Birmingham, United Kingdom

The U.K.'s urban culture may be dominated by its capital, but 100 miles northwest of London is the engrossing second city of Birmingham. Described in the 19th century as the "City of 1,000 Trades" due to its huge industrial output, Birmingham is better known now for its fabulous food scene — it has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other U.K. city outside of London — and extensive canal system that has more canals than Venice. 

Birmingham's serpentine canals were once key to its trade ambitions, but these days breezy cruises are more in style. Even better, hit the water on a kayak from the historical Roundhouse, a crescent-shaped building in the city's center. Follow the canals to find street art under Digbeth's Victorian railway arches, waterside bistros in Brindley Place, and the city's only Georgian Square, the splendid St Paul's Square. And while Opheem might be the city's pinnacle when it comes to Indian food, don't miss the iconic balti curry, served best at Shababs.