Amazing cities around the world…. Starting with H
Take an adventure with Travelling King through this series, showing you all the wonderful cities of the world from A to Z. We have joined up with countless amazing Travel Bloggers throughout this series to come up with some great experiences about these cities. We will tell you why we love these cities, what we love doing and suggest a few places to stay. Lets continue on with cities around the world starting with H.
See the previous Amazing cities around the world.
Haarlem (Netherlands)
Lowri from Many Other Roads tells us about Haarlem
Europe is blessed with some fantastic cities full of history, breathtaking views and incredible local delicacies. But if you are looking to explore one of the best cities, Haarlem in the Netherlands should be at the top of your list.
From its iconic culinary scene to its art galleries, museums, and local festivals, Haarlem offers something for everyone. The best time to visit is during summertime, you can explore the city’s beautiful parks and waterways — a tranquil oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of the city. If you want to see something traditionally dutch during your trip, make sure you take a walk to the Windmill by the main canal.
Be sure to check out some of its historical sites found in the sugar hill district which showcase touches of early Dutch architecture. One of the most significant historical sites to visit is The Corrie ten Boom House which helped Jewish families hide during the holocaust.
There are also plenty of good dining options for when you need a break from sightseeing; get your fill of Dutch treats like poffertjes and stroopwafels while enjoying the captivating atmosphere. No matter your budget, you will be able to find so many tasty options available.
Visiting Harlem in the Netherlands is an experience you won’t soon forget! This is also one of the best Cities close to Amsterdam, so you can easily visit here during your trip to Amsterdam for a few hours. But no matter when you decide to visit, you are guaranteed the most amazing city break.
Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Haarlem
Weird Laws:
– In the Netherlands, you are not allowed to lock a burglar in your bathroom.
Read more on Haarlem
Hvar (Croatia)
Danielle from Scratch your mapa tells us about Hvar
Read more on Hvar:
- The Ultimate Travel Guide to Hvar
- Where to stay in Hvar
- 15 Things to do in Hvar – That People Actually Do!
- Luxury Travel Guide to Hvar
Husavik (Iceland)
Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast tells us about Husavik
The city of Husavik is found on the northeast coast of Iceland, and is only 36 miles from the Arctic circle. This cute little Icelandic city is actually the oldest settlement in Iceland, and is a great stop on your Iceland Ring Road itinerary, as it is known for being the whale watching capital of both Iceland AND Europe. During the summer, whales migrate to the waters of Husavik’s Skjálfandi Bay, with humpback and minke whales being by far the most common whales spotted. Occasionally, you can get lucky and see a blue whale!
Whale watching tours are thus incredibly popular, particularly between March and October. In summer, you can also see puffins, who migrate here to nest.
You can also enjoy relaxing in the hot spring spa of Geosea, which features spa infinity pools overlooking the bay. Or, visit the Husavik Whale Museum, which has 11 whale skeletons on display. And keep your eyes open for the Husavik church, which is often compared to looking like a gingerbread church.
Being so far north, Husavik, like the rest of Iceland, enjoys some extremes in nature. In the summer, you can see the midnight sun and enjoy the fact that it never gets dark. In the winter, watch the skies for the jaw-dropping northern lights.
In the 1960’s, NASA astronauts (including Neil Armstrong) trained near Husavik, as the landscape of Iceland is similar to what they would encounter on the moon. If you want to experience this, Husavik is a great base from which to explore amazing sights such as Dettifoss (the largest waterfall in Europe), Grjotagja cave, the Hverfjall cinder volcano, the sulfur mud pots of Hverir, and Godafoss, a horseshoe-shaped waterfall.
Hveragerði (Iceland)
Victoria of Iceland Trippers to tell us about Hveragerði
“Located just 45 km (28 miles) east of Reykjavík on Iceland’s famous Ring Road, Hveragerði is known for being the gateway to Southern Iceland. So, it will only take you around 30 minutes to drive here from the capital. And the trip is well worth it since this magical place is home to the river Varmá. It’s an incredible hot spring that runs right through the town. Because of this unique attribute and all the geothermal activity in the area, the town is often referred to as “The Earthquake Town” or “The Hot Spring Town”.
