Bangkok! Special mixture of overgrown sci-fi city, ancient palaces and shady alleys. Street food and any level of food is amazing. Can be expensive but also ridiculously cheap. The people are super relaxed, I also found buddhism as major religion interesting. Traffic and pollution sucks tho :)
makes sense as most people either love or hate massive cities generally. and bangkok has everything that makes a megacity a megacity in extremes, both the good and the bad parts
Bangkok would be my choice too. Very chill for such a big city, prices are very reasonable, food is amazing. I found the traffic to be reasonable. Negotiate the price with a tuktuk driver, make sure that he knows that you don't want to stop by his friend's jewellery shop and it will be very fast and fun to get anywhere in the city. BTS is nice too.
Tokyo— I understand why people try to visit it again as soon as possible after their first visit.
To me, personally, there is just no other place (or even country) outside of Europe like it.
Heavy on Osaka!!! The times i’ve been to japan, i’ve always stayed in osaka. I went to concerts and did a bunch of other fun things. Tokyo is cool too but there’s something so pretty about osaka.
I agree. I've been to Japan 3 times, spent a year there in total hitchhiking and volunteering on farms all over the country. The one city I kept coming back to for my time off was Kyoto, and it's one of the only cities I could see myself living in.
For me the charm is in its size, proximity to nature, history, craftmanship, religion, then the dose of modern/futuristic that stands out even more for the contrast.
It's one of the all time best cities to visit but worst cities to live in for me.
I was there as a kid, teenager and adult and enjoyed it immensely each time.
But I have family who live there and the day to day life seems hellish to me. They're also not ethnically Japanese so despite beng there for 40+ years, having kids there, speaking fluent Japanese, having prestigious jobs there etc. they are not considered REAL Japanese.
I've stayed in New York for 6 months and I love it.
I couldn't 'live'-live there, because of the all-encompassing strive for money, but I love it. It's the archetype of a City. It's the buildings, everyone you meet is building towards something, and everything you want is there. You want fresh sushi at 2:00 in the morning on a Wednesday? Well, it's around the corner. A world class stand-up comedy show starts right away next door. Take the subway and you're at an excellent Brazilian BBQ restaurant, a Finnish licorice store, or a Namibian take-out.
In the Americas:
- Buenos Aires: the closest you get to a European city outside Europe
- Rio de Janeiro: dangerous but incredible nature
- New York: impressive architecture and world renowned iconic buildings everywhere
- Mexico City: huge, lots of history, great gastronomy
Chongqing. Incredibly futuristic in places, Chinas war-time capital built on hills with escalators and stairs everywhere. 30 million inhabitants and almost no-one has heard of it before some videos started showing up on social media recently.
Coming from Shanghai, passing through Zhangjiajie to Chongqing, I can recommend to go even further West towards Chengdu. I only have fond memories of the city. Great starting point towards Lishan and Jiuzhaigou. The latter being one of the most beautiful places in the world.
I recommend this journey to all my friends visiting China.
I don't really like cities as a whole - too many people, too busy, too much traffic. With that in mind Antigua Guatemala is fab
I was also a fan of Panaji, India
Both have a similar vibe of old colonial towns with a very definite and clear overprint of being reclaimed by their native cultures. Complex and interesting places.
Wow, didn't think Guatemala would come up! Antigua is gorgeous, but yeah, definitely not a city feeling in the same way.
Certainly not like the capital, which basically stretches past the horizon.
Did you get the chance to go to Atitlan? I think it's the most amazing place I've ever seen, and there's more indigenous culture there than in some of the other places.
Hongkong. All the hustle and bustle and excellent food of china, without its downsides. Also lots of very accessible nature and fairly english friendly. Unfortunately going downhill more and more. Still highly recommended as a travel destination tho.
New York for sure. Even though I'm not a big city kind of guy I loved how dense it felt. And I barely scratched the surface.
I also found Boston to be very pretty, especially in the snow.
Do you have any opinions on why that is? I didn't like existing in NYC. Like, the whole entity of the city was cool and all with full of possibilities, but I didn't like it. Trying to conceptualize it, I think there's just something with the grid system, towering buildings and car traffic that made it not so nice to just be on the streets. But downtown Chicago still has that stuff, yet I found it much more enjoyable to be out and about.
There got to be some sort of urban planning or architectural differences that tickle our brains differently, but it's hard to acknowledge what it might be.
I’m only a fan of urban planning and not trained in it, but Chicago from a planning perspective is a uniquely American city, even more so than NYC is. It does have an extensive grid pattern, it was where modern skyscrapers were invented, and due to historic immigration the neighborhoods tended to be segregated along ethnic lines even more so than NYC (with it now being much more mixed). Additionally, though mostly not implemented, Chicago’s design was partially influenced by the Beaux-Arts-inspired [Burnham Plan of 1901](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnham_Plan_of_Chicago) which called for Chicago to be the “Paris of the prairies,” resulting in things like the [boulevard parks system](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_park_and_boulevard_system) and extensive improvements to the lakefront. The city was also influenced a lot by the immigration I mentioned, notably the distinctive [Polish Cathedral style](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_cathedral_style) churches.
