This year marks the 12th anniversary of my travel blog, iamjosemanuel.com. To commemorate this special milestone, I am listing down the best and most memorable cities that I’ve visited so far. I already lost track of the number of cities I’ve been to; probably more than a hundred, including domestic.

I’m limiting this list to five favorite cities outside the Philippines. No doubt, old-world Architecture plays a major influence for me to form this list; my love affair and fascination with the ancient times.

1. The Uniquely-Beautiful Venice, Italy

Venice is heaven for ‘Old-world’ enthusiasts. Venice’s well-preserved architectural style is uniquely defined by a hybrid of Gothic Italian and Islamic elements, since this city has also been under the rule of Muslim/Turks back in the days. The vibe of Venice, hindi exactly the same as what you see in Milan, Rome and Florence. Kakaiba. Unpolished.

I’ve stayed in Venice for 3 days. I did not take any arranged tour, I just glided my way through its maze-like streets. When I say, maze-like, ganito yun.

There’s something unique about a city floating in water, and the gondolas swaying their way through the canals and lagoons. I clearly remember getting lost during a late afternoon stroll, nakarating ako sa isang empty neighborhood of old buildings. Walang tao dun, tas’ biglang umulan. Found shelter at a random roofed hallway, and stayed for around an hour. Naka-idlip ako nun. Scary din to a point, but sobrang memorable. After the rain, it took me a while to find my way back. Inabutan ako ng dilim. See more of Venice in this 2015 blogpost link.

2. Florence, Italy

Ok, bias kase more than one entry from Italy, but the old-world charm of Florence is impossible to not talk about. Florence to me boasts the most well-preserved “Italian Renaissance” era there is. Those treasured artworks, sculptures and the perfectly-maintained Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo de Firenze) are worthy of all the admiration its been getting. Compared to Venice, Florence is more on the polished, expensive vibe, where everything is manicured and well-maintained; and I love them both.

Sali ko na ang Leaning tower of Pisa sa entry na ito, since it was just an hour away from Florence. Florence and Pisa are easy to navigate, relaxed and less crowded compared to Rome and Milan. See more on this link.

3. Cusco, Peru

Cusco is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu. The romantic,old-world charm of this well-preserved Latin City is a beauty on it’s own. Kaso sobrang layo nya sa Pinas. But if I’d be given a chance to go back to a destination in Latin America, definitely, I am choosing Cusco in a heartbeat. Sobrang ganda, especially Plaza de Armas and the overlooking view of San Blas.

See the rest of my travel to Peru on this link.

4. Kyoto, Japan

Japan has a lot of amazing cities, but Kyoto is definitely on top of the list. Kyoto is known for its profound serenity and timeless charm. A bit touristy, but indeed, there’s so much to see (if you prefer exploring Old-world Japan). I think Kyoto is one of the most photogenic, if not the most photogenic place I’ve visited so far. Sakto din siguro I visited during autumn when everything was golden.

Kyoto is also a good base city to explore Central Japan. Nara and Himeji are easy day trips from Kyoto.

5. Bagan, Myanmar

Last on my top five is Bagan.

Bagan in Myanmar is an ancient city, a historic capital, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its thousands of temples and pagodas. If you are into mysterious/elusive, old-world vibe, then truly, Bagan offers exactly that experience.

Sobrang photogenic, yet somewhat out of radar, because it is difficult to get to, even if nasa Southeast Asia lang din sya. Truly, my trip to Bagan is one for the books. And if given a chance, I’d definitely return in a beat; and I’d love to take you guys with me.

Here’s more about Bagan.