We've all got a bucket list of must-see sights and experiences we want to have around the world and ours seems to be getting longer by the day. From amazing adventures to dream destinations, here are 99 of the world's most unmissable travel experiences for 2024 and beyond.

Click through the gallery to boost your bucket list and get inspired by our round-up of the year's hottest travel experiences.

There's lots going for the Egyptian capital in 2024, with the headline event being the much-anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, scheduled to finally swing wide its doors around the middle of the year. Check into the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza for a luxurious base from which to explore the new museum, the eternally fascinating pyramids and more of the region's incredible historic sites, such as Khan el-Khalili (the Middle East's oldest open-air market) and Cairo's 12th-century citadel.

The 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle, perched on a hill high above the Bavarian countryside, is one of the most famous in the world. Put your best hiking boots on and trek up the rugged hill to explore the idyllic castle and its astonishing interior.

Discover some of the world's less famous, but equally stunning castles

A reputation for incomparable luxury, flawless talcum-powder beaches and superlative marine life make the Maldives a popular honeymoon destination. But you don’t need to walk down the aisle to enjoy this slice of paradise. Maldives tourism is diversifying from exclusive Indian Ocean resorts to include welcoming guesthouses. With 1,200 islands and bucket-list worthy beaches throughout, island-hopping by flight or speedboat is an exciting option too.

Most guides recommend enjoying the sublime scenery of Lake Garda from the water and, luckily enough, ferries sail up and down between the main towns. But there’s another, more dramatic way to discover Garda’s quieter waterside villages; zip in and out of tunnels as you drive along the lakeside road and admire the scenery from the winding route that carves through the mountainside.

Sleek skyscrapers, sparkling shopping malls, super-duper transport – all present and correct. Now a welcome push to make Singapore more eco-friendly has resulted in some wonderful green spaces, which must be seen to be believed. Newly opened Bird Paradise (pictured) at Mandai Wildlife Reserve – Asia's largest bird park – allows visitors to spot birds from all over the globe, from the Amazon to Antarctica. You can also get up close to the avian residents through keeper-led talks and feeding sessions.

Brave the altitude to admire the picturesque Andes as you take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru's 15th-century, UNESCO-listed Inca citadel. There are three one-way routes to try, while for non-hikers (or tired feet on the way back) there's also a train that takes you most of the way to the site. You'll need to book a permit well in advance of your visit to Machu Picchu which, as of January 2024, will be by timed entry.

Inside the ancient temples of the Americas

In a beachy suburb of San Juan, Puerto Rico (pictured), a marvellous spectacle takes place every July: the Festival de Santiago Apostol, a Caribbean take on the festival of St James. A lively parade goes through the streets of Loiza, where costumed characters dressed in masks made of coconut wood do battle with Spanish-styled knights – representing a struggle between good and evil. In the background you'll hear the thumping sound of Puerto Rico's 'bomba' music, the beat of which responds to the movement of colourfully-skirted dancers – not the other way around. 

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a city that has to be savoured slowly. From the distinct Ponte Vecchio stretching across the Arno river to the imposing Florence Cathedral rising high above the historic centre, there are reminders of Florence's storied history on every corner. The city's great museums – The Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademie – are filled with some of the world's most famous masterpieces, including Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Michelangelo's David. 

Explore more Italy with the fascinating story of Venice

Denmark's capital Copenhagen has long been focused on sustainability and it looks like it's edging closer to fulfilling its aim to become carbon-neutral by 2030. As travellers aim to be more eco-conscious, Copenhagen is the best place to visit to see what the future of travel looks like. Visitors can swim in a busy urban harbour, dine on organic food everywhere, stay at a hotel with an eco-certificate and ski down the roof of a green-energy power station. 

Every year in autumn, New England's foliage puts on a spectacular show of colour as the trees transition from green to shades of red, yellow and orange. Maine is often the favourite state for leaf-peeping, and it's easy to see why: between long stretches of road lined with ember-coloured leaves are adorable coastal towns, stocked with lighthouses, white-panelled cottages and cosy coffee shops to refuel at. 

