Founded nearly eight centuries ago, Indonesia’s second-largest city has seen empires come and go. The founders of the Hindu Majapahit Empire arrived in the late 13th century and remained until the 17th, to be followed by Muslim rulers of Mataram, then the colonialists of the Dutch East India Company. In recent decades, Surabaya has grown into a cosmopolitan seaport and conurbation where 21st-century hotels, apartment towers, and shopping malls stand next to historic mosques and palaces.

‘Mechelaars’ talk about their city with great pride and warmth. Visitors are struck by the genial atmosphere as they stroll past monuments redolent with age and pause in courtyards and historic churches. The locals are proud of Gouden Carolus — the award-winning beer brewed here for centuries. They are proud of Margaretha van Mechelen, who put 16th-century Mechelen on the world map. And they have a soft spot for craftsmanship and authentic local products. Come to Mechelen and experience its charms for yourself!

Historically an important trading centre, Peshawar lies near the Khyber Pass, a key route of the legendary Silk Road and gateway to the Indian subcontinent, travelled by conquerors and explorers. The Storytellers Bazaar (Qissa Khawani Bazaar) is a captivating reminder of the city’s role in world trade. Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province where things remain volatile, but recent trends indicate a decline in criminality and a budding resurgence of urban life.

San Diego, often called "America’s Finest City," lives up to its name. As the eighth-largest city in the U.S., it offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and a cosmopolitan vibe. Despite its size, the city maintains a relaxed Southern California ambiance, reflected in its friendly locals and near-perfect climate. With plenty of sunshine year-round, it’s always a great time to explore its world-class museums, dine at top-tier restaurants, bask on its internationally acclaimed beaches, and experience its outstanding hospitality.

The grind and glam of Nashville, Tennessee was well-earned. After all, it's known nationally and even worldwide as the "Music City." Serving home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and many major record labels, Nashville may trace the moniker back to 1874, when a performance by the Fisk Jubilee Singers for Queen Victoria of England earned her instant admiration and statement: "These young people must surely come from a musical city."