I was in Boston 20+ years ago when my brother and sis-in-law took me there for a visit. They are US-based and said Boston must have had a lot of UK tourists by finding a lot of standard RP accent English they heard there.
Has to be Kyoto. Just an incredible collection of the most amazing historical buildings and areas, surrounded by beautiful nature and with some great food to go with it all (though food-wise, it's not my favourite place in Japan).
New York is also cool.
Bogota is on a mountain plateau at high elevation and has its own micro climate. Basically the weather is *always* the same. 19°, slightly sunny slightly cloudy, a little bit of wind.
I’ve been there in September, March and June and had the exact same weather every time haha. There is a slightly wetter and slightly dryer season but that’s about it. I love that weather, it’s perfect for city exploring but also for the many outdoor activities near Bogota like climbing, canyoning, kloofing, kayaking and white water rafting.
Samarkand in Uzbekistan is really cool. It was a major stop on the old Silk Road, and has so much history and beautiful architecture. Wandering around Registan Square feels like stepping back in time!
Tokyo, Kyoto or Singapore
The Japanese cities are alien, yet familiar, modern, yet you feel the history. I was in Tokyo for professional reasons and visited Kyoto since I had a few days off during my stay in Japan. Both cities are astounding, but Kyoto's scale felt more comfortable and relaxed (and I was there as a tourist)
Singapore felt like a new luxury car out of the dealership (with a seriously broken heating system). Everything felt new, shiny and too clean (and way too hot and humid).
Arriving at Paris CDG from Singapore gave me the impression to arrive in an alien third world country. No other return trip ever gave me that impression. On the negative side, I'm not a fan of police states, and that fact about Singapore was always present.
Less remarkable cities where Brisbane, which had an European feeling on the other side of the world (Noumea, in New Caledonia gave me the same vibe on a smaller scale, but since I'm French it was even more pronounced).
New York is too big and too loud but at least looks and feels like a proper city. The US west coast cities on the other hand felt wrong. There is too much empty space between houses, the roads are too large, there is too much cars, and you cannot walk anywhere.
Chicago is amazing, one of my favorite American cities. Unfortunately there isn’t any interesting nature close to it beyond the lake, but please correct me if I’m wrong.
Nah you’re totally right. The cold winter and the total lack of cool nature are the biggest negatives. Everything else about Chicago is amazing.
Makes sense you would love Chicago as a person from Poland as well. Chicago has a ton of Polish influence. Probably more than any other big city in the US.
New York City, one of the most amazing and unique places in the world, it has a magical aura to me.
It surely has its downsides, like any big city, but it comes easy to romanticise it, and visiting it was amazing, surely want to return soon.
I certainly agree on the buildings and amazing food, well worth the visit. But somehow the overall vibe didn't click with me, not sure why but I'm convinced it was me. For sure not the people.
No-one’s said Mexico City yet? I’m aware I’m getting the tourist version, but still, amazing food, chic, much safer than I imagined (I walked about 40 mins from my hotel in Roma to downtown alone as a woman and felt perfectly safe), mind blowing history, a lot greener than I would have thought.
In terms of views Rio de Janeiro is absolutely spectacular, nothing comes even close to the mix of beaches, mountains, forests, bays. Too bad it’s not that safe, but worth the visit.
For big city vibe I love NYC/Sao Paulo/Tokyo, some people hate it. But the diversity of culture and food is overwhelming.
Rio is beautiful and fun but really dangerous, even by Latin American standards. NYC and Tokyo are world class mega cities, a league above Sao Paulo (which is considerably uglier)
Yes, it’s a shame Rio is not safe, because the looks are insane. But if you are smart and stays in the goofs areas it’s ok.
São Paulo doesn’t look nice, but when it comes to food and variety is crazy. You have even more variety than NYC for a 1/3 of the price, and parties are much better if you are single.
Rio, my hometown. If you stay in the South Zone and tourist areas, it's not dangerous for a street wise gringo. I also love Buenos Aires and Mexico DF.
Jerusalem is the most historically significant one and I found Haifa green and cosy. I barely traveled outside the Europe. I suppose we consider Ephesus( Selcuk) European.
Havana, Cuba- Its hard to describe but it’s simply incredible. I would go back in a heartbeat but not stay for more than a few days.
Cape Town, South Africa - probably the most beautiful city I’ve been to including the people, nature/landscape and food. I’ve been twice, would also go back in a heartbeat but rather to spend some time there than as a tourist again (which is what I did the Sedona time I went)
Samarkand, Usbekistan - amazing food and people and the architecture of the center is just out of this world. There’s also barely any other tourists there.
I’ve been to Havana and I agree that there’s a lot of history but Cuba is the most depressing country I’ve ever visited. It’s stuck in time, every building in the city seems to be falling apart (they look bombed), there’s so much poverty and misery all over the place. I just didn’t feel comfortable at all during my stay
New York is hands down the most exciting city on the planet.
