1. Tokyo …
Country: JapanPopulation: 28,025,000
When was it established?Its history begins in 1457, but it was completely rebuilt after the Second World War.
Why go there?
Tokyo is a gorgeous city, that is very cultural and welcoming. The scenery is amazing, and I know that I’ve always wanted to go and check out this amazing place. Tokyo is a world commanding ‘finance center’ and is miles ahead with technology, so there will be plenty to see. The locals are welcoming, and the whole place is like a paradise, at least that’s what I’ve heard from my friends who’ve been there last summer!
2. Mexico City …
Country: MexicoPopulation: 18,131,000
When was it established?
Mexico gained independence in 1821, and since then Mexico City has been growing and expanding throughout the centuries.
Why go there?
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, but it has been influenced by many cultures. The buildings have a Paris look to them, and the floating gardens are certainly a landmark that everybody should see. The city has 160 museums, over 100 art galleries and a constant cultural activity that means everyone should visit it!
3. Mumbai …
Country: IndiaPopulation: 18,042,000
When was it established?
While the city has existed since 250BC, its history is plagued with riots and lobbies. The current Mumbai became established in 1950, but riots in 1992 and the bombing of the underground have meant that a lot of buildings have been rebuilt, and Mumbai has a new look once again.
Why go there?
With a huge cultural influence, a mix of spicy yet rich foods and several big landmarks, Mumbai is a brilliant place to go sight seeing. From the famous Chowpatty beach to the Elephant Caves, there is something for everybody, and I know that I will definitely be visiting in the future. For the ultimate Mumbai experience, try and time your trip to include one of the popular festivals.
4. Sao Paulo …
Country: BrazilPopulation: 17, 711, 00
When was it established?
Sao Paulo officially became a city in 1711, and has flourished since then. However, since the twentieth century, it has been under pressure to out perform Brazils other major city, Rio De Janeiro. This has lead to an increase in policing, and a tidy up of the city.
Why go there?
Sao Paula is another very cultural place, and it also hosts many big events. These include the Sao Paulo fashion week, which is attended by huge fashion names such as Gucci, and the March for Jesus. There are also more controversial events, such as the gay march. The temperatures are high, and there is a site here for everyone, from the famous Museum of Art to the Interlagos grand prix track. I find the culture here fascinating, and the locals are really welcoming too, offering tasters of local food and showing tourists the way of life there.
5. New York City …
Country: USAPopulation: 16,626,000
When was it established?
It took New York City a long time to become the version we know and love. Before that, back in 1624 it was called New Amsterdam and it had been inhabited by Native Americans. Later on it was owned by the British who then changed it’s name to New York. But it became America’s largest city in 1790 and held that position ever since!
Why go there?
New York City is the cultural center of America, buzzing with films, art and music. 47 million tourists visit each year, to see Broadway, Central Park, the Bronx zoo and all of the other amazing attractions on offer. The food there is diverse, with bagels, kebabs, cheesecakes and pizza’s being the most common choices. The New York City Hall is worth a viewing, and many of the Universities are housed in very old, gorgeous buildings. I’d definitely recommend visiting this brilliant city!
6. Shanghai …
Country: ChinaPopulation: 14,173,000
When was it established?
Shanghai didn’t start its reforms until 1991, and these are still going on today. Before this, Shanghai had a mixed history, including a period of heavy communism.
Why go there?
Shanghai is the cultural leader of East Asia, and hosted the first motor car, sewer and train track. These days, Shanghai has a more advanced transport system then most of Europe, and the mix of picturesque villages and 20th Century architecture means that Shanghai is one of the most gorgeous cities in the World. I’d recommend taking as much camera film as you can carry, and make sure you travel round to enjoy the different sites each area has to offer!
7. Lagos …
Country: NigeriaPopulation: 13,488,000
When was it established?
Lagos has a mixed history, which begins in 1742, and travels through British ownership and several wars to establish itself as a large, functioning city today.
Why go there?
The biggest city in West Africa, Lagos has sights that more modern cities just can’t contend with. Lagos also homes the “Nollywood” of Africa, so called because it is the center of the African film industry, and has two football stadiums. There are several sandy beaches, and a fast paced way of life, but Lagos is still a quiet holiday destination, getting most of its tourism via business.
8. Los Angeles …
Country: USAPopulation: 13,129,000
When was it established?
Los Angeles reformed into the city we know now in the 1920’s, although it was plagued with crime and gang warfare up until 1994.
Why go there?
Los Angeles has so many landmarks, you’d be crazy not to visit it. These include the Hollywood sign, the Walt Disney concert hall, Graumans Chinese theatre, the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Bowl, the Kodak Theatre, Capitol Records and the Los Angeles memorial coliseum. Los Angeles has a great nightlife, and some brilliant shopping areas, so it’ll be a brilliant holiday for everyone!
9. Calcutta …
Country: IndiaPopulation: 12,900,000
When was it established?
In 1960, Calcutta had two main areas. One was British owned, named the White Town, and one Indian, named the Black town. Since then it has survived striking, bombing in WW2 and the name change to KolKata, and is currently experiencing major reforms.
Why go there?
Kolkata has a massive literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage, and is the former capital of India. Its buildings are heavily influenced by Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental and Indo-Islamic revolutions, leaving the town looking beautifully mismatched, and now that it has a working public transport and a reformed tourist base, it is a better time than ever to visit. The locals are welcoming, and there is a perfect mix between Indian and Western culture. I can’t wait to visit this newly reformed city myself.
