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Explore an unknown destination or revisit one with new eyes in 2024; there’s plenty to do globally, from wildlife sanctuaries that provide homes to endangered rhinos and elephants to valleys filled with bioluminescent flora; these top tourist spots should all make the cut on any traveller’s list!
Cuzco
Cusco’s stunning architecture blends ancient Inca ruins with Spanish-influenced buildings to form an unforgettable setting. You can explore them by foot – Qorikancha (formerly known as Sun Temple and now part of Santo Domingo church), Cusco Main Square and Sacsayhuaman are some of the more famous locations whose walls once served both as fortifications and places of worship.
Puka Pukara and Tambomachay Ruins should also be added to any traveler’s itinerary, located nearby Saqsaywaman and used for sacrifices in ancient times. Another landmark that deserves consideration is Cristo Blanco which towers above Cusco with arms extended and looks similar to Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue, standing 25 feet high – it should be on every traveler’s bucket list!
Fukuoka
Fukuoka is an intriguing city of contrasts, featuring both ancient temples and futuristic skyscrapers. Additionally, Fukuoka boasts an exceptional ramen culture, where local artisans offer delicious mentaiko (bean paste) ramen and Hakata tonkotsu ramen at street stalls (yatai).
Maizuru Park is one of the city’s must-sees, both for its natural beauty and historical significance. This park features a trail that circles a stunning lake, traditional Japanese gardens, and an enormous statue of Reclining Buddha (which may even be the largest statue in Japan!).
Flower lovers must visit the Kawachi Wisteria Garden between late April and May, while Kushida Shrine hosts its Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival every July. Canal City shopping mall boasts an actual canal along with numerous stylish brands that will please shoppers of any kind.
Luxor
No matter your interests or passions, Luxor will captivate any traveller. From its impressive 3400-year-old Karnak Temple Complex to its many necropolises in the Valley of Kings and Queens, there is an inexhaustible number of amazing monuments waiting for discovery here.
Visit the stunning Temple of Karnak, an entrancing complex filled with towering columns and an extravagant hypostyle hall. Stroll down Avenue of Sphinxes for an amusing stroll that once connected Karnak Temple with Luxor Temple.
Deir el-Bahari offers another great place to see Egypt’s first female pharaoh’s grand Temple of Hatshepsut; sunrise hot air balloon rides offer another unforgettable way of witnessing West Bank tombs, temples and barren escarpments from above! Or book tickets for an Nile River cruise which covers multiple attractions for an immersive experience!
Kyoto
Kyoto offers visitors an abundance of shrines, temples, and beautiful old townscapes to discover. A must-visit attraction in Kyoto is the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), also known as Rokuon-ji – an iconic Muromachi-era temple which inspired Yukio Mishima’s novel and widely considered one of Japan’s most magnificent monuments.
Kiyomizudera Temple, with its veranda that offers breathtaking city views and entirely made from wood, is another must-see attraction. Legend has it that drinking from the stream behind the temple or walking between two secret stones with your eyes closed will grant your wish.
Visit Kyoto’s old side by wandering Ninnen-zaka and Sannen-zaka streets, which feature restored wooden teahouses and shops. Arashiyama District also offers plenty of attractions, including Sagano Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple to witness how these swaying stalks have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Osaka
Osaka is a dynamic metropolis that commands immense influence in modern Asia, boasting an enthralling combination of sights and experiences for everyone – be they art enthusiasts, foodies or thrill-seekers alike. Whatever your interests may be – Osaka offers something truly spectacular for everyone!
Expocity and Banpaku Memorial Park are two of Osaka’s premier tourist spots, featuring something for adults and children of all ages, from museums to hands-on aquariums and sprawling shopping malls – not forgetting plenty of restaurants offering delicious cuisine!
Abeno Harukas offers breathtaking views of Osaka from above and should be on every traveller’s bucket list – its shimmering skyscraper resembling an Arc de Triomphe with two towers connected at their summit by a floating garden observatory, best viewed at dusk when Osaka transforms into a sea of twinkling lights – it truly offers an unforgettable experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else!