Also, the hot water that runs just beneath the surface of the town means that this area is home to many greenhouses that grow many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. In fact, Hveragerði is the northernmost banana grower in the world and is largely thought to be at the forefront of all botanical practices in Iceland.
Additionally, many local restaurants actually use this hot water to boil their food in a matter of hours. So, sample an item from their unique menu before checking out the nearby Reykjadalur Hot Springs.
This spot can be reached after a challenging, 45-minute hike through a steam-filled valley and is a great place to admire local sheeping dotting the rugged landscape.
Another fun attribute of this amazing city is that it is home to a wealth of cultural museums like the Árnesingar art museum and the Hveragerði Stone and Mineral Museum. And if you’re in the area in August, be sure to check out their annual culture and family festival too.”
Read more on Iceland:
- Where to Stay in Iceland
- The Best Day Trips from Reykjavik
- 48 Hours in Iceland – A 2 Day Itinerary
- Is a Tour to Iceland’s South Coast worth it?
- Luxury Travel Guide to Iceland
- Budget Guide to Iceland
Honolulu (United States)
David & Intan of The World Travel Guy to tell us about Honolulu
The city of Honolulu is best known as the gateway to the Hawaiian island of Oahu, in the United States. It’s also the capital and largest city of Hawaii state! You can fly into the Honolulu International Airport (HNL).
There are lots of great things to do in Honolulu and the surrounding area. The most obvious would have to be Waikiki Beach, which is a very busy and touristy beach, but it does have nice white sand and turquoise water. Another popular site in Honolulu is Pearl Harbor, which has a national memorial dedicated to the attack that happened there during World War II, as well as an aviation museum where you can see different kinds of planes.
There are also some great hikes and viewpoints near Honolulu, including the Diamond Head hike and Tantalus Lookout, which can be reached by driving to the top. Both of these spots have amazing views of Honolulu and the entire southern side of the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
Diamond Head is a family friendly hike so it’s very popular and reservations are now required, but it’s well worth a visit! From the top of this inactive volcano crater, you get amazing views of Waikiki and the skyline of Honolulu city.
Weird facts about Honolulu:
– Honolulu is the westernmost and southernmost major U.S. city
– Honolulu is one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S.
– The “Father of Modern Surfing” was from Honolulu
– Hawaii Five-O was produced in Honolulu
Read more on Hawaii:
- What is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii for First Timers?
- Where to stay in Hawaii as a first time visitor
- 13 Exciting Things to do in Honolulu Hawaii
- The Only Honeymoon Guide to Hawaii You’ll Ever Need!
Havana (Cuba)
Daniel from Layer Culture to tell us about Havana
As one of the most sought-after destinations to visit the Caribbean, Havana is a once-in-a-lifetime destination that offers its visitors the chance to step back in time and connect with the largest port city in the Caribbean. Many say that Havana is rough around the edges but you can quickly forgive it for being such a unique cultural gem. Not to mention, its UNESCO Heritage status which gives you an insight into why it is so significant.
Havana is a diverse city lined with colonial architecture displaying a striking mix of pastel colors on its walls. This alone makes walking through the city a true pleasure and if the sight of 1950s automobiles doesn’t grab your attention, the hues of the houses and the beating drum sound with trombones, tubas and trumpets definitely will. It is no secret that Cuba is known for its counterculture, and in Havana, you can clearly see modern-day Cuban history.
Everything from the light of Castro, fused with the country’s past of Columbus all jumbled into one melting pot city. Try taking a stroll around Plaza Vieja, Plaza Armas and the Plaza Catedral to see some of the most prized old Squares and their surroundings. Any taxi ride through modern Havana will reveal sights such as the Plaza of Revolution and the Museum of Revolution, which is housed in the former presidential palace.
