Cities, towns and villages
1,200 places with their own traditions: what to see, when to go, and the customs each is known for, with a trail idea for many.
South Asia
India, 13 traditionsMumbaiIndia, 13 traditionsVaranasiA city on the Ganges where bathing, cremation and evening prayer have gone on in public for centuries.Bangladesh, 10 traditionsDhakaA city of rickshaws and rivers whose spring Pohela Boishakh fills the streets with colour, fish and song.India, 10 traditionsKolkataHome of Durga Puja, when clay goddesses fill the streets and the whole city turns out to see them.India, 10 traditionsPuriThe seaside home of Lord Jagannath, whose giant chariots roll through the streets every summer.Pakistan, 9 traditionsLahoreThe old Mughal capital of Pakistan, a city of Sufi shrines, spring kites and long late meals.Nepal, 8 traditionsKathmanduA valley capital of temples and living goddesses, where festivals follow the lunar year almost without pause.India, 7 traditionsAmritsarThe home of the Golden Temple, where a free kitchen feeds tens of thousands of people every day.India, 6 traditionsGoaIndia, 6 traditionsHaridwarIndia, 6 traditionsHyderabadIndia, 6 traditionsJaipurThe pink city of Rajasthan, known for its royal processions, block printing and the kite festival of Makar Sankranti.Afghanistan, 6 traditionsKabulIndia, 6 traditionsThrissurNepal, 5 traditionsBhaktapurA medieval Newar town of brick and carved wood, home of the Bisket Jatra new year festival.Pakistan, 5 traditionsKarachiIndia, 5 traditionsMaduraiA temple city built around the Meenakshi shrine, where a divine wedding is re-enacted every spring.India, 5 traditionsMathuraIndia, 5 traditionsVrindavanIndia, 4 traditionsChandigarhIndia, 4 traditionsGuwahatiIndia, 4 traditionsJammuSri Lanka, 4 traditionsKandyThe hill capital of Sri Lanka, whose Perahera of elephants and drummers honours the Buddha's tooth relic.India, 4 traditionsLucknowIndia, 4 traditionsPuneIndia, 4 traditionsUjjainIndia, 3 traditionsAhmedabadIndia, 3 traditionsAyodhyaBangladesh, 3 traditionsChittagongIndia, 3 traditionsGayaPakistan, 3 traditionsIslamabadIndia, 3 traditionsKochiAn old spice port where Hindu, Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities have lived side by side for centuries.India, 3 traditionsMangalorePakistan, 3 traditionsMultanA city of saints, one of the oldest in South Asia, famous for blue-glazed tile, camel-skin lamps and mangoes.India, 3 traditionsNandedIndia, 3 traditionsNashikNepal, 3 traditionsPatanPakistan, 3 traditionsPeshawarIndia, 3 traditionsPrayagrajIndia, 3 traditionsThiruvananthapuramSri Lanka, 2 traditionsAnuradhapuraIndia, 2 traditionsBaripadaIndia, 2 traditionsBhadrachalamIndia, 2 traditionsBhopalIndia, 2 traditionsChidambaramIndia, 2 traditionsDelhiIndia, 2 traditionsFazilkaSri Lanka, 2 traditionsGalleA walled Dutch-era port on the south coast, with mosques, churches and temples inside one rampart.India, 2 traditionsGwaliorAfghanistan, 2 traditionsHeratAn old city of poets and tile in western Afghanistan, with Persian-style gardens and a rich calendar of Nowruz.Pakistan, 2 traditionsHyderabadIndia, 2 traditionsIndoreIndia, 2 traditionsKanchipuramIndia, 2 traditionsKozhikodeAfghanistan, 2 traditionsMazar-i-SharifIndia, 2 traditionsMysuruA royal city whose ten-day Dasara festival ends with a lit palace and a grand procession.India, 2 traditionsPaithanIndia, 2 traditionsPatialaIndia, 2 traditionsPushkarIndia, 2 traditionsRanchiPakistan, 2 traditionsRawalpindiIndia, 2 traditionsRishikeshIndia, 2 traditionsSambalpurIndia, 2 traditionsSuratIndia, 2 traditionsThaneBhutan, 2 traditionsThimphuIndia, 2 traditionsTirupatiIndia, 2 traditionsTiruvannamalaiIndia, 2 traditionsUdaipurIndia, 2 traditionsUdupiIndia, 1 traditionAgraIndia, 1 traditionAhobilamIndia, 1 traditionAlappuzhaIndia, 1 traditionAnandpur SahibIndia, 1 traditionAranmulaIndia, 1 traditionArasavalliIndia, 1 traditionAsanangIndia, 1 traditionAttariIndia, 1 traditionBadrinathAfghanistan, 1 traditionBamyanIndia, 1 traditionBarasatIndia, 1 traditionBargarhIndia, 1 traditionBarpaliIndia, 1 traditionBarpetaIndia, 1 traditionBarsanaIndia, 1 traditionBenaresIndia, 1 traditionBengaluruIndia, 1 traditionBhagalpurIndia, 1 traditionBhujNepal, 1 traditionBodeNepal, 1 traditionBungamatiIndia, 1 traditionBylakuppeIndia, 1 traditionChandannagarAfghanistan, 1 traditionCharikarSri Lanka, 1 traditionColomboIndia, 1 traditionCuttackIndia, 1 traditionDarjeelingIndia, 1 traditionDarrangIndia, 1 traditionDehradunIndia, 1 traditionDharamshalaIndia, 1 traditionDharchulaNepal, 1 traditionDhulikhelIndia, 1 traditionDwarkaIndia, 1 traditionEttumanoorPakistan, 1 traditionFaisalabadIndia, 1 traditionFirozpurIndia, 1 traditionGangotriPakistan, 1 traditionGujranwalaIndia, 1 traditionGumlaIndia, 1 traditionHampiIndia, 1 traditionHastinapurAfghanistan, 1 traditionIstalifIndia, 1 traditionJamnagarNepal, 1 traditionJanakpurBangladesh, 1 traditionJessoreIndia, 1 traditionJodhpurIndia, 1 traditionKalimpongIndia, 1 traditionKalnaIndia, 1 traditionKayamkulamIndia, 1 traditionKedarnathIndia, 1 traditionKiratpur SahibNepal, 1 traditionKirtipurIndia, 1 traditionKisamaIndia, 1 traditionKohimaIndia, 1 traditionKolhapurIndia, 1 traditionKrishnanagarIndia, 1 traditionKulasekrapattinamIndia, 1 traditionKulluIndia, 1 traditionMadanapalleIndia, 1 traditionMadrasIndia, 1 traditionMajuliIndia, 1 traditionMantralayamIndia, 1 traditionMelatturSri Lanka, 1 traditionMihintaleIndia, 1 traditionModheraIndia, 1 traditionNadiaNepal, 1 traditionNagadeshIndia, 1 traditionNagaonIndia, 1 traditionNandgaonBangladesh, 1 traditionNarayanganjIndia, 1 traditionNavsariIndia, 1 traditionNew DelhiIndia, 1 traditionPadampurPakistan, 1 traditionPakpattanIndia, 1 traditionPalitanaIndia, 1 traditionParadeepBhutan, 1 traditionParoA valley town in Bhutan whose spring tsechu brings masked dances to the courtyard of the dzong.India, 1 traditionPatanIndia, 1 traditionPatnaIndia, 1 traditionPrayagIndia, 1 traditionPuruliaIndia, 1 traditionPuttapakaPakistan, 1 traditionQuettaIndia, 1 traditionRadha KundIndia, 1 traditionRajahmundryIndia, 1 traditionRajkotBangladesh, 1 traditionRajshahiIndia, 1 traditionRameswaramIndia, 1 traditionSadolparaIndia, 1 traditionSangliIndia, 1 traditionSantipurIndia, 1 traditionSataraIndia, 1 traditionSaunjaIndia, 1 traditionSecunderabadPakistan, 1 traditionSehwanIndia, 1 traditionSeraikelaIndia, 1 traditionSolapurIndia, 1 traditionSrinagarIndia, 1 traditionSrirangapatnaIndia, 1 traditionSunamBangladesh, 1 traditionSylhetIndia, 1 traditionTezpurIndia, 1 traditionThanjavurNepal, 1 traditionThimiIndia, 1 traditionTirtolIndia, 1 traditionTrivandrumIndia, 1 traditionTuraIndia, 1 traditionUdvadaIndia, 1 traditionVaikomIndia, 1 traditionVijayawadaIndia, 1 traditionYamunotriIndia, 1 traditionYeola
