The city of Hanoi has it all: culture, nature, food, modernity, and history. The capital of Vietnam has beautiful lakes, like the Hoan Kiem Lake, and the powerful Red River that flows close to it. Hanoi is a mixture of Chinese, French and Southeast Asian cultures, which only means it has an endless variety of things to offer tourists.
Among things you shouldn’t miss when visiting this Vietnamese city are the Perfume Pagoda, the famous water puppet theater, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Hanoi Old Quarter.
Brussels, Belgium
The capital of Belgium, Brussels is known for its delicious food, its inspiring architecture, and of course, its history. There are countless sites to visit, among them the Grand-Place, the Royal Museums of Art and History, the Choco-Story chocolate museum, and of course, the fabulous pubs with world-famous Belgian beer.
But of course, everybody knows that you can't go to Brussels without doing a proper tour around the city's countless chocolate shops. And if you haven't had a sugar comma by then, try the famous Belgian waffles.
Istanbul, Turkey
Located on the Bosphorus Strait, between Europe and Asia, the city of Istanbul is one of the best and most beautiful cities in Turkey. Istanbul is rich in history, filled with museums and architecture that dates back centuries. The Hagia Sophia, for example, which is now a museum, used to be a church, and later a mosque.
From ornate Islamic art and Christian mosaics, to Egyptian obelisks and an arena that was the heart of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul has something for every type of traveler.
Quito, Ecuador
The city of Quito, Ecuador's beautiful capital, is a cultural melting pot of European, Moorish, and Indigenous history. Located in the foothills of the magnificent Andes mountains, adventure lovers have many hikes and trails to explore.
For a culturally-soaked afternoon, head over to Quito's Old Town and visit the towers of the Basilica of the National Vow. Then, have lunch or a delightful coffee in the many colorful restaurants and cafes on Calle de la Ronda, which also has some great art galleries and shops!
Beijing, China
This huge city in China is home to over 20 million people, and it is as rich in historical sites as it is in modern attractions. It's not possible to see everything in one trip, or in ten, for that matter. But there are a few unmissable spots to visit first.
The infamous Tiananmen Square, the magical Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and of course, the Great Wall of China, are just a few of the jaw-dropping places Beijing offers.