All in all, Havana should be on your bucket list if it isn’t already and the summer months of June and August are by far the liveliest times to visit. No matter when you decide to visit though, expect tourist crowds, and be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.
Hamilton (Bermuda)
Victoria from Guide Your Travel tells us about Hamilton.
Hamilton is the capital city of Bermuda, located on the island’s main island. It is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and ocean-front location. As the largest city in Bermuda, Hamilton is a popular destination for tourists and offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
One of the first things visitors to Hamilton will notice is the city’s colorful houses which are painted in pastel colors. The city is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Bermuda Historical Society Museum and the City Hall, which was built in the early 20th century. Visitors can also take a stroll through the city’s historic streets, which are lined with colorful houses and gardens.
While Hamilton is a popular tourist destination, it can also be quite expensive. The cost of living in Bermuda is generally higher than in many other countries, and prices for accommodation, food, and activities can be steep. However, there are ways to save money while visiting Bermuda if you follow a few handy budget travel tips.
Weird facts about Hamilton:
– As for weird facts about Hamilton, did you know that it is home to the Bermuda Mystery of Ducking Stool. The Bermuda Mystery of Ducking Stool was a form of punishment used in the early days of the colony. It involved placing a person in a chair that was attached to a long pole and then dunking them into the water as a punishment for misbehaving. This punishment was eventually abolished in the 19th century, but the chair and pole used for the ducking stool can still be seen on display at the Bermuda National Museum in Hamilton.
– Another strange law in Hamilton is that it is illegal to fly a kite within city limits. So if you’re planning on bringing your kite to Bermuda, make sure to leave it at home!
Read more on Bermuda:
- The Only Honeymoon Guide to Bermuda You’ll Ever Need!
- Where to stay in Bermuda
- 12 of the Best Beaches in Bermuda
Hobart (Australia)
Haley from Haley Blackall Travel to tell us about Hobart
With the epic backdrop of Mount Wellington, the harbour city of Hobart is deemed the next cultural capital of Australia. With its historic Battery Point neighbourhood, well-preserved architecture, picturesque harbour and progressive MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), there’s no wondering why. Hobart is also the capital of Tasmania, the nature-laden island off the southeast of Australia’s mainland.
If you are spending a weekend in Hobart, there are lots to see and do. First, grab a coffee and pastry from the heritage Jackman & Ross Bakery in the postcard-perfect Battery Point area. Secondly, grab the express bus up to the observation deck on Mount Wellington to get panoramic views of Hobart. Stop at the historic Cascade Brewery on your way back down the hill.
Spend the afternoon exploring Hobart harbour, and grab yourself a treat at the floating ice cream shop of Van Diemen’s Land Creamery. Or, simply make the trip out to the progressive and highly-debated MONA for an afternoon of culture and art.
If you are travelling to Hobart for the weekend, a visit to Salamanca Market is a must (open on Saturdays only). As one of the largest outdoor markets in Australia, it touts local produce, artisans and creators from all over the island. A true microcosm of Tasmania as a whole.
You can also partake in some amazing day trips from Hobart, including a gourmet food tour on Bruny Island, hiking and kayaking in Freycinet National Park, cruising along the scenic Tasman Peninsula or exploring the Port Arthur Historic site, a 19th-century penal settlement. Of course, you can’t leave Hobart without seeing a Tasmanian Devil at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
Himeji (Japan)
Sam from Sam Lee Travel to tell us about Himeji
Located in the Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji is less than an hour’s ride away from Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. This makes Himeji a popular day-trip destination among international visitors from these three major cities. Himeji is famously known for its castle, Himeji Castle, which is also one of the most beautiful feudal castles in the country.
Travel tip: Himeji Castle is also dubbed as White Heron Castle. The castle was first built in the 13th century and amazingly survived the fires, wars, and earthquakes that happened throughout the years. Situated next to Himeji Castle is Kokoen Garden, a tranquil Japanese garden that was built on the former residence of a feudal lord.
