Vibrant Cities

Beirut

Beirut is the perfect destination for seasoned travellers: here, East and West intertwine in intricate ways, creating a city so magnetic that few are able to resist its powerful draw. Much has changed over the latter half of the twentieth century – Beirut rising to become glitterati central in the 60s but falling from grace during the bloody Civil War — but the city is alive and kicking, enticing travellers with superb gastronomy, the Middle East's most vibrant nightlife and close proximity to the ancient towns of Byblos and Baalbek.

Dhaka

Hectic, bustling, chaotic, Dhaka is an enormous city of endless possibilities with energy to spare. Though it can seem a bit overwhelming at first, visitors who take take the time to explore will find the experience most rewarding. Delicious food, bustling markets, serene parks and gardens, lazy river cruises and death-defying rickshaw rides, fascinating museums, temples and mosques to ease the soul, and tantalising musical and dance performances; all this and more awaits the adventurous traveller who dares to venture into this unique city.

Detroit

Birthplace of the Ford Motor Company, Detroit received its nickname of ‘Motor City’ thanks to its rise as the center of mass production of motor vehicles. The city has thrived despite its somewhat negative reputation in recent times, developing into a dynamic metropolis with heaps to offer visitors. Countless artists and singers have celebrated Motortown for its charm.

The London Story - Sculpture in the City

Do you know your Gherkin from your Cheesegrater? Find out what they are and where to find them in Stella's London Story as she introduces us to Sculpture in the City; the contemporary sculpture park created around the newest towers in the oldest part of London.

VIENNA/NOW Top Picks: 6 trendy cafés in Vienna

The Times They Are a-Changin’: Check out Vienna’s most up-and-coming modern coffee houses. More about modern coffee houses in Vienna: https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/coffeehouses/modern-cafes

Beijing

Beijing's famous Tiananmen Square is big enough to hold one million people, while the historic Forbidden City is home to thousands of imperial rooms – and Beijing is still growing. The capital has witnessed the emergence of ever-higher rising towers, new restaurants and see-and-be-seen nightclubs. But at the same time, the city has managed to retain its very individual charm. The small tea houses in the backyards, the traditional fabric shops, the old temples and the noisy street restaurants make this city special.

Banjul

The low-rise Gambian capital might not be as advanced of a visitor hub as one would, perhaps, expect from a city of such national significance, but it certainly boasts some raw appeal contained within its pulsating and often rather hectic streets. Beyond Banjul proper lies the sprawling Serekunda — Gambia's most populous area — and the vacationer-favoured coastal settlements of Kololi, Bakau, Koto and Fajara.

Chongqing

Located in the southwestern region of China, Chongqing is surrounded by rivers and mountains, which lend a unique beauty to this rapidly developing city. With its unique geography, vibrant culture, and modern architecture, Chongqing is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's history, enjoying the natural beauty or simply marvelling at the modern skyline, Chongqing is a destination that should not be missed.

VIENNA/NOW Top Picks: 5 best rooftop bars for a drink with a stunning city view

The roof is on fire! Well, figuratively. Here’s some of our favourite rooftop bars in the city. More about drinks with a view in Vienna: https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/restaurants-with-a-view

Chengdu

Welcome to Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, where giant pandas delight tourists at the Chengdu Breeding Research Base. Though a modern city, Chengdu is where life happens in the back streets, with crowds waiting outside hot-pot restaurants, and tea houses abuzz with mahjong players and their noisy tile-shuffling game.

Living.Loving.Hamburg

Hamburg, die Metropole am Wasser gilt nicht umsonst als eine der schönsten Städte Deutschlands. Die Landungsbrücken sind Ausgangspunkt für Ihre atemberaubende Reise durch das Tor zur Welt, dem Hamburger Hafen, vorbei an der märchenhaftschönen, historischen Speicherstadt, gefolgt von Hamburgs neuem Wahrzeichen, der Elbphilharmonie, und der neu erbauten hochmodernen HafenCity. The metropole at the waterfront is extraordinary: the distinct maritime character, the international outlook and the cosmopolitan attitudes make the Hanseatic City of Hamburg one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Hanseatic elegance on Elbe and Alster, the historic Town Hall, the UNESCO Speicherstadt and Kontorhausviertel, the nightlife on the famous red-light district Reeperbahn and the traditional Hamburg fish market are outlining the diversity of Hamburg as a tourist destination.