An impressive number of cities (some say over 48,000) are scattered across the globe, and no two are identical.
Layout, history, and population all contribute to a city’s unique vibe.
And while many captivate with beauty and grandeur, like Italy’s Florence, or
or Colombia’s Cartagena, others impress in subtler ways.
Having visited over 120 cities, from rural outposts to dazzling capitals, these are the five I can’t get enough of — each a unique melting pot of delicious food, fascinating culture and spectacular architecture.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Beautifully unruly and deeply soulful, Georgia’s capital is an intriguing place where history and creativity collide in the most intoxicating way.
Having spent over a month exploring Tbilisi’s crumbling mansion-filled cobblestone streets, graffiti-splashed walls, and unmarked doors concealing some of the most incredible restaurants I’ve ever seen, I have to concede it’s one of my favourite cities of all time.
Well-dressed locals drift between hip coffee shops (Pulp), trendy wine bars and well-curated galleries (don’t miss MoMA Tbilisi), while a hearty dining scene fuelled by exceptional Georgian wine never fails to surprise.
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Best explored on foot, I recommend heading first to Mtatsminda Park (reached by hiking trail or funicular), where panoramic views give a sweeping overview of the city limits and surrounding mountains.
From there, wander through the Old Town, taking in the colourful murals, winding streets, and the architecture that makes Tbilisi so fascinating.
But don’t take my word for it.
Our Travel Editor Alice Murphy recently spent a week in Georgia and fell head over heels for Tbilisi.
Stay at: The most creative hotel in town, Stamba
Don’t miss: A plate of steaming khinkali (filled dough dumplings) at Klike’s Khinkali
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Beyond the daily traffic crescendos when thousands of children in brilliant white uniforms head home just after lunchtime, the Sri Lankan capital settles into a rhythm that’s addictive to say the least.
Made up of 15 divisions, there’s not one I don’t absolutely adore, from leafy Colombo 7, with its wide boulevards, grand old villas, cricket grounds and hidden art spaces like the Sapumal Foundation, to Kompagngna Veediya, which hums with history, street art murals and one of the best cocktail bars in town, Kampong.
Stroll in the shadow of the ancient banyan and ficus trees that loom like benevolent guardians, their colossal roots cracking pavements as if reminding the city who was here first.
Don’t miss Pettah Market, a fever dream featuring mounds of
fresh fruits and vegetables, photogenic temples and bright pink faloodas.
I often head there just to get lost and snap photos.
Add rice and curry eaten with your hands, syrupy milk tea on street corners, and chocolate doughnuts from the bakery tuk-tuk, and Colombo really is heaven.
