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What do the world's largest cities offer to visitors?
- Each city offers a plethora of cultural attractions, historic landmarks, renowned museums, art galleries, picturesque parks, entertainment districts, award-winning restaurants, and massive shopping centers.
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Who would enjoy visiting these major cities?
- This list of the world’s 25 largest cities is sure to beckon the most adventurous and discerning travelers.
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1. Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan’s bustling capital city, mixed with everything from traditional to ultramodern, from historic temples to neon-lit skyscrapers. The city is home to a plethora of edgy designer boutiques, mega-malls, award-winning architecture, and world-renowned cuisine. From saucer-eyed schoolgirls to giant robots to a particular, ubiquitous kitty, Japan’s pop culture has become a major phenomenon that has swept the globe. Tokyo has so much to offer, from a sushi breakfast at the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market to getting lost in the nation’s vast history at the Tokyo National Museum to strolling through the verdant gardens at the Imperial Palace or Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. No Tokyo trip would be complete without a visit to the opulent and spiritual Meiji Shrine. Tokyo Map
2. Delhi
Delhi is India’s capital territory, a massive metropolis that is situated in the northern part of the country. Delhi is both a city and a union territory, featuring two extremely different worlds; Old Delhi and New Delhi. New Delhi is the nation’s modern seat of government and capital, while Old Delhi is recognized by many as the ‘beating heart’ of the city’s greater metropolitan area. Travelers visiting this vibrant city for the first time will have the chance to experience its diverse crafts and arts industry, numerous performing arts venues, magnificent monuments, and excellent cuisine. Must-see attractions include The Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, and The Lotus Temple. Delhi Map
3. Shanghai
Shanghai is a marvelous city that is located on China’s central coast, along the shimmering waters of the East China Sea. The nation’s largest city, Shanghai offers an extraordinary amount of sightseeing opportunities for visitors to enjoy. The city offers everything from world-class art galleries and museums to picturesque parks and lovely gardens to traditional pagodas and fine old temples. Colonial-era buildings line the Bund, a magnificent waterfront promenade. Food is the heart of the Chinese social life, and with a city boasting its very own Michelin dining guide, visitors know they’re in for a treat. Shanghai features a number of jaw-dropping attractions, such as Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, and the China Art Museum. Shanghai Map
4. Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is Brazil’s bustling financial center and one of the most populous cities on the planet. The city features rich architectural traditions to go along with a plethora of cultural institutions. Sao Paulo is home to many iconic structures, from modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer’s curvy Edificio Copan to the neo-Gothic cathedral and 1929 Martinelli skyscraper. The Patio do Colegio is a colonial-style church that marks the very location where Jesuit priests first founded this beautiful city in 1554. This South American jewel is brimming with several fascinating attractions, including the Museu de Arte, Teatro Municipal, Parque do Ibirapuera, and Mosteiro de Sao Bento. Sao Paulo Map
5. Mexico City
Mexico is the sprawling and densely-populated capital of Mexico, situated a little over 2,200 meters above sea-level. Mexico City is truly a breathtaking place, surrounded by soaring mountain ranges and two snow-covered volcanoes; Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl. Museum reproductions and isolated fragments of pre-Columbian architecture and art can be found in few places around the city. Centro Historico de la Cuidad is where visitors will find most of the action, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features over 1,400 structures from the 16th-19th centuries. Visitors should also be sure to check out the National Museum of Anthropology, Palace of Fine Arts, Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, and Chapultepec Park. Mexico City Map
6. Cairo
Cairo is the sprawling and vibrant capital of Egypt, situated along the world-famous Nile River. At the heart of the city lies Tahrir Square and the magnificent Egyptian Museum, filled with a trove of fascinating antiquities that include gilded King Tutankhamun artifacts and royal mummies. The popular city of Giza is located just a few miles down and across the Nile, featuring the Great Sphinx and iconic pyramids that date all the way back to the early 26th century BC. Cairo offers so many impressive attractions and cultural landmarks, travelers would be hard-pressed to fit them all into a single trip; some of which include Al-Azhar Park, Ibn Tulun Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque, and Cairo Tower. Cairo Map
7. Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay, is a densely-populated metropolis that is located on India’s west coast. Mumbai is the nation’s largest city, as well as its financial center. At the Mumbai Harbor waterfront lies the iconic Gateway of India arch that was made from stone in 1924 by the British Raj. Just offshore, visitors will find the nearby Elephanta Island, which is home to ancient cave temples that are dedicated to the worshiped Hindu God, Shiva. There are numerous fascinating attractions for visitors to explore, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Haji Ali Dargah, Taj Mahal Palace, and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Mumbai Map
8. Beijing
Beijing is the massive capital city of China, and has been the political hub of the nation for over 800 years. Beijing has played a significant role in China’s academic, scientific, economic, and cultural life. The city is situated in the northwest part of the North China Plain, near the Yanshan Mountains. Beijing is the perfect jumping off point for exploring China, due to its extensive network of rail, road, and airline connections to other major cities. There’s no shortage of fascinating cultural attractions, historical landmarks, or unique sightseeing opportunities in Beijing. Visitors will definitely want to check out The Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, Beihai Park, and The Temple of Heaven. Beijing Map
9. Dhaka
Dhaka is the bustling capital city of Bangladesh, surrounded by parts of the Balu, Shitalakshya, Turag, and Buriganga rivers. The city is at the center of the nation’s trade, government, and cultural influence. This chaotic and gloriously noisy city is bursting with energy and a plethora of fascinating attractions to explore. Once visitors start darting around the city in one of its famous and colorful cycle-rickshaws, the charm of Dhaka will slowly start to revel itself. From unexpectedly green parks to university campuses to British and Mughal monuments to Hindu temples, Dhaka offers so much to see and do. Some of the city’s other must-see locations include Lalbag Fort, Khan Mohammad Mridha’s Mosque, and the beautiful Ahsan Manzil. Dhaka Map
10. Osaka
Osaka is a commercial center and large port city that is located on the beautiful Japanese island of Honshu. The city is known for its hearty street food, modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. The city’s position on the Yodo delta, along with its extensive network of canals and watercourses that are spanned by over a thousand bridges, has appropriately earned Osaka the moniker of “Venice of the East.” The city boasts a futuristic skyline with countless magnificent examples of contemporary architecture. From energetic music venues to superb museums to impressive art galleries, Osaka offers no shortage of fun things to do. Visitors should check out the marvelous Osaka Castle, Tennoji Park and Zoo, and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Osaka Map
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Table of Contents:
- 1. Tokyo
- 2. Delhi
- 3. Shanghai
- 4. Sao Paulo
- 5. Mexico City
- 6. Cairo
- 7. Mumbai
- 8. Beijing
- 9. Dhaka
- 10. Osaka