20. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
In the last few years Dubai has emerged as a futuristic landscape that looms large and beautiful over the Arabian Desert. The city is certainly much more than what meets the eye as it houses the world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa), the world's largest man made island (Palm City), the world's only 7 star luxury hotel (Burj Al-Arab), and the world's largest nature reserve (Miracle Gardens). Not to mention the Souks that surround the Dubai Creek that are worth visiting. These sell everything from spices to crafts to exquisite jewelry to inexpensive tourist T-shirts. Besides, you know the world is rushing to Dubai when Hollywood biggies like Tom Cruise and Vin Diesel rush there to shoot their films.
19. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is among the most iconic cities in the world. From Durbanville and Somerset in the east to Cape Point in the South to Atlantis in the north- this city never fails to mesmerize! The sweeping panoramas from the Kirstenbosch National Botonical Gardens define the landscape of this 'Mother City' whereas the sea vistas from the Cape of Good Hope Natural Reserve is magic. The Hiking and the Wildlife safaris, at Table Mountains (also a UNESCO world heritage site) and the Kalk Bay Mountains, and the wine tasting at Cape Winelands this world-class cosmopolitan has something to offer for all the kinds of travelers.
18. Queenstown, New Zeland
Queenstown is every adventure junkies' paradise. The town sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Southern Alps. From Kayaking, to bungee jumping, to para gliding, to Jet boarding to White-water Rafting... Queenstown has it all! (We weren't kidding when we said that this was an adventure junkies' paradise). But the place is much more than that... You can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, which is a part of the UNESCO world Heritage site, or fancy fresh sea food at Fishbonne Queenstown, or... Take a Helicopter ride through the Remarkables mountain range, where most of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed.
17. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
It is difficult to not take notice of a place when that place happens to organize the largest carnival in the world. Breathtaking Landscape, pristine beaches, warm laid back people, and some incredible architecture is what characterizes this 'Marvelous city' . The sight of Rio from Corcovado hill where its signature statue Christ the Redeemer is situated, is nothing short of magic. Hike up to Sugar Loaf Mountain for an equally serene experience or indulge in some sun soaking at the Copacabana beach.
16. Kerala, India
There is a strong reason why Kerala is called 'God's own Country'. Known for its Backwaters, Mountains (Munnar Hills), and huge coconut farms all tampered with lush green vegetation. Then there is also the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve where occasionally one can see its' beautiful inhabitant- the Royal Bengal Tiger. Along with these, Kerala is also home of diverse art forms like Kathakali, Kalaripayattu and Mohini Attam. The city itself boasts of diversity, from the synagogues, ancient temples and other heritage sites in Travancore to the mystique Munnar hills and from spices of Malabar to the ports of Kochi... Kerala is a must visit!
15. Siem Reap, Cambodia
13. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe, both physically as well as culturally. A city with some awe-inspiring architecture and ultra modern amenities fused in together, while, offering some delicious food, Istanbul is at the center of empires, with a gold mine of historic and religious places to soak in. A bulk of these monuments, mosques and Hammams (Turkish bath) that include the likes of Hagia Sofia mosque, Sultan Ahmet Cammii (Blue Mosque), Basilica Cistern and Ağa Hamamı. While on your trip to Istanbul, don't forget to try the traditional Nargile (Turkish water pipe).
12. Budapest, Hungary
A UNESCO World heritage city which offers an astounding range of baths with over 118 natural springs and borholes, from the sparkling Gellert Baths to the 1913 neo-baroque Szechenyi Spa to Rudas Spa, a spectacular 16th-century Turkish pool with original Ottoman architecture. That apart the iconic Chain Bridge and the grandeur of the Buda Castle are the stuff beauty is made up of. Also, the panoramic view across the Danube to Pest is simply breathtaking. This city has a unique vibe and a world-class music scene that brings in rhythm even to the most stiff souls. Budapest most definitely is among Europe's most delightful and enjoyable cities which many have termed as the 'Queen of Danube'.
