Sophie Davies

Amsterdam has far more to it than racy window displays and smoke-laced coffee shops; it’s lively and picturesque, with tree-lined canals weaving between historic townhouses, quirky boutiques and more bikes than you can poke a poffertje at.

Germany’s creative capital Berlin is one of Europe’s most exciting cities, offering cutting-edge art, bars, restaurants and clubs, backdropped by historic monuments and happening modern architecture.

With its dramatic coastal setting and skyscrapers rising from the sand, Dubai glitters like a mirage in the desert.

With a population of over 10 million, Indonesia’s capital Jakarta is nicknamed the ‘Big Durian’.

So, you’ve been to NY and LA, but have you been to KL? Malaysia’s tropical-modern capital Kuala Lumpur  is a heady mix of megamalls, markets, temples and skyscraping towers.

Stylish seaside city Barcelona, in north-east Spain, seduces with dramatic design, cutting-edge food and lashings of Catalan charm… Sleep: Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, on prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, offers 98 luxe rooms, Michelin-starred dining and a gorgeous spa, with rooftop snacking by the view-blessed pool in summer.

Buzzing with stylish stays, vertiginous rooftop bars and gourmet grazing, Thailand’s capital Bangkok is the ultimate spot to mix business and pleasure… Sleep: You’ll love luxe new hotel The Siam, right on the riverfront with the city’s only pool villas, elegant jazz-age-inspired wining and dining, a spa, pool, screening room and cooking school.

Italy’s industrious, caffeine-fuelled northern city Milan is famous for fashion, design and the beautiful game… Sleep: For a minimal design den near the Duomo, stay at Straf Hotel & Bar, starring textile-draped interiors by fashion talent Vincenzo de Cotiis.

New Zealand’s buzziest city, North Island hot spot Auckland  offers a striking harbourside setting, cultural cool, and smart wining and dining… Sleep: Art deco goes Pop at central Hotel DeBrett in Auckland, in the heart of the CBD’s shopping-sorted High Street.

The ultimate 21st-century city, Shanghai boasts a striking skyline, glam dining and a seductive shopping scene… Sleep: For luxe urban lodgings in shopping-central Nanjing Road, book an art- and antique-filled boudoir at Jia Shanghai.

France’s fabulous capital Paris is nothing if not chic, with easy-on-the-eye architecture, romantic cafés and beautiful boutiques… Sleep: Classically Parisian, the Montalembert offers an elegant restaurant and bar, sneak-peek views of the Eiffel Tower from its eighth-floor rooms, and an unbeatable St Germain des Prés location, handy for designer stores.

The compact Lion City is perfect for a stylish stopover or short stay, with multi-culti dining, hot shops and buzzy rooftop bars all within strolling distance… Shop: Hit high-end megamall Ion Orchard, at 2 Orchard Turn, a dramatic edifice with a damaging amount of fashion brands inside.