Paris, London, New York City, Bangkok and Singapore.

1. Paris
2. London
3. Bangkok
4. Singapore
5. New York
6. Kuala Lumpur
7. Hong Kong
8. Dubai
9. Istanbul
10. Rome

Paris

Paris: world’s most visited city

Orignal image by Sean MacEntee

Paris is not only the capital and biggest city in France but the world’s most visited city.   It is located on the river Seine at the heart of the Île-de-France region. The city of Paris, within its administrative limits, is largely unchanged since 1860 and has an estimated population of over 2 millions.  The metropolitan area however has a population of almost 12 million and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in Europe.  An important settlement for more than two millennia, Paris is today one of the world’s leading business and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world’s major global cities.

London

London: one of the world’s greatest global cities and second most visited

Orignal image by Mat Siems

London is one of the world’s greatest cities.  It is a vibrant and exciting metropolis packed with a variety of different cultures, influences, world class attractions and entertainment for every budget and lifestyle.   It is a really diversified city offering so much to its residents as well as to the millions of tourists coming in every year.  From world class museums and galleries to chic hotels, well known shops to exquisite restaurants, passing by a variety of music venues, it has something for everyone.

Bangkok

Bangkok: one of Asia’s most visited and vibrant cities

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Bangkok, with its wide array of cultural and religious sites, bargain shopping locations, famous nightlife and many business and technological centre is one of the most contrasting and compelling of all Asian cities. It is indeed a very cosmopolitan city with a good mix of Thai, Chinese and other Middle Eastern influence, not to forget the millions of tourist from all over the world flowing in every year.  With a population of over ten million it is a surprisingly safe and clean city, offering many transport options including a multitude of elevated highways, the Sky train (BTS), the underground (MRT), and boats, not to mention the famous tuk-tuks.  It is also the perfect city to enjoy a relaxing Thai massage or experience a Muay Thai kickboxing match.

Singapore

Singapore: the world’s most globalised city

Orignal image by Mat Siems

The city state of Singapore is one of the most interesting and inspiring city of all South-east Asia.  Officially called the Republic of Singapore, it is a set of islands located in the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, south of Thailand.  Singapore is said to be the world’s most globalised city, with a long history of immigration and a big expatriate community.  It has today a population of around 5 million consisting of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Caucasians and with about 40% of the city being foreigners including both students and workers.  It is the world’s second most densely populated city right after Monaco. This cosmopolitan city, which is part of the four East Asian Tigers (with Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan) also play a fundamental role in the finance and international trade world. Its port is one of the busiest in Asia and the country is considered one of the worlds’s most technologically advanced.

New York City

New York City: one of the only World’s Alpha ++ Cities

Orignal image by DAVID ILIFF

New York is the most populous city in the United States as well as a global metropolis with a significant impact upon international commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment.   It is home of the United Nations Headquarters, the New York Stock Exchange considered the world’s largest stock exchange, as well as numerous of the world’s top rated colleges and universities.  It is often being described as the cultural capital of the world, hosting a variety of museums and art gallery. It is located within the world’s largest natural harbours and its skyline is one of the most recognisable in the world.  It is especially impressive at night when all the skyscrapers are illuminated.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur: one of Asia’s fastest developing cities

Orignal image by Guyfrombronx

Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital and most populous city in Malaysia, and considered one of the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the country, in both population and economy.  It is rated as one of the world’s alpha cities being an important cultural, financial and economic centre in Malaysia and Asia.  It also played host in a variety of international events such as the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One World Championship.  Kuala Lumpur is best known today as the home of the Petronas Twin Towers, considered the tallest twin buildings in the world and representing an iconic symbol of the country.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong: World’s best example of East meets West

Orignal image by eGuide Travel

Hong Kong, along with Macau is one of two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People’s Republic of China.  Situated on China’s south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. With a land mass of just 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi) and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely populated areas.  Its population is 95 percent ethnic Chinese and 5 percent from other groups.  It has become a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War, until 1997, when China resumed sovereignty.  The region espoused minimum government intervention under the ethos of positive non-interventionism during the colonial era, which greatly influenced the current culture of Hong Kong, often described as East meets West.

Dubai

Dubai: home to one of the world’s most innovative construction projects

Orignal image by Jagermesh

Dubai is by far the most famous city within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located south east of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula within the emirate’s northern coastline.  When oil was discovered in the region in the late 60’s, it quickly led to a massive influx of foreign workers, expanding the city by 300% and bringing in international oil interests. The modern emirate of Dubai was created after the UK left the area in 1971. Today, Dubai has emerged as a global city and a business hub. Although Dubai’s economy was built predominantly on the oil industry, its main revenues are now from tourism, real estate, and financial services, similar to that of Western countries.  Dubai has recently attracted world attention through many innovative large construction projects including the Palm, the World, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest manmade structure and the famous Burj al Arab considered the world’s only seven-Star hotel.

Istanbul

Istanbul: world’s only metropolis situated on two continents

Orignal image by Senol Demir

Istanbul, historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople is today the largest city of Turkey, with a population of over 13 million inhabitants, as well as the the country’s cultural, economic and financial capital.  Istanbul strategically lies on the Bosphorus strait and encompasses the natural harbour known as the Golden Horn, within the northwest part of the country.  It is the only metropolis situated on two continents, extending both on the European (Thrace) and Asian (Anatolia) sides of the strait.  It ranks among the world’s fastest growing metropolitan area.  Its historic areas were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, and it was named a joint European Capital of Culture for 2010 and the European Capital of Sports for 2012.

Rome

Rome: considered the birthplaces of western civilization

Orignal image by Stefan Bauer

Rome is Italy’s capital and most populous city.  It is located within the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region.  Rome’s history spans two and a half thousand years, and was once at the heart of the Roman Empire, one of Western Europe and the Mediterranean region most dominant power for over seven hundred years (from the 1st century BC until the 7th century AD). The city is regarded as one of the birthplaces of western civilization, as well as the seat of the Papacy since the 1st century AD.  It is today ranked as a beta+ world city and is the most popular tourist attraction in Italy and third within the European Union.  It is also considered one of the world’s most successful city brands, both in terms of reputation and assets, with its historic centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as being home some of the world’s top 50 most visited tourist destinations such as the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum.

Top Cities in the Americas

The following are Americas top cities including some of the most renown metropolis such as NYC, LA and Las Vegas in the United States, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver in Canada, and Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and São Paulo in Southern America.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles: World’s Entertainment Capital

Orignal image by Mfield, Matthew Field

Los Angeles or the City of Angels is one of the US and the world’s most important business entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, and education centres. It is home to renowned institutions covering a broad range of professional and cultural fields and is one of the most substantial economic engines within the United States. Los Angeles has been ranked the world’s third richest city and fifth most powerful and influential along with the Greater Tokyo and New York metropolitan areas. It is perhaps best known as the World’s Entertainment Capital, being home to Hollywood and a leader in the creation of television and stage production, motion pictures, video games, and recorded music.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas: World’s Gambling Capital best known as Sin City

Orignal image by Lasvegaslover

Las Vegas is the most populous city within the state of Nevada and an internationally renowned resort destination for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as the World’s Entertainment Capital, famous for its consolidated casino hotels and associated entertainment.  It is also a growing retirement and family city, but remains mostly popular for its adult entertainment and is therefore dubbed as the Sin City.  It is famous for its numerous outdoor lighting displays mainly on Fremont Street.

Miami

Miami: US Capital of Latin America and World’s Cruise Capital

Orignal image by Matt H. Wade

Miami classified as an Alpha World City is a major centre and a leader in finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, the arts, and international trade.  It is located on the Atlantic coast within the south-eastern state of Florida and is considered America’s Cleanest City due to its vast green spaces, clean streets and year-round good air quality. It is nicknamed the Capital of Latin America, with a majority Spanish-speaking residents many of who originally from Cuba. The Downtown Miami area is home to the largest concentration of international banks in the United States.  As for the Port of Miami it is best known as the World’s Cruise Capital, accommodating some of the largest cruise ships and operations.

Toronto

Toronto: Canada’s most important city and commercial capital

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Toronto is Canada’s commercial capital and one of the top financial centres in the world, as well as considered an alpha world city.  It is home to the Toronto Stock Exchange, the world’s seventh largest in terms of market value, and has more corporate headquarters, including those of Canada’s five largest banks, than any other Canadian city.  Toronto’s leading economic sectors include finance, business services, telecommunications, aerospace, transportation, media, arts, film, music, television production, publishing, software production, medical research, education, tourism, engineering, and sports industries.

San Francisco

San Francisco: one of the world’s most sought after tourist destinations

Orignal image by El Frito

San Francisco is one of the world’s most sought after tourist destinations, ranked on top position on the most visited cities lists.  It is best known for its chilly summer fog, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of architecture, and its various landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and Chinatown.  It is also considered the financial, cultural, and transportation centre of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.5 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland. It is the most densely settled large city in the state of California and the second-most densely populated large city in the United States after New York City.  The city is also a principal banking and finance centre, and the home to more than 30 international financial institutions, placing it on the world’s top twenty global financial centres.

Vancouver

Toronto: Western Canada’s most important cities

Orignal image by Dimbeko

Vancouver is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada, with 52% for whom English is not their first language.  It is always on top positions in the world’s most liveable city rankings.  It has hosted many international conferences and events, including Expo 86, and the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro: most visited city in the southern hemisphere

Orignal image by Artyom Sharbatyan

Rio de Janeiro, simply referred to as Rio and nicknamed the Marvellous City is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, with more than 6 million people within the city proper.  It is the most visited city in the southern hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, Bossa Nova, one of the world’s largest football stadiums and the balneario beaches such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. It is also famous for its spectacular panoramic city views, best seen from the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain.

Mexico City

Mexico City: largest city in North America

Orignal image by Usfirstgov

Mexico City or D.F (distrito federal) is the capital city of Mexico and the largest city in North America.  It is one of the most important financial centres in the continent and an alpha global City.  It is located within the Valley of Mexico, a large valley in the high plateaus at the centre of Mexico, at an altitude of 2,240 metres (7,350 ft) and is divided into sixteen boroughs. 

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires: capital and largest city of Argentina

Orignal image in public domain

Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city in Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after Greater Sao Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the Río de la Plata estuary, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent.  Buenos Aires is a top tourist destination, known for its European style architecture and rich cultural life.  It is one of the largest cities in Latin America, with a lot of cultural offerings, and is the point of departure for travelling to the rest of the country. Inhabitants of Buenos Aires are called porteños or people from the port, implying that many of the inhabitants are immigrants in some ways or another. Buenos Aires is a singular, open, and integrating destination that allows the visitor not only to view the city but also to have an exceptional urban adventure.

Seattle

Seattle: largest city in the Pacific Northwest

Orignal image by Daniel Schwen

Seattle, known as the Emerald City is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. It is Located within the state of Washington, between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, overlooking Elliott Bay. The city is a damp green gem, with an abundance of evergreen trees throughout and spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Olympic mountains to the west.   As the most important business centre in the Pacific Northwest it attracts a variety of businesses including Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, Costco, Nintendo and Starbucks.  It is also a cultural destination, home to the University of Washington, as well as a vibrant arts scene with plenty of Jazz nightclubs along Jackson Street in the current Chinatown/International District.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C.: capital of the United States

Orignal image by Matt H. Wade

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States and the seat of its three branches of government.  It offers a vast collection of free, public museums unparalleled in size and scope throughout the history of mankind, as well as being home to the nation’s most treasured monuments and memorials, including the National Mall, the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial.  Those attractions have become icons of America as one of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful nation.  It also offers a variety of excellent shopping, dining and nightlife venues, making it an exciting destination to visit.

Montreal

Montreal: the world’s second largest French speaking city right after Paris

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Montreal is by far one of the top and most unique destinations in North America. The city lays on a 50km long island surrounded by the Saint Laurence River.  It is the world’s second largest French speaking city (second only to Paris) and is the perfect mix between European and American culture.  For nature lover to party animals, for world class cuisine to big shoppers, Montreal has something for everyone.  It is home to over 40 major festivals and events including the International Jazz festival and Just for Laughs.  Montreal is also a big sport city, hosting the F1 Grand Prix and is home to the mostly awarded hockey team in the NHL, the Montreal Canadians. 

Atlanta

Atlanta: home to the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic

Orignal image by Brett Weinstein

Atlanta is the capital and the most populous city in the state of Georgia and considered a world alpha city.  It is one of the cultural and economic centres of the region with an impressive concentration of Fortune 500 companies including Coca-Cola, Turner Broadcasting, The Home Depot, AT&T Mobility, UPS, and Delta Air Lines.  It is one of the most visited cities in the United States, with over 35 million visitors per year and has the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic.

Boston

Boston: one of the oldest cities in the United States

Orignal image by Henry Han

Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts as well as being one of the oldest cities in the United States.  It is the region most important economic and cultural hub with a variety of top rated colleges and universities within the city and surrounding area.  It is considered an international centre of medicine and higher education with an emphasis on research, finance and biotechnology.  Boston is also considered one of the most innovative cities within North America, but has also one of the highest costs of living in the United States.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia: the USA first political capital

Orignal image by Parent5446

Philadelphia often referred to as Philly is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States and the commercial, cultural, and educational centre of the Delaware Valley.  It is located within the North-eastern region of the United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. Philadelphia has shifted from being a manufacturing powerhouse to an information and service-based economy, with financial activities accounting for the largest sector of the economy.   Philadelphia attracts many tourists with a variety of key attractions such as the Liberty Bell which receives over 2 million visitors a year and the Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park considered the world’s largest landscaped urban park.  It is also famous for its fast food cuisine with the cheesesteak and soft pretzel a must have speciality.

Chicago

Chicago: largest city in the state of Illinois and major international hub

Orignal image by Daniel Schwen

Chicago is the largest city in the state of Illinois and the third most populous city in the United States after Los Angeles and New York City.  It was incorporated as a city in 1837, near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. Today, Chicago is a major alpha+ global city and is known as a major international hub for finance, industry, telecommunications and infrastructure, with O’Hare International Airport being the second busiest airport in the world in terms of traffic movements. The city’s notoriety has found expression in numerous forms of popular culture, including novels, plays, movies, songs, various types of journals and the news media.

San Diego

San Diego: one of the world’s largest biotechnology research hub

Orignal image by U.S. Navy

San Diego is the birthplace and second-largest city in California. It is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean within Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. It is known for its mild year-round climate, natural deep-water harbour, extensive beaches, long association with the U.S. Navy and recent emergence as a healthcare and biotechnology enclave. San Diego metropolitan area is the region’s key economic engine attracting a variety of industries including tourism, international trade, manufacturing and military. Moreover the University of California in San Diego (UCSD) with its important affiliated Medical Centre has helped make the city a major research hub in biotechnology.

Cancun

Cancun: world-renowned beach destination

Orignal image by Mauro I. Barea G.

Cancun is a Mexican city best known as an attractive and world-renowned beach destination.  It is located within the south-eastern region of the country, on the north-east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The city is located off the Caribbean Sea, and is one of the eastern-most points in Mexico. It offers an ambulance of resorts and hotels and is often referred to as the Riviera Maya.

Dallas

Dallas: largest metropolitan area in the South of the USA

Orignal image by drumguy8800

Dallas is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the South of the US and is an important commercial hub especially within the oil and cotton industries.  It is considered a world Alpha city and is the only city in the South Central and Southwest regions to achieve that status.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana: one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean’s

Orignal image by Inmouchar

Punta Cana is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean’s.  It is located within the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic and is best known for its beaches and balnearios, which face both the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean. The ocean waters are mainly shallow, with several natural marine pools in which visitors can bathe without any danger.  The majority of the megaresorts are owned by Spanish hotel chains, which add to the Punta Cana eclectic variety of architecture and interior design blending native Dominican with Europeans cultures. 

Orlando

Orlando: one of the favourite family destinations in the USA

Orignal image by Bill Dickinson

Orlando is a city in the central region of the state of Florida and one of the favourite tourist destinations in the USA especially with young families, attracting over 51 million local and international tourists a year.  It is nicknamed the City Beautiful and is best known for its entertainment venues such as the Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort and the SeaWorld theme park. The city is also one of the busiest American cities for conferences and conventions, as well as for its schools being home to the University of Central Florida, the second largest university in the United States in terms of enrolment.

São Paulo

São Paulo: largest city in Brazil and in the southern hemisphere of the Americas

Orignal image by RobertoZimme

São Paulo popularly known as Sampa is the largest city in Brazil and within the southern hemisphere of the Americas.  It is a major commercial and financial hub, as well as an important city for arts and entertainment, maintaining a strong international influence.  The city houses several important monuments, parks and museums including the Latin American Memorial, the Museum of the Portuguese Language, São Paulo Museum of Art and the Ibirapuera Park.   São Paulo is also famous for holding many of the world’s known events such as the Brazil Grand Prix Formula 1, São Paulo Indy 300 and the Sao Paulo Fashion Week.  The city is also known for its unreliable weather, the size of its helicopter fleet, its architecture, gastronomy, severe traffic congestion and multitude of skyscrapers.

New Orleans

New Orleans: the most unique city in America

Orignal image by M. Lamar Griffin, Sr.

New Orleans located in southeastern Louisiana on the bank of the Mississippi River is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state.  The city is well known for its distinct French Creole architecture, as well as its cross-cultural and multilingual heritage and often referred to as most unique city in America.  New Orleans is also famous for its cuisine, music, being the birthplace of jazz and its annual celebrations and festivals such as the famous Mardi Gras.

Houston

Houston: the world’s largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions

Orignal image by Hequals2henry

Houston is the largest city in the state of Texas and the fourth-largest city in the United States. It was founded in 1836 on land near the banks of Buffalo Bayou and the burgeoning port and railroad industry, combined with oil discovery in 1901, has induced continual surges in the city’s population. In the mid-twentieth century, Houston became the home of the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where the Mission Control Center is located.  Houston is rated as a global city, with its economy based around energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and transportation.  The city has a population from various ethnic and religious backgrounds and a large and growing international community. It is home to many cultural institutions and exhibits, which attract more than 7 million visitors a year to the Museum District.

Lima

Lima: capital and the largest city of Peru

Orignal image by Dozenist

Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru and defined as a beta world city. It is located within the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima Metropolitan Area. It was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and named la Ciudad de los Reyes, the City of Kings.  It became the capital and most important city in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru, and following the country’s independence, it became the capital of the Republic of Peru. Today, around one-third of the Peruvian population lives in the metropolitan area.  Lima is home to one of the oldest higher learning institutions in the New World, the National University of San Marcos, founded in 1551, making it the oldest continuously functioning university in the Americas.

Santiago

Santiago: Latin America’s most modern metropolitan area

Orignal image by Metaforico

Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia and one of the biggest of Latin America. It is considered a beta+ global city and figures amongst the thirty largest cities in the world and it is the third-highest capital city in South America (after La Paz and Quito) at 2,625 metres (8,612 ft) above sea level.  With many universities and libraries, it has been known as the Athens of South America. 

Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile, as well as the country’s commercial and financial hub, home to numerous multinationals headquarters. It is located within the country’s central valley, at an elevation of 520 m (1,706.04 ft) above sea level. Chile’s steady economic growth has transformed Santiago into Latin America’s most modern metropolitan area, with extensive suburban development, dozens of shopping centres, and impressive high-rise architecture. It has a very modern transport infrastructure, including the steadily growing underground Santiago Metro.

Bogotá

Bogotá: capital and largest city of Colombia and one of the biggest of Latin America

Orignal image by somnoliento

Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia and one of the biggest of Latin America. It is considered a beta+ global city and figures amongst the thirty largest cities in the world and it is the third-highest capital city in South America (after La Paz and Quito) at 2,625 metres (8,612 ft) above sea level.  With many universities and libraries, it has been known as the Athens of South America. 

Top Cities in Europe

The following are some of the Europe’s best known cities including Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Moscow.

Barcelona

Barcelona: one of Europe’s more exciting cities

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Barcelona is by far one of Europe’s more exciting cities. Located on the north eastern part of Spain and capital of Catalonia it has a lot to offer its visitors, from the continent’s best-preserved Gothic quarters and fascinating Gaudi architecture to the beautiful beaches served by multiple underground stations.  Barcelona is Spain’s most cosmopolitan city offering a variety of world cuisine including succulent Catalan dishes.  The nightlife and music scene is also one of the most vibrant and their football team is known and supported around the world.  In short, Barcelona is perhaps the most equipped of all European cities will it be for arts, culture, sport or lifestyle.  The unique city of Barcelona is an absolute must when visiting the Costa Dorada.

Dublin

Dublin: capital and largest city of Ireland

Orignal image by Barcex

Dublin, known as the town of the hurdled ford is the capital and largest city in Ireland.  It is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey.  It was originally founded as a Viking settlement and evolved into the Kingdom of Dublin and became the island’s principal city following the Norman invasion. The city expanded rapidly from the 17th century, it was briefly the second largest city in the British Empire and the fifth largest in Europe.  Following the partition of Ireland in 1922, Dublin became the capital of the Irish Free State and later the Republic of Ireland. It is today a fascinating destination to visit, being a historical and contemporary cultural centre in Ireland, as well as a modern centre of education, the arts, administration, economy and industry.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam: capital of the Netherlands and one of Europe’s most visited cities

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Amsterdam is considered one of the best destinations and most visited in Europe.  It has so much to offer its visitors from a wonderful architecture to a unique system of canals, passing by great entertainment.  It is the capital of the Netherlands, located within the province of North Holland and the country’s biggest city.  It is the financial centre of the Netherlands and one of the most important in Europe, with many multinational headquarters in the city as well as being home to the oldest stock exchange in the world, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.  Amsterdam is also considered the dominant cultural and creative centre of the country packed with various museums and art galleries.  The city has a population of 750k inhabitants, with most of them speaking very good English, being very friendly and welcoming.

Moscow

Moscow: city with the greatest number of billionaires

Orignal image by Dmitry Azovtsev

Moscow is the capital and the most populous city in Russia. It is the country’s major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational and transportation centre. It is located on the Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia.  It is considered the northernmost megacity on Earth, the most populous city in Europe with over 11 million inhabitants.  It is one of the richest and most expansive cities in the world with 79 billionaires making it the city with the greatest number of billionaires.  Moscow is the site of the Kremlin, one of several World Heritage Sites in the city and an ancient fortress that is today the residence of the Russian President and of the executive branch of the Government of Russia. The city is served by an extensive transit network, which includes four international airports, nine railroad terminals, and one of the deepest underground tubes in the world, the Moscow Metro, second only to Tokyo in terms of ridership and recognized as one of the city’s landmarks due to the rich and varied architecture of its 185 stations.

Prague

Prague: one of Easter Europe’s most popular destinations

Orignal image by DAVID ILIFF

Prague is by far one of the most amazing cities in Easter Europe offering a wonderful architecture and various sites to be discovered within the historic centre part of UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.  Some of the top attractions the city has to offers include the narrow streets of the old town with at its heart the Old Town Square, the famous Karol Bridge and the magnificent Prague castle located on a hill. Prague is not short of entertainment as well, offering various Opera and Ballet spectacles, a variety of restaurants and bars, where guest can enjoy a delicious meal tasting local specialities and enjoying a variety of Czech beers. Since the fall of Communism, Prague has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations, offering a wide array of culture sights as well as numerous entertainment venues.

Vienna

Vienna: known as Europe’s City of Music and City of Dreams

Orignal image by Fskking

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, as well as the country’s major cultural, economic and political centre, hosting many major international organizations including the United Nations and OPEC.  It is located within the eastern part of Austria and is close to the borders of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. It is regarded as the City of Music because of its musical legacy and the City of Dreams because it was home to the world’s first psycho-analyst Sigmund Freud known as one of the greatest interpreters of dreams.  The City’s roots lie in early Celtic and Roman settlements that transformed into a Medieval and Baroque city, the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Vienna is also considered one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Madrid

Madrid: one of Europe’s greatest cultural destinations

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Madrid is known to be the city of great monuments, world class museums as well as one of Europe’s football and nightlife capital.  It is foremost a fantastic cultural destination with a great historic and artistic heritage.  Indeed it is home to the best known art galleries such as the El Prado and Reina Sofia museums within the so called golden triangle of Art located along the Paseo del Prado.  The amazing medieval centre where most of the key attractions are located is a wonderful place to get lost along its narrow streets packed with terraced cafes and restaurants.  At the heart of Old Madrid is the Plaza Mayor, an excellent starting point for a day of sightseeing or an evening with friends.

Budapest

Budapest: largest city of Hungary and in East-Central Europe

Orignal image by Christian Mehlführer

Budapest is the capital and the largest city of Hungary and in East-Central Europe.  It is the country’s principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre.  Budapest became a single city occupying both banks of the river Danube with unification on 17 November 1873 of west-bank Buda with east-bank Pest.  It was originally founded as a Celtic settlement and later became the Roman capital of Lower Pannonia. It then became one of the humanist culture centres during the Renaissance and entered a new age of prosperity between the 18th and 19th centuries, where it became a global city.  Today the city is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with extensive World Heritage Sites includes the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Underground Railway, the second oldest in the world. Other highlights include a total of 80 geothermal springs, the world’s largest thermal water cave system, second largest synagogue, and third largest Parliament building.

