6 Cities You Will Never Forget

In our selection, we present four pairs of cities for those who want to explore new places in different corners of the world and do not want to settle for the well-known options.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Cityscape. The skyline of Copenhagen features castles, palaces, copper spires, picturesque harbors, colorful townhouses, and cobblestone streets. It’s best to explore these attractions on foot or by bike.

Culture. The residents of the Danish capital enjoy and know how to relax. For cultural activities, there are major museums and art galleries, jazz bars, cafes, fashion events, and numerous festivals.

Interesting Places. Visit the Tivoli Gardens amusement park to admire the beautiful landscaped garden and picturesque buildings, then stop by to see the Little Mermaid. Also, check out Kronborg Castle, located north of the city—one of the most interesting European castles of the Renaissance. For shopping, Strøget street is a great choice.

Food. Copenhagen boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the Nordic countries, and even regular eateries here are exceptional. Be sure to try smørrebrød—the famous open-faced sandwich with chicken and potatoes. Local dishes often feature smoked pork, salami, and smoked or salted herring. Delicious meats, cheeses, and smoked fish can be found at the Torvehallerne market.

Nightlife. The city offers numerous venues to suit every taste—upscale wine bars, trendy cafes, cocktail bars, avant-garde and jazz clubs. There are also many small breweries that gained popularity in Copenhagen even before they became trendy. Choose a place that suits you and head out any day—both locals and tourists stroll here all week long.

Curious Fact. Recently, a new street food market opened in the city, located in a former warehouse by the harbor. Here, you can sample cuisine from around the world at an affordable price. After purchasing takeaway, you can enjoy your meal with a great view of the harbor.

Perth, Australia

Cityscape. As one of the most geographically isolated cities in Australia, Perth boasts a picturesque coastline dotted with high-rise office buildings and modern urban architecture.

Culture. The city’s population is growing at a rapid pace, reflecting a dynamic and exciting yet relaxed atmosphere. There’s everything from parks, beaches, and the ocean to trendy restaurants, unusual attractions, and museums.

Interesting Places. After enjoying the beautiful beaches, head to one of the city’s green spots: Kings Park or the Botanic Garden. Then, stroll along Hay Street or in the Northbridge area to visit trendy cafes and vintage boutiques. Don't forget to visit Fremantle Port to learn about the city's colonial past and dive into the history of Australian seafaring.

Food. Western Australia is famous for its wine, so be sure to try the local varieties. Perth has more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city, so there’s something for everyone. Fusion cuisine—a mix of Western and Eastern influences—and fresh seafood dishes are popular.

Nightlife. Perth offers a mix of budget-friendly bars and elegant clubs. The choices are truly vast: from cocktail bars with drinks costing around $20 to questionable whiskey bars and lounges in colonial hotels, as well as hipster breweries in Northbridge and traditional Australian pubs.

Curious Fact. If you want to try dishes from the seasonal menu, head to Amuse—one of the best restaurants in Western Australia. It’s renowned for its exquisite tasting menu that changes each season. Reservations are highly recommended!

Hvar, Croatia

Cityscape. This small port city, surrounded by 13th-century walls, is located on a small island in Croatia. Among gentle hills, there are Gothic-style palaces, majestic fortresses, beautiful beaches, cobbled streets, and marble-paved squares.

Culture. Hvar is a major tourist center, especially popular in the summer. More resorts and five-star hotels are opening here, but the city still retains its traditional charm. Its ancient streets, numerous churches, white sandy beaches, and local ceramic workshops attract visitors.

Interesting Places. Be sure to hike up to the fortress on the hilltop for stunning views of the harbor, or rent a boat to visit the Blue Cave near the Pakleni Islands. Guests should also check out the 17th-century Cathedral of St. Stephen and swim along the coast of Hvar.

Food. The city has many excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood and "gregada"—a traditional stew made with sea bass, onions, garlic, wine, and potatoes. Croatian cuisine mainly consists of roasted meats, fresh squid, pasta, and goulash. Additionally, you can find American and Italian dishes on the island.

