Countries to visit. Ten countries to visit. Hospitable Georgia and the secrets of antiquities
January 16th, 2015
Modern fuss sometimes blurs our view and we can easily lose the thread of what is really important in this life. The growing possibilities of modern tourism open up huge prospects. At the same time, not every novice traveler knows about the most beautiful places on Earth. Therefore, we bring to your attention - a selection of 50 cities that every person should see in his life.
How could Venice not be included in the list? It is beautiful with its picturesque canals, grand grandeur of basilicas, colorful houses and cozy wine bars. Life in this city takes place more on water than on land. Italy is famous for one of the secret places - a hotel-restaurant in the caves. You can find out more about it.
Seville is a kind of pearl of imperial Spain. Travelers can enjoy walking through the city's narrow streets lined with orange trees, visit Moorish castles, some of which are imprinted in the legends of Spain.
No wonder New York City is often referred to as "the crossroads of the world." Nowhere else can you find such a concentration and symbiosis of art, culture, culinary and business.
Lhasa is a true spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. The city is located opposite the steep peaks of the Himalayas. Majestic palaces and monasteries, saturated with the smell of incense, give the city an unforgettable look. And you can find information about Chinese snacks, which are used as incredible creatures.
This city is best known for its world-famous carnival. No wonder they say that Rio de Janeiro is a combination of all five senses. Just the fact that Rio has two of the most famous beaches on Earth can make you go there.
This city is one of the most visited in the world. Literally everything is prestigious in London - museums, street markets, even architecture. London can rightly be considered the financial center of Europe. Don't delay your trip! London is calling you!
Of particular interest will be a trip through the old part of the city of the medina. It would seem that the endless labyrinths of narrow streets, similar to corridors, should be boring, but they lead to vibrant bazaars where it is difficult to resist shopping. Stunning imagination and original architecture. And the smell of local spices coming from every house will be remembered for a long time.
Of all the great ancient cities in the world, Petra occupies a special place. Its monumental rock buildings are located in the windswept desert. To believe it exists, you have to see it.
Walking around Rome, you can get acquainted with the world's largest open-air museum. No other city on Earth combines the fine arts, culinary, grandeur of ancient history in such a way as it should be for an eternal city.
Varanasi is one of the sacred cities of India. His visit is a real feast of the soul. Meeting the dawn on the banks of the Ganges, you can witness the pilgrimage of local residents to the sacred waters of this river. This spectacle is unforgettable.
As a center of Renaissance culture, Florence boasts one of the most incredible art collections in the world. What can we say about the splendor of its cathedrals, delicious Tuscan cuisine and the richness and charm of architecture.
Walking through the streets of old Havana is like stepping back in time into the world of majestic pre-revolutionary buildings, classic cars and the smell of home cooking mixed with the sea breeze.
Kyoto was once the imperial capital of Japan. The best way to get to know the true essence of Japan's centuries-old traditions is to participate in a real tea ceremony and visit gardens and castles.
Jerusalem is a true crossroads of cultures, cuisines and faiths. Nowhere is this more evident than on the streets of the Old City, where some of the most colorful faces lived and the most important events in history took place.
It is a city of lights and a place to immerse yourself in the exciting history of the city with its museums, charming squares and many cozy cafes. No wonder that Paris is considered the most romantic city in the world.
Beijing for China is a historical and cultural capital. It is home to two of the most impressive places on Earth: the monumental Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China in the nearby mountains. At the same time, China is also famous for its "heavenly ladder". you can easily read about what the stairs are and where they lead.
Lalibela in Ethiopia is one of the greatest holy cities. It is famous all over the world for its unique and stunning collection of monolithic churches carved into the foothills of the cliffs.
Granada is world famous thanks to the eastern part of the city of Alhambra with its narrow cobbled streets of the Albaicín district. Grenada has an undeniable magic that is rare to find even in the larger and more popular cities of Europe.
The Acropolis ranks first on the list of great heritage. And the city's sunny streets, flower-decorated squares and incredible museums give Athens the right to call it something more than just ancient ruins.
What could be better than sunrise in the ancient city of Bagan? So do many who have been here. Just imagine: the fog slowly dissipates in the first rays of the sun, revealing the endless plains of ancient pagodas.
According to most, Kathmandu is the gateway to the majestic Himalayas. This city is famous for its saffron spice, colorful monks' robes and iconic prayer flags. It is considered to be one of the brightest cities in the world.
