The Arctic capital - aurora overhead, cathedral on the water, sun gone until January.
Visit Basel, Switzerland's cultural capital on the Rhine. Explore the Kunstmuseum (the oldest public art collection in the world, with works from Holbein to Picasso), wander the medieval Old Town (with the red sandstone Münster cathedral and the lively Marktplatz), and visit the Fondation Beyeler (a stunning museum in Riehen housing modern masterpieces by Monet, Warhol, and Rothko).
Visit Chamonix, a famous mountain resort town in the French Alps, known for skiing, hiking, and views of Mont Blanc.
Visit El Chalten, a small town in Argentina known as the trekking capital of South America, located near Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia.
Visit Glencoe, a historic and dramatic valley in the Scottish Highlands. See the Three Sisters of Glencoe (three steep ridges formed by ancient volcanic activity), explore the Glencoe Visitor Centre (with exhibits on geology, wildlife, and the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe), hike the Lost Valley trail (a hidden glacial valley where Clan MacDonald hid cattle), and drive through the scenic A82 road with views of Buachaille Etive Mor mountain.
The "Florence of the South" — honey-coloured Baroque churches carved from soft Lecce stone
Visit Osh, Kyrgyzstan's second-largest city and a historic Silk Road hub. Explore Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain (a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient petroglyphs and caves), browse the bustling Jayma Bazaar (one of Central Asia's oldest markets for spices, textiles, and crafts), and see the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex (showcasing Kyrgyz culture and artifacts).
Visit Omdurman, the largest city in Sudan and a key cultural hub. Explore the Khalifa House Museum (former residence of the Mahdist leader, showcasing 19th-century history), see the Omdurman Souq (one of Africa's largest open-air markets with traditional crafts and spices), and visit the Mahdi's Tomb (a significant Islamic shrine commemorating the founder of the Mahdist state).
Visit Belmopan, the capital city of Belize. Explore the National Assembly Building (a modern concrete structure with a distinctive Maya-inspired design), stroll through the Belmopan Market (a vibrant hub for local produce and crafts), and learn about Belizean history at the George Price Centre for Peace and Development (dedicated to the country's first prime minister).
Visit Paro, a picturesque valley town in Bhutan. Explore the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug) perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the valley floor, see the historic Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) fortress-monastery built in 1644, and stroll through the National Museum of Bhutan housed in a former watchtower with traditional artifacts and art. Experience the Paro Tsechu festival if timed right, featuring masked dances and religious ceremonies.
Visit Blantyre, Malawi's commercial capital and second-largest city. Explore the Mandala House (oldest building in Malawi, now a museum and art gallery), shop for crafts at the bustling Limbe Market, and see the colonial-era St. Michael and All Angels Church (built in 1891 with unique brickwork).
Visit Cap-Haïtien, the historic second city of Haiti on the north coast. Explore the UNESCO-listed Citadelle Laferrière (largest fortress in the Americas, built after Haitian independence), wander the ruins of Sans-Souci Palace (19th-century royal residence), and relax on Cormier Plage (palm-fringed beach with clear waters).
Visit Nur-Sultan (now Astana), the capital of Kazakhstan. Explore the futuristic architecture of the Bayterek Tower (a 97-meter observation tower symbolizing a poplar tree with a golden egg), see the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (a pyramid-shaped building hosting interfaith conferences), and stroll through Khan Shatyr (a giant transparent tent housing a shopping and entertainment center with an indoor beach).
Visit Gaza City, a historic coastal enclave in the Palestinian territories. Explore the Great Mosque of Gaza (one of the oldest and largest mosques in Gaza, dating back to the 7th century), stroll along the Gaza Beach (a popular spot for locals with views of the Mediterranean Sea), and see the Qasr al-Basha (a 13th-century Mamluk palace turned museum showcasing local history).
Visit Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados. Explore the historic Garrison area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial-era military buildings), stroll along the Careenage (a scenic waterfront with colorful boats and shops), and see the Parliament Buildings (home to the third-oldest parliament in the Commonwealth). Don't miss trying local dishes like flying fish and cou-cou at a nearby eatery.