These are New England's most beautiful small towns

This UNESCO-protected Chilean island is best known for its moai, hundreds of stone statues scattered around the landscape. Dating from between AD 1100 and 1680, some are almost whole figures, some are just giant heads, but how they were moved around the island remains a mystery. A previously undiscovered moai was found in a dry lake bed in 2023, prompting renewed interest in the island's remarkable monoliths, quarried mostly from volcanic ash.

Top spots around the world to uncover the secrets of ancient civilisations

Iceland, Canada and Alaska are all among the best places for spotting the colourful shimmering of the aurora borealis, however, Norway's Lofoten Archipelago just might be the most beautiful. Characterised by dramatic scenery, traditional fishermen's houses and short Arctic winter days, it's the perfect setting for a wilder winter adventure spotting the Northern Lights.

See the Northern Lights at these unexpected places

From the world's largest tortoises to colourful crabs and a huge variety of birds, the Galapagos are a haven for wildlife. Charles Darwin sailed here on the Beagle and now visitors can trace his journey on their own adventure cruise.

Learn more about these special islands here

Greece's islands range from built-up party hotspots to traditional places where few tourists venture and everything in between. Ferries from Athens will get you to islands such as Santorini (pictured), with its photogenic hillside houses, or Milos, with its blissful beaches.

These are the most beautiful small towns and villages in Greece

Between the beaches and the highlands of the South Indian state of Kerala lies a verdant region criss-crossed by waterways and dotted with traditional villages. A boat trip, either for an afternoon or for several days, will let you soak up the views and catch a glimpse of rural Keralan life.

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Known as the 'City of Music', Vienna has a truly incredible offering when it comes to opera, ballet and classical music concerts. Performances at the Staatsoper (opera house) include some of the world's finest singers, musicians and conductors, while the opera's ballet company will certainly woo lovers of beauty and grace. For a more interactive experience, though, head to Vienna's Museum of Sound for five floors of installations and exhibitions – including one that lets you conduct your own orchestra.

The huge physical and emotional effort of climbing Africa's highest mountain is all worth it once you reach the summit, where you'll find glistening glaciers, incredible views and a distinct feeling of self-satisfaction. You don't have to be marathon-runner fit either, it's all about taking the pace 'pole pole' (slowly slowly), as the Swahili-speaking guides say.

The Great Migration sees around 1.5 million wildebeest (plus 200,000 zebras) make their way across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Time your safari right and you'll be in for one amazing wildlife experience.

These are the best wildlife experiences in the world

A must-have experience in Bali, visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terraces feels like travelling back in time. One of the most visited attractions on the Indonesian island, the lush green rice fields can get quite busy during the day but go early in the morning and you'll have this UNESCO World Heritage Site all to yourself.

The pretty Indian tea town of Darjeeling is not only worth visiting in its own right, but also for the chance to take a scenic railway journey through the foothills of the Himalayas. While the full route, from New Jalpaiguri, is served by a modern diesel engine, for a more romantic experience try the two-hour Darjeeling-Ghum tourist service, operated by steam train. 

Take a look at more of the world's most scenic train journeys that don't cost a fortune

A visit to the US capital and government HQ is a must – if only to admire the imposing architecture. Take a free tour of the White House (pictured) and imagine holding down the most powerful job in the world, especially as the country gears up for the 2024 elections. Don't forget to explore the city's gorgeous greenery, particularly the glorious garden at Dumbarton Oaks museum, where the offering of blooms changes month to month.

Check out the most beautiful building in every US state

Set to enter service in 2024, the shiny new Orient Express La Dolce Vita is the original Belle Epoque train's energetic younger sister. Taking design inspiration from mid-century warm hues and bold patterns, La Dolce Vita is a love letter to the 1960s and offers passengers the enviable opportunity to explore Italy by train in the most special way. While the final schedule of 2024 departures has not yet been confirmed, prospective guests can now register for the priority list to be among the first to know when it has.

