Amazing cities around the world…. Starting with I
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 I.
See the previous Amazing cities around the world.
Izamal (Mexico)
Isfahan (Iran)
Irun (Spain)
Milijana of World Travel Connector to tell us about Irun
- A tiny bridge over the Bidasoa River separates/connects Irun in Spain and Hendaye in France,
- Irun (Spain) and Hendaye (France) share the Faisanes Isle. The islet changes its owner every six months. The famous Treaty of the Pyrenees, which ended a 30 years-lasting war, was signed on the Pheasant Island i in 1659,
- Many epic historical battles took place in Irun, like battles between Castellans/Spanish and French, and between Nationalists and Republican Forces in the Spanish Civil War,
- There are hot mineral springs in Irun,
- Basque pintxos and Txacholi wine are must-try in Irun and the Basque Country.
Istanbul (Turkey)
Ben from Ticket 4 Two Please to tell us about Istanbul
When you think of amazing cities around the world, one that immediately comes to mind for experienced travellers is the iconic city of Istanbul.
Famously the city that straddles two continents, Istanbul is the place where East meets West, Asia meets Europe and two completely different cultures collide to create a melting pot of flavours, colours and intrigue.
Arguably the highlight of any trip to Istanbul is the chance to see the spectacular Hagia Sophia in person. Originally built in the 6th Century AD, the colourful domes and intricate mosaics on the exterior have helped to cement the mosque as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
A fun fact about Istanbul is that there are currently 2691 active mosques in the city, with the beautiful Blue Mosque being one of the most famous of them all. While the blue Izmit tiles, of which the mosque gets its name, are impressive close-up, it could be argued that the building is perhaps best observed from afar. The six slim minarets tower above the Mosque and dominate the Istanbul skyline.
Many visitors to the city choose to visit for a weekend, or even on day-trip as part of a long layover, but to truly explore everything the place has to offer, it is recommended you spend at least 4 days in Istanbul.
4 days in the city gives you enough time to see the major highlights, as well as the chance to explore some lesser known hidden sights. One such place is the Serefiye Cistern, an underground chamber that once housed up to 80000 cubic metres of water but is now the home to an impressive subterranean light-show.
Throw into the mix a delicious kebab, a soothing Turkish tea and the endearing fragrances emanating from the spices in the Grand Bazaar, and it is easy to see why Istanbul is one of the world’s best cities.
Read more on Istanbul:
- The Ultimate Guide to Istanbul
- Where to stay in Istanbul
- Best Day Trips from Istanbul
- 25 Things to do in Istanbul – That People Actually Do!
Iruya (Argentina)
Jen from Dabbling in Jet Lag tells us about Iruya
Nestled in the mountains of northern Argentina lies a true hidden gem, Iruya. Here you’ll find never-ending panoramic views, stunning gorges, and gushing rivers. The town itself is home to only a thousand people, but their hospitality makes it feel much bigger. If you’re looking to explore untouched wilderness surrounded by magnificent landscapes, then Iruya won’t disappoint.
One of the best ways to experience Iruya’s breathtaking views is to hike up to Mirador de la Cruz. This 45-minute ascent weaves around the outskirts of town, offering unencumbered views throughout the journey. From the top, you’ll be able to see Iruya’s colorful homes, its quaint cobblestone streets lined with cafes, and, of course, the ever-beautiful Iglesia Nuestra Senora del Rosario y San Roque.
If heights don’t scare you, then head to Mirador El Condor. This narrow trail zigzags up the southeastern side of Iruya finishing at an incredible height. And from there you can often spot condors circling below. It’s about three hours to the top, so make sure to bring lots of water.
Finally, if you’re in Iruya then visiting San Isidro is a must. Believe it or not but this town is even smaller than Iruya. And the easiest way to get there is to walk. You’ll follow the Rio de Iruya through one of the most desolate areas in the country. It’s an epic journey that takes about three hours, so be sure to have water, food, and some form of navigation. Then, once you arrive, you’ll have breathtaking views across entirely uninhabited land.
