4 of the Best Asian Cities to Visit for First-Time Travellers

The Best Asian Cities to Visit for First-Time Travellers

With a population of 4.7 billion people, Asia is the most populous and largest continent on Earth geographically. As such, it has one of the most diverse groups of people and locations ever. From India to China, Nepal, and Vietnam, there is so much to see and learn about this culture-rich continent.

However, Asia can be very intimidating to the first-time traveller, as its large population means that cities and tourist sites are often crowded. And the region is so enormous that tourists usually don’t know where to start.

Are you a first-time traveller? Have your set your sights on Asia? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place for a gentle nudge to get booking flights – Asia is a great continent to explore, and these cities are among the best Asian cities to begin your adventure.

NOTE: Always check travel restrictions before planning your trip.

4 of the Best Asian Cities to Visit for First-Time Travellers

Best Asian Cities to Visit for First-Time Travellers #1

Colombo, Sri Lanka

If you want to start your world travels in more relaxed countries, consider beginning with Colombo.

In Sri Lanka, this South Asian city is a melting pot of people from all races, cultures, and religions. Visitors to the country’s capital city would be amazed by how new and traditional influences have merged to give it a unique blend.

Featuring both cosmopolitan and swanky modern skyscrapers, office buildings and hotels, as well as red-tiled colonial buildings, it truly is a city of contrasts.

There are a number of iconic buildings to check out during your stay, from the Khan Clock Tower to the Red Mosque. Take a trip on a tuk-tuk to the Pettah Bazaar where you’ll find the city’s exciting food scene and get the opportunity to eat like a local.

Fancy some shopping? You’re in luck, because Colombo has a great selection of boutiques and local stores for the traveller that loves a little retail therapy.

If you’re a tea enthusiast, make sure to try out the original Ceylon Tea and other exotic flavours as well.

Colombo is an exciting city to visit and there are tons of accommodation options, but if you want a real feel, why not check in to a beach shack or one of its several colonial mansions!

Best Asian Cities to Visit for First-Time Travellers #2

Bali, Indonesia

INDONESIA, the largest archipelago in the world to form a single state, consists of five main islands and some 30 smaller archipelagoes, totaling about 18,110 islands and islets of which about 6,000 are inhabited.’

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Bali is the most visited island out of Indonesia’s 18,000 islands! It also has a solid tourist foundation and structure, making it one of the safest Asian islands to visit for the first time.

If you like to party hearty make sure to visit Kuta, where you’ll find several beaches, cafes, and nightclubs to have a good time. You can also check other lively party streets like Canggu and Legian.

But rest assured, Bali doesn’t just cater for people looking to party. If you want a more relaxing scene, check out areas such as Ubud, Seminyak and Uluwatu which have more laid-back beaches and are popular for romantic getaways and honeymooners.

Like most holiday destinations, Bali gets busy during the summer season, April through to September, so if you want something quieter, the best time to visit is either side of these months in March and October.

Best Asian Cities to Visit for First-Time Travellers #3

Singapore, Singapore

Compared to a number of Southeast Asian countries, Singapore is one of the cleanest, safest, and easiest to navigate.

Therefore, it’s a recommended destination and one of the best Asian cities for new travellers. It’s also relatively easy to get to; with hundreds of direct flights from the UK to Singapore every week. According to Skyscanner, as of October 2023, there are ‘299 flights per week flying from London to Singapore Changi’

Singapore has a super selection of shops and museums around the city, along with several tourist destinations you can visit during your stay. Check out the Botanic Gardens, the Singapore Flyer, and the ever-famous Marina Sands Bay Resort, where you can have a breathtaking view of the city at the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool.

Although it is a relatively expensive city especially when compared to other Asian cities, Singapore is still more affordable than most cities in the West.

Best Asian Cities to Visit for First-Time Travellers #4

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is well deserved of a place on this ‘Best Asian Cities for First-Time Travellers’ listing. It’s the perfect choice for first-time travellers looking for something different from other well-known Asian cities. Plus, it has unique cuisine that is definitely worth trying out.

Seoul is a contemporary city that is big and lively, but despite its modern look, there are many historical sites and temples worth visiting.

Visit the Gwanghwamun Square and check out statues of King Sejong the Great and some of his inventions. To get a bird’s eye view of the city, visit the N Seoul Tower. It has a total height of 236m and is definitely not for the faint-hearted! For a little shopping, ensure that you visit the Namdaemun Market and enjoy local dishes at affordable prices.

The featured cities are only four of the best Asian cities in the world for first-time travellers – there are so many more cities across Asia that have exciting sites, unique histories, wonderful traditions and cultures including food. However, it can be overwhelming when selecting where to go but we do hope this article gave you some food for thought, and helped you narrow down your list.

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