Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in a Lifetime 

There are countless amazing cities to visit around the world, each with its own unique culture, history, and sights. But to really make the most of our time on earth, and live out the jaw-dropping beauty of nature, we should prioritize visiting certain dream destinations that stand out as must-see places. These 10 bucket list cities standout as anyone would be lucky to experience in their lifetime: 

Number 10, Paris – The “City of Light” is a legendary destination with iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and luxurious Champs Élysées. The Parisian cafe culture, galleries, and relaxing river promenades make this an unforgettable cultural experience.   

Number 9, Rome – Walking the streets of Rome is like stepping back in time. Ancient ruins and relics abound, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the Pantheon and Vatican City. The artistic and architectural wonders make Rome a must for any history or culture enthusiast.   

Number 8, Barcelona – Architectural marvels like Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell indubitably make Barcelona a must-see on any global tourism list. But the city’s other charms – its stunning seafront promenade, hilltop fortress, and vibrant tapas scene also draw tourists in droves.   

Number 7, London – As one of the world’s great cultural capitals, London has something for everyone. Its iconic sights from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye and Tower Bridge never fail to impress visitors. The museums, theatres, historical sites, green spaces, and a massive variety of restaurants make it a perfect city to explore for days on end.    

Number 6, Tokyo – Japan’s massive capital is a blend of futuristic neon wonderland and historical enclave. Highlights include shopping and dining in Shinjuku, cruising under the skyscrapers of Shibuya Crossing, and exploring the ancient temples and shrines of Asakusa. The unique culture and contrasts make Tokyo a thrill for any traveller’s bucket list.

Number 5, New York City – The iconic city that never sleeps has an endless list of “must-sees” from Times Square and the Broadway Theater District to Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But what really makes NYC special is its electric energy, the fast pace of life, and a multitude of diverse neighbourhoods – no other city in the world feels quite like New York.

Number 4, Cape Town – The stunning coastal city boasts iconic attractions like Table Mountain, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and the Cape Winelands region.  But what truly makes Cape Town special is its natural beauty – from unspoiled beaches to gorgeous mountain vistas, the city offers breathtaking sights at every turn.   

Number 3, Bangkok – The dynamic, chaotic capital of Thailand feels like stepping into an entirely different world. Highlights include the opulent Grand Palace grounds, incredible street food scene, bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market and tranquil Buddhist temples nestled throughout the city. Bangkok’s vibrant mix of tradition and modernity makes it an eye-opening experience.

Number 2, Hong Kong – The global financial hub thrills visitors with stunning skyline views from Victoria Peak, futuristic architecture in Kowloon, and world-class shopping and dining options. But the historic charms of Hong Kong Island – from Chinese temples to picture-perfect beaches – make the city well worth experiencing at least once.   

Number 1, Sydney – In addition to the famous Opera House and Harbor Bridge,  Sydney is known for its idyllic beaches, vibrant nightlife, harbour cruises, rainforest hikes, fashion scene, and delicious restaurants. Its unique mix of coastal city and outdoor adventures creates the perfect balance for visitors looking for culture, sights and relaxation.    

For a first-time traveller, we would recommend London or Sydney as the best option from this list. Why?

For London, it’s an easy, global city to navigate with the widespread use of English and familiarity with Western culture. This makes it easier for first-time travellers, and London has a wide variety of iconic sights and attractions that will give a first glimpse into “bucket list” travel experiences like iconic city landmarks, museums, history and culture. 

The public transit system in London is extensive and easy to use, so getting around the city is manageable for travellers who may be unfamiliar with navigating a new city at first. Also, there are many options for hotels, food and shopping at different price ranges to suit various budgets.

For Sydney, the natural beauty of Sydney and surrounding areas with beaches, coastal walks and outdoor activities provide a more relaxed introduction to travel compared to larger and denser cities. While still offering plenty to see and do in the city itself, Sydney has a slightly slower pace which may be less overwhelming for first-time visitors. 

Australia in general tends to be an easy country for English speakers to navigate for initial international travel due to familiarity with language, culture, food options and driving sides of the road. Sydney’s good weather, vibrant beach culture and overall laidback atmosphere make it a pleasant introduction to travel experiences abroad and “checking off” an iconic destination.

These 10 cities stand out as “must sees” that any travel lover would be glad to cross off their bucket list. Exploring great cities allows us to marvel at what humanity is capable of creating while giving us experiences that broaden our perspectives and enrich our souls. If you only have time for a handful of global destinations in your lifetime, be sure to include at least some of these incredible urban wonders.