Southeast Asia
Indonesia, 11 traditionsBaliPhilippines, 8 traditionsManilaThailand, 5 traditionsBangkokA capital of golden temples, royal ceremony and street food that is eaten at every hour.Thailand, 5 traditionsChiang MaiThe northern Thai capital, where Yi Peng lantern night and Songkran water-throwing light up the year.Indonesia, 5 traditionsJakartaIndonesia, 5 traditionsYogyakartaA Javanese royal city where the sultan's court keeps gamelan, batik and shadow puppets alive.Philippines, 4 traditionsCebuVietnam, 4 traditionsHuếThe former imperial capital, with court music, royal cuisine and a Tet celebrated in old style.Singapore, 4 traditionsSingaporeA city-state where Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian traditions share the same streets and the same hawker centres.Indonesia, 3 traditionsCirebonMyanmar, 3 traditionsMandalayThe last royal capital of Burma, a city of monasteries, gold-beaters, puppets and marble carving.Indonesia, 3 traditionsSurakartaMyanmar, 3 traditionsYangonMyanmar, 2 traditionsBaganA plain of thousands of old temples on the Irrawaddy, still alive with pilgrimage and lacquerware.Philippines, 2 traditionsBaguioPhilippines, 2 traditionsCebu CityThe oldest Spanish city in the Philippines, where the Sinulog procession honours the child Jesus each January.Vietnam, 2 traditionsHanoiVietnam, 2 traditionsHo Chi Minh CityPhilippines, 2 traditionsIbajayPhilippines, 2 traditionsKaliboA town on Panay island where the Ati-Atihan festival has people dancing in black soot and bright costume.Malaysia, 2 traditionsMalaccaIndonesia, 2 traditionsPadangPhilippines, 2 traditionsSan FernandoIndonesia, 2 traditionsSemarangCambodia, 2 traditionsSiem ReapThe gateway to Angkor, where Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben are still kept in the temple compounds.Indonesia, 2 traditionsUbudThe art town of Bali, where daily offerings, temple dance and village ceremonies carry on among the rice terraces.Myanmar, 1 traditionAmarapuraPhilippines, 1 traditionAntipoloPhilippines, 1 traditionBacolodPhilippines, 1 traditionBaliwagBrunei, 1 traditionBandar Seri BegawanThe capital of Brunei, where Malay royal customs, the water village of Kampong Ayer and daily Islamic practice meet.Indonesia, 1 traditionBandungIndonesia, 1 traditionBatamIndonesia, 1 traditionBatu BulanIndonesia, 1 traditionBintanPhilippines, 1 traditionCarmenThailand, 1 traditionChiang RaiIndonesia, 1 traditionDenpasarTimor-Leste, 1 traditionDiliThe capital of Timor-Leste, where Catholic devotion and ancestral house traditions live side by side.Indonesia, 1 traditionGarutMalaysia, 1 traditionGeorge TownA Malaysian port city of mixed Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan traditions, famous for hawker food.Indonesia, 1 traditionGianyarVietnam, 1 traditionHoa LưVietnam, 1 traditionHội AnAn old trading port on the central coast, where lanterns light the river on every full moon.Philippines, 1 traditionIloiloPhilippines, 1 traditionIloilo CityMalaysia, 1 traditionIpohMalaysia, 1 traditionJohor BahruIndonesia, 1 traditionJombangMalaysia, 1 traditionKelantanMalaysia, 1 traditionKuala LumpurPhilippines, 1 traditionLa TrinidadThailand, 1 traditionLampangThailand, 1 traditionLamphunPhilippines, 1 traditionLezoPhilippines, 1 traditionLipaLaos, 1 traditionLuang PrabangA royal Lao town where saffron-robed monks receive alms at dawn along the main street.Malaysia, 1 traditionLubok AntuPhilippines, 1 traditionMakatoPhilippines, 1 traditionMalinaoIndonesia, 1 traditionManadoPhilippines, 1 traditionMarinduqueVietnam, 1 traditionNam ĐịnhIndonesia, 1 traditionNorth SumatraPhilippines, 1 traditionObandoPhilippines, 1 traditionPaloPhilippines, 1 traditionPasigThailand, 1 traditionPataniMalaysia, 1 traditionPenampangMalaysia, 1 traditionPenangVietnam, 1 traditionPhan ThiếtCambodia, 1 traditionPhnom PenhThailand, 1 traditionPhon PhisaiVietnam, 1 traditionSaigonMyanmar, 1 traditionSittweIndonesia, 1 traditionTegalSingapore, 1 traditionTelok BlangahIndonesia, 1 traditionTengananIndonesia, 1 traditionTrowulanVietnam, 1 traditionTuyên QuangIndonesia, 1 traditionUluwatuPhilippines, 1 traditionValenzuelaLaos, 1 traditionVientianeThailand, 1 traditionYalaThailand, 1 traditionYasothon
East Asia
Japan, 31 traditionsTokyoJapan, 24 traditionsKyotoThe old imperial capital, home of tea ceremony, geisha districts and the great summer Gion festival.Japan, 16 traditionsOsakaChina, 9 traditionsBeijingThe capital of China for centuries, with imperial ritual, temple fairs at the new year and a famous roast duck.China, 9 traditionsShanghaiSouth Korea, 8 traditionsSeoulA palace-and-skyscraper capital where Chuseok, kimchi-making and the hanbok are alive in the modern city.North Korea, 6 traditionsPyongyangThe capital of North Korea, where traditional Korean holidays and cold noodles are part of the city's year.Japan, 5 traditionsNaraChina, 3 traditionsLhasaTaiwan, 3 traditionsTaipeiA night-market city where Taoist temples, tea culture and the Lantern Festival share the same streets.Mongolia, 3 traditionsUlaanbaatarThe Mongolian capital, where the Naadam festival of wrestling, archery and horse racing gathers the nation each July.China, 2 traditionsChengduThe home of Sichuan cooking and the teahouse, a city that takes its time and its chilli seriously.Japan, 2 traditionsFukuokaChina, 2 traditionsFuzhouChina, 2 traditionsGuangzhouChina, 2 traditionsHong KongSouth Korea, 2 traditionsJejuJapan, 2 traditionsMoriokaChina, 2 traditionsNanchongChina, 2 traditionsNingboMongolia, 2 traditionsÖlgiiJapan, 2 traditionsSapporoChina, 2 traditionsSuzhouTaiwan, 2 traditionsTaichungJapan, 2 traditionsTokushimaTaiwan, 2 traditionsYilanChina, 2 traditionsZhangzhouChina, 1 traditionAnyangJapan, 1 traditionAomoriJapan, 1 traditionAritaChina, 1 traditionArtushSouth Korea, 1 traditionBoryeongChina, 1 traditionChaozhouHong Kong, 1 traditionCheung ChauJapan, 1 traditionChichibuJapan, 1 traditionChinoChina, 1 traditionChongqingChina, 1 traditionDaliChina, 1 traditionDarchenChina, 1 traditionDezhouChina, 1 traditionFoshanJapan, 1 traditionFujimiJapan, 1 traditionFushikoSouth Korea, 1 traditionGangjinJapan, 1 traditionGifuSouth Korea, 1 traditionGyeongjuNorth Korea, 1 traditionHamhungJapan, 1 traditionHikoneJapan, 1 traditionHiroshimaJapan, 1 traditionHitoyoshiSouth Korea, 1 traditionHonamHong Kong, 1 traditionHong KongA harbour city where dim sum, bun festivals and Cantonese opera sit under the skyscrapers.Japan, 1 traditionIidaJapan, 1 traditionInazawaJapan, 1 traditionItōSouth Korea, 1 traditionJeju IslandChina, 1 traditionJingdezhenSouth