11. Barcelona, Spain
When the Century's renowned architect (Antoni Gaudi) builds more than just a few buildings, that city is bound to be visually stunning with among the finest Europe has to offer. A stroll down the Cuitat Vella (old city) and visit to Park Güell, a little ahead will take you back in time. That apart, National Geographic rank the Barcelona beaches among the best in the world where you can enjoy some sun soaking during the beach season that begins in mid march and goes on until November. This Spanish wonder offers a whole lot than what meets the eye, and would certainly be on every traveler's bucket list.
10. Goreme, Turkey
A town literally carved into the volcanic rock, Goreme is a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also the gateway to Goreme National Park. The city boasts of some spectacularly different architecture that you may have not experienced anywhere before- The 10th- and 11th-century cave churches, The chimney rock formations are among the more popular ones. The city is also home to some very delicious food and turkish wines.
9. St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg is arguably among the most breathtakingly beautiful places in the world and virtually any building in this large historical metropolis, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges, could be considered an attraction, Oh and yes- St. Petersburg is a declared UNESCO World Heritage city. The list of attractions here, doesn't quite seem to end- The infamous stone Kremlin is both intimidating and awe-inspiring, The Peterhoff, Peter & Paul Fortress, the beautiful Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, and there is the Hermitage Museum housed in the Winter Palace, aging back to the Romanov Dynasty... It not only magnanimous but also inspiring! The Hermitage Museum is home to some of the world's oldest and greatest collections of art, treasure, and antiquities. And this list is just a tip of the iceberg. There is vast treasure hidden inside the inspiring city, which can be uncovered only by visiting and exploring it yourself! FareHawker definitely recommends you take a trip to St Petersburg asap!
8. London, United Kingdom
The world's oldest city, the world's largest city that has in all these years, managed to retain its beauty and charm to the rest of the world, so much so that it is almost in every traveler's bucket list to once visit this 'Royal City' that once ruled the world. The Crown jewels, the Buckingham Palace, the Kings Cross Corner, Trafalgar Square, Camden Market, and of course, the 221B Baker Street for all fiction/fantasy nerds (of course). London has everything for everybody- The food, the fashion, the wine, the art, the history. It is impossible to have a single bad day in London!
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has served as a capital of the historic city of Bohemia for centuries. With its Bohemian lifestyle and fairytale landscape, Prague is nothing short of dream. Almost undamaged by the World War II this magical city of cathedrals, bridges, gold-tipped towers and church domes, has been mirrored in the surface of the swan-filled Vltava River for centuries now.With a vibrant character full of energy, music, colour, art, culture, fine dining catering to almost every need of an independent traveller Prague is considered by many (And rightly so) right up there as the most beautiful city in the whole of Europe.
In the last few years Dubai has emerged as a futuristic landscape that looms large and beautiful over the Arabian Desert. The city is certainly much more than what meets the eye as it houses the world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa), the world's largest man made island (Palm City), the world's only 7 star luxury hotel (Burj Al-Arab), and the world's largest nature reserve (Miracle Gardens). Not to mention the Souks that surround the Dubai Creek that are worth visiting. These sell everything from spices to crafts to exquisite jewelry to inexpensive tourist T-shirts. Besides, you know the world is rushing to Dubai when Hollywood biggies like Tom Cruise and Vin Diesel rush there to shoot their films.
19. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is among the most iconic cities in the world. From Durbanville and Somerset in the east to Cape Point in the South to Atlantis in the north- this city never fails to mesmerize! The sweeping panoramas from the Kirstenbosch National Botonical Gardens define the landscape of this 'Mother City' whereas the sea vistas from the Cape of Good Hope Natural Reserve is magic. The Hiking and the Wildlife safaris, at Table Mountains (also a UNESCO world heritage site) and the Kalk Bay Mountains, and the wine tasting at Cape Winelands this world-class cosmopolitan has something to offer for all the kinds of travelers.
18. Queenstown, New Zeland
Queenstown is every adventure junkies' paradise. The town sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Southern Alps. From Kayaking, to bungee jumping, to para gliding, to Jet boarding to White-water Rafting... Queenstown has it all! (We weren't kidding when we said that this was an adventure junkies' paradise). But the place is much more than that... You can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, which is a part of the UNESCO world Heritage site, or fancy fresh sea food at Fishbonne Queenstown, or... Take a Helicopter ride through the Remarkables mountain range, where most of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed.
17. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
It is difficult to not take notice of a place when that place happens to organize the largest carnival in the world. Breathtaking Landscape, pristine beaches, warm laid back people, and some incredible architecture is what characterizes this 'Marvelous city' . The sight of Rio from Corcovado hill where its signature statue Christ the Redeemer is situated, is nothing short of magic. Hike up to Sugar Loaf Mountain for an equally serene experience or indulge in some sun soaking at the Copacabana beach.
16. Kerala, India
There is a strong reason why Kerala is called 'God's own Country'. Known for its Backwaters, Mountains (Munnar Hills), and huge coconut farms all tampered with lush green vegetation. Then there is also the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve where occasionally one can see its' beautiful inhabitant- the Royal Bengal Tiger. Along with these, Kerala is also home of diverse art forms like Kathakali, Kalaripayattu and Mohini Attam. The city itself boasts of diversity, from the synagogues, ancient temples and other heritage sites in Travancore to the mystique Munnar hills and from spices of Malabar to the ports of Kochi... Kerala is a must visit!
15. Siem Reap, Cambodia
What once used to be a small old-worldly village, has now become a booming metropolitan and among the largest construction sites in Cambodia. Ruins of Angkor Wat, in the once royal city of Angkor Thom have put Siem Reap at an all time favorite on many a travelers' bucket list. APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap) has some very informative online portals dealing with the history of this once royal city beloning to the Khmer dynasty. That apart, you can also enjoy some Sombai (a local cambodian drink made from local fruits and spices infused in alcohol) and indulge in some street shopping at the Angkor Night Market.
13. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe, both physically as well as culturally. A city with some awe-inspiring architecture and ultra modern amenities fused in together, while, offering some delicious food, Istanbul is at the center of empires, with a gold mine of historic and religious places to soak in. A bulk of these monuments, mosques and Hammams (Turkish bath) that include the likes of Hagia Sofia mosque, Sultan Ahmet Cammii (Blue Mosque), Basilica Cistern and Ağa Hamamı. While on your trip to Istanbul, don't forget to try the traditional Nargile (Turkish water pipe).
12. Budapest, Hungary
A UNESCO World heritage city which offers an astounding range of baths with over 118 natural springs and borholes, from the sparkling Gellert Baths to the 1913 neo-baroque Szechenyi Spa to Rudas Spa, a spectacular 16th-century Turkish pool with original Ottoman architecture. That apart the iconic Chain Bridge and the grandeur of the Buda Castle are the stuff beauty is made up of. Also, the panoramic view across the Danube to Pest is simply breathtaking. This city has a unique vibe and a world-class music scene that brings in rhythm even to the most stiff souls. Budapest most definitely is among Europe's most delightful and enjoyable cities which many have termed as the 'Queen of Danube'.
11. Barcelona, Spain
When the Century's renowned architect (Antoni Gaudi) builds more than just a few buildings, that city is bound to be visually stunning with among the finest Europe has to offer. A stroll down the Cuitat Vella (old city) and visit to Park Güell, a little ahead will take you back in time. That apart, National Geographic rank the Barcelona beaches among the best in the world where you can enjoy some sun soaking during the beach season that begins in mid march and goes on until November. This Spanish wonder offers a whole lot than what meets the eye, and would certainly be on every traveler's bucket list.
10. Goreme, Turkey
A town literally carved into the volcanic rock, Goreme is a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also the gateway to Goreme National Park. The city boasts of some spectacularly different architecture that you may have not experienced anywhere before- The 10th- and 11th-century cave churches, The chimney rock formations are among the more popular ones. The city is also home to some very delicious food and turkish wines.
9. St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg is arguably among the most breathtakingly beautiful places in the world and virtually any building in this large historical metropolis, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges, could be considered an attraction, Oh and yes- St. Petersburg is a declared UNESCO World Heritage city. The list of attractions here, doesn't quite seem to end- The infamous stone Kremlin is both intimidating and awe-inspiring, The Peterhoff, Peter & Paul Fortress, the beautiful Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, and there is the Hermitage Museum housed in the Winter Palace, aging back to the Romanov Dynasty... It not only magnanimous but also inspiring! The Hermitage Museum is home to some of the world's oldest and greatest collections of art, treasure, and antiquities. And this list is just a tip of the iceberg. There is vast treasure hidden inside the inspiring city, which can be uncovered only by visiting and exploring it yourself! FareHawker definitely recommends you take a trip to St Petersburg asap!