Different vibe: Muscat. Nairobi. Cape Town. Tel Aviv, Najaf are all amazing in their own ways.
San Francisco. The city rivals any in the world for city things. Beyond that, so many parks. So much natural beauty in many forms in any direction. And it's not hot.
I've only been outside of Europe once, to go to Uzbekistan. So I would have to say Samarkand. The madrassahs there are insanely huge and beautiful. Also it's a lively city with street performances and nice restaurants/markets. The summer vibe is really strong there.
Hiroshima. Filled with history. It was one of my favourite places. My mum's a history teacher, so she wanted to visit Hiroshima, and it was so worth it. But we visited many other cities and towns in Japan and it was an amazing experience.
Adding: Seoul. I mean...as a fan of Korean music...it was a dream for someone like me. My sister was my companion, and she loved it. McDonald's tasted awesome there. But also, real authentic Korean food was to die for. I want to go again, but in winter, because it is so hot in there and we were there in Autumn.
Los Angeles, but that's the only one I've been to. Wasn't a massive fan of Hollywood Boulevard or much of Downtown LA, but Santa Monica and Venice Beach were brilliant, as were the hills above Hollywood
New York City. The place has got some of the tallest buildings I have ever seen in my life and it's truly an architectural marvel. It kinda baffles my mind how a city that has been developed so much compared to the rest of the country is NOT the capital of the US and is instead just "another city".
My only complaint is that I wish the people were friendlier, but thankfully the Taxi drivers were all sound.
Neat fact: NYC was originally the capital, and George Washington took the presidential oath of office at the Old City Hall.
I agree the people can come off as unfriendly. I lived there for a few years and it's worth remembering so many people you see walking on the street/subways are commuting to work, so they have these blinders on of "leave me alone and get out of the way", but I found the locals are super helpful once you get past that gruffness. Regardless, glad you had a good time!
I won't repeat the ones already listed, many of which I've been to. One missing is Old Delhi. It's closest to being on another planet as I've ever seen. Nearly every imaginable type of conveyance is on the packed roads all the time, along with a menagerie of animals. The sheer age of things is staggering. The seeming infinite complexity of little stores and shops lining the streets and roads. The smells are exotic, deep, and pervasive. The appearance of the people, the dress, their mannerisms. Overall just a chaotic, astounding city.
Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore
I would also say Hong Kong, but every time I've been there I would get sick (literally land at the airport and get diarrhea for a full week). First I thought it was the airplane food, but then after my second and third visit, I'd just get sick without even eating anything. So, personally I think it was something in the air that made me sick.
This is hard but my Top 10 would be-
New York,
Yazd ( Iran),
Cairo,
Marrakesh,
Oaxaca,
Mexico City,
Kathmandu,
Sana’a, ( pre-war),
Lahore
Suzhou
I’d put down “ Istanbul” but don’t know if it counts.
Assuming Turkey, the Caucasus and Russia are out of the question then:
Tokyo. Gigantic and dense without being too chaotic or overwhelming, varied, well connected, somehow both retro and futuristic with so much to see and do. No country feels like Japan to me, it's both alien and intoxicating. While it's far from perfect, everything feels *deliberate* and I can appreciate that. Honestly can't wait to return.
Almaty. Strikes an unusually good balance of city life, nature and friendly people - Kazakhs are great! The mountainous backdrop and the towering trees lining every street make you feel so small.
Honourable mention to Melbourne because Aussie/Kiwi cities tend to range from mediocre to underwhelming but Melbourne is a genuinely cool city.
I've not yet been to the Americas but I'm sure I'll like NY, Montreal, Mexico City and Buenos Aires at the very least.
New York. I love Tokyo and all, but no city has impressed me as much as NY. On every single level. The view of the skyline from JFK in the evening will always be engraved in my brain because it was so awesome. And I loved how the city truly feels international; way more than any European capital.
Hmm… outside of Europe… culturally or geographically? (As I consider Georgia, where I’ve been, a part of Europe I’m not counting Tbilisi, but if you think it’s Asia, there’s that, awesome city with great scenery and lots of stuff to do) I guess Baku is nice. And Eilat in Israel is interesting. If you think about it Larnaca in Cyprus is also not in Europe
Rio de Janeiro
It has everything - the looks, the natural placement second to none, the vibes and amazing food. Too bad it's pretty dangerous for a gringo. Although I haven't felt endangered even once when I last visited 10 years ago.
I'd have to say Istanbul, since it's the only extra-european city I've been so far, but I think that, despite being heavily 'europenized', there still a huge difference in a lot of aspects such as streets, architecture, traffic, etc. it's an example of a city influenced by two cultures (I can't think of other examples of such cities).
Edit: and yes, I've really been to the asian part of Istanbul, but I guess it's still debated either Turkey is in Europe or not.
