Traveler visits 120 cities and reveals 5 that will redefine your travel bucket list

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The traveler visited 120 cities around the world — from lesser-known industrial centers to bustling capitals. She highlighted five cities worth remembering and returning to. Each stands out for its character, flavor, and lasting impressions.

Tbilisi, Georgia

The Georgian capital is a city where history and modernity coexist in harmony. It’s easy to get lost among the cobblestones of the Old Town, peek into a courtyard with no sign, and suddenly find yourself in one of the city’s best restaurants.

Tbilisi impresses not with noise but with details: graffiti on old mansion walls, casual wine bars, contemporary art galleries, and well-dressed locals who know the value of style without showing off.

“I spent over a month exploring Tbilisi’s cobblestone streets filled with mansions, graffiti walls, and hidden doors leading to incredible restaurants. I must admit — it’s one of my all-time favorite cities. The best way to explore it is on foot,” the traveler recommends.

What to do:

• Hike or take the funicular up Mtatsminda for panoramic views

• Enjoy the stunning scenery of the city and the surrounding mountains

• Wander the Old Town without a set route

• Admire colorful frescoes and architecture

• Set aside time for contemporary art galleries

Where to stay: Stamba – one of the city’s most creative hotels

What to try: Khinkali at Klike’s Khinkali

Tbilisi, Georgia (photo: Getty Images)

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo moves to its own rhythm — slightly chaotic, yet quickly familiar. Daily traffic, school uniforms, the nearby ocean, and tropical heat create an atmosphere that draws you in and even becomes addictive.

The city is made up of contrasting neighborhoods: from leafy Colombo 7 with villas, boulevards, and art spaces, to the historic Pettah with bustling markets, temples, and endless motion.

“Made up of 15 divisions, there’s not one I don’t absolutely adore, from leafy Colombo 7, with its wide boulevards, grand old villas, cricket grounds and hidden art spaces like the Sapumal Foundation, to Kompagngna Veediya, which hums with history, street art murals and one of the best cocktail bars in town,” recommends the travel expert.

What not to miss:

• Walks under banyan trees, whose roots crack the sidewalks

• Pettah Market — for its colors and vibrant atmosphere

• Rice and curry eaten by hand, paired with sweet street milk tea

• Chocolate donuts from a tuk-tuk bakery

Where to stay: ISHQ Boutique Hotel

Where to dine: Gini, serving modern Sri Lankan cuisine

Colombo, Sri Lanka (photo: Getty Images)

Łódź, Poland

Łódź is a magnetic Polish city — unpolished but full of character. A former textile hub that went through decline, it is gradually transforming into a space for art and experimentation.

The city boasts dozens of large-scale murals, repurposed factories, contemporary art galleries, and cozy cafés where you can escape the wind with coffee and something sweet.

“With over 30 massive street art murals, I spent days searching for them, swimming in the local pool, and eating the best donuts of my life,” says the travel writer.

What makes Łódź special:

• Industrial aesthetics

• Galleries housed in former factories

• The feeling of a city that doesn’t try to please everyone

Where to stay: Vienna House — with an artistic vibe

What to see: Passage of Róża — a mosaic walkway that’s easy to miss

Łódź, Poland (photo: Getty Images)

Havana, Cuba

Havana is a city that’s always in motion, even when it seems frozen in time. Vintage cars, colorful facades, and music create the feeling of a living movie. The city is full of rhythm and romance at every turn.

“One of the strongest impressions was visiting Ernest Hemingway’s house, where everything remains as if the writer just stepped out for a walk. Food in Havana isn’t the main attraction, but there are spots worth visiting in the evening — from classic restaurants to night bars and art spaces,” shares the traveler.

Where to stay: Historic Sevilla Hotel

What not to miss: Fábrica de Arte Cubano — art, music, and nightlife in one space, plus the combination of city vibes with beach bliss in Trinidad

Havana, Cuba (photo: Getty Images)

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a city that engages all your senses at once. The scent of jasmine mingles with fish sandwiches, and cats roam like true citizens. Their calls echo beneath the minarets, joining the call to prayer.

The districts of Çukurcuma and Cihangir leave the strongest impressions — with cobblestone streets, antique shops, and politically charged street art. This is where you feel a different, less touristy side of Istanbul.

What to do:

• Visit the Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk

• Try lahmacun at Tatbak and classic kebabs

• Enjoy syrupy baklava and fried lamb

• Don’t over-plan your route; let the city guide you

Istanbul, Turkey (photo: Getty Images)

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