Iruya is the perfect destination for any traveler looking for a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
There are, however, a few things to keep in mind. First, the elevation of Iruya is 2,780 meters (9,120 ft) and it’s not uncommon to get altitude sickness. Second, Iruya is flanked by two rivers and is prone to flashing flooding in the summer. So, the best time to visit is from April to October.
Indian Wells (California)
Kristin of Global Travel Escapades tell us about Indian Wells
Another city worth visiting in Southern California is the small town of Indian Wells, which is technically part of the larger Palm Springs area. The city is known for hosting the popular annual BNP Paribas Open, which is a huge tennis tournament where hundreds of the world’s best tennis players compete. And although the city is on the smaller side, there are still plenty of things to do in the area.
For example, the Indian Wells Golf Resort is a favorite among locals and visitors. The resort features two championship golf courses, both of which offer stunning views of the desert landscape. And it’s not just for experienced golfers! There are lessons and group workshops available as well, so everyone has an opportunity to take part in the fun.
Another fun activity is to go hiking through Indian Canyon, which allows you to take in the beautiful desert landscape. You’ll even discover a hidden and stunning oasis right in the middle of the desert.
Alternatively, you can head to the Living Desert zoo and Gardens, which features a wide assortment of desert animals that you can view. And unlike most other zoos, you can actually interact with some of the animals and see exactly how this zoo rehabilitates its animals.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and exciting place to visit, be sure to check out Indian Wells! And be sure to avoid the heat by visiting between late November and May, otherwise, you’ll have to endure the sweltering heat.
Imst (Austria)
Imst is a small town located in the Austrian state of Tyrol. It is situated along the Inn River Valley, approximately 50 km west of Innsbruck. Surrounded by the beautiful Alps, Imst is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor activities, and traditional culture.
One of the most popular attractions and the reason why thousands of tourists flock to Imst in the summer is the Imster Bergbahnen. This Alpine Coaster is the longest in the world at 3535 m, and can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h!
If you are an adrenaline junkie, then this ride is for you. However, if you prefer a slower pace, the ski lifts that take you up the mountain to the coaster will also provide access to a variety of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails.
Another popular activity in Imst is hiking along the Rosengarten Gorge. Access to this beautiful 2 km long gorge can be found near the St. John Church in the centre of town. And although the hike is quite scenic in its own right, you will pass quite a unique site along the way!
The Half Houses built along the Imster Bergl are definitely a sight to behold! The houses are literally built right up against the rock face of the mountain, making them appear to be only “half a house.”.
Imst also has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can learn about the town’s history by visiting the Imster Fasnacht Museum. The museum brings to life the past one hundred years of the town’s carnival activities through a variety of photos, slide shows, and exhibits.
The exhibits give you a real insight into the background and incredible preparations involved in bringing to life events in Imst. From the carving of the wooden masks to the construction of the carnival floats, it’s a fascinating and unique museum to explore. If you are a foodie, a great way to experience Imst’s culture is by visiting one of the many traditional Tyrolean restaurants and taverns. There, you can sample traditional local specialties such as dumplings and hearty soups.
Imst also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Imst Gurgltal Fest, a traditional folk music festival, and the Imst Alpine Festival, which features live music and cultural performances. So if you are in Austria and are looking for more of a small-town adventure, Imst is an ideal destination with plenty of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, as well as delicious traditional food and a vibrant local culture
Idaho Falls (Idaho)
Emilie from Love Life Abroad to tell us about Idaho Falls
Have you considered visiting Idaho, the Gem State of the USA? Idaho Falls is located in Idaho. It’s 160 miles from Twin Falls and 280 miles from Boise. The City gets its name from the waterfalls in the heart of the town. It’s one of the many waterfalls to chase in Idaho.
The heart of the city is the Idaho Falls River Trail. Along the man-made waterfalls is a beautiful green park with multi-use trails. From the park, you can see the majestic Mormon temple. If you are travelling with children, they will love visiting the East Idaho Aquarium. The Museum of Idaho is another excellent stop to learn about the region’s history. If stopping in Idaho Falls from Twin Falls, take the back road (not the main highway) and detour to Craters of the Moon.
