Tropical destinations are some of the most sought-after vacation spots, as well as places where people wish to take residence. Many tropical locations, however, tend to be rural – there isn’t much to do in a tropical town, for instance. Cities in tropical areas are an answer to many prayers – they provide a lush, beautiful environment and pair it with the high speed and great entertainment of a big city. You’ll be able to take in the beautiful scenery and sights while also taking in the local nightlife!

Whether you’re hoping to make a trip to a tropical city or see if you can stay there for life, this handy list of the top 5 tropical cities should help you get started.

Rio de Janeiro

Top 5 Tropical Cities

Rio de Janeiro, also sometimes known as simply “Rio,” is a stunning destination for any traveler. This beautiful city is the second largest in Brazil, and it sits right on the coast. But due to the unique geographical features, the ocean looks almost like a lake from the vantage point of the city. Rio de Janeiro is famous for the Corcovado Cristo Redentor, a.k.a. The Stature of Christ the Redeemer – an enormous carving of Jesus with his arms spread wide.

Barranquilla

Top 5 Tropical Cities

Barranquilla is a large city on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, not far from a few other ocean-front tourist destinations, such as Santa Marta and Cartagena. The average temperature is at about 80 F degrees, but the humidity is also high so make certain to dress appropriately. The highlight of Barranquilla and the thing that keeps tourist pouring into this beautiful city is an event known as Carnaval de Barranquilla. This event is essentially a four-day party, filled with parades, dancing, and singing all across the city. If you love the idea of partying along the Caribbean Coast, Barranquilla may be just the place for you.

Jakarta

Top 5 Tropical Cities

Both the capital and largest city of Indonesia is Jakarta, formally known as the Special Capital Region of Jakarta. Jakarta is not only the largest city in Indonesia but also in all of Southeast Asia. The humidity in Jakarta can be incredibly high, but as you experience one of the most thrilling and invigorating cities in the area, you will forget about it. Besides the usual nightlife and scenery of a city, Jakarta also plays host to many theme parks (such as Fantasy Land) and museums (such as the Jakarta History Museum).

Kuala Lumpur

Top 5 Tropical Cities

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, nearby the coast, and one of the top five tropical beaches around. While it doesn’t sit directly on the water, it’s nearby enough to the ocean to provide easy transport to and from it. Nearby cities of interest include Singapore to the south and Ipoh to the north. The city is enormous, and contains several districts – each district has its distinct nightlife, sights, and points of interest. It’s both hot and humid in Kuala Lumpur, so pack and travel light.

Honolulu

Top 5 Tropical Cities

Honolulu is the most populous city in Hawaii. On the island of Oahu, Honolulu’s crisp, clear water makes it one of the most beautiful cities on our list. Oddly enough, the city of Honolulu also spans most of the size of the island of Oahu. It reaches from the southeast corner to the southwest corner of Oahu. While the beaches are undoubtedly the most popular attraction, don’t forget to visit the memorials (like Pearl Harbor), museums (such as the Iolani Palace), and all the scenic locations (such as the Diamond Head volcanic crater). Snorkeling is one of the top pastimes of visitors to Honolulu, as the water in the area is incredibly pristine. So don’t miss out!