The Vatican is a city within a city and the Roman Catholic Church. Even if you are a simple tourist, the columns and domes of the cathedral in St. Peter's Square will stun you with their grandeur and beauty.
Lisbon really has it all: the sun, the sea, the charm and the decadent atmosphere of the colorful streets of Chiado and Alfama in the rays of the gentle sun.
Tokyo is a real city of the future. This sparkling metropolis, home to about 13 million people, is a real Mecca for shoppers, gourmets and party-goers. Along with this, there are still real ancient temples and gardens. Japan is also included in the top 25 must-see places for all tourists. You can find out more about the top cities.
Istanbul is a city where East meets West. With its monumental mosques and bustling bazaars, Istanbul boasts thousands of years of history. But modern Istanbul for tourists may be more relevant than ever.
Hoi An is located in a historic Vietnamese port and is recognized by UNESCO as an ancient city. This city is famous for the unique symbiosis of Japanese, Vietnamese and European cultures. It is worth coming here at least to taste the local culinary delights.
Amsterdam is considered a city with one of the highest standards of living. Every year, millions of tourists are enchanted by its famous red-light district and the stunning Van Gogh Museum.
Situated on the banks of the Nile, Luxor is the most stunning of the ancient cities of Egypt. Its proximity to Karnak, Thebes and the Valley of the Kings makes this city a must visit for all lovers.
Few cities have played such an important role in recent history as Berlin, with its legendary nightclubs, lively streets and restaurants that make Berlin one of the most interesting cities in modern Europe.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is famous for having some of the most impressive palaces and gardens in India. The city is also part of the famous Indian "Golden Triangle", along with the Taj Mahal in Agra and New Delhi.
Lyon is a World Heritage City dating back to the era of the Roman Empire. Head to Lyon during the Festival of Lights, when cathedrals, gardens and streets are lit with thousands of lights.
Oia is the most famous city on the Greek island of Santorini. Its magnificent white-and-blue houses standing on the very shores of the sea look like on a postcard.
Although most tourists come to see the stunning ancient city of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, with its relaxed atmosphere and delicious food, makes it worthy of a separate trip.
Vienna is a majestic imperial city full of beautiful palaces, manicured gardens and elegant cafés. It is not surprising that this particular city is deservedly recognized as one of the best places to live.
A colonial city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Cartagena has a history filled with explorers and pirates. It is recognized by UNESCO as an Old City that enchants and can exceed all your expectations.
The ancient city of Zanzibar is one of the most interesting places in Africa. It is famous for its white sand beaches and the symbiosis of African, Arab and Portuguese influences in the historic districts of the stone city.
Mexico City is a kind of delightful chaos of colors, sounds and colors. Home to more than 20 million people, this city impresses with beautiful colonial architecture, ruins lying around and incredibly delicious food.
For short or long term, you should definitely visit Singapore. Wander around Little India and be sure to try the local street food.
Las Vegas is better known as Sin City. It is a leader among visiting tourists from all over the world. Las Vegas perfectly combines the luxury of exquisite hotels, famous restaurants and expensive casinos. Hundreds of thousands of people a year come here with pleasure. If you have never been to Las Vegas, then you simply do not have enough motivation to start traveling, which you can easily find.
This is an ancient city through which the Silk Road passed. The monumental Registan Square with amazing madrasahs decorated with mosaics is one of the colorful examples of Islamic architecture.
This city is famous all over the world for its Opera House and magnificent beaches. It perfectly combines originality and modernity. No wonder it occupies a special place among the greatest cities on earth.
You didn't think San Francisco wouldn't be on your list of must-see cities, did you? Historic buildings, nearby natural parks and famous cuisine make the city a true star of the American West Coast.
More than three million tourists a year can confirm that all the sights of this city evoke lyrical memories and immerse you in a romantic atmosphere. The gem of the city is the spire of Mont Saint-Michel abbey rising above the calm coast of Normandy.
The walled city of Dubrovnik is the pearl of the Adriatic. This is one of the most picturesque places in Europe and is a World Heritage Site.
Among the amazing temples, exotic markets and bustling nightlife in Bangkok, there is something interesting for every tourist. It has become so popular that in 2013 London was named the most visited city in London.
It is often referred to as the Paris of South America. From the city's wide avenues lined with colorful houses to the Barrio la Boca tango club, Buenos Aires is a place of pure enjoyment.