Visit Gyumri, Armenia's second-largest city known for its historic architecture and cultural heritage. Explore the Black Fortress (a 19th-century Russian military structure with panoramic views), see the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture (showcasing traditional Armenian homes and artifacts), and stroll through Vardanants Square (the central square with the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God and Soviet-era buildings).
Visit Oran, Algeria's second-largest city on the Mediterranean coast. Explore the Santa Cruz Fortress (a 16th-century Spanish citadel with panoramic views), see the Great Mosque of Oran (a historic Ottoman-era landmark), stroll along the waterfront promenade, and experience the local culture at the Ahmed Zabana National Museum (showcasing regional art and history).
Visit Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located in Lebanon. Explore the ancient Phoenician ruins, including the Crusader Castle with panoramic Mediterranean views, and wander through the historic souk (market) lined with traditional shops. Don't miss the Roman amphitheater and the Byblos Wax Museum showcasing Lebanese history.
Visit Benghazi, the second-largest city in Libya, located on the Mediterranean coast. Explore the historic Al-Funduq (old Ottoman-era inn), see the Italian-era architecture in the city center, and visit the Benghazi Cathedral (a former Catholic church now used as a cultural center). Stroll along the corniche for views of the sea and local life.
Visit Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau. Explore the Presidential Palace (a colonial-era building with Portuguese architectural influence), see the Bissau Velho (old town with historic markets and traditional houses), and visit the National Ethnographic Museum (showcasing local culture and artifacts from ethnic groups like the Balanta and Fula).
Visit Ohrid, a historic city in North Macedonia on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Explore the Church of St. John at Kaneo (a 13th-century Byzantine church perched on a cliff with stunning lake views), see the ancient Ohrid Fortress (Tsar Samuil's fortress dating back to the 4th century BC), and visit the Bay of the Bones Museum (a reconstructed prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement on the water).
Visit Sylhet, a city in northeastern Bangladesh known for its tea gardens and natural beauty. Explore the Ratargul Swamp Forest (the only freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh, accessible by boat), see the Jaflong area (famous for its stone collection and views of the Khasi hills), and visit the Shah Jalal Dargah (a revered Sufi shrine dating back to the 14th century). Enjoy local dishes like panta bhat (fermented rice) and shatkora curry.
Visit Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city and intellectual hub. Explore the historic University of Tartu (founded in 1632, one of Northern Europe's oldest), stroll through the charming Old Town with its Town Hall Square and Kissing Students fountain, and visit the Estonian National Museum (showcasing Estonian culture and history in a modern building). Don't miss the AHHAA Science Centre for interactive exhibits and the Toome Hill park with its ruins and views.
Visit Suva, the capital of Fiji. Explore the Fiji Museum (housing the rudder of HMS Bounty and Fijian artifacts), stroll through Thurston Gardens (botanical gardens with native plants and colonial-era bandstand), and experience the Suva Municipal Market (bustling hub for fresh produce, kava, and local crafts).
Visit Brest, a port city in western France. Explore the National Maritime Museum (housing historic ships and naval artifacts), stroll along the Rade de Brest (a large natural harbor with scenic views), see the medieval Tour Tanguy (a tower museum showcasing the city's history), and try local Breton specialties like crêpes and cider.
Visit Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. Explore the historic inner city (a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Dutch colonial wooden architecture), see the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral (one of the largest wooden cathedrals in the Americas), stroll along the Waterkant (a scenic waterfront promenade on the Suriname River), and sample local dishes like pom (a baked casserole with chicken and root vegetables) at a warung.
The capital Myanmar built from farmland in 2005 and moved to overnight: twenty-lane highways with almost nothing on them, and an Uppatasanti Pagoda one foot shorter than Shwedagon.
Kiribati's capital is a chain of islets joined by causeways, three metres above a rising ocean and one of the densest places in the Pacific.
A capital of a few government buildings in the Pohnpei jungle, twenty minutes from the basalt city of Nan Madol.
A Portuguese colonial capital on the equator, pastel and peeling, with cocoa plantations in the hills behind it.
Infobox
