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.
Lantau Island, the largest in Hong Kong, lies on the western side of the Hong Kong Peninsula. The exquisite Lantau Trail loops the entire island, passing gorgeous beaches, enthralling waterfalls, and traditional villages, as well as the famous Sunset Peak, which provides stunning views of rolling, misty hills. See the beautiful White Dolphin (which has a pinkish hue and is known locally as the pink dolphin) on a boat tour or simply sunbathe and swim at the alluring Silvermine Bay Beach. Cultural attractions include the historic Ngong Ping Village, filled with heritage architecture; the fascinating and beautiful Tian Tian Buddha and Po Lin Monastery; and the picturesque, authentic fishing port village of Tai O. Other highlights include the Hong Kong Disneyland and Citygate Outlets shopping mall.
Located on the estuary of the famed Yangtze River, the renowned international metropolis of Shanghai is a bold and brash mix of East and West. It is home to some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, historical shikumen houses blending the styles of Chinese houses with European design flair, and it has one of the richest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. Must-see attractions include the Yuyuan Gardens, loaded with classical Chinese architecture; the many traditional Chinese tea houses serving a wide range of tea along with traditional delicacies; Shanghai Museum with its impressive ancient bronze exhibit; and even a Chinese take on Madame Tussauds which offers a fascinating mix of Chinese and western figures, from film stars to athletes and world leaders.
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.
With the River Seine gently meandering through this incredible city in northern central France, the captivating, romantic city of Paris has been described in just about every possible way and is a dream destination for people the world over, boasting many famous landmarks, a rich history and idyllic Parisian scenes at every turn. The city features monument-lined boulevards, fascinating museums, classical bistros, bohemian art nouveau cafes, creative wine bars, stylish boutiques, and art galleries. Must-see attractions include: the impressive Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, the world-renowned Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe standing guard over the glamourous Champs Elysees Avenue. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample infamous French cuisine at an array of enticing ‘boulangeries’, ‘patisseries’, and ‘fromageries’.
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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