Korea, 1 traditionJinjuChina, 1 traditionKashgarJapan, 1 traditionKazoJapan, 1 traditionKishiwadaChina, 1 traditionLanzhouChina, 1 traditionLongquanChina, 1 traditionLuoyangChina, 1 traditionMeizhouJapan, 1 traditionMount KōyaChina, 1 traditionNanjingJapan, 1 traditionOkayamaJapan, 1 traditionŌmutaJapan, 1 traditionŌshūJapan, 1 traditionŌtsuChina, 1 traditionPujiang CountyChina, 1 traditionPutianChina, 1 traditionPuyangChina, 1 traditionQuanzhouJapan, 1 traditionSaitamaJapan, 1 traditionShibechaJapan, 1 traditionShimosuwaJapan, 1 traditionSuwaTaiwan, 1 traditionTainanJapan, 1 traditionTakasakiJapan, 1 traditionTakayamaA mountain town of old merchant houses, famed for its spring and autumn festivals of carved floats.China, 1 traditionTianjinChina, 1 traditionTongliang CountyJapan, 1 traditionUjiJapan, 1 traditionUtsunomiyaMongolia, 1 traditionUujimChina, 1 traditionXi'anThe ancient capital at the end of the Silk Road, with a Muslim Quarter, a drum tower and the terracotta army.China, 1 traditionXiamenJapan, 1 traditionYamagataChina, 1 traditionYangzhouChina, 1 traditionYanjiChina, 1 traditionYiningChina, 1 traditionYixingChina, 1 traditionYueqingChina, 1 traditionZhanjiangChina, 1 traditionZigong
Central Asia and the Caucasus
Georgia, 5 traditionsTbilisiThe capital of Georgia, home of the supra feast, polyphonic singing and wine made in clay jars.Armenia, 5 traditionsYerevanA rose-coloured capital of one of the world's oldest Christian nations, with a famous apricot and brandy culture.Uzbekistan, 4 traditionsTashkentAzerbaijan, 3 traditionsBakuA Caspian city that holds fire, carpet and mugham music in its old walled quarter.Uzbekistan, 3 traditionsBukharaA caravan city of domed bazaars, carpet weavers and old madrasas, once a main seat of Islamic learning.Azerbaijan, 3 traditionsNakhchivanTurkmenistan, 2 traditionsAshgabatThe capital of Turkmenistan, where the Akhal-Teke horse and hand-knotted carpet are objects of national pride.Kyrgyzstan, 2 traditionsBishkekKazakhstan, 1 traditionAlmatyA city at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, where nomadic hospitality, horse meat and Nauryz meet.Uzbekistan, 1 traditionAndijanKazakhstan, 1 traditionAstanaGeorgia, 1 traditionAtsanaGeorgia, 1 traditionBatumiKyrgyzstan, 1 traditionCholpon-AtaTajikistan, 1 traditionDushanbeThe capital of Tajikistan, where Persian poetry, Nowruz and the teahouse give the city its flavour.Armenia, 1 traditionEchmiadzinArmenia, 1 traditionGarniAzerbaijan, 1 traditionGoychayArmenia, 1 traditionHaghpatGeorgia, 1 traditionMakatubaniKyrgyzstan, 1 traditionOshAzerbaijan, 1 traditionShamkirGeorgia, 1 traditionShroshaGeorgia, 1 traditionSighnaghiGeorgia, 1 traditionVardisubaniAzerbaijan, 0 traditionsAgdam
Middle East
Israel, 31 traditionsJerusalemA city holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, where Shabbat, the Via Dolorosa and the call to prayer meet within a few streets.Iran, 9 traditionsIsfahanHalf the world, as the old Persian saying goes: a city of blue-tiled domes, bridges, miniatures and gaz sweets.Turkey, 9 traditionsIstanbulA city spanning two continents, with whirling dervishes, tulip season, meze tables and the simit seller on every corner.Iran, 9 traditionsTehranIran, 6 traditionsShirazThe city of poets, roses and wine in Persian memory, and the resting place of Hafez and Saadi.Iran, 5 traditionsYazdA desert city of mud-brick houses and wind towers, and the main home of Zoroastrian faith in Iran.Iran, 4 traditionsKermanSaudi Arabia, 4 traditionsMedinaIran, 4 traditionsTabrizSyria, 3 traditionsDamascusOne of the oldest cities in the world, with a great mosque, a roofed souk and a long tradition of sweets and brocade.Palestine, 3 traditionsJerusalemTurkey, 3 traditionsKonyaThe home of Rumi and the Mevlevi dervishes, where the annual Seb-i Arus draws visitors from across the world.Iran, 3 traditionsMashhadSaudi Arabia, 3 traditionsMeccaThe holiest city of Islam and the destination of the hajj and umrah pilgrimages, open to Muslims only.Saudi Arabia, 3 traditionsRiyadhThe capital of Saudi Arabia, where the sword dance, Arabic coffee and the date harvest are living customs.Israel, 3 traditionsTel AvivA Mediterranean city of cafes and beaches where Shabbat and Purim parades share the streets with a lively food scene.Syria, 2 traditionsAleppoA northern Syrian city of citadel and covered souks, known for pistachios, spices, soap and some of the finest cooking in the region.Turkey, 2 traditionsAnkaraTurkey, 2 traditionsBayburtLebanon, 2 traditionsBeirutA Mediterranean capital of many faiths, with mezze tables, Christian feasts and Ramadan evenings side by side.Turkey, 2 traditionsConstantinopleTurkey, 2 traditionsEdirneTurkey, 2 traditionsErzurumIsrael, 2 traditionsHebronOman, 2 traditionsMuscatTurkey, 2 traditionsSamsunIsrael, 2 traditionsTiberiasSaudi Arabia, 1 traditionAbhaPalestine, 1 traditionAboudTurkey, 1 traditionAdanaYemen, 1 traditionAdenJordan, 1 traditionAmmanThe hilly capital of Jordan, where Bedouin hospitality, mansaf and the dabke dance are everyday heritage.Iran, 1 traditionAmolIran, 1 traditionAshtianIraq, 1 traditionBaghdadThe round city of the caliphs, still a city of tea houses, book markets, mourning processions and masgouf fish.Turkey, 1 traditionBalıkesirIran, 1 traditionBorujerdTurkey, 1 traditionBursaTurkey, 1 traditionÇorumTurkey, 1 traditionDiyarbakırQatar, 1 traditionDohaA Gulf capital whose old market, Souq Waqif, keeps falcons, spices and the evening coffee ritual.Turkey, 1 traditionEphesusTurkey, 1 traditionGiresunYemen, 1 traditionHadhramautIsrael, 1 traditionHaifaIsrael, 1 traditionHolonOman, 1 traditionIbriTurkey, 1 traditionİzmirTurkey, 1 traditionIznikSaudi Arabia, 1 traditionJeddahThe Red Sea port and gate of Mecca, whose old town has houses of coral stone with carved wooden balconies.Saudi Arabia, 1 traditionJenadriyahPalestine, 1 traditionJerichoIraq, 1 traditionKarbalaCyprus, 1 traditionKato LefkaraTurkey, 1 traditionKayseriIraq, 1 traditionKufaIsrael, 1 traditionMeronYemen, 1 traditionMokhaYemen, 1 traditionMukallaTurkey, 1 traditionMuşCyprus, 1 traditionNicosiaThe divided capital of Cyprus, whose old walled city has Greek and Turkish sides and shared halloumi and coffee.Turkey, 1 traditionOrduCyprus, 1 traditionPano LefkaraIsrael, 1 traditionSafedOman, 1 traditionSalalahUnited Arab Emirates, 1 traditionSharjahTurkey, 1 traditionSivasQatar, 1 traditionUmm Salal MohammedIran, 1 traditionUrmiaTurkey, 1 traditionVanUnited Arab Emirates, 0 traditionsAbu DhabiIran, 0 traditionsAhvazUnited Arab Emirates, 0 traditionsAl AinAn oasis city of date palms and falaj channels, with a camel market and a living tradition of Al Ayyala dance.
