7 of the best cities for culture vultures

Are you the sort of person who picks a city break over bumming around on the beach? Do you hop off the plane with a guidebook full of post-it notes, ready to frog-march your companions around every notable sight in the vicinity? Then read on, because this is a list of your must-visit destinations, cities so jam-packed with culture and history that you'll barely have time to stop for a coffee!
 

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Rome is the ultimate city for any lover of art and history; from the full-on grandeur of Vatican City to the majesty of the Colosseum and the romance of the Trevi Fountain, it doesn't just have culture, it has variety.

Top pick: the Sistine Chapel is a must for any art-lover.

Paris is the city of love and a close second to Rome, heaving as it is with world famous art galleries and beautiful architecture. Make sure to visit some of the smaller attractions like the Sainte-Chapelle, home to some of the world's most beautiful stained glass.

Top pick: Notre Dame should definitely make your list - book a guided tour to get the most out of it.

New York culture might not have such deep historical roots as the great cities of Europe, but its pop culture credentials are second to none. Check out the New York Public Library for all sorts of free exhibitions and spot some of the world's most iconic skyscrapers.

Top pick: don't miss out on a walk in Central Park.

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London has as an incredibly impressive selection of free museums and it boasts an almost unparalleled theatre scene and buildings steeped in history. Make time to visit the famous whispering gallery in St Paul's Cathedral, where strange acoustics carry sound in unusual ways.

Top pick: check out the latest exhibition in the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern. 

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Rio de Janeiro's carnival is a riot of music, colour and dancing, which encapsulates the passions of this South American country perfectly, but it's far from the city's only asset - make sure you visit the botanical gardens. 

Top pick: visit the vibrant Escadaria Selarón steps that connect the Lapa and Santa Theresa neighbourhoods.

While Bangkok may not conjure up images of culture, Thailand is nevertheless a country with more than its fair share of culture. Check out Chiang Mai to the north of Bangkok. It has an impressive city wall you can walk around, as well as Buddhist temples, both old and new.

Top pick: Wat Chedi Liam is a very impressive structure.

Japan is a country with a rich and varied heritage, and Kyoto is one of its largest cities. Here you can visit temples, and some beautiful gardens - and why not catch a kabuki theatre performance if you have time?

Top pick: visit in the springtime and catch a glimpse of the famous pink and white cherry blossoms.