This 3.5-hectare garden features nine unique individual gardens with varying trees and landscapes. These make it a great place for strolling and admiring the scenery, particularly the stunning fiery foliage in autumn.
Another main attraction to explore in Himeji is Engyoji Temple at Mount Shosha. If that name sounds familiar to you, that is because it was where parts of “The Last Samurai” movie starring Tom Cruise was filmed on Mount Shosha!
Travel tip: You can get to Mount Shosha by bus within 30 minutes of the city centre. Then you can board a 15-minute ropeway ride up to the mountain. Alternatively, you can hike up the trail for 60 minutes before reaching the temple site.
With more than 1000 years of history, Engyoji Temple is a massive temple complex built on different parts of the forested mountainous region. If you are a big fan of the beautifully-preserved wooden temple structure, make sure to head over to Maniden, Mitsunodo, Daikodo, and Jogyodo of Engyoji Temple.
Heidelberg (Germany)
Elena from Passion for Hospitality tells us about Heidelberg
The city of Heidelberg located in the state of Baden-Württemberg in south west Germany draws visitors for its cultural and romantic charm. Well reputed as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany it is crowned by an impressive Heidelberg Castle with its beautiful gardens – one of the city’s top highlights.
The heart of the city is dotted with a wealth of historical buildings, an imposing Old Bridge that connects the old town with the banks of river Nektar at the eastern end of the Neuenheim district, among many other fascinating monuments. The city of Heidelberg is also known for its cosmopolitan and student-friendly atmosphere, thanks to being home to the oldest university of Germany.
In Heidelberg there is no one day without an event and this beautiful town is brimming with cultural activity. Heidelberg holds an important title and that is the UNESCO City of Literature. Walking through this vibrant city visitors will come across numerous publishing houses, libraries and bookshops.
In the summer various festivals dedicated to literature and culture are held in this picturesque part of Germany. Heidelberg in winter is particularly charming, especially around the Christmas holidays – the fairytale atmosphere of the Christmas Market is absolutely delightful.
The Old Town is turned into a winter wonderland where guests are invited to devour local delights and of course indulge in delicious mulled wine. Germany has an extensive railway network and you can even visit Heidelberg on a day trip.
Read more on Heidelberg:
- Where to stay in Heidelberg
- Ultimate Travel Guide to Heidelberg
- 20 Things to do in Heidelberg – That People Actually Do!
Huacachina (Peru)
Giorgy from G-Extreme Travel to tell us about Huacachina
Huacachina, a small oasis village located in the Ica Desert of Peru, is an amazing place to visit. It is one of the world’s few natural desert oases and offers tourists an unforgettable experience with its stunning dunes, and majestic sunsets.
Huacachina is a tiny village with a population of only 110 people, located five kilometers away from the city of Ica on Peru’s southern coast. The oasis was formed due to an underground spring that has allowed vegetation and life to thrive in what would otherwise be inhospitable desert conditions. Tourists and explorers often visit this precious desert oasis, usually after conquering Machu Picchu. Its awe-inspiring sand dunes draw visitors from near and far.
One of the most popular activities in Huacachina is incredible sandboarding, skiing, and snowboarding activities as well as buggies on the immense dunes. You can rent boards and ski equipment from local shops that are located around the oasis and even get lessons from experienced guides.
The experience is like no other and you will be able to glide down the dunes in an amazing natural setting. The sand dunes of Huacachina also offer buggy rides and some companies provide sunset tours with buggies, giving tourists a chance to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
Huacachina has several interesting and quirky laws, one of which is that people must not swim in the oasis since it is the main water supply for the entire village. Another law prohibits the presence of any animals within the village itself and there are even restrictions on how loud you can play music outdoors at night!
Huacachina has a few bizarre legends surrounding it as well. According to some, the oasis was formed when a beautiful princess from the nearby city of Ica was pursued by some unwelcome suitors. The princess fled into the desert and her tears created an oasis, thus forming Huacachina.
Huacachina is an incredible place to visit with its stunning dunes, and it’s few hours away from Lima the capital of Peru. From sandboarding to buggy rides, Huacachina has something for everyone and offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, head on down to Huacaichina!
Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
Catherine from Nomadicated tells us about Halong Bay
Polled as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is one of the top tourist destinations on a North Vietnam itinerary. Consisting of over 1,600 islands, this city showcases some of the world’s most stunning seascapes and landscapes.
Rent a scooter from Hanoi or join a tour to explore the wonders of Halong Bay. Embark on a boat tour through its islets, discover hidden caves and delightful vistas, or just relax on one of the beautiful beaches. For those who are more adventurous, you can also go kayaking in the emerald waters of Halong Bay.
Many visitors opt to stay overnight on one of the larger islands in the bay, Cat Ba Island. Other attractions include cave systems like Thien Canh Son Cave and Sung Sot Cave, an amusement park, and opportunities to experience local culture through visits to floating villages.
As you cruise through the endless expanse of limestone islands, you’ll find four fishing villages housing only a few thousand people; leaving most other isles untouched by mankind. But, brimming with other wildlife, Halong bay is home to a broad spectrum of biodiversity. An impressive array of animals, including hundreds of mollusks and fish species, and various other creatures such as hawks, monkeys, lizards, and frogs, call this area home.
Every year, the streets of Halong Bay come alive with vibrant colors and festivities as tourists from far and wide gather to celebrate “Halong Carnival”. Every year brings a different theme that celebrates the traditional values of this bay – filled with crafted costumes worn by performers dancing in joyous parades alongside illuminated laser displays, stirring music performances, and shimmering fireworks shows!
Houston (Texas)
Catherine from Nomadicated tells us about Houston
Home to the famous NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston was the first word heard from the moon. With a population of over 2.2 million, this bustling metropolis is the fourth-largest city in the United States and offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. From its delicious southern cuisine and insta-worthy hotspots, come enjoy southern hospitality and Texas culture at its best.
Admire Houston’s copious green spaces, from the imaginative statues scattered around Buffalo Bayou Park and Cistern to the stunning Gerald D. Hines Waterfall Park. Art lovers should not miss out on James Turell’s monumental Skyspace masterpiece nor the exclusive Menil Art Collection, plus Graffiti Park for spectacular street artworks. And finally, no Houston itinerary is complete without a journey through Downtown Houston – wandering its main streets for delectable eateries and bustling bars!
Enjoy some of Houston’s annual staple events, including the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show in March, the Houston International Festival, and Pride Houston. If you’re planning a visit to this region of southwest USA, springtime is an ideal time to go, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to high 80s. This is also the time when the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the world, takes place. While summers in Houston can be quite hot, the winters are more mild compared to other states.
Weird Houston Laws:
- In Texas, it’s illegal to go barefoot without a permit.
- It’s illegal to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.
- It is prohibited to milk someone else’s cow without their permission.
Huelva (Spain)
Linn Haglund of Amused by Andalucia
It took me 10 years living in Andalucia in southern Spain before I set foot in the 8th capital of the region Huelva. Mainly, because I had heard that it was the ugly duckling of Andalucia, so I did not see any reason to stress a visit. Nonetheless, I found myself in Huelva earlier this year, and once again I experienced how wrong you are to listen to others’ recommendations instead of going places yourself.
Huelva might look a little rough around the edges compared to other Andalusian capital cities like Seville and Malaga, but oh my is it a beautiful city that will grow on you the longer you stay. I planned to stay a day but ended up staying almost a week. There are many things to do in Huelva and if you want to take it all in, I suggest scheduling at least 2-3 days.
Huelva is a living memory of the late 19th-century British power era when the English Rio Tinto Company Ltd. traded materials from the red river. But the use of the river can be tracked down to the 7th century when Huelva became a port city already in Phoenician and Greek times. The most prominent attractions in the city, however, are dedicated to the English.
The Muelle del Tinto is a wonderful double-decker pier that is perfect for sunset walks. Barrio Reina Victoria is a charming neighborhood where you can still see the English houses built for Rio Tinto Company Ltd.’s employees. Further, the Casa Colon is a spectacular example of British architecture with a majestic courtyard.