Berlin

Berlin: capital and largest city of Germany

Orignal image by Robert Debowski

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany as well as the country cultural, political, media and science center.  It is Located in north-eastern Germany within the European Plains and is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. Around one third of the city’s area is composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers and lakes. Its economy is primarily based on the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, media corporations, and convention venues. Berlin also serves as a continental hub for air and rail transport and is a popular tourist destination. Significant industries include IT, pharmaceuticals, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, electronics, traffic engineering, and renewable energy.  Berlin is also home to renowned universities, research institutes, orchestras, museums, international film productions and celebrities, as well as host of many sporting events.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg: the once Imperial capital of Russia

Orignal image by yasmapaz & ace_heart

Saint Petersburg is a city of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea.  It was founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 and became the Imperial capital of Russia, until it moved from to Moscow in 1918. It is today Russia’s second largest city after Moscow with almost 5 million inhabitants and a major European cultural centre, as well as an important Russian port on the Baltic Sea.  It is often described as the most Western and most beautiful city of Russia with the Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also famous for being home to The Hermitage, one of the world’s largest art museums.

Athens

Athens: the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy

Orignal image by Christophe Meneboeuf

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world’s oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state, being a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, and home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum.  It is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy largely due to the impact of its cultural and political achievements during the 5th and 4th centuries BC. Today Athens has become a modern and cosmopolitan metropolis, and the country’s economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural centre. The heritage of the classical era is still evident in the city, represented by a number of ancient monuments and works of art, the most famous of all being the Parthenon, widely considered a key landmark of early Western civilization. The city also retains a vast variety of Roman and Byzantine monuments, as well as a smaller number of remaining Ottoman monuments projecting the city’s long history across the centuries. Athens is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Acropolis of Athens and the medieval Daphni Monastery.

Munich

Munich: capital and the largest city of the German state of Bavaria

Orignal image by Diliff

Munich is the capital and the largest city of the German state of Bavaria. It is located on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps. Modern Munich is a financial and publishing hub, and a frequently top-ranked destination for migration and expatriate location in liveability rankings.

Venice

Canals of Venice: one of the world’s most unique destinations

Orignal image by Tango7174

Venice is by far one of the world’s most unique destinations, often described as Europe’s most romantic cities or even as the most beautiful city built by man.  It is located on the northeast part of Italy and is composed of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges.  It is best known for its unique setting, its architecture and artworks, especially in the history of symphonic and operatic music. The city was historically the capital of the Venetian Republic and is today listed as World Heritage Site. 

Florence

Florence Cityscape: one of the most beautiful cities in the world

Orignal image by Longino

Florence is often ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with its numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace.  It is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany within the province of Florence. It is famous for its history, once being at the heart of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time.  It is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the middle Ages.  It is today a major tourist hub part of UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its vast artistic and architectural heritage, and its remaining influence in the fields of art, culture, fashion and politics.

Stockholm

Stockholm: known as Venice of the North

Orignal image by GamlaStan

Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia.  It was founded in the 12th century and has long since been one of Sweden’s cultural, media, political and economic centres.  Its strategic location on 14 islands on the south-central east coast of Sweden at the mouth of Lake Mälaren, by the Stockholm archipelago, has been historically important. It is a global Beta+ city and is known for its beauty, its buildings and architecture, its abundant clean and open water, and it’s many parks, and often referred to as Venice of the North. Stockholm is the site of the national Swedish government, the Parliament of Sweden (riksdagen), the Supreme Court of Sweden (Högsta domstolen) and the official residence of the Swedish monarch as well as the prime minister.

Warsaw

Warsaw: an important economic hub in Central and Eastern Europe.

Orignal image by DocentX

Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland, as well as being an alpha global city and a major international tourist destination and an important economic hub in Central and Eastern Europe. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly 260 kilometres (160 mi) from the Baltic Sea and 300 kilometres (190 mi) from the Carpathian Mountains.  It is also known as the phoenix city because it has survived many wars throughout its history most notably, the city had to be painstakingly rebuilt after the extensive damage it suffered from World War II, during which 80% of its buildings were destroyed. Warsaw has given its name to the Warsaw Confederation, the Warsaw Pact, the Duchy of Warsaw, the Warsaw Convention, the Treaty of Warsaw, the Warsaw Uprising, the Warsaw Ghetto, and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. The Warszawianka is widely considered the unofficial anthem of the city.

Milan

Milan: major world fashion and design capital

Orignal image by Dodo

Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital of Lombardy as well as of the province of Milan. It was founded by Celtic people and later captured by the Romans in 222 BC and became the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 286 until 402 AD. Milan became one of the most prosperous Italian cities during the High Middle Ages, playing a primary role in the Lombard League.  Today, Milan is the main industrial, commercial and financial centre of Italy, with its business district hosting the Italian Stock Exchange and the headquarters of the largest national banks and multinational companies. The city is recognized as a major world fashion and design capital, as well as an Alpha world city. It is home to important museums, theatres and landmarks, including the Santa Maria delle Grazie UNESCO World Heritage Site, decorated with Leonardo da Vinci paintings, which attracts 2 million annual visitors.  It is also an important education center, hosting numerous cultural institutions and universities, including Bocconi University, which ranks 5th among European Business Schools. The city is also well-known for several international events and fairs, including Milan Fashion Week and the Milan Furniture Fair, the largest of its kind in the world, as well as being home to two renowned football teams, A.C. Milan and F.C. Internazionale Milano.

Oslo

Oslo: Norway cultural, scientific, economic and governmental capital

Orignal image by Leif-Harald Ruud

Oslo is the capital and most populous city in Norway as well as the country’s cultural, scientific, economic and governmental centre of Norway. The city is also a hub of Norwegian trade, banking, industry and shipping. It is an important centre for maritime industries and maritime trade in Europe. The city is home to many companies within the maritime sector, some of which are amongst the world’s largest shipping companies, shipbrokers and maritime insurance brokers.  Oslo is considered a global Beta World City and offers one of the world’s best quality of life.

Lisbon

Lisbon: one of the most unique capitals in Europe

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Lisbon is one of the most unique capitals in Europe.  It offers the perfect combination of a cultural destination and vibrant city life combined with a chilled beach holiday.  Indeed there are numerous places to relax in an around Lisbon, enjoying the sandy beaches or trying some water sports such as kite surfing.  As for the city itself it offers a variety of museums, castles and churches where you will be immersed in the county’s culture and history.  Lisbon is a shopper paradise with its Centro Commercial Colombo being the largest shopping mall on the Iberian Peninsula, as well as other smaller local markets such as the interesting Campo de Santa Clara flea market.

Kiev

Kiev: capital and the largest city of Ukraine

Orignal image by Liilliil

Kiev is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, as well as an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern Europe.  It is located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions and world-famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport, including the Kiev Metro.

Bucharest

Bucharest: capital, cultural, industrial, and financial centre of Romania

Orignal image by Mihai Petre

Bucharest is the capital, cultural, industrial, and financial centre of Romania, as well as the largest city in the country.  It is located in the southeast part of the country on the banks of the Dambovia River. The city was first mentioned in documents as early as 1459 and since then it has gone through a variety of changes, becoming the state capital of Romania in 1862 and steadily consolidating its position as the centre of the Romanian mass media, culture and arts.   The city’s elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of Little Paris (Micul Paris).  Economically, Bucharest is the most prosperous city in Romania and is one of the main industrial centres and transportation hubs of Eastern Europe. The city has a broad range of convention facilities, educational facilities, cultural venues, shopping arcades, and recreational areas.

Brussels

Brussels: capital of Belgium and of the European Union

Orignal image by Zinneke

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union (EU), as well as the largest urban area in Belgium.  It has grown from a 10th-century fortress town founded by a descendant of Charlemagne into a metropolis of more than one million inhabitants.  The metropolitan area has a population of over 1.8 million, making it the largest in Belgium. Since the end of the Second World War, Brussels has been a main centre for international politics. Hosting principal EU institutions as well as the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the city has become the polyglot home of numerous international organisations, politicians, diplomats and civil servants. Although historically Dutch-speaking, Brussels became increasingly French-speaking over the 19th and 20th centuries. Today a majority of inhabitants are French-speakers, including a significant population of immigrants with French as second language, and both languages have official status.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen: capital and largest city in Denmark

Orignal image by Martin Nikolaj Christensen

Copenhagen is the capital and largest city in Denmark, as well as a major regional centre of culture, business, media and science with Life science, information technology, research & development and shipping are amongst the most important sectors.  Its strategic location and excellent infrastructure, including the largest airport in Scandinavia, Kastrup, located 14 minutes by train from the city centre, have made it a regional hub and a popular location for regional headquarters and conventions.  It is also one of the cities with the best quality of life and one the world’s most environmentally friendly cities, with the inner harbour clean and safe for swimming and some 36% of all citizens commute to work by bicycle.

Varna

Varna: largest city and seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

Orignal image by Harrieta171

Varna is the largest city and seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, commonly referred to as the marine or summer capital of Bulgaria.  It has become a major tourist destination, as well as an important business and university centre, seaport, and headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh: the second most visited tourist destination in the United Kingdom

Orignal image by Saffron Blaze

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and the seat of the Scottish Parliament. It is the second largest city in Scotland and the seventh most populous in the United Kingdom. The city was one of the historical major centres of the Enlightenment, led by the University of Edinburgh, helping to earn it the nickname Athens of the North.  The Old Town and New Town districts of Edinburgh were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 in recognition of the unique character of the Medieval Old Town and the planned Georgian New Town.  Edinburgh attracts over 1 million overseas visitors a year, making it the second most visited tourist destination in the United Kingdom.

Zürich

Zürich: largest city in Switzerland

Orignal image by Andyindia

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the north-western tip of Lake Zurich. Permanently settled for around 7,000 years, the history of Zurich goes back to its founding by the Romans, who, in 15 BC, called it Turicum. During the Middle Ages Zurich gained the independent and privileged status of imperial immediacy and, in 1519, was the place of origin and centre of the Protestant Reformation in German-speaking Switzerland. Zurich is today a leading global city and among the world’s largest financial centres.  It is home to a large number of financial institutions and banking giants. Also, most of the research and development centres are concentrated in Zurich and the low rate of tax attracts overseas companies to set up their headquarters there. An impressive number of museums and art galleries can be found in the city, including the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus, as well as hosts one of the most important theatres in the German-speaking world.

Top Cities in Africa

The following are some of the most important cities in Africa from Cairo, Luxor and Marrakesh in the north to Cape Town and Johannesburg in the South of the continent.

1. Cairo
2. Cape Town
3. Sharm el-Sheikh
4. Johannesburg
5. Marrakesh
6. Luxor

Cairo

Cairo: capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world and Africa

Orignal image by Martin Steiger

Cairo which can be translated to the Conqueror is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in both the Arab world and Africa.  It is located near the Nile Delta and was founded in the year 969 A.D. making it 1,042 years old.   It is often referred to as the City of a Thousand Minarets, due to its preponderance of Islamic architecture.  The city has long been a centre of the region’s political and cultural life and is often associated with Ancient Egypt due to its proximity to the ancient cities of Memphis and Giza, home to the Great Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza. Cairo has the oldest and largest film and music industries in the Arab World, as well as the world’s second-oldest institution of higher learning, al-Azhar University. Many international media, businesses, and organizations have regional headquarters in the city.

Cape Town

Cape Town: Africa’s most popular tourist destination.

Orignal image by Kay

Cape Town is the seat of the National Parliament, the legislative capital and the second-most populous city in South Africa, as well as Africa’s most popular tourist destination.  The city is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. It is located on the shore of Table Bay and was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company and quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope.  It has today become the economic and cultural hub of the region and one of the world’s most multicultural cities

Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh: one of the world’s most extraordinary diving destinations

Orignal image by Marc Ryckaert

Sharm el-Sheikh is a city situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, within the coastal strip along the Red Sea. It is famous for being one of the world’s most extraordinary diving destinations, with its aquamarine waters and golden beaches, attracting numerous visitors each year. 

Johannesburg

Johannesburg: largest and wealthiest city in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

Orignal image by austinevan

Johannesburg is the largest and wealthiest city in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa. The city is one of the world’s 50 largest metropolitan areas in and claims to be the lightning capital of the world. The city is the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. Johannesburg is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Africa and a gateway for international air travel to and from the rest of Southern Africa.

Marrakesh

Marrakesh: home to one of the world’s largest and busiest squares

Orignal image by Michal Osmenda

Marrakech, known as the "Ochre City", is the most important former imperial city in Morocco’s history. The city of Marrakech is the capital of the mid-south-western economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.  The city of Marrakech comprises both an old fortified city known as the médina and modern neighbourhoods, the most prominent of which is Gueliz.  Marrakech is famous for being home has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has one of the world’s busiest squares.  Indeed Djemaa el Fna bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers and musicians, and by night food stalls open in the square turning it into a huge busy open-air restaurant.

Luxor

Luxor: world’s greatest open air museum

Orignal image by Hajor

Luxor city is at the site of the Ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, and has frequently been characterized as the world’s greatest open air museum.  Indeed the ruins of the temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor stand within the modern city. Immediately across the River Nile, lie the monuments, temples and tombs on the West Bank Necropolis, which include the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. Thousands of international tourists arrive annually to visit these monuments, contributing a large part towards the economy for the modern city.

Top Cities in Asia

The following are some of the best Cities in Asia including Dubai, Jerusalem and Istanbul on the western side; Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in South East Asia and finally Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul on the eastern side of the continent.

Shanghai

Orignal image by dawvon

Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper by population in the world.  It is located within the Yangtze River Delta in the eastern part of the country.  It was once a small fishing and textiles town and only grew in importance in the 19th century, when the European recognized its economic potential with its strategic port location.  The city soon flourished as a centre of commerce between east and west but its international influence declined during the second half of the 20th century, until the economic reforms in the 1990s.  Shanghai is today an important global city, with influence in commerce, culture, finance, media, fashion, technology, and transport, as well as being a major financial centre and the busiest container port in the world.  It has also become a popular tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as The Bund, City God Temple and Yuyuan Garden, as well as the extensive and growing Pudong skyline, which is a symbol of the booming economy of mainland China.

Tokyo

Tokyo: World’s economic command centre

Orignal image by Morio

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the largest metropolitan area of the world.  It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family.  It is located within the Kanto region on the south-eastern side of the main island Honshu.   Tokyo is considered an alpha+ world city and is one of the unofficial economic World command centres for the world, along with New York City and London.  It is considered one of the world’s most expensive cities as well as one of the World’s Most Livable Megalopolis.  It is also famous for having the most Michelin stars of any city in the world.

Seoul

Seoul: one of the world’s greenest and most technologically advanced cities

Orignal image by Sakoku

Seoul is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea as well as one of the world’s leading global city being an important financial and commercial centres.  It is a megacity with a population of over 10 million, considered the largest city proper in the OECD developed world.  It is located in the Han River and has been a major settlement for over 2,000 years.  The city area is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Changdeokgung, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.  It is considered the world’s greenest major city, with over 27% of the city dedicated to public parks such as Namsan Park, home to the N Seoul Tower.  It is also considered one of the world’s most technologically advanced cities, both in terms of its communications facilities (fastest broadband network) and transports (KTX bullet train).  Finally it has also become a popular tourist spot especially with Chinese, Japanese and Thai tourists, where it was voted the top travel destination.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem Old City: one of the world’s most important religious sites

Orignal image by Bienchido

The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the world’s most important religious destinations.  The 0.9 square kilometres (0.35 sq mi) walled area, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lists is located within the modern city of Jerusalem. It is home to several sites of key religious importance including the Temple Mount and its Western Wall for Jews, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians and the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims.  The Old City can be divided into four quarters including the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter.

Delhi

Delhi: India’s political and administrative capital

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Delhi is India’s political and administrative capital as well as one of the most important cities in the country.  It has some of the most expensive areas to live, and has recently surpassed Mumbai as the most sought after city to live in India.  It has a long history, with the first archaeological evidence dating back to 300BC, and had since been conquered and ruled by numerous empires and kings.  The city was at the heart of India’s independence, when in 1947 Jawaharlal Nehru became the first prime minister.  Today, Delhi has become a big metropolis, hosting the 2010 Commonwealth games and as well as recently opening a wide and efficient metro network.

Mumbai

Mumbai: India’s financial, commercial and Bollywood capital

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Mumbai often referred through its former name Bombay is one of India’s most important cities.  Indeed it is the country’s financial and commercial capital as well as a major artistic centre, home the world’s biggest film industry, commonly known as Bollywood.  It is where some of India’s most powerful and richest entrepreneur implements their vision, right next to the country’s poorest in some of the planet biggest slums, where about half of the city population live.  Mumbai, as a city of contrasts is definitely an understatement, with old and new, rich and poor, colonial heritage and Indian influence, skyscrapers and slums, constantly touching and overlapping each other. This mix of chaotic traffic, ancient bazaars, variety of religions and a melange of cultures, makes the city truly unique and definitely worth discovering.  It is perhaps not for everyone, but for those looking for adventure it will be a life changing experience, once one will feel the unconventional pulse of the city, and start truly appreciates everything it has to offer.

Beijing

Beijing: China political, cultural, and educational centre

Orignal image by CobbleCC

Beijing is the capital of China, second largest city after Shanghai and one of the most populous cities in the world. The metropolis, located in northern China, has been the heart of China’s history for centuries, renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, huge stone walls and gates, art treasures and universities.  Beijing is today the country’s political, cultural, and educational centre, as well as home to the headquarters for most of China’s largest state-owned companies. Beijing is a major transportation hub in the national highway, expressway, railway and high-speed rail network. Beijing’s Capital International Airport is the second busiest in the world by passenger traffic.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh: Vietnam’s largest and most important commercial city

Orignal image by Mat Siems

The city of Ho Chi Minh (HCMC) also known as Saigon is located on the banks of the Saigon River and on the edge of the Mekong Delta in the South of Vietnam, some 60 kilometres from the South China Sea. What was once known as the Khmer sea port of Prey Nokor in the 17 century, today became Vietnam’s largest city and the most important economical and industrial hub of the country.  It is a dense, crowded, noisy and very busy metropolis with a city population of around 5 millions. Many believe that HCMC is the essence of the nation with many exciting historic and cultural places to be discovered and a vibrant street life to be enjoyed day and night.  It is a perfect mix of old and modern, French and Asiatic influence.

Antalya

Antalya: world’s third most visited city

Orignal image by Bozaltan

Antalya is a beautiful city on the Mediterranean coast of south-western Turkey, considered the world’s third most visited city by number of international arrivals in 2011, displacing New York.  It has a population of over a million residents making it the eighth most populous city in Turkey and the country’s biggest international sea resort.

Mecca

Mecca one of the world’s most important religious sites

Orignal image by Al Jazeera English

Mecca is one of the world’s most important religious sites.  It is located 73 km (45 mi) inland from Jeddah in a narrow valley at a height of 277 m (909 ft) above sea level, within the Makkah province in Saudi Arabia.  It is best known as the birthplace of Muhammad, a site of the composition of the Quran, as well as an essential pilgrimage site for Muslims known as the Hajj.  Today, more than 13 million Muslims visit Mecca annually, including several million during the few days of the Hajj.  As a result, Mecca has become one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in the Muslim world, although non-Muslims remain prohibited from entering the city.

Macau

Macau: one of the world’s leading gambling and tourism capital

Orignal image by David.

Macau is one of the two special administrative regions of China. It lies on the western side of the Pearl River Delta across from Hong-Kong which is to the east, bordering Guangdong province to the north and facing the South China Sea to the east and south.  It has become one of the world’s leading gambling and tourism capital, which represent the majority of its economy.  Macau is a former Portuguese colony, and interestingly is both the first (16th century) and last (1999) European colony in China. Under the policy of "one country, two systems", the PRC’s Central People’s Government is responsible for the territory’s defence and foreign affairs, while Macau maintains its own legal system, police force, monetary system, customs policy, and immigration policy. Macau participates in many international organizations and events and has the second highest life expectancy in the world.

Pattaya

Pattaya: Thailand’s sex capital

Orignal image by Sergey S. Dukachev

Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, some 165 km southeast of Bangkok, within the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone.  It has a population exceeding 100,000 with the Metropolitan area total population exceeding 1,000,000.  It is famous for its sex industry especially with European visitors.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou: largest and most important city in the southern part of China

Orignal image by :慕尼黑啤酒

Guangzhou is the third largest city in China, the biggest in the southern part of the country, with a population of 12.78 million and identified as a Beta World City.  It is located in southern China on the Pearl River, some 120 km (75 mi) north-northwest of Hong Kong.  Guangzhou is a key national transportation hub and trading port, part of the five National Central Cities.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen: one of the world’s fastest-growing cities

Orignal image by Manipur20

Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China’s Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China’s first and one of the most successful Special Economic Zones (SEZs), being southern mainland China’s major financial centre.  It is home to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange as well as the headquarters of numerous high-tech companies. It is also the third-busiest container port in China, after Shanghai and Hong Kong.  Shenzhen’s modern cityscape is the result of the vibrant economy made possible by huge investment by Chinese and foreign nationals.  Indeed, more than US$30 billion in foreign investment has gone into both foreign-owned and joint ventures, at first mainly in manufacturing but more recently in the service industries as well. Shenzhen is now considered as one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

Taipei

Taipei: one of the world’s major global cities

Orignal image by trcheng

Taipei City is the capital and most important city of Taiwan.  It is the political, economic, and cultural centre of Taiwan, home to the National Palace Museum which has one of world’s largest collections of Chinese artefacts and artworks.  It is located on the northern tip of the island, within the bank of the Tamsui River, some 25 km southwest of Keelung, a major port on the Pacific Ocean. Taipei was founded in the early 18th century and became an important centre for overseas trade in the 19th century. The Republic of China took over the island in 1945 following Japanese surrender. It is today considered one of the world’s major global cities served by two airports and high speed rail and highways connection with the rest of the island. The city proper (Taipei City) is home to an estimated 2,618,772 people, with the metropolitan area of almost 7 millions.

Chennai

Chennai: South India major commercial, cultural, and educational centre

Orignal image by PlaneMad.

Chennai once known as Madras is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a major commercial, cultural, and educational centre in South India. It is Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal.  It is the country sixth most populous city with a population of a bit less than 5 million residents and with its port of the second largest port in India.   It is well known for its colonial history, with the British East India Company arriving in 1644 and subsequently defended several attacks from the French colonial forces.  The city soon became a major naval port and presidency city by late eighteenth century. Following the independence of India, Chennai became the capital of Tamil Nadu and a hotbed of regional politics that tended to bank on Dravidian identity of the populace.  Today the city is sometimes referred to as the Detroit of India with a major chunk of the country’s automobile manufacturing industry based in and around the city.  The city has a vibrant music, theatre, dance as well as film scene, hosting a variety of large cultural event such as the annual Madras Music Season.

Phuket

Phuket: one of the Thailand’s most important tourist hubs

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Phuket with its 48 km length and 21 km width is Thailand’s largest island. Located in the southern tip of the Phang Nga Province surrounded by the Andaman Sea, it is known to be the Party capital of Thailand. Situated 862 kilometres south of Bangkok, the island is easy accessible, by road with two bridges on the northern tip connecting to the mainland and by air with an international airport with numerous daily flights. What was once a major trading stop between India and China has become today the favourite touristic destination in the region offering as many as 17 beautiful sandy beaches to choose from. The island is also known to be a wonderful place for diving, considered to be one of the top 10 diving sites in the world.  Even though Phuket city is officially the province capital, the more developed west coast Patong beach is the city that gets all the glamour.

Edirne

Edirne: one of north-western Turkey most important cities

Orignal image by Nevit Dilmen

Edirne is a city in Eastern Thrace, within the north-western part of Turkey, close to the borders with Greece and Bulgaria. This historical city once served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1365 to 1453, before Constantinople (Istanbul) became the empire’s new capital. At present, Edirne is the capital of the Edirne Province in Turkish Thrace, and has an estimated population of 138,793.

Bali

Bali: one of the world’s most beautiful tropical islands

Orignal image by sektordua

Bali is an Indonesian island, best known for its stunning natural beauty, with beautiful sand and turquoise waters.  It is located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east.   It is the country’s largest tourist destination and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music.  Bali have been a tourist heaven for decades, but has especially became a sought after destination in recent years.

Agra

Agra: home to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Agra is by far one of the most visited and unique tourist destinations in India.  Indeed being home to the world famous Taj Mahal and numerous other splendid heritage sites such as the Agra Fort, the city attracts millions of visitors each year, both from India and internationally.  With a great railway connection from the capital, many choose a quick day trip to visit the key sights, but a good couple of days is recommended to fully experienced everything the city has to offer, as well as the attractions located nearby such as Mathura and Fatehpur Sikri.  This grandiose city located within the northern part of the Uttar Pradesh state, is part of the golden triangle, along with New Delhi and Jaipur, and often considered the main places to visit for a first trip to India.   Agra, established in the 16th century was at the heart of the Mughal Empire, today best remembered for their architectural legacy of fascinating forts, tombs and other majestic buildings.

