Hotels to suit all budgets
Rickshaws are a great way to see Dhaka
October to February
+6hrs GMT
Bangladeshi Taka
Bengali
The Ahsan Manzil building is a must-visit. It is built on the site of an old French factory, which was owned by Nawab Abdul Ghani, the city's wealthiest zamindar (landowner)
In Shankharia Bazar you can not only buy a locally made souvenir but get a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. The buildings reveal old architecture with ornate carvings
Try Banga Bazar for a wardrobe update. Just remember to haggle to get the most out of your Taka
Budget and luxury hotels converted from forts & palaces are available
The best way to get around the city is by rickshaw or taxi
November to March
+5.30hrs GMT
Indian rupee
Hindi, English
Jantar Mantar, situated near Connaught Place in the New Delhi district, is an astronomical observatory built in the 1720s by local ruler Maharaja Jai Singh II at the command of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. The purpose of this large observatory, consisting of thirteen astronomical instruments, was to provide an accurate measurement of the movement of the sun, moon and other celestial bodies as well as provide a precise calculation of the time of day. The surrounding high-rise buildings have rendered red-painted Jantar Mantar an ineffective observatory but this urban landmark, designated a National Monument in 1948, remains a testament to Indian scientific curiosity and technical ingenuity
Chandni Chowk is an historic market square in the walled city of Old Delhi that dates from the seventeenth century reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The market square was a site of imperial processions during the Mughal era and later in the time of the British Raj, the last one occurring in 1911 to mark the Imperial Durbar of George V. Today it remains a lively trading centre within the city's old quarter where street vendors ply their trade from stalls, selling everything from silverware to spices and haggling with customers over prices. The eighteenth century Sunehri Masjid, or Golden Mosque, is located here and somewhat obscured by more modern buildings
The towering fortress of Purana Qila, standing by the Yamuna River which once fed its moat, is regarded as the oldest structural complex in Delhi and thought to have been built on the site of ancient Indraprastha. The fortress standing today dates from the sixteenth century, when it passed from one ruling dynasty to the next, but archaeological evidence suggests that the site has been occupied for over 3,000 years. Features of this fort, now a romantic destination for lovers, include 18 metre high walls, three arched gateways with towers on either side and an enclosure containing the Sher Mandal Library and the Qila Khuna Masjid mosque
A range of hotels are available
Hire a car or get a taxi
All year round
+3hrs GMT
Saudi Riyal
Arabic, English
The most famed destination in this city is the Dammam Corniche, which comprises an enormous part of the seaside stretching project ranging from the Aziziah Beach to the Tarot Island. Dispersed on this area are modern art pieces that make the place more picturesque. This is considered a perfect spot to relax and unwind with family and friends as there are other exciting features that are being offered— gaming and sport facilities and clubs.
A number of beaches are also found in the region such as the Half Moon Bay. From the name itself, the beach is semi-circular in shape with two amusement parks where the kids could enjoy. Aside from beaches, you could also experience nature by visiting King Fahd Park. It is a haven, which is over a million square kilometer wide, booming with millions of trees, flowers and decorative pools that could take stress away. Other than this, there are also smaller parks where you could bring your friends and family alike to.
If you want to learn more not only about Dammam but also about the whole country’s history and culture, they say that visiting national museums is a must. Dammam National Museum located in the districts’ public library, for instance, gives you a glimpse of the remnants and relics of the past that speak so much about the country’s colorful history.
Range of options, from budget to five-star hotels, are available
Tuk-tuks are convenient
All year around
+5.30 hrs GMT
Sri Lankan rupee
Sinhalese, English, Tamil
The Colombo National Museum has some terrific examples of ancient paintings, sculptures and sketches dating back to the 4th century BC, while if it’s something contemporary you want, the city has a thriving arts scene, with many creative painters exhibiting in local galleries.
Zoological garden in Dehiwala is a beautifully landscaped 30 acres in which a rich collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and fishes live in harmony with Nature.
One of Sri Lanka’s best kept secrets is the shopping opportunities in Colombo –sleek department stores and cool shopping malls are filled with designer clothing, shoes and handbags, plus handicrafts, home furnishings and more.
Plenty of options available to suit every budget
Extensive public and private transport is available
April to November
+1hr GMT
Euro
German
Rheinpark is where Cologne relaxes. The walkways that crisscross the lush park, in the city’s north-east, lead visitors to a river promenade. Take a seat on a bench to see the Rhine stretch in front of Cologne’s skyline, with Rheinpark’s trees at your back.
For the most romantic view of the city, cross the river to Cologne’s often neglected east side. A night-time stroll along the Kennedy embankment shows off a brightly lit cathedral behind the dark river, next to the steel arches of the Hohenzollern railway bridge.
Inside the tropical hothouses of Cologne’s Botanical Garden, exotic flowers and plants blossom. The garden, going back to the 19th century, is a beautifully landscaped oasis of calm in the north of the city, dotted with fountains, flower beds and small waterways.
Hotels to suit all budgets
Metered taxis are the best way to get around
November to February
+5.30hrs GMT
Indian rupee
Tamil, English
A comparitively small town until the 1900's, Coimbatore has seen impressive growth throughout the 20th Century, firstly due to a textile boom in the 1920's and 30's, and then thanks to swift industrialisation post Indian Independence - a movement that the city played a key role in. The city's textile industry has led to it's naming as the Manchester of South India. Now home to more than 25,000 industries, the city is a bustling metropolis.
There is much to see and do in Coimbatore, thanks to its impressive collection of museums, galleries and parks. The city is a must-visit destination with multiple Sikh, Jain and Hindu temple sites, including the Perur Patteeswarar Temple, famous for it's intricate carvings and golden statue of Nataraja.
