Home to the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg was hit hard during 17th-century wars and rebuilt in the 18th century with baroque buildings. For a pleasant walk, stroll through the historic city centre's Gothic streets. Be sure to take in Heidelberg Castle, the symbolic heart of the city; Alte Brucke, a beautiful 18th-century bridge; and the Student Jail. Built as long ago as the 16th century, it was used to keep mischievous students off the streets for three days to a month at a time. And they say Penn State is the number-one party school!

Manchester is a vibrant and welcoming city, bursting with unmissable experiences. Whether you’re looking for culture, music, sport, food and drink, nightlife, or just good fun, this city has it all. Make magical memories as you discover the sights and sounds of the city. Lose yourself in live music with top gigs and shows. Enrich your mind and soul with world-class culture or experience the thrill of live sport with regular games and matches. Plan your trip to Manchester today.

Leeds, a city in West Yorkshire, England, was one of the leading centers of industry in Victorian England. The Leeds City Museum is a great place to brush up on local history, and many TripAdvisor travelers say no visit to town is complete without exploring the Royal Armouries. You’ll also find lovely parks and a lively restaurant scene, with many eateries specializing in international cuisine.

Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea provide the cinema-worthy backdrop for Taormina, Sicily's legendary resort town. Twisting mediaeval streets and a second-century Greek theatre add to its romantic air, which inspired the writings of D.H. Lawrence and Truman Capote. Take a cable car to the beach, or walk uphill behind the Church of St. Joseph for panoramic views.

Iceland’s biggest city, Reykjavik bears the distinction of being the world’s northernmost capital, and for virtually every Icelandic visitor it serves as a gateway, just to the city itself or to the rugged adventure options beyond. Founded in the country’s southwest at the end of the 18th century, Reykjavik has been Iceland’s cultural hub ever since. These days, that culture includes a hip and internationally recognised music and arts scene, not to mention a notoriously wild nightlife.

You've got to walk the Freedom Trail the first time you visit Boston. That's just a given. Make sure you step off the line on the pavement, though, and explore some of Boston's fine museums (try the Gardner—art masterpieces displayed in their collector's mansion) and old neighbourhoods (like the North End, where you can get the best cannoli this side of Italy). You can't claim to have experienced real Boston culture, though, unless you've watched a Red Sox game from the bleachers.

For a small city, Columbus has a lot to offer. Once somewhat eclipsed by Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio's capital city has emerged to offer visitors world-class culture, sports, entertainment and a vibe all of its own. Enjoy a day at the zoo, aquarium or the nationally-known science centre. Art lovers will relish the collections at the Columbus Museum of Art and gardeners will revel in the magnificent roses at Whetstone Park. The Franklin Conservatory and Botanical Garden also boasts beautiful flora and fauna. And the city is chock-full of government landmarks, both historic and modern. Spend the weekend savouring celebrated attractions and exploring unique neighbourhoods, all served up in Columbus's welcoming, friendly style.

If you’re a history buff and a die-hard foodie, Chicago’s your kind of town. Take an architectural-history walking tour, then dine at Alinea (the most celebrated molecular-gastronomy restaurant in the U.S.). And don’t miss the Museum of Science and Industry, the biggest science museum in the Western Hemisphere.

At the shore in Miami Beach, visitors can swim, surf and jet ski in the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. You can also nap on the white sands, work on a tan or simply watch the beautiful people, especially at South Beach, a favourite of models and celebrities.