North Africa
Egypt, 4 traditionsCairoThe city of a thousand minarets, where Ramadan lanterns, koshari and Coptic feasts fill the calendar.Tunisia, 4 traditionsTunisA white-and-blue Mediterranean capital with a vast medina and a fiery harissa on every table.Egypt, 3 traditionsLuxorThe city of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, where the moulid of Abu al-Haggag echoes a pharaonic festival.Egypt, 3 traditionsThebesAlgeria, 3 traditionsTlemcenEgypt, 2 traditionsAlexandriaMorocco, 2 traditionsRabatMorocco, 2 traditionsTan-TanMorocco, 2 traditionsTangierAlgeria, 2 traditionsTiaretEgypt, 1 traditionAbu GhurabAlgeria, 1 traditionAlgiersA white city on the bay, with an old kasbah, Andalusian music and the roots of the Algerian couscous Friday.Algeria, 1 traditionAnnabaMorocco, 1 traditionAsilahEgypt, 1 traditionAswanAlgeria, 1 traditionBéni AbbèsEgypt, 1 traditionBubastisMorocco, 1 traditionCasablancaTunisia, 1 traditionDouzMorocco, 1 traditionEl JadidaMorocco, 1 traditionEssaouiraEgypt, 1 traditionGizaMorocco, 1 traditionImilchilEgypt, 1 traditionKarnakEgypt, 1 traditionLishtMorocco, 1 traditionMarrakeshTunisia, 1 traditionNabeulAlgeria, 1 traditionQal'at Bani HammadEgypt, 1 traditionSaqqaraMorocco, 1 traditionTetouanAlgeria, 1 traditionTimimounLibya, 1 traditionTripoliA Mediterranean port of Libya, with a walled medina, marketplace and a tradition of sweet tea in three rounds.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Ghana, 5 traditionsAccraThe Ghanaian capital of Ga people, where fantasy coffins, homowo festival and jollof are part of life.Ethiopia, 3 traditionsAddis AbabaA high-altitude capital where Meskel bonfires, coffee ceremonies and the Ethiopian calendar tell the year.Nigeria, 3 traditionsLagosA megacity on the Gulf of Guinea, famed for Yoruba aso ebi, jollof rice and the Eyo masquerade.Niger, 2 traditionsAgadezA Saharan gateway of the Tuareg, famed for its mud minaret and the Cure Salée and Bianou festivals.Ethiopia, 2 traditionsAxumAn ancient kingdom's capital, whose tall stelae and chapel of the Ark are central to Ethiopian Orthodox belief.Mali, 2 traditionsBamakoSenegal, 2 traditionsDakarA west African capital of music and wrestling, the home of thieboudienne and the Magal of Touba.Nigeria, 2 traditionsIbadanNiger, 2 traditionsIn-GallNigeria, 2 traditionsKanoAn ancient Hausa trading city with a walled old town, dye pits and the Durbar horse festival.Ghana, 2 traditionsKumasiThe Ashanti capital, home of the Golden Stool, kente weaving and the royal Akwasidae festival.Ethiopia, 2 traditionsLalibelaA mountain town of rock-cut churches, where pilgrims gather at Genna and Timkat in white shawls.Angola, 2 traditionsLuandaAngola's coastal capital, where kizomba, semba and a Lenten Carnival unite old African and Portuguese rhythms.Kenya, 2 traditionsNairobiA highland capital of many peoples, famous for nyama choma Sundays, matatu art and the Maasai and Kikuyu traditions around it.Niger, 2 traditionsNiameyGhana, 2 traditionsNunguaGhana, 2 traditionsOsuNigeria, 2 traditionsOyoMali, 2 traditionsSanGhana, 2 traditionsTeshieTanzania, 2 traditionsZanzibarTanzania, 2 traditionsZanzibar CityIvory Coast, 1 traditionAbidjanA lagoon city of music and maquis restaurants, famed for attiéké and the Dipri and Fête des Masques.Nigeria, 1 traditionAbujaGhana, 1 traditionAburiGhana, 1 traditionAdawomaseGhana, 1 traditionAgotime KpetoeGhana, 1 traditionAkropongMadagascar, 1 traditionAntananarivoA hilltop capital of Madagascar, whose famadihana ceremony celebrates the dead by turning the bones in new cloth.Nigeria, 1 traditionArgunguGhana, 1 traditionBégnryNigeria, 1 traditionBidaEthiopia, 1 traditionBishoftuCape Verde, 1 traditionBoa VistaGhana, 1 traditionBonwireCape Verde, 1 traditionBravaRepublic of the Congo, 1 traditionBrazzavilleThe Congo river capital, where the sapeurs dress in elegant suits and rumba music grew up.Nigeria, 1 traditionCalabarGhana, 1 traditionCape CoastSouth Africa, 1 traditionCape TownA city under Table Mountain whose Cape Malay quarter keeps the Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade and a spicy cooking tradition.Guinea, 1 traditionConakryThe capital of Guinea on a narrow peninsula, a home of the djembe drum and the dances of the Mandinka.Tanzania, 1 traditionDar es SalaamMali, 1 traditionDjennéA river town with the largest mud-brick building in the world, replastered by the whole community each spring.Cameroon, 1 traditionDoualaSouth Africa, 1 traditionDurbanA warm Indian Ocean port with the largest Indian community outside India, and a Zulu cultural heartland.Nigeria, 1 traditionEnuguNigeria, 1 traditionEzeaguIvory Coast, 1 traditionGagnoaBurundi, 1 traditionGishora HillBurundi, 1 traditionGitegaThe cultural capital of Burundi, home of the royal drummers, who beat out a ritual dance of the old kingdom.Burundi, 1 traditionHigiro HillNigeria, 1 traditionIkereMozambique, 1 traditionIsland of MozambiqueSouth Africa, 1 traditionJohannesburgNigeria, 1 traditionKatsinaRwanda, 1 traditionKigaliA hill-top capital that remembers the 1994 genocide each April, and keeps the Intore dance and imigongo art.Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1 traditionKinshasaA huge, music-loving capital on the Congo river, where rumba, sape and street theatre are everyday arts.Ghana, 1 traditionKumbunguNigeria, 1 traditionLafiaKenya, 1 traditionLamuA car-free Swahili island town with dhows, carved doors and a famed festival of the Prophet's birthday.Ghana, 1 traditionLartehEswatini, 1 traditionLudzidziniGhana, 1 traditionMamfeMozambique, 1 traditionMaputoEthiopia, 1 traditionMekelleKenya, 1 traditionMombasaMali, 1 traditionMoptiNigeria, 1 traditionNnewiSouth Africa, 1 traditionNongomaGhana, 1 traditionNtonsoGhana, 1 traditionNtɔnsoGhana, 1 traditionOdumase KroboNigeria, 1 traditionOgidiNigeria, 1 traditionOkpeNigeria, 1 traditionOnitshaNigeria, 1 traditionOsogboA Yoruba town beside the sacred grove of the river goddess Osun, with a famous August festival.Benin, 1 traditionOuidahThe spiritual home of Vodun, where Voodoo Day on 10 January is a national holiday.Benin, 1 traditionPorto-NovoCape Verde, 1 traditionPraiaSenegal, 1 traditionSaint-LouisAn island city at the mouth of the Senegal river, with a jazz festival and a fishermen's rite.Ghana, 1 traditionSakora WonooCape Verde, 1 traditionSão VicenteGhana, 1 traditionSaveluguNigeria, 1 traditionSokotoTanzania, 1 traditionStone TownGhana, 1 traditionTakoradiIvory Coast, 1 traditionTiapoumSenegal, 1 traditionToubaKenya, 1 traditionWajirNigeria, 0 traditionsAba
Europe
