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Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018

Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018

top-10-cities-to-visit-in-2018 Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018

Travel has evolved significantly over the years. Today, hopping on a plane to virtually anywhere you want is easier than ever, thanks to the variety of options available for luxury and budget-conscious travellers. With more destinations becoming accessible, places once considered too expensive are now within reach.

As travel trends continue shifting, many travel companies closely monitor these changes. One company that’s been particularly attentive to these evolving trends is Wego, which has been analyzing the preferences of Malaysian travellers.

Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018

In 2018, the list of top 10 cities to visit saw notable changes from the previous year. Using data from their research, Wego has made it easier for travellers to explore these destinations and book their flights with just a few clicks.

With 2018 already well underway, it’s the perfect time to plan your next adventure. Check out the cities listed below and discover where they stand compared to 2017. Whether you’re seeking culture, relaxation, or adventure, these cities are worth a visit!

shanghai-2018 Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Shanghai’s amazing skyline. Photo Credit: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/shanghai
Shanghai, China (51 to 42)
Coming in at number 42, Shanghai has always and will be an acquired destination for many travellers. Shanghai is undoubtedly one of the most prominent cities in China. It has a mix of modern and nostalgic old Shanghai.
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The Bund in Shanghai. Photo Credit: http://www.chinadiscovery.com/shanghai/the-bund.html
Visitors love to explore both sides of this fascinating city where food, lifestyle, shopping, culture and art are easily sourced.Over in the Pudong district, a barrage of modern skyscrapers will easily capture anyone’s attention. The Bund, which separates the old and new areas, is probably the most visited place in all of Shanghai.

lontang-shanghai Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
A Longtang area in Shanghai. Photo Credit: http://www.china.org.cn/living_in_china/life_in_pictures/2009-07/03/content_18061942.htm
The Puxi area is well known as the core of culture and entertainment in Shanghai and should not be missed. For the explorer, the Shanghai Old Quarter or Old Town Shanghai is probably the best area to get lost in. Notable places include Danfeng and Sipai Road for their authentic architecture and Yuyuan Gardens for its fantastic architecture, food and shopping.
  • Average Airfare to Shanghai: RM1006
  • Best Price: RM427
  • Best Time to Book: May
kathmandu-2018 Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
View of Kathmandu City. Photo Credit: https://travelmassive.com/chapters/kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nepal (67 to 35)
One of the up-and-coming destinations for Malaysians is this city that is nestled among the mighty Himalayas of Nepal. In 2015, a massive earthquake robbed the city of much of its’ ancient lustre, and two years after that, Kathmandu continues to endure as a curiously intoxicating mix of exotic scents and heartwarming hospitality.
kathmandu-travel-2018 Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Swayambhunath Stupa. Photo Credit: https://handluggageonly.co.uk/2017/09/08/exploring-swayambhunath-stupa-monkey-temple-kathmandu-nepal/
Whether you find yourself lost in the backpacker crowd in Thamel or marvelling at ancient monuments in Durbar Square, Kathmandu continues to awe travellers around the world – so much the city leapfrogged from 67th place to 35th in 2017.
mustard-fields-kathmandu Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Mustard fields of Khokana. Photo Credit: https://twitter.com/asia_foundation/status/583006258384351232
Some of the most popular places that travellers love are Durbar Square and Swayambunath Stupa. Kathmandu is a city steeped in faith and mysticism, and one need look no further than the many coins nailed to the Toothache Tree to affirm this. While not in Kathmandu proper, the village of Khokana is famed for the brightly coloured fields of yellow mustard flowers.
  • Average Airfare to Kathmandu: RM1234
  • Best Price: RM607
  • Best Time to Book: April to June
phuket-travel-2018 Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Island hopping in Phuket. Photo Credit: http://www.phuket.com/
 
