City Bucket List

Visit Ciudad del Este, a bustling border city in Paraguay known for its shopping and commerce. Explore the Friendship Bridge (a landmark connecting Paraguay and Brazil over the Paraná River), shop for electronics and goods at the Mercado de Abasto (a massive market hub), and see the Itaipu Dam (one of the world's largest hydroelectric dams, a joint project with Brazil).

Visit Herat, Afghanistan's third-largest city and historic cultural center. Explore the Herat Citadel (Qala Ikhtyaruddin), a restored 14th-century fortress with panoramic views, see the intricate tilework of the Friday Mosque (Masjid-i Jami), one of the oldest mosques in the country, and wander through the bustling Herat Bazaar for traditional crafts and carpets. Discover the Musalla Complex with its minarets and mausoleums, remnants of the Timurid Empire's architectural legacy.

Visit Mazar-i-Sharif, a major city in northern Afghanistan known for its cultural and religious significance. Explore the Blue Mosque (a stunning 15th-century shrine with intricate tilework and a large courtyard), see the ancient Balkh ruins (once a center of Zoroastrianism and Buddhism), and experience the Nowruz festival (celebrated with traditional music and kite-flying).

Visit Prizren, a historic city in Kosovo known for its Ottoman-era architecture and cultural heritage. Explore the Sinan Pasha Mosque (a 17th-century landmark with intricate decorations), walk across the Stone Bridge (a symbol of the city over the Bistrica River), and visit the Prizren Fortress (offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains). Don't miss trying local specialties like flija (layered pastry) and tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt).

Visit Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city on the Aegean coast. Explore the ancient Agora of Smyrna (one of the best-preserved Roman marketplaces in Anatolia), stroll along the Kordon promenade (a lively waterfront with cafes and sunset views), and see the historic Asansör (a 19th-century elevator connecting neighborhoods with panoramic vistas). Don't miss trying local specialties like boyoz (flaky pastry) and kumru (grilled sandwich) at the Kemeraltı Bazaar.

Visit Suzhou, a historic city in Jiangsu province known as the 'Venice of the East' for its classical gardens and canals. Explore the Humble Administrator's Garden (a UNESCO World Heritage site with Ming-era design and water features), stroll along the Grand Canal (the world's longest artificial waterway, dating back to the 5th century BC), and see the Tiger Hill (a scenic pagoda and historic site with ancient tombs).

Visit Moroni, the capital of Comoros on Grande Comore island. Explore the historic medina with its narrow lanes and traditional Swahili architecture, see the iconic Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi (Old Friday Mosque) with its white minaret overlooking the Indian Ocean, and visit the Volo Volo Market for spices, vanilla, and local crafts. Don't miss the nearby Mount Karthala, an active volcano and the highest point in the Indian Ocean at 2,361 meters.

Visit Swakopmund, a coastal town in Namibia known for its German colonial architecture and desert landscapes. Explore the Swakopmund Museum (showcasing local history and natural history exhibits), stroll along the Mole (a historic pier with ocean views), see the Woermannhaus (a historic building with a tower and art gallery), and try activities like quad biking in the nearby Namib Desert dunes.

Visit Constantine, Algeria's historic city built on dramatic cliffs. Explore the Sidi M'Cid Bridge (one of the highest bridges in Africa, spanning the Rhumel Gorge), see the Palace of Ahmed Bey (19th-century Ottoman-era palace with intricate mosaics and gardens), and wander the Casbah (ancient fortified medina with narrow alleys and traditional markets).

Visit Bagan, the ancient capital of the Pagan Kingdom in Myanmar. Explore over 2,000 Buddhist temples and pagodas, including the iconic Ananda Temple (built in 1105 AD with four standing Buddha statues) and the massive Dhammayangyi Temple (largest temple in Bagan). Watch sunrise or sunset from a hot air balloon over the plains for breathtaking views, and visit the Shwezigon Pagoda (a gilded stupa that served as a prototype for later Burmese pagodas).

Visit Cordoba, a historic city in Andalusia, Spain. Explore the Mezquita-Catedral (a UNESCO World Heritage site blending Moorish and Christian architecture), stroll through the Jewish Quarter's narrow streets and patios, see the Roman Bridge and Calahorra Tower, and try salmorejo (a chilled tomato soup) and flamenquín (fried pork roll).

