Set along Australia's southeastern coast, Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities and serves as the capital of New South Wales. No matter what you fancy – shopping, the arts, the outdoors – you’re likely to be bewildered by the scope of choice available here. First up, there are the must-sees – iconic Sydney Opera House; Harbour Bridge, where visitors can climb while hearing about Sydney history; and the Sydney Tower which provides spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Explore the photogenic waterside hubs of Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and the Rocks district; or delve into the larger-than-life music and food scenes of the metropolis after dark. For more laid-back diversions, head down to the beach or hop on a ferry for an extensive tour of Sydney Harbour and the gorgeous Parramatta River.
Located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia, this unique city-state consists of mainland Singapore as well as numerous smaller islands covering a total area of about 640 square kilometres. With its strong Chinese, Malay, Indian and western influences, this metropolis offers a dazzling melting pot of diverse cultures, exotic cuisine and a range of architectural styles. This multicultural population has resulted in a number of national cultural districts, such as Chinatown with its impressive Hindu shrines and temples adorned with marigold garlands. These pockets of traditional culture stand in stark contrast to the rows of glitzy state-of-the-art malls and futuristic skyscrapers. With all of this variety on offer, it is easy to see why famous natural historian William Hornaday described this remarkable city as 'the handiest and most marvellous city [he] ever saw'.
The state (and historical region) of Brandenburg is located in northeast Germany, sharing its eastern border with Poland. A largely rural area that extends into the countryside from the capital city of Berlin, Brandenburg boasts some great cultural sights and a range activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The amount of things to see in Berlin alone can be overwhelming, so plan carefully and be sure not to miss the key sights of the Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building. Other highly-recommended destinations in the state include Potsdam – home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (such as the gardens at Schloss Sanssouci), as well as the Filmpark Babelsberg (a must for cinema enthusiasts) – and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Spree Forest (Spreewald), which offers hiking, canoeing and cycling in magnificent surrounds.
Fiumicino lies on the Western coast of Italy, just southwest of Rome and just up the coast from the beautiful Roman Littoral State Nature Reserve. This gorgeous town boasts wonderful soft-sand beaches lapped by Mediterranean waters and is a favourite spot among Romans. Mediterraneo Beach, among others, provides excellent beachside services, restaurants, and clubs, while the Oasi di Porto is a lovely park-like location for picnics, strolls along the lake, and a visit to the ruins of the historic Roman harbour. Set only an hour’s drive from Rome, with the Fiumicino in between, the town makes an idyllic day-trip beach destination from the ancient city. The Leonardo Express connects the Fiumicino airport with the main train station in Rome. Did you know? Leonardo Da Vinci famously spent time in Fiumicino - make sure to see the sculptures and artwork at the airport’s bookstore, La Feltrinelli.
Situated in West Sussex, England, halfway between the bustling cities of Brighton and London, the lively countryside town of Crawley offers visitors a delightful retreat of beautiful parks, atmospheric wine bars, and an abundance of adventure sporting opportunities. Among other parks, the Tilgate Park provides families with the perfect location for a day of strolling, picnicking and playing among the three lakes and lush woodlands. Those looking for a little socialising and delicious fare congregate in the charming and varied bars, cafes and restaurants, most notably the Octopvs Wine Bar which is situated in the 16th-century George Hotel, famously the location of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s mystery novel, Rodney Stone. Thrill seekers can delight in an array of adrenaline-filled activities on offer here, such as quad biking, hovercrafting, and even Viking-style axe throwing.
Set on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most charming and idiosyncratic capital cities, largely due to its unique geographical location on a group of peculiarly shaped islands and peninsulas projecting out into the Baltic Sea. The majority of attractions are conveniently clustered on a central peninsula which, while not exactly an ancient ‘Old Town’, boasts some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. The city springs to life in summer when the sun continues to shine long after midnight. Winding streets play host to an array of tempting sidewalk cafes and bistros serving bizarre Finnish delicacies such as beaver sausage and dried reindeer. If that proves a little too exotic, check out the legendary Design Museum or try the saunas at the famous Yrjonkatu Swimming Hall, known for its spectacular architecture and unique atmosphere.
From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square and Central Park's leafy paths, New York City is widely regarded as the heart of the US. It pulses with vibrant energy during the day and is magical at night. From incredible art galleries and museums to some of the best restaurants and most iconic buildings in the world, the Big Apple’s vibrant cultural scene makes for an unparalleled experience for visitors. There is so much to see and do that it is impossible to cover every cultural highlight in a single trip. Visitors with limited time should head for the main attractions: the Statue of Liberty, MoMa and the Empire State Building, while those with more time can begin to explore the city’s lesser-known neighbourhoods and outlying green spaces. No matter how you choose to spend your time and no matter how high your hopes are, New York is guaranteed to exceed even the highest of expectations.
Set on the Pacific Coast in a basin of Southern California, Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States and the nation’s entertainment capital. The vast metropolis brims with movie stars, musicians, surfers, and plenty of glamorous A-list action, and is known for its cultural diversity and Mediterranean climate. The city comprises a number of wildly disparate neighborhoods including the legendary celebrity hotspot of Hollywood, the inviting beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu, and the hidden gems of Koreatown and Little Tokyo. Top attractions include the Warner Bros Studio, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Petersen Automotive Museum, among many more. Spot a movie star, sip a cocktail on a rooftop bar, slip on a pair of designer shoes in an ultra-luxurious boutique in Beverly Hills, or dance the night away in a starlet-filled club.
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