Nightlife. This city is known as a great party destination— DJs from around the world come here. Local venues, which usually stay open until 5 AM, feature house music. Club lovers will appreciate Capre Diem, while those who prefer a quieter atmosphere can enjoy a variety of tapas and wine bars.

Curious Fact. Locals say that Gariful restaurant is one of the best in Hvar. Be sure to order the steak or any local fish.

Alghero, Italy

Cityscape. Alghero is located on the coast of Sardinia. The city features many medieval buildings, luxurious squares, and Gothic-style houses, with cobbled streets everywhere. There are numerous churches, the most visited of which is the neoclassical Cathedral of the Virgin Mary from the 16th century.

Culture. Despite the hundreds of bars, restaurants, and boutiques, the city has retained its true spirit. The old town and harbor of Alghero reflect its rich maritime history.

Interesting Places. The historic center, dating back to the 16th century, should be explored on foot. It’s the true heart of the city, with numerous squares and quiet streets. Sunbathers will enjoy 1.5 km of white sandy beaches, and from Capo Caccia, where a sandstone cliff rises, you can enjoy stunning views of the surroundings.

Food. Try Sardinian fish, meats, gnocchi, ravioli, and pizza. Among the local delicacies that travelers will surely appreciate are roasted suckling pig cooked over a wood fire and semolina pasta with culurgiones—stuffed pasta with potatoes and mint in tomato sauce.

Nightlife. Alghero has far fewer clubs than Hvar, but it boasts many cocktail bars and spots for late-night snacks.

Curious Fact. Alghero is home to the prehistoric Neptune's Grotto. It’s worth visiting for diving enthusiasts—it's the largest submerged marine cave in the Mediterranean region.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cityscape. Cape Town is surrounded by mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, where rocky beaches coexist with skyscrapers and shaded suburbs. The modern urban architecture of Cape Town beautifully complements the historic Victorian buildings.

Culture. This cosmopolitan city features a unique mix of different cultures, history, picturesque nature, and influences from traditional art forms. Life in Cape Town is vibrant, so we don’t recommend spending time indoors. It’s much better to spend the day strolling the lively streets and trying local cuisine.

Interesting Places. The landscapes in this city are breathtaking. The best way to appreciate them is to walk over ancient trees on the suspension bridge in the botanical garden. You can catch waves on the beach while enjoying the dunes and flamingos, and by hiking or taking the cable car up Table Mountain, you can see even more beautiful scenery. Active enthusiasts should go hiking or try kitesurfing, while history buffs should visit the museum on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison.

Food. Long Street is popular among backpackers and food lovers. There’s a wide variety of cuisines available, from Mexican to Italian. Be sure to try the Gatsby sandwich with meat in curry sauce and fries. The local cuisine also includes many meat dishes and sausages.

Nightlife. There’s plenty to do in Cape Town at night. Head to Long Street, where live performances feature electronic music, and sports bars and lounges with terraces abound. In summer, consider one of the trendy clubs in the Camps Bay area or the GrandWest complex, where you can play casino games, ride attractions, or go to the movies.

Curious Fact. Cape Town has numerous night markets. After dark, head there for clothes, jewelry, snacks, and to enjoy local live music.

Santa Cruz, USA

Cityscape. The Californian town of Santa Cruz looks like it came straight out of a postcard. It has a warm climate, excellent surfing conditions, towering redwood forests, and untouched white sandy beaches.

Culture. Travelers will appreciate the combination of laid-back beach life and vibrant nightlife in Santa Cruz. Dive into the local subculture and surf with locals or join a party with students from the University of California. You can also stroll along the boardwalk, where fitness fanatics, punks, and other interesting characters gather.

Interesting Places. In Santa Cruz, there are activities for adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, and those just looking to relax. Visitors can sunbathe on the famous Beach Boardwalk, ride a zipline, or head out to sea on a boat to watch whales.

Food. When it comes to food, Santa Cruz truly impresses: it’s home to some of the best restaurants on the Monterey coast. Try hearty American dishes at Betty Burgers or fresh seafood and cocktails at the beachfront restaurant Crow’s Nest.

Nightlife. Santa Cruz loves live music. Most parties take place in the downtown area. Be sure to take the Brew Cruz bus to explore the “brewery” spots.