Often called the Marvellous City (Cidade Maravilhosa in Portuguese), Rio de Janeiro is packed with fascinating things to do: see masterpiece modern architecture by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer alongside opulent Portuguese-style buildings from the colonial era, eat at Michelin-starred restaurants that frequently fuse different cuisines into something uniquely delicious, or simply play a game of volleyball on one of the city's impossibly cool beaches.

Once you enter a Moroccan souk it can be tough to leave – either because there's so much to see, or you simply can't find your way out. Marrakech is home to some of the best, selling everything from spices and tea to kaftans and tiles. Plus, there are plenty of other things to keep you entertained, including the incredibly Instagram-friendly Jardin Majorelle – a gorgeous villa and garden restored in the 20th century by French designer Yves Saint Laurent.

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You can barely turn a corner in Barcelona without stumbling across one of Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces. The Catalonian architect’s best-known work is the Sagrada Familia, a towering basilica that’s as impressive inside as it is out: although it's not quite finished yet, it is set to be completed by 2026. Make time too for the intricate Casa Batllo and the whimsical Park Guell (pictured), which offers panoramic views over the city. 

These are the most wonderful views on Earth

If you're planning a visit to Tokyo, make time for the 90-minute train trip north of the Japanese capital to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Although the snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, probably won't be bathing in the onsen until the weather gets cold, there will still be plenty of animals to spot at other times of the year to make the journey worthwhile.

These are the best train journeys in Japan

Whether it’s ziplining above a cloud forest or spotting birds from a suspension bridge, the best way to explore Costa Rica is from a height. The world's top ecotourism destination, Costa Rica was one of the earliest adopters of connecting nature conservation with responsible travel. Staying at the country's eco-lodges and treetop hotels is already on many a traveller's bucket list, however, as the future shifts to sustainable and eco-friendly travel, Costa Rica is only going to grow in popularity.

Often cited as the most Irish city in Ireland, it's perhaps no surprise that visiting Galway is a great bet. A harbour city on Ireland's west coast, facing the unforgiving winds and waves of the Atlantic, Galway is full of life. Defined by buskers, pints of Guinness in pubs and an up-and-coming food scene, the city makes for a culture-packed weekend break. Don't forget to grab a couple of scoops of caramelised brown bread ice cream at Murphy's.

Uncover the beauty of Ireland's most charming small towns and villages

If you'd much rather escape to warmer climes, Rijeka is a top pick for culture fans. Visitors travelling to Croatia have long preferred Dubrovnik, Split or Zadar for their breaks, but that's slowly changing. Known as the gateway to Croatia's islands, Rijeka underwent a serious facelift in preparation for becoming a European Capital of Culture in 2020. A number of new venues opened as a result, including the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which allows visitors to browse works by innovative up-and-coming artists.

This annual celebration, marking the beginning of Lent, is a wonderful time to explore one of the most famous cities in the world. People dress up in elaborate masks and costumes, making Venice's slim streets even more picturesque and atmospheric. Book your tickets for the Grand Ball and become someone else for the night.

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No first-time visit to Paris is complete without going up the Eiffel Tower. However, there are many other viewing points to enjoy the vistas of the city. Try the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur or Centre Pompidou, and head to the Arc de Triomphe for spectacular views of Paris at night. Equally brilliant from the ground, the City of Light has a dazzling array of museums, from the legendary Louvre to the iconic Musee d'Orsay.

We bet you don't know about these secret places in France

Stretching thousands of miles across China, various iterations of the Great Wall have existed since the 7th century BC – though most of what you can see today dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). You can't walk the entire thing, but some sections are an easy day trip from Beijing.

Then and now: vintage and modern-day photos of the world's ancient landmarks

Nearly 3,000 years old, the Italian capital is a living, breathing museum. From the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum to the 18th-century Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna, each century has left its mark. Perhaps the most spectacular of all is the Vatican, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, that holds such treasures as the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. 