Riyadh

Riyadh: largest city of Saudi Arabia

Orignal image by سعدون باشا

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia and World’s Beta City.  It is located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, and is home to over 5 million people.  The city is divided into 15 municipal districts and is home to the largest female university in the world, the Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University.

Jakarta

Jakarta: Indonesia’s largest and most important city

Orignal image by Daniel Berthold

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia with a population of over 10 millions, as well as the country’s economic, cultural and political centre.  The official metropolitan area, known as Jabodetabekjur, is the second largest in the world, yet the city’s suburbs still continue beyond it has seen more rapid growth than Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Bangkok.  It was established in the fourth century, and soon became an important trading port for the Kingdom of Sunda. It was once capital of the Dutch East Indies, when it was known as Batavia and has continued as the capital of Indonesia since the country’s independence was declared in 1945.

Petra

Petra: most important historical and archaeological site in Jordan

Orignal image by archer10 (Dennis) OFF

Petra, which can be translated to stone, is by far the most important historical and archaeological site in Jordan, as well as its most visited tourist attraction.  It was built during the 6th century BC as the capital city of the Nabataeans and became famous for its rock cut architecture and water conduit system.   It has since became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985) and is often on top positions on best places to visit lists.

Hanoi

Hanoi: oldest capital in South-east Asia and major destination in Vietnam

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Hanoi is the oldest capital in South-east Asia and the second largest city in Vietnam right after Saigon (HCMC).  It is located in the North of the country some 150 kilometres from the South China Sea and the breathtaking Halong Bay.  Hanoi is not only the centre of politics but also offers many exciting historic and cultural places to be discovered and a vibrant street life to be enjoyed day and night.  Hanoi, which lies on the bank of the Red River, was founded some 1000 years ago, when in 1010 the emperor Ly Thai structured the city around a massive citadel.  This area later became the Old City, and today is one of the most popular district of Hanoi.

Manila

Manila: Philippines most important city

Orignal image by Mike Gonzalez

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and is the most populous metropolitan area in the country and on the 11th position worldwide with an estimated population of 16,300,000.  It is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is home to numerous bustling commercial areas, some of the most historically and culturally significant landmarks in the country as well as the seat of the executive and judicial branches of the government. It is home to many scientific and educational institutions, as well as numerous sport facilities. These make the city a major political, commercial, cosmopolitan, cultural, educational, religious, and transportation center of the Philippines.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh: capital and largest city of Cambodia

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Phnom Penh which can be translated to Penh’s Hill is the capital and largest city of Cambodia with its 2 million inhabitants.   Located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers in the south east part of the country it is by far the biggest economical, political and cultural centre of Cambodia. The city was once named the Paris of the East, mainly because of its majestic boulevards and many French style buildings including the Royal Palace and Phsar Thmei.  It has been the national capital since the French colonized Cambodia in 1866 and remained after the country’s independence in the 1960.   Phnom Penh was evacuated under the Khmer Rouge regime in the late 70s to be later repopulated and revitalized in the 80s and 90s.

Top Cities in Oceania

The following are some of the best cities in Oceania and the Pacific including Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand and Honolulu in Hawaii.

1. Sydney
2. Auckland
3. Honolulu
4. Wellington
5. Melbourne

Sydney

Sydney: most populous city in Australia and one of the world’s most liveable

Orignal image by Diliff

Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales, as well as being classified as an Alpha+ World City.  It is located on Australia’s south-east coast off the Tasman Sea and has a metropolitan area of about 4.6 million people.  It is considered one of the world’s most liveable cities as well as one of the world’s top fashion capitals.  The city was built on the site of the first British colony in Australia (1788) on hills surrounding Port Jackson which is commonly known as Sydney Harbour.  It is where the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge feature prominently. The hinterland of the metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks and the coastal regions feature many bays, rivers, inlets and beaches including the famous Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. Within the city are many notable parks, including Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens.  It has hosted major international sporting events, including the 1938 British Empire Games and the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Auckland

Auckland: largest and most populous urban area in New Zealand

Orignal image by Partyzane

The Auckland metropolitan area in the North Island of New Zealand is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with a population of about 1,377,200 residents or about a third of the country’s population. It is consistently ranked among the World’s Most Livable Cities and is classified as a Beta World City. It is located between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean to the east, the low Hunua Ranges to the south-east, the Manukau Harbour to the south-west, and the Waitakere Ranges and smaller ranges to the west and north-west. It is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate major bodies of water.  It is known to have the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world

Honolulu

Honolulu: capital and the most populous city of Hawaii

Orignal image by Diamond Head.

Honolulu is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is a major financial centre of the islands of the Pacific Ocean.  The city has been the capital of the Hawaiian Islands since 1845 and gained historical recognition following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour near the city on December 7, 1941, and as the birthplace of Barack Obama, the 44th and current President of the United States.  Honolulu has a massive skyline with a total of over 470 high rises, which is ranked 4th only behind New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Wellington

Wellington: world’s coolest little capital

Orignal image by Deanpemberton

Wellington is the capital city and second most populous urban area of New Zealand. It is at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It is home to 393,400 residents and considered the major population centre of the southern North Island.  Wellington also holds the distinction of being the world’s most southerly capital city. It is classified as a Gamma World City as well as host top position on the worlds’ best quality of life surveys and gained the title of world’s coolest little capital.

Melbourne

Melbourne: cultural capital and second most populous city in Australia

Orignal image by Diliff

Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria and the second most populous city in Australia.  The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area with a population of four million.  The metropolis is located on the large natural bay known as Port Phillip, with the city centre positioned at the estuary of the Yarra River.  Melbourne is referred to as the cultural capital of Australia, known as the birthplace of cultural institutions such as Australian film (as well as the world’s first feature film), Australian television, Australian rules football, and the Australian impressionist art movement and Australian dance styles such as New Vogue and the Melbourne Shuffle. The metropolis is also home to the world’s largest tram network.

Complete list

The following is the complete list of the World’s Top 100 Cities in order of importance.

Top 100 World’s cities is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Topics

Top 100 Wonders

The following is each of the World’s Top 100 Wonders with an image short description.

Pyramids of Egypt

Pyramids of Egypt: world’s most iconic wonder of the ancient world

The Egyptian pyramids are by far one of the most recognised wonders of the ancient world.  It includes some 138 pyramids discovered in Egypt, of which the majority were built as tombs for the Pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods.  The most famous Egyptian pyramids are those found at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo.  One such example is the Pyramid of Khufu, considered the largest and the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.  It is estimated that around 100,000 workers were needed to build the pyramids.

Orignal image by Mrs Logic

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza: world’s largest pre-Columbian city

Chichen Itza is perhaps the best know site in Mexico, attracting an estimated 1.2 million tourists every year.  Located in Tinum within the Mexican state of Yucatán it was one part of a huge pre-Columbian city built by the Maya civilization.  It was considered one of the most important places from the Late Classic (c.600–900 AD) way up to the Early Postclassic period (c.900–1200).  It is believed that the city had the most diverse population in the Maya world, a factor that could have contributed to the variety of architectural styles within the site.

Orignal image by Celso Flores

Pompeii

Pompeii: world’s best known remain of a classical Roman city

Pompeii is one of the world’s best known remains of the classical Roman area.  It is located near Naples and is considered one of Italy’s most sought after tourist destinations attracting no less than 2,500,000 visitors each year.  Originally built during the roman area, it was lost for nearly 1700 years after buried under numerous meters of ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.  Since its excavation in 1749, the site has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city during the Pax Romana.

Orignal image by Perrimoon

Mont St Michel

Mont St Michel: world’s best known French monastery

The Mont Saint-Michel, a rocky tidal island is one of the most visited attractions in Normandy, in the North of France.  The island has been a strategic point holding fortifications since ancient times, and since the 8th century AD it became the seat of the Saint-Michel monastery, from which it draws the name. Today, the Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay are part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, attracting more than 3,000,000 tourists each year.

Orignal image by TravelingInEurope

Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China: one of the World’s Seven Wonders

The Great Wall of China is considered one of the World’s Seven Wonders.   It is comprised of a series of fortifications built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China, mainly to protect the Chinese Empire against intrusions such as the Mongols.  It was originally built in the 7th century BC, but reinforced many times over, and the most famous section was built between 220–206 BC by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.  Since then, the Great Wall has been rebuilt and enhanced, with the majority of the existing wall reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty.  The Great Wall stretches from Shanhaiguan in the east, to Lop Lake in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia.

Orignal image by matt512

Petra

Petra: most important historical and archaeological site in Jordan

Petra, which can be translated to stone, is by far the most important historical and archaeological site in Jordan, as well as its most visited tourist attraction.  It was built during the 6th century BC as the capital city of the Nabataeans and became famous for its rock cut architecture and water conduit system.   It has since became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985) and is often on top positions on best places to visit lists.

Orignal image by archer10 (Dennis) OFF

Kashmir Valley

Kashmir Valley: one of Asia’s most beautiful natural wonders

The Kashmir Valley also referred to as "Paradise on Earth" is a breathtaking valley between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range, bordering North India, Pakistan and Western China.   It was formed by the Jhelum River and is today around 135 km long and 32 km wide.  Srinagar is considered the main city and the summer capital of the state, but other places in the valley such as Gulmarg, Dal Lake, Pahalgam, and the Amarnath Temple, are also popular tourist destinations.

Orignal image by kun0me

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace: one of Turkey’s most beautiful palaces

The Topkapi Palace is a large and beautiful palace in Turkey’s capital city Istanbul.  It was once that the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for some 400 years between 1465 and 1856.  As well as a royal residence, the palace was a setting for state occasions and royal entertainments. It is now a major tourist attraction and contains important holy relics of the Muslim world including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword.  The Topkapi Palace is among the monuments contained within the "Historic Areas of Istanbul", which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and is often described as one of the best example of ensembles of palaces of the Ottoman period.

Orignal image by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal: one of the modern world seven wonders

The Taj Mahal proudly sitting next to the sacred Yamuna river is consider one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.  It is a breathtaking mausoleum built over 20 years, between 1631 and 1648, from beautiful and rare white marble.  It was constructed by the grandson of Akbar, Shah Jehan, one of the greatest Mughal emperors, as the mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.   The Taj Mahal is today a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is one of the most photographed and easily recognisable Indian attractions. It is considered one of the country’s best preserved and architecturally interesting sites, putting India at the forefront of the world’s top cultural destinations.

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Nile River Cruise

Nile River Cruise: one of the world longest and important rivers

The Nile is the most important north-flowing river in north-eastern Africa, as well as considered the longest river in the world, with its 6,650 km. It runs through no less than ten countries including Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Egypt.  The northern section of the river flows almost entirely through desert, from Sudan into Egypt, a country whose civilization has depended on the river since ancient times. Most of the population and cities of Egypt lie along those parts of the Nile valley north of Aswan, and nearly all the cultural and historical sites of Ancient Egypt are found along the riverbanks. The Nile ends in a large delta that empties into the Mediterranean Sea.

Orignal image by Michael Gwyther-Jones

Prague Old Town

Prague Old Town: best preserved medieval settlements in the Czech Republic

Prague Old Town or Staré Mesto is one of the best preserved medieval settlements in the Czech Republic as well as in the whole of Europe. Notable places in the Old Town include the Old New Synagogue, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. Across the river Vltava is the Lesser Quarter, called Malá Strana in Czech connected by one of the city most famous landmark, the Charles Bridge.

Orignal image by Abeeeer

Carnival in Rio

Carnival in Rio: world’s biggest carnival

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is by far one of the world’s most famous festivals.  It originally started in Rio 1723 and had since become the biggest carnival in the world attracting some two million people per day to the streets

Orignal image by Diogo Dubiella

Serengeti Migration

Serengeti Migration: one of the World’s greatest natural phenomenons

The Serengeti Migration is one of the World’s greatest natural phenomenons, where great wildebeest migrate from the Ngorongoro area of the southern Serengeti to Tanzania.  Determined by the availability of grazing, it usually takes place between January and March, where some 750,000 zebras, 1.2 million wildebeest and followed by hundreds of thousands of other plains game, move across the border.

Orignal image by Marc Veraart

Easter Island

Easter Island: one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands

Easter Island is a Polynesian island within the southeasternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle in the Pacific Ocean, and claimed to be the most remote inhabited island in the world.  It is famous for its 887 extant monumental statues, called moai and created by the early Rapanui people.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with much of the island protected within Rapa Nui National Park.

Orignal image by MattJP

Golden Temple

Golden Temple: one of India’s most important attractions

The Golden Temple, officially known as the Harmandir Sahib is a prominent Sikh gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, in the Indian state of Punjab.  It was originally built by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev. In the early nineteenth century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh secured the Punjab region from outside attack and covered the upper floors of the gurdwara with gold, which gives it its distinctive appearance and English name of "Golden Temple".

Orignal image by Arian Zwegers

Stonehenge

Stonehenge: one of the world’s most renowned prehistoric monuments

Stonehenge is one of the most renowned prehistoric monuments not only in England but in the World. It is located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) west of Amesbury and 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) north of Salisbury and is a 2 hours drive from London. Because of its history and remarkable features it is classed as a World Heritage Site. Archaeologists believe that it is about 5000 years old as some recent research shows that it was probably erected around 3000 BC.

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands: one of the world’s best known volcanic islands

The Galápagos are one of the world’s best known volcanic islands located around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, some 972 km west of continental Ecuador. The Islands and its surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a biological marine reserve.  The islands are geologically young and famed for their vast number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. His observations and collections contributed to the inception of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.

Orignal image by David Berkowitz

Cappadocia

Cappadocia: one of the world’s most splendid natural regions

Cappadocia is a well known historical region in Central Anatolia, largely in Nevsehir Province.  It comprises a splendid natural region packed with exceptional wonders, characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage.

Orignal image by test

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast: Italy’s most famous Riviera

The Amalfi Coast or Costiera Amalfitana is it Italy’s most famous Riviera within the Province of Salerno in Southern Italy.  This perfect stretch of coastline is one of the country most popular tourist destination attracting thousands of tourists annually.  It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable cultural landscape.

Orignal image by Jimmy Harris

Angel Falls

Angel Falls: one of Venezuela’s most important natural landmarks

Angel Falls, also known as the waterfall of the deepest place are one of Venezuela’s most important natural landmarks and part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.  It is considered the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, with a height of 979 m (3,212 ft) and a plunge of 807 m (2,648 ft). The waterfall drops over the edge of the Auyantepui Mountain in the Canaima National Park.

Orignal image by Erik Cleves Kristensen

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon: one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders

The Grand Canyon is the US most recognised natural wonder and one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders.  Located in the state of Arizona, it is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River some 17 million years ago.  The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,000 feet / 1,800 metres).  It is part of the Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Hualapai Tribal Nation and the Havasupai Tribe.  For thousands of years, the area has been continuously inhabited by Native Americans who built settlements within the canyon and its many caves.  The Grand Canyon is still today considered by the Pueblo people a holy site and made pilgrimages to it.

Orignal image by Moyan_Brenn

Colosseum of Rome

Colosseum of Rome: world’s greatest remain of the Roman era

The Colosseum, originally named the Flavian Amphitheatre is perhaps the world’s greatest remain of the Roman era.  This breathtaking elliptical amphitheatre in the heart of Italy’s capital Rome is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering as well as the largest ever built in the Roman Empire.   Its construction started in 72 AD and completed in 80 AD could once seat up to 50,000 spectators and became famous for its gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.  It is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions and perhaps the best iconic symbol of Imperial Rome.

Orignal image by chrisparkeruk

Meenakshi

Meenakshi: most important religious site in South India

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple is considered one of the most important religious and historic sites in the holy city of Madurai within the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.  The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai, with the entire complex housing14 gateway towers known as gopurams, each ranging from about 45 to 50m in height, as well as some 33,000 sculptures.  The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people as well as international visitors, attracting 15,000 visitors a day, and up to 25,000 during sacred Fridays.

Orignal image by test

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park: world’s first national park

Yellowstone is one of the US most important natural wonder and considered to be the first national park in the world.  Located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, it spans an area of 3,468.4 square miles comprising lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain.  It is famous for its wildlife such as, wolves, bison and Grizzly Bears, as well as many geothermal features, especially Old Faithful Geyser, one of the most popular features in the park.  It has a variety of ecosystems, but the subalpine forest is dominant.  Native Americans have lived in the Yellowstone region for at least 11,000 years

Orignal image by Luiz Carlos Feliponi

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu: one of the world’s seven wonders

Machu Picchu, which can be translated to Old Peak, is considered one of the world’s seven wonders.  This pre-Columbian 15th-century Inca site is located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level within Peru’s Cusco Region in South America.  It was unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction, with many of the outlying buildings have been reconstructed, giving a better perspective of what the structures originally looked like.  It is referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas" and often considered the most iconic landmark of the Inca World.

Orignal image by cspruit

Fjords of Norway

Fjords of Norway: one of the world most beautiful natural landscapes

The Fjords of Norway are perhaps one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the northern part of Europe.  Those spectacularly long and narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, were created in a valley carved by glacial activity.  Most of Norway fjords are deeper than the adjacent sea such as the grandiose Sognafjord, which reaches as much as 1,300 m (4,265 ft) below sea level. As for the Saltstraumen Fjord it is often described as the world’s strongest tidal current.

Orignal image by Tinglestan

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral: one of France most remarkable medieval church

The Our Lady of Chartres or Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is one of France most remarkable medieval High Gothic architecture as well as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  It was originally built between 1193 and 1250, and is still in an exceptional state of preservation with the majority of the original stained glass windows.  Located only 80 kilometres (50 mi) southwest of Paris and has become an important destination for travellers, especially with Christian pilgrims.

Orignal image by ell brown

Santorini

Santorini: Mediterranean Sea most remarkable island

Santorini is perhaps the Mediterranean Sea most remarkable island.  It is located within the southern Aegean Sea some 200 km (120 mi) southeast from Greece’s mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. It forms the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands.  Santorini is essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed the earliest settlements, on a formerly single island, and created the current geological caldera.

Orignal image by test

Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica Cruise: one of the world’s most unique experiences

Tourism in Antarctica started with sea tourism in the 1960s, followed by Private yacht trips and even sightseeing flights in the 1970s.  The Antarctica Cruise have today become an increasingly popular experience with over 40, 000 people visiting those remote continent each year.

Orignal image by George M. Groutas

St Peter’s Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica: the world’s greatest building of its age

The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter is a Late Renaissance church located within the Vatican City.  It has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, and is often regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" as well as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".  The basilica is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, the first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession.   St. Peter’s is also a famous place of pilgrimage. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age. 

Orignal image by jimmyharris

Mezquita Cordoba

Mezquita Cordoba: one of the world’s most accomplished monuments of Islamic architecture

The Cathedral and former Great Mosque of Córdoba, is today a World Heritage Site and the cathedral of the Diocese of Córdoba.   It is located in Andalusia’s city of Córdoba in South of Spain.  The site was originally a pagan temple, then a Visigoth Christian church, before the Umayyad Moors at first converted the building into a mosque and then built a new mosque on the site.  After the Spanish Reconquista, it once again became a Roman Catholic Church, with a plateresque cathedral later inserted into the centre of the large Moorish building. The Mezquita is regarded as the one of the most accomplished monuments of Islamic architecture.

Orignal image by kevinpoh

Matterhorn

Matterhorn: an iconic emblem of the Swiss Alps

The Matterhorn is a mountain in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its summit is 4,478 metres (14,690 ft) high, making it one of the highest peaks in the Alps.  The four steep faces, rising above the surrounding glaciers, face the four compass points. The Matterhorn has become an iconic emblem of the Swiss Alps and the Alps in general. Since the end of the 19th century, when railways were built, it attracted more and more visitors and climbers. Each summer a large number of mountaineers try to climb the Matterhorn via the northeast Hörnli ridge, the most popular route to the summit.

Orignal image by Jeff Pang

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls: one of South America most grandiose waterfalls

The Iguazu Falls are the famous waterfalls of the Iguazu River, located on the border of the Brazilian State of Paraná and the Argentine Province of Misiones. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. The Iguazu River originates near the city of Curitiba. It flows through Brazil for most of its course. Below its confluence with the San Antonio River, the Iguazu River forms the boundary between Brazil and Argentina.

Orignal image by SF Brit

Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum: one of the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, known commonly as the Egyptian Museum, located in Cairo, Egypt, is home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities.   Indeed it offers over 120,000 items, with a representative amount on display, the remainder in storerooms.

Orignal image by Unhindered by Talent

Damascus Old City

Damascus Old City: one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities

Damascus is the capital and the second largest city of Syria after Aleppo. The Old City is considered one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, as well as being a major cultural and religious centre. It is strategically situated in south-western Syria, on the eastern foothills of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range.  It was first settled in the 2nd millennium BC, and later chosen as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750. During Ottoman rule, the city decayed completely while maintaining a certain cultural prestige, and in 2008 has been the Arab Capital of Culture.

Orignal image by Ömer Ünlü

New York Skyline

New York Skyline: one of the world’s most recognisable one

New York is the most populous city in the United States as well as global metropolis with a significant impact upon international commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment.   It is home of the United Nations Headquarters, New York Stock Exchange considered the world’s largest stock exchange, as well as numerous of the world’s best colleges and universities.  It is often being described as the cultural capital of the world, hosting a variety of museums and art gallery. It is located within the world’s largest natural harbours and its Skyline is one of the most recognisable in the world.  It is especially impressive at night when all the skyscrapers are illuminated.

Orignal image by Zach Klein

Bali

Bali: one of the world’s most beautiful tropical island

Bali is an Indonesian island, best known for its stunning natural beauty, with beautiful sand and turquoise waters.  It is located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east.   It is the country’s largest tourist destination and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music.  Bali have been a tourist heaven for decades, but has especially became a sought after destination in recent years.

Orignal image by sektordua

Borobudur

Borobudur: one of the most important Buddhist sites in Indonesia

Borobudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist monument part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in Magelang within Central Java in Indonesia. The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.  At its heart lies the main dome, which us surrounded by 72 Buddha statues.

Orignal image by M Reza Faisal

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik: one of the most unique destinations in the South of Europe

Dubrovnik is by far one of the most unique destinations in Croatia and one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic.  The prosperity of the city of Dubrovnik has always been based on maritime trade, ever since the Middle Ages. Supported by its wealth and skilled diplomacy, the city achieved a high level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries.  The beginning of tourism in Dubrovnik is often associated with the construction of the late 19th-century luxury hotels in Croatia, such as Grand Hotel (1890) in Opatija and the Hotel Imperial (1897) in Dubrovnik.  It is today part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Orignal image by hozinja

Marrakesh

Marrakesh: home to one of the world’s largest and busiest squares

Marrakech, known as the "Ochre City", is the most important former imperial city in Morocco’s history. The city of Marrakech is the capital of the mid-south-western economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.  The city of Marrakech comprises both an old fortified city (the médina) and modern neighbourhoods, the most prominent of which is Gueliz.  Marrakech is famous for being home has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna. The square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers and musicians. By night food stalls open in the square turning it into a huge busy open-air restaurant.

Orignal image by Michal Osmenda

Amazon Rain Forest

Amazon Rain Forest: world’s largest and species-rich tropical forest

The Amazon Rainforest is a moist broadleaf forest that covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America. This basin encompasses seven million square kilometres (1.7 billion acres), of which five and a half million square kilometres (1.4 billion acres) are covered by the rainforest. This region includes territory belonging to nine nations. The majority of the forest is contained within Brazil, with 60% of the rainforest, followed by Peru with 13%, Colombia with 10%, and with minor amounts in, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. States or departments in four nations contain "Amazonas" in their names. The Amazon represents over half of the planet’s remaining rainforests, and it comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world.

Orignal image by ggallice

Valley of the Kings

Valley of the Kings: one of the world’s best known ancient Egyptian sites

The Valley of the Kings is the best known valley in Egypt where, where for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom.  It is located on the west bank of the Nile, opposite Thebes (modern Luxor), within the heart of the Theban Necropolis. This area has been a focus of archaeological and egyptological exploration since the end of the eighteenth century, and its tombs and burials continue to stimulate research and interest.   In modern times the valley has become famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.  Along with the rest of the Theban Necropolis it has became a World Heritage Site.

Orignal image by Eugene Regis

Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery: Italy’s best known museum

The Uffizi Gallery is the best known museum in Florence and Italy. It is considered one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world.  It home to variety of well known artists including paintings collection of Leonardo da Vinci (The Annunciation, The Adoration of the Magi), Sandro Botticelli (Primavera, The Birth of Venus, The Adoration of the Magi and others), Giotto (The Ognissanti Madonna, Badia Polyptych), Titian (Flora, Venus of Urbino), Michelangelo (The Doni Tondo) and Raphael (Madonna of the Goldfinch, Pope Leo X with Cardinals Giulio de’ Medici and Luigi de’ Rossi).

Orignal image by jmenard48

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower: world’s most-visited paid monument

The Eiffel Tower is Paris most iconic landmark, often in the establishing shot of films set in the city.  It is Located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, on the bank of the Seine.  It was built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair, and considered the world’s tallest man-made structure, until surpassed by the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1930.  It has since become both a global cultural symbol of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It is the tallest building in Paris standing at 320 metres and about the same height as an 81-story building. It is the world’s most-visited paid monument, attracting millions of visitors each year. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.

