This huge city in China is home to over 20 million people, and it is as rich in historical sites as it is in modern attractions. It’s not possible to see everything in one trip, or in ten, for that matter. But there are a few unmissable spots to visit first.
The infamous Tiananmen Square, the magical Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and of course, the Great Wall of China, are just a few of the jaw-dropping places Beijing offers.
Riga, Latvia
Although Latvia might not exactly be a popular tourist destination, it really should be. Its capital city, Riga, has a a historical center so impressive that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Riga has the world's largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture, making this city a very colorful place to walk around in. For shopping lovers, the place is a paradise, since Riga is known for its stores' particularly low prices.
City of Penang Island, Malaysia
Also known as George Town, this city is made up of Penang Island and a number of other smaller islands. The thing that makes the City of Penang Island special is the mix of Asian and colonial architecture. Be sure to visit the City Hall, St. George's Church, the High Court and Fort Cornwallis.
An interesting historic fact is that, before Malaysia got its independence from the British, George Town was declared a city by the late Queen Elizabeth II. That makes it the first city in Malaysia's modern history.
Quito, Ecuador
The city of Quito, Ecuador's beautiful capital, is a cultural melting pot of European, Moorish, and Indigenous history. Located in the foothills of the magnificent Andes mountains, adventure lovers have many hikes and trails to explore.
For a culturally-soaked afternoon, head over to Quito's Old Town and visit the towers of the Basilica of the National Vow. Then, have lunch or a delightful coffee in the many colorful restaurants and cafes on Calle de la Ronda, which also has some great art galleries and shops!
Hanoi, Vietnam
The city of Hanoi has it all: culture, nature, food, modernity, and history. The capital of Vietnam has beautiful lakes, like the Hoan Kiem Lake, and the powerful Red River that flows close to it. Hanoi is a mixture of Chinese, French and Southeast Asian cultures, which only means it has an endless variety of things to offer tourists.
Among things you shouldn't miss when visiting this Vietnamese city are the Perfume Pagoda, the famous water puppet theater, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Hanoi Old Quarter.