bahrainthismonth.com | JULY 2026 SUMMER & STAYCATIONS 45 drawing visitors with its produce stalls, spices and local dishes. The city’s metro system is an attraction in its own right, with stations known for decorative mosaics, chandeliers and distinctive designs. High-speed rail links connect the capital with Samarkand and Bukhara, two of Central Asia’s most celebrated historic cities. Istanbul Few destinations pack as much into a long weekend as Istanbul. A morning can begin among the historic landmarks of Sultanahmet before shifting to the cafés, galleries and independent shops that line the streets of Karaköy and Galata. Ferries cross the Bosphorus throughout the day, linking neighbourhoods on both the European and Asian sides of the city. Fresh simit, grilled fish sandwiches by the waterfront and neighbourhood bakeries are as much a part of the city as its famous landmarks. Tbilisi Set among hills and crossed by the Kura River, Tbilisi is known for its historic streets, independent cafés and restored neighbourhoods. The city’s Old Town is known for its colourful balconies, hillside houses and winding lanes. Walking through the area reveals a mix of architectural styles shaped by centuries of influence from across Europe and Asia. Cafés spill onto pavements, while small boutiques and galleries occupy restored historic buildings. The city is also compact enough to explore largely on foot, allowing visitors to move easily between different neighbourhoods. Within a few hours of the city, travellers can find mountain roads, vineyard regions and villages that feel unchanged by time. Yerevan Armenia’s capital is often overshadowed by larger regional destinations, yet it remains one of the region’s less-visited capitals. Built largely from pink volcanic stone, Yerevan has a distinctive appearance that becomes particularly striking in the late afternoon light. Republic Square and the Cascade Complex serve as gathering points for residents and visitors alike. On clear days, views of Mount Ararat dominate the horizon. The mountain sits beyond Armenia’s border but remains a defining feature of the city’s skyline. Cafés line many of the central streets, encouraging visitors to slow their pace and spend time watching daily life unfold. Tashkent As interest in Central Asia grows, Tashkent is attracting travellers looking beyond the region’s better-known destinations. The Uzbek capital combines wide boulevards and Soviet-era architecture with bustling markets and reminders of its position along historic trade routes. Chorsu Bazaar remains one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks,
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