Craters of the Moon National Monument is worth a stop. This national monument is a vast lava flow field. There you can climb up a cinder cone and explore lava caves There are a few caves that can be visited, such as the Dewdrop Cave, the Boy Scout Cave or the Beauty Cave. There are all a few miles of trails. You need a permit to access the caves, but the permit can be purchased at the visitor center.
Weird facts and outlandish Laws about Idaho Falls:
- If you’re 88 or older, it’s illegal for you to ride your motorcycle.
- The fourth Mormon temple outside of Utah was built in Idaho Falls.
Innsbruck (Austria)
Paul D’Souza of Paulmarina to tell us about Innsbruck
Innsbruck is the capital city of the alpine region Tyrol, in Austria. The river inn crosses the medieval city and when they build a bridge to cross the Inn, they simply called the city Innsbruck. The word “Bruck” is a short form for Brücke in German, which means a bridge. Innsbruck was the seat of the Roman Emperor Maximilian I.
The city flourished during the peak of his reign and the region’s silver made the Habsburg dynasty rich. Therefore, Maximilian gifted the good people of Innsbruck a golden roof, which can be still seen right at the center of the old town. Another attraction is the Ambrass palace with the perhaps oldest museum, the chamber of art and curiosities. Ferdinand II archduke of Austria was a collector of bizarre items.
His collection included paintings of the Gonsalvuz Family, who suffered from a hair overgrowth gen defect, a portrait of Vlad Ţepeş the impaler and a portrait of Gregor Baci, the man with a lance through the right side of his face.
Fortunately you get to pick from a whole set of attractions and things to do in Innsbruck. Take the Nordkette cable car to see the city from above or visit the home of sparkling crystal traditions, the Swarovski world in Wattens. Finish off your trip to Innsbruck with an exclusive dinner at the winter Olympic venue of the Bergisel ski jumping ramp, designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, and enjoy the city at night from above.
Read more on Innsbruck
Iasi (Romania)
Anita Beyond The Sea to tell us about Iasi
Iasi is one of the oldest cities in Romania and the second largest city of the country. The city which is situated in the Moldavian region have been the capital of the United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, nowadays the modern Romania and Moldavia. Following the independence of Romania by the end of the 19th century, Iasi became Romania’s capital for two years, between 1916 and 1918. Nowadays Iasi is a modern and thriving city, one of the most important cultural centers in the country, and the second most important University center.
But what about its main attractions? As a city with a rich history and culture Iasi has many interesting attractions to visit. The most important and impressive is for sure the Neo-Gothic Palace of Culture. This magnificent building is a reconstruction of the former Princely Palace of Moldavia. Today it hosts one of the largest Romanian libraries and four museums: the former United Principalities History Museum, the Ethnography Museum, the Museum of Art and the Museum of Science and Technology.
Situated in the old city center, you cannot miss the Monastery of the Three Holy Hierarchs. This UNESCO site is considered and architectural masterpiece. With its unique and intricate patterns carved in the stone, its interiors will blow you away while visiting.
Besides the many other incredible cultural buildings to visit (there are city halls, theatres and the ancient universities, to mention a few), you should consider a day trip to visit the Painted Monasteries in Bucovina. These beautiful monasteries in the North East are one of the most beautiful locations to visit when traveling in Romania, especially for their colored frescoes.
Inverness (Scotland)
Moumita from Chasing the Long Road tell us about Inverness
Inverness is the most northerly city in the UK and is known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. It is an excellent base for travellers wishing to explore two of Scotland’s most famous tourist attractions – the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Also, this city is the starting point for the popular North Coast 500 driving route.
A visit to Inverness is incomplete without trying to spot Nessie – the infamous Loch Ness Monster. You can take a boat tour over Loch Ness to admire the beautiful surrounding landscapes of the Highlands. Also, here you will find the historic Urquhart Castle. Enjoy the stunning views over Loch Ness from the ruins of one of the greatest castles in Scotland. Throughout the years, it has seen many turbulent times and events.
Although Inverness is a cosmopolitan city, you will find many Gothic buildings around the city, with River Ness flowing at the heart of it. To learn about the turbulent past of the city, visit the Culloden Battlefield. It’s only a 15-minute drive away from the city centre. If you want to explore the city’s nature, take a wander around the peaceful and tranquil Ness Islands. You can spot seals and seabirds here. For some shopping, head on to the picturesque Victorian Market. This 19th-century indoor market has a wide range of independent shops and cafes.