Phuket, Thailand (37 to 33)
Coming in at 33rd place, Thailand’s world-renowned island getaway continues to captivate travellers worldwide. Phuket’s abundance of outlying islands provides the ideal respite from toil and routine and opportunities for an excellent snorkelling or diving experience. At the same time, Patong offers quite the contrary experience.
patong-nightlife Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Patong Nightlife. Photo Credit: http://www.phuket.com/island/beaches_patong.htm
While Patong, or one of the many elephant sanctuaries in Phuket, is a crowd favourite, tourists who want to glimpse the island’s confluence of many cultures can stop by the Shrine of the Serene Light.
phuket-temple Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Sang Tham Shrine/ Photo Credit: http://www.jamiesphuketblog.com/2009/04/shrine-of-serene-light.html
Samet-Nangshe Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
The viewpoint of Samet Nangshe. Photo Credit: http://www.travellennial.com/camping-at-samet-nangshe-viewpoint-in-phang-nga/
Once a tourist’s best-kept secret, Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is now one of Phuket’s most popular spots for panoramic views.
  • Average Airfare to Phuket: RM339
  • Best Price: RM166
  • Best Time to Book: March to July
sydnet-travel-2018 Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Sunset View of Sydney. Photo Credit: http://www.australia.com/en-sg/places/sydney.html
Sydney, Australia (32 to 26)
Most Australian cities have a readily identifiable niche or two, but Sydney wears so many facades it’s close to impossible to pin it down to anything at all. Vibrant and charming, Harbour City commands a respectable amount of international fame. It offers panoramic seafront views, beautiful beaches, and a strong confluence of the old and new.
Sydney’s most prominent attractions are pretty impossible to miss – the pearl-hued sails of the world-renowned Opera House invite huge crowds all year round, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an imposing sight to behold as you traipse down The Rocks.
manly-wharf Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Manly Wharf in Sidney. Photo Credit: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/first-look-at-proposed-upgrades-adding-a-secondstorey-to-manly-wharf/news-story/e9b98c5bf751139dbb897e38e2a4ce75
If you want to do Sydney like a Sydneysider, head over to Manly Wharf for great surf and great food, or take a tour of Barangaroo and marvel at the district’s architectural masterpieces.
  • Average Airfare to Sydney: RM1572
  • Best Price: RM621
  • Best Time to Book: March
osaka-dotonburi Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Osaka’s Dotonbori Area. Photo Credit: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/neon-lights-dotonbori/
Osaka, Japan (26 to 25)
Most Malaysians love visiting Japan, and Tokyo or Osaka is always their favourite destination. Osaka is all about hanging out with great company over fantastic food in a livelier and more playful city compared to busy Tokyo or culturally reserved Kyoto. Japan’s third-largest city truly knows how to have a good time.
minami-area-osaka Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Downtown Minami in Osaka. Photo Credit: https://kansaionepass.com/en/article/detail/19
Visitors can find the perfect balance of shopping and eating in Osaka. While the abundance of good food and dazzling lights at Dotonbori and the magnificence of Osaka Castle are inarguably Osaka’s main draws, Hozenji Yokocho (which happens to be just adjacent to Dotonbori) and Chihaya–Akasaka Mura are off-the-beaten trail spots ideal for travellers looking to experience a more traditional side of the city.
  • Average Airfare to Osaka: RM1222
  • Best Price: RM527
  • Best Time to Book: June to July
istanbul-2018 Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Istanbul in Turkey. Photo Credit: http://eventturkiye.com/en/istanbula-7-milyon-yabanci-turist-geldi/
Istanbul, Turkey (28 to 17)
Turkey had a fantastic year for tourism, emerging from 28th to 17th place in 2017. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a colourful potpourri of cultures richly blended by antique grandeur and contemporary gleam.
topkapi-library Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Topkapi Palace Library. Photo Credit: http://www.theguideistanbul.com/location/topkap%C4%B1-palace-museum-library
While no trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sofia, intrepid travellers should give less conventional locations such as the Basilica Cistern and Sakirin Mosque a look.
balisica-cistern Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Balisica Cistern in Istanbul. Photo Credit www.ruebarue.comistanbulattractionbasilica-cistern5473559203807232
The sheer scale and astounding symmetry of the underground Basilica Cistern not only offer myriad opportunities for enterprising photographers but also a convenient respite from the summer heat.
sarikin-mosque Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Sakirin Mosque. Photo Credit: http://www.cheria-travel.com/2016/11/nuansa-klasik-masjid-sakirin-turki.html
While mosques are ubiquitous across the city, Sakirin Mosque is an architectural masterpiece of unparalleled beauty.
  • Average Airfare to Istanbul: RM2340
  • Best Price: RM1328
  • Best Time to Book: March
melbourne-city-2018 Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Melbourne City. Photo Credit: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/oceania/australia/victoria/melbourne/
Melbourne, Australia (27 to 13)
Melbourne is well known as a global microcosm of cultures where the city’s many districts teem with rich art-deco architecture and offer a myriad of gastronomical experiences for Malaysians.
Narrow laneways and secret alleys conceal some of the world’s best bars and epicurean experiences and a wealth of street art well-deserving of greater mention. Jumping to 13th place, Melbourne’s reputation remains firm in 2018.
southbank-promenade Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Melbourne’s Southbank Promenade. Photo Credit: http://shafir.info/plain/australia~melbourne~southbank_1.htm
Most visitors to Melbourne will want to traipse down one of the city’s many street-art laneways or shopping arcades, with mandatory stopovers at the Royal Botanic Gardens and the ever-popular Southbank promenade.
coops-shot-tower Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
View of the Coops Shot Tower. Photo Credit: https://www.triphobo.com/places/melbourne-australia/coops-shot-tower
If you are looking for a more eclectic experience, Coop’s Shot Tower provides a glimpse into Melbourne’s past. At the same time, The Limelight Department, an attic studio located in the Salvation Army,  pays homage to one of the world’s first movie studios.
  • Average Airfare to Melbourne: RM1539
  • Best Price: RM651
  • Best Time to Book: March
taipei-2018 Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
View of Taipei 101. Photo Credit: https://nomadisbeautiful.com/travel-blogs/amazing-things-to-do-in-taipei-taiwan/
Taipei, Taiwan (5 to 4)
Known for the plethora of mouthwatering street food and the eclectic mix of traditional and modern architectural styles, Taiwan’s capital feels like a cultural hotchpotch unlike any other. And this is one of the top reasons why Malaysians love to visit Taipei, namely for food tourism and the unique culture that spreads all over the island.
ximending-taiwan Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Ximending in Taipei

