Manila

For many the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Manila is a chaotic metropolis, but there’s so much more than that which makes Manila a worthwhile destination in its own right. Founded on the bank of the Pasig River by Muslim-Malays, by the 16th century the Spanish started colonizing the city which lasted over three centuries. This is none more evident than with the city’s architecture, especially churches, as well as forts and other colonial buildings now mostly centered in the neighborhood of Intramuros.

It doesn’t stop there, however. Manila is home to …

Porto

Portugal’s second-largest city is one that is not to be overlooked! Porto was built overlooking the Douro River estuary and it’s historical city center has been continuously occupied since the 4th century. Now a UNESCO Heritage Site, it’s filled with gorgeous churches, picturesque squares and meandering alleys to explore.

Visit the traditional Town Hall or the modern Casa a Música, take a cruise along the river or even catch a FC Porto football game. Enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate in the summer and sit outside sipping cocktails watching the world go by or visit the wine …

Bagan

Home to the largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world, there’s no questioning why one would want to head to Bagan. Described by Marco Polo as "gilded city alive with tinkling bells and the swishing sounds of monks' robes", approximately 2,200 remnants of the once 13,000 temples and stupas remain from the city’s golden period which lasted from the mid 9th-century to the mid-13th century. Wandering around the temples, many of which from the 11th and 12th centuries, you’ll be amazed at the colors, the architecture and even the …

Luang Prabang

With its combination of Lao wooden houses and European architecture, golden-roofed temples and magical mosaics, Luang Prabang, Laos’ former capital, is not a destination to skip in Southeast Asia. A designated UNESCO sight, the center of Luang Prabang is clean and tourist friendly but that doesn’t make it any less marvelous.

Visit the Haw Kham or former royal palace which has been turned into a museum, take in an Alms ceremony and climb up Phou Si - a hill that provides a view of the entire city.

If you’re looking for some excitement, visit the Kuang Si …

Bilbao

This northern Spanish city is often overlooked in favor of its Mediterranean-facing counterparts or centrally-located capital but the strong Atlantic wind gives Bilbao some serious character of its own. For many, a visit to Bilbao means a visit to the famous Guggenheim museum, but the city has undertaken a dramatic renovation in recent years and there are numerous architecturally interesting buildings to see. Bilbao is the best place to learn about the ancient culture and language of the Basque people and those interested should definitely visit the Basque Museum. Head to the Mercado de la Ribera, one of Europe …

George Town

The capital of the Malaysian island of Penang, George Town is a popular thanks to its myriad of influences including Malay, Chinese, Indian and even British. George Town is probably most known for its abundance of pre-Second World War houses and other well-preserved 19th century colonial buildings. Together with the city of Mallaca, George Town is a UNESCO Heritage Sight and overall the island of Penang is considered the food capital of Malaysia so you know you’re in for a treat. Visit the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, or the historic Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Temple, head …

Hanoi

With a blend of Chinese and French influences, Vietnam’s capital has carved itself out as a prime destination in Southeast Asia. Despite invasions, wars and conflicts, Hanoi has remained the capital of Vietnam for over 1000 years and the Old Quarter is filled with stretches of pre-colonial and colonial architecture, narrow streets and loads of charm. Visit the Hanoi Citadel which despite being destroyed by the French and used as a military HQ during the Vietnam war, it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Sight and filled with interesting things to see. With museums that range from the …

Turin

Turin often gets overlooked in favor of Milan as a top destination in the north of Italy, but that just means it’s charm is waiting to be explored! With its grand boulevards, shops and palaces, Turin was once the home of the Italian royal family and there's no shortage of grandeur in the city.

Declared the World Book Capital, Turin definitely has plenty to spark one’s intellect and wonder, whether you visit the National Cinema Museum, see the Shroud of Turin or wander around the bookshops in Via Po. Go shopping along the Via Garibaldi, which …