Orignal image by test

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater: one of the world’s largest calderas

The Ngorongoro Crater is a large, unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera, which was formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago.  It is 610 m (2,000 ft) deep and its floor covers 260 km2 (100 sq mi).  Although thought of as "a natural enclosure" for a very wide variety of wildlife, up to 20% or more of the wildebeest and half the zebra populations vacate the Crater in the wet season.   The crater floor is mostly open grassland with two small wooded areas.

Orignal image by epcp

Hong Kong

Hong Kong: one of the World’s most densely populated and unique city

Hong Kong, along with Macau is one of two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People’s Republic of China.  Situated on China’s south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. With a land mass of 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi) and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.  Its population is 95 percent ethnic Chinese and 5 percent from other groups.  It has become a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War, until 1997, when China resumed sovereignty.  The region espoused minimum government intervention under the ethos of positive non-interventionism during the colonial era, which greatly influenced the current culture of Hong Kong, often described as East meets West.

Orignal image by eGuide Travel

Rio Panoramic View

Rio Panoramic View: one of the world’s most spectacular harbour

Rio de Janeiro, simply referred to as Rio and nicknamed the Marvellous City is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, with more than 6 million people within the city proper.  It is the most visited city in the southern hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, Bossa Nova, one of the world’s largest football stadiums and the balneario beaches such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. It is also famous for its spectacular panoramic city views, best seen from the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain.

Orignal image by laszlo-photo

Ladakh

Ladakh: one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonder

Ladakh, which can be translated into land of high passes, is a region of Jammu and Kashmir within the northernmost state of India and Pakistan.  It lies between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent.  It is considered one of the most sparsely populated regions in Jammu and Kashmir.

Orignal image by mckaysavage

Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef: world’s largest coral reef system

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi).   The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in north-east Australia. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps and supports a wide diversity of life.  It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, and a large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Orignal image by Kyle Taylor

Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel: best-known chapel in the Vatican

Sistine Chapel is the best-known chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in the Vatican City. It is famous for its architecture and its decoration that was frescoed throughout by Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Pinturicchio and others. Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted 1,100 m2 (12,000 sq ft) of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. The ceiling, and especially The Last Judgment (1535–1541), is widely believed to be Michelangelo’s crowning achievement in painting.  Since the time of Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today it is the site of the Papal conclave, the process by which a new Pope is selected.

Orignal image by Francisco Antunes

Golden Pavilion

Golden Pavilion: one of the most popular temples in Japan

The Temple of the Golden Pavilion officially known as the Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. The garden complex is an excellent example of Muromachi period garden design, a period is considered to be a classical age of Japanese garden design. A minimalistic approach was brought to the garden design, by recreating larger landscapes in a smaller scale around a structure.  It is designated as a National Special Historic Site and a National Special Landscape, and it is one of 17 locations comprising the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site.  It is also one of the most popular buildings in Japan, attracting a large number of visitors annually.

Orignal image by Chi King

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls: most powerful waterfall in North America

Niagara Falls is the collective name for the Horseshoe Falls and the adjacent American Falls along with the comparatively small Bridal Veil Falls.  Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America, measured by the vertical height along with the flow rate.  It stands on the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York, also forming the southern end of the Niagara Gorge.

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat: best known archaeological sites in Cambodia

Located only a few kilometres north of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat which can be translated to “City Temple” is perhaps the mostly know of all the Angkor archaeological sites.  It is considered as one of the most inspiring wonders of the world, because of its grandeur, Khmer architectural balance and numerous sculptures adorning its walls. It is not only the most important tourist attraction of the country but also a very symbolic monument for Cambodian, even appearing on the national flag. It was built in 12 century for king Suryavarman II as part of the capital city of the Khmer Empire, first as a Hindu temple and then as a Buddhist Wat.

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa: world’s tallest manmade structure

Burj Khalifa, known as Burj Dubai prior to its inauguration, is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the tallest manmade structure in the world, at 829.84 m (2,723 ft).  It was completed on 1 October 2009 and officially opened on 4 January 2010 as part of the new 2 km2 (490-acre) flagship development called Downtown Dubai at the First Interchange along Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai’s main business district. The tower’s architecture and engineering were performed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill of Chicago.  The total cost for the project was about US$1.5 billion; and for the entire "Downtown Dubai" development, US$20 billion.

Orignal image by thetravelguru

Delphi

Delphi: one of the most important sites of ancient Greece

Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town in Greece on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis.  In Greek mythology, Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world, and a major site for the worship of the god Apollo after he slew the Python, a dragon who lived there and protected the navel of the Earth.

Orignal image by Arian Zwegers

British Museum

British Museum: world’s second most visited museum

The British Museum is the second most visited museum in the world with more than 5.5 millions of visitors a year, just after the Louvre in Paris.  It has an enormous collection of over seven million objects originating from all continents.  It is a museum of history and culture which mission it to document and illustrate the story of human culture from its beginning to the present.  Some of the key highlights of the British Museum include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and Ancient Egypt mummies.  The museum is free but special exhibitions require tickets.

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls: one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls

The Victoria Falls also known as the Smoke that Thunders is one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls.  It is located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe.  While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, it is claimed to be the largest. This claim is based on a width of 1,708 metres (5,604 ft) and height of 108 metres (354 ft), forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world.

Orignal image by garybembridge

Alhambra

Alhambra: one of the world’s best known Berber Islamic architecture

Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, within the Spanish region of Andalusia.  It was constructed during the mid 14th century by the Berber rulers on the top of the hill of the Assabica on the south-eastern border of the city.  After the Reconquista by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, some portions were used by the Christian rulers.  After being allowed to fall into disrepair for centuries, the Alhambra was "discovered" in the 19th century by European scholars and travellers, with restorations commencing. It is now one of Spain’s major tourist attractions, exhibiting the country’s most significant and well known Berber Islamic architecture, together with 16th-century and later Christian building and garden interventions. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the inspiration for many songs and stories.

Orignal image by serge y

St. Basils Cathedral

St. Basils Cathedral: one of Russia’s best known Orthodox Church

The Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat commonly known as Saint Basil’s Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox Church erected on Moscow’s Red Square. It was built in 1555–61 on orders from Ivan the Terrible, to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan.  St. Basil’s marks the geometric centre of Moscow, being the hub of the city’s growth since the 14th century.  It was once the city’s tallest building until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600.  It is unique as there are no analogues in Russian architecture, with a design shaped as a flame of a bonfire rising into the sky.

Orignal image by BBM Explorer

Burj al Arab

Burj al Arab: world’s only seven-Star hotel

Burj Al Arab is considered the world’s only seven-Star hotel as well as one of the symbols of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.  It stands remarkably on an artificial island out from Jumeirah beach, connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It is currently the fourth tallest hotel in the world with a total height of 321 m (1,053 ft) and is uniquely shaped to remind of the sail of a ship.

Orignal image by Joi

Forbidden City

Forbidden City: one of China’s most iconic landmarks

The Forbidden City located in the heart of Beijing is one of China’s most iconic landmarks.  It was the Chinese imperial palace for some 500 years, between the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty.  The huge complex with over 980 buildings is home to the Palace Museum since 1925, offering an extensive collection of artwork and artefacts built upon the imperial collections of the Ming and Qing dynasties.  It is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site with the world’s largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures.

Orignal image by IvanWalsh.com

Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum: world’s most visited art museum

The Louvre or Musée du Louvre is the world’s most visited art museum, as well as being one of the biggest and more respected art complexes.  Located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the splendid 1st district, it is one of the most important landmarks of Paris.  It offers no less than 35,000 objects on display, from prehistory to the 19th century, covering an area of 60,600 square metres (652,300 square feet).The collection can be divided among eight curatorial departments including Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings.

Orignal image by Håkan Dahlström

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel: one of Egypt best known ancient temples

The Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock temples in Abu Simbel in Nubia, southern Egypt. They are situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 230 km southwest of Aswan (about 300 km by road). The complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Nubian Monuments, which run from Abu Simbel downriver to Philae.  The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari, to commemorate his alleged victory at the Battle of Kadesh, and to intimidate his Nubian neighbours. However, the complex was relocated in its entirety in 1968, on an artificial hill made from a domed structure, high above the Aswan High Dam reservoir.

Orignal image by Mrs Logic

Yangtze River Cruise

Yangtze River Cruise: one of the world’s longest

The Yangtze, Yangzi or Cháng Jiang is the longest river in Asia, and the third longest in the world. It flows for 6,418 kilometres (3,988 mi) from the glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai eastward across southwest, central and eastern China before emptying into the East China Sea at Shanghai. It is also one of the biggest rivers by discharge volume in the world. The Yangtze drains one-fifth of the land area of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and its river basin is home to one-third of the PRC’s population.

Orignal image by Quiltsalad

Bagan

Bagan: the once capital of the Kingdom of Pagan

Bagan is an ancient city located in the Mandalay Region of Burma (Myanmar). From the 9th to 13th centuries, the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan, the first kingdom to unify the regions that would later constitute modern Myanmar. During the kingdom’s height between the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were constructed in the Bagan plains alone, of which the remains of over 2200 temples and pagodas still survive to the present day.

Orignal image by antwerpenR

Canals of Venice

Canals of Venice: one of the world’s most unique destinations

Venice is by far one of the world’s most unique destinations, often described as Europe’s most romantic cities or even as the most beautiful city built by man.  It is located on the northeast part of Italy and is composed of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges.  It is best beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks, especially in the history of symphonic and operatic music. The city was historically the capital of the Venetian Republic and is today listed as World Heritage Site. 

Orignal image by www.justgrobio.com

St Mark’s Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica: one the world’s best known examples of Byzantine architecture

The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark commonly known as Saint Mark’s Basilica is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice in northern Italy. It is the most famous of the city’s churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. It lies at the eastern end of the Piazza San Marco, adjacent and connected to the Doge’s Palace. Originally it was the chapel of the Doge, and has only been the city’s cathedral since 1807, when it became the seat of the Patriarch of Venice, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice.  It is nickname the Chiesa d’Oro or Church of gold, mainly because of its opulent design, gilded Byzantine mosaics, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power.

Orignal image by o palsson

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park: one of the US most visited attractions

Yosemite National Park is one of the US most visited attractions with over 3.7 million people visitors each year.  It is located within the Sierra Nevada mountain chain in the central eastern portion of California.  Covers an area of 761,268 acres (3,080.74 km2) it is considered one of the world’s biggest parks.  It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, being recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, Giant Sequoia groves, and biological diversity, with some 95% of the park is designated wilderness.

Orignal image by SteveD

Karnak

Karnak: one of Egypt’s most important Temple Complexes

The Karnak Temple Complex or simply referred to as Karnak, is comprised of a mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings.  It makes part of the monumental city of Thebes and its name is taken from the nearby modern village of el-Karnak, some 2.5 km north of Luxor.  It was originally built during the reign of Sesostris I in the Middle Kingdom but continued into the Ptolemaic and New Kingdom period. The area around Karnak was the ancient Egyptian Ipet-isut, known as the Most Selected of Places, being the main place of worship.

Orignal image by Tanya.K.

Versailles

Versailles: France most iconic Palace

Château de Versailles or simply Versailles is perhaps the France’s most iconic Palace.  It is located some 20 kilometres southwest of the French capital, in a once country village, now a city suburb. The court of Versailles was the centre of political power in France from 1682, when Louis XIV moved from Paris, until the royal family was forced to return to the capital in October 1789 after the beginning of the French Revolution. Versailles is therefore famous not only as a building, but as a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy of the Ancient Régime.

Orignal image by Wolfgang Staudt

Florence Cityscape

Florence Cityscape: one of the most beautiful cities in the world

Florence is often ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace.  It is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany within the province of Florence. It is famous for its history, once being at the heart of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time.  It is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the middle Ages.  It is today a major tourist and hub part of UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its vast artistic and architectural heritage, and its remaining influence in the fields of art, culture, fashion and politics

Orignal image by stevehdc

Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock: one of Australia’s most important natural landmarks

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is an incredibly large sandstone rock formation, listed as a World Heritage Site. It is located within the southern part of the Northern Territory in the heart of Australia.  It is a pretty remote destination, lying 335 km (208 mi) of Alice Springs,  the nearest large town.  It is a sacred place for the Aboriginal people of the area.  It is part of a National Park, home to a variety of springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings.

Orignal image by Richard.Fisher

Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan: one of the largest cities in the pre-Columbian Americas

Teotihuacan is an enormous archaeological site, established around 100 BC, and perhaps the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas.  It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and is today the most visited archaeological site in Mexico.  It is located in the Basin of Mexico some 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Mexico City, and contains some of the largest pyramidal structures built in the pre-Columbian Americas. Apart from the pyramidal structures, Teotihuacan is also known for its large residential complexes, the Avenue of the Dead, and numerous colourful, well-preserved murals.

Orignal image by bdebaca

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns: home to one of the world’s largest natural limestone chamber

Carlsbad Caverns is a beautiful National Park located within the Guadalupe Mountains in the US south-eastern New Mexico state.  Its cavern is the park’s primary tourist attraction, which can be entered via the natural entrance, or take the elevator directly to the Underground Lunchroom some 750 feet (230 m) below.  It includes one of the world’s largest natural limestone chamber, known as the Big Room, which is almost 4,000 feet (1,220 m) long, 625 feet (191 m) wide, and 255 feet (78 m) high at the highest point.

Orignal image by bradspry

Kremlin

Kremlin: one of Russia’s most iconic monuments

The Moscow Kremlin, simply referred to as the Kremlin, is a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, which serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.  It overlooks some of the capital most famous sights including the Moskva River, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Red Square.  It is the best known of all the Russian citadels, composed of four palaces, four cathedrals and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

Orignal image by moaksey

Hermitage Museum

Hermitage Museum: one of Russia’s most famous museums

The State Hermitage is one of Russia’s most famous museums, as well as being one of the world’s oldest and largest.  It is located Saint Petersburg and was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and has been open to the public since 1852. Its collections, of which only a small part is on permanent display, comprise nearly 3 million items, making it the largest collection of paintings in the world. The collections occupy a large complex of six historic buildings along Palace Embankment, including the Menshikov Palace, the Museum of Porcelain and the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors.

Orignal image by archer10 (Dennis) OFF

Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue Rice Terraces: the most amazing natural wonder in the Philippines

The Banaue Rice Terraces, also known as Payo, are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to by Filipinos as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", as it is commonly thought that those terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometres (about 4000 square miles) of mountainside, and said that if the steps are put end to end it would encircle half the globe.  They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces.

Orignal image by jojo nicdao

Mecca

Mecca one of the world’s most important religious sites

Mecca is one of the world’s most important religious sites.  It is located 73 km (45 mi) inland from Jeddah in a narrow valley at a height of 277 m (909 ft) above sea level, within the Makkah province in Saudi Arabia.  It is best known as the birthplace of Muhammad, a site of the composition of the Quran, as well as an essential pilgrimage site for Muslims known as the Hajj.  Today, more than 13 million Muslims visit Mecca annually, including several million during the few days of the Hajj.  As a result, Mecca has become one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in the Muslim world, although non-Muslims remain prohibited from entering the city.

Orignal image by Al Jazeera English

Varanasi

Varanasi: world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities

Varanasi, often referred to as Benares or Kashi the city of light, is considered India’s most holiest destination by Hindus, Jains and Buddhist believers.  This charming place lying on the banks of the celebrated River Ganges is also considered the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.  Indeed for thousands of years, its attracted some of the most important philosophers and philosophers, as well as being a key artistic magnet, especially with classical music.  It has today a variety of beautiful temples, ashrams and plenty of museums and is a key centre for education.  Perhaps the city main attraction is its Ghats, those set of stairs leading to the holly Ganges river, where pilgrims and believers from all over India to cremate those that left or simply clean themselves of their sins.  Varanasi is by all mean one of India’s most colourful, spiritual and unique destination, for many the gateway to the other world, and for other a captivating place offering a memorable experience.

Orignal image by jonrawlinson

Chambord Chateau

Chambord Chateau: one of France most recognizable palaces

The royal Château de Chambord is one of France most recognizable palaces with its very distinct French Renaissance architecture which blends of traditional French medieval forms.  The building, which was never completed and considered the largest château in the Loire Valley, was constructed by King François I in part to be near to his mistress the Comtesse de Thoury. 

Orignal image by sybarite48

Bora Bora

Bora Bora: one of the world’s most sought after tropical paradises

Bora Bora is one of the world’s most sought after tropical paradises famous for its aqua-centric luxury resorts.  It is a remote island part of the Leeward group within French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean.  It is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef and has at its heart the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, with the highest point at 727 metres (2,385 ft).  In recent years Bora Bora has become a major international tourist destination.

Orignal image by tensaibuta

Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley: crossroads of Asia’s ancient civilizations

The amazing Kathmandu Valley lies at the crossroads of Asia’s ancient civilizations and offers over 130 important monuments, including several places of pilgrimage for the Hindus and the Buddhists, some of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  The Valley is located in Nepal and known as the capital of their empire.

Orignal image by jeeheon

Li River Cruise

Li River Cruise: one of China’s most famous scenic areas

The Li River or Lijiang River offers is considered one of China’s most famous scenic areas, featured in many scroll paintings and with the top classification by the China National Tourism Administration.  It offers some 100-kilometer stretch of water, surrounded by mountain peaks rise into the sky such as the Mountain of Splendid Hues, as well as limestone caves such as the Reed-Flute Rock with its cave corals.

Orignal image by Bernt Rostad

Lijiang

Lijiang: one of the most remarkable destinations in China

The Old Town of Lijiang is one of the most remarkable destinations in China, with a unique architecture, history and culture influenced by the traditional residents known as the Nakhi people.  Located in Lijiang City with the Yunnan region, it has over 800 years history, one being at the heart the old tea horse road.  It is famous for its orderly system of waterways and bridges and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Orignal image by eviltomthai

Acropolis

Acropolis: one of the most recognizable icons of the ancient World

The Acropolis is perhaps one of the most recognizable icons of the ancient World.  It is located in the heart of Athens at the top of a hill which rises 150 m (490 ft) above sea level.  The citadel was originally built for defence purposes, but has become the nuclei of the city.

Orignal image by Arian Zwegers

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art: New York City most important art gallery

The Metropolitan Museum of Art commonly known as The Met is New York City most important art gallery.  Its permanent collection offers more than two million works, divided among nineteen curatorial departments from Ancient Egypt and classical antiquity to well known paintings and sculptures from nearly all the European masters, passing by an extensive collection of American and modern art.  The Museum occupies more than 2,000,000 square feet (190,000 m2), measures almost 1/4-mile (400 m) long and is located on the eastern edge of Central Park within Manhattan’s Museum Mile.

Orignal image by Rob Young

Shwedagon Stupa

Shwedagon Stupa: one of Burma’s most spectacular Pagodas

The Shwedagon Pagoda officially known as the Shwedagon Zedi Daw is a spectacular 99 metres (325 ft) gilded pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. It is located to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on top of the Singuttara Hill and offering amazing views of the city skyline.  It is considered the  most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese with relics of the past four Buddha’s enshrined within, namely the staff of Kakusandha, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair of Gautama, the historical Buddha. A same-sized replica of Shwedagon Pagoda, known as the Uppatasanti Pagoda is located within the new capital of Burma, Naypyidaw.

Orignal image by Thrillseekr

Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein: one of Europe’s most impressive Castles

The Neuschwanstein is one of Europe’s most impressive Castles, located within the village of Hohenschwangau in the southwest German region of Bavaria.  This19th-century Romanesque Revival palace proudly sits on top of a rugged hill offering breathtaking view of the surroundings.  The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as a homage to Richard Wagner.  The palace has since become a popular tourist attraction attracting more than a million visitors each year.  It also appeared in a variety of movies and was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle

Orignal image by Nite Dan – Enjoypixel

Potala Palace

Potala Palace: once chief residence of the Dalai Lama in Tibet

The Potala Palace, which sits on top of the Marpo Ri or Red Hill, some than 300 m (1,000 ft) above the valley floor, is one of the most important places within Tibet Autonomous Region of China.  It is best known as the once chief residence of the Dalai Lama and is today a museum. The building measures 400 metres east-west and 350 metres north-south, with sloping stone walls averaging 3 m. thick, and 5 m. (more than 16 ft) thick at the base, and with copper poured into the foundations to help proof it against earthquakes.  It has thirteen stories of buildings with over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues.

Orignal image by mckaysavage

Mt Everest

Mt Everest: world’s highest mountain

Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain, with a peak at 8,848 metres (29,029 ft) above sea level. It is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas, in between the border of China and Nepal.  The mountain attracts many well-experienced mountaineers as well as capable climbers willing to hire professional guides. While not posing substantial technical climbing challenges on the standard route, Everest presents dangers such as altitude sickness, weather and wind.

Orignal image by mckaysavage

Sahara Desert

Sahara Desert: world’s largest hot desert

The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert and second largest desert, after Antarctica, with some of its sand dunes reaching over 180 metres (590 ft) in height.  It covers most of Northern Africa, with over 9,400,000 square kilometres (3,600,000 sq mi), making it almost as large as China or the United States. The Sahara Desert stretches from the Red Sea, including parts of the Mediterranean coasts, to the outskirts of the Atlantic Ocean. To the south, it is delimited by the Sahel, a belt of semi-arid tropical savannah that composes the northern region of central and western Sub-Saharan Africa.

Orignal image by Flávio Eiró

Banff National Park

Banff National Park: Canada’s most spectacular natural wonder

The Banff National Park located within the splendid Canadian Rocky Mountains is the country’s oldest national park (established in 1885 in).  It offers 6,641 km2 (2,564 sq mi) of mountainous terrain, with numerous glaciers and ice fields, dense coniferous forest, and alpine landscapes. The park, located some 150 km (90mi) west of Calgary in the province of Alberta, is famous for its luxury retreats, such as the Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise. The park is today one of the world’s most visited national parks.

Orignal image by JonoMueller

Jerusalem Old City

Jerusalem Old City: one of the world’s most important religious sites

The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the world’s most important religious destinations.  The 0.9 square kilometres (0.35 sq mi) walled area, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lists is located within the modern city of Jerusalem. It is home to several sites of key religious importance including the Temple Mount and its Western Wall for Jews, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians, and the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims.  The Old City can be divided into four quarters including the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter.

Orignal image by Arian Zwegers

Temple Emerald Buddha

Temple Emerald Buddha: Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist Wat

The Temple Emerald Buddha officially known as the Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand.   It is located within the precincts of the Grand Palace in Bangkok historic centre of Phra Nakhon. The Emerald Buddha is a dark green standing statue, about 66 centimetres (26 in) tall, carved from a single jade stone.

Orignal image by Mat Siems

Leaning Tower Pisa

Leaning Tower Pisa: one of Italy’s most visited attractions

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is freestanding bell tower, famous at leaning at about 3.99 degrees.  It has become one of Italy’s most visited attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year.  It is located behind the Cathedral and is the third oldest structure in Pisa’s Cathedral Square.  Its height is 55.86 m (183.27 ft) from the ground on the low side and 56.70 m (186.02 ft) on the high side.

Orignal image by .waldec

San Francisco

San Francisco: one of the world’s most sought after tourist destinations

San Francisco is one of the world’s most sought after tourist destinations, ranked on top position on top most visited cities lists.  It is best known for its chilly summer fog, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of architecture, and its famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and Chinatown.  It is also considered the financial, cultural, and transportation centre of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.5 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland. It is the most densely settled large city in the state of California and the second-most densely populated large city in the United States after New York City.  The city is also a principal banking and finance centre, and the home to more than 30 international financial institutions, helping to make San Francisco rank 18th in the world’s top producing cities, eighth in the United States, and twelfth place in the top twenty global financial centres.

Orignal image by El Frito

Terracotta Warriors

Terracotta Warriors: one of the world’s largest sculptures collection

The Terracotta Army or the "Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses", is a collection of sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210–209 BC and whose purpose was to protect the emperor in his afterlife, and to make sure that he had people to rule over.  The figures, dating from 3rd century BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers in Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi province, near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Current estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits.  The figures vary in height according to their roles, with the tallest being the generals and include warriors, chariots, horses as well as non-military figures such as officials, acrobats, strongmen and musicians.

Orignal image by kevinpoh

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia: one of Turkey most important site

Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. From the date of its dedication in 360 until 1453, it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople, except between 1204 and 1261, when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Patriarch of Constantinople of the Western Crusader established Latin Empire. It was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.  From 1453 until 1931 Hagia Sophia became a Mosque and for nearly 500 years it was the principal mosque of Istanbul, and served as a model for many other Ottoman mosques.  Finally since 1935 it opened as a museum and is today famous for its massive dome and is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture, said to have "changed the history of architecture.     