United Kingdom, 18 traditionsLondonA great port of many peoples, where Trooping the Colour, pearly kings and Notting Hill Carnival all belong to the year.Ireland, 15 traditionsDublinThe Irish capital, where St Patrick's festival, Bloomsday and the pub session carry the culture.Austria, 13 traditionsViennaThe city of coffeehouses, waltz balls and a New Year's concert, with an imperial table of schnitzel and Sachertorte.Italy, 11 traditionsRomeThe eternal city, whose Easter blessing, pasta customs and saints' feasts are celebrated in the same piazzas for centuries.Russia, 10 traditionsMoscowThe capital of Russia, with its Orthodox Easter, Maslenitsa pancake week and the festive dacha table.France, 10 traditionsParisThe city of the Bastille Day parade, the daily baguette and the long table of the French meal.Spain, 9 traditionsSevilleThe city of Semana Santa processions, the April Feria and the flamenco dance.Poland, 8 traditionsKrakówPoland's old royal capital, where nativity szopka are judged each December and a trumpeter plays an unfinished tune every hour.Italy, 8 traditionsNaplesA noisy, musical city of pizza, nativity crèches and the liquefaction of the blood of San Gennaro.Italy, 8 traditionsVeniceA lagoon city of canals, masks and gondolas, with a Carnival, a regatta and the doge's wedding to the sea.Greece, 7 traditionsAthensThe ancient city of democracy, with Easter midnight, name days and a meze table under the Acropolis.Germany, 7 traditionsCologneA city on the Rhine famed for a wild Carnival, Kölsch beer and a cathedral that took six centuries to build.United Kingdom, 7 traditionsEdinburghThe Scottish capital, where Hogmanay, Burns Night and the Tattoo fill the dark and the bright parts of the year.Portugal, 7 traditionsLisbonA hill city of fado, grilled sardines in June and the Saints' Festivals of Santo António.Spain, 6 traditionsAlicanteSpain, 6 traditionsBarcelonaCroatia, 6 traditionsDubrovnikThe walled Adriatic pearl, home of the Festival of Saint Blaise and a lively tradition of linđo dance and sea-salt.Ukraine, 6 traditionsLvivA western Ukrainian city of coffee houses and a Christmas market, where carolling and Easter bread are a lively tradition.Spain, 6 traditionsValenciaThe city of Las Fallas, when huge satirical sculptures are built and burned in March, and of the original paella.Netherlands, 5 traditionsAmsterdamA canal city of King's Day in orange, Sinterklaas arrivals by boat and herring eaten by the tail.Switzerland, 5 traditionsBaselA Rhine city whose Fasnacht begins at four in the morning and whose Rhine swim is a summer habit.Germany, 5 traditionsBerlinDenmark, 5 traditionsCopenhagenA city of hygge, open sandwiches and the midsummer bonfire of Sankthans.Spain, 5 traditionsGranadaUkraine, 5 traditionsKyivThe mother of Ukrainian cities, with golden domes, embroidered vyshyvanka shirts and the Christmas Eve table of twelve dishes.Latvia, 5 traditionsRigaA Baltic capital of Art Nouveau and the Latvian Jāņi midsummer, with wreaths of oak and cheese brewed with caraway.United Kingdom, 4 traditionsGlasgowFinland, 4 traditionsHelsinkiA harbour capital of saunas and Vappu, the spring student carnival, with a market square of reindeer and fish.Italy, 4 traditionsMilanNorway, 4 traditionsOsloAustria, 4 traditionsSalzburgThe city of Mozart and the Salzburg Festival, with an Advent of carols, Krampus runs and the song Silent Night.Sweden, 4 traditionsStockholmA city on the water where Midsummer, Lucia and the fika coffee break set the rhythm of the year.Spain, 4 traditionsTarragonaIreland, 4 traditionsWaterfordBelgium, 3 traditionsAntwerpUnited Kingdom, 3 traditionsBelfastAlbania, 3 traditionsBeratBelgium, 3 traditionsBincheA small town in Belgium whose Shrove Tuesday carnival of Gilles in ostrich feathers is a UNESCO masterpiece.Belgium, 3 traditionsBrusselsUnited Kingdom, 3 traditionsCardiffThe Welsh capital, where St David's Day, male voice choirs and the eisteddfod keep language and song alive.Ukraine, 3 traditionsChernivtsiPortugal, 3 traditionsCoimbraIreland, 3 traditionsGalwayA city of the west where Irish is still spoken, oysters are celebrated in September, and traditional music pours from every pub.Germany, 3 traditionsHamburgLithuania, 3 traditionsKaunasGermany, 3 traditionsMunichThe Bavarian capital, home of Oktoberfest, the beer garden and the Weisswurst breakfast before noon.Germany, 3 traditionsNurembergThe old imperial city of Germany, famed for its Christkindlesmarkt, gingerbread and toy making.Spain, 3 traditionsPamplonaA Navarrese city whose San Fermín festival, with the running of the bulls, runs from 6 to 14 July.Portugal, 3 traditionsPortoA northern river city of port wine, tiled churches and the São João festival, in which people tap each other with plastic hammers.Czechia, 3 traditionsPragueA city of a hundred spires, whose Easter markets, Christmas carp and astronomical clock keep old Bohemian custom.Russia, 3 traditionsSaint PetersburgA northern imperial capital of White Nights, Scarlet Sails and a tea table with pryaniki.Spain, 3 traditionsSantiago de CompostelaItaly, 3 traditionsSienaA Tuscan hill city whose Palio, a bareback horse race round the Piazza del Campo, shapes the neighbourhood loyalties of the year.Norway, 3 traditionsTrondheimLithuania, 3 traditionsVilniusA baroque capital with a Kaziuko fair each March, amber, linen and a table of potato dishes.Poland, 3 traditionsWarsawCroatia, 3 traditionsZagrebGermany, 2 traditionsAachenUnited Kingdom, 2 traditionsAberystwythNorway, 2 traditionsBergenA Hanseatic port among seven mountains, whose Bryggen wharf and Norwegian Constitution Day parade shape the year.Switzerland, 2 traditionsBernUnited Kingdom, 2 traditionsBristolHungary, 2 traditionsBudapestA city of thermal baths and coffeehouses, with the Busójárás carnival and a paprika-red table.Ireland, 2 traditionsCorkNorth Macedonia, 2 traditionsDebarGermany, 2 traditionsDresdenUnited Kingdom, 2 traditionsDurhamGermany, 2 traditionsDüsseldorfAlbania, 2 traditionsElbasanPortugal, 2 traditionsÉvoraUnited Kingdom, 2 traditionsExeterItaly, 2 traditionsFlorenceNorth Macedonia, 2 traditionsGaličnikSweden, 2 traditionsGävleNetherlands, 2 traditionsHaarlemRussia, 2 traditionsKazanThe Tatar capital, a Muslim and Orthodox city, where the Sabantuy plough festival has wrestling and sack races.Ireland, 2 traditionsKillorglinCroatia, 2 traditionsKonavleGermany, 2 traditionsLeipzigBelgium, 2 traditionsLeuvenAustria, 2 traditionsLienzSlovenia, 2 traditionsLjubljanaA compact green capital of dragons, bridges and beehive painting, with a Kurent carnival nearby.Switzerland, 2 traditionsLucerneSpain, 2 traditionsMadridGermany, 2 traditionsMainzHungary, 2 traditionsMohácsMalta, 2 traditionsNadurNetherlands, 2 traditionsNoordwijkGreece, 2 traditionsOlympiaGreece, 2 traditionsPatrasCroatia, 2 traditionsŠibenikCroatia, 2 traditionsSinjRussia, 2 traditionsSochiNorway, 2 traditionsStavangerUnited Kingdom, 2 traditionsSwanseaGreece, 2 traditionsThessalonikiA northern port with a Byzantine heritage, a Feast of Saint Demetrius, and a famous bakery and sweet culture.Malta, 2 traditionsVallettaA fortress capital of Malta, whose village festas, with fireworks and brass bands, honour saints each summer.Spain, 2 traditionsVallsUnited Kingdom, 2 traditionsWorcesterUnited Kingdom, 2 traditionsYorkSpain, 2 traditionsZarautzSwitzerland, 2 traditionsZurichA lakeside city where the guilds burn a snowman at the Sechseläuten to hasten the arrival of spring.Belgium, 1 traditionAalstUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionAbbots BromleySpain, 1 traditionAlbaceteSpain, 1 traditionAlcoiSpain, 1 traditionAlgemesíLithuania, 1 traditionAlytusSpain, 1 traditionAlziraPortugal, 1 traditionAmadoraSwitzerland, 1 traditionAppenzellSwitzerland, 1 traditionAprozItaly, 1 traditionAstiBelgium, 1 traditionAthPoland, 1 traditionAuschwitz-BirkenauAustria, 1 traditionBad GasteinUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionBalshamMalta, 1 traditionBalzanPortugal, 1 traditionBarcelosUkraine, 1 traditionBaturynFrance, 1 traditionBayonneGermany, 1 traditionBayrischzellUkraine, 1 traditionBeleluiaSerbia, 1 traditionBelgradeA city at the meeting of the Sava and the Danube, with the slava family saint's feast and floating river bars.Italy, 1 