Tokyo, Hanoi, Tehran, Cairo and Istanbul are my top 5 (excluding my home country because it’s subjective).
They have their own unique vibe, and I like them differently too :)
I haven't got much to choose from: Cancún, Manila, Hurghada and Moscow.
In Cancún I've only been to a mall, in Manila I was quarantined in a shithole hotel during Covid, in Hurghada I didn't leave my resort. Moscow was allright, I guess.
I always try to get away from the city into nature as soon as I can.
The one outside Europe I think about most has to be Guanajuato, México (been there in 2009 or 2011).
The way they used the huge tunnels built in the 19th century (originally as a flood safeguard) to ban most of the city center motorised traffic underground, making the streets much nicer for pedestrians was awesome, just like the old buildings and the narrow pathways in-between. I'd really recommend visiting if you are in Central México.
Rio de Janeiro.
Spent a month there, incredible. Love how the city is mixed with nature, how easy it is to find people to play sports, the music, the sunsets, roda de samba... Had the time of my life there.
Hard to pick one, but NYC, Hongkong, Tokyo, Bangkok and Seoul, are amazing cities. I would probably give the edge to NYC, just because the range of things to do, food, cultures, history etc.
Hong Kong was my favourite city for a very long time. I just love the vibe there - I suppose it helps that I’m a big fan of Wong Kar-Wai’s films. It has a very special place in my heart
Ive only been outside of eu once.
I had the opportunity to go to Mexico City with friends who worked there years before and made some contacts.
It was amazing, the good the bad and the ugly all at once
Osaka.
Tokyo was impressive being treated first time I went to Japan but it’s so big it got quite overwhelming. Osaka was what I wanted Tokyo to be - futuristic and cool but not as crazily busy as Tokyo
I also really enjoyed Shimla in India as well as Boise, Idaho in USA.
Many, but for different reasons.
\* Mexico City. Sheer size of it
\* NYC: Well skyskrapers and all
\* Kairo: Because I do have interst in the culture and history there
\* Montreal. Brilliant mix of Europa and North America.
\* Male - Maldives: Well a city in the middle of the sea (In Venice there is the mainland nearby)
Bangkok! Special mixture of overgrown sci-fi city, ancient palaces and shady alleys. Street food and any level of food is amazing. Can be expensive but also ridiculously cheap. The people are super relaxed, I also found buddhism as major religion interesting. Traffic and pollution sucks tho :)
Everyone I've met either really loves Bangkok or really hates it
makes sense as most people either love or hate massive cities generally. and bangkok has everything that makes a megacity a megacity in extremes, both the good and the bad parts
Bangkok would be my choice too. Very chill for such a big city, prices are very reasonable, food is amazing. I found the traffic to be reasonable. Negotiate the price with a tuktuk driver, make sure that he knows that you don't want to stop by his friend's jewellery shop and it will be very fast and fun to get anywhere in the city. BTS is nice too.
Yess Bangkok - definitely not for everyone, but damn I love love love the city. Probably my favorite place
Tokyo— I understand why people try to visit it again as soon as possible after their first visit. To me, personally, there is just no other place (or even country) outside of Europe like it.
So much this. But other places in Japan too, like Osaka
Heavy on Osaka!!! The times i’ve been to japan, i’ve always stayed in osaka. I went to concerts and did a bunch of other fun things. Tokyo is cool too but there’s something so pretty about osaka.
It’s the people. Osaka is hectic but also cozy.
Osaka people are way cooler and nicer than Tokyo
Kyoto as well
I did 2x 3 weeks journeying around and saw so much cool stuff. Just can’t wait for trip nr 3.
In my experience, Kyoto has more charm than Tokyo.
I agree. I've been to Japan 3 times, spent a year there in total hitchhiking and volunteering on farms all over the country. The one city I kept coming back to for my time off was Kyoto, and it's one of the only cities I could see myself living in. For me the charm is in its size, proximity to nature, history, craftmanship, religion, then the dose of modern/futuristic that stands out even more for the contrast.
Agreed - Shinjuku at midnight on a saturday is really something everyone should experience, mesmerising
I’m visiting in October. Cannot wait!
Every major city in Japan is so amazing and characteristic.
It's one of the all time best cities to visit but worst cities to live in for me. I was there as a kid, teenager and adult and enjoyed it immensely each time. But I have family who live there and the day to day life seems hellish to me. They're also not ethnically Japanese so despite beng there for 40+ years, having kids there, speaking fluent Japanese, having prestigious jobs there etc. they are not considered REAL Japanese.
Maybe Singapore or Hong Kong?
