Roughly 80% of Americans live in cities, meaning urban landscapes surely aren’t too interesting anymore, right? I mean, most of us get to enjoy that urban lifestyle, if not every day, at the very least from time to time. We’ve seen it all…. or have we?
That’s right, I’m here to tell you that there are cities out there that can amaze even the most cynical visitors. Keep reading to learn about some of the most interesting cities from around the globe to visit and explore!
If you’re interested, check out this article on the most fascinating countries to visit.
NEW YORK CITY
The bustling streets, the delicious food, and the commercial grandiosity all make New York City one of the most spectacular urban landscapes on planet Earth. In other words, NYC is the archetype of the modern metropolis.
Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park are just some of the more famous places you can visit in this vibrant city. But even if you’re into more niche stuff, you’re sure to find something in New York City. Quirky museums, weird but interesting exhibitions, and various unique live performances make this urban center a true jack-of-all-trades. If you’ve never been to NYC, now’s the time to go and see!
MEXICO CITY
Mexico is just a stone’s throw away from The US of A. Even so, the vast majority of Americans have never been there. This also means that they’ve never been to Mexico City, one of the most vibrant urban areas in the world! If you’re one of those souls, it’s time to change your ways.
Many Americans wrongfully assume that the entire country of Mexico, including its capital city, is a barren wasteland (a stereotype birthed by movies and TV shows). This could not be further from the truth. In fact, Mexico City is even bigger than NYC.
With nearly 9 million citizens and an area of 573 square miles, this metropolis is the most impressive in all of North America. But what does Mexico City have to offer besides its admittedly enormous scale? A lot.
Looking for authentic Mexican food? You got it. Interested in Aztec culture? You got it. Want to see what Dia de los Muertos is all about? Again, you got it. These are just some of the things you can see in the urban wonder that is Mexico City.
PARIS
Paris, the city of love, is a go-to destination for tourists from all around the globe. You can almost feel the passion in the city’s air!
The unique Haussmannian architecture is one of the city’s defining features. Anyone who’s been there at least once knows exactly what I’m talking about. Another thing that makes Paris special is its nightlife. I’m telling you, if you’re looking to go out and have some fun, you won’t be disappointed.
Finally, there’s the city’s culinary scene. From fancy restaurants to picturesque cafés, there’s something for everyone. If you’re a food lover, Paris is a must-see!
ROME
Rome is one of the more ancient cities on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less fascinating. Traces of a long-gone empire at every corner will give you the chills, even if you’re no history buff. Trust me, if you visit Rome, you will feel like you’ve traveled in time.
On the other hand, the city is also modern and tourist-friendly. All the services you’d expect are there, and some! Rome should definitely be near the top of your list of cities to visit and explore.
RIO DE JANEIRO
Arguably the most spectacular city in all of Latin America, Rio de Janeiro is just something else. Situated on Brazil’s western coast, the city boasts some of the most breathtaking views known to humankind. Arguably the most famous one is the absolutely enormous “Christ the Redeemer” statue, which elegantly looks over the city from a 2,300 ft tall mountain peak. You don’t have to be a devout Christian to appreciate this architectural wonder!
But if you think that’s where it ends, you’re in for a rude awakening. Just try going to Rio during the carnival season. You’ll fall in love with the music, the atmosphere, and, well, the city!
What’s more, Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be soccer’s (or football’s!) capital. You can hardly find a spot in this city where a ball isn’t being kicked around. If that sounds like something that gets you going, then pack your suitcases, and off you go!
TOKYO
The biggest city on the globe does not disappoint. With more than 35 million residents (you heard that right, 35 million!), this Japanese urban behemoth is by far the most impressive metropolis in existence. From the western perspective, visiting Tokyo can be a truly unforgettable experience. After all, being able to interact with a culture so different from our own is not something you can do every day. Add to that the sheer scale of this absolutely mesmerizing city and you get a mix so enthralling that you might become an instant Tokyo addict.
As a bonus, if you’re into anime, this is the place to be. Manga stores, cosplay events, and all kinds of anime-related conventions are a constant feature of Tokyo.
Getting bored of urban landscapes is understandable. After all, most of us spend our entire lives in cities, whether it be huge metropolises or smaller towns. Still, every urban center is different, and some can be quite special. New York City, Mexico City, Paris, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo are just some examples of cities worth visiting and exploring. The world is your oyster!