Take a look at these little-known Roman ruins around the world

Cappadocia's surreal landscapes, decorated by unique rock formations, make for a spectacular hot air balloon ride. Fly over the impressive valleys, see local orchards and vineyards and experience breathtaking sunsets. 

34 of the world's most astonishing rock formations

Once a trade route that connected east and west, the Silk Road snakes its way from eastern China through Central Asia all the way to Greece and Italy. Whether you choose to travel by car or train, backpack or go on a guided tour, tracing the steps of the ancient traders has become significantly easier as countries like Uzbekistan have relaxed their visa policy. There is hope that in the future a united Silk Road visa will allow travellers to visit Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as well as Uzbekistan under one permit.

Held annually in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest is the biggest beer festival in the world. Accompanied by delicious German sausages, folk music and lots of other festivities, Oktoberfest celebrates the best of Bavarian culture.

Here are Germany's most historic sites

Feel the power! With a 164-foot (49.9m) drop, Niagara Falls has the world’s highest flow rate and you’ll be captivated by the sight of the gushing waters and almost deafened by their thundering roar. After dark, the Falls make a different impression, with multicoloured illuminations and (from May to October and select dates over the holiday season) a nightly firework display. Visitors can now also strolll through the tunnels of the Niagara Parks Power Station to a brand-new observation deck at the Niagara River's edge.

Check out more things to do in and around Niagara Falls

Crowned number one in Tripadvisor's annual Travellers' Choice awards in 2023, Brazil's Baia do Sancho is a picturesque and undisturbed stretch of sand, located on the small island of Fernando de Noronha off the coast of central Brazil. Consistently ranked among the world's best beaches, it's a quiet spot surrounded by rainforest and is only accessible via steep steps carved into the rockside that hugs it.

Mystery cloaks the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Get up close to the giant stones with a special access ticket or join tens of thousands to see in the summer solstice. Otherwise, you must view them from a distance – but either way you’ll be scratching your head about a possible purpose: solar calendar, burial place or even a UFO touchdown site?

Delve deeper into the secrets and mysteries of Stonehenge

Leave Reykjavik far behind and head northeast, striking out on a hike through Jokulsargljufur National Park to see Europe’s most powerful waterfall, the jaw-dropping Dettifoss. Iceland isn’t short of stunning waterfalls, but this caps them all. The surrounding landscape is surprisingly lush in summer, with wildflowers dotted against the green. Quite a contrast, then, with the drama of the roaring falls plunging into the canyon below.

Here are Iceland's most incredible sights

Get out on deck to marvel at Norway’s rearing, rugged coastline. Cruise ships ply the network of fjords, past spectacular waterfalls, steep mountainsides and – with a bit of luck – schools of dolphins, porpoises and whales. The gushing cascades of UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, one of the western fjords, should be top of your list.

Europe's finest family attractions

If it's ever worth planning a trip around a place to eat, it's to dine at Mirazur, one of the world's best restaurants. The view overlooking the French Riviera, the service and the incredible French haute cuisine with chef Mauro Colagreco's Argentinian touches create a perfect once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.

The number-one day trip from Paris, and a sensational destination in its own right, the Chateau de Versailles is simply magnificent. Opulent throughout, the extravagance of Louis XIV reaches its zenith in the Hall of Mirrors, a huge ballroom lined with 17 enormous mirrors reflecting the garden view through the 17 windows opposite. Access to the exquisite formal gardens is free, aside from days (and some nights) when the entertaining musical fountain shows are held.

Inside the world's most luxurious palaces

Scotland's capital takes on a truly special vibe in August, when a series of arts festivals hit the city. Chief among them is the Fringe (2 to 26 August in 2024), which sees pubs and bookshops become venues for comedy and drama, and the streets buzz with performers. Festival season goes beyond the summer too: the annual Edinburgh International Science Festival is great for families with young kids and Edinburgh's Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations are famous the world over.