Orignal image by Senol Demir

Baalbek

Baalbek: Lebanon’s greatest Roman treasure

Baalbek is a charming town in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon.  Located east of the Litani River, it is famous for its exquisitely detailed yet monumentally scaled temple ruins of the Roman period, when Baalbek, then known as Heliopolis, was one of the largest sanctuaries in the empire. It is Lebanon’s greatest Roman treasure, and it can be counted among the wonders of the ancient world, containing some of the largest and best preserved Roman ruins.  Baalbek is today home to the annual Baalbeck International Festival.

Orignal image by Arian Zwegers

Portofino

Portofino: one of the Italian Riviera most unique villages

Portofino is a small Italian fishing village and tourist resort located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town is crowded round its small harbour and is closely associated with the lovely Paraggi Beach, which is a few minutes up the coast.   Portofino is also at the heart of other charming beaches including Camogli, Chiavari, Lavagna and Sestri Levante.

Orignal image by Umberto Fistarol

Complete list

1. Pyramids of Egypt
2. Chichen Itza
3. Pompeii
4. Mont St Michel
5. Great Wall of China
6. Petra
7. Kashmir Valley
8. Topkapi Palace
9. Taj Mahal
10. Nile River Cruise
11. Prague Old Town
12. Carnival in Rio
13. Serengeti Migration
14. Easter Island
15. Golden Temple
16. Stonehenge
17. Galapagos Islands
18. Cappadocia
19. Amalfi Coast
20. Angel Falls
21. Grand Canyon
22. Colosseum of Rome
23. Meenakshi
24. Yellowstone NP
25. Machu Picchu
26. Fjords of Norway
27. Chartres Cathedral
28. Santorini
29. Antarctica Cruise
30. St Peter’s Basilica
31. Mezquita Cordoba
32. Matterhorn
33. Iguazu Falls
34. Egyptian Museum
35. Damascus Old City
36. New York Skyline
37. Bali
38. Borobudur
39. Dubrovnik
40. Marrakesh
41. Amazon Rain Forest
42. Valley of the Kings
43. Uffizi Gallery
44. Eiffel Tower
45. Ngorongoro Crater
46. Hong Kong
47. Rio Panoramic View
48. Ladakh
49. Great Barrier Reef
50. Sistine Chapel
51. Golden Pavilion
52. Niagara Falls
53. Angkor Wat
54. Burj Khalifa
55. Delphi
56. British Museum
57. Victoria Falls
58. Alhambra
59. St. Basils Cathedral
60. Burj al Arab
61. Forbidden City
62. Louvre Museum
63. Abu Simbel
64. Yangtze Riv. Cruise
65. Bagan
66. Canals of Venice
67. St Mark’s Basilica
68. Yosemite NP
69. Karnak
70. Versailles
71. Florence Cityscape
72. Ayers Rock
73. Teotihuacan
74. Carlsbad Caverns
75. Kremlin
76. Hermitage Museum
77. Banaue Rice Terr.
78. Mecca
79. Varanasi/Ganges
80. Chambord Chateau
81. Bora Bora
82. Kathmandu Valley
83. Li River Cruise
84. Lijiang/Shangri La
85. Acropolis
86. Metropolitan Mus
87. Shwedagon Stupa
88. Neuschwanstein
89. Potala Palace
90. Mt Everest
91. Sahara Desert
92. Banff NP
93. Jerusalem Old City
94. Temple Em. Buddha
95. Leaning Tower Pisa
96. San Francisco
97. TerraCotta Warriors
98. Hagia Sophia
99. Baalbek
100. Portofino

Top 100 World’s Wonders is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Jaipur, best known as the Pink City, is the capital and largest city of the northern state of Rajasthan.  It is considered one of the best planed cities in the country, with its wide 34 m roads, precisely divided sectors and networks of gridded streets.  For Indian’s standards, it is a relatively new city, founded in 1727 by the Maharaja of Amber as the capital of the royalty.  Today, with its population of over 3 millions, the city has become a major tourist destination as well as an important economic center.  It houses some of the country most remarkable places including the Sanganer , Jhotwada, Mansarovar, the Raja Park and Vaishali Nagar, as well as being packed with a variety of religious sites including Hindu temples, mosque and even churches.  It is also a city of numerous parks, forts and gardens, making it one of the best cities to live in India.  This lovely metropolitan city, is a must visit place when exploring the North of India with its unique coloured buildings, magnificent forts, temples and a variety of gardens, authentic Rajasthani cuisine.

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Map of Jaipur

View the top sights and best rated hotels on our interactive map of Jaipur, with an image slideshow and video player.  It includes some of the city’s most sought after sights such as the City Palace, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Rambagh Palace and Albert Hall Central Museum.

Launch the Jaipur interactive map now.

Best hotels in Jaipur

Jaipur is proud to have some of the world’s best hotels including the Oberoi Rajvilas and the Rambagh Palace, as well as plenty of accommodations offering great value for money.  The following are some of the best establishments in Jaipur as voted by the users, divided into 5 Stars, 4 Stars, 3 Stars and budget accommodations. 

Best Jaipur 5 Stars Hotels

The following are some of the best rated 5 Stars luxury accommodation offering the highest service level in a majestic location.

1. The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur, 5 Stars Hotel
2. Rambagh Palace, 5 Stars Hotel
3. Fortune Select Metropolitan, 5 Stars Hotel
4. Jai Mahal Palace, 5 Stars Hotel
5. Jaipur Marriott, 5 Stars Hotel

Best Jaipur 4 Stars Hotels

The following are the best rated 4 Stars luxury accommodation offering plenty of comfort with all the latest amenities.

1. Sarovar Portico Jaipur, 4 Stars Hotel
2. Trident Jaipur, 4 Stars Hotel
3. Ramada Jaipur, 4 Stars Hotel

Best Jaipur 3 Stars Hotels

The following are the best rated 3 Stars accommodation offering excellent value for money.

1. Sugan Niwas Palace, 3 Stars Hotel
2. Four Luxury, 3 Stars Boutique Hotel 
3. Royal Heritage Haveli, 3 Stars Hotel
4. Hotel Vimal Heritage, 3 Stars Hotel 
5. Aurum, 3 Stars Boutique Hotel
6. Barwara Kothi, 3 Stars Boutique Hotel
7. Umaid Bhawan Jaipur, 3 Stars Boutique Hotel
8. Umaid Lake Palace, 3 Stars Boutique Hotel

Best Jaipur Budget Hotels

The following are the best rated budget accommodation in Jaipur offering good service, and a nice location with an affordable price tag.

1. Hotel Tara Niwas  
2. Chitra Katha Hotel
3. Krishna Palace
4. Rawla Mrignayani Palace
5. Hotel H R Palace  

Top sights in Jaipur

The city of Jaipur has some of India’s most visited attractions including a variety of spectacular monuments like the City Palace, grandiose forts offering breathtaking views such as the Amber Fort, museums such as the Albert Hall, important temples and religious sites, as well as a variety of gardens including Central Park and the Ram Niwas Garden.  The following are Jaipur most important attractions:

1. Albert Hall Central Museum
2. Jantar Mantar
3. Hawa Mahal
4. City Palace
5. Gaitor
6. Nahargarh Fort
7. Amber Fort
8. Jaigarh Fort
9. Jal Mahal Water Palace

Albert Hall Central Museum

The Albert Hall or Central Museum set within a lovely building with a Indo-Saracenic architecture is located in the heart of the city next to the Ram Nivas Garden.  It is home to the biggest exhibition of art in Jaipur, offering a variety of Indian, Chinese, Christians and Ancient Egyptian artefacts.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is a large observatory built by the Maharaja Jai Singh during the 18th century which has today become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It houses a variety of geometric devices including ones to track stars in their orbits, measure time or even predict eclipses.

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, nicknamed the Palace of breeze, is a fabulous multi storey complex built in red sandstone.  It was originally built in 1799 by the Maharaja Sawai Singh, with the intention to give royal ladies the freedom of observing daily street life without being seen.

City Palace

The City Palace complex which takes up a good portion of central Jaipur is comprised of a variety of buildings, gardens and courtyards.  It was built by the Maharaja Jai Singh II in a mix of Mugal and traditional Rajput style.  It is home to two of the world’s largest silver vessels, the textile museum and other private and public halls. 

Gaitor

The Gaitor is a famous cremation site for the Jaipur royal rulers, located in the northern part of the city, at the foothills of the Nahargarh Fort. This beautiful landmark is also known for its colonies of monkeys, shared between the macaques and the larger grey langurs species.

Nahargarh Fort

The Nahargarh Fort, located on a hilltop on the northwest side of the city, is the smallest of the three forts within the Jaipur area.  It was once home to the King Sawai Jai Singh II and offers spectacular views over the Man Sagar lake and surroundings.

Amber Fort

The Amber Fort is a massive pastel yellow coloured fort and palace complex built in the 17th century and located some 11 km north from the heart of Jaipur.  The fort is divided into various sections each with its own entry gate and courtyard.  One of the key attractions is the Sheesh Mahal with its numerous tiles on the walls and ceiling.

Jaigarh Fort

The Jaigarh Fort is perhaps the most spectacular of the three forts surrounding the Jaipur area with its lovely gardens and spectacular views.  It is famous for the Jaivana, considered the site of the world’s largest cannon with according to legend a reach of over 35 km.

Jal Mahal Water Palace

The Jal Mahal best known as the Water Palace is a remarkable piece of Rajput style architecture sitting at the heart of the Maan-Sarovar Lake.

Jaipur images

The following are some of the best photographs of Jaipur, including some of the most sought after attractions such as the City Palace, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Rambagh Palace and Albert Hall Central Museum.

Jaipur video

HD Film created by Mat Siems about Jaipur’s most important sights such as the famous City Palace, grandiose forts such as the Amber Fort and well known museums such as the Albert Hall.

Best of Jaipur: top places, map, images and video is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Agra is by far one of the most visited and unique tourist destinations in India.  Indeed being home to the world famous Taj Mahal and numerous other splendid heritage sites such as the Agra Fort, the city attracts millions of visitors each year, both from India and internationally.  With a great railway connection from the capital, many choose a quick day trip to visit the key sights, but a good couple of days is recommended to fully experienced everything the city has to offer, as well as the attractions located nearby such as Mathura and Fatehpur Sikri.  This grandiose city located within the northern part of the Uttar Pradesh state, is part of the golden triangle, along with New Delhi and Jaipur, and often considered the main places to visit for a first trip to India.   Agra, established in the 16th century was at the heart of the Mughal empire, today best remembered for their architectural legacy of fascinating forts, tombs and other majestic buildings.

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Map of Agra

View the top sights and best rated hotels on our interactive map of Agra, with an image slideshow and video player.  It includes some of the region’s most sought after sights such as Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb, Mariam’s Tomb, Jama Masjid

Launch the Agra interactive map now.

Best hotels in Agra

Agra has plenty of hotels to choose from, from budget accommodations to luxury 5 stars establishments.  The following are some of the best establishments in Agra as voted by the users, divided into 5 Stars, 4 Stars, 3 Stars and budget accommodations. 

Agra top 5 Stars hotels

The following are some of Agra most luxurious accommodations offering the highest level of service in idyllic surroundings:

1. Oberoi Amarvilas, 5 Stars Hotel
2. Trident Agra, 5 Stars Hotel
3. The Gateway Fatehabad Road, 5 Stars Hotel
4. Clarks Shiraz Agra, 5 Stars Hotel 
5. Wyndham Grand Agra, 5 Stars Hotel 

Agra top 3 Stars hotels

The following are some of Agra best value for money 3 stars accommodations.

1. Hotel Taj Resorts, 3 Stars hotel 
2. Hotel Amar, 3 Stars hotel 

Agra top budget hotels

The following are some of Agra top hotels for more budget conscious travellers looking for a pleasant stay.

1. Sai Home Stay, budget Bed & Breakfast
2. Hotel Sidhartha, budget hotel 
3. Hotel Taj Plaza, budget hotel 
4. Taj Home Stay Hotel, budget hotel 
5. Hotel Deviram Palace, budget hotel 

Top sights in Agra

Agra as one of India’s most visited city has a variety of attractions to offer its visitors including three UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort are by far the most popular sites within the city limits, but Fatehpur Sikri or the Ghost City is the favourite desination in the outskirt of Agra.  Some of the most famous sites in Agra include:

1. Taj Mahal
2. Agra Fort
3. Fatehpur Sikri
4. Akbar’s tomb
5. Mariam’s Tomb
6. Jama Masjid
7. Baby Taj

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal proudly sitting next to the sacred Yamuna river is consider one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.  It is a breathtaking mausoleum built over 20 years, between 1631 and 1648, from beautiful and rare white marble.  It was constructed by the grandson of Akbar, Shah Jehan, one of the greatest Mughal emperors, as the mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.   The Taj Mahal is today a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is one of the most photographed and easily recognisable Indian attractions. It is considered one of the country’s best preserved and architecturally interesting sites, putting India at the forefront of the world’s top cultural destinations.

Agra Fort

The Agra fort is the second most visited attraction in Agra.  This red sandstone palace and defensive structure is a remarkable piece of architecture, often considered a much better preserved version of the Delhi’s Red Fort.  It was built by the Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1571 as a testament of his power.  The fort was later improve by Shah Jahan, the grand child of Akbar, but ironically ended up as a prisoner. 

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, often referred to as the ghost city, is one of the most important sites outside of Agra.  Located some 40kms west of the city centre; it is the perfect example of the richness of the Mugal civilization.  Built at the end of the 16th century the complex is comprised of a variety of buildings including Mosques, Tombs and Palaces.

Akbar’s Tomb

The Akbar tomb, located in Sikandra, a couple of kilometres north of Agra, is entirely dedicated to one of the greatest Mugal Emperors.  The tomb complex is at the heart of a beautiful garden and surrounded by four red sandstone gates.

Mariam’s Tomb

The Mariam Tomb is a beautiful white marble grave, built by Jahangir for his mother Mariam Zammani.  The complex is also home to a school and a church built by Akbar in the memory of his Christian wife.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is a large mosque built in 1648 during the reign of the father Shah Jahan.  It is famous for its unusual dome and absence of minarets.

Baby Taj

Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often simply referred to as the Baby Taj, was built by the Empress Nur Jehan for her father, the Chief Minister of Emperor Jahangir.  It uses white marble and is surrounded by a lovely garden.

Agra images

The following are some of the best photographs of Agra including some of the most sought after attractions such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Baby Taj, China Ka Roza, Ram Bagh Gardens, Akbar’s, Mariam’s Tomb and Fatehpur Sikri.

Agra video

HD Film created by Mat Siems about Agra’s most important sights such as the famous Taj Mahal as well as other world heritage site including the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Best of Agra: top places, hotels, map, images and video is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Rishikesh, often referred to as the Gateway to the Himalayas, is one of the most charming hill stations within the state of Uttarakhand in the Northern part of India.  It is perfectly situated at the foothill of the world’s largest mountain range, proudly sitting on the bank of the holly Ganges River.  For many Indians, it is one of the most important pilgrimage sight in the region, with a variety of religious temples, as well as being the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra Sacred Journey.  As for the international travellers, it has become a sought after destination, ever since it was visited by the Beatles some decades ago.  Rishikesh is also considered the World’s Capital of Yoga with plenty of ashrams, meditation and fitness centres to be found.  This lovely hill station is the perfect place to be discovered will it be for spiritual reason, for its yoga schools or extreme sports, or just to contemplate its breathtaking mountain and river scenery.

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Map of Rishikesh

View the top sights and best rated hotels on our interactive map of Rishikesh, with an image slideshow and video player.  It includes some of the town’s most sought after sights such as the Lakshman Jhula bridge, the Ram Jhula Bridge, the Trayambakeshwar Temple, the Ghats and the Ganges river.

Launch the Rishikesh interactive map now.

Best hotels in Rishikesh

The following are some of the best hotels in Rishikesh as voted by the users, divided into 5 Stars, 4 Stars, 3 Stars and budget accommodations.  All the hotel mentioned have their location, a short description and booking link offering the cheapest possible rate with up to 75%  off, from our partner site Agoda Rishikesh.

The following are the best rated hotels in Rishikesh:

1. Godwin hotel, 5 Star Hotel
2. Naturoville Luxury Spa Resort, 4 Star Hotel
3. Hotel Ganga Kinare, 3 Star Hotel
4. Hill Top Swiss Cottage, 3 Star Hotel
5. The Riviera Hotel, 3 Star Hotel 
6. Hotel Ganesha Inn, Budget Hotel 

Click here to learn more about the top rated Rishikesh hotels with a short description, location, image and a booking linking with the best available rate guaranteed.

Top sights in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is one of the most popular hill stations within the foothill of the Himalayas.  It is a charming town packed with numerous temples and ashrams, as well as two splendid suspension bridges set across the fast-flowing Ganges.  It is the ideal place for meditation, yoga or spiritual reason.  The following are some of the best attractions in Rishikesh:

1. Lakshman Jhula Bridge
2. Rishikesh Monkeys
3. Ram Jhula Bridge
4. Trayambakeshwar Temple
5. Triveni Ghat
6. Rishikesh views

Lakshman Jhula Bridge

Lakshman Jhula Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of Rishikesh, located on the northernmost past of town.  This iron suspension bridge which crosses the river Ganges, was constructed in 1939 and offers amazing views of the surroundings.

Rishikesh Monkeys

Rishikesh is packed with numerous monkeys cohabiting peacefully with the locals.  One of their favourite spot is the entrance tower of the Lakshman Jhula Bridge, where old and young hangout and observe the street action.

Ram Jhula Bridge

Ram Jhula, crossing the Ganges River, is the second famous pedestrian bridge in Rishikesh.   It is located to the South of the Lakshman Jhula Bridge and was built in the 1980s.

Trayambakeshwar Temple

The Trayambakeshwar is perhaps the most iconic temple in Rishikesh.  It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is set in a beautiful 13 floors high building with its unique orange colour.  It is strategically located on the banks of the river Ganges at the eastern end of the Lakshman Jhula Bridge. 

Triveni Ghat

The Triveni Ghat, located next to the Rishikesh beach and the Lakshman Jhula Bridge is a well known bathing Ghat within the bank of the river Ganges.  It is the perfect place to experience a piece of traditional India during the Maha Aarti ceremony taking place at dusk and attracting many devotees.  It is a very Zen and peaceful experience, with a mix of chants, bathing and traditional music.

Rishikesh views

The views in Rishikesh are one of the most breathtaking in the regions.  With the sacred Ganges flowing at the footstep of the grandiose mountains packed with various temples and ashrams.  It is a unique experience and a must visit destination with exploring the Northern part of India.

Rishikesh images

The following is some of the best photographs of Rishikesh including some of the most sought after attractions such as the Lakshman Jhula bridge, Ram Jhula bridge and Rishikesh monkeys.

Rishikesh video

HD Film created by Mat Siems about Rishikesh most sought after sights including the Lakshman Jhula Bridge, the Ram Jhula Bridge, the Trayambakeshwar Temple, Hindu temples and the Ghats next to the Ganges River.

Best of Rishikesh: top places, map, images and video is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Delhi is India’s political and administrative capital as well as one of the most important cities in the country.  It has some of the most expensive areas to live, and has recently surpassed Mumbai as the most sought after city to live in India.  It has a long history, with the first archaeological evidence dating back to 300BC, and had since been conquered and ruled by numerous empires and kings.  The city was at the heart of India’s independence, when in 1947 Jawaharlal Nehru became the first prime minister.  Today, Delhi has become a big metropolis, hosting the 2010 Commonwealth games and as well as recently opening a wide and efficient metro network. 

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Map of Delhi

View the top sights and best rated hotels on our interactive map of Delhi, with an image slideshow and video player.  It includes some of the city’s most sought after sights such as the Connaught Place, Old Delhi, the Rajpath, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, the India Gate, Lodi Garden, Qutab Minar and Purana Quila.

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Best hotels in Delhi

Delhi has some of India’s most luxurious world class hotels, with no less than 4 out of the 14 Indian hotels appearing on the top 100 list, including the Taj Mahal, Taj Palace, the Imperial and the Oberoi.  

The following are the best rated 5 stars hotels in the central part of Delhi:

1. Taj Mahal New Delhi, 5 Stars Hotel
2. Taj Palace New Delhi, 5 Stars Hotel
3. The Imperial New Delhi, 5 Stars Hotel
4. The Oberoi New Delhi, 5 Stars Hotel
5. The Oberoi Gurgaon, 5 Stars Hotel
6. Trident Gurgaon, 5 Stars Hotel
7. Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi/Saket, 5 Stars Hotel 
8. Crowne Plaza Gurgaon, 5 Stars Hotel
9. Shangri-La New Delhi, 5 Stars Hotel 
10. Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, 5 Stars Hotel 

Click here to learn more about those Delhi 5 Stars hotels with a short description, location, image and a booking linking with the best available rate guaranteed.

Top sights in Delhi

The following are some of Delhi’s most important sights including Old Delhi and its beautiful Jama Masjid Mosque and the splendid Lal Qila Red Fort, the Rajpath home to the Government, the India Gate and the amazing Lodi Garden, the remarkable Islamic monument of Qutab Minar and the lesser known Purana Quila fort.

Connaught Place

The Connaught Place is often considered the hub of the capital.  It is centrally located around the Connaught Circus and Indira Chowk metro station and to the South of the city’s busiest train station, the New Delhi railway Station.

Rajpath

The Rajpath area, located to the South of the Connaught Place, is considered the political heart of the city.  The district is a good example of urban planning, with its wide avenues and grandiose governmental buildings including the parliament known as Sansad Bhavan and the very impressive Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the president of India.

India Gate

At the eastern end of the Rajpath is where the grandiose India Gate is located, one of the county’s most important landmark.  This national monument was inspired by the Parisian Arc de Triomphe and built to commemorate the numerous soldiers who fought for the Indian Empire.  The sight is often very crowded, packed with school kids and numerous local and international tourists.

Old Delhi

Old Delhi, located to the north of the Connaught Place, was once known as the Mugal capital and famous for its “Stream of Paradise” flowing at its heart.  Today the location of the waters was transformed into one of the area busiest street, known as Chandni Chowk and ending on the Red Fort.  Old Delhi was once a fortified city, and although many of its original 14 gates have disappeared, it still has some remaining including the western Ajmeri Gate.

Jama Masjid Mosque

In the heart of Old Delhi, at the end of the very crowded and busy Chawri Bazar road is the beautiful Jama Masjid Mosque.  It is one of the largest constructions of its kind, with a capacity of up to 85,000 people.  It has numerous entrances, but the southern gate is the main and most popular one, with its large set of stairs.

Lal Qila (Red Fort)

Perhaps the best known landmarks of Old Delhi is Lal Qila commonly referred to as the Red Fort.  This impressive 17th century fort complex, once the residence of the Mugal Emperors has become one of the most visited attractions in the capital.  This designated UNESCO World Heritage Site cover s no less than 121 acres.

Lodi Garden

The Lodi Garden, located south of the Rajpath area is one of the most impressive green spaces in New Delhi.  It is home to a variety of historic remains such as old mosques and small fortress, as well as an abundance of birds and beautiful flowers.  This charming park is an ideal place to find some peace in the crowded city.

Humayun’s tomb

The Humayun’s tomb is another UNESCO world heritage within Delhi and the model for the Taj Mahal. 

Purana Quila

The Purana Quila is Delhi’s lesser known but splendid Old fort surrounded by a lake.  It is located on the eastern side of the city centre, and was founded in the 16th century by Humayun, the second Mugal Emperor.  It is today a popular destination with tourists as well as local families and lovers.

Qutb Minar Complex

South of the city centre and easily accessible via the metro network, is the Qutab Minar complex, a fabulous piece of Islamic architecture. With its 379 stairs and 72.5 meters (237.8 ft) height, it is considered the tallest minaret in India and is today inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pahar Ganj

Pahar Ganj is the very vibrant area on the western side of the New Delhi Railway station.  At its heart, is the busy Arakashan commercial road, packed with various hotels, huge neon lights and plenty of street action, especially in the evening. 

Images of Delhi

The following is a selection of some of Delhi’s best photographs including some of the city’s most important sites.

Videos of Delhi

HD film about Delhi’s most important areas such as Old Delhi, the Connaught Place and the Rajpath, as well as the city’s most sought after sites including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, the India Gate, Lodi Garden, Qutab Minar and Purana Quila.

Best of Delhi: top places, map, images and video is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Kerala, known as God’s Own Country, is often considered one of India’s most beautiful states.  It is situated on the south western tip of the country, on the beautiful Malabar Coast between the Arabian Sea and the larger states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.  It has become a sought after tourist destination, blessed with an amazing natural beauty including lovely Southern beaches, lush tropical forest and superb mountains, as well as its unique backwaters and houseboat experience.  It has also become an increasingly popular destination for health and fitness enthusiast with its numerous yoga and Ayurvedic treatments.  It is no wonder that Kerala is often cited as one of the world’s best destinations, including as being on the top list of the National Geographic Traveller magazine "ten paradises of the world” and "One of the 100 great trips for the 21st century".  The tropical paradise of Kerala is definitely worth discovering to enjoy all it has to offer from natural beauty to eco-tourism and health treatments.

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Map of Kerala

View the top sights, natural wonders, cities and hotels on our Kerala interactive map with images and videos.

Launch the Kerala online guide now.