traditionBeneventoSweden, 1 traditionBergaSpain, 1 traditionBilbaoMalta, 1 traditionBirguBelgium, 1 traditionBlankenbergeItaly, 1 traditionBolzanoGermany, 1 traditionBonnSerbia, 1 traditionBosilegradSlovenia, 1 traditionBovecSlovenia, 1 traditionBrkini HillsUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionBrockworthUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionBrookeBelgium, 1 traditionBrugesA medieval canal town of lace, chocolate and the Procession of the Holy Blood each Ascension Day.Romania, 1 traditionBucharestThe Romanian capital where Mărțișor red-and-white strings welcome March and Easter is a long midnight feast.Romania, 1 traditionBuciumUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionBuckieSpain, 1 traditionBuñolUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionBurgheadSpain, 1 traditionCádizIreland, 1 traditionCarnaSpain, 1 traditionCastellónIreland, 1 traditionCastlebarBelgium, 1 traditionCharleroiUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionChichesterGreece, 1 traditionChiosUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionChurchamIreland, 1 traditionClarenbridgeGreece, 1 traditionCorfuGreece, 1 traditionCorinthItaly, 1 traditionCremonaCroatia, 1 traditionCrikvenicaSlovenia, 1 traditionČrnomeljBelgium, 1 traditionDendermondeSlovakia, 1 traditionDetvaSerbia, 1 traditionDimitrovgradIreland, 1 traditionDingleFrance, 1 traditionDouaiUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionDownpatrickUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionDraytonUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionDundeeUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionDunoonRussia, 1 traditionDymkovoLuxembourg, 1 traditionEchternachUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionEgremontSpain, 1 traditionElcheUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionElginUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionEltonIreland, 1 traditionEnnisSwitzerland, 1 traditionErmatingenSpain, 1 traditionErmuaNorway, 1 traditionFagernesUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionFalklandMalta, 1 traditionFlorianaGreece, 1 traditionFlorinaItaly, 1 traditionFolignoUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionFraserburghIreland, 1 traditionGaoth DobhairIceland, 1 traditionGarðabærPoland, 1 traditionGdańskItaly, 1 traditionGenoaMalta, 1 traditionGħaxaqSpain, 1 traditionGinesUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionGirlstaSpain, 1 traditionGironaItaly, 1 traditionGiudeccaAlbania, 1 traditionGjirokastërA stone town of the south with tall fortress-houses, the home of the folk festival of Albania.United Kingdom, 1 traditionGlastonburyUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionGloucesterUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionGoathlandAustria, 1 traditionGrazItaly, 1 traditionGreccioSpain, 1 traditionGuadalupeSerbia, 1 traditionGučaPortugal, 1 traditionGuimarãesBulgaria, 1 traditionGurkovoGermany, 1 traditionGutachBelgium, 1 traditionHasseltUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionHedenhamSpain, 1 traditionHerrera de PisuergaNetherlands, 1 traditionHillegomGermany, 1 traditionHinterskirchenUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionHinton St GeorgeGermany, 1 traditionHirschauerCzechia, 1 traditionHlukBelgium, 1 traditionHoegaardenUkraine, 1 traditionHoroshovaBelarus, 1 traditionHrodnaCroatia, 1 traditionHvarUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionInverkeithingAustria, 1 traditionIrdningIceland, 1 traditionÍsafjörðurSpain, 1 traditionIturriotzLatvia, 1 traditionJelgavaSpain, 1 traditionJerez de la FronteraSpain, 1 traditionJijonaBulgaria, 1 traditionKarlovoBulgaria, 1 traditionKazanlakRussia, 1 traditionKhokhlomaRussia, 1 traditionKirovCzechia, 1 traditionKladrubAlbania, 1 traditionKorçëMontenegro, 1 traditionKotorA walled Adriatic town in a fjord, where the Fašinada boat ceremony and the Bokeljska Mornarica keep sea memory.Ukraine, 1 traditionKrasnoilskNorway, 1 traditionKristiansandCzechia, 1 traditionKunoviceRussia, 1 traditionKyakhtaBelgium, 1 traditionLa LouvièreNorway, 1 traditionLadeCroatia, 1 traditionLastovoBelgium, 1 traditionLe RoeulxSpain, 1 traditionLebrijaItaly, 1 traditionLegnanoSpain, 1 traditionLeitzaCroatia, 1 traditionLepoglavaUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionLerwickSpain, 1 traditionLesakaSerbia, 1 traditionLeskovacUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionLewesBelgium, 1 traditionLiègeSwitzerland, 1 traditionLiestalIreland, 1 traditionLimerickAustria, 1 traditionLinzNetherlands, 1 traditionLisseUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionLiverpoolUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionLong SuttonUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionLopenFinland, 1 traditionLoviisaItaly, 1 traditionLuccaUkraine, 1 traditionLutskLuxembourg, 1 traditionLuxembourg CityA small fortress capital where the Echternach dancing procession and the Schueberfouer fair keep old traditions.France, 1 traditionLyonThe gastronomic capital of France, home of the bouchon restaurant and the December Fête des Lumières.Norway, 1 traditionMæreSpain, 1 traditionMálagaCroatia, 1 traditionMarija BistricaItaly, 1 traditionMateraPortugal, 1 traditionMatosinhosBelgium, 1 traditionMechelenCroatia, 1 traditionMeđimurjeItaly, 1 traditionMessinaUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionMiddletonGermany, 1 traditionMiesbachBelarus, 1 traditionMinskThe capital of Belarus, where Kupalle midsummer rites and the straw-woven crafts keep old Slavic custom alive.Croatia, 1 traditionMljetBelgium, 1 traditionMonsSpain, 1 traditionMontserratSweden, 1 traditionMoraA Dalarna town at the end of Lake Siljan, where the Vasaloppet ski race and the red Dala horse come from.United Kingdom, 1 traditionMorwenstowIreland, 1 traditionMullingarUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionNestingUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionNewcastle upon TyneFrance, 1 traditionNiceA Mediterranean city with a spectacular Carnival, a flower market and a cuisine of its own, born of Italy and France.Belgium, 1 traditionNivellesLuxembourg, 1 traditionNospeltRussia, 1 traditionNovgorodAustria, 1 traditionOberndorf bei SalzburgAustria, 1 traditionObersdorfUkraine, 1 traditionOdesaNorth Macedonia, 1 traditionOhridA lakeside town of Orthodox churches, pearls and fishing, with a festival of Saint Clement and the Epiphany cross dive.Croatia, 1 traditionOklajCroatia, 1 traditionOmišSpain, 1 traditionOtsagabiaCroatia, 1 traditionPagRussia, 1 traditionPalekhBulgaria, 1 traditionPavel BanyaRussia, 1 traditionPavlovsky PosadUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionPeeblesKosovo, 1 traditionPejëCroatia, 1 traditionPelješac PeninsulaUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionPenzanceUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionPiltonUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionPontypriddSerbia, 1 traditionPrigrevicaKosovo, 1 traditionPristinaThe capital of Kosovo, with Albanian songs of the lahuta, hospitality and flija baked under a hot lid.Kosovo, 1 traditionPrizrenSlovenia, 1 traditionPtujSpain, 1 traditionPueblaUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionRamseyItaly, 1 traditionRipatransoneSpain, 1 traditionRondaIreland, 1 traditionRos MucGermany, 1 traditionRostockGermany, 1 traditionSaalfeldSweden, 