These are the world's best festivals

Never mind who you see, they’re going to sound fantastic at Red Rocks. With a backdrop of lofty red rock and sandstone formations, this is the world’s only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre. No wonder it’s attracted the best acts in the music business, from The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix, plus countless memorable live recordings. Acts on the 2024 programme include All Time Low, The Head and The Heart, Sarah McLachlan and Feist.

This is the best music venue in your state

Miami and the Florida Keys are without a doubt one of the top spots for a sizzling summer holiday in the US. An exciting mix of cultures, fun water-based activities, lively parties and some of the best food in the country can all be found here. There are always new and exciting developments happening in Miami, as well as much-loved returning events like Miami Beach Pride and Miami Art Week.

These are Florida's finest beaches

Jamaica is an island of intoxicating rhythms, sounds, flavours, scents and sights. After days spent on the beach or snorkelling up to colourful coral, enjoy delicious jerk dishes, mouthwatering tropical fruit and rum on the side. Much loved by James Bond creator Ian Fleming, Jamaica has served as the setting for many Bond movies and recently featured on the Prime Video series 007: Road to a Million, where nine pairs of contestants traversed the globe competing in a range of espionage-like challenges.

Whether you're on an Arctic cruise or a trip to the self-proclaimed polar bear capital of the world, also known as Churchill in Manitoba, Canada, don't miss the chance to catch sight of these majestic creatures as they climb icebergs, search for food or cuddle up in the snow. 

Discover Canada's best wildlife experiences, from whale-watching to bear-spotting

Every year, from late March to the beginning of May, nature works its magic in Japan as cherry trees reach full bloom. Head to the Fuji Five Lakes region around mid-April and visit the Chureito Pagoda for stunning views of Mount Fuji, surrounded by the pink and white blossoms. In Tokyo, join locals for a hanami – a picnic beneath the cherry blossoms in one of the city's green spaces. 

Uyuni, in southwest Bolivia, is home to the world’s largest salt desert, sprawling across more than 4,000 square miles (10,359sq km). You can cross it in a 4x4 but getting out and standing on the vast white expanse will give you a real idea of its incredible size.

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There's really nothing like getting away from it all and spending a night in the wilderness. Not only is Yosemite National Park a bucket-list destination, it's also very well suited to camping holidays. When it comes to planning your camping trip, read the advice on the National Park Service website to ensure you're not breaking any of the park's rules and are staying safe. 

From Route 66 to a meandering journey through the Deep South, the USA is ripe for road trips. Just remember, in the land of kitsch diners and roadside attractions, you'll need plenty of time for detours. 

These roadside attractions are well worth travelling to

On the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by rugged mountains, there’s no mistaking that Queenstown is an outdoorsy sort of place. Come in the Kiwi winter to ski or for water sports galore in the summer, but don’t get cold feet about bungee jumping. This is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, after all. Pick from three of the world’s most stunning sites and savour the moment. 

Here are 50 amazing things to see in New Zealand

With Concorde no longer an option, cross the Atlantic in style aboard the Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner still in operation. The trip takes seven nights, travelling from the gentle city lights of Southampton to the full wattage of New York. As you’d expect, there’s everything from dance lessons, spa treatments and planetarium visits to keep you entertained en route.

Check out these nostalgic images of cruising through the decades

Dive into the Deep South with a pilgrimage to New Orleans and its most famous celebration Mardi Gras. Celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, 47 days before Easter, New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebrations involve loud parades, bright outfits and lots of bead accessories. It's truly an experience you'll never forget. 

Getting to the remote Scottish island of Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, is as much an adventure as exploring the island itself. The airport here is the only one in the world to use a beach as its runway for scheduled flights – so you step out of your small plane and right onto the sand.

