Best Cities to Visit in Asia
From striking skyscrapers that dominate the horizon to winding old town streets that hide intriguing treasures around every corner, Asia’s cities possess an enchanting juxtaposition seldom seen elsewhere on the planet.
From their most iconic landmarks to their lesser-known quirks, every facet of these destinations contributes to their alluring individualism. However, with literally thousands of locations to choose from, it may be tough to know exactly which cities are the most likely to cater to your own unique adventurous spirit. That is why we have compiled a list of what we believe, from our experience, to be the best cities to visit in Asia.
Mumbai, India
The metropolitan capital of India, Mumbai is a veritable melting pot of local history, big business and all the brilliant and bizarre quirks that make this country a must-visit destination for any intrepid traveller.
Often referred to as the “City of Dreams”, Mumbai is home to a plethora of iconic architectural landmarks. The more renowned buildings include The Gateway of India - a striking archway overlooking the shimmering waters of the Arabian Sea, built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in 1924. Plus, no visit to the city is complete without a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, an incredible feat of Victorian Gothic design, UNESCO World Heritage Site and Mumbai’s central train station.
Take an evening stroll along Marine Drive as the sun sets over the ocean before ducking into one of Mumbai’s incredible restaurants. Thanks to its multifarious population and purposes, Mumbai is home to some of the most varied and exciting cuisine in India.
Those looking to explore the city’s remarkable history a little deeper can hop on a ferry to the Elephanta Caves where you’ll find a series of caves home to striking Hindu sculptures dating as far back as the 5th century.
Tokyo, Japan
More meaningful than just the world’s most populous city, Tokyo’s entwinement of historic nuance and groundbreaking technology sees it play host to an impeccable collision of past, present and future.
Just as no list of the best cities in Asia is complete without Japan’s capital, no trip to Tokyo is complete without visiting its iconic selection of temples. Perhaps the most notable is the Sensoji Temple - a complex of titanic scarlet columns and sloping tiled rooftops, Tokyo’s oldest temple is a physical manifestation of the country’s most alluring facets. Another iconic temple comes in the form of the Meiji Shrine, where quintessential old structures and a forest of over 100,000 trees combine to create a sense of deep serenity.
Trading traditional tranquillity for infectious liveliness, head for Tsukiji Outer Market where locals browse the hundreds of stalls for the very freshest produce and restaurants serving up delicious Japanese cuisine, including noodles, curries and some of the freshest sushi in the city.
For a flavour of Tokyo’s neo-tinted clamour, head to the wonderfully manic streets of Akihabara, where you’ll be met with an explosion of colourful billboards and whacky shops. Or watch the capital unfold at its dynamic best by visiting the iconic Shibuya Crossing.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Located in the Kathmandu Valley under the iconic backdrop of the Himalayas, Kathmandu is far more than just a starting point for an adventure into the world’s largest mountain range or a safari in search of the nation’s elusive Bengal tiger.
An intricate network of ancient temples and narrow alleyways, Nepal’s capital emits an infectious sense of wonder and awe. Nowhere is this more true than Patan Durbar Square - the city’s famed collection of Buddhist temples dating as far back as the 3rd century. Despite sadly being damaged by the 2015 earthquake, the tiered tile roofs of this UNESCO World Heritage Site still possess an irreplaceably peaceful aura.
Venture to the Boudhanath, a gigantic stupa and famous Buddhist pilgrimage site, making sure to walk around the colossal structure clockwise as a sign of respect. Next you can climb up the steps to Swayambhunath - also known as the Monkey Temple due to its numerous simian residents - for incredible views of the cityscape below.
Have a wander through the streets of Thamel for markets selling trinkets, traditional crafts and trekking gear. Sit in one of the many restaurants for a taste of local curry dishes or a portion of delicious momos - Nepal’s famed dumpling.
Singapore
Singapore is a city-state where modern metropolis seamlessly merges with a traditional port city.
Nothing quite epitomises the futuristic characteristics of Singapore quite like the giant glowing Supertrees found in the Gardens by the Bay. This horticultural marvel is a botanical garden complex unlike any other on the planet. For a totally different perspective on the city, take a trip to Marina Bay Sands Skypark, where you can swim in an infinity pool suspended 340 metres in the air.
For a window into Singapore’s past, stroll through Chinatown and absorb the nation’s Chinese heritage or explore the colourful streets of Katong, where quaint shophouse architecture and enticing eateries await. Or, for a more metropolitan experience, explore the premier resort destination, Sentosa Island, and go boutique shopping along Orchard Road.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Situated among the banks of both the Black River and the Red River, Hanoi is a capital city that perfectly embodies the ancient and varied history of Vietnam.
Hanoi provides you with an explosive impression of Vietnamese culture, and the Old Quarter is the perfect place to start. The narrow streets here are imbued with an infectious energy, where tight, winding alleys guide you from one street to the next, while the mouthwatering scents of Vietnam's most famous dishes - fresh beef pho, hearty pork banh mi, delicate bánh cuốn - meet you at almost every corner. A characteristic of this beating heart of the city is the fact that each of its bustling streets specialises in one particular craft.
Visit the calming waters of Hoan Kiem Lake, which reflect the charming ancient visage of the Turtle Tower, before crossing the traditional bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, keeping your eyes peeled for the lake’s seldom-seen turtle residents. For another window into Hanoi’s past and taste of Vietnam’s serene nature, visit the Temple of Literature - the country’s first national university.
Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, India
While this is in fact three cities rather than one, visiting all three of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur in one trip provides the perfect taste of India’s legendary Rajasthan region.
Capital of the region and often dubbed “The Pink City”, Jaipur’s terracotta-toned buildings and regal architecture make every street a sight to behold. Wander the grand complex of the City Palace, where peaceful plazas are found among an intriguing assortment of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture.
A trip to the gigantic Amber Fort transports visitors to another age through its grand squares, beautiful gardens and fascinating carvings. No journey to the Pink City is complete without a trip to its most iconic building - the awe-inspiring windows of the Hawa Mahal.
Much like Jaipur, Jodhpur is often characterised by the striking colour of its architecture. The Blue City is almost otherworldly in its appearance, with its azure buildings creating countless opportunities for keen photographers. Wander the crooked streets in search of the gems hidden among its nooks and crannies or explore the eclectic stalls of the Sadar Market.
Udaipur is a city renowned for the eye-catching Lake Pichola, whose shores are fringed by an array of buildings adorned with beautiful archways. Visit the city’s impressive courtyards and galleries of the City Palace, or take a boat out to the surreal Jag Mandir Palace which appears as though floating on an island in the lake’s centre. Evenings here entail sunset boat rides before settling down with delicious local cuisine on the lake’s banks.
If you are looking to get a taste for the best cities in Asia get in touch with our expert travel team on +44 (0) 20 3821 5994 (UK), +1 (833) 215 9353 (US) or at explore@niarratravel.com for help with planning the trip of a lifetime.
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