Other opportunities to experience the local culture include the Mariamman festivals held throughout the summer, or the dance and music concerts held from September to December. The city's streets are home to a lively street food culture, and, thanks to its cosmopolitan nature, there is a large variety of cuisines on offer. For the thrill-seekers, Coimbatore boasts several amusement parks, including Black Thunder water park, which contains around forty nine different rides within its impressive seventy five acre site.
Kari Motor Speedway has earned Coimbatore its place as the motor sports capital of India, with motorcycle, formula three and go-kart national championship races being regularly conducted. The city is also home to a football and athletics stadium as well as multiple sports clubs, including the Coimbatore Golf Club, the site of an impressive eighteen hole course. Enwreathed by tropical trees, the course is both a challenge and a pleasure to play all year round, thanks to the Western Ghats' beautiful climate.
Plenty of comfortable hotels and guest houses are available
It’s relatively easy to walk around town or you can hop on to a rickshaw
October to February
+6hrs GMT
Bangladeshi Taka
Bengali
For a look at tribal art, take a walk through the Ethnological Museum.
Get your dose of sun and sand on the beautiful Patenga beach
The Court Building Museum captures the essence of war for independence in Chittagong in 1971
Hotels to suit all budgets
Trains, Public Buses & Taxis
November to March
+5.30hrs GMT
Indian rupee
Tamil, English
The Chennai area has been an agricultural centre since Neolithic times and over the centuries the agricultural way of life has become interwoven into the cultural fabric of the locality. The Pongal Festival, the mid-January Tamil harvest festival named after a porridge-like dish cooked in earthenware pots over a fire, is an expression of the paramount importance of agriculture in day-to-day life and an opportunity to give thanks to the sun god for a successful harvest. Traditional music, both instrumental and vocal, accompanied by dancing is a key element of the festival that occurs on the first day of Thai, the tenth month of the Tamil calendar when the sun begins its six month northwards transit.
The historic colonial-era quarter of George Town, located along the coast of northern Chennai, is the settlement from which the modern city expanded from the seventeenth century onwards. The British East India Company, looking to make a foothold in the subcontinent, bought a strip of land between the Cooum Delta and the Egmore River from the local Vijayanagara rulers in order to build warehouses, factories and houses. In the nineteenth century, when the place was called Madras, the Saint George fortress was constructed to guard and govern the settlement. The population grew as the colony became successful, joining with other settlements in the area.
Marina Beach, stretching for 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) along the Coromandel Coast, is the longest urban beach in India and, drawing crowds in the tens of thousands, one of the most popular in the subcontinent. The sandy beach draws more visitors in winter and spring due to the gentler climate and it is advisable to visit this beach in the morning or evening to avoid the scorching afternoon heat. Those visiting this urban seafront will find it bustling with activity, with people walking, jogging, riding horses, flying kites and playing cricket. Food vendors set up stalls along the beach selling local cuisine, traditionally served on banana leaf, including curried seafood, rice and corn on the cob.
Hotels to suit all budgets
Taxis, petit taxis, buses
April - June
GMT
Moroccan Dirham
French, Arabic, Spanish
The Hassan II Mosque is one of the major landmarks in the city. It is the second largest mosque in the world and is located very near the Old Medina on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors may be awed by the exquisite craftsmanship of the wood, marble and granite and plaster accent pieces. Additionally, there is a glass floor that allows views of the ocean below. Located in the same area as the Hassan II Mosque is La Corniche, a popular beach front district replete with restaurants, beaches and pools.
The Square of Mohammed V is one of the most popular places for locals to gather during the course of the day. A large fountain forms the centerpiece of this area of Casablanca. Historical buildings like the Palace of Justice French Consulate and Banque of Morocco surround the square. The downtown district is also home to the bazaar, a souk (or market) frequented by tourists looking to buy souvenirs. You can also buy traditional clothing, jewelry, antiques, rugs and other pieces.
If you head over to the Habbous District, an enormous collection of souks located just behind the king’s palace, you have even more shopping opportunities. You can find just about anything here. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for fresh vegetables, house wares, clothing, jewelry or just souvenirs. Tourists are also welcome at the Royal Palace so you could stop there before you hit the markets.
Everything from budget to ultra-luxury hotels
Metro, buses and scooter
March-May and September-November
+2hrs GMT
Euro
French, Dutch and Flemish
The Grand Place, with its ornate baroque and gothic guild houses, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Built as a merchants market in the 13th century, it serves as the city center and a great place to enjoy Belgian hospitality at one of the many terrace cafes. It is also a venue for many concerts & events throughout the year and during the warmer months has a vibrant, daily flower market.
Built for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium represents a molecule’s nine atoms – magnified 165 billion times. Something of a symbol of the city, it provides a panoramic view of Brussels and its surroundings. The 9 spheres that make up the “atom” are linked by escalators. The Atomium hosts a museum and is also a venue for special events.
The Museum of Ancient Art has got a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings from the 15th until 18th century. Built up around a core of revolutionary captures and deposits of the French state, this collection was constantly enriched by the acquisitions, but also by gifts and legacies of numerous patrons. The paintings of the Ancients of the southern Netherlands make up an essential part of this collection (Rogier van der Weyden, Petrus Christus, Dirk Bouts, Hans Memling, Jérôme Bosch, Bruegel, Pierre-Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, Antoine van Dyck).The visit also includes an exceptional collection of terra cotta "modelli" from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a beautiful series of paintings representing foreign schools.