Best cities to visit in Asia

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Asia's world cities combine ancient urban histories with some of the most dramatic contemporary development anywhere, producing metropolitan environments where centuries of accumulated culture sit alongside infrastructure and skylines that have transformed within a single generation. The continent's major cities are among the most populous on earth and operate at a scale and intensity that makes even experienced urban travellers recalibrate their sense of what a large city actually means.

East and Southeast Asian cities have developed exceptional public transport infrastructure that makes navigating dense urban environments straightforward and affordable. Food culture in the continent's major cities is among the most varied and serious in the world, with street food traditions, hawker centres and restaurant scenes that reward dedicated exploration well beyond any single visit. Distinct neighbourhood characters within each city provide itinerary depth that extends far beyond headline landmarks.

Air quality and heat affect outdoor urban exploration considerably across much of the region and seasonal timing matters more than in temperate cities. Accommodation costs in the most visited world cities vary considerably, with some of Asia's greatest urban destinations offering strong value by global standards while others sit at the higher end of international city travel costs. Advance booking for popular cultural institutions is advisable during peak season.