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Oslo radiates Scandinavian cool. Radisson Blu Scandinavia puts visitors in the heart of the city, close to main attractions such as the Ibsen museum and National Gallery while the Hotel Continental places guests directly across from the National Theater. For a taste of European grandeur book a stay at the Grand Hotel Oslo. Art lovers will want to check in to First Hotel Grims Grenka or the culture-filled Thief, which is located on its own island.

Pune, the old capital of the Maratha Empire, is a cultural and educational hub often referred to as the Oxford of the East. A big attraction is the leafy quarter of Koregaon Park—full of drama, mysticism, and sprawling mansions, all built around ancient banyans.

Spanish wines, gin and tonics, cerveza, vermut: Everything gets the Spanish treatment, whether you’re drinking in a fine cocktail lounge or in a neighborhood bodega. Try them all—the flamenco joints with live gypsy music, the pulsating dance clubs of Madrid’s youth culture, and the elegant hotel bars.

Ancient Etruscan frescoes, Hellenistic-style Roman bronzes, gilded royal palaces, works by names like Donatello, Michelangelo, and Botticelli—there’s no shortage of extraordinary art in Tuscany. In Florence you’ll find churches and palazzi aplenty and a museum for every interest, from medieval artillery to Ferragamo shoes, while the smaller towns boast their own cultural and artistic gems. Here are some of the highlights.

A perfect day in London starts with breakfast at the elegant Delaney or Borough Market. Walk past London culture, history and street life along Southbank. Enjoy a birds-eye view of London from a capsule on the London Eye, the top of the Tate or outside the dome of St. Pauls. Indulge in a pint or afternoon tea before ending your perfect day at one of London’s West End shows.

Mexico City is characterized by its diverse, ancient neighborhoods and brought to life by the many cultures that inhabit them. Follow your curiosity towards a market selling local produce or a museum showcasing the city’s history and you’ll never run out of places to explore in-between.

The true gateway to southern Italy, Naples is home to some of the world’s most famous foods, but it’s also the base of a cultural collision that would make a surrealist happy. Nearly anyone who is anyone in the history of the Mediterranean has tromped through the city and left their mark including Spaniards, Ancient Romans, Arabs, Fascists, and American GIs after the war.

It may be hard to imagine feeling the necessity to skip town when the capital has so much to offer. But to really understand France - its people, culture, values and storied past - you’ll need to reach beyond the well-heeled streets of Paris. Some of these spots make ideal day trips from the city while others deserve your undivided attention. All are picture- perfect so keep your cameras handy.

São Paulo is one of the world’s largest cities and the largest city in South America. It’s also home to huge Japanese and Italian populations (a result of immigration in the early 20th century as São Paulo was an important part of the coffee industry). The city is known for its variety of food, nightlife, and culture, including art and museums. It’s also a great place to experience Brazil’s indoor and outdoor markets and see some very cool architecture thanks to Oscar Niemeyer’s work here.

A perfect 4 days in a new destination means finding culture, great food and authentic experiences. Merida, and its picturesque surroundings with ancient archeological sites, delivered way beyond my expectations. There’s so much beauty there, and there’s so much more to be discovered that I can’t wait to come back. This place is still off the beaten path and selfishly I hope it stays that way a little longer...

San Sebastián may be a small town at heart, but it is rich with must-do experiences for all types of traveler. From pintxos to art museums to the Bay of La Concha, San Sebastián has plenty to keep visitors busy. Experience the local culture through stellar surf, unique drinks, killer views, and Michelin star cuisine in this Basque town.

Along with its renowned cheese fondue, the Suisse Romande region offers a range of walks, spas, chocolates, and wines to enjoy. Dotted around this French-speaking part of Switzerland are traditional cities and towns like Gruyeres and Fribourg that serve up melt-in-the-mouth cheeses. Then delve into Romande Suisse culture with a trip to Lausanne’s Gothic cathedral, or experience the sound of the famous Swiss alpenhorn in Martigny.

Experience New Mexico through a vast and storied collection of past and present-day art. New Mexico’s best museums are a rich treasure trove of Native American history, folk art, regional works, and paintings by iconic local masters such as Georgia O’Keeffe. At the New Mexico Museum of Art, view the photography of noted 20th-century artist Ansel Adams. A Culture Pass gives you access to each of the 14 state museums.

For locals in Miami, start the day by visiting a local market where you can shop for artisan breads, fresh produce and cultural gems. Shopping in Miami is always a special experience, but locals tend to choose smaller boutiques. For those who need a lot of things, there’s also a huge outlet mall north of the city which is a day-long activity. A lot of the shopping venues in Miami are filled with restaurants, bars and entertainment, offering something for the entire family and fashionista.

The warm, sunny Mission District—with Dolores Park and Mission Dolores as its cultural and physical center—is historically a Latino neighborhood (and before that, Irish). Now bodegas and taquerias sit cheek by jowl with carefully crafted cuisine and locally designed fashion.