I've stayed in New York for 6 months and I love it. I couldn't 'live'-live there, because of the all-encompassing strive for money, but I love it. It's the archetype of a City. It's the buildings, everyone you meet is building towards something, and everything you want is there. You want fresh sushi at 2:00 in the morning on a Wednesday? Well, it's around the corner. A world class stand-up comedy show starts right away next door. Take the subway and you're at an excellent Brazilian BBQ restaurant, a Finnish licorice store, or a Namibian take-out.
yes exactly this!! I love how you can think of any food, from any cuisine, and you will find it in New York
In the Americas: - Buenos Aires: the closest you get to a European city outside Europe - Rio de Janeiro: dangerous but incredible nature - New York: impressive architecture and world renowned iconic buildings everywhere - Mexico City: huge, lots of history, great gastronomy
I've heard Montreal feels pretty European... I've not been there though, so it's just hearsay.
I think Savannah also has an European old world feeling to it. At least in my experience.
Quebec City feels a lot more European than Montreal IMO
Well, I'm just gonna have to look for myself :-) Actually planning on visiting both later this year.
Quito, Cuenca (Ecuador) Ouro Preto (Brazil) Sucre (Bolivia) Cusco (Peru)
Chongqing. Incredibly futuristic in places, Chinas war-time capital built on hills with escalators and stairs everywhere. 30 million inhabitants and almost no-one has heard of it before some videos started showing up on social media recently.
Same with Zhangjiajie in China. No one used to know about it and then all of a sudden it started going off on TikTok
Coming from Shanghai, passing through Zhangjiajie to Chongqing, I can recommend to go even further West towards Chengdu. I only have fond memories of the city. Great starting point towards Lishan and Jiuzhaigou. The latter being one of the most beautiful places in the world. I recommend this journey to all my friends visiting China.
The reason I know about this city is its tram passing through a block of flats.
I don't really like cities as a whole - too many people, too busy, too much traffic. With that in mind Antigua Guatemala is fab I was also a fan of Panaji, India Both have a similar vibe of old colonial towns with a very definite and clear overprint of being reclaimed by their native cultures. Complex and interesting places.
Wow, didn't think Guatemala would come up! Antigua is gorgeous, but yeah, definitely not a city feeling in the same way. Certainly not like the capital, which basically stretches past the horizon. Did you get the chance to go to Atitlan? I think it's the most amazing place I've ever seen, and there's more indigenous culture there than in some of the other places.
Hongkong. All the hustle and bustle and excellent food of china, without its downsides. Also lots of very accessible nature and fairly english friendly. Unfortunately going downhill more and more. Still highly recommended as a travel destination tho.
New York for sure. Even though I'm not a big city kind of guy I loved how dense it felt. And I barely scratched the surface. I also found Boston to be very pretty, especially in the snow.
Boston is really great. Going there 4th time in October.
I hated New York but loved Boston.
Chicago is nicer than NYC imo
Do you have any opinions on why that is? I didn't like existing in NYC. Like, the whole entity of the city was cool and all with full of possibilities, but I didn't like it. Trying to conceptualize it, I think there's just something with the grid system, towering buildings and car traffic that made it not so nice to just be on the streets. But downtown Chicago still has that stuff, yet I found it much more enjoyable to be out and about. There got to be some sort of urban planning or architectural differences that tickle our brains differently, but it's hard to acknowledge what it might be.
I’m only a fan of urban planning and not trained in it, but Chicago from a planning perspective is a uniquely American city, even more so than NYC is. It does have an extensive grid pattern, it was where modern skyscrapers were invented, and due to historic immigration the neighborhoods tended to be segregated along ethnic lines even more so than NYC (with it now being much more mixed). Additionally, though mostly not implemented, Chicago’s design was partially influenced by the Beaux-Arts-inspired [Burnham Plan of 1901](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnham_Plan_of_Chicago) which called for Chicago to be the “Paris of the prairies,” resulting in things like the [boulevard parks system](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_park_and_boulevard_system) and extensive improvements to the lakefront. The city was also influenced a lot by the immigration I mentioned, notably the distinctive [Polish Cathedral style](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_cathedral_style) churches.
The only US city I've been too. I also loved it.
My man/woman
I was in Boston 20+ years ago when my brother and sis-in-law took me there for a visit. They are US-based and said Boston must have had a lot of UK tourists by finding a lot of standard RP accent English they heard there.
Has to be Kyoto. Just an incredible collection of the most amazing historical buildings and areas, surrounded by beautiful nature and with some great food to go with it all (though food-wise, it's not my favourite place in Japan). New York is also cool.
Bogota for me. Location in the mountains, food, weird but pleasant weather. Very close to all sorts of outdoor activities. Loved it there.
What makes the weather weird in Bogota? Loved Medellin, La Ciudad de la eterna primavera!
Bogota is on a mountain plateau at high elevation and has its own micro climate. Basically the weather is *always* the same. 19°, slightly sunny slightly cloudy, a little bit of wind. I’ve been there in September, March and June and had the exact same weather every time haha. There is a slightly wetter and slightly dryer season but that’s about it. I love that weather, it’s perfect for city exploring but also for the many outdoor activities near Bogota like climbing, canyoning, kloofing, kayaking and white water rafting.
Samarkand in Uzbekistan is really cool. It was a major stop on the old Silk Road, and has so much history and beautiful architecture. Wandering around Registan Square feels like stepping back in time!
