Pretty By The Bay

People travel the world for all sorts of reasons. Some like to connect with their family’s past, or to see firsthand how mankind has evolved over the millennia. Others are there to take in the gorgeous sites, both natural and constructed. Perhaps art brings you to your destination of choice, or relaxation on a sandy beach. But one of the primary reasons many people travel these days is for entertainment. Modern life is predictable, and much of it is spent in an office sitting at a computer. Traveling the world gives you a chance to let your hair down in relative anonymity, and to create the sort of memories that make for amazing stories. You might take those tales to your death bed, but they’ll undoubtedly give you a smile or a laugh for years to come. Here are some of the best metropolitan cities in the world for entertainment.

As the famous phrase goes, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. And for this among the myriad of other reasons Las Vegas, Nevada has to find a way onto this list. There is a huge variety of perfectly aboveboard entertainment, including legalized gambling, Broadway-quality live shows, concerts, comedy clubs and fine dining with celebrity chefs. Of course, there are also all sorts of trouble to get into when you’re in town as well. From sex shows to ‘escort services’ to gun ranges that will allow you to fire off automatic weapons, the consummate entertainment seeker will be more than satisfied.

If you enjoy the heat but wouldn’t mind a bit of beachfront with your high temperatures, head south to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. This is widely known as one of the most gorgeous cities in the world, as well as one of its most entertaining. First off there’s the people watching, with the gorgeous Brazilians in full, scantily-clad display on the perfect beaches. But Rio truly comes alive at night. The club scene in this city is second to none, with incredible music passing through from around the world. And don’t forget Carnival, the full week of city-wide celebrations that will rival anything you’ve ever seen before.

It may not have the same sort of reputation, but Berlin, Germany is an incredible city for entertainment. Aside from being a truly international metropolitan center, Berlin has been a go-to destination for the irreverent since the early 20th century. You’ll find a huge club scene here, with the added delights of vibrant burlesque and jazz shows. Some of the oldest, continuously operating venues in the world are here, and even the locals get into the debauchery as the sun sets.

Head back to the United States for a trip to the top of the entertainment food chain, the Big Apple. New York City might have to lead this list. Another must-see destination for citizens of all corners of the globe, NYC features some of the best theater, film, comedy and music events in the world. There are venues large and small that stay open until the wee hours of the morning. If you’ve got some money to spend, you can hobnob with models and jet-setters at some of the highest rated hotels, restaurants and spas in the world. Heck, you can even find acrobats to rent if you’re so inclined! Absolutely everything is on the menu in New York, and the final safety of your bed is always only a cab ride away.