Whether you’re soaking up the quiet repose of Bali, or hustling through New York City’s charming clamor, these five unique cities are places filled with a tangible allure that distinguishes them from other cities around the world.
So, while you’re planning your next trip abroad, don’t forget to pencil in these one of a kind, bucket list worthy cities:
Bhutan | The Happy Country
This remote peaceful Buddhist country is known for being the happiest nation on Earth. While the country is in modernization, it still carries a refreshing ancient atmosphere sure to relieve visitors of their personal everyday bustle—and is the secret to its citizens’ happiness. While the lodges are decorated with traditional styles and designs, the true magic lies in the ancient temples and sloping mountains. The breathtaking sites include the hike to Tiger’s Nest, a monastery built in the 8th century perched nearly at a 2,000-ft cliff that allows you to discover the stories and history of Himalayan Buddhism.
Jerusalem | Jerusalem Syndrome
Jerusalem is a city valuable to a diverse demographic—no wonder it leaves a lasting effect on all who visit. The Kotel, the pulsing center of the Old City, draws people from all faiths to either pray or appreciate its fervor. The city’s holiness is almost contagious, and people who visit feel a spiritual connection to the stone walls that harbor years of Biblical history. It can be so powerful that some who visit develop Jerusalem Syndrome, which is a psychosis brought on by delusions of religious grandeur and other obsessive ideas; it generally abates when people leave the city. While not all who visit develop syndromic effects, most are swept away by the city’s spirit and beauty.
Bali | Yoga and Mindfulness
Those unfamiliar with the Bali province of Indonesia will be forever changed by the ease and contentment with which people of the area carry themselves. Everything from the diet to the yoga exercise will do a lot to transform your sense of being. Visitors can join private yoga sessions in their villa gardens, ride elephants in Ubod and bathe in the hot springs of Banjar. Bali is serenity at its finest –– you’ll be planning your trip back before your visit is over.
Paris | The City of Love
Paris –– the city dappled with love and romance. But how did this city earn such an enchanting reputation? Its cobblestoned streets and low rise buildings preserve the city’s skyline and give it a quaint and charming atmosphere. Cozy restaurants tucked into Paris’s historic architecture are almost as appealing as their romantic dinner cruises –– both will attract any couple looking for an enchanting evening. The language, history and culture are also part of the appeal. Writers of the Jazz Age, who moved to France write fondly of their experiences. Hemingway called the city “a moveable feast” that stays with people even long after they’ve left.
New York | Empire State of Mind
The phrase, which originates from Jay-Z’s popular song and biography of the same name, illuminates the fast paced life of those who have made it to the city that never sleeps –– and those still trying to keep up. The bustle of the city is meant only for the tough minded. Whether you’re uptown or downtown, you’ll find that New Yorkers pride themselves on being driven and hardworking. New Yorkers aren’t followers, they’re creators. They make their own rules and march to the beat of their own drum. It’s a gritty city, but it’s loved by those who walk its streets.
Barcelona | Living in the Moment
The fiery Latin culture found in the historic and narrow streets of Barcelona gives rise to an almost contagious feeling of joy and living in the moment. The unique mix of the sea breeze, attractive Catalan language and culture provides its residents with the perfect platform for taking in each moment and freeing the mind from the worries of tomorrow. It’s also why art has flourished in Barcelona with artists such as Antoni Gaudí and Pablo Picasso taking inspiration from the city’s vibrant atmosphere.