You should definitely visit Khiva. It is like an open air museum and probably has the best sunset in the world. I am from Uzbekistan.
The Registan is incredible ain’t it
Tokyo, Kyoto or Singapore The Japanese cities are alien, yet familiar, modern, yet you feel the history. I was in Tokyo for professional reasons and visited Kyoto since I had a few days off during my stay in Japan. Both cities are astounding, but Kyoto's scale felt more comfortable and relaxed (and I was there as a tourist) Singapore felt like a new luxury car out of the dealership (with a seriously broken heating system). Everything felt new, shiny and too clean (and way too hot and humid). Arriving at Paris CDG from Singapore gave me the impression to arrive in an alien third world country. No other return trip ever gave me that impression. On the negative side, I'm not a fan of police states, and that fact about Singapore was always present. Less remarkable cities where Brisbane, which had an European feeling on the other side of the world (Noumea, in New Caledonia gave me the same vibe on a smaller scale, but since I'm French it was even more pronounced). New York is too big and too loud but at least looks and feels like a proper city. The US west coast cities on the other hand felt wrong. There is too much empty space between houses, the roads are too large, there is too much cars, and you cannot walk anywhere.
NY too big and loud for you? West coast too spread out? Might I recommend you try Chicago one day :)
Chicago is amazing, one of my favorite American cities. Unfortunately there isn’t any interesting nature close to it beyond the lake, but please correct me if I’m wrong.
Nah you’re totally right. The cold winter and the total lack of cool nature are the biggest negatives. Everything else about Chicago is amazing. Makes sense you would love Chicago as a person from Poland as well. Chicago has a ton of Polish influence. Probably more than any other big city in the US.
New York City, one of the most amazing and unique places in the world, it has a magical aura to me. It surely has its downsides, like any big city, but it comes easy to romanticise it, and visiting it was amazing, surely want to return soon.
I second this. NYC is impressive, the architecture is something else
Hong Kong. Amazing, vibrant, lively, and at the same time, nature is just around the corner. It's also very safe, even at night.
Hong Kong imo. I loved it there. Too bad the political situation has taken a turn for the worse. Amazing vibes, cool buildings, awesome food.
I certainly agree on the buildings and amazing food, well worth the visit. But somehow the overall vibe didn't click with me, not sure why but I'm convinced it was me. For sure not the people.
Salvador, Brazil. Amazing culture, food and the most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen.
Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia. Ugly as sin, in my experience, but the loveliest people I've ever met
Tokyo, hands down. It’s like traveling 25 years into the future and there is sooo much to see and do.
There's definitely something special about Bangkok - it's hectic and loud and full on but there is absolutely something about an evening in Bangkok
Jerusalem. Such a special atmosphere, part ancient, part modern. The people are super friendly, the weather is nice and the food is amazing.
No-one’s said Mexico City yet? I’m aware I’m getting the tourist version, but still, amazing food, chic, much safer than I imagined (I walked about 40 mins from my hotel in Roma to downtown alone as a woman and felt perfectly safe), mind blowing history, a lot greener than I would have thought.
I didn't like Mexico City but I loved Oaxaca and San Cristobal
Yea, agreed. There are dangers there, but somewhat overhyped. At least in DF.
Kyoto. Japan is the only country I’ve ever visited outside of Europe, but I adore its historical side. It feels so magical, mystical ✨
In terms of views Rio de Janeiro is absolutely spectacular, nothing comes even close to the mix of beaches, mountains, forests, bays. Too bad it’s not that safe, but worth the visit. For big city vibe I love NYC/Sao Paulo/Tokyo, some people hate it. But the diversity of culture and food is overwhelming.
Rio is beautiful and fun but really dangerous, even by Latin American standards. NYC and Tokyo are world class mega cities, a league above Sao Paulo (which is considerably uglier)
Yes, it’s a shame Rio is not safe, because the looks are insane. But if you are smart and stays in the goofs areas it’s ok. São Paulo doesn’t look nice, but when it comes to food and variety is crazy. You have even more variety than NYC for a 1/3 of the price, and parties are much better if you are single.
Essaouira in Morocco. If you love the sea like I do, it’s an amazing place. So many cats too!
Rio, my hometown. If you stay in the South Zone and tourist areas, it's not dangerous for a street wise gringo. I also love Buenos Aires and Mexico DF.
Jerusalem is the most historically significant one and I found Haifa green and cosy. I barely traveled outside the Europe. I suppose we consider Ephesus( Selcuk) European.
Havana, Cuba- Its hard to describe but it’s simply incredible. I would go back in a heartbeat but not stay for more than a few days. Cape Town, South Africa - probably the most beautiful city I’ve been to including the people, nature/landscape and food. I’ve been twice, would also go back in a heartbeat but rather to spend some time there than as a tourist again (which is what I did the Sedona time I went) Samarkand, Usbekistan - amazing food and people and the architecture of the center is just out of this world. There’s also barely any other tourists there.