8. London, United Kingdom
The world's oldest city, the world's largest city that has in all these years, managed to retain its beauty and charm to the rest of the world, so much so that it is almost in every traveler's bucket list to once visit this 'Royal City' that once ruled the world. The Crown jewels, the Buckingham Palace, the Kings Cross Corner, Trafalgar Square, Camden Market, and of course, the 221B Baker Street for all fiction/fantasy nerds (of course). London has everything for everybody- The food, the fashion, the wine, the art, the history. It is impossible to have a single bad day in London!
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has served as a capital of the historic city of Bohemia for centuries. With its Bohemian lifestyle and fairytale landscape, Prague is nothing short of dream. Almost undamaged by the World War II this magical city of cathedrals, bridges, gold-tipped towers and church domes, has been mirrored in the surface of the swan-filled Vltava River for centuries now.With a vibrant character full of energy, music, colour, art, culture, fine dining catering to almost every need of an independent traveller Prague is considered by many (And rightly so) right up there as the most beautiful city in the whole of Europe.
6. Paris, France
Practically, no bucket travel list in the world, would be complete without including Paris in it! Paris remains the world's most beautiful, romantic city brimming with art at every corner, and carrying with it a rich culture and a royal history. Not to mention a long lineage of talents this city has given the world, what with the likes of Yves Saint-Laurent, Marion Cotillard, Roman Polanski and many more. No wonder then, that they call it the fashion capital of the world! So, if you would like to gorge on some pain au chocolat at a local deli, sip some champagne, and be awestruck by a whole barrage of Parisian marvels like Eiffel Tower (of course), Louvre Museum (why not), Arc de Triomphe, Moulin Rouge, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Moulin Rouge and Lido then head to Paris NOW!
5. Kathmandu, Nepal
When your city, is home to the top most point in the world, the world notices! This bowl shaped city stands at an altitude of 1400m and is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world: Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu and of course... The Everest! There is a whole lot of things that this city has to offer... The city boasts of a rich history that can be inferred from the inscriptions on the Swayambhunath Temple, the Boudha Stupa and of course various heritage sites around the Durbar Square. Kathmandu is one of the most serene journey traveler can experience!
Note: While we completely and unequivocally endorse tourism in Nepal, we must bring to attention that on the 25th April, 2015 a massive earthquake measuring 7.9 richter scale struck Nepal with its epicentre about some 40-45 miles away from Kathmandu. The whole country is reeling under its' aftershocks.
4. Marrakech, Morocco
When a city is just a few miles away from Sahara Desert, and located on the foothills of the snow capped Atlas Mountains, you know the place is going to be indeed very special! Marrakech brims with character in its' every nook and corner... The pristine architecture of the gardens, the local markets, the mosques and the palaces so full of grandeur. Visiting the serene Jardin Majorelle, the historic city of Medina is actually like falling through a looking glass back into the stories we've read in our books. In fact, the whole of Marrakech, especially the Djemaa El-Fna square comes alive packed with musicians, dancers, and story tellers just like the way you might have read in one of your arabian nights' stories. In the last year itself, Marrakech, witnessed a record number of tourists from all over the world flocking this wonderland!
3. Ladakh, India
Bound by mountains, protected by the Himalayas, inhabited by the Indo-Aryans, adorned by nature, and dictated by climate- Ladakh is among the most beautiful places in the world. The breathtaking landscape, which is used as an important trade route in the region, is moulded by the nature over the years and is located beyond the highest motorable passes in the world... The stark and barren land interspersed with isolated settlements of green oases full of swaying poplar trees, apricot orchards, cultivated farm land, and a rare sighting of the elusive snow leopard is what dreams are made up of. The warm and generous people in the Turtuk village, or staying along the banks of the Pangong Tso lake... Ladakh stays true to its essence- the roof of the world!