Weird fact about Inverness:
- Inverness Castle was mentioned in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. It was here in this castle where Macbeth murdered King Duncan.
- In the 17th century, a war was fought in Inverness over some cheese.
- Inverness lies on the Great Glen Fault, a fault line which stretches across Scotland from Inverness to Fort William.
Outlandish Laws about Inverness:
- You must let people use your toilet if they ask.
- You can’t sing on a train.
Read more on Inverness
Ixtapa – Zihuatenejo (Mexico)
Catherine from Nomadicated to tell us about Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Nestled on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a tropical paradise if your perfect vacation involves lounging by the beach, snorkeling, or getting active with water sports. Being one of seven airports in Mexico with direct flights from the US and Canada, Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo provides easy access to the region for international travelers.
Get ready to savor scrumptious seafood, wander around the mesmerizing terracotta-hued buildings and find exciting things to do in Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo.
Cozy up on Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo’s warm beaches and tranquil waters along the city’s boardwalk “Paseo del Pescador”. Visit Playa La Ropa or La Madera Beach for some sunbathing, swimming, and scuba diving, or take a boat ride to the offshore islands of La Isla Ixtapa for a day trip to snorkel and hike around.
Meanwhile, animal lovers can try their luck whale watching between the months of December to April, or be assured to spot crocodiles in the Playa Linda Cocodrilario.
Aside from its stunning beaches and outdoor activities, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo itself is a charming Mexican city. Wander through Zihua’s downtown with its rustic orange and brick buildings, discovering secret cafes and local boutiques along the way. Glittering lights adorn every railing and festive ornaments dangle from branches of trees as locals and tourists alike take an evening stroll through downtown. The main square buzzes with energy nightly, with huge crowds joining together for the nightly performances in the town square.
Eat in the vibrant atmosphere of Mercadito Zanka’s food court, filled with eye-catching neon signs and music from their resident DJ. You’ll find a greater variety of street food than you’d expect – Mexican dishes as well as vegetarian and international options from around the world.
Weird Mexico Laws:
- Cyclists must not lift even one foot from the peddles, in case of losing control of the bike.
- Drinking is not allowed in the 72 hours before an election.
Iquitos (Peru)
Iris Veldwijk from Mind of a Hitchhiker to tell us about Iquitos
Deep in the Amazon rainforest along the river of the same name rises a city called Iquitos with 380.000 inhabitants. It’s special for its size since Iquitos can only be reached by boat and plane. In fact, it’s the largest city on Earth that cannot be reached by rail or road.
Famous as an ecotourism and adventure travel destination, one of the main sights in the city is its floating neighborhood. Testing your balance, you can walk around on a maze of wooden planks between people’s stilt houses above the waterways Iquiteños paddle in with small wooden boats. In contrast, Iquitos’ old town has many buildings from the colonial era, during which Europeans exploited the forest for rubber.
As it’s in the Peruvian Amazon, many people come to admire the amazing flora and fauna. Think colorful frogs and birds, jaguars, monkeys, and more. There are many private initiatives, as well as the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve. And if seeing beyond the realm of humans and nature is your thing, there are places where you can do an ayahuasca ceremony.
So how to get to Iquitos? Well, like everything in Peru, you can choose the easy way (flying) or the hard way (boats). The latter is much more rewarding and will show the local way of life. It’s possible to take an Amazon basin river boat to/from Pucallpa, Yurimaguas, or Porvenir. There are also excellent international connections, such as to Leticia in Colombia and Manaus in Brazil, though few people know about the boat from Iquitos to El Coca in Ecuador up the Napo River. Most boats take several days and you need to buy your own hammock to sleep in or pay for a cabin.