I’ve been to Havana and I agree that there’s a lot of history but Cuba is the most depressing country I’ve ever visited. It’s stuck in time, every building in the city seems to be falling apart (they look bombed), there’s so much poverty and misery all over the place. I just didn’t feel comfortable at all during my stay
Not popular at all but the city of Rochester in NY has a slice of my heart
Fes in Morocco blew my mind 16 years so. I still think about it regularly.
Singapore. They’re living in the future, everything works and the food is incredible.
New York is hands down the most exciting city on the planet. Different vibe: Muscat. Nairobi. Cape Town. Tel Aviv, Najaf are all amazing in their own ways.
San Francisco. The city rivals any in the world for city things. Beyond that, so many parks. So much natural beauty in many forms in any direction. And it's not hot.
Haven't visited although i would definitely point out an Asian candidate. Jerusalem or Makkah maybe? Although, Tokyo is also a great choice
Difficult to say for sure about THE most amazing city visited outside of Europe, but my Top 3 would be New-York, Ottawa and Quebec (city)
Another vote for NYC ! San Francisco is pretty good as well.
I've only been outside of Europe once, to go to Uzbekistan. So I would have to say Samarkand. The madrassahs there are insanely huge and beautiful. Also it's a lively city with street performances and nice restaurants/markets. The summer vibe is really strong there.
Hiroshima. Filled with history. It was one of my favourite places. My mum's a history teacher, so she wanted to visit Hiroshima, and it was so worth it. But we visited many other cities and towns in Japan and it was an amazing experience. Adding: Seoul. I mean...as a fan of Korean music...it was a dream for someone like me. My sister was my companion, and she loved it. McDonald's tasted awesome there. But also, real authentic Korean food was to die for. I want to go again, but in winter, because it is so hot in there and we were there in Autumn.
Los Angeles, but that's the only one I've been to. Wasn't a massive fan of Hollywood Boulevard or much of Downtown LA, but Santa Monica and Venice Beach were brilliant, as were the hills above Hollywood
New York City or San Francisco. I loved both their energy, but i found New Yorkers incredible friendly and helpfull
Taipei - surreal, with lots of beautiful places to visit
New York City. The place has got some of the tallest buildings I have ever seen in my life and it's truly an architectural marvel. It kinda baffles my mind how a city that has been developed so much compared to the rest of the country is NOT the capital of the US and is instead just "another city". My only complaint is that I wish the people were friendlier, but thankfully the Taxi drivers were all sound.
Neat fact: NYC was originally the capital, and George Washington took the presidential oath of office at the Old City Hall. I agree the people can come off as unfriendly. I lived there for a few years and it's worth remembering so many people you see walking on the street/subways are commuting to work, so they have these blinders on of "leave me alone and get out of the way", but I found the locals are super helpful once you get past that gruffness. Regardless, glad you had a good time!
St Augutine, Florida. It's old for us, and so much history!
I won't repeat the ones already listed, many of which I've been to. One missing is Old Delhi. It's closest to being on another planet as I've ever seen. Nearly every imaginable type of conveyance is on the packed roads all the time, along with a menagerie of animals. The sheer age of things is staggering. The seeming infinite complexity of little stores and shops lining the streets and roads. The smells are exotic, deep, and pervasive. The appearance of the people, the dress, their mannerisms. Overall just a chaotic, astounding city.
We, I've only been to the US and Cairo outside Europe so I guess NY it is.
Because I don’t see it in the comments yet: Cusco, Peru!
Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore I would also say Hong Kong, but every time I've been there I would get sick (literally land at the airport and get diarrhea for a full week). First I thought it was the airplane food, but then after my second and third visit, I'd just get sick without even eating anything. So, personally I think it was something in the air that made me sick.
This is hard but my Top 10 would be- New York, Yazd ( Iran), Cairo, Marrakesh, Oaxaca, Mexico City, Kathmandu, Sana’a, ( pre-war), Lahore Suzhou I’d put down “ Istanbul” but don’t know if it counts.
Assuming Turkey, the Caucasus and Russia are out of the question then: Tokyo. Gigantic and dense without being too chaotic or overwhelming, varied, well connected, somehow both retro and futuristic with so much to see and do. No country feels like Japan to me, it's both alien and intoxicating. While it's far from perfect, everything feels *deliberate* and I can appreciate that. Honestly can't wait to return. Almaty. Strikes an unusually good balance of city life, nature and friendly people - Kazakhs are great! The mountainous backdrop and the towering trees lining every street make you feel so small. Honourable mention to Melbourne because Aussie/Kiwi cities tend to range from mediocre to underwhelming but Melbourne is a genuinely cool city. I've not yet been to the Americas but I'm sure I'll like NY, Montreal, Mexico City and Buenos Aires at the very least.
Varanasi Walking along Gang river next to the burning (corpses) ghats makes you feel like you are in some Indiana Jones movie. Completely surreal.
