30 cities you have to visit at least once in your lifetime, according to travelers
30. STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — With narrow cobblestone streets and a colorful waterfront, Stockholm is an exceptionally charming city. It's also filled with museums and landmarks that make it a prime cultural and entertainment center within Sweden.
29. DRESDEN, GERMANY — In Dresden, travelers can take a walk around the Old Town to see buildings and historical landmarks that date back to the Renaissance. Later, they can head to the Nuestadt District for eclectic bars, restaurants, and shops.
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28. SHANGHAI, CHINA — China's biggest city buzzes with excitement. Highlights include gorgeous night views of the Huangpu River, contemporary art stores in the Bund neighborhood, and the breathtaking Jade Buddha Temple.
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27. DUBLIN, IRELAND — Ireland's capital is split into quarters, including the oldest Medieval Quarter, where you'll find St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Dublin Castle. Its world-famous Temple Bar area is full of bars, restaurants, boutiques, and music venues.
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26. HONG KONG, CHINA — The densely populated city is a major port and a top player in global finance. Top tourist attractions include the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, Lan Kwai, and the Temple Street Night Market.
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25. SINGAPORE — A strong economy, top-ranked education system, and safe neighborhoods are only a few qualities that make this multicultural hub shine. From delicious local dishes to shopping opportunities, Singapore has something for everyone.
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24. VICTORIA, CANADA — Victoria offers a blend of old-world charm and modernity. The city has outstanding locally made wines and spirits, colorful gardens, and plenty of outdoor adventures, including kayaking, diving, and hiking.
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23. QUEBEC CITY, CANADA — Quebec City is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Québec district, which is the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts along with its 17th-century architecture. Streets are busy with horse-drawn carriages, singers, artists, open-air art galleries, and more than 100 restaurants to choose from.
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22. MADRID, SPAIN — Madrid is rich in history. The city's Royal Palace is the largest palace in Western Europe, and the Paseo del Arte will please every art aficionado.
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21. SIENA, ITALY — Siena's vibrant streets are packed with restaurants, delis, and stunning medieval architecture. The city, which is built around the central Piazza del Campo, has been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its preservation of its history.
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20. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND — Scotland's capital is perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags. Visitors can get sweeping views of the city from the stunning Edinburgh Castle. The city also plays host to an array of international festivals throughout the year, as well as a bustling nightlife scene year-round.
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19. VANCOUVER, CANADA — Vancouver is a popular tourist destination thanks to its scenic views, friendly locals, and relatively mild climate. The city also has a diverse population and is home to some of the country's best ethnic food.
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18. LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND — Covered bridges like the Kapellbrücke, towering mountain ranges, and Lake Lucerne are highlights of this Swiss town. Head to The Old Swiss House for delicious weiner schnitzel (breaded veal pounded thin and served with spätzle), and take a cable car up Mount Pilatus for stunning views.
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17. AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS — With its picturesque canals, windmills, and plenty of bikes, Amsterdam is much more than its Red Light District. From bars and cafes to luxury shopping, local markets, and museums, the city is full of things to do.
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16. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa. The best way to experience the culture is by socializing with locals. Luckily, the city offers lots of activities to help you do so, like African beading safaris and cooking classes.
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15. TOKYO, JAPAN — Japan's capital fuses modern and traditional elements. It ranks as one of the fashion capitals of the world, and it's home to both Meiji Shinto Shrine and the Imperial Palace.
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14. BARCELONA, SPAIN — Unique architecture and exquisite cuisine collide in Catalonia's capital. Antoni Gaudí's signature designs, which include Parc Guell and La Sagrada Familia, are splattered around the city. Relish in tapas and paella by day, and then switch to sangria and experience the lively nightlife.
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13. VENICE, ITALY — Some city dwellers drive cars; others row boats and gondolas. Venice does occasionally suffer from floods due to its canal system, but locals and tourists alike can enjoy waterfront dining and luxury shopping.
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12. SALZBURG, AUSTRIA — Mozart and "The Sound of Music" put Salzburg on the map. It's also home to Austria's largest beer hall, Bräustübl zu Mülln, and has a slew of museums, restaurants, and palaces to discover.
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11. JERUSALEM, ISRAEL — Jerusalem is now attracting the global traveler, in addition to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. As one of the holiest cities in the world, it boasts multiple religious sites.
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10. LONDON, ENGLAND — There's more to London than fish and chips, double-decker buses, and lively pubs. Situated on the River Thames, the city is full of museums, parks, and culture going back centuries.
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9. KYOTO, JAPAN — Kyoto has 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and nearly 100 Michelin-starred restaurants. It's one of Japan's most preserved cities, and traditional geishas can still be seen roaming the streets.
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8. BRUGES, BELGIUM — Known for its cobblestone streets, canals, and preserved Old Town, Bruges is a medieval fairy tale brought to life. The city's port is a key player in European trade.
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7. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC — From the Astronomical Clock and the Old Town Square to bars tucked away in cellars, Prague is a city for explorers. Photographers should climb Petrín Hill for ideal photos of its cityscape.
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6. ROME, ITALY — Rome is home to the world's largest cathedral, St. Peter's Basilica. While the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel are all essential to see, the Eternal City also boasts delicious restaurants with fresh dishes and quality house wines.
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5. PARIS, FRANCE — As one of the major fashion, art, and gastronomy capitals of the world, Paris has earned its top-five ranking. The city boasts a strong cafe culture, luxury shopping boutiques, and world-famous landmarks.
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4. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and is known for its iconic Opera House. As a harbor city, Sydney's beach culture is strong, with waterside dining opportunities and plenty of surfing.
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3. VIENNA, AUSTRIA — Located on the Danube River, the musical capital of Europe is known for its former residents Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud. Sip on espresso at one of its famous coffeehouses, or try its signature chocolate cake, Sachertorte.
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2. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY —The country's capital is famous for its spa culture and has maintained thermal baths from the 16th and 17th centuries. For gorgeous views, walk over the Széchenyi Chain Bridge that connects Buda with Pest.
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1. FLORENCE, ITALY — Florence stands out for its world-renowned art scene. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy the various galleries, museums, and churches situated throughout the city.
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