Best hotels in Kerala

Kerala has some of the country best hotels and resorts, from budget accommodations to luxury 5 stars establishment right on the beach. Indeed, with its golden sandy beaches, splendid backwaters and mountainous hill stations, the state has plenty of remarkable destinations to be discovered.  The following are some of the best establishments in Kerala as voted by the users, divided into 5 Stars, 4 Stars, 3 Stars and budget accommodations. 

Click here to learn more about those hotels including a short description, address and booking linking following.

Top North Kerala hotels

1. Vivanta By Taj – Bekal Hotel, 5 Stars Hotel
2. Kanan Beach Resort, 4 Stars Hotel

Top Kochi hotels

1. Soma Birds Lagoon Resort, 2 Stars Hotel
2. Hotel Arches, 3 Stars Hotel
3. Holiday Inn Cochin, 4 Stars Hotel
4. Dream Hotel, 5 Stars Hotel
5. Goodkarma Inn, 1 Stars Hotel
6. Elite Palazzo, 4 Stars Hotel
7. Poovath Heritage Home Hotel, 3 Stars Hotel
8. Kadalkkara Lake Resort, 4 Stars Hotel
9. Vivanta by Taj – Malabar, 5 Stars Hotel
10. Tissa’s Inn, 2 Stars Hotel
11. Wyte Fort Hotel, 3 Stars Hotel 
12. Vedanta, 2 Stars Hotel
13. The Avenue Regent Hotel, 4 Stars Hotel 
14. Lotus 8, 3 Stars Hotel
15. The Mercy Luxury Business Hotel, 4 Stars Hotel 

Top Thekkady hotels

1. Paradisa Plantation Retreat, 4 Stars Hotel    

Top Alleppey hotels

1. Krishnendu Ayurveda Wellness Centre, 3 Stars Hotel
2. Coir Village Lake Resort, 4 Stars Hotel 

Top Trivandrum hotels

1. Keys Hotels Trivandrum, 4 Stars Hotel 
2. Classic Avenue Hotel, 4 Stars Hotel 

Top Kovalam hotels

1. Fragrant Nature Retreat & Resorts, 4 Stars Hotel 
2. Abad Harmonia Ayurveda Beach Resort, 3 Stars Hotel
3. The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, 5 Stars Hotel 
4. Turtle on the Beach Hotel, 4 Stars Hotel 

Best of Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi, once an important trading-post, has become a sought after destination in the heart of Kerala.  It is indeed packed with various cultural and historic sites including plenty of buildings and remains influenced by Portuguese, Chinese, Jewish, Syrian, Christians and Muslim merchants, visitors, traders and settlers.

Ernakulum boat ferry

The easiest way to get to the Fort Kochi peninsula is by taking the boat ferry from the much busier commercial Ernakulum, packed with hustling merchants and a vibrant street life. 

Chinese Nets

The northern tip of Kochi is home to the famous Chinese Nets, perhaps the city’s most iconic landmark. Those large wooden constructions, which require several fishermen to operate, are still in use today, but mostly for touristic purposes, as modern fishing technique has proved more effective.

Jew Town

The eastern side of Fort Kochi is home to the once Jewish neighbourhood known as Jew Town. At the end of the pedestrian street is located the Paradesi Synagogue, a complex comprised of four buildings and considered the oldest active Synagogue within the Commonwealth.

Dutch Palace

The Dutch Palace, located next to the Jew Town is a popular museum showcasing the history of Fort Kochi.  It is set within a beautiful colonial building and displays a variety of artefacts from magnificent royal clothing to beautifully decorated swords. 

Dutch cemetery

Next to the local Fort Kochi Beach, lies the unique Dutch cemetery with its large standing tombs, reminding us once again of the town’s rich European heritage. 

Kochi museums

Apart from the popular Dutch Palace, Kochi is also home to the Indo Portuguese museum and the Maritime Museum displaying various planes and other military equipments.

Kochi Hockey

Fort Kochi is the proud host of a regional Hockey tournament, surprisingly India’s most popular sport.  The event take place within the town’s Parade Grounds next to the charming St-Francis Church.

Kochi Backwaters

The backwaters, a complex network of criss-crossed canals and lagoons surrounded by coconut trees, is by far one of the most unique attractions in Kerala.  Although they are mostly concentrated around the Alappuzha and Kottayam region, they can also be found in the southern part of the Kochi peninsula.

Kerala images

The following is a selection of some of Kerala s best photographs.  Click here to view the complete Kerala image gallery.

Click here to discover more beautiful images of India.

Kerala videos

The following is a selection of some of Goa’s best videos including about the unique Fort Kochi and the splendid Kovalam Beach.  Click here to view the complete India videos gallery.

Fort Kochi video

HD Film created by Mat Siems about Central Goa most sought after destinations including the Santa Cruz Church, the Jew Town, the Dutch Palace, the Hockey tournament the Backwaters and the famous Chinese Nets.

Kovalam Beach video

Click here to discover more amazing videos of India.

Best of Kerala: top places, images, map and video is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Goa is by far one of the most visited regions in India, located less than 600km South of the buzzing Mumbai.  It is considered the primary holiday destination in the country, attracting 2.5 million visitors each year including numerous foreign tourists, with its fabulous beaches and green lush vegetation.  As a former Portuguese colony, it is considered one of India’s most charming regions with its rich history, unique architecture and culture.  Indeed having been isolated from the rest of the country for some 450 years, it offers today a truly unique experience with a much more relaxed vibe.

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Map of Goa

Discover the top sights, towns and best hotels on the Goa interactive map with images and videos.

Launch the Goa online guide now.

The region of Goa can administratively be divided into two districts including North and South Goa, which can be further divided into 11 sub-districts called talukas. As both of the districts are very similar geographically and share the same history, many believe that the real distinction is between the central coastal areas where most of the resorts and beaches area located, and the other inland regions.

Top hotels in Goa

Goa has some of the country best hotels and resorts, from budget accommodations to luxury 5 stars establishment right on the beach.  The following are some of the best hotels in Goa as voted by the users, divided into 5 Stars, 4 Stars, 3 Stars and budget accommodations.  To learn more about those hotels a short description, address and booking linking following.

Goa top 5 Stars hotels

1. Vivanta by Taj Panaji, 5 Stars hotel
2. Taj Exotica Goa, 5 Stars hotel 
3. Vivanta by Taj – Fort Aguada, 5 Stars hotel 
4. Vainguinim Valley Resort , 5 Stars hotel
5. Alila Diwa, 5 Stars hotel 

Goa top 4 Stars hotels

1. The Crown Goa, 4 Stars hotel
2. Citrus Goa, 4 Stars hotel 
3. The Village Square, 4 Stars hotel
4. Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort, 4 Stars hotel
5. Coconut Grove, 4 Stars hotel

Goa top 3 Stars hotels

1. A’s Holiday Beach Resort, 3 Stars hotel 
2. Casa Britona, 3 Stars hotel
3. Fahrenheit Hotels and Resorts, 3 Stars hotel 
4. Casa Severina Hotel, 3 Stars hotel 
5. Soul Vacation Resort, 3 Stars hotel 

Goa top budget hotels

1. Alor Holiday Resort, budget hotel
2. Hotel Viva Goa International, budget hotel 
3. Martin’s Comfort Hotel, budget hotel 
4. Cochichos Resort, budget hotel 
5. Little Italy Resort, budget hotel 

Best of North Goa

The Northern part of Goa is famous for its historical remains such as the Chapora and Aguada Forts, as well as numerous coastal resort destinations such as Anjuna, Calangute and Candolim.

Anjuna          

The charming coastal town of Anjuna, located in the Bardez taluka is best known for its flea market located on top of cliffs, offering a variety of souvenirs and colourful clothing, and with spectacular views over the sea and the surrounding areas.  Passed the shops and restaurants, is the very long Anjuna Beach, where a variety of holiday makers share the white sand with Indian’s sacred cows.

Chapora Fort

The splendid Chapora Fort is a large and strategically located hilltop fort with spectacular views over the Chapora River and the surrounding unspoilt beaches of Northern Goa. 

Vagator Beach

Those Portuguese remains proudly sit next to the amazing Vagator beach, an unspoilt coastal destination, an ideal place to get away from the crowds. 

Baga and Calangute

Baga is best known as the primary resort holiday hub in Goa sharing the coast with the southern Calangute beach.  It is considered one of the busiest and most popular holiday destinations with both local and international visitors. 

Aguada Fort

The southernmost tip of North Goa is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and a variety of historic sites.  Indeed it is home to the spectacular Fort Aguada, one of Goa’s best-preserved seventeenth-century Portuguese fort and lighthouse. 

Sinquerim beach

Finally on the western Arabian Sea side is where the charming Sinquerim Beach is located.  This peaceful beach is home to some amazing historic ramparts and offers a variety of luxury hotels such as the amazing Fort Aguada Beach Resort.

Candolim beach

The superb Candolim resort village and beach is perfectly located between Calangute and the Aguada southern tip.  This once quiet fishing village of the North Goa’s Bardez taluka has became a crowded and busy tourist destination.

Best of Central Goa

Central Goa is where the current capital Panaji is located, as well as the charming Old Goa, once the colonial Portuguese headquarters.  The region is a major tourist hub, especially around Miramar beach and Dona Paula, famous for being the backdrop of various Bollywood movies.

Panaji

Panaji is Goa’s capital and one of the state biggest and most important cities.  It is located on the bank of the Mandovi River with its numerous Casino boats.  At its heart lies the Panaji Latin Quarter, home to the Municipal Garden, various restaurants, shops and the city’s most important landmark the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Dona Paula

Dona Paula, once a small fishing village, has become a popular tourist destination within the central part of Goa.  It is best known for being home to the Dona Paula viewpoint offering spectacular views of the bay with its colourful boats, unspoilt beach surrounded by palm trees. 

Old Goa

Old Goa, once the Portuguese capital city is located on the bank of the Mandovi River. The small town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site is packed with a variety of sixteenth century churches, convents and historic monuments.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is one of the most popular destinations in with Panaji locals, especially in the evening where a variety of young kids and older colourfully dressed ladies come to enjoy the beautiful sunset. 

Best of South Goa

The southern part of Goa is best known as the primary transport hub of the region, home to the Madgao Junction railway station as well as some of Goa’s most sought after beaches including Agonda and Palolem.

Agonda

Agonda is considered one of South Goa most peaceful destinations and the perfect place to get away from it all.  It has a unique laidback atmosphere, with plenty of travellers coming to meditate, practice yoga or martial arts on the beach.  

Cabo de Rama

Cabo de Rama is an ancient fortress built before the arrival of the Portuguese and considered one of Goa’s oldest forts.   With its very steep cliff drops, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the region including the Canacona stretch and the Colva beach.

Palolem

The charming village of Palolem is located a few kilometres from the Chaudi market town and the Canacona bus and railway station.  This coastal destination is famous for its breathtaking natural bay, colourful fishing boats, and a variety of water sports.

Patnem Beach

Only a few kilometres south of Palolem is the idyllic Patnem Beach, a much peaceful and quieter version of its neighbour.  It has a limited number of beach huts and restaurants, and shares its coastline with the private Galjibag beach home to a luxurious 5 Stars resort.

Margao

Margao is one of the most important cities in Goa and the main tourist hub for South Goa’s idyllic coastline.  It is the administrative capital of the Salcete taluka and the commercial capital of the Indian state.

Goa images

The following is a selection of some of Goa’s best photographs.  Click here to view the complete Goa image gallery.

Goa videos

The following is a selection of some of Goa’s best videos including one of about the Northern, Central and Southern region.  You may click here to view the complete India video gallery. 

North Goa video

HD Film created by Mat Siems about North Goa most sought after destination including the idyllic beaches of Calangute, Anjuna, Vagator and Candolim as well as the breathtaking Portuguese forts of Aguada and Chapora.

Central Goa video

HD Film created by Mat Siems about Central Goa most sought after destinations including the current capital city of Panaji, the charming Old Goa and the beaches of Dona Paula and Miramar.

South Goa video

HD Film created by Mat Siems about Central Goa most sought after destinations including the remarkable beaches of Agonda, Palolem and Patnem, as well as exceptional historic sites such as the Cabo de Rama fortress.

Click here to discover more amazing videos of India.

Best of Goa: top places, images, map and video is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Mumbai often referred through its former name Bombay is one of India’s most important cities.  Indeed it is the country’s financial and commercial capital as well as a major artistic centre, home the world’s biggest film industry, commonly known as Bollywood.  It is where some of India’s most powerful and richest entrepreneur implements their vision, right next to the country’s poorest in some of the planet biggest slums, where about half of the city population live.  Mumbai, as a city of contrasts is definitely an understatement, with old and new, rich and poor, colonial heritage and Indian influence, skyscrapers and slums, constantly touching and overlapping each other. This mix of chaotic traffic, ancient bazaars, variety of religions and a melange of cultures, makes the city truly unique and definitely worth discovering.  It is perhaps not for everyone, but for those looking for adventure it will be a life changing experience, once one will feel the unconventional pulse of the city, and start truly appreciate everything it has to offer.

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Map of Mumbai

View the top sights and best rated hotels on our interactive map of Mumbai with a slideshow, full screen images and HD video.

Launch the Mumbai interactive map now.

Top 10 sights in Mumbai

As one of India’s primary business and tourist hub, Mumbai has an abundance of attractions most located around the central area of South Mumbai.  The top 10 sights in Mumbai include:

1. CST Station
2. Kala Ghoda
3. Town Hall
4. Gateway of India
5. Colaba Causeway
6. Chowpatty beach
7. Malabar hill
8. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
9. Haji Ali
10. Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

CST Station

The Victoria Station, officially known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or simply the CST station, centrally located in the heart of South Mumbai is one of the most impressive remains of the British colonial heritage.  It was completed in 1888, designed by Frederick William and richly decorated with domes and arches in the Victorian Gothic tradition to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.  It is today, one of India’s most busy train station, as well as the headquarter of the Central Railway, with no less than 2 million passengers and over a thousand trains every day.

Kala Ghoda

Kala Ghoda, located in South Mumbai’s Fort  area, is often considered the city’s cultural epicentre, due to numerous museums and art galleries being based there.  Indeed the district is home to the acclaimed Jehangir Art Gallery, the Prince of Wales Museum and the National Gallery, as well as numerous historic buildings such as the High Court, the Army and Navy building and the Rajabi Clock Tower.   The Kala Ghoda name can be translated to Black Horse in reference to a statue once located at its heart.

Town Hall

 The Town Hall located in the Kala Ghoda district and set in a remarkable building was first establish in 1804, the year the Literary Society of Bombay was formed.  It is today classified as one of Mumbai’s heritage sights and famous for housing the Asiatic Society of Bombay, which helps promote useful knowledge about India.

Gateway of India

The Gateway of India, the grandiose Triumphal Arch with its honey coloured basalt is Mumbai’s most iconic landmark.  It  was built in 1911to commemorate the visit of Queen Mary, and later served as the welcoming sight for European boats during the British Raj.  It is today one of the most important tourist destinations proudly sitting within Colaba’s waterfront, next to beautiful Tower Hotel and Taj Palace.  The structure offers two imposing reception halls, as well as great view of the Sea.  It has a lively atmosphere, day and night, often packed with various street vendors offering numerous products such as Indian tea and balloons.

Colaba Causeway

The Colaba Causeway, officially the Shahid Bhagat Singh Road is perhaps Mumbai’s most famous commercial street packed with a variety of boutiques, cafes and restaurants.  It goes from the southern Colaba to the Wellington Fountain in between the Fort area and Nariman Point.

Chowpatty beach

Chowpatty beach located within the Girgaun area at the North Western tip of the Marine Drive is Mumbai’s most popular beach overlooking the Arabian Sea.  It get especially crowded during the evening, when many locals come to sit down in the sand and relax.  As for the Marine Drive, known as the Queen’s Necklace it is a famous arc-shaped coastal road going from Nariman Point in the East to Marine Drive to the West, passing by Churchgate, Marine Lines and Charni Road.

Malabar hill

Malabar hill  is southern Mumbai highest point at a height of 50 metres.  It is famous for being home to the Walkeshwar Temple, the Tower of Silence and the Hanging Gardens.  It is considered a very upmarket residential area of the central part of the city.

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum

The Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is one of Mumbai’s most sought after cultural desination, paying homage to one of India’s most celebrated figure.  Located on Laburnum Road within the Gamdevi district, not far from Chowpatty beach, the multi stories mansion offers a variety of photo and painting galleries, a library and even the actual room where the Mahatma lived. The house once served as the epicentre of Gandhi’s political activities.

Haji Ali

Haji Ali is a beautiful mosque and tomb,  uniquely located on a small island in the middle of the Arabian Sea, within Mumbai’s western coast and accessible through a 500 yard long walkway during the low tide.  It was  establish by a Haji Ali in 1431, a Muslim merchant known to have given up all his wealth, shortly after pilgrimage to Mecca.

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

The Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, a very large open air laundry is one of Mumbai’s most unique sight.  It is where thousands of dhobis or washermen, literally do Mumbai’s dirty laundry, hand-washing hundreds of items a day in a concrete cubicle for a 100 rupees.  Interestingly the craft is handed from generation to generation, and require immense physical strength.  The laundry is located next to the Mahalaxmi railway station, not far from the Haji Ali mosque.

Best hotels in Mumbai

As one of India’s most important finance and business center, as well as the gateway to the southern tropical resorts of Goa and Kerala, Mumbai has an abundance of accommodations available, from its prestigious landmark-like Taj Mahal Palace or Oberoi, to smaller and more affordable hotels.  One must keep in mind, that due to its strategic location, Mumbai has some of the most expansive accommodations compared to the rest of the country, but then again it is a small price to pay to be at the heart of one of the world’s most unique and vibrant cities.

Top 5 Stars hotels in Mumbai

The following are the best rated 5 stars hotels in the central part of Mumbai, especially around the Colaba region.

1. The Taj Mahal Palace , 5 Stars hotel
2. The Oberoi Mumbai, 5 Stars hotel
3. Trident Nariman Point Mumbai, 5 Stars hotel
4. Vivanta by Taj – President, 5 Stars hotel
5. Marine Plaza, 5 Stars hotel

Top 3 Stars and budget hotels in Mumbai

Other great value for money hotels in Mumbai includes the 3 Stars Grand Hotel and the budget Travellers Inn accommodation, both conveniently located near the Victoria Station in the heart of the city center.

Mumbai images

The following is a selection of some of Mumbai’s best photographs.  It includes some of the city’s most important sites such as the Gateway of India, Colaba Causeway, Khala Ghoda, Chowpatty beach, Haji Ali and the Crawford Market.

Mumbai video

The following is an HD Film about the best of Mumbai edited from the footage taken during our two days visit.  It includes some of the city’s most important sites such as the Gateway of India, Colaba Causeway, Khala Ghoda, Chowpatty beach, Haji Ali and the Crawford Market.

Learn more about Mumbai, the top attractions, the best places to stay or view the Mumbai interactive map.

Best of Mumbai: top places, images, map and video is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Launch the Spain Portugal Road trip application now.

Check out the latest hotel deals in Spain or Portugal, best prices guaranteed.

Spain Portugal Road Trip Interactive Map is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Check out the latest hotel deals in Spain or Portugal, best prices guaranteed.

Spain Portugal Road Trip Film is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

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Madrid: Old Madrid and Malasaña

Our first destination was the beautiful city of Madrid, the Spanish capital blessed with a great historic and artistic heritage.  It is home to some of the best known art galleries such as the El Prado and Reina Sofia museums in the Malasaña district and a variety of walking squares such as the famous Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol within Old Madrid.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Madrid, view our Madrid HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Extremadura: Caceres

After a few days in the capital we moved West to the autonomous region of Extremadura, where the charming medieval town of Caceres is located, some 300 kilometres South West of Madrid.  This lovely destination is a UNESCO World Heritage City, mostly famous for is unique old town with a mix of Moors and Christians influence.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Caceres, view our Caceres HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Alentejo: Elvas and Evora

After leaving the  Spanish Extremadura  region, we crossed over to Portugal, starting by the southern region of Alentejo where a variety of beautiful towns are located, filled with thousand years of history.  Some of the key places we visited include the strategic border town of Elvas and the remarkable historic city of Évora.

Elvas

Our first destination was Elvas, an impressive fortified city just a few kilometres west of the Spanish border and surrounded by a variety of plantations of olives and quality plums.  It is built on a hill offering spectacular views of the surrounding villages from within the castle and its old town.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Elvas, view our Elvas HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Évora

Our second destination within the lovely region of Alentejo was the historic city of Évora, famous for its numerous cultural sites such as the Roman Temple and the medieval cathedral.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Évora, view our Évora HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Lisbon: Alfama, Baixa, Belem and Sintra

Lisbon and its surrounding region was our next major destination on our Iberian peninsula road trip.  The lovely Portuguese capital is a cosmopolitan and creative city, a perfect blend of traditional and cutting edge, with a vibrant and laidback atmosphere, from the historical center of Alfama, to the Eastern district of Belem passing by the Baixa area in the heart of town.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Lisbon, view our Lisbon HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Sintra and Castle of the Moors

Less than 30 kilometres west of the capital is the unique Castle of the Moors sitting within  the Sintra Mountains and offering spectactular views over the charming town of Sintra.

Learn more about the Castle of the Moors in Sintra by viewing our Sintra HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Southern Portugal Atlantic Coast: Sines

We left the amazing Lisbon to head towards the South of Portugal, alongside the spectacular Atlantic Coast.  One of our many stops was Sines, a charming coastal town best known for being home to the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco De Gama, and today considered one of the biggest sea port in the region.

Learn more about the best attractions in Sines, view our Sines HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

West Algarve: Sagres, Lagos, Ferragudo

We finally reached the Southernmost coastal region of  Portugal, the Algarve, by far the most popular beach resort destination of the country, blessed with warm waters and amazing natural beauty.

Sagres

We started our Algarve discovery from Sagres, one of the Westernmost towns in the region and famous for its breathtaking Sagres Point.

Learn more about the top attractions in Sagres, view our Sagres HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Lagos

We continued our West Algarve trip with the gorgeous resort town of Lagos with its lovely beaches surrounded with large cliffs as well as its charming old town enclosed within its Roman walls. 

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Lagos, view our Lagos HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Ferragudo

Further east we headed to the quiet fishing town of Ferragudo on the Arade River with its spectacular bay surrounded with typical Portuguese houses.

Learn more about the best attractions in Ferragudo, view our Ferragudo HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Caneiros Beach

A few kilometers East of Ferragudo, is one of the Algarve best kept secret, the amazing Caneiros Beach, a small piece of paradise with its beautiful blue water, lovely sand and grandiose sandstone cliffs.

Learn more about the best of Caneiros Beach, view our Caneiros Beach HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

East Algarve East: Faro, Tavira

The Eastern part of the Algarve is home to the region only international airport, within the city of Faro, as well as home to plenty of lovely historic town such as the charming Tavira.

Tavira

One of the Easternmost places of the Algarve is the lovely city of Tavira with its splendid architecture dating back thousands of years as well as its pristine beaches on the idyllic Ilha de Tavira.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Tavira, view our Tavira HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

West Andalucía: Seville, Jerez de la Frontera

After exploring the eastern side of the Algarve, we moved back to Spain starting with Andalucía.  The well known region is the perfect destination to find the typical Spanish experience, from flamenco to Bullfighting passing by charming white washed towns, Picasso galleries and romantic sea ports.  Andalucía is blessed with a rich historical heritage composed of a variety of castles, palaces and cathedrals to be discovered.  Our journey through the Western part of Andalucía started with Seville and continued with Jerez de la Frontera.

Seville

Our first stop was Seville, an amazing city within north western Andalucía,  home to flamenco, a variety of spectacles, art galleries, great tapas bars and nightlife as well as the famous bullfighting venues.  The city is the perfect place to discover Andalucía’s best kept traditions.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Seville, view our Seville HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Jerez de la Frontera

Our second stop was the lesser known Jerez de la Frontera, a town filled with history, dating back to the Moorish times.  Its Casco Antiguo old town is especially worth discovering, where a variety of old churches, palm lined squares and the Alcazaba fortress are located.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Jerez de la Frontera, view our Jerez de la Frontera HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

South Andalucía : Cadiz, Puerto De Santa Maria and Gibraltar

From Western Andalucía we moved to the region’s Southern tip, where we started with Puerto De Santa Maria and finished with the unique British Gibraltar passing by the remarkable Cadiz, known as the oldest inhabited city in Europe.

El Puerto de Santa Maria

El Puerto de Santa Maria is a lovely coastal town located around the mouth of the river Guadalete and sitting on the northern side of the Cadiz Bay.  The town is packed with a variety of cultural and historic sites including its Castle, the Plaza España and the local museum. 

Learn more about the best attractions in El Puerto de Santa Maria, view our El Puerto de Santa Maria HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a walled port city entirely surrounded by water, capital of the Cadiz Province and famous for its long history starting with the Phoenicians some thousands years ago. 