2. Florence, Italy
Once upon a time the most influential city in the world, Florence is a cultural, artistic and architectural gem. The birthplace of European Renaissance, the birthplace of European architecture (Alberti and Brunelleschi) , the birthplace of Opera, the birthplace of first modern bank, the pioneers in science, politics, exploration and map making (Galileo, Machiavelli, Vespucci and Toscanelli)... Could this city be any more of a spectacular? Well Yes, it could. The Duomo, Galleria degli Uffizi, the list basically does not end. I could just not stop about Florence. So pack your bags and head to Florence now!
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona, U.S.
The best travel experiences are the ones that takes you by surprise! Grand Canyon witnesses almost 2 million tourists per year and yet, it doesn't matter if you're witnessing its beauty for the first time or the tenth time- The Grand Canyon WILL take you by surprise! The massive canyon, carved over several centuries by the Colorado river at an elevation of 2130m is an overwhelming experience. The Canyon so full of exquisite flora and fauna that mingles around this enormous landscape might just leave you awestruck! You need more than just a few days to explore the entire North and the South Rim and once you do, you might not experience anything else quite like that! Its almost as if the words fail to describe what a marvel this landscape truly is...
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5. Kathmandu, Nepal
When your city, is home to the top most point in the world, the world notices! This bowl shaped city stands at an altitude of 1400m and is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world: Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu and of course... The Everest! There is a whole lot of things that this city has to offer... The city boasts of a rich history that can be inferred from the inscriptions on the Swayambhunath Temple, the Boudha Stupa and of course various heritage sites around the Durbar Square. Kathmandu is one of the most serene journey traveler can experience!
Note: While we completely and unequivocally endorse tourism in Nepal, we must bring to attention that on the 25th April, 2015 a massive earthquake measuring 7.9 richter scale struck Nepal with its epicentre about some 40-45 miles away from Kathmandu. The whole country is reeling under its' aftershocks.
4. Marrakech, Morocco
When a city is just a few miles away from Sahara Desert, and located on the foothills of the snow capped Atlas Mountains, you know the place is going to be indeed very special! Marrakech brims with character in its' every nook and corner... The pristine architecture of the gardens, the local markets, the mosques and the palaces so full of grandeur. Visiting the serene Jardin Majorelle, the historic city of Medina is actually like falling through a looking glass back into the stories we've read in our books. In fact, the whole of Marrakech, especially the Djemaa El-Fna square comes alive packed with musicians, dancers, and story tellers just like the way you might have read in one of your arabian nights' stories. In the last year itself, Marrakech, witnessed a record number of tourists from all over the world flocking this wonderland!
3. Ladakh, India
Bound by mountains, protected by the Himalayas, inhabited by the Indo-Aryans, adorned by nature, and dictated by climate- Ladakh is among the most beautiful places in the world. The breathtaking landscape, which is used as an important trade route in the region, is moulded by the nature over the years and is located beyond the highest motorable passes in the world... The stark and barren land interspersed with isolated settlements of green oases full of swaying poplar trees, apricot orchards, cultivated farm land, and a rare sighting of the elusive snow leopard is what dreams are made up of. The warm and generous people in the Turtuk village, or staying along the banks of the Pangong Tso lake... Ladakh stays true to its essence- the roof of the world!
2. Florence, Italy
Once upon a time the most influential city in the world, Florence is a cultural, artistic and architectural gem. The birthplace of European Renaissance, the birthplace of European architecture (Alberti and Brunelleschi) , the birthplace of Opera, the birthplace of first modern bank, the pioneers in science, politics, exploration and map making (Galileo, Machiavelli, Vespucci and Toscanelli)... Could this city be any more of a spectacular? Well Yes, it could. The Duomo, Galleria degli Uffizi, the list basically does not end. I could just not stop about Florence. So pack your bags and head to Florence now!
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona, U.S.
The best travel experiences are the ones that takes you by surprise! Grand Canyon witnesses almost 2 million tourists per year and yet, it doesn't matter if you're witnessing its beauty for the first time or the tenth time- The Grand Canyon WILL take you by surprise! The massive canyon, carved over several centuries by the Colorado river at an elevation of 2130m is an overwhelming experience. The Canyon so full of exquisite flora and fauna that mingles around this enormous landscape might just leave you awestruck! You need more than just a few days to explore the entire North and the South Rim and once you do, you might not experience anything else quite like that! Its almost as if the words fail to describe what a marvel this landscape truly is...
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