Some places are more well-known than others. That's exactly how things work. Perhaps Paris would not be the tourist mecca it is now if Gustave Eiffel's most famous work of engineering had not been built. Similarly, if Venice had been built on a higher plain, city officials might not have had to take steps to reduce visitor traffic on its main street.

The reasons why certain areas seem to attract the most attention appear to be fortuitous, and whether it's because they were first, became a poster child for the 'grime, or took advantage of a favourable geographic location, there are certain spots that will always be at the top of the list.

Popular Marbella Spain

Counterpart Beirut Lebanon

What exactly are you talking about? That's right, you read it accurately. It may appear at first to be chalk and cheese; after all, Marbella is the flash and glam capital of Spain's mainland. It's where you'll go to view fast vehicles, eat delicious food, do some shopping, and enjoy a taste of the high life.

So why would I contemplate a city associated with its war-torn past, a city that is frequently used as a quip or the punchline of a joke? But when I went to Beirut earlier this year, I was blown away by how nice it was. Its waterfront avenue was flanked with high-rise residential buildings and boutiques like Tom Ford, Versace, and Giorgio Armani, as well as the city's own Yacht Club.

I saw Ferraris and Lamborghinis. It was a lot finer than I expected, with a Bentley and wonderful meals (only Rome and possibly Madrid have beaten it for me so far). Despite being an Arabic country, it is absolutely safe and quite liberal, even if some parts of town still show the scars of the past. The Jeita Grotto, Pigeon Rocks, Roman Baths, and Beirut Souks are just a few of the sights to see in Beirut.

Popular Las Vegas – United States of America

Counterpart Macau China

China is infamous for producing counterfeit goods, so it's no surprise that they have a city that looks eerily identical to the one in the Nevada desert. Its name is Las Vegas, and it is the entertainment hub of the United States, with world-class gambling facilities.

Macau is China's answer to Vegas. This former Portuguese colony is now a Chinese special administrative zone and a gambling paradise, with the gaming industry accounting for over half of the country's GDP. It not only has a natural resemblance to Las Vegas, but it also has hotels like the Wynn Macau and The Venetian Macau. Does this ring a bell?

Chinese temples stand on Portuguese tile in this dependence.

, and opulent structures dominate the skyline. Check out this online casino guide if you need to brush up on your abilities before you go.

Popular London- United Kingdom

Counterpart Moscow – Russia

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it also has a lot of influence on the international stage. That's similar to its eastern counterpart, Moscow, the capital of the world's largest country.

London is a must-see for many tourists visiting Europe each year, but while Moscow is equally impressive, it receives far less attention. One reason for this is the country's visa issue — the application process is lengthy and expensive.

However, if you can get past it, you'll discover an amazing city full of breathtaking landmarks and attractions. Red Square is very magnificent, and there is something to see no matter where you look. The colourful spires of Saint Basil's Cathedral are one of the most recognisable sights on the earth, and there's also the Kremlin – the Russian Federation's official house – and GUM, a high-end shopping mall.

Where London has the Shard, Moscow has the Federation Tower, Europe's highest tower. Izmailovo Kremlin is reminiscent of Camden and Borough Markets, and sites like the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center and Gorky Park add to Moscow's tourism arsenal.

Popular – Paris – France

Counterpart – Bucharest – Romanian

Paris, like London, is in great demand, which means there's a lot of it. When there's a lot of it, places tend to capitalise by raising prices. That is precisely what has occurred in Paris, one of Europe's most costly cities. So, why not visit Bucharest, the "Paris of the East," to get more bang for your buck?

Romania's capital city may not be regarded as a conventional tourist destination, but it is significantly less expensive than Paris, although showcasing some French flare of its own. Bucharest earned its nickname in the early twentieth century not only because of its elegant architecture, such as the Arcul de Triums (I'll leave it to you to figure out what it's based on) and the buildings that line Calea Victorei, but also because locals greeted each other in French, wore the latest Paris fashions, and frequently travelled to France's capital to study.

If you're in Bucharest these days, you can take advantage of the city's fantastic selection of bars and restaurants (which contribute to its reputation as a great city for stag and hen parties), stroll through the lovely Herastrau Park, or be wowed by a tour of the Palace of the Parliament, the world's third-largest administrative building.

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