If you try to describe this city in one word, then it can be called magical. Tourists can see the ruins of colonial churches and monasteries and immerse themselves in the incredible atmosphere in a bohemian cafe under the gaze of three volcanoes visible on the horizon.
The mixture of history, stunning architectural styles and hearty food has made Prague one of the tourist capitals. In search of the soul of central Europe, be sure to visit Prague.
Instruction
Denmark. It tops the list of the safest countries on Earth with a quiet life. Even when the Danish capital was occupied by the Nazis during World War II, it did not take part in the hostilities. This is because the Danes prefer to solve economic issues instead of participating in various armed conflicts. The people of Denmark are distinguished by their kindness, openness and responsiveness.
Norway. This is one of the most calm, friendly countries with comfortable living conditions. Norway is the country with the highest human development index. One of the main priorities of the country, which the Oslo government always puts in the first place, is maintaining public order.
Singapore. It gained its independence as a sovereign Republic in 1965. He pursues a policy of maintaining social, peaceful, economic, warm relations with all countries. Singapore also participates in various global, unilateral and multilateral organizations to promote international cooperation. Singapore is one of the safest and richest countries in the world with a low crime rate.
Slovenia. This is a beautiful European country with low crime and a low level of organized internal conflicts. In addition, its large cities such as Maribor and Ljubljana are filled with a unique culture. In Slovenia, you can make a trip to the picturesque lakes of Bled and Bohinj, visit the Triglav National Park and the Skocian Caves. In addition, Slovenia is known for its health and medical resorts.
Sweden. One of the most beautiful is Sweden, located in the far north of Europe. Despite being one of the largest arms exporters in Europe, the country has a low level of robberies. In addition, Sweden adheres to a neutral policy and has not been involved in any wars and conflicts for over two centuries, and today for many it represents an exemplary model of a developed society.
Iceland. She also occupies a line in this list due to non-participation in world conflicts. Iceland almost never makes headlines, with the exception of the country's financial crisis in 2008-2009. Iceland is an amazing place with impressive nature, huge glaciers and raging volcanoes, as well as numerous unique natural and cultural attractions in Reykjavik, the capital of the country.
Belgium. Belgium is one of the best and safest countries to live in, located in the heart of Europe. This small country occupies a special place. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Belgium boasts cities with medieval architecture, beautiful town halls, majestic castles and stunning nature.
Czech Republic. In 1993, as a result of the Velvet Revolution and the peaceful division of Czechoslovakia, two new countries appeared on world maps - the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is mainly focused on creating a strong capitalism in the country and a stable investment climate with the development of a high level of human potential. Tourists from all over the world come to the Czech Republic to admire the magnificent capital of Prague, the breathtaking natural beauty of the mountains and visit the popular spa town of Karlovy Vary.
Switzerland. The Swiss support a well-functioning government and open politics. Thanks to good governance in the country, Switzerland has received the lowest political instability, and also entered the list of the most peaceful countries in the world with a low level of violent crime. In many international and global political issues, Switzerland is neutral, while at the same time maintaining close diplomatic relations with various countries of the world.
Japan. It is one of the countries with a fascinating culture, with the third largest economy in the world due to its advanced high technology. Japan has not taken part in any armed conflicts since World War II, except for small internal contradictions in the country. Now its main focus is to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring countries and maintain a low level of crime.
Ireland. With its rich historical sites, amazing green pastures and friendly people, it's no surprise that Ireland is one of the safest countries on earth. However, the country has a slightly elevated level of internal religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics. Despite this fact, Ireland is a fabulous country with many reasons for tourism. Its rich literary history, scenic coastline and legendary hospitality make Ireland a great place to visit any time of the year.
Finland. One of the most peaceful countries with good living conditions, which is not distinguished by its warlike character, is Finland. The development of the education system in Finland is one of the main tasks. Today it closes the top five countries with the highest level of education in the world.
Experts from the world's largest travel site have compiled a ranking of 25 cities that have been most highly rated by tourists from around the globe. And the city that took first place surprised even the authors of this list.
In general, if you have not yet decided on your vacation plans, you can find some great ideas in this review. Yes, and for the next few holidays, too.
25. San Francisco, USA
City by the Bay is full of adventure and attractions - you can take the ferry to Alcatraz, sample Little Italy cuisine, or explore the surrounding hills. The ethnic and cultural composition of San Francisco residents is one of the most diverse in the United States. Don't forget to have breakfast at Mama's before heading to the Golden Gate Bridge or Coit Tower.
24. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is much greener and quieter than other cities in Thailand. This place, called the "Rose of the North", combines all the unique Thai features, including the famous temples.
23. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is distinguished by a combination of medieval and Moorish architecture. The city is under the supervision of the huge castle of St. George. Even the trams in Lisbon can be called a historical heritage - most of them have crossed the century boundary in age.
22. Sydney, Australia
The city of Sydney is famous for its opera house, the Harbor Bridge and its luxurious beaches. Residential areas of greater Sydney are surrounded by national parks. The coastline (both the outer "marine" and the inner city) is extremely indented. It is replete with numerous bays, coves and islands.
21. Budapest, Hungary
Surrounded by the Danube, the hills of Buda to the west and the Great Plains to the east, Budapest is full of stunning scenery. The neoclassical architecture of the city is still magnificent, although it bears scars from the Second World War. Budapest is built on numerous thermal springs, so its baths should definitely be on your list of attractions.
20. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok manages to combine the magical beauty of Buddhist temples with an absolutely crazy nightlife. Plus, it's a relatively cheap place to travel.
19. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is surrounded by kilometers of ocean and pristine beaches on one side, and a magnificent mountain range on the other. It is one of the most cosmopolitan African cities, with colonial roots still visible in its architecture.
18. Chicago, USA
Chicago is a stronghold of the American Midwest, the birthplace of the blues and a hotbed of jazz culture. The world's first skyscrapers appeared here, and modern Chicago is considered the home of the best comedy shows in the United States.
17. Dubai, UAE
If you are not very interested in historical sights and want to see a futuristic metropolis, then Dubai is the place to be. It is famous for the Burj Khalifa tower - the tallest building in the world, as well as amazing artificial islands and the best beaches on them. This is even more admirable if you know that until the 70s of the twentieth century, Dubai was a small tribal settlement.
16. St. Petersburg, Russia
Travelers around the world consider St. Petersburg the most European of all Russian cities - because of its neoclassical architecture, numerous art galleries and underground clubs.
15. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona combines old and new in a very special way. Most of the city, like centuries ago, consists of narrow streets and old buildings, and on the shore you will find luxurious modern apartments and hotels.
14. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is called the Paris of South America because of the city's rich European heritage and stunning architecture. Nevertheless, it retains its Latin American passion, the coziness of street cafes and the beauty of shady parks.
13. Florence, Italy
Florence is a city that seems frozen in the past. Many of the best Italian museums, cathedrals, galleries, squares and shops are found here. We advise you to start exploring the city from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza della Signoria.
12. New York, USA
New York can be called the center of modern Western culture. If you take a leisurely bike ride through Central Park, explore downtown skyscrapers, and eat pizza at one of the legendary cafes, you'll realize there's a place for everyone in this city.
11. Berlin, Germany
Just like London and Paris, Berlin is the center of a unique centuries-old culture, art and architecture. This is a kind of time capsule containing fragments of historical periods from the Middle Ages to the present day, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall.
10. Shanghai, China
In Shanghai, life on the streets is in full swing. Visit the Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple and Dongtai Road Market for an insight into the city and a totally different life experience.
9. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Although Siem Reap is a relatively new settlement, it is located near Angkor Wat - the City of Temples and the greatest religious monument in the world. And if Angkor Wat offers you discovery and adventure, then Siem Reap is relaxation and tranquility.
8. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is a charming mix of East and West, combining traditional Vietnamese culture with French colonial flair. Fortunately, decades of war have not affected the city, and now it is even brighter and more active than ever before. While in Hanoi, do not ignore the Old Quarter - one of the world's greatest markets, the Vietnamese Women's Museum and numerous theaters.
7. Paris, France
It is difficult to overestimate all the cultural riches that Paris has. It is definitely worth a visit, not only the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, but also famous restaurants such as Le Fumoir.
6. Marrakech, Morocco
This city is saturated with spices that have been traded in Marrakech for centuries. Its buzzing markets and colorful bazaars are the perfect place for those who want to experience the spirit of traditional Moroccan life.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
In medieval Europe, Prague was one of the main political, cultural and economic centers. Today the city is experiencing a renaissance. If you visit the modern Dancing House and the historic Prague Castle, you will see how the city has found the perfect balance between new and old.