1 traditionSälenGreece, 1 traditionSamosSpain, 1 traditionSan SebastianSpain, 1 traditionSan SebastiánItaly, 1 traditionSanremoAlbania, 1 traditionSarandëUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionScallowayRussia, 1 traditionSemyonovUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionSheffieldUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionSherborneAlbania, 1 traditionShkodërUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionShurdingtonRomania, 1 traditionSic/SzékBelgium, 1 traditionSint-NiklaasSpain, 1 traditionSitgesNorth Macedonia, 1 traditionSkopjeCzechia, 1 traditionSkoroniceUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionSkyeIreland, 1 traditionSligoBulgaria, 1 traditionSofiaUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionSouth QueensferryCroatia, 1 traditionSplitUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionSt AndrewsMalta, 1 traditionSt. Julian'sAustria, 1 traditionSteyrUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionStonehavenFrance, 1 traditionStrasbourgA half-timbered city on the Rhine, home of the oldest Christmas market in France and Alsatian wine and storks.Bulgaria, 1 traditionStrelchaUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionSunderlandCroatia, 1 traditionSveta MarijaEstonia, 1 traditionTallinnA medieval Baltic city where the Song Festival gathers tens of thousands, and Midsummer Jaaniõhtu is celebrated with bonfires.Italy, 1 traditionTerniAlbania, 1 traditionTiranaA colourful capital where besa, the honour of hospitality, is the rule and Dita e Verës marks the arrival of summer.Russia, 1 traditionTomskFrance, 1 traditionToulouseIreland, 1 traditionTramoreCzechia, 1 traditionTřebechovice pod OrebemItaly, 1 traditionTriesteRussia, 1 traditionTulaMontenegro, 1 traditionTuziIreland, 1 traditionUisneachUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionUyeasoundLiechtenstein, 1 traditionVaduzThe tiny alpine capital of Liechtenstein, whose national day on 15 August is celebrated with the prince in the castle meadow.Ukraine, 1 traditionVashkivtsiItaly, 1 traditionVeronaIceland, 1 traditionVestmannaeyjarSwitzerland, 1 traditionVeveyNorway, 1 traditionVikersundSpain, 1 traditionVilafranca del PenedèsSpain, 1 traditionVillenaCzechia, 1 traditionVlčnovAlbania, 1 traditionVlorëCroatia, 1 traditionVukovarSlovakia, 1 traditionVýchodnáIreland, 1 traditionWexfordUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionWhitbyUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionWhittleseaUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionWhittleseyGermany, 1 traditionWormsGermany, 1 traditionWurmlingenFrance, 1 traditionYopougonUnited Kingdom, 1 traditionYorkshireGreece, 1 traditionZakynthosSpain, 1 traditionZamoraAustria, 1 traditionZell am SeeNetherlands, 1 traditionZundert
North America
United States, 29 traditionsNew YorkA city of immigrants, whose Thanksgiving parade, Lunar New Year and Puerto Rican Day all share the avenues.Mexico, 16 traditionsMexico CityA vast capital built on an Aztec lake, where the Day of the Dead parade, the Virgin of Guadalupe and a street food world meet.United States, 15 traditionsNew York CityUnited States, 14 traditionsLos AngelesUnited States, 12 traditionsPhiladelphiaCanada, 12 traditionsTorontoUnited States, 11 traditionsNew OrleansA Creole city of Mardi Gras, second-line parades, jazz funerals and gumbo, where food and music are inherited.United States, 11 traditionsWashingtonUnited States, 10 traditionsChicagoUnited States, 6 traditionsBostonMexico, 6 traditionsOaxacaThe southern city of the Guelaguetza, mole and mezcal, where Day of the Dead is one of Mexico's most vivid.Canada, 5 traditionsOttawaUnited States, 5 traditionsSan FranciscoCanada, 4 traditionsEdmontonUnited States, 4 traditionsMiamiCanada, 4 traditionsMontrealMexico, 4 traditionsPueblaMexico, 4 traditionsVeracruzUnited States, 3 traditionsAtlantaUnited States, 3 traditionsClevelandMexico, 3 traditionsGuadalajaraThe home of mariachi and tequila, whose Charreada, jarabe tapatío and birria are national emblems.United States, 3 traditionsHonoluluUnited States, 3 traditionsMobileMexico, 2 traditionsAcolmanCanada, 2 traditionsCalgaryBermuda, 2 traditionsHamiltonThe capital of Bermuda, famed for Gombey dancers, kite flying on Good Friday and the fish chowder with sherry peppers.United States, 2 traditionsHiloUnited States, 2 traditionsHoustonCanada, 2 traditionsQuebec CityUnited States, 2 traditionsSan AntonioUnited States, 2 traditionsSan JoseUnited States, 2 traditionsSeattleUnited States, 2 traditionsUtqiagvikUnited States, 1 traditionAlexandriaUnited States, 1 traditionAnchorageUnited States, 1 traditionAshevilleUnited States, 1 traditionAtmoreUnited States, 1 traditionBaltimoreUnited States, 1 traditionBoiseUnited States, 1 traditionBrenhamUnited States, 1 traditionBristolUnited States, 1 traditionBrooklynCanada, 1 traditionChamblyUnited States, 1 traditionCincinnatiMexico, 1 traditionCoculaUnited States, 1 traditionColumbiaMexico, 1 traditionCuetzalanUnited States, 1 traditionDartmouthUnited States, 1 traditionDetroitUnited States, 1 traditionDuluthUnited States, 1 traditionElkoUnited States, 1 traditionEustisUnited States, 1 traditionFairbanksUnited States, 1 traditionFalcon HeightsUnited States, 1 traditionGlendaleUnited States, 1 traditionGloucesterMexico, 1 traditionHuamantlaCanada, 1 traditionIqaluitGreenland, 1 traditionIttoqqortoormiitUnited States, 1 traditionKaktovikUnited States, 1 traditionKetchikanUnited States, 1 traditionKey WestUnited States, 1 traditionLafayetteUnited States, 1 traditionLancasterUnited States, 1 traditionLaredoUnited States, 1 traditionLas VegasUnited States, 1 traditionLewistownCanada, 1 traditionLunenburgUnited States, 1 traditionManchesterMexico, 1 traditionMazatlánUnited States, 1 traditionMinneapolisMexico, 1 traditionMonterreyCanada, 1 traditionMontréalA city of festivals and bagels, where French, English and many diasporas share summers of jazz and winters of snow.United States, 1 traditionNomeUnited States, 1 traditionNorth CarolinaUnited States, 1 traditionNuiqsutUnited States, 1 traditionOaklandMexico, 1 traditionPapantlaUnited States, 1 traditionPark HillUnited States, 1 traditionPasadenaUnited States, 1 traditionPetersburgUnited States, 1 traditionPittsburghUnited States, 1 traditionPleasantonUnited States, 1 traditionPoint HopeUnited States, 1 traditionProspectUnited States, 1 traditionPunxsutawneyGreenland, 1 traditionQaanaaqUnited States, 1 traditionQuarryvilleUnited States, 1 traditionRaven's RoostUnited States, 1 traditionRed Lake Indian ReservationUnited States, 1 traditionRochesterUnited States, 1 traditionRushfordUnited States, 1 traditionSaint PaulMexico, 1 traditionSan Antonino VelazcoUnited States, 1 traditionSan DiegoMexico, 1 traditionSan Luis PotosíMexico, 1 traditionSan Salvador HuixcolotlaUnited States, 1 traditionSanta CruzUnited States, 1 traditionSavannahCanada, 1 traditionSchombergUnited States, 1 traditionShreveportUnited States, 1 traditionSparksBermuda, 1 traditionSt George'sBermuda, 1 traditionSt. David's IslandCanada, 1 traditionSt. John'sUnited States, 1 traditionTahlequahUnited States, 1 traditionTampaUnited States, 1 traditionTananaMexico, 1 traditionTijuanaCanada, 1 traditionVegrevilleCanada, 1 traditionVerchèresUnited States, 1 traditionWilmingtonUnited States, 1 traditionWinonaMexico, 1 traditionZozocolco de Hidalgo
