Most Intriguing Cities of the World to Visit

Are you planning a special vacation this year? Every year you go to the same old beach, see the same old sights, well maybe its time to plan a vacation of a life time. Check out some of these fascinating cities of the world and go for it!

Tunis Tunisia is one of the most ancient cities on the Mediterranean. North African and Islamic cultures, Berbers, Arabs, Turks and Moors all live and work together in this ancient city. There are approximately 700 monuments, including palaces, mosques, mausoleums, dwellings and markets to visit and experience. A visit to the Medina. which is the heart of old Tunis. Souks, open-air bazaars are everywhere, filling the streets and alleyways, where you can purchase about anything you might want.

The modern portion of the city is of French and Middle Eastern traditions. There you will see modern skyscrapers, luxury hotels, open-air cafes and pastry shops. A visit to Tunis is not complete without a stop at the excavation site of the ancient Carthage. It is located 9 miles outside of the city located within a high class residential district.

Seoul South Korea has a population of 10.3 million people. Seoul is a mixture of the old and modern, it was founded in 1394 and has preserved its buildings from the past. There are over 300 institutions of higher learning in Seoul. Seoul is the cultural heart of South Korea, with many universities, theaters, museums to visit and experience. A visit to the Secret Garden of Biwon with its burial cairns of King Sejo and his wife Yun Chon-hi will be enjoyable, it is located less than 20 miles from the city. Some other places to visit are the Namhansanseong (Mountain Fortress), the Bongeunsa Temple, Bukhansanseong Fortress, the National Folk Museum and National Theater.

Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon has a population of 7.4 million people.[1] It is a city with a clutter of shops, food stands and sidewalk vendors. One of the mail tourist areas is the old French Quarter where you can visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame, build between 1877 and 1883 is an architectural wonder. Take a walk on the mile long Dong Khow Street where the city hall, the cathedral, the city theatre and the wonderfully built main post office are located. There are three mail hotels that you will want to visit; the Continental Hotel was the set for the famous British writer Graham Greene novel, The Quiet American and movie starring Michael Caine. Next is the Hotel Rex, where many journalists covering the Vietnam War stayed. The third hotel is the Majestic hotel, made famous by French author Marguerite Duras in her novel The Lover. For an Asian experience visit the Saigon's Chinese quarter. Street barbers, ear cleaners, bird dealers abound in the twisting, turning and narrow alleys and streets. You will enjoy the exotic aromas coming from the Chinese restaurants and apothecaries.

Auckland New Zealand has a population of 417,900 people and is the largest and most important city in New Zealand. It is located on New Zealand's North Island and is the first place most tourists visit. There are vacation resorts all around the city, sandy bays with surf that invites surfing and national parks with thermal hot springs with sputtering geysers. New Zealand's most famous delicacy, the kiwi fruit is located on the North Island. There are a total of forty-eight inactive volcanoes surrounding Auckland. One of the most visited places is Hauraki Maritime Park. It extends over a hugh area along the east coast, encompassing forty-seven islands. If you like red wine, the Waiheke Island is where New Zealand's best red wines are produced. For dining try the lamb dishes and cheese specialties, also the wonderful seafood menus.

Rotterdam Netherlands has a population of 589,200 people and has one of the busiest harbors in the world. The harbor area is 4.25 square miles, and has a number of smaller towns located along its shores. For a beautiful view, visit the observation deck atop the 606.8 foot Euromast Television Tower in the Parkhaven district. There are many fine restaurants available; one of them is the Flying Bridge, which is decorated with ship navigation instruments. Many parks are available to stroll thru with different themes. For a grand time and visit, try to visit Rotterdam during its summer festival. Dancing, singing and poetry reading are some of the events that you will experience.

[1] 100 Cities of the World by Falko Brenner