These are the world's coolest airports

Getting to Antarctica isn't easy – even once you've reached the world's southernmost city Ushuaia in Argentina, you still have a choppy voyage ahead before you reach this icy continent. But once you do, you have the chance to see huge colonies of penguins, various species of whale and icebergs as tall as buildings.

Stunning photos of awesome snow and ice festivals around the world

Forget taking a yellow cab and explore New York City on foot. Whether it's seeing the bright lights of Times Square by night, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge to look back at Manhattan or spending a day exploring green spaces such as Central Park or the High Line, walking is the perfect way to immerse yourself fully in one of the world's greatest cities.

The unbelievable history of the Big Apple

No need for a designated driver when you board the wine train – with lunch onboard and a range of winery tours, this is one hassle-free way to discover some of Napa Valley’s top winemakers. If you prefer something a little more rustic, and want to beat the crowds, head west to Sonoma – the picturesque town is a great base for exploring Wine Country. Taste your way around family-owned or boutique outfits such as Patz & Hall or Keller Estate.

Here are California's most underrated places

The iconic flat-topped silhouette of Table Mountain greets you as your flight touches down in Cape Town and looms above as you sightsee. It’s only so long before you’ll be scaling it, choosing from a bevy of hiking trails which take in waterfalls, native fynbos vegetation, valleys and dams, not to mention fantastic views. You can always take the cable car down.

Explore more of the world on foot with these unmissable hikes

Istanbul's Hagia Sophia is one of the most magnificent and fascinating religious buildings in the world. Built in AD 537, the cathedral was an engineering marvel at the time and remained an Orthodox church until the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century when it was turned into a mosque. Until recently, it served as a museum (it's now been converted back into a mosque) and remnants of the cathedral's Christian past can still be spotted among the Islamic decoration.

The world's oldest man-made structures will in use today

The curves of Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are synonymous with the city and Australia itself. There’s a lot more of the harbour to explore – bays and headlands, parks and bush, as well as a handful of islands. Wend your way by ferry and make the most of the views. Or if it’s a wide-angle panorama you’re after, pluck up your courage and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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Milford and Doubtful Sounds are among New Zealand's most beautiful stretches of water and paddling is the ideal way to see South Island's fjords close up. Hire a kayak and go out solo or join an organised overnight trip to camp out.

30 fascinating facts about New Zealand you probably didn't know

Have the unique experience of seeing a volcano from the inside by descending 390 feet (120m) into Thrihnukagigur. This dormant Icelandic volcano, around 17 miles (27km) from Reykjavík, is the only place on earth where you can enter a magma chamber.

Guernsey, an island in the English Channel, feels like a perfect mix between a petite French fishing village and the finest rolling hills of the English countryside. Foodies should head to the island in the late autumn, when the celebrated Tennerfest takes place. From October to Mid-November, restaurants, pubs, cafes and hotels across the island take part in a scheme where cheap fixed-price menus are offered: you might find yourself tucking into a delectable, locally-sourced meal for a fraction of the usual cost.

Explore more of Europe's best hidden gems

Well, drop in on their London home, at least. In the summer months (and just a few other selected dates), Buckingham Palace's doors are thrown open, giving you a chance to see inside the royal residence. Around 20 State Rooms are accessible – you’ll glimpse the monarch’s impressive art collection, featuring Vermeer and Rembrandt, and the monogrammed pink-upholstered chairs of the Throne Room.

30 quintessentially Britsh experiences you must try before you die

Skip the overcrowded streets and canals of Amsterdam and escape to the country, to Kinderdijk in Netherland's South Holland province. Here, the recognisable Dutch windmills stand tall among the tulip fields and canals. Footpaths and bike trails criss-cross the area peppered with 19 mills – you'll really struggle to find a more Dutch setting than this.

Read these top travel tips before your first (or next) trip to Europe

An unlikely swathe of neon in the Nevada desert, larger-than-life Las Vegas is a city like no other. The hotels run the gamut from the loud and the lavish to the utterly bizarre and staying in one is all part of the experience. Make sure you spend some time on the slots and catch a show at one of the city’s glitzy venues too. Look out for the newest addition to Sin City's skyline on your next visit – a giant, illuminated sphere.