4. Beijing, China
Beijing is one of the oldest settlements in the world. Its history goes back over 3000 years. The most important monuments for China are stored here, including the Great Wall of China and the famous Forbidden City.
3. London, UK
The former capital of the largest empire on earth, today London is a boiling cauldron of diverse cultures. Three hundred languages are spoken within its borders. Here you can find food, art and entertainment from all over the world, as well as wonderful examples of classic English architecture.
2. Rome, Italy
Even in Antiquity, Rome was often called the Eternal. One of the first to call Rome so was the Roman poet Albius Tibull (1st century BC) in his second elegy. Ideas about the “eternity” of Rome were largely preserved after the fall of the ancient Roman civilization, bringing the corresponding epithet to modern languages.
1. Istanbul, Turkey, for thousands of years combining European and Asian origins, as well as Islam and Christianity. It is known for its delicious food, delicious coffee, oriental markets and ancient architecture. At the end of a long day, be sure to check out the Turkish bath - it's a great way to unwind.
The uniqueness of this country is in the combination of smoking volcanoes and hot geysers with eternal ice. It is important to see the most interesting places: the Blue and Ice Lagoons and Geysers.
The Blue Lagoon is a natural complex of pools among lava heaps. The water in the Lagoon is milky in color, and in its composition, in addition, there are quartz and blue-green algae.
The ice lagoon is also incredibly beautiful! This is one of the few places where you can see the life of icebergs at a close distance: new icebergs break off the glacier and fill the lake, drift along the coast in winter, and melt in summer.
They are of different colors: white, green, blue, etc. And you can see the seething geysers of Iceland by going to the Haukadalur Valley. Its symbols are the geysers Strokkur and Geysir, erupting with different frequency and power.
For example, Strokkur throws out jets of hot water every ten minutes to a height of up to 20 meters, while Geysir is calmer.
Most Unique Country: Tanzania
The most interesting country in Africa in terms of diversity and uniqueness of flora and fauna. This country is rich in natural values: 15 national parks, 17 reserves, lakes, mountains, including Kilimanjaro, and the giant Ngorongoro Crater.
It is here, in the crater of the Ngorongoro Reserve, a huge tropical park, that more than 30 thousand animals live: buffaloes, zebras, gazelles, leopards, wildebeest, lions, and there are also elephants, hippos and rhinos.
White and black rhinos are an endangered species in the world.
Also in Tanzania there is Kitulo National Park, the only vegetative national park in tropical Africa. Due to the variety of flowers: more than 350 species of plants and more than 40 species of orchids, it is rightly called the "Garden of God".
In addition to orchids, giant lobelia, kniffofia, proteas and other plants can be found in the park. Kitulo Park is also the only habitat in Tanzania for the rare African Kaffir bustard.
Most Unique Country: Japan
Also in India there are many attractions that are considered to be UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the cave temples of Ajanta, the cave temples of Ellora, the Taj Mahal, numerous unique churches in the city of Goa, the monuments of Hampi, Qutub Minar, etc.
Most Unique Country: Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest island state in the world: about 18,000, of which only about 7,000 have their own names. The largest of the islands are New Guinea, Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sulawesi and Java, and all the other islands are much smaller.
Large islands are characterized by a combination of mountainous terrain with plains covered with dense rainforests. On many islands, the mountain slopes rise steeply almost from the very coast and end with peaks.
One of the natural features of Indonesia is that many islands are covered with snow, despite being close to the equator. Indonesia can also be considered a country of volcanoes: there are more than 500 of them, and 129 are active. The island of Java is especially famous for its numerous volcanoes.
And the most famous volcano in Indonesia is Krakatau, which is located between the islands of Java and Sumatra. The largest are Rinjani in Lombok and Agun in Bali.
Most Unique Country: Bolivia
The uniqueness of Bolivia lies in the fact that it can be called the most mountainous country, and in its isolation from the world. No wonder Bolivia is called "America's Tibet". Unfortunately, the country lost access to the Pacific Ocean as a result of the war with Chile, so now it is in the middle of the continent. Here is the highest actual capital - La Paz.
Bolivia is home to the highest navigable lake in the world, Titicaca. Unlike other Latin American countries, most of its population is indigenous, Indians are one of the main Indian tribes of Bolivia.
Its population is over 2 million people. Tourists have a unique opportunity when visiting Bolivia to meet with representatives of this people, who still follow their traditions and customs.
Photo: open sources on the Web, collage: Svetlana Karmadonova
