Centuries-old cities and modern metropolises, laid-back hubs and buzzing urban centres. Whatever type of city you’re looking to visit, you’ll inevitably find it in the world’s largest continent. In this (far-from-exhaustive) list, we outline some of our favourites.

Obsessed with K-Pop and K-Dramas? Why not visit the country – and its effervescent capital – where it all came from. A chameleon of a city, Seoul can be at times historic (check out Changdeokgung Temple and Bukchon Hanok Village) and entrancingly modern (party hard in the clubs and karaoke bars of Hongdae). It’s a densely packed place, but it still gives visitors room to breathe: hike through the expansive Bukhansan National Park and the city will feel a world away.

Seoul Like a Local

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Scenically set on the tropical island of Penang, this multicultural city has become famous for its creative scene. Street art appears everywhere you look: on the side of quaint pastel-coloured shophouses and down winding characterful alleyways. Artist studios and creative cafés also line the historic streets, enticing locals with workshops and collaborative classes. What’s fueling all the creatives? George Town’s friendly food joints, where fusion dishes are served up in style.

DK Malaysia and Singapore

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Osaka charms with its picture-perfect castle (framed by cherry blossoms in the spring), but Japan’s second city really comes alive after dark. Neon lights beckon night owls to the Dōtonbori area, where izakayas buzz with locals and cool clubs keep students dancing well into the early hours. Osaka is also known for its superlative foodie scene and fortunately, many of its food stalls are open late.

DK Japan

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A leafy retreat from the bustle of Bangkok, Chiang Mai has long been Thailand’s creative hub, and for good reason. This northern gem has a gorgeous setting, nestled among forested hills and surrounded by rushing waterfalls. And its cityscape is equally scenic, with gleaming temples rising above the cool coffee shops and award-winning vegan restaurants that cater to the city’s students, yoga enthusiasts and remote workers. You could happily spend a week here, ambling around local markets, feasting on farm-to-table delights and trekking around the surrounding landscape. Be careful though, you might just be tempted to stay forever.

DK Thailand

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Motorbikes zoom down historic streets, locals feast at night markets and history unfolds at every corner. Vietnam’s northern city is always buzzing, and it’ll keep you entertained for more than a weekend. The oldest capital in Southeast Asia is the birthplace of water puppetry (a beloved Vietnamese theatre form) and the nation’s deliciously warming soup dish: pho. Try it at any number of street-side food stalls after visiting some of the city’s best museums (the National Museum of Vietnamese History and Vietnamese Women’s Museum are favourites).

DK Eyewitness Vietnam

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It’s all about the architecture in India’s famous Pink City. Photographers flock to the Wes Anderson-worthy Hawa Mahal, an ornate rose-coloured palace which has become an icon of Jaipur. Nearby, the City Palace is equally mesmerizing, with its four picturesque gates dedicated to the seasons and different Hindu Gods. More beautiful palaces await in and around the city and you can even stay in some of them (the Rambagh Palace, for example, is now a high-end hotel).

DK India

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Singapore has a lot more to offer than its lush gardens, luxurious hotels and, arguably, the world’s coolest airport. If you’re willing to linger in this popular layover destination you’ll see that the city isn’t all modern and manicured. Venture to the kaleidoscopic streets of Little India and you’ll find yourself gazing up at colourful Hindu temples, indulging in regional Indian cuisine and browsing local markets. Alternatively, amble between the hip bars and historic temples in Chinatown or learn more about the Peranakan culture in Katong-Joo Chiat. Don’t be fooled: there’s more than a day’s worth to do here.

DK Top 10 Singapore

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Hong Kong’s mass of lego-like towers hide a host of treasures. Glitzy restaurants, beloved street food vendors, famous shopping streets, cheap and cheerful bars all sit beneath the skyline, offering experiences to suit every budget. Venture beyond the skyscrapers, though, and city life soon slips away. Scenic beaches promise room to relax while the surrounding hills offer incredible hikes for those who don’t mind getting a sweat on.

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Hong Kong

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One of the few cities that straddles two continents, Istanbul promises a unique city break. Start your day in the historic area of Sultanahmet and the Old City where you’ll stand in awe at the monumental Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque and unwind in laid-back cafés. In the afternoon, take the 20 minute ferry from Europe to Asia. Here, the lively neighbourhood of Kadıköy is home to an abundance of restaurants dishing out seafood and meze delights. A perfect end to a day of two continents.

DK Top 10 Istanbul

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Still largely off the beaten track, Taipei entices the more adventurous traveller – and they’re always well rewarded. Taiwanese cuisine is a real treat, with night markets offering barbecued squid, tasty pepper buns and seafood porridge. Don’t worry if you over-indulge either, the city is surrounded by hiking trails. To the north lie the green swathes of Yangmingshan National Park while to the south, the popular Elephant Mountain route leads walkers to an incredible viewpoint of the city below.

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