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Cadiz, view our Cadiz HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar often referred to as The Rock is a small British overseas territory located on the southern coast of Spain, bordered with Andalusia and the Mediterranean sea.  The majority of the area is occupied by the Rock of Gibraltar, which is visible from a far distance.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Gibraltar, view our Gibraltar HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

East Andalucía and Murcia: Malaga, Almunecar and Murcia city

We concluded our Andalucian journey with the vibrant city of Malaga followed by the quieter resort town of Almunecar, before crossing the border to the small region of Murcia.

Malaga

Our first destination on the eastern side of Andalucía was Malaga considered the primary tourist hub in Costa del Sol.  Indeed the city, its surrounding resort towns and beautiful beaches attracts millions of people each year.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Malaga, view our Malaga HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Almunecar

With its natural beauty, plenty of historical sites, a lovely old town and easy transport connections, Almunecar was our second destination in East Andalucía.  The city is often considered the capital of the lovely coastal region of Costa Tropical, offering a lovely subtropical climate, ideal for a sun and sea holiday. 

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Almunecar or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed. 

Murcia

Our next place on our Spanish road trip was the city of Murcia, capital and most populated city of one of the smallest region’s in Spain, the  Autonomous Community of Murcia.  The city is rich in history, have a vibrant student’s vibe and is definitely worth discovering. 

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Murcia, view our Murcia HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Valencia: Alicante, Benidorm, Valencia city

The region of Valencia was the next Autonomous Community on our list after Murcia.  It is one of the most touristic part of Spain, blessed with a beautiful coastline and packed with a variety of resorts towns within its famous Costa Blanca and Costa Calida coastal regions.  We started our journey with the Southern city of Alicante, followed by the skyscrapers packed resort town of Benidorm and finished with the region’s capital, Valencia city.

Alicante

Alicante is part of the beautiful Costa Blanca, over 200 kilometres of coastline offering white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and a background of mountainous region parallel to the coast.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Alicante, view our Alicante HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Benidorm

Benidorm is the perfect purpose built resort town, an ideal destinations for a stress free beach holiday.  The city offers all the amenities vacationers could wish for, combined with a safe but exciting atmosphere with an abundance of dinning and nightlife.

Learn more about Benidorm, view our Benidorm HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Valencia city

Being one of the world’s most historical and intriguing cities, packed with a variety of sites to be discovered, it is no wonder Valencia is one of the top touristic cities, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Valencia city, view our Valencia city HD video and map or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Catalonia: Costa Dorada and Barcelona

Cataluña was the last Spanish region we visited.  It is one of the most popular destinations in the country, being home to the unspoiled beaches of the Costa Dorada to the south, the packed resort towns of Costa Brava to the north and the vibrant Barcelona at its heart.  We stared our Catalonia journey, with Hospitalet de l’Infant a fairly unknown but lovely resort town and finished with the very popular Barcelona.

Hospitalet de l’Infant

Hospitalet de l’Infant is a lovely coastal town within the vacation friendly Costa Dorada.  It is located only a few kilometres from Tarragona and some 125 kilometres South of Barcelona.

Learn more about the best attractions in Hospitalet de l’Infant, view our Hospitalet de l’Infant HD video or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

Barcelona

Our final destination of our Spanish Portuguese road trip was the famous Catalonian capital, Barcelona, one of Europe’s more exciting cities. Indeed the city is packed with a variety of exciting attractions, from the continent’s best-preserved Gothic quarter and fascinating Gaudi architecture to its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Learn more about the top 10 attractions in Barcelona, view our Barcelona HD video and map  or check out the latest hotel deals, best prices guaranteed.

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The Castle of the Moors or Castelo dos Mouros set on top of the majestic Sintra Mountains is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the heart of Portugal.  It is located less than 30 kilometres west of the capital, within the charming town of Sintra,  and is a wonderful place to discover when visiting the Lisbon region.  The Castle is considered by many one of the most spectacular medieval remains in the whole of Europe.

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Map of Castle of the Moors

The following is the Castle of the Moors map which include some of its key attractions such as the Chapel of São Pedro de Penaferrim, the inner walls, the castle entrance, the Castle Keep and various of its towers.

About Castle of the Moors

The Castle of the Moors is perfectly located on a hilltop in the civil parish of Santa Maria e São Miguel in the municipality of Sintra.  The castle has a 450 metre perimeter on top of various mountainous cliffs and is surrounded by double walls with a variety of strategically located towers.  It was originally built between the 8th and 9th century by the Moors which occupied the Iberian peninsula, and served to protect its mostly agricultural population.  It was later took by the Christians shortly after the fall of Lisbon, and became a strategic site during the Reconquista.  It is today classified as a Portuguese National Monument, both because of its cultural significance and for its outstanding natural beauty.

About Sintra

Sintra is the town where the Castle of the Moors is located which offers spectacular views over the city from its northern walls, especially from the northern towers and the Castle Keep. The municipality is perfectly located between the Estoril Coastal region and Lisbon, only 28km East from the old city center.  Apart from the surrounding Moors remains, Sintra is home to the magnificent nineteenth-century Pena Palace set within the Historic old town, a UNESCO world Heritage site.

Flights to Sintra

The best way to get to Sintra is through Lisbon’s  airport , the Aeropuerto da Portela.  It is Portugal’s largest international airport serving about 13 million passengers per year.  It is home to various known airlines including Star Alliance TAP Portugal, US Airways, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, Easyjet and KLM, covering an extensive network throughout Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Check out the latest flight deals to Lisbon Airport.

Top hotels in Sintra

Sintra has plenty of excellent value for money accommodations to choose from.  The following are some of the best rated 3, 4 and 5 stars hotels in Sintra as voted by the users.  To view the full list of available hotels and apartments on specific dates, you may visit our partner site Agoda Sintra smarter Hotel Booking.

Tivoli Sintra Hotel

Praça da República, Sintra, Sintra, Portugal 2710-616

All 77 rooms at this 4-star hotel are tailored to satisfy guests’ needs. Each room includes non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, in room safe. For the comfort and convenience of guests, you’ll also find meeting facilities, restaurant, bar/pub on-site. Guests may take advantage of sporting or leisure activities such as sauna, jacuzzi, golf course (on site), kids club at this hotel. Everything the hotel does is centred around the guest’ experience, ensuring comfort and relaxation.

Book a room at Tivoli Sintra Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Quinta De Sao Thiago Hotel

Quinta De Sao Thiago Estrada De Monserrate, Sintra, Sintra, Portugal

There are bathtub, daily newspaper, non smoking rooms in each of the hotel’s well-equipped rooms. This excellent hotel in Sintra also has room service, meeting facilities, shops. The hotel provides superior recreational and leisure facilities including outdoor pool, massage, tennis courts. This charming property has long been a favorite in Sintra for both business and leisure travelers. Book your room now at Quinta De Sao Thiago Hotel via our secure online booking form.

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Quinta Da Vigia Hotel

Rua Da Praia Pequena Nº 20, Sintra, Sintra, Portugal

Every room in the hotel offers guests microwave, hair dryer, shower, television. Other features at the hotel include bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities. Those looking for first-rate sporting and leisure facilities will find outdoor pool, golf course (on site), tennis courts. Guests will find this service-oriented hotel with superb facilities and amenities provides excellent value. Book your room now at Quinta Da Vigia Hotel via our secure online booking form.

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Marbella is famous for being the Costa del Sol’s playground for the rich and known for offering  a variety of high end accommodations, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from.  It is also a great location for golf lovers with some of the best golf courses in Europe.

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Marbella attractions

Marbella’s key attraction is the two lovely beaches, ideal for sunbathing and relaxation or to dive into the excitement of a new water sport.  The wide seafront boulevard is another of the key places of Marbella offering a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from. 

Marbella’s marina known as the Puerto Banus is another remarkable place to enjoy yourself especially in the evening where you may enjoy a drink with friends while glimpsing at the glamorous yachts and sea boats.  This port is also the place where you might come across a celebrity in one of the upbeat nightclubs.

For a bit less glamour and more charm, then the old town of Marbella is the place to be.  It is where you will find numerous small squares, outdoor cafes and boutiques surrounded by palms and orange trees.

With a 320 day average of sunshine and year-round temperature Marbella is the perfect place for a stress free holiday.  From nightclubs to golf, it has everything to spoil you with luxury.

Check out the latest holiday deals or hotels in Marbella, best prices guaranteed.

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Following our article about the Top 10 attractions and hotels of Valencia, one of Spain’s most historical and intriguing destinations, comes the HD video and the Interactive Map Application.  The Valencia Interactive Map Application is a full screen experience which include an interactive map, an interactive content slideshow, an image slider with high quality photographs and a video player section.

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Valencia Interactive Map

Learn about Valencia’s top attractions and hotels with the Valencia Interactive Map Application. 

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Following our article about the Top 10 attractions and hotels of Barcelona, one of Europe’s most exciting destinations, comes the HD video and the Interactive Map Application.  The Barcelona Interactive Map Application is a full screen experience which include an interactive map, an interactive content slideshow, an image slider with high quality photographs and a video player section.

Book a Barcelona holiday now or check out the latest hotel deals in Barcelona, best prices guaranteed.

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Barcelona Interactive Map

Learn about Barcelona’s top attractions and hotels with the Barcelona Interactive Map Application.

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Book a Barcelona holiday now or check out the latest hotel deals in Barcelona, best prices guaranteed.

Barcelona video caption

The following are the caption  of the Barcelona video:

1. Barcelona: an introduction
2. Gothic Quarter
3. La Sagrada Família
4. La Rambla
5. Montjuïc
6. Eixample
7. Park Güell
8. Plaça de España
9. Barcelona Beach
10. Parc de la Ciutadella

Barcelona: an introduction

Barcelona is by far one of Europe’s more exciting cities. Located on the north eastern part of Spain and capital of Catalonia it has a lot to offer its visitors, from its well preserved Gothic quarter and fascinating Gaudi architecture to the beautiful beaches, parks and hills.  The unique city of Barcelona is an absolute must when visiting the Costa Dorada.

Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is considered the most famous area in Barcelona.  It is located in the heart of the old city, surrounded by La Rambla to the West, Plaça de Catalunya to the North, Via Laietana to the East and Barceloneta and the  beautiful beach seafront to the South.  Most of the Quarter dates back to the Medieval times, with its labyrinth of narrow streets closed to regular traffic.  The area is packed with a variety of beautiful sites, including the lovely Plaça Reial next to the Rambla, the Plaça Sant James with its City Hall and presidential palace towards the center, and the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia also known as Barcelona’s Cathedral to the North.

La Sagrada Família

La Sagrada Família is perhaps one of the most  famous work of Antoni Gaudí, set in the heart of the Eixample district.  The construction of this large Roman Catholic church started in 1883 in a unique to the artist mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau style and is still unfinished today.  The Sagrada Família with its remarkable architecture is consider a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting millions of visitors each year.

La Rambla

La Rambla is a one of the most vibrant and busy streets in the heart of Barcelona, popular with both locals and tourists.  This partly pedestrian avenue, is packed with top hotels, great restaurants, terraced cafes and a variety of entertainment.  It is over one kilometre long, going from Plaça de Catalunya towards the North to the Christopher Columbus’s statue and Maremàgnum towards the South, as well as separating the Barri Gòtic to the east and El Raval to the west.

Montjuïc

Montjuïc is Barcelona’s best known hill.  It is located to the southwest of the city centre offering spectacular views over the harbour and the old city.  The northern end of the park is home to various museums and galleries including the Fundancio Joan Miró, the Museu Arqueologic and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.

Eixample

The Eixample is one of Barcelona’s most sought after districts.  It is located to the north of the Old Town starting at the Plaça de Catalunya.  It is packed with the city’s most luxurious hotels, great shopping boutiques and trendy restaurants. The Eixample was constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and has become famous as the home of many of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces including the Casa Milà and La Sagrada Família.

Park Güell

Park Güell is considered Barcelona’s most beautiful park, attracting millions of visitors each year.  It is located on the residential district of Gràcia, north of the Eixample, on the El Carmel hill and offers breathtaking views over the whole city.  The park is another masterpiece of the famous Catalan artist Antoni Gaudí, built between 1900 to 1914, and today considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The park’s main highlights include the two remarkable buildings at its entrance as well as the main terrace with its serpent shaped bench.

Plaça de España

Plaça d’Espanya is another of Barcelona’s main squares, packed with various statues and a fountain at its heart.  It was built in 1929 for Barcelona’s International Exhibition.  The Plaça is home to the grandiose bullring which has been converted into a shopping center.  On the southern end of the square lies the 47 m tall Venetian Towers, the entrance to the Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina which leads to the Palau Nacional and the Montjuïc Park.

Barcelona Beach

Barcelona famous Beaches are considered one of the world’s best urban beaches according to National Geographic.  The city is blessed with no less than seven beaches starting at the Port Vell and Barcelonetea to the west and going way pass the Port Olympic on the Eastern Side of the city.  The oldest, the most popular and the closest to the town center include Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta beaches, both more than a kilometre wide.  As for the other beaches, they are a bit smaller, usually less crowded and built for the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Parc de la Ciutadella

The Parc de la Ciutadella is a beautiful park located on the Eastern side of the Old City, next to the remarkable  Estació de França.  It is one of the biggest green area in the city center with no less than 70 acres, making it a perfect place to relax away from the city buzz.  It is home to the Barcelona Zoo, the Parliament of Catalonia, a lake, various museums, as well as a spectacular fountain designed by Josep Fontserè.

Flights to Barcelona

The best way to get to Barcelona is through the Barcelona international airport which is located some 20km west of the city centre.  The airport is served by over 100 airlines including many low cost brands and offers direct flights to some 170 cities.

Check out the latest flight deals to Barcelona.

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Following our article about the Top 10 attractions and hotels of Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most visited destinations, comes the HD video and the Interactive Map Application.  The Amsterdam Interactive Map Application is a full screen experience which include an interactive Google map, an interactive content slideshow, an image slider with high quality photographs and a video player section.

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Amsterdam Interactive Map

Learn about Amsterdam’s top attractions and hotels with the Amsterdam Interactive Map Application. 

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Amsterdam HD Video caption

The following is the Amsterdam video caption :

1. Amsterdam: city of Bikes
2. Amsterdam: city of Canals
3. Amsterdam: city of Boats
4. Amsterdam: city of Museums
5. Amsterdam: city of Coffeeshops
6. Amsterdam: city of the Red Light district
7. Amsterdam: city of Finance
8. Amsterdam: Capital city
9. Amsterdam: Historic city
10. Amsterdam: Top touristic destination

Amsterdam: the city of Bikes

Amsterdam is the city of Bikes.  Indeed it is considered the Bicycling Capital of Europe with no less than 600,000 bikes for a population of 750, 000 people.  As it is not a city meant for cars, with plenty of canals and narrow streets, the best option to explore its numerous sites is by foot or by bike.  Those  famous Amsterdam  Bicycles come in a variety of colors and shapes, and are used by almost everyone from young to old, local and tourist.

Amsterdam: the city of Canals

Amsterdam is the city of Canals.  It is often called the Venice of the North, with its important Canal Ring, with hundreds of kilometers of canals and no less than 1, 500 bridges.  Those famous canals  or “Grachtengordel”, where built during the 17th century and had since become a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Amsterdam: the city of Boats

With so many canals, it is no wonder that Amsterdam is also known as the city of Boats.  Indeed the city is packed with a variety of boats of all shapes and size, from grandiose yachts next to the port to the smaller romantic dinner boats on the canals, one of the most authentic Amsterdam experience.   The city is also home to the Houseboat Museum which let visitors explore the inside of a real houseboat.

Amsterdam: the city of Museums

Amsterdam is the city of Museums.  Indeed it is considered the cultural and creative centre of the Netherlands.  Many of the city’s most popular museums are located next to the Museumplein square on the Southern end of the canal belt.  Those include the Rijksmuseum, known as the Dutch national museum with its large collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, and the Van Gogh Museum with the world’s largest collection of that artist’s paintings including famous masterpieces such as the Bedroom in Arles and The Potato Eaters.  Amsterdam is also home to the Anne Frank’s House, a museum dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist, located on the Western side of the city center on the Prinsengracht canal. 

Amsterdam: the city of Coffee Shops

Amsterdam is the city of Coffeeshops.  Indeed those Coffeeshops have become a well known city attraction with hundreds of those establishments set across the city, especially around the Old town. Each of those cafes have their own vibe and is a perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Amsterdam: the city of the Red Light district

Amsterdam is the city of the Red Light district, one of the city’s best known tourist destination.   Indeed the De Wallen area located on the eastern side of the old city is where most of the red light illuminated windows are located, with girls offering their services.

Amsterdam: the city of Finance

Amsterdam is the city of Finance.  Indeed it is the Financial centre of the Netherlands as well as one of the most important one in Europe.  It has many multinational companies headquartered in the city, as well as being home to the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, known as the oldest stock exchange in the world. 

Amsterdam: capital city

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands.  It is the country’s biggest city located within the province of North Holland.  Amsterdam is packed with some great attractions, from its central Dam square to its amazing museums passing by its charming Canal Ring.

Amsterdam: Historic city

Amsterdam is a Historic city.  Indeed the history of Amsterdam goes back to the 12th century when fishermen settled next to the Amstel river.  The city came to prominence during the 17th-century, known as the Dutch Golden Age, when it became one of the biggest international ports.  It was also during those great commercial years that Amsterdam built its famous canals and became the leading center for finance and diamonds.

Amsterdam: Top touristic destination

Amsterdam is considered one of the best and most popular destinations in Europe.  It has so much to offer its visitors,  from a wonderful architecture to a unique system of canals, passing by world class entertainment.  The city is also known for being a really welcoming place, with most of its residents speaking good English and  being very friendly.

For an exciting holiday break, packed with  culture, history and great places to shop, party or chillout, Amsterdam is the perfect destination.

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Barcelona is by far one of Europe’s more exciting cities. Located on the north eastern part of Spain and capital of Catalonia it has a lot to offer its visitors, from the continent’s best-preserved Gothic quarters and fascinating Gaudi architecture to the beautiful beaches served by multiple underground stations.  Barcelona is Spain’s most cosmopolitan city offering a variety of world cuisine including succulent Catalan dishes.  The nightlife and music scene is also one of the most vibrant and their football team is known and supported around the world.  In short, Barcelona is perhaps the most equipped of all European cities will it be for arts, culture, sport or lifestyle.  The unique city of Barcelona is an absolute must when visiting the Costa Dorada.

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Top 10 Barcelona attractions

Barcelona is a truly unique place in Spain.  It is famous for its outstanding architecture, mostly known for Gaudi’s breathtaking masterpieces such as the iconic Sagrada Família cathedral, as well as for its vibrant café culture and nightlife on and around the Ramblas.  The top 10 Barcelona attractions include:

1. La Sagrada Família
2. La Rambla
3. Montjuïc
4. Eixample
5. Barcelona’s Museu Picasso
6. Park Güell
7. Plaça de Catalunya
8. Museu Nacional d’art de Catalunya
9. Plaça de España
10. Barcelona Beach

La Sagrada Família

La Sagrada Família is perhaps one of the famous work of Antoni Gaudí, set in the heart of the Eixample district.  The construction of this large Roman Catholic church started in 1883 in a unique to the artist mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau style and is still unfinished today.  The Sagrada Família with its remarkable architecture is consider a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting millions of visitors each years.

La Rambla

La Rambla is a one of the most vibrant and busy streets in the heart of Barcelona, popular with both locals and tourists.  This partly pedestrian avenue, is packed with top hotels, great restaurants, terraced cafes and a variety of entertainments.  It is over one kilometre long, going from Plaça de Catalunya towards the North to Christopher Columbus’s monument and Maremàgnum towards the South, as well as separating the Barri Gòtic to the east and El Raval to the west. La Rambla can be really crowded, especially during the peak summer season as it has become one of Barcelona’s key landmarks.

Montjuïc

Montjuïc is Barcelona’s best known hill.  It is located to the southwest of the city centre offering spectacular views over the harbour and the city center.  There are various sites that can be found on the Montjuïc hill including several fortifications such as the Castell de Montjuïc at its highest point and the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium towards the western side.  The northern end of the park is also home to various museums and galleries including the Fundancio Joan Miró, the Museu Arqueologic and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.

Eixample

The Eixample is one of Barcelona’s most south after districts.  It is located to the north of the Old Town starting at the Plaça de Catalunya.  It is packed to the city’s most luxurious hotels, great shopping boutiques and trendy restaurants, especially around the Passeig de Gracia, the neighbourhood’s main avenue with its lovely street lamps designed by Pere Falques.  The Eixample was constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and has become famous as the home of many of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces including the Casa Milà and La Sagrada Família.

Barcelona’s Museu Picasso

The Museu Picasso is home to the largest collections of artworks by Spain’s most renowned artist.  Located within the medieval palaces in the heart of Ciutat Vella, it has become one of Barcelona’s most famous and most visited museums. It first opened in 1963, with most of the original collection donated by Picasso’s lifelong friend, Jaume Sabartés, with some 574 of the artist works.  Today there are more 3,500 items to be seen as part of the permanent collection, many showing Picasso’s relationship with the city of Barcelona.

Park Güell

Park Güell is considered Barcelona’s most beautiful park, attracting millions of visitors each year.  It is located on the residentially district of Gràcia, north of the Eixample, on the El Carmel hill and offers breathtaking views over the whole city of Barcelona.  The park is another masterpiece of the famous Catalan artist Antoni Gaudí, built between 1900 to 1914, and today considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The park’s main highlights include the two remarkable buildings at the entrance of the park as well as the main terrace and its serpent shaped bench.

Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya  is Barcelona’s largest and most famous Square.  Perfectly Located between the vibrant Barri Gòtic district and its famous Rambla to the South and the classy Eixample towards the North.  It is filled with some amazing fountains and statues at its heart, and surrounded by grandiose hotels and shopping centres.  It has become one of the meeting place with locals, as well as the departure spot for the Barcelona Airport shuttle.

Museu Nacional d’art de Catalunya

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya also often known as MNAC is one of Catalonia best known museum of visual art .  It is situated at the southern end of the grandiose Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina within the Northern side of the beautiful Montjuïc hill, offering great views over the Plaça de España and the remaining of Sants-Montjuc district.  The museum is set within the lovely Palau Nacional since 1990 and offers a variety of art collections including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque style, as well as a coinage, medals and Photography Department.

Plaça de España

Plaça d’Espanya is another of Barcelona’s main squares.  It is located at the junctions of some of the city’s best know roads including Avinguda del Parallel and Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. The square offers numerous statues and a fountain at its hearts, built in 1929 for Barcelona’s International Exhibition.  The Plaça is home to the grandiose bullring which has been converted into a shopping center.  On the southern end of the square lies the 47 m tall Venetian Towers, the entrance to the Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina which leads to the Palau Nacional and the Montjuïc Park.

Barcelona Beach

Barcelona wouldn’t be the same without its famous Beaches.  Indeed they are considered on the world’s best urban beaches according to National Geographic.  The city is blessed with not less than seven beaches starting at the Port Vell and Barcelonetea on the west side and going way pass the Port Olympic on the Eastern Side of the city.  The oldest, the most popular and the closest to the town center include Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta beaches, both more than a kilometre wide.  As for the other beaches, including Nova Icària, Bogatell, Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella and Llevant, they are a bit smaller, usually less crowded and opened since the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Flights to Barcelona

The best way to get to Barcelona is through the Barcelona international airport which is located some 20km west of the city centre.  The airport is served by over 100 airlines including many low cost brands and offers direct flights to some 170 cities.

Check out the latest flight deals to Barcelona.

An excellent way to visit the top attractions around Barcelona and within Catalonia is to rent a car from the Barcelona airport.

Check out the latest car rental deals in Barcelona airport.

Top 10 Barcelona hotels

The following are some of the best 3, 4 and 5 stars hotels in Barcelona as voted by the users.  To view the full list of available hotels and apartments on specific dates, you may visit our partner site Agoda Barcelona smarter Hotel Booking.

Grand Hotel Central

Via Layetana, 30, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain 08003 – 4 Stars

Grand by both name and nature, this is a new modernist’s heaven hotel and located in one of the best spots in central Barcelona. Designed to appeal to the new wave of young professional tourists, the Grand Hotel Central hides its minimalist yet warm decor behind an original 1920s facade, adding a touch of style and nostalgia to the property. Large rooms are perfectly furnished and aim to provide maximum comfort with modern facilities, including Wi-Fi and designer toiletries. The rooftop pool is the literal crowning glory of the hotel, complete with spacious deck and loungers.

Book a room at the Grand Hotel Central now, best price guaranteed.

Bagues Hotel

La Rambla 105, La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain 8001 – 5 Stars

Located near the city center of Barcelona, Bagues Hotel is convenient for guests who want to explore the city. The art deco hotel style is exquisitely decorated to make your stay a unique and pleasant experience.  Bagues Hotel has a Brasserie where guests can relax and enjoy their meals and also a business center for those who are on business trip. Fitness room, sauna and Jacuzzi are available at the hotel. Nearby the area is Boqueria Market (Mercat de la Boqueria). For an accommodation with prime location, Bagues Hotel is a great choice.