Irkutsk (Russia)
Chelsea from Adventures of Chels tells us about IrkutskA great city to check out that starts with the letter “I” is Irkutsk, Russia. Irkutsk is located in Siberia and it’s a popular stop to make on the Trans Siberian Railway. This city offers some unique sites and experiences to take in. Here’s a few suggestions on what to do while you’re there.First go for a stroll and explore the architecture around the city. In addition to the many beautiful churches, take note of the small homes and buildings. Many of them are constructed from wood, which was the main construction material in both Russia and Siberia for numerous years.Make sure to stop by the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. It’s quite the name, but this church is quite possibly the most iconic in all of Irkutsk. Admire the quintessential architecture of this Russian Orthodox Church and the bright colors it’s painted. It really is a must see site in Irkutsk!Quite possibly the most popular place that draws visitors to Irkutsk is nearby Lake Baikal. Lake Baikal is considered the oldest, deepest, and largest freshwater lake by volume. There’s numerous places to swim, paths to hike in the area, and unique villages and towns along the lake to explore. One of the most popular destinations to visit within Lake Baikal is Olkhon Island. It’s worth it to spend some time here taking in the picturesque scenery (such as the Shaman Rocks), kayaking, and swimming at the beautiful beaches.Irkutsk and the area around it are such beautiful gems to visit. Enjoy your time there!
Ibiza (Spain)
Cristina of My Little World of Travelling tells us about Ibiza
Ibiza is known for being the most popular party island in Spain, however, despite this, there is much more to Ibiza than parties.
The truth is that Ibiza is an amazing island to visit for everyone. You can do anything from relaxing at secluded beaches and tasting delicious fresh fish and seafood to going on scenic hiking trails and exploring Ibiza Old Town, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you love history, you must visit the old town where you will find numerous historic buildings like Ibiza Cathedral and castle. This is also a lovely spot to enjoy a coffee. However, if you prefer to immerse yourself in nature, you are in paradise. There are plenty of beautiful landscapes and stunning beaches, like Cala d’Hort Beach, one of my favourites.
For a unique experience, book an Ibiza catamaran tour. Many tours take you to fantastic places to snorkel, but if you don’t enjoy snorkelling, some boat tours offer live music and the opportunity to watch the sunset from a different perspective. During your stay in Ibiza, you might want to consider island hopping. It is very easy to travel from Ibiza to Formentera, another beautiful island which is less popular but is full of hidden gems.
The island gets very busy during the summer months, but if you visit it off-season, you will have a totally different experience. Overall, Ibiza is a fantastic place to visit either as a long weekend break or a week to do all the things this island has to offer.
Facts about Ibiza
– Ibiza is the second largest island in the Balearic Islands.
– Ibiza has more than 50 stunning beaches with crystal-clear water
– The correct island’s name is Evissa.
Laws in Ibiza
– You can get a fine if you walk only wearing swimming wear in the street.
– You must be 18 or over to book a hotel room.
– It is illegal to drink in the streets.
Read more in Ibiza
Ioannina (Greece)
By Katerina of It’s All Trip To Me to tell us about
Inuvik (Canada Arctic Circle)
Patricia from Ze Wandering Frogs to tell us about Inuvik
Located high in the Arctic Circle of Canada’s Northwest Territories, the small town of Inuvik is a popular hub for exciting winter outdoor adventures. From watching the migration of reindeer to Banks island, snowmobiling through rolling hills or driving over the Mackenzie River Ice Road to Tuktoyaktuk (Tuk), admiring the Northern Lights, dog mushing your own dog team, and soaking in a hot tub during the Arctic winter after a long day, these thrilling activities will appeal to all adventurous spirits. Indeed, spending a night on the tundra, watching the Aurora Borealis after mushing all day long a team of four or five white Husky dogs, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
White in Inuvik, make sure to allocate time for learning about the traditions of Arctic Canada’s Inuvialuit and Gwich’in communities. The Muskrat Jamboree is one event that draws people from all places to see local communities wear traditional clothes, play traditional music and perform ancient dances.
Fun facts about Inuvik:
– Mackenzie River is turning into a complete ice road, used by trucks in winter to deliver heavy materials. Until recently, that temporary road was the only option going to the Arctic Ocean, linking Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk on the Beaufort Sea.
– One of the popular city attractions is the Our Lady of Victory Church, often referred to as Igloo Church, thanks to its recognizable shape. A must-see while in Inuvik!
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