When we say hot places, we mean places that you should go to before you die. We mean places that any self-respecting citizen of the world would want to visit for the nightlife, the parties, the people and the culture. In this list, we rate ten locations all over the world according to the aforementioned criteria. Pack up and buckle down. This should be a fun ride.

10. Boracay Island, Philippines

Boracay Island is one of the premier beaches of Southeast Asia. Its white sand beaches are the main attraction and you’ll want to stay for a relaxing stroll along the beach in the morning and the party atmosphere in the evening. Its people are a delight. The locals are accommodating and hospitable. Despite being in a completely foreign environment, it will be easy for you to feel at home. There are several small hotels that provide affordable accommodations while being highly rated by customers, such as Dave’s Straw Hat Inn and Boracay Hills. The beaches are beautiful and the nightlife is top-notch. What more could you ask for?

9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Another entrant because of its reputation as a party beach, Rio de Janeiro has entered mass consciousness so effectively that a lot of people mistake it for the capital of Brazil. It is best known for its carnival called the "Escolas de Samba," a two-week celebration that features thousands of people lining the streets and dancing in celebration. Rio is also known for its New Year’s Eve celebrations. The display and music (Rio being the birthplace of the samba and the bossa nova) attracts celebrators from all over the world. The costs are quite manageable and knowing how to haggle will definitely come in handy as you navigate the various markets of Rio.

A panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro

The only downside is that certain areas of Rio are infested with slums, and after dark, the downtown area has been known to be full of thieves. Still, this element adds another twist to Rio; it’s a paradise with a hint of danger.

8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is known for freedom. This city allows things that most states prohibit. Witness the red light district. Notice as marijuana is sold in coffeeshops. Amsterdam is the city that believes in maximum freedom, which serves as a magnet for many thrill-seeking youth all over the world. It also scores high on the culture meter. Amsterdam has plenty of museums for those who want to soak it in, but it also has the requisite clubs and night spots that can help you party out all those hours of learning. Its streets are lined with various cafes and restaurants with cuisine ranging widely enough to cater to practically any craving of the taste buds.

7. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is one of the more well-known Asian cities. Tokyo is able to boast a lot of things that merits its entry into this list. Japanese cuisine is one of the most popular in the world and the Japanese do it best. Immersing yourself in the culture will also be rewarding. Oriental cultures still maintain some form of mystery to the ordinary traveller. In Tokyo, practically everything is infused with Eastern-Japanese flavor.

A panoramic view of Tokyo

Tokyo cares about your convenience. Its public transportation system is one of the most efficient in the world. Convenience stores also live up to their name. They’re not just everywhere; they also carry items that you would normally have to go to a mall for in any other city. Tokyo convenience stores know that the needs of tourists can be completely random and unprecedented. Where else would you find a convenience store that sells underwear?

6. London, England

London is a center of culture and nightlife. Various theaters with aspiring thespians can be found in London. These thespians take their craft very seriously and a career in London’s theater scene has been the push needed by some to make a name for themselves. Shakespeare’s Globe Theater can be found within this lovely city, a tribute to William Shakespeare, considered the greatest English playwright ever. London has magnificent gardens and zoos that captivate the imagination. The Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral (where the late Princess Diana was wed to Prince Charles) are also wonderful structures you can visit to get a sense of history and marvel at architectural achievements of the past.

A panoramic view of London

The only drawback when it comes to visiting London is the price tag. London can be unbelievably expensive for the non-savvy traveler. Best you start saving up or learn the tricks of the trade quickly.

5. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok combines modernity and traditionalism. Known as a shopping mecca, it sells quality goods at low prices. A string of malls connected by bridges can be found at the heart of it. Night markets abound and knowing how to haggle comes into play. Designer shops can also be found in great abundance if that’s more your speed.

A panoramic view of Bangkok

Bangkok is home to temples that will dazzle you with beauty and overwhelm you with their history. Public transportation is easy to use as well. If you’d rather not take a cab, you can use the train system. It’s laid out well enough that even tourists can use it with ease. Various massage parlors remain open until 2:00 AM, offering services ranging from foot massages to full body ones using various techniques. Some go to witness what happens in the famous Pat Pong, the Bangkok Red Light District. No matter what you’re looking for, parties, relaxation, shopping, culture, or good food, you can be rest assured you’ll find it here.

