Vibrant Cities

Doha

Already well-known as a business travel destination, Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar, has emerged in recent years as a rapidly developing tourist destination as well. A modern country built on the deep cultural roots of its Bedouin heritage, Qatar presents visitors with a kaleidoscope of fascinating contrasts and experiences; from the tranquillity of the desert to the lively alleys of the souq, from the impressive coastal fortresses to the dramatic high-rise towers, and from the deserted sandy beaches and mangrove lagoons to the elegant residential districts and green parks.

Ho Chi Minh City

On the banks of the Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh City emerges as a dazzling metropolis, where past and present collide in vibrant harmony. With over 9 million people bustling about, it’s a sprawling urban jungle where modern skyscrapers kiss the sky while well-preserved colonial buildings whisper tales of yesteryears. Amidst the chaos of motorbike symphonies, intrepid explorers uncover remnants of its turbulent history, savour its mouth-watering cuisine, sip on a cup of robust Vietnamese coffee, and discover its lively nightlife.

Hangzhou

Like Yin and Yang, Hangzhou, the capital city of the Zhejiang Province, has two sides that complete each other. This historic city is a showcase for traditional medicine, religion and art as well as a shining example of China’s rapid economic development. Combining idyllic natural beauty, a grand heritage through the ages and an air of affluence, Hangzhou is one of the country’s most livable and pleasant cities to linger in.

The London Story - The River

Take a trip down the river with Pier Controller Alan from Westminster to Greenwich Pier, looking out for London’s most iconic sights along the way. Watch Alex's London Story as he proudly tells of his family heritage working on London's waterways. Discover more London stories www.visitlondon.com/story

Top 10 London Attractions

Many of London's top 10 attractions are free, making them affordable places to soak up some culture – you can book to visit others via the buttons below. Whether you prefer history or modern art, you'll find it at one of these must-visit spots.

Melbourne

Melbourne is an artistic powerhouse with a vibrant and multicultural soul. Nicknamed "Paris of the southern hemisphere", Melbourne is not only known to be Australia’s cultural hotspot, but is also famous for its major sporting events and its culinary delights from all across the world. With its high-rise city centre and far-reaching suburbs, it is hard not to be dragged in by the life of the capital of Victoria, but day trips to the wild nature of the state are also extremely attractive.

Ankara

The heart of the Turkish Republic, Ankara, is the second largest city of Turkey after Istanbul. The city lies on the border where east between west. The European and Middle Eastern cultures merged and coloured the city's architecture, food, wine, nightlife, fashion and arts. Drop the anchor in Ankara, as its name suggests, cross the border between tradition and modernity.

Addis Ababa

Capital of one the world's fastest-growing economies, Addis Ababa (also spelled Addis Abeba) is a city in motion, catching up to Ethiopia's zooming commercial development in stride. At times gauche and somewhat rough around the edges, it is nonetheless worth more than a single night in transit, if only for the country's finest dining, shopping and of-the-moment urban developments.

The London Story - The Lion King

Go backstage with Shaun Escoffery, the star of Disney’s multi-award winning musical The Lion King. In his own London story, Shaun shares his pride in explaining what it takes to bring the Serengeti Plains of Africa to life every night in The Lion King. Discover more London stories www.visitlondon.com/story

Manila

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is one of Asia's best-kept secrets. As the capital of the only predominantly Catholic country in the Orient, it presents a unique blend that feels slightly out of place, yet vibrantly infused with Latin American and Caribbean influences. Music and dancing are ubiquitous, and the city's warmth and enthusiasm can easily rival that of Bangkok. Manila's rich history, shaped by centuries under Spanish religious influence and decades of American consumerism, has led to the saying that the city spent "400 years in a convent and 50 in Hollywood".

The London Story - Famous Londoners

We asked some of the capital's favourite famous Londoners to tell us their London Story. Sharing their passion and top tips for the city are Mayor of London Boris Johnson, actress Joanna Lumley, chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay, model and actress Twiggy and the Royal Ballet's Principal Dancers, Thiago Soares and Marianela Nunez. Discover more London stories www.visitlondon.com/story