These are Asia’s Top Cities

There is no metropolis bigger or more diverting than Tokyo. This mega-city has it all—bright lights that rival those of Times Square, cutting-edge street fashion and countless temples and shrines, to name a few. It offers a mix of history and modernity, where you can visit a palace, ride the bullet train and go to a themed café all in one day. Last but not least, there’s the food, from traditional noodle shops to acclaimed restaurants.

Stay at: Conrad Tokyo, Grand Hyatt Tokyo

VIEW ALL HOTELS

Taipei has stayed relatively under the radar compared to the other cities on this list, but seasoned travelers know this is a destination as vibrant as any other. Eat your way through this food Mecca—not to be missed is the national dish, beef noodle soup—and into the night markets. Away from the bustling streets, you can also find Buddhist temples, hot springs and, just outside the city, nature trails on rolling hills.

Stay at: Regent Taipei, Grand Hyatt Taipei

Hong Kong, a former British colony, has a cultural fabric that can only be described as East meets West. It is a world class city brimming with skyscrapers, high fashion and Michelin-starred restaurants. Intermixed is all the things that make up a vibrant Asian city: colorful street markets, buzzing nightlife and lively restaurants serving local cuisine. All this, plus a backdrop of water and mountains.

Stay at: The Upper House, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

South Korea’s capital city offers the best of both worlds. It’s modern and young, with multiple nightlife districts, themed cafés and limitless shopping. It’s also one of the most well preserved historic centers, home to palaces, hanok villages and thousands upon thousands of artifacts. Between the meerkat café and war memorial, fit in some street market food or partake in a popular local pastime—hiking the nature that surrounds the city.

Stay at: Signiel Seoul, Conrad Seoul

Once the Hollywood of China, Shanghai today, with its commercial center and architecture straight out of a sci-fi movie, is as glamorous as its cinematic history. Truly cosmopolitan, it is a medley of Chinese tradition and European, Indian and Middle Eastern influence. It’s where you can find the old and new China, from ancient pagodas to record-breaking skyscrapers. While there, take time to enjoy soup dumplings and visit one of the picturesque water towns nearby.

Stay at: Bellagio Shanghai, The Middle House

With her glittering waterfront, iconic buildings and clean streets, Singapore is a world class city in every sense. There’s modern art and rooftop bars, but look a little closer and you will also find a melting pot of distinct neighborhoods, such as Little India, Arab Street and Chinatown. Not surprisingly, this is a foodie paradise; whether dining in a restaurant or at one of the hawker centers, you can find cuisine from every part of the world.

Stay at: Andaz Singapore, SO Sofitel Singapore

Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. Not just a jumping point to the rest of Thailand, it’s a destination all its own. There’s the legendary nightlife and never-ending street markets, but slow down and you will also find a city of immense beauty. It’s home to golden temples and royal palaces, floating markets, and rooftop bars. End your trip with a Thai massage, the perfect recovery to days exploring this large city. 

Stay at: The Sukhothai Bangkok, Banyan Tree Bangkok

Beijing has so many tourist sites, only an expert planner can visit all in one trip. Its 3,000 years of history has left us with magnificent sites such as the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, the Ming Tombs, Tian’anmen Square and, of course, the Great Wall. Get lost in the hutong alleys, explore the many markets and watch a Peking opera. Let’s not forget this is also a modern city, so if Michelin dining and luxury shopping is more your thing, it has those too.

Stay at: Aman at Summer Palace, The Peninsula Beijing