It’s hard to imagine that 40 years ago, Abu Dhabi was a fishing village in the Arabian desert. Today, the glitzy UAE capital is as glamorous as neighboring Dubai. In fact, its one of the 6 Neighbouring Cities You Must Visit While On Your Trip To Dubai. What’s more, Abu Dhabi has gained prominence as…
The capital of Qatar, Doha is one of the richest cities in the world. The gilded Middle Eastern city on the Persian Gulf puts a new spin on the word “luxury.” Think ostentatious shopping malls, cloud-touching architectural marvels, and grand cultural icons. However, its also known for traditional souqs, thrilling desert fun, and white-sand beaches.…
The myriad attractions of Bangkok, the vibrant capital city of Thailand, are famous across the world. What is not as well-known is that it is also a city of contrasts where modernity exists in harmony with ancient traditions. The bustling metropolis, with its soaring skyscrapers, is also a treasure trove of ancient temples, beautiful art…
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city is all about captivating rather than cliched contrasts. Glass skyscrapers and Mughal-style minarets make for a juxtaposing skyline. Lush green gardens set off grey six-lane highways. What’s more, buzzing markets sit right next to glossy malls. Above all, the city is a blend of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cultures and…
There’s no place on earth like mesmerizing Macau. With a scintillating skyline and gambling aplenty, the moniker of the “Las Vegas of Asia” suits it. Indeed, it’s the center of all that is decadent on this side of the world. But, that’s not all that this Special Administrative Region of China is known for. It’s…
The sacred city of Mecca is Prophet Mohammed’s birthplace and the holiest city in Islam. ‘Makkah,’ as it’s usually spelled, is where Muslims arrive to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. What’s more, it also sees round-the-year pilgrims perform the Umrah pilgrimage. So, for those who live outside Saudi Arabia, Mecca is no less than a lifelong…
Lush Phuket on Thailand’s southern edge has white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Aside from a rollicking nightlife, the island is also perfect for romance. So, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations. A Phuket vacation is all about long walks, beach fun, and candlelit dinners. What’s more, there is…
Established in 710 AD as the “Citadel of Peace” (Heijo-Kyo), Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. It’s also the capital of the Nara Prefecture in Honshu’s Kansai region in central Japan. The city lies less than an hour’s drive from Osaka and Kyoto, and roughly 500 km (311 miles) southwest of Tokyo. There are plenty…
Manila is one of the most underrated and coolest cities in Southeastern Asia. The capital city of the Philippines overlooks Manila Bay in the South China Sea. It might be a cliche to call Manila a city of contrasts, but it’s true. Gleaming malls and skyscrapers sit beside bucolic shantytowns and urban parks. Yet, the…
Bangkok is much like a plate of its famous Pad Thai noodles; an intense mix of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy all at once. The cosmopolitan Thai capital is famous for street food, floating markets, ornate temples, and its nightlife. Whether it’s fast-moving tuk-tuks or Chao Phraya River cruises, the city is divergent in character.…
Sitting at the head of an enchanting archipelago in the Persian Gulf is Manama, the fascinating capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The coastal city’s charm lies in the fact that it doesn’t feature gauche commercialism as seen in other Gulf capitals. At the same time, Manama bears all hallmarks of modern Middle Eastern affluence.…
Scintillating Seoul is as traditional as it’s technology- and fashion-forward. It’s impossible to not be swept up by the Hallyu that is Seoul. Hallyu refers to the ‘wave’ of South Korean culture, and the capital city is living testament to that. Seoul is the mashup of dazzling skylines and great outdoors with ancient sights, all…
Dubai is ‘exotic desert glamour’ at its shimmering best. It’s hard to imagine that this ‘City of Gold’ overlooking the blue waters of the Persian Gulf is a former fishing village. Now, it is famous for its splendid shopping malls, scintillating souqs, culinary prowess, glitzy nightlife, and traditional splendor. The futuristic city is famous for…
Hong Kong is one rare glass-and-steel city of our times; over 70% of the city is lush country parks and mountains. The captivating and culture-rich city is home to world-class food, historical and cultural gems, dizzying markets, picturesque hikes, and beautiful beaches. However, the vertical city is most known for its iconic, skyscraper-filled skyline and…
The capital of Jordan Amman is one of the more modern Middle Eastern cities. While it has been somewhat overshadowed by Jordanian jewels Wadi Rum and Petra, exploring Amman gives you an insight into the country’s history. The city has everything from striking Roman ruins and international museums to leafy neighborhoods, coffeehouses, and souqs. Likewise,…
Maximum City, City of Dreams, and “Maya Nagari” or City of Illusions Mumbai throbs with an energy that is as fantastic as it is frenetic. The vertical city is actually a merger of seven islands and has been an important marine port forever. Mumbai is not just India’s financial and economic capital but also home…
There’s something extremely wonderful about the Maldives that immediately puts people in a dream-like state. After all, who can resist soft white-sand beaches, cyan-colored waters, and lush jungles? The amazing archipelago consists of around 1,200 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, which means lots of water-based fun. These including everything from reef diving and snorkeling…
Sprawling, dynamic Tokyo overlooking Tokyo Bay is more than just Japan’s capital city; it’s a place where no two experiences are the same. Travelers to the enthralling city can experience the entire range of Japanese culture in one place. Jaw-dropping heritage architectural marvels, newer swanky structures, pop culture like manga and anime, sublime cuisine, and…
There cannot be enough said about Jerusalem, Israel‘s capital city, and one of the world’s holiest cities. Nestled in the Judaean Mountains between the Dead and Mediterranean Seas, the scarred spiritual city has seen destruction and resurrection beyond mortal belief, and still radiates enduring magnetism. One of The 11 Most Religious Cities in the World,…
Good food is what defines spirited Osaka on the island of Honshu in Japan. In fact, this foodie city has an unofficial motto ‘Eat till you drop.’ Apart from this lip-smacking cuisine, Osaka is also known for the 16th-century Osaka Castle and the Sumiyoshi-Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines. However, Osaka is also known for…
The capital of Nepal Kathmandu is like a kaleidoscope; a dizzying riot of colors, aromas, and sounds that will overwhelm your senses. Kathmandu’s sights and attractions know no bounds, whether it’s the UNESCO-listed Kathmandu Durbar Square or marigold-filled temples. So, where does one put up in the city? Interestingly, the best hotels in Kathmandu include…
The stunning island of El Nido in the Philippines is nestled in the dreamy waters of Bacuit Bay. The stunning region is located a short flight away from capital Manila and lies at the very northern end of Palawan. Above all, El Nido is most known for the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the South China…
Nara is Japan’s 1300-year-old, deer-loving first capital centered around the incredible Nara-kōen park. Located just 45km south of Kyoto, the 7th-century AD-founded city was established as the ‘Citadel of Peace’. And while most itineraries might dismiss it as a day trip, it has so much for travelers to explore. In fact, the city houses the…
With its ancient Buddhist temples, traditional teahouses, and one of the world’s most unique forests, it’s no wonder that Kyoto is known as Japan’s spiritual heart. At the same time, the city is crazy ahead in its tech game, like the mixed-reality experience at Kenninji, Japan’s oldest Zen temple. So, it’s no wonder that the…