Vibrant Cities

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.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde's unique geographic location, tumultuous history of slavery and invasion, and fascinating mix of transatlantic cultures have given rise to a place unlike any other on the globe. A place as joyful as it is full of longing, a fact perhaps best reflected in Cape Verdean music and the hauntingly beautiful 'morna'. The sometimes harsh, drought-prone conditions of this mid-Atlantic scattering of islands have seen the flourishing of a fascinating Creole culture and the most stable democracy in Africa.

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 - Madame Tussauds

Rub shoulders with the rich and famous as you watch Rebecca's London Story. She is the colouring artist at Madame Tussauds London and in this video shares the secrets of her behind the scenes role.

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.

Busan

Named East Asia Culture City in 2018, Busan has recently risen to prominence internationally, with visitors now flocking to South Korea's second city even outside of the busy International Film Festival week each October. There is more to do and see than can fit in a space of a few days: traditional spas, local eats and endless shopping all leave but a little time to take in the rugged Busan coastline on seaside nature hikes.

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.

Hoi An

Hoi An is an enchanting and unique destination. With its ideal blend of history, culture, shopping, dining, and leisure, the town continues to be a highly sought-after tourist spot year after year. Its UNESCO-listed Ancient Town is photogenic to a fault, with its collection of distinctive mustard-coloured colonial homes, intriguing food and quaint streets that remain traffic-free for much of the day drawing in cruise excursionists and backpackers alike.

The London Story - Royal Opera House

Watch Marianela and Thiago, principal dancers at The Royal Ballet, as they take you on a journey of love and magic that reveals London's romantic side.

Dhaka

Hectic, bustling, chaotic — Dhaka is an enormous city of endless possibilities with energy to spare. Though it can seem a bit overwhelming at first, visitors who take the time to explore will find the experience most rewarding. Delicious food, bustling markets, serene parks and gardens, lazy river cruises and death-defying rickshaw rides, fascinating museums, temples and mosques to ease the soul, and tantalising musical and dance performances; all this and more awaits the adventurous traveller who dares to venture into this unique city.

Nantes : Take the Journey

Nantes A destination truly creative and attractive. Take the journey ! Situated 30 minutes away from the Atlantic Ocean, on the Loire estuary, Nantes is a perfect gateway to the Brittany and the Loire Valley. Take the journey and follow the green line to drift through this 10-mile trail, with its thirty stops, from le lieu unique to the Ile de Nantes. Along the way, let yourself be guided from a public work of art in a random side street to a remarkable element of our architectural heritage, from classic sites to little-known treasures, from an historical back alley to contemporary architecture, and from a surprising view of the city to an incredible sunset on the Loire estuary. This year, Nantes is celebrating the Thea Awards 2014 (world’s most original attraction) for the Marine Worlds Carousel and you are invited !