Sometimes we may feel like we’re stuck in the routine of daily life. Or, we long for something exciting and different. If you’re feeling as such, an excellent idea is to visit a new city, but outside Europe, if you’re really longing for new experiences and challenges. Here are some magnificent cities to consider for your next trip!

1) RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio de Janeiro is also known as the most beautiful city in the world. You will find beautiful city beaches, impressive natural parks, and attractive neighborhoods full of colonial houses. Rio de Janeiro also has a vibrant nightlife that peaks during the annual Carnival. You get the idea: You don’t have to get bored quickly on a city break here.

Tips if You Want to Extend Your Stay:

If you travel through Brazil, you will quickly realize that the distances here are enormous. It is almost impossible to travel overland because you are on the road for days to the next exciting destination. You can’t avoid taking the plane now and then visiting highlights like the Amazon, the Iguazu waterfalls, and the Pantanal.

2) BEIJING

Beijing is a unique destination full of heritage and history and much more traditional than modern Shanghai. Highlights are the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square, but Beijing is also the starting point for a visit to the Great Wall of China. You can visit different parts of the wall from here, but it is wise to choose a more quiet part.

Tips if You Want to Extend Your Stay:

From Beijing, you can continue to Shanghai by high-speed train. It travels more than 300 kilometers per hour and will take you to your next destination in about 6 hours. By plane, you can reach destinations such as Xian, Chengdu, and Yangshuo.

3) TAIPEI

Unlike many other Asian metropolises, Taipei is still relatively undiscovered by tourists. You will regularly be the only European tourist there, making it such a fun and original destination for a city break. Taipei is known for its many beautiful temples and huge night markets, but you’ll also find a surprising number of creative hotspots and street art.

Tips if you want to extend your stay:

You can see a lot of Taiwan in a couple of weeks. The island is not very big and thanks to the excellent public transport you can cross many places quickly. Besides Taipei, the Taroko Gorge and the city of Tainan are among the highlights.

4) ISTANBUL

Did you know that Istanbul is the only city in the world located on the border of two continents? One part of the city is in Europe, the other in Asia. The city is an impressive mix of East and West, and the city is big enough to spend a week in. You should visit the many beautiful mosques, the Topkapi Palace and the bazaar. Don’t forget to take the time to immerse yourself in the surprisingly trendy neighborhoods full of cafes and hip hotspots.

Tips if You Want to Extend Your Stay:

Istanbul is a great starting point for an unforgettable road trip through Turkey. You can visit the limestone terraces of Pamukkale and the rock houses of Cappadocia.

5) MEXICO CITY

Most travelers drive through Mexico’s Yucatan province and don’t even come close to Mexico City. However, it is worth including this city in your itinerary because there are several exciting things to see and do. The pyramids of Teotihuacan are a must-see, but so is the birthplace of Frida Kahlo. And if you have the time, make sure to visit La Isla de las Muñecas, a spooky island that wouldn’t be out of place in a horror movie.

Tips if You Want to Extend Your Stay:

From Mexico City, you can easily take a bus to Puebla, an attractive city where you can experience authentic Mexico. From there you can then continue your trip to destinations like Oaxaca and San Cristobal de las Casas.

What other cities outside Europe do you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!