Discover a world of holiday opportunity – in pictures

Amsterdam is more than one-quarter water, with over 100km of canals running through the city. The canal ring, known locally as the Grachtengordel, was developed in the 17th century and today offers a network of appealing walk and cycleways from which to explore this unique urban landscape. Photograph: Nikada/Getty Images/Vetta

The Hilton Amsterdam is located canal-side on the Noorder Amstelkanaal and has a bar with garden terrace and an executive lounge that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding city. The hotel was made famous by John Lennon and Yoko Ono who spent their honeymoon – and staged their sit-in for peace – here. Photograph: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família is famous for being the cathedral that has never been finished. Building started in 1882 and this soaring Roman Catholic cathedral combines gothic and art nouveau architectural styles and has numerous towers which can be climbed: its construction continues and is not expected to be completed until approximately 2028. Photograph: JayJay/Getty Images/Flickr Open

The contemporary Hilton Barcelona has spacious rooms with large windows from which to look out over the city. Guests can use the 24-hour fitness centre and eat in the Mediterranean Mosaic restaurant. Executive rooms come with a separate work area and access to the executive lounge with complimentary refreshments. Photograph: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

The Brandenburg Gate is one of Germany’s most well known landmarks – built as a symbol of peace, for a time it became symbolic of a divided capital and today stands refurbished and triumphant over a unified city. More than a million people can gather in Pariser Platz, where it is housed, which has the occasional large screen for sporting events. Photograph: Axel Schmies/Novarc/Corbis

The Hilton Berlin is overlooks the neoclassical Gendarmenmarkt square. Take in the view over breakfast from the Restaurant Beletage with its spectacular glass domed windows, and in the evenings pull up a chair in the buzzing Listo Lounge bar for cocktails – and live music at weekends. Photograph: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

One of Dubai’s latest developments is this high-rise city within a city, ranging along a two-mile stretch of manmade waterfront. It’s an awe-inspiring place for a stroll, along the pedestrianised Marina Walk past super-yachts the size of houses. Go at night when the shisha cafes and Middle Eastern restaurants create a lively atmosphere. Photograph: Jorg Greuel/Getty Images

In the heat of Dubai you need easy access to the water – and Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort at Dubai Marina couldn’t really be closer. This eye-catching contemporary hotel has its own private beach as well as a beach club with a shaded outdoor pool. Photograph: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Not many cities can boast their own volcano – but Edinburgh isn’t just any city. Scotland’s capital sits astride an extinct volcanic system, its famous castle perched on top of a giant granite plug. Climb the city’s highest point, Arthur’s Seat, for views across it all, from the medieval city streets to the Firth of Forth beyond. Photograph: Leon Harris/Getty Images/Cultura RF

Located in a historic 1860s listed building in the vibrant West End, the Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor is within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions. Rooms are large and come with on-demand movies and a complimentary newspaper. Deluxe rooms have a desk and fluffy bathrobes. Photograph: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

London shines in the summer, when people flock to the city’s many parks and gardens to soak up the sun. London Fields in Hackney is one of East London’s most popular green spaces and there are designated barbecue areas here – the perfect place to gather with friends and dine al fresco. Photograph: Helen Cathcart/Getty Images

London Hilton on Park Lane is famed for its prestigious location on Park Lane. Soaring high above the city streets in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel is close to all that London has to offer, whether it’s musicals and theatres or world famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. Enjoy 360° views of the city from the 28th floor, Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows restaurant. Photograph: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Sultan Ahmed mosque in Istanbul’s old city is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for its spectacular blue-tiled interior. Built in the early 17th century, it features one main dome and six minarets and has a grand courtyard – the biggest of any Ottoman mosque. Enter from the Hippodrome to truly appreciate its perfect proportions. Photograph: Marc Dozier/Getty Images/Hemis.fr RM

The Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus is surrounded by lush gardens and offers guests views of the Bosphorus river from their private balconies. The airy rooms are decorated in cool, calm tones and have a separate working space, internet access and large TVs. The hotel has seven restaurants and an on-site Turkish bath. Photograph: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Few cities are as spectacularly sited as Cape Town. Head up Signal Hill for a view of the Lion’s Head – a dramatic peak shaped like its moniker and brooding over the Atlantic seaboard. You can also see the iconic Table Mountain from here. Photograph: Helen Cathcart/Getty Images

Check in to your room with a view at the Hilton Cape Town – looking out over either the city or Table Mountain. The generous rooms have king-sized beds, a seating area and contemporary en suites with a bath and shower. Wifi is complimentary and there’s an outdoor swimming pool. Photograph: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Prague wears its history on its streets. Like an architectural textbook, the Czech capital has examples of virtually every building style, including gothic churches and baroque palaces. Take in the view from Prague Castle, which sits atop a large hill and is thought to date as far back as the nineth century. Photograph: Getty Images/Flickr Open

The stylish art deco Zinc Restaurant in the Hilton Prague Old Town serves up modern European and Asian dishes such as twice-cooked pork belly and seafood laksa, served with homemade noodles. Look up as you tuck in – the ceiling is ornate and the lighting is opulent. Photograph: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Anse Coco beach on La Digue island in the Seychelles is frequently voted among the world’s most beautiful beaches – and it’s not difficult to see why. Pure white sands, safe shallow waters of the most brilliant turquoise and swaying palm trees make this beach well worth the short boat trip from Mahé. Photograph: Slow Images/Getty Images

Soak up the sun and truly relax on your private terrace at the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa on Silhouette Island. You’ll arrive by helicopter or boat to find your private villa waiting for you with its very own garden, rain shower, gazebo and swimming pool. Photograph: Hilton Hotels & Resorts