These are Nevada's most beautiful sights and attractions

Dubai, with all its glitz, glam and towering skyscrapers, is really unlike any other city on the planet. There are plenty of new attractions and openings set for 2024: you'll soon be able to check into the world's first "vertical urban resort" and a new Dorcester Collection hotel, as well as eat out in the upcoming J1 Beach dining district. The city's annual Taste of Dubai food festival takes over a new venue in February (Skydive Dubai), while UNTOLD Dubai 2024 is slated to be the biggest music festival in the city's history.

The world's historic skyscrapers are so much older than you'd think

For five centuries, under the Ming and Qing dynasties, ordinary Chinese people were banned from even approaching the walls of the Imperial Palace, hence its better-known name. Today, the palace at the heart of Beijing welcomes visitors daily. It’s a huge complex, grand in scale and design, but the intricate detail in the decorative elements and museum displays will overwhelm you too.   

Discover 60 wonders of the world, as chosen by us

Get some perspective on celebrity culture with a bracing 6.5-mile (10.4km) hike to see the famous Hollywood sign up close. The huge aluminium letters stand proud just below the 1,708-foot (520.6m) summit of Mt Lee, part of the Santa Monica Mountains. Passing through Griffith Park, you’ll see familiar scenes from movies such as Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land and then gaze down on the chaotic sprawl of the City of Angels.

This is the remarkable story of the Hollywood Sign

Set on the rocky coastal cliffs of northwestern Italy, Manarola is one of the five fishing villages that make up Cinque Terre – one of the world's most colourful destinations. The homes are said to have been painted in bright shades of blue, pink, yellow and orange so that the returning fishermen could spot their homes easier. 

Here are Italy's most beautiful small towns and villages

Scattered in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it's no wonder the Cook Islands are often called the paradise destination. Powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters and one of the friendliest peoples in the world are just some qualities that define this remote island nation. Made up of three main and 12 smaller islands, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime destination.

These are Australia's most beautiful islands

It's easy to be spellbound by Bagan's otherworldly beauty and incredible history. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, an incredible number of temples, palaces, pagodas and monasteries have remained largely unchanged since. The most concentrated area of Buddhist religious structures in the world, Bagan is also famous for its incredible sunrises and sunsets.

With its incredible architecture carved out of pinkish rock, Petra in Jordan is also known as the Rose City. It's thought to have been established as early as 312 BC and today you can wander between its ancient temples, tombs and theatres, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Discover some amazing archaeological finds stumbled upon by amateurs

Every year, a select few cities across Europe hold the coveted 'European Capital of Culture' title, becoming pop-up venues for some of the planet's most creative performers, artists and writers. Bodo – a small city in the north of Norway – is one of 2024's picks. The only city north of the Arctic Circle to ever hold the title, Bodo will be transformed by more than 1,000 events across the year, ranging from theatrical trilogies about Sami reindeer husbandry to 360-degree immersive films.

Next on the list is Bad Ischl, one of rural Austria's prettiest spa towns in the Alpine region of Salzkammergut. Its programme explores four key themes that celebrate the influences of local history, cultural heritage, tourism and young people on the town’s shifting identity: power and tradition; culture in flux; Sharing Salzkammergut – The Art of Travel; and Globalokal – Building the New. Visitors will have the opportunity to join storytelling walks, virtual reality journeys and concerts set inside a salt works building.

Last – but certainly not least – on 2024's roster of European Capitals of Culture is Tartu, the second largest city in Estonia. This Baltic beauty will thread its programme, called ‘Arts of Survival, through the streets of Tartu and out into the wider region of southern Estonia. There are 350 different projects that have been created for the year of culture, including architecture tours, street and contemporary art exhibitions, light installations, music, film and culinary festivals, and LGBTQ+ events.

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