Book a room at the Bagues Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Grupotel Gran Via 678

Avda. Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes , 678, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain 8010 – 4 Stars

Situated on one of Barcelona’s main avenues, this luxury 4-star hotel blends elegant design with modern comfort and convenience. The Grupotel Gran Via 678 Hotel is within easy walking distance of Passeig de Garcia, Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya. There are 98 spacious guest bedrooms, each offering contemporary styling and essential mod cons such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi Internet. The hotel’s dining option which blends Mediterranean cuisine with international cuisine is highly rated, while the bar is an ideal spot for a casual drinks and snacks. Business travelers will find premium business services in the hotel. After a long day of work or exploring, the large outdoor swimming pool provides an ideal way to unwind. Guests seeking that perfect blend of attentive care and modern convenience will find it at the Grupotel Gran Via 678 Hotel.

Book a room at the Grupotel Gran Via 678 now, best price guaranteed.

Jazz Hotel

Pelai 3, La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain 8001 – 3 Stars

This economy class hotel, situated in the city center, is located within walking distance to the Old City. A location 15-kilometers from the airport makes this hotel perfect for international travelers. Guests will enjoy easy access to a massive amount of historical, cultural, and tourist attractions, including the Ramblas, Olympic Village, and La Sagrada Familia Church. The Liceo Theatre, Plaza Real, Guell Park, and the Picasso Museum are also within easy reach. The hotel features 108 modern rooms that are designed with a unique European theme that uses pastel hues and intricate patterns to promote relaxation. The Jazz Hotel is perfect for travelers that want affordable accommodation in the Old City.

Book a room at the Jazz Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Hotel Montecarlo

La Rambla, 124, La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain 08002 – 4 Stars

Guests will find all of the finest amenities in each of the 50 rooms in this popular 4-star hotel. Guests will find internet access – LAN, in room safe, bathrobes waiting in each room. The hotel boasts bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, shops as part of its superior facilities and services. Guests seeking that perfect blend of attentive care and modern convenience will find it at this lovely hotel. Please enter your dates on our secure online booking form to make a reservation at Hotel Montecarlo Barcelona.

Book a room at the Hotel Montecarlo now, best price guaranteed.

Eurostars Grand Marina Gl Hotel

Moll de Barcelona WTC, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain 08039 – 5 Stars

Perfectly located by the sea with the view of Barcelona, the 5-star hotel sits in the World Trade Center building. The elegant yet modern hotel is right across the road from La Rambla and a few minutes away from the Gothic Quarter. Plaza Catalunya and Cruise terminals are also within a short distance. With Drassanes Underground station close by, guest can get around the city and come back to the hotel with no difficulties. With excellent location as well as impeccable service and dining, Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel should definitely be considered when travelling to Barcelona.

Book a room at the Eurostars Grand Marina Gl Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Moderno Hotel

C/ Hospital 11, La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain 8001 – 3 Stars

This recently-refurbished hotel is in the center of the Las Ramblas district of Barcelona. The Moderno Hotel is a value-for-money option, that offers visitors to this magnificent city, the chance to stay right in the heart of the action. Rooms and suites are contemporary and functional, with bright colors, spacious en-suites, and modern amenities. Exploring the delights of Barcelona is easy, a short walk brings visitors to the Gothic Quarter, where the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral is located, and also the Picasso Museum. Further reaches of the city are easily accessed via the Metro, with the nearest stop just two minutes from the hotel. For those who can’t bear to be away from the beach, Barcelona’s beaches are as good as any found on the rest of the coast, and are popular with locals and tourists alike. Ask at the reception for travel directions.

Book a room at the Moderno Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Soho Hotel

Gran Vía, 543-545, Eixample, Barcelona, Spain 08011 – 3 Stars

Soho Hotel combines high technology with high style to create the perfect atmosphere and ultimate comfort. From the moment you enter our crystal entrance hall, you’ll know you are in a unique and innovative hotel. Designed by Alfredo Arribas, our 51 guest rooms feature minimalist fashion blended with state-of-the-art technology. The room décor is a mix of earth tones and neutral colors to radiate a soothing and relaxed aura. All rooms have free Internet access and LCD TVs. A hotel like this naturally has a great location to compliment the outstanding facilities. Soho Hotel is close to the Plaza Catalunya, Paseo de Gracia, Las Ramblas, and the Gothic neighbourhood. If you are looking for an innovative and 21st century hotel in Barcelona, you won’t find anything more advanced, stylish, or comfortable as Soho Hotel

Book a room at the Soho Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

Passeig de Gracia 68, Eixample, Barcelona, Spain 08007 – 5 Stars

This hotel is ideally situated right in the heart of Barcelona amid the designer shops and trendy art galleries of the Passeig de Gracia district. The hotel houses an impressive 303 guest rooms which offer good views of the local area and come with modern amenities and spacious bathrooms. The Majestic Hotel also features a range of leisure activities including a swimming pool, fitness center and the excellent Majestic Spa which offers guests soothing massages and a relaxing sauna. The hotel also serves and excellent buffet style breakfast with delicious fresh coffee and there are plenty of local cafes and bars in the vicinity to sample.

Book a room at the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona now, best price guaranteed.

H10 Montcada Hotel

Via Laietana, 24, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain 08003 – 4 Stars

Centrally located, the hotel provides 89 comfortable guest rooms and is situated in the famous Gothic Quarter. The 4-star hotel is 15 km from the Barcelona International Airport and a short walk from many sightseeing attractions, such as Plaza de Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, Picasso Museum, Gran Theatre del Liceu, and Las Ramblas, which is the famous shopping street. The Cathedral is just behind the hotel. The onsite restaurant features Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel is an excellent choice for travelers seeking modern accommodation that is very close to the attractions in central Barcelona.

Book a room at the H10 Montcada Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

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Top 10 Barcelona is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Amsterdam is considered one of the best destinations in Europe.  It has so much to offer its visitors from a wonderful architecture to a unique system of canals, passing by great entertainment.  It is the capital of the Netherlands, located within the province of North Holland and the country’s biggest city.  It is the Financial centre of the Netherlands as well as one of the most important in Europe, with many multinational headquarters in the city as well as being home to the oldest stock exchange in the world, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.  Amsterdam is also considered the dominant cultural and creative centre of the country packed with various museums and art galleries.  The city has a population of 750k inhabitants, with most of them speaking very good English, being very friendly and welcoming.

The history of Amsterdam goes back to the 12th century when fishermen settled next to the Amstel river.  In fact its name is derived from Amstelredamme, which can be translated to a dam in the river Amstel.  The city came to prominence during the 17th-century, known as the Dutch Golden Age, mainly due to its innovative developments in trade, which quickly made it one of the biggest international ports.  It was also during those great commercial years that Amsterdam built its famous canals and became the leading center for finance and diamonds.

For a cultural and historic visit or a great a place to shop, party or chillout, Amsterdam is the perfect destination for an exciting holiday.

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Top 10 Amsterdam attractions

Amsterdam is packed with some great attractions, from its central Dam square to amazing museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, passing by its charming Canal Ring.  The Top 10 Amsterdam attractions include:

1. Rijksmuseum
2. Van Gogh Museum
3. Anne Frank House
4. Dam Square
5. Canal Ring
6. Stedelijk Museum
7. Hermitage Amsterdam
8. Amsterdam Museum
9. De Wallen District
10. Coffeeshops

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is perhaps the best known museum in the city of Amsterdam.  It is located at the Southern end of the central canal belt, next to the Museumplein square, where many of the city’s art museums are located.   This Dutch national museum is dedicated to arts, crafts, and history, offering a large collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.  Some of its key artist include Jacob van Ruysdael, Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, Jan Steen and Rembrandt.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is another cultural landmark of Amsterdam, offering the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings.  The museum was built in 1962 by the state-initiated Vincent van Gogh Foundation.   The permanent exhibition shows the various phases of Van Gogh’s artistic life including the famous painting of The Potato Eaters, Bedroom in Arles, The Yellow House, Still Life: Vase with Twelve Sunflowers and  nine of the artist’s Self-Portraits.

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is the famous museum dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank.  The museum is set in the actual house where she and her family hid from the Nazi persecution in tiny rooms at the back of the building.  The museum is located on the Western side of the city center on the Prinsengracht canal.  The Achterhuis or the hiding place can be visited as well as an exhibition on the life and times of Anne Frank.

Dam Square

The Dam Square located in the heart of the Old City at the end of the Nieuwmarkt and Damrak street is considered the ultimate centre of Amsterdam.  It is home to some remarkable buildings including the Koninklikj Paleis and the Nieuwe Kerk on the western side, the well known Hotel Krasnapolsky on the eastern side and the famous Madame Tussauds attraction on the Southern Side.

Canal Ring

The Canal Ring is perhaps one of the most authentic Amsterdam attraction.  Those famous canals  or “Grachtengordel”, where built during the 17th century to attract wealthy home owners.  It has became a UNESCO World Heritage site in  2010 and still is considered one of the city’s richest neighbourhood with plenty of Dutch celebrities living there.

Stedelijk Museum

The Stedelijk is a Museum for classic modern and contemporary art.  It is located along other great art buildings on the Museum Square Museumplein next to the Van Gogh Museum.  It sits in a Neo-Renaissance style building with original red brick designed by architect Adriaan Willem Weissman.  It is currently being renovated and expects the grand reopening in 2012, with some thought-provoking contemporary art collections.

Hermitage Amsterdam

The Hermitage Amsterdam is a lovely museum displaying two permanent collections including one about the Netherlands–Russia relations and the other about the history of the building Amstelhof.  It is a dependency of the Russian Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg.  It is located on the eastern side of Amsterdam  central on the Amstel river.

Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum is a museum about the history of Amsterdam located in the heart of the old city.  It opened at its current  location in 1975, taking over a in building built in 1580 and originally served as Amsterdam’s orphanage.  The museum exhibits various items related to the history of Amsterdam, from the Middle Ages all up to the present time.  It displays no less than 70,000 objects kept in various buildings and storage areas, with about a third of those photographed and made available online to the public.

De Wallen District

De Wallen also best known as the Amsterdam’s red-light district has become one of the city’s best known tourist destination.  Located in the eastern side of the old city it is where most of the red lights illuminated windows are, where girls offer their services. The district also offers an abundance of other unique attractions including numerous sex theatres, a sex museum and a cannabis museum.

Coffeeshops

The Coffeeshops has became another well known institution in Amsterdam with hundreds of those establishments set across the city, especially around the Old town. Each of those cafes have their own vibe and is a perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Districts of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is divided into various districts and neighbourhoods, with the most popular around the city center and the canal belts.  Those include:

1. Old Centre
2. Joordan and Western Canals
3. Southern Canal Belt
4. Eastern Canals

Old Centre

The Old Centre is by far the most touristic area of Amsterdam.  It was historically the   mediaeval centre of the city and still offers plenty of beautiful architecture.  The Old Center includes the Central Station to the North, the Wallen District to the East, the Amsterdam Museum to the South  and the Dam Square at its heart.  The streets of  Nieuwmarkt and Damrak are also some of the busiest in the Old Centre packed with various boutiques, shops and restaurants.

Joordan and Western Canals

The Joordan and Western Canals is as its name suggest located to the West of the city center. What was once a more traditional working class area has became a trendy neighbourhood with various hip boutiques, restaurants and art galleries.  It is where the Anna Frank museum and the lovely Westerkek church are located.

Southern Canal Belt

The end of the Southern Canal Belt is where the Museum Quarter is located, home to Amsterdam’s best known museums including the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk and the Rijksmuseum.  The  Museumplein and the Vondelpark nearby is a good place to relax or enjoy a pick nick during the summer time.  As for the western side of the Southern Canal Belt, especially around the Leidseplein Square, it is an excellent place to go out, packed with exciting cafes, restaurants and bars.

Eastern Canals

The Eastern Canals refers to the area east of the city center, and combines the district of Nieuwmarkt and Plantage.  The Nieuwmarkt area is known for its vibrant Nieuwmarkt square packed with terraced cafes towards the north,  and the Rembrandthuis and the Museum of Jewish history towards the South.  As for the Plantage distinct located further east it is considered an extension of the Canal Ring and is home to the Hortus Botanicus, the botanical gardens and the Artis Zoo.

Flights to Amsterdam

The best way to get to Amsterdam is through the Amsterdam Schiphol international airport (IATA: AMS).  It is located some 15 km south-west of the city centre with a 20 minutes train transfer operating couple of times an hour to Amsterdam Central Station.  Schiphol is considered one of the busiest airports in the world, with great connections within Europe as well as North America.  It is served by various airlines including AirFrance, KLM, Delta Air Lines, British Airways as well as low-cost carriers such as Transavia and Easyjet.  The airport is also home to the Rijksmuseum Schiphol branch, worth having a look while waiting for your flight.

Check out the latest flight deals to Amsterdam.

Top 10 Amsterdam hotels

The following are some of the best 3, 4 and 5 stars hotels in Amsterdam as voted by the users.  To view the full list of available hotels and apartments on specific dates, you may visit our partner site Agoda Amsterdam smarter Hotel Booking.

Ambassade Hotel

Herengracht 341, Amsterdam-Centrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands – 4 Stars

To make each guest’s stay comfortable, all rooms feature non smoking rooms, daily newspaper, desk. Also to be found at the hotel are room service, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities. Guests may take advantage of sporting or leisure activities such as spa at this hotel. The hotel blends expert service with state-of-the-art facilities to provide guests with a memorable stay.

Book a room at the Ambassade Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Dylan Hotel

Keizersgracht 384, Amsterdam-Centrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1016 GB – 5 Stars

This is a trendy and chic hotel suitable for business and pleasure and located in the famous Keizersgracht. The 41 guestrooms of the Dylan Hotel are individually decorated and conceptualized. Enjoy French cuisine from the onsite restaurant Vinkeles. Be sure to finish up a swanky dinner with a post-meal drink from Bar Barbou. The hotel’s location on the Keizersgracht provides guests with close proximity to other popular venues such as the many canals that flow through the city. Boat rental is available for cruising along the canal while the bike rental allows guests to join the masses in travelling around the city. An added bonus is that the hotel has a fully equipped fitness center available for the more health conscious guests.

Book a room at the Dylan Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Hampshire Beethoven Hotel

Beethovenstraat 43, Oud Zuid, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1077 HN – 3 Stars

Whether on business or holiday, each of the 52 rooms at this 3-star property are designed help guests relax in comfort and style. Some of the features you’ll enjoy are hair dryer, separate shower and tub, coffee/tea maker, air conditioning. Also to be found at the hotel are room service, safety deposit boxes, shops. The hotel blends expert service with state-of-the-art facilities to provide guests with a memorable stay.

Book a room at the Hampshire Beethoven Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Hotel Estherea

Singel 303-309, Amsterdam-Centrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1012WJ – 4 Stars

All rooms have non smoking rooms, mini bar, desk as well as other amenities. For the comfort and convenience of guests, you’ll also find bar/pub, elevator, meeting facilities on-site. Guests may take advantage of sporting or leisure activities such as gym at this hotel. Comfort and convenience are the hallmarks of Hotel Estherea.

Book a room at the Hotel Estherea now, best price guaranteed.

Best Western Blue Square Hotel

Slotermeerlaan 80, Geuzenveld / Slotermeer, Amsterdam, Netherlands – 3 Stars

Each room includes inhouse movies, air conditioning, hair dryer. Other features at the hotel include bar/pub, elevator, laundry service/dry cleaning. With its commitment to service and focus on hospitality, you’ll enjoy your stay at Best Western Blue Square Hotel.

Book a room at the Best Western Blue Square Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Hilton Amsterdam Hotel

Apollolaan 138, Oud Zuid, Amsterdam, Netherlands – 5 Stars

This hotel has a particular claim to fame as the location of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 bed-in for peace. Guests are within walking distance to the old city, Vondelpark, the famed Van Gogh Museum and the Rijks Museum. Also catering to the business traveller, the hotel is just 15 minutes from the airport and with 21 meeting rooms. It is easy to feel comfortable in the large, bright, and airy rooms with large opening windows to garden, city or river views. Enjoy top-notch Italian dining in the award-winning Roberto’s Restaurant or sit back and relax with a beer or cocktail in the Half Moon Lounge, complete with marina views. Near a great many restaurants and tourist attractions, Hilton Amsterdam maintains the level of luxury and elegance that is expected by the Hilton chain name.

Book a room at the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Best Western Delphi Hotel

Apollolaan 101-105, Oud Zuid, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1077 AN – 4 Stars

Situated in a residential area of the city, guests will enjoy the close proximity to many tourists hotspots and the distance away from the noise. Guests of the Delphi Hotel are treated to televisions, en-suite bathrooms and telephones. The breakfast room serves a continental breakfast daily for guests. The Museum Quarter and RAI exhibition center is located very close to the hotel so sightseeing should be an easy task. After a long day of venturing around the city, retire to the cocktail bar for a few evening drinks and relaxation. The parking facilities, lobby lounge and room services make for an enjoyable stay at the Delphi Hotel.

Book a room at the Best Western Delphi Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Novotel Amsterdam City Hotel

Europa Boulevard 10, Zuideramstel, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1083 AD – 4 Stars

A four-star hotel just out of the center, close to the Amsterdam RAI Events Centre. Close proximity to the international airport makes the Novotel Amsterdam Hotel a popular choice amongst both business visitors, and those enjoying a weekend away in Amsterdam. Like all the Novotel Hotels, rooms are modern and well-appointed, matched by prompt, friendly service. For those wishing to dine in, the hotel’s in-house restaurant serves up a wide choice of traditional and contemporary cuisine in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Trips in to town are painless, with the tram and train passing close by, taking just 15 minutes to arrive in the center. Be sure to check with the reception staff regarding what’s on and where, as the city host any number of events, year-round, from outdoor concerts and exhibitions, to sporting events and festivals.

Book a room at the Novotel Amsterdam City Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Eden Leidse Square Amsterdam Hotel

Nassaukade 387-390, Oud-West, Amsterdam, Netherlands – 3 Stars

Balcony/terrace, hair dryer, in room safe, desk are among the amenities guests will find in every room. Also to be found at the hotel are shops, bar/pub, 24hr room service. Unwind after your day with a choice of garden – just a few of the hotel’s excellent sporting and leisure offerings. With a full range of popular amenities and a friendly, caring staff, it’s no wonder guests keep returning to Eden Leidse Square Amsterdam Hotel.

Book a room at the Eden Leidse Square Amsterdam Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre Hotel

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 5, Amsterdam-Centrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands – 4 Stars

Combining a spot-on location with modern comfort and first-rate service, Crowne Plaza City Centre Hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Amsterdam. The hotel is located near Dam Square and Central Station and is surrounded by the city’s most exciting cultural sights and museums, shops, bars and restaurants. There are 270 rooms and suites, warmly decorated and furnished with all that’s required for a comfortable stay. Guests can eat at Dorrius Brassiere, which serves traditional Dutch cuisine and the relaxed Amsterdammer bar and patio, both of which have excellent reputations for food and service. Facilities include a well-equipped business and conference center, indoor pool, kids’ suites, sauna and gym.

Book a room at the Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre Hotel now, best price guaranteed.

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Top 10 Amsterdam is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Hospitalet de l’Infant is a lovely coastal town within the vacation friendly Costa Dorada.  It is located only a few kilometres from Tarragona and some 125 kilometres South of Barcelona,  Catalonia’s region capital.  The city dates back to the 14th century when a hospital was built to house pilgrims and from where the current town name comes from.  Today only a wall and a tower remains of the hospital.

Hospitalet de l’Infant is a set in astonishing natural beauty, with a long coastline offering golden sand, beautiful shallow and clean waters and amazing mountains in the backdrop.  Along the bay, is a long boardwalk, ideal for relaxing and romantic walks.  The city also host a lovely marina, separating the towns two main beaches, the Hospitalet de l’Infant bay to the West and Crystal beach to the East. 

The region is mostly alive during the summer months where plenty of tourists flock in, to enjoy the great weather and fantastic beaches.  It is also when the town host its various shows, and musical events, making it a great place to stay with family, keeping children entertained.  Off season, the region is relatively quiet, making it an ideal destination for those looking for peace, privacy and great holiday deals, yet enjoying an idyllic location. 

To enjoy a relaxing holiday or discover the surrounding areas, with a small and friendly vibe, Hospitalet de l’Infant is an ideal place to be.

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About Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada which can be literally translated to the "Golden Coast" is set in the beautiful region of Catalonia within the province of Tarragona.  It is situated south from Barcelona stretching over 200 kilometres between Cunit and the mouth of the Ebro River. This amazing coastal region is home to many great beach resorts, the Universal Port Aventura, the Aquopolis water park and trendy seafront towns with a vibrant nightlife.

It is perhaps the most popular shopping location along the various coastal regions offering visitors more that they can bargain for.  From the world’s top designer brands in Barcelona to the local boutiques in Tarragona, passing by Cambrils traditional markets, Costa Dorada has something for every taste and budget.

Flights to Hospitalet de l’Infant

The best way to get to Hospitalet de l’Infant is through the Barcelona international airport which is located some 125 km north of the city centre.  The airport is served by over 100 airlines including many low cost brands and offers direct flights to some 170 cities.

Check out the latest flight deals to Barcelona.

An excellent way to get from Barcelona to Hospitalet de l’Infant is to rent a car from the Barcelona airport.

Check out the latest car rental deals in Barcelona airport.

Vistamar Hotel

Carrer del Mar22, Tarragona, Spain 43890 – 3 Stars

Vistamar is a lovely hotel located in the beautiful coastal city of L’Hospitalet de l’Infant.  The hotel is right on the beach, with direct access from the pool area and offers spectacular views of the bay.  The room are very clean and most of them have a balcony with sea views.  All rooms have internet access, in room safe, television as well as other amenities.  The restaurant is nicely decorated with good service and food.  With its commitment to service and focus on hospitality, you’ll definitely enjoy your stay at Vistamar. Finally the price was very reasonable, making the Vistamar excellent value for money.

Book a room at the Vistamar hotel now, best price guaranteed.

To view the full list of available hotels and apartments on specific dates within the Costa Dorada region, you may visit our partner site Agoda Tarragona smarter Hotel Booking.

Hospitalet de l’Infant images

Hospitalet de l’Infant is a post from: Top destinations and maps: World's Best Places

Valencia is the capital and largest city of the Autonomous Community of Valencia on the Eastern side of Spain bordering the Mediterranean Sea.  It is located some three hours east of Madrid and four hours south of Barcelona.  The city is famous for its Fallas Festival in March as well as being the birthplace of the paella, one of the most popular traditional Spanish dishes.  Valencia is home to various key sites including many within in its charming old city filled with narrow streets, small squares and churches.  Its most known attraction is perhaps the City of Arts and Sciences, an avant-garde museum complex with a remarkable piece of  architecture. 

Valencia is often referred to as the city of flowers as it is very well equipped in various green spaces and beautiful gardens.  The most impressive of those parks is the Turia gardens, passing through the heart of the city where the river used to flow.  It is the perfect place to enjoy various leisure and sport activities with friends and family.

Being one of the world’s most historical and intriguing cities, packed with a variety of sites to be discovered, it is no wonder Valencia is one of the top touristic cities in attracting millions of visitors each year.

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Top 10 Valencia attractions

Valencia is blessed with a variety of cultural and historic sites such as the Cathedral, the Serranos Towers, the Plaza del Mercado and the remarkable City of Arts and Sciences complex.  The Top 10 Valencia attractions include:

1. Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències
2. Cathedral of Valencia
3. Barri del Carme
4. Plaça de l’Ajuntament
5. Turia gardens
6. Plaza del Mercado
7. Lonja de la Seda
8. Plaça de la Verge
9. Torres de Serranos
10. Museu de Belles Arts San Pío V

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

The Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències is the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences museum complex, which is considered the symbol of Valencia, attracting no less than 4 million people each year.  It is located south of the historical centre next to the Turia Park, and was designed by architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela.  The complex host an IMAX theatre, a planetarium, a science museum, the largest oceanographic park in Europe,  as well as the grandiose Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, an opera house and performing arts centre.

Cathedral of Valencia

The Cathedral of Valencia known as the Iglesia Catedral-Basílica Metropolitana de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Valencia or just the Saint Mary’s Cathedral, is the best known church of the city.  It is located in the heart of the old town, next to the Plaza de la Virgen, a square which once served as the city’s forum during Roman times.  It was built on the site of an old Visigoth cathedral between the 13th and 15th century and consecrated to the Pere d’Albalat, the first bishop of Valencia after the Reconquista.  The Cathedral has a unique Gothic architecture with mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Classical elements.  Some of its key features include the El Miguelete bell tower and the church’s three gates including the Irons, Apostles and Palace Gate, each built in its unique style.

Barri del Carme

The Barri del Carme is perhaps the best known neighbourhood in the centre of the city.  It is considered the historical centre of Valencia and is packed with a variety of cultural remains including amazing buildings from the Romans and Moors times. The area is today packed with various trendy restaurants, cafes and bars, with a unique mix of people, making it the ideal place for enjoying a nice meal or an exciting night out.

Plaça de l’Ajuntament

The Plaça de l’Ajuntament is considered the largest square of Valencia.  Located in the heart of the historical old town it is home to the city ‘s town hall, a classical film movie theatre as well as various terraced cafes, bars and restaurants.  The square is also a central place during the exciting festivities taking place during the Fallas Festival.