There are too many beautiful places across the world for anyone to see in one lifetime. But, given the opportunity, some cities are just too awesome to pass up. Here is the list of the top seven cities, all very unique from each other, that you must visit before you die — Consider it your Travel Bucket List.
New York City, USA
New York City, the biggest city in America, is the hub to great shopping, dining, site seeing, and nightlife. Take a boat to see the Statue of Liberty, take on the madness of Times Square, and go on a stroll in Central Park. There is any kind of genre of a Broadway show you could imagine, as well as amazing museums such as the MET. Go in the winter and there is a huge skating rink outside Rockefeller Center where you can enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights. New York is also known for its pizza, delis and amazing hole-in-the-wall attractions, which make for an amazing experience in the Big Apple.
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Venice, Italy
Just like you can imagine in the movies, Venice is a romantic city whose main transportation is through its canals and water ways via gondola or vaporetti, which is like a large water taxi unique to Venice. It makes multiple stops just like any other train or bus, but instead you get to view Venice’s beautiful architecture, unique shops and delicious restaurants that spot along over 150 canals. Go during end of February for Carnevale, a festival of masks, costumes, parades and an amazing time.
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand is a city surrounded by ocean. It is also a city of volcanoes, which provides surrounding green islands that make the city so beautiful. It is the most multicultural city in New Zealand, and draws in many adventure tourists. A few popular activities include yachting, canoying, kayaking and hiking. For the dare devils in us, try bungee jumping. The cities many bridges make this leap of faith extremely popular amongst locals and tourists. The tallest tower in Auckland, the Sky Tower, is popular for its “Sky Jump”- a bungee jump off the 1,076 foot high tower.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Located literally in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Bora Bora is easily one of the most beautiful islands and beautiful places in the world. The water is incredibly blue, clear and warm. The people who live on this French Polynesian island are kind and welcoming. You must get there by boat by flying into Tahiti, and there is only one road around the island. Popular activities include snorkeling with Manta Rays in the warm water and hiking around the island’s mountains and tropical forest, as well as taking advantage of the 5 star services provided by the luxury hotels and resorts. Bora Bora is truly paradise away from the heckle of the world.
Santorini, Greece
I don’t think there is a girl out there who won’t admit they wanted to go to Greece after seeing The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, fall in love with a beautiful boy and cruise around on a moped. You know the beautiful white homes on the cliffs above the beautiful blue water, with the cool blue rounded roofs? Yep, that is what you will find on the island of Santorini, Greece, surrounded by the Aegean Sea. The amazing architecture and Venetian houses are all accessible by the local winding streets. Rent a moped or a boat and explore! The city is full of amazing shopping and dining, especially fresh seafood, and the sea provides an amazing view, especially at sunset.
Tokyo, Japan
One of the most populous cities in the world, Tokyo is a cultural hub. There are truly endless opportunities to tourists. The city is very modern and crowded, but also extremely true to it’s Japanese culture. Spend a day visiting shrines, temples, and art and history museums, then switch it up by spending another day in the downtown hustle of shopping, neon lights, and an amazing nightlife including the all too popular karaoke bars. The popular Tsukiji Fish Market is where you can find some of the freshest, most delicious seafood available anywhere across the globe. There are also many beautiful gardens throughout the city maintained to keep the Japanese culture alive and blossoming. The locals are kind and the traditions, festivals and everyday activity provide a unique experience to visitors.
Melbourne, AustraliaÂ
Located in the southeast corner of Australia, Melbourne always seems to get outshined by the infamous Sydney, Australia. But this gorgeous and laid-back city is home to amazing locals and the busiest seaport in Australia. Voted the world’s most livable city in both 2011 and 2012, a trip to Melbourne might just be vacation that turns into a one-way trip. Melbourne still maintains much of Victorian architecture, stoned walkways leading to the City Centre, and vintage lamp posts that line the streets. Downtown is packed with local art, multicultural dining, and a great nightlife. The city is always clean, beautiful and green because it is so well maintained by the locals who respect their city so much. Sports are extremely popular in Melbourne, so score yourself some Rugby, Tennis or Cricket tickets to indulge in some Australian culture. “Street culture” or street performers, musicians and handcrafts also line the streets to give you a unique traveling experience like no other.