While the Taipei 101 and Ximending are obvious tourist mainstays, Taipei has many hidden secrets and lesser-known attractions that are well worth a visit. If the summer heat in Taipei is getting you, stop by Ice Monster for their signature Taiwanese-style shaved ice.

longshan-temple-taipei Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Longshan Temple in Taiwan. Photo Credit: https://www.expedia.com.sg/Longshan-Temple-Taipei.d6080203.Place-To-Visit?rfrr=Redirect.From.www.expedia.com%2FLongshan-Temple-Taipei.d6080203.Vacation-Attraction
Want some hints on where your life is headed? Take a trip down to Longshan Temple and have your fortunes read by a White Javanese Sparrow.
  • Average Airfare to Taipei: RM766
  • Best Price: RM148
  • Best Time to Book: October
kk-city-view Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
KK City View. Photo Credit: http://bewickedtravel.blogspot.sg/2012/11/changi-airport-special-kota-kinabalu.html
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Borneo (4 to 3)
Kota Kinabalu is number three on the list, up from 4th place in 2016. Well-known for its many treks around and up Mount Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu or KK, is also a place of breathtaking seaside sunsets and a sanctuary where native cultures flourish alongside the perpetual progression of modernity. The city is huge on seafood, but that’s no excuse to miss out on the excellent street food scene.
kinabalu-peak Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
The peak of Mount Kinabalu. Photo Credit: http://www.mountkinabalu.com/
While KK’s biggest draws are inarguably Mount Kinabalu and Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, the city has its fair share of obscure spots that deserve mention, too.
kota-kinabalu-mosque Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Kota Kinabalu Mosque. Photo Credit: https://wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=543478
Rumah Terbalik Upside Down House will guarantee quite the literal topsy-turvy experience, and the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, seemingly just floating above the water, will enthral even the less architecturally – inclined.
  • Average Airfare to Kota Kinabalu: RM361
  • Best Price: RM267
  • The best Time to Book Ais ugust
aerial-view-bangkok-city Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Aerial view of Bangkok City. Photo Credit: http://www.bangkok.com/
Bangkok, Thailand (Maintain at 2)
Undoubtedly, Bangkok is that place everybody probably knows at the back of their hands. Coming in at 1st place, the Thai Capital is hands down Malaysia’s favourite destination, and it is very easy to see why.
local-bazaar-bangkok Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
A local bazaar in Bangkok. Photo Credit: http://blog.panpacific.com/hotels/singapore-getaways/
Choices include great food at highly affordable prices that that cater to even the most curious palate, a wealth of casual and street-shopping options for even the traveller on a shoestring budget, and the reputable standard of Thai hospitality and general warmth that invites casual banter even at the most unfamiliar occasion.
visit-bangkok-2018 Top 10 Cities You Should Visit In 2018
Thai wooden boats in Bangkok. Photo Credit: https://www.expedia.com.sg/Bangkok.d178236.Destination-Travel-Guides
Most will agree that Chatuchak and Jatujak Green Market (or JJGreen) are definite must-sees, and the more culturally inclined ought to include Wat Pho in the list too. For a more interesting take, try the Bangkok Forensic Museum – a collection of the gory and grotesque; this is one place off-limits to the faint-hearted; exploring the city’s many Khlongs in a riverboat offers a unique alternative to the standard Chao Phraya river cruise.
Alternatively, many tourists love to book the cheapest hotels from Wego and the best ones are usually along the Chao Phraya River, where they can easily access all parts of Bangkok.

Average Airfare to Bangkok: RM413

  • Best Price: RM169
  • Best Time to Book: September

Conclusion

For anyone planning to explore and travel this year, I hope this list of top 10 cities to visit in 2018 will be useful for you. If you have any questions, please do ask below.

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