Certain cities have become so famous that they overshadow their countries. These cities attract millions of tourists with their unique blend of attractions. Here, we explore some lesser-known facts about these renowned cities.

 

01. New York City, USA

 Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline statue of liberty newyork city stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Known for the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, New York City also boasts the world's smallest church. "Our Lady of the Roses" chapel, located on the Hudson River, measures just 8 feet by 10 feet and can only fit two people at a time.

 

02. Istanbul, Turkey

 Hagia Sophia or Ayasofya Mosque, Istanbul. Hagia Sophia or Ayasofya is a former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal basilica (church), later an imperial mosque, and now a museum (Ayasofya Müzesi) in Istanbul, Turkey. Hagia Sophia stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Famous for the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Istanbul also has an underground network of Byzantine cisterns. The Basilica Cistern, supported by 336 marble columns, once provided water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and now offers a surreal visitor experience.

 

03. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 Aerial of Rio de Janeiro Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro on a sunny day taken from a helicopter. In view are the landmarks Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer, stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Beyond Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro is home to the world's largest urban forest, the Tijuca Forest. Replanted by hand in the 19th century, this lush expanse offers a natural escape within the city.

 

04. Los Angeles, USA

 Santa Monica Pier on the background of an orange sunset, calm ocean waves, Los Angeles, California Santa Monica Pier on the background of an orange sunset, calm ocean waves, Los Angeles, California Santa Monica Pier stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Known for Hollywood, Los Angeles also features the only solar-powered Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier. This eco-friendly attraction symbolizes the city's commitment to sustainability.

 

05. Amsterdam, Netherlands

 Amsterdam summer sunrise Beautiful sunrise over Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with flowers and bicycles on the bridge in spring canals, Amsterdam stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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While famous for its canals, Amsterdam also has the KattenKabinet, a museum dedicated to cats. This unique museum showcases feline-themed artwork, making it a must-visit for cat lovers.

 

06. Rome, Italy

 Rome, Italy at the Ancient Colosseum Amphitheater Rome, Italy at the Colosseum Amphitheater with the sunrise through the entranceway. Colosseum and Vatican stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Besides the Colosseum and Vatican, Rome has the "Keyhole of Rome" on Aventine Hill. This keyhole offers a perfectly framed view of St. Peter's Basilica, providing a magical perspective of the city.

 

07. San Francisco, USA

 Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco famous Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco at night, USA Golden Gate Bridge stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco also has the "Wave Organ," an acoustic sculpture that creates music from waves. Located in the Marina district, it offers a unique and serene experience.

 

08. Dubai, UAE

 Burj Al Arab Hotel and a marina, Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates - December 10, 2014: The Burj Al Arab Hotel, left side on the beach near Madinat Jumeriah Resort. The Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,053 ft), it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world. The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It is an iconic structure whose shape mimics the sail of a ship. Burj Al Arab stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Known for the Burj Khalifa, Dubai is also home to the world's first "7-star" hotel, the Burj Al Arab. This luxurious hotel offers unmatched services, including a Rolls-Royce fleet and a private helipad.

 

09. London, UK

 London Tower Bridge illuminated at sunset over River Thames panorama Summer sunset skies above the iconic span of Tower Bridge above the slow moving waters of the River Thames in the heart of London, Britain's vibrant capital city. Tower of London stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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While Big Ben and the Tower of London are well-known, London also has the world's oldest surviving music hall, Wilton's Music Hall. Dating back to the 1850s, it still hosts performances and retains its original charm.

 

10. Bangkok, Thailand

 Bangkok, Thailand at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace Bangkok, Thailand at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace at dusk. Bangkok, Thailand stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Known for its street markets and temples, Bangkok also houses the world's largest solid gold statue, the Golden Buddha. Weighing over 5.5 tons and nearly 10 feet tall, this statue was discovered hidden beneath plaster in the 1950s.

 

These cities offer much more than their famous landmarks. They hide unique attractions and stories that continue to captivate visitors worldwide.