Visit Bukhara, one of Central Asia's oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Uzbekistan. Explore the historic Ark Fortress (ancient royal town-citadel dating back to the 5th century), see the Kalyan Minaret (12th-century tower known as the 'Tower of Death' for its height and historical use), and wander through the Lyab-i Hauz complex (a 17th-century plaza centered around a pool with mulberry trees and traditional tea houses). Discover the city's rich Silk Road heritage at sites like the Samanid Mausoleum (10th-century brick masterpiece) and the bustling trading domes such as Toki Sarrofon.

Visit Huambo, Angola's second-largest city and former colonial capital. Explore the city's Portuguese colonial architecture, including the Cathedral of Huambo (a large neo-Gothic church) and the Railway Museum (housed in a historic station). See the Monument to the Battle of Kuito Cuanavale (a major memorial to Angola's civil war) and experience the local market scene at Mercado do Huambo.

Visit Punta del Este, a glamorous resort city on Uruguay's southern coast. See La Mano (the iconic giant hand sculpture emerging from the sand at Playa Brava), explore Casapueblo (a striking whitewashed building and art gallery by Carlos Páez Vilaró, inspired by Santorini), stroll along the Mansa Beach promenade lined with upscale shops and cafes, and visit Isla de Lobos (a nearby island sanctuary for sea lions and fur seals).

Visit Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city. Explore the historic Heroes Monument (Monumen Tugu Pahlawan) commemorating the Battle of Surabaya, see the House of Sampoerna (a museum in a Dutch colonial-era building showcasing the clove cigarette industry), stroll through the vibrant Pasar Atom market for local snacks and textiles, and visit the Cheng Ho Mosque (a unique Chinese-style mosque honoring the 15th-century admiral).

Visit Barranquilla, a vibrant city on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Experience the world-famous Carnaval de Barranquilla (a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event with parades, music, and traditional dances), explore the Museo del Caribe (showcasing the region's history and culture), stroll along the Malecón del Río (a scenic riverfront promenade), and try local dishes like sancocho de guandú (a hearty stew) and arepas de huevo (fried corn cakes with egg).

Visit Granada in southern Spain, home to the Alhambra (a UNESCO World Heritage palace and fortress complex with Islamic architecture, gardens, and views). Explore the Albaicín neighbourhood (a historic Moorish quarter with narrow streets and whitewashed houses), see the Royal Chapel (burial place of Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella), and try local tapas like tortilla española or gazpacho.

Visit Niamey, the capital of Niger. Explore the Grand Mosque (a striking modern Islamic structure with minarets and intricate designs), stroll along the Niger River (a vital waterway for transport and fishing), and visit the National Museum of Niger (showcasing archaeological artifacts, traditional crafts, and dinosaur fossils).

Visit Nadi, a vibrant town on Fiji's main island Viti Levu. Explore the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple (the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, with intricate Dravidian architecture), browse the colourful Nadi Market for local produce and crafts, and take a day trip to the nearby Mamanuca Islands for pristine beaches and snorkelling.

Visit Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia. Explore the historic city center with its whitewashed colonial buildings, including the Casa de la Libertad (where Bolivia's Declaration of Independence was signed) and the Metropolitan Cathedral (featuring a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles). Wander through the Recoleta viewpoint for panoramic city views and visit the Tarabuco Market on Sundays to see traditional textiles and crafts from the indigenous Yampara culture.

Visit Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city on the Red Sea. Explore the Aqaba Fort (a historic Mamluk-era fortress with views of the Gulf of Aqaba), snorkel or dive at the Aqaba Marine Park (home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life like lionfish and sea turtles), and see the Aqaba Archaeological Museum (featuring artifacts from the region's ancient history, including items from the Islamic and Byzantine periods).

Visit Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia. Explore the National Museum (housing historical artifacts from Liberia's founding and indigenous cultures), stroll along the historic Waterside Market (one of West Africa's largest open-air markets with vibrant textiles and local crafts), and see the iconic Providence Island (where freed American slaves first landed in 1822, marking Liberia's origins).

Visit Durrës, Albania's second-largest city and main port on the Adriatic Sea. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre (one of the largest in the Balkans, dating back to the 2nd century AD), see the Venetian Tower and Byzantine walls in the historic center, stroll along the Durrës Beach promenade, and visit the Archaeological Museum (housing artifacts from Illyrian, Greek, and Roman periods).

Visit Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin. Explore the vibrant Dantokpa Market (one of West Africa's largest open-air markets, known for textiles and crafts), see the Fondation Zinsou (contemporary African art museum in a colonial villa), and stroll along the Cotonou Beach (a lively stretch with local food stalls and views of the Atlantic Ocean).

Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum, the Arts District and Texas barbecue.

Kenroku-en, one of the three great gardens, a samurai district and geisha teahouses that escaped the war intact.