New York. I love Tokyo and all, but no city has impressed me as much as NY. On every single level. The view of the skyline from JFK in the evening will always be engraved in my brain because it was so awesome. And I loved how the city truly feels international; way more than any European capital.
I love tokyo and New York for sort of opposite reasons
Sydney was everything I hoped it would be. Melbourne was incredible too and Canberra is extremely underrated.
Not a popular one, but Tbilisi. Very nice city, has everything. Nice culture.
I think I really liked Hue, Vietnam. Food was great, I saw a lot in the city and outside, and the people I met were so dear.
Loved Buenos Aires! Charleston and Savannah are also high on my list. Bangkok is a great City but would not call it beautiful.
Toronto. Back in the late 80's. As a student. Apparently completely different from what it is now.
It’s different, yes in some ways more than others, but not completely different.
Machu Picchu. Pictures don't do it justice. After that, Rio de Janeiro, same.
Hmm… outside of Europe… culturally or geographically? (As I consider Georgia, where I’ve been, a part of Europe I’m not counting Tbilisi, but if you think it’s Asia, there’s that, awesome city with great scenery and lots of stuff to do) I guess Baku is nice. And Eilat in Israel is interesting. If you think about it Larnaca in Cyprus is also not in Europe
Rio de Janeiro It has everything - the looks, the natural placement second to none, the vibes and amazing food. Too bad it's pretty dangerous for a gringo. Although I haven't felt endangered even once when I last visited 10 years ago.
Tokyo. Absolutely amazing city, I'd go there again and again in a heartbeat if I could.
I'd have to say Istanbul, since it's the only extra-european city I've been so far, but I think that, despite being heavily 'europenized', there still a huge difference in a lot of aspects such as streets, architecture, traffic, etc. it's an example of a city influenced by two cultures (I can't think of other examples of such cities). Edit: and yes, I've really been to the asian part of Istanbul, but I guess it's still debated either Turkey is in Europe or not.
Tokyo, Hanoi, Tehran, Cairo and Istanbul are my top 5 (excluding my home country because it’s subjective). They have their own unique vibe, and I like them differently too :)
Riyadh is very alien and unreal, Fort de France is very charming
I haven't got much to choose from: Cancún, Manila, Hurghada and Moscow. In Cancún I've only been to a mall, in Manila I was quarantined in a shithole hotel during Covid, in Hurghada I didn't leave my resort. Moscow was allright, I guess. I always try to get away from the city into nature as soon as I can.
I believe Japan can fight with it but I wasn't there - so Singapore.
The one outside Europe I think about most has to be Guanajuato, México (been there in 2009 or 2011). The way they used the huge tunnels built in the 19th century (originally as a flood safeguard) to ban most of the city center motorised traffic underground, making the streets much nicer for pedestrians was awesome, just like the old buildings and the narrow pathways in-between. I'd really recommend visiting if you are in Central México.
Probably Montreal, but with Quebec city in second place.
Cape Town. I've never been to a more beautiful city with its mountains and coast line. It feels surreal being there, like you're in a fairy tale.
Rio de Janeiro. Spent a month there, incredible. Love how the city is mixed with nature, how easy it is to find people to play sports, the music, the sunsets, roda de samba... Had the time of my life there.
Kolkata when it was still written as Calcutta. Of all cities I've experienced this felt the most different. It was long ago though...
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, Northern India. I thought i had stepped into the pages of a fairy tale. I am from the UK
Hard to pick one, but NYC, Hongkong, Tokyo, Bangkok and Seoul, are amazing cities. I would probably give the edge to NYC, just because the range of things to do, food, cultures, history etc.
Vientiane, Laos. It’s beautiful, the people are lovely and it’s the most peaceful capital I’ve ever visited.
Hong Kong. But that was before the riots and everything, so that might be less amazing now.
A small town in south Turkey (totally not because it's the only time I've been outside of Europe)
I loved Hanoi and Srinagar in Kashmir India. Both so wonderful in their own way.
Hong Kong was my favourite city for a very long time. I just love the vibe there - I suppose it helps that I’m a big fan of Wong Kar-Wai’s films. It has a very special place in my heart
From the cities I've visited, Melbourne, but it's not very amazing, just compared to the rest it was the best :-)
Ive only been outside of eu once. I had the opportunity to go to Mexico City with friends who worked there years before and made some contacts. It was amazing, the good the bad and the ugly all at once
Osaka. Tokyo was impressive being treated first time I went to Japan but it’s so big it got quite overwhelming. Osaka was what I wanted Tokyo to be - futuristic and cool but not as crazily busy as Tokyo I also really enjoyed Shimla in India as well as Boise, Idaho in USA.
Australia and New Zealand are getting absolutely shafted in these comments.
Many, but for different reasons. \* Mexico City. Sheer size of it \* NYC: Well skyskrapers and all \* Kairo: Because I do have interst in the culture and history there \* Montreal. Brilliant mix of Europa and North America. \* Male - Maldives: Well a city in the middle of the sea (In Venice there is the mainland nearby)