4. Barcelona, Spain

In Barcelona, you can find Spanish culture imbued in the streets as you watch a Flamenco dancer sway her hips to the beat. Art galleries and museums are also abundant. There is even a museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso, the acclaimed Spanish painter. In it, the paintings of the late Picasso are arranged chronologically. Seeing his work arranged in such a manner provides insight into the inner workings of Picasso’s mind as his life went on.

Beaches are also available for your sunbathing and relaxation needs. Practically anything that a tourist could possibly want is available in Barcelona. Being a popular destination for backpackers, Barcelona also offers a variety of affordable, yet comfortable accommodations. Hostels are quite popular and safe. The people are friendly enough, and if you’re looking for some romance, you will find the people of Barcelona gorgeous.

3. Sydney, Australia

Surrounded by beaches, Sydney is a tourist haven. It’s a walking city where you can see urbanites and provincial people mingle. The food choice reflects the true triumph of a melting pot; most cuisines are represented if you’d take a close look at the cafes and restaurants that can be found in this city. One of the more popular structures in Sydney is the Sydney Opera House — acknowledged as a World Heritage site.

Those looking for a party can be satisfied by a great variety of bars and clubs that are packed with residents and tourists alike night after night. Nature-lovers can take pleasure in enjoying the Australian environment without subjecting themselves to the dangerous Outback by visiting various zoos, gardens and parks within the metropolis. Cultural appetites can be whetted by the galleries and museums. Those looking for a more interactive look into Sydney’s everyday cultural evolution can satisfy their curiosity with the live entertainment options within the city. Kids won’t be bored either. Sydney is the city that caters to everyone.

2. Paris, France

Paris is considered by many to be the center of culture in the world. From the Louvre to the Champs-Elysees, its artistic and cultural attractions are enough to put most other cities to shame. The Louvre houses the largest art collection in the entire world. Touring it and looking through every single piece could not be accomplished within a day. Serious art lovers dream of going here because no other museum in the world houses so much of humankind’s artistic achievements, with most eras of history and most cultural movers and shakers represented within the Louvre’s walls. Paris lives up to its reputation as the cultural capital of the world with, not just the representation of still visual art, but a good selection of musicals, ballets, opera, dance and concerts to choose from every night. Bistros and cafes can be found littered all over the city to answer to the call of your palate. Also known as the most romantic country in the world, the home of Napoleon’s Tomb and the Notre Dame Cathedral, how could Paris not be included in any list that talks about tourist hotspots?

1. New York City

New York City doesn’t really seem like a tourist destination. It’s definitely not as old as some of the locations on this list, but New York is a certified urban jungle. New York City is all about mixing different people in one location and watching them thrive and survive with each other. No one ever looks like a tourist in this city because it’s a true melting pot. New York City is home to some of the world’s most popular cultural locations, such as The Metropolitan Museum.

A panoramic view of New York City at night

New York City provides for the needs of most travelers. As a city that never sleeps, convenience is taken care of as most convenience stores remain open past the time sanity dictates. New York City isn’t inhabited by the friendliest people, but it most certainly provides for the most interesting collection of human beings. It’s a cross between bohemian lifestyles and formality, with a hint of capitalistic drive. New York City is a city of the world. As a traveler, it is your duty to see it.

Some may find themselves complaining over the omission of other cities. Cities like Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles were omitted because the commitment to only including one city from every country had to be kept. Other runners-up include popular Spring Break locations like the Greek Islands, quietly romantic city Prague, and cultural heaven Rome.

These cities epitomize different things about the history of humankind. They’re also, surprisingly, quite representative of the different regions of the world. Most of the entrants on this list are symbolic of a triumph in erasing borders and recognizing individuals as people in a melting pot. In these places, race doesn’t really matter anymore because people just want to do what makes them happy. Plus, people all over the world visit these locales; everyone looks like they could be their next-door neighbors to them.