10. Buenos Aires …
Country: ArgentinaPopulation: 12,413,000
When was it established?
The city was reformed after the Falkland Wars, but is constantly evolving.
Why go there?
If you haven’t visited Argentina, definitely go now. The culture is amazing, and the sights simply breathtaking. Famous for the tango, make sure you check out a dance establishment, and look at all of the architecture too. It’s a mix of Madrid, Paris and Barcelona, and is truly unique. This has to be one of my favourite cities.
11. Seoul …
Country: South KoreaPopulation: 12,215,000
When was it established? The cities history dates back to 18 BC, but the reform started in 1960.
Why go there?
The shopping district! From the huge markets to the international stores, there is a shop for everyone, and they are definitely worth checking out! The markets are full of character, and the electronics market is like nothing you have ever seen before. Korea is one of the places I cannot wait to visit, as it has succeeded in its efforts to mix some welcoming Western customs with its own vibrant culture!
12. Beijing …
Country: ChinaPopulation: 12,033,000
When was it established?
Beijing began its reforms in 1982, and in 2005, was twice as big as the Beijing that preceded this.
Why go there?
Beijing hosted the 2008 olympics, and the entire city was cleaned up especially for this. The architecture and skylines are stunning, and the food is delicious. Having been through so many ‘phases’, Beijing has so much culture, and its another place that i would love to visit. Make sure you visit the classical gardens, and the Forbidden City!
13. Karachi …
Country: PakistanPopulation: 11,774,000
When was it established?
In the 1990’s, Karachi saw an influx of refugees from the Afghan war, and this lead to a huge change in its culture. Today, Karachi handles most of Pakistan’s overseas trade.
Why go there?
The Mohatta Palace is one of the most gorgeous buildings in existence, and there are plenty more like it in this City. The Kara Film Festival brings out the best of the city every year, and there are many museums, art galleries and markets to check out too!
14. Delhi …
Country: IndiaPopulation: 11,680,000
When was it established?
In 1991, when it was declared independent.
Why go there?
Delhi combines old and new, ancient and modern, and is a melting pot of cultures and religions. The buildings and landmarks still show the preferred styles of the leaders, and the cosmopolitan style of the city attracts huge numbers of tourists.
15. Dhaka
Country: BangladeshPopulation: 10,979,000
When was it established?
December 19th 1971 was the end of the Bangladesh war, which lead to the reform of all the major cities.
Why go there?
Dhaka is characterized by roadside markets, and small shops that sell a wide variety of things. However, recent years have seen the building of shopping malls, multiplexes, hotels and restaurants, which has increased its tourism. Traditional folk music remains very popular, and the culture is still very strong, but this is a beautiful city with some amazing sights.
16. Manila …
Country: PhilippinesPopulation: 10,979,000
When was it established?
The Fifth Republic started in 1985, and is still reforming the city.
Why go there?
Manila has some gorgeous parks, including the famous Rizal Park. The park is 53 hectares, and marks the spot where Joze Rizal, a national hero, was killed by the Spanish. The park also boasts Chinese and Japanese gardens, a zoological and botanical garden, a planetarium, a chess plaza, a children’s lagoon, a stadium, and a grandstand. The rest of Manila is just as interesting, and again, the skyline and culture are unmissable. Check out some photos, and book yourself onto the next flight! I know I would.
17. Cairo …
Country: EgyptPopulation: 10,772,000
When was it established?
Cairo was founded in 969 AD, but recent reforms started in 1922.
Why go there?
One of the most famous film festivals takes place in Cairo, and this is a brilliant time to visit. As well as this, Cairo boasts an opera house, lush skylines and the beautiful River Nile, and, of course, the pyramids. The Sphinx is also worth a visit, as well as Virgin Mary’s Tree… there’s just too many sights to list them all! Cairo is a gorgeous place, and again, it’s one of my favourite cities.
18. Osaka …
Country: JapanPopulation: 10,609,000
When was it established?
The city was established in 1889, and has had three major expansions to become its current size.
Why go there?
Osaka is a brilliant, tourism based town, boasting several amusement parks, including a zoo, 8 parks, 5 shrines, and 2 castles. The architecture is unique, and places such as the Osaka Dome show it off to its full potential. This is a place that everyone will love, and is considered the gourmet capital of Japan!
19. Rio De Janeiro …
Country: BrazilPopulation: 10,556,000
When was it established?
Rio De Janeiro was most recently reformed in 1975.
Why go there?
Rio De Janeiro means River of January, and is the second largest city in Brazil. Famous for its numerous sandy beaches, and huge festivals such as the Copocabana, Rio De Janeiro also offers a giant statue of Jesus, a mountain that features in the Seven Wonders of the World, and the largest forest in the World. What other reasons do you need?
20. Tianjin …
Country: ChinaPopulation: 10,239,000
When was it established?
Tianjin has been slowly growing since 1970, but is still a little behind other bigger cities.
Why go there?
The beautiful Hai He River runs alongside this city, and the city itself shares the gorgeous Beijing skylines but without all of the people. The Olympic Center Stadium shows off the style of architecture, and many of the new buildings show modern smooth lines. However, some of the town has kept its traditional look, and the gates and signs show off ancient China in a superb way. I love this city, and the way it shows the differences between traditional and modern China. It’s simply gorgeous, and I’m sure you’ll agree when you see it!
Have you been to any of these cities? What was the experience like? Please share with us!
