This small but perfectly formed city in the picturesque county of Devon has preserved many of its historic features while enjoying all the amenities and vibrancy of a modern cosmopolitan hub. Exeter is the perfect base to explore the surrounding English countryside dotted with pretty villages, quaint old pubs and tea rooms serving the famous Devon cream tea. All of this comes with the added bonus of being only a short journey to the nearby coastal resorts, fishing ports, and sandy beaches of the English Riviera and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Limerick, located on the banks of the River Shannon, holds the distinction of being Ireland's first-ever City of Culture. The city, famously remembered as the setting for Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes", boasts a dynamic blend of art galleries amidst its charmingly decrepit Georgian architecture. Known for its strong rugby culture, Limerick also has a thriving street art community, a bustling festival calendar, and the Milk Market that serves as a hub for food lovers.

The Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires, is a city like no other. It has a hint of a European feel but with a distinctly Latin American flavour. It is cosmopolitan yet autochthonous. Every street corner and narrow alleyway is teeming with art and culture, history and personality, tango, rock 'n' roll, and football. It is a city of museums, galleries, classical-style cafes, world-class steakhouses, antique markets, bookstores, and midnight strolls along the majestic River Plate.

Umeå, known as the City of Birches, isn't just about high-quality culture. It's home to some of Northern Sweden's finest dining establishments, where the delicacies of the Norrland cuisine are served with remarkable precision. Add to this a plethora of outdoor activities, and it becomes clear why, among others, tens of thousands of students find Umeå so appealing.

Situated picturesquely on the River Foyle, surrounded by hills and a stone’s throw away from the rugged Northern Coast, Derry is a city steeped in history. The famous Free Derry Corner and the murals of the Bogside and Fountain areas serve as reminders of Derry's tumultuous political past turned mindful present epitomised in the "Hands Across the Divide" monument. Today, 20 years after Bloody Sunday, the 2013 UK City of Culture has a lot to offer visitors in the way of art, culture, gastronomy and entertainment.