Latin America and the Caribbean
Bolivia, 6 traditionsLa PazThe highest seat of government on earth, where Gran Poder, Alasitas and the Witches' Market keep Andean faith.Bolivia, 6 traditionsOruroArgentina, 5 traditionsBuenos AiresThe city of tango, asado and the mate round, with Sunday family meals of milanesa and the dulce de leche cake.Uruguay, 5 traditionsMontevideoA river-plate capital whose candombe drummers, Carnival of ninety days and the mate flask are everyday sights.Peru, 5 traditionsPunoBrazil, 5 traditionsSão PauloBolivia, 4 traditionsPotosíBrazil, 4 traditionsRio de JaneiroThe city of Carnaval, samba schools and New Year's Eve in white on Copacabana, with Brazil's national dish, feijoada.Chile, 4 traditionsSantiagoThe capital of Chile, with Fiestas Patrias, empanadas, cueca dancing and the wine harvest nearby.Peru, 3 traditionsCuscoThe old Inca capital, where Inti Raymi, Qoyllur Rit'i and the Corpus Christi processions blend Andean and Catholic faith.Peru, 3 traditionsLimaA coastal capital where ceviche is a national holiday, the Lord of Miracles procession paints the streets purple and criollo music rules.Puerto Rico, 3 traditionsPonceBrazil, 3 traditionsRecifeBrazil, 3 traditionsSalvadorThe Afro-Brazilian heart of the country, home of Candomblé, capoeira, acarajé and the Lavagem do Bonfim.Colombia, 2 traditionsCaliBelize, 2 traditionsDangrigaCuba, 2 traditionsHavanaA city of son and rumba, Santería ceremonies, domino tables and a coffee culture of small cups.Argentina, 2 traditionsLa PlataPanama, 2 traditionsLas TablasPuerto Rico, 2 traditionsLoízaBolivia, 2 traditionsMachaArgentina, 2 traditionsMendozaBrazil, 2 traditionsOlindaHaiti, 2 traditionsPort-au-PrinceArgentina, 2 traditionsSaltaA northern colonial city where the Miracle feast, Andean folk music and empanadas salteñas define a distinct Argentina.Guatemala, 1 traditionAntigua GuatemalaA colonial town beneath volcanoes, famed for Holy Week alfombras of coloured sawdust and flowers.Chile, 1 traditionAricaUruguay, 1 traditionArtigasParaguay, 1 traditionAsunciónThe capital of Paraguay, with bilingual Spanish and Guaraní, the ñandutí lace and the tereré drinking circle.Haiti, 1 traditionAux CayesColombia, 1 traditionBarranquillaThe home of the Carnaval de Barranquilla, one of the largest carnivals in the world, a UNESCO masterpiece.Brazil, 1 traditionBelémGuyana, 1 traditionBerbiceCuba, 1 traditionCamajuaníBrazil, 1 traditionCaruaruTrinidad and Tobago, 1 traditionCedrosTrinidad and Tobago, 1 traditionChaguanasGuatemala, 1 traditionChichicastenangoA Maya highland town whose market and Santo Tomás church mix Catholic and K'iche' ritual.Panama, 1 traditionChitréJamaica, 1 traditionClarendonBolivia, 1 traditionCochabambaPanama, 1 traditionColónArgentina, 1 traditionCórdobaBrazil, 1 traditionFortalezaGuyana, 1 traditionGeorgetownThe capital of Guyana, with Phagwah and Mashramani, a wooden cathedral and a table of pepperpot.Haiti, 1 traditionGonaïvesEcuador, 1 traditionGuayaquilHaiti, 1 traditionJacmelA coastal town of papier-mâché masks, where the Kanaval and its great parade celebrate resistance and fantasy.Guatemala, 1 traditionJoyabajJamaica, 1 traditionKingstonThe home of reggae, with Rastafari, Emancipation Day and a table of ackee, saltfish and jerk.Honduras, 1 traditionLa EsperanzaDominican Republic, 1 traditionLa VegaEcuador, 1 traditionLatacungaNicaragua, 1 traditionLeónGuyana, 1 traditionLindenPuerto Rico, 1 traditionMayagüezColombia, 1 traditionMedellínJamaica, 1 traditionMontego BayBahamas, 1 traditionNassauThe capital of The Bahamas, where Junkanoo rushes through the streets on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.Panama, 1 traditionPanama CityA canal capital where the pollera dress, Carnaval and Black Christ procession tie history and faith together.Suriname, 1 traditionParamariboThe capital of Suriname, where a mosque and a synagogue stand side by side and Keti Koti marks emancipation.Colombia, 1 traditionPastoUruguay, 1 traditionPaysandúTrinidad and Tobago, 1 traditionPort of SpainThe capital of Trinidad and Tobago, home of Carnival, calypso, steelpan, doubles and Diwali's Divali Nagar.Costa Rica, 1 traditionPuntarenasEcuador, 1 traditionQuitoA high Andean capital, with the Inti Raymi and Corpus Christi celebrations of its Kichwa neighbours and a colonial heart.Chile, 1 traditionRancaguaCuba, 1 traditionRemediosGuatemala, 1 traditionSan Andrés ItzapaArgentina, 1 traditionSan Antonio de ArecoCosta Rica, 1 traditionSan Antonio de EscazúTrinidad and Tobago, 1 traditionSan FernandoCosta Rica, 1 traditionSan JoséThe capital of Costa Rica, the home of the painted oxcart, the Pura Vida greeting and gallo pinto at breakfast.Puerto Rico, 1 traditionSan JuanA walled Caribbean city with a night of San Juan Bautista, plena and the longest Christmas in the world.Argentina, 1 traditionSan MartínDominican Republic, 1 traditionSan Pedro de MacorísDominican Republic, 1 traditionSantiagoGuatemala, 1 traditionSantiago AtitlánCuba, 1 traditionSantiago de CubaThe cradle of son and the Caribbean Carnival of July, with the Virgin of Charity as patron of Cuba.Dominican Republic, 1 traditionSantiago de los CaballerosArgentina, 1 traditionSantiago del EsteroBrazil, 1 traditionSanto AmaroDominican Republic, 1 traditionSanto DomingoThe oldest European city in the Americas, where merengue, bachata and La Bandera breakfast are daily pleasure.El Salvador, 1 traditionSonsonateBolivia, 1 traditionSucreCuba, 1 traditionTaguayabónBolivia, 1 traditionTiwanakuPeru, 1 traditionTrujilloArgentina, 1 traditionTunuyánBolivia, 1 traditionUyuniColombia, 1 traditionValleduparPanama, 1 traditionVilla de Los SantosChile, 1 traditionViña del MarCuba, 1 traditionVueltasCuba, 1 traditionZuluetaGuatemala, 1 traditionZunil
Oceania
Australia, 10 traditionsSydneyA harbour city where Aboriginal heritage, Chinese New Year and an outdoor barbecue culture all have a place.New Zealand, 9 traditionsAucklandNew Zealand, 7 traditionsWellingtonAustralia, 4 traditionsCanberraAustralia, 4 traditionsMelbourneNew Zealand, 4 traditionsRotoruaA geothermal city in the Maori heartland where the hangi oven and the haka are part of the welcome.New Zealand, 3 traditionsWaitangiNew Zealand, 2 traditionsChristchurchAustralia, 1 traditionAdelaideAustralia, 1 traditionBendigoAustralia, 1 traditionGeelongPapua New Guinea, 1 traditionGorokaA highlands town where each September the show brings together dozens of clans in feathers and paint.Australia, 1 traditionHobartThe southern harbour city of Tasmania, where the Sydney to Hobart yacht race ends and a midwinter festival lights the dark.Australia, 1 traditionKatherineMicronesia, 1 traditionLamotrekAustralia, 1 traditionManingridaPapua New Guinea, 1 traditionMaprikKiribati, 1 traditionNonoutiKiribati, 1 traditionOnotoaVanuatu, 1 traditionPentecost IslandMicronesia, 1 traditionPollapNew Zealand, 1 traditionPoriruaPapua New Guinea, 1 traditionPort MoresbyVanuatu, 1 traditionPort VilaThe capital of Vanuatu, tied to the kava bar, the yam harvest and the land diving of Pentecost Island.Micronesia, 1 traditionPuluwatAustralia, 1 traditionRaminginingMicronesia, 1 traditionSatawalFiji, 1 traditionSuvaThe capital of Fiji, where the kava ceremony, the lovo feast and Diwali all belong to the year.Kiribati, 1 traditionTabiteueaAustralia, 1 traditionTamworthNew Zealand, 1 traditionTe AwamutuPapua New Guinea, 1 traditionTrobriand IslandsAustralia, 1 traditionYirrkala