Besides, there are lovely parks, quirky statues, colorful street art, and an array of museums to uncover in Huelva. Sitting right on the edge of the Marismas del Odiel Natural Park, it is a fantastic base for nature lovers and in the summer months, you can go to the beach in one of the nearby beach towns like Punta Umbria or Matalascañas.
Hoi An (Vietnam)
Ben from The Sabbatical Guide to tell us about Hoi An
Read more on Vietnam:
- The Ultimate Guide to Hanoi
- Where to Stay in Hanoi in Vietnam
- 20 Things to do in Hanoi – That People Actually Do!
- 17 Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City – That People Actually Do!
Hamburg (Germany)
Ali from Berlin Travel Tips to tell us about Hamburg
Hamburg is a fantastic city in northern Germany that was once a member of the Hanseatic League. The city is still an important port city with an interesting harbor where you can take boat tours to learn more about the history. Hamburg is home to many of Germany’s famous landmarks, including the Elbphilharmonie and Speicherstadt. The Elbphilharmonie is the impressive philharmonic building, and even if you don’t see a show there, you can buy a ticket for the viewing platform for sweeping views of Hamburg.
Speicherstadt is the a huge warehouse district, actually the largest in the world, where you’ll find impressive architecture and museums. One of my favorites is Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway museum in the world. Don’t be fooled though, it’s much more amazing than model trains might sound. Entire cities have been recreated in painstaking detail, there’s an airport with a detailed departures and arrivals board that matches the planes coming and going, the lights dim and brighten to simulate nighttime, and there are tons of little fun Easter eggs hidden throughout. You could easily spend 3-5 hours here.
The old town is also worth exploring. Hamburg Rathaus is the city hall building, and it’s quite ornate. Nearby you can wander through lots of shopping streets. Walk a little farther and you can admire the Alster Lakes. Hamburger Kunsthalle is also centrally located, and it’s one of Germany’s largest art museums.
Hamburg is also known for its nightlife. The Reeperbahn district is Hamburg’s red light district where you’ll find lots of night clubs. The Beatles actually played at several different clubs here from 1960 to 1962, and it’s where they first started getting a lot of attention. There’s also a square called Beatles Platz that honors the band.
Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city, after Berlin. Many people assume it’s Munich, but Munich is actually the third largest city in the country.
Read more on Hamburg:
Helsinki (Finland)
Diana from Travels in Poland to tell us about Helsinki
The capital of the happiest country in the world, Helsinki is full of beauty, fun, and food, and an amazing place to visit. Sitting on the Gulf of Finland which juts into the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is the country’s largest city and is a primary port of entry for cruises, train connections to northbound visitors as well a stopping point for flight connections to small cities in the Nordic region.
Helsinki has wonderful free walking tours, but another fun way to get around the city is by way of one of the oldest electrified systems, the trams. The trams run through different areas of Helsinki making it a fun way to explore. Food is a great way to experience the local culture and two great markets, the Central Market as well as the Hakaniemi Market Hall provide a lot of opportunities to purchase local foods that you can try on the spot.
If you like amusement parks, Linnanmaki is a fun amusement park in Helsinki with its own Sea Life center. For green parks, a visit to the city’s Esplanadi Park has live shows and performances in the summer.
Helsinki in itself has some interesting history, such as the fact that the city is mirrored on St. Petersburg. This stems from Russian occupation, which also showcases their influence through the largest orthodox church in western Europe. Exploring Helsinki can be quite a thrill as the city is spread over 300 islands.
If visitors are unsure of where to go or what to do, the city has Helsinki Helpers, uniformed men deployed to the streets of Helsinki during the summer months, helping answer tourists’ questions and guiding them on their local stays.
Read more on Helsinki
- Top 8 Things to do in Helsinki
- Day Trips from Helsinki
- Where to stay in Helsinki
- Budget Guide for Helsinki
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