Why are we calling these cities ‘unique’; impressive facts and more

In every corner of the globe, there exist cities that stand out for their unparalleled charm, distinctiveness, and cultural significance. From the labyrinthine alleys of ancient settlements to the futuristic skylines of modern metropolises, each city holds a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be discovered. Some boast architectural wonders that defy the bounds of imagination, while others are renowned for their vibrant street life and bustling markets.

Here are some of the world’s most unique (and sometimes strange) cities.

Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The city is steeped in history and culture, and boasts a rich architectural heritage, including the Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. Damascus is also known as the City of Jasmine due to the abundance of jasmine flowers that bloom throughout the city, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

Yakutsk is the capital city of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) in northeastern Russia and is renowned as the coldest inhabited cities on Earth. Situated in the permafrost region, Yakutsk experiences extremely cold winters, with temperatures plunging well below -40°C (-40°F).

Venice is famous for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and romantic ambiance. With no roads, transportation is primarily by gondolas or on foot, adding to its unique charm. Venice is built on a series of more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, connected by a network of canals and bridges.

Yanjin, once a bustling trading hub for bronze, salt, and tea, is now home to approximately 400,000 residents. Located in southwestern China amidst mountainous terrain, the city is characterised by its narrow width, ranging from 30 metres at its narrowest point to just over 300 metres at its widest. There is no doubt that Yanjin is the world’s narrowest city! There are only two streets running along each bank of the river, bustling with shops and restaurants.

Ganvie is a unique village built entirely on stilts in Lake Nokoué, near Cotonou, Benin. It is often referred to as the Venice of Africa due to the fact that it is built entirely above the water. The village is home to the Tofinu people, who have lived here for centuries to escape capture by slave traders. There are no roads in Ganvie, and transportation within the village is primarily by boat, making it one of the most unusual settlements in the world.

Vatican City is the smallest independent state/country in the world, both in terms of area and population. It is the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church and is home to numerous iconic landmarks, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Vatican City has its own postal system, currency (the Vatican euro), and even its own army, the Swiss Guard.

The Republic of Kalmykia is a unique region in Russia, known for being the only Buddhist region in Europe. You think of chess when you think about Kalmykia. Chess is immensely popular in Kalmykia, and it is the only region in the world where chess is a compulsory subject in schools.

Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, earns its place as one of the world's weirdest capital cities due to its distinctive features. Its architecture, characterised by white marble buildings, strict regulations and dress codes, along with bans on activities like chewing gum and playing loud music, create a highly controlled environment. Additionally, even though it is the capital city, Ashgabat is eerily silent due to limited traffic. It’s common to see empty streets.