Top 28 Destinations: Cities Plus Culture

The TravelSquire editors recently organized their picks for the top 28 destinations for the upcoming year in travel. The list includes every continent and there is something for every travel style. You’ll find the complete list here and you’ll find Part 1, Top Urban Destinations here.

Now we want to turn our focus to cities for travelers seeking cultural experiences. We’ve got 7 of the best: Belfast, Bergen, Brasilia, Fes, Perth, San Antonio and Turku. Here’s why they made the list.

Belfast, Ireland

The capital of Northern Ireland is a lively modern city with many tales to tell. Belfast has seen more than its share of industrial accomplishments. The Harold and Wolff shipyard is home to the world’s largest dry dock. Its giant cranes—Samson and Goliath—make an imposing statement to that effect against the Belfast skyline. It was here that the ill-fated Titanic was built and where she left her last footprint on dry land. The high tech experience, Titanic Belfast, was recently named World’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards also known as the “Tourism Oscars.”

The recently completed CS Lewis Square pays homage to one of Belfast’s most beloved authors featuring seven sculptures of characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. CS Lewis Square is also home to the EastSide Visitor Center where you’ll find plenty of information on Belfast’s most famous sons including Lewis, George Best and Van Morrison.

Belfast is well-known for its many murals all over the city. You’ll find sports legends and the Titanic along with numerous religious and political ones depicting the city’s history. For an interesting perspective on the history of The Troubles and politics of Northern Ireland, take a Black Taxi Tour. These driving tours are led by real cabbies who share their personal experiences.

Bergen, Norway

In 1070 when King Olav Kyrre sailed into the harbor and founded this seaside city, he started something big. Bergen is Norway’s most international city, attracting people from all over the world, and it’s filled to the brim with history, traditions and culture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage city, Bergen offers a wealth of museums, concerts, festivals and is home to the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the world’s oldest symphony orchestras. Along the harbor, the streets of Bryggen are lined with colorful wooden houses on the old wharf that was once a Hanseatic League trading center.

Bergen is also the gateway to the fjords—one of the world’s greatest natural attractions. And if all of that isn’t enough, Bergen has garnered praise as an international culinary city in recent years earning the UNESCO title City of Gastronomy in 2016.

Brasília, Brazil

Now that the Olympics are behind us, we can further explore the massive country of Brazil. How about considering the capital, Brasilia? A planned city that literally rose from the dry central plains, the once futuristic city is most recognizable for its Oscar Niemeyer designed buildings housing the Brazilian government, the Ermida Dom Bosco Shrine, and numerous other landmarks.

Generally thought to be safer than Rio or Sao Paulo, Brasilia is coming of age with a burgeoning culinary scene and a number of museums. The National Museum is part of the Cultural Complex of the Republic displaying traveling exhibitions of renowned artists in a Niemeyer-designed semi-spherical dome.

You won’t find medieval cathedrals here but you will find Santuário Dom Bosco, built from 80 concrete columns supporting 7400 pieces of illuminated Murano glass which cast a submarine blue light over the interior.

Don’t leave Brasilia before taking in the orange, red and lavender hues of the stunning sunsets from the Ermida Dom Bosco shrine.

Fes, Morocco

Founded in the 9th century and home to the oldest university in the world, Fes is a cultural treasure and the spiritual heart of Morocco. It’s a place of stunning religious sites adorned with ornate carvings and mosaics.

The ancient medina of Fes is a wonderfully chaotic labyrinth of high-walled streets that hasn’t changed much since medieval times. Donkeys still cart goods through the tangled lanes which lead to bustling colorful markets like El-Cherratine souk.

With centuries of history and cultural significance, Fes is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to experience an authentic Moroccan festival. One of the most spectacular is held in October: the Tissa Fantasia horse festival. For over 10 days, hundreds of thoroughbred Arab-Berbers, Arab stallions and Barbary mares are on display creating an unforgettable spectacle.

Perth, Australia

Looking for sunshine, wine, natural beauty and a rich cultural history? Perth is your city. Effortlessly blending the natural beauty of Western Australia with a decidedly urban atmosphere, Perth offers a little bit of everything. Consistently ranked in the top 10 most livable cities, Perth has 19 white sand beaches, Indian Ocean sunsets, a thriving culinary scene and it’s located in a premium wine region.

With more restaurants per capita than any other city in Australia and an equally impressive bar scene, you’ll be able to eat and drink to your heart’s content. Benefitting from the biologically diverse region surrounding the city, the restaurants of Perth offer an abundance of flavors, fresh seafood and fine wines.

Explore the Perth Cultural Center in the heart of the city along with visits to the Western Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. Or take in a live performance at The Blue Room Theater.

San Antonio, Texas

A river runs through it, wine country surrounds it, poets and artists call it home and evidence of cultural diversity is everywhere. One should expect nothing less from a city that has been a colony of Spain, a territory of Mexico, a part of the Republic of Texas and ultimately a city in the United States. Most certainly you remember the Alamo. Originally a mission, the Alamo later became the place where soldiers courageously fought for Texas independence against overwhelming odds. The Alamo is one of five beautifully-preserved Spanish colonial missions in San Antonio.

The Paseo del Rio Riverwalk is the anchor of this vibrant city. Four miles of cobble and flagstone paths wind along the border flanked by nightclubs, cafes, luxury hotels and spas, specialty boutiques, museums and historic sites. Located along San Antonio’s famed River Walk, the 18th century village, La Villita is the site of various cultural activities throughout the year including the annual Soul Food Festival held in May. Industry experts and spirits enthusiasts gather in January for the annual San Antonio Cocktail Conference for cocktail education, tasting events, competitions and more, all celebrating the art of the cocktail.

Turku, Finland

In 2017, Finland celebrates its 100th anniversary of independence with events in all regions. Join the party with a visit to Turku along the southwest coast. Named the European Capital of Culture in 2011, Turku is a vibrant modern city that still maintains its medieval charm – market square, cathedral, riverfront and, of course, cobbled streets. Bisected by the River Aura, Turku’s riverfront is the hub of the city’s culinary scene and home to perceptive works of modern art and treasured museums. In the summer the city overflows with events and festivals: tango, music, theatre, art, design and much more.

The River Aura opens out to meet the Turku Archipelago. Spectacularly beautiful and among the world’s largest, the archipelago is accessible by foot, bike, connecting vessels, ferries, car or waterbus.