The 12 Most Unique Cities In The World

The world is full of wonder. This summer, Bud Light is creating a town unlike any other, and you could be there. Are you #UpForWhatever?

1. Barcelona

Luis Hernandez / CC BY http://2.0 / Via Flickr: d2k6

What makes it unique: The City of Counts is known for its delicious food, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. But did you know those beaches didn't always exist? Barcelona's shoreline was completely owned by local industries until 1992 when the City demolished several buildings to open its now-famed beaches.

2. Neft Daşları

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What makes it unique: Neft Daşları is basically just a ton of floating metal welded together out in the middle of the Caspian Sea. It started back in 1945 when the USSR found oil off the coast of Azerbaijan, but had no rig to collect it. They built their own giant version of an offshore platform rig. And when more oil was discovered nearby, the rig got bigger. Today Neft Daşları has a population of about 2,000 and more than 190 miles of streets.

3. New Orleans

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What makes it unique: No city in the world has as much fun as New Orleans, especially when it comes to Mardi Gras. The Krewe of Endymion is the largest Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans; their motto is "Throw Until It Hurts."

4. Coober Pedy

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What makes it unique: This Australian city is completely underground and has been given the informal title of The Opal Capital of the world. Visit one of the many underground mines, just be careful not to tumble down any shafts!

5. Rio de Janeiro

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Leandro Neumann Ciuffo/(CC BY http://2.0)/Flickr: leandrociuffo

What makes it unique: Rio has been host to the yearly festival of Carnival since 1641 when Portuguese settlers first celebrated Ash Wednesday. This epic party has come a long way since the 17th century, most influentially after the creation of the first official samba school in 1928.

6. Marseille

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What makes it unique: Marseille is one of Europe's oldest port cities. Spend a day at the Old Port watching fishermen auction off their stock, and you'll experience why this city is so awesome.

7. Tel Aviv

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What makes it unique: Also nesting on the Mediterranean coast, Israel's most populated city features a ton of beaches and a bumping nightlife culture. Navigating between the cities' seven beaches is best done along its 25 miles of bike paths.

8. Berlin

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What makes it unique: Despite Berlin being one of the coolest cities in Europe, it's also incredibly rich with history. It's extremely diverse and boasts a thriving art scene. Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial to get a deeper understanding of Europe's long history.

9. The Republic of Kalmykia

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What makes it unique: From 1993 to 2010, the Head of the Republic of the Kalmykia was Kirsan Nikolayevich Ilyumzhinov, who also happened to be the president of the world chess organization, FIDE. Ilyumzhinov invested millions into what is now the chess capital of the world, including a chess-themed palace and Chess City, a huge complex devoted to chess and chess competitions.

10. Venice

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What makes it unique: Venice, "The Sinking City," is slowly being swallowed into the Adriatic Sea. This city, full of so much history, has been documented sinking since the early 20th century. Catch it while you can!

11. Kyoto

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What makes it unique: Kyoto is home to over 1,650 Buddhist temples, over 400 Shinto shrines, 24 museums, and 37 universities. Oh yeah, and a 59-foot statue of Buddha!

12. Songjiang

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What makes it unique: Songjiang, also known as Thames Town, is about 20 miles southwest of Shanghai and has been built exactly to resemble Middle England. The city is full of quaint, single-family row homes, cobblestone streets, and even has a pub and fish and chips shop.

Whatever, USA

What makes it unique: This city is being created completely by Bud Light for people who are #UpForWhatever. Think you have what it takes? Submit your application video now at UpForWhatever.com.