1. Barcelona
Visit the Museu Picasso for "Yo Picasso": Self Portraits (31 May-1 September) for a fascinating insight into Picasso's work. Marvel at his ability to convey thoughts, emotions and biographical facts through his self-portraiture. Also explore the Grec Festival of Barcelona (throughout July), a varied programme of Catalan and international performing arts held primarily at Teatre Grec on Mount Montjuic. A circus theme adds an unusual twist.
Stay at: Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona. This luxury hotels features contemporary rooms with Mediterranean views, a fitness centre, outdoor pool, outdoor rooftop bar and easy access to Parc Guell, la Sagrada Família and Las Ramblas, and five minutes' walk from the beach. Alternatively, stay at the Hilton Barcelona in the north-west of the city.
2. Berlin
From 4-15 September, Berlin plays host to the International Literature Festival. A key event in the city's cultural calendar, the festival celebrates literary diversity with genres from the graphic novel and children's fiction to classical poetry and Arabic literature. Political debate and film screenings are interspersed between reading groups.
Stay at: Hilton Berlin. A large and welcoming hotel, located centrally and close to many of the city's main attractions. It's within walking distance of Norman Foster's re-designed Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie, plus the Berlin Philharmonic.
3. Edinburgh
In summer, Edinburgh packs a powerful cultural punch and the Jazz and Blues Festival (19-28 July) is a major part of these events. This year's lineup is yet to be announced but with previous years featuring stellar performances from Courtney Pine and James Carter and venues spanning the Edinburgh Playhouse and Princes Street Gardens, the standard is likely to be equally high.
Stay at: Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor. Set in an imposing 19th-century listed building, this hotel is the perfect marriage of contemporary interior with period features. Located in the city's stylish West End, and a short walk to Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and the Royal Mile.
4. Venice
This year's Biennale art festival in Venice (1 June – 24 November) will have at its centre an exhibition entitled The Encyclopedic Palace curated by Missimiliano Gioni and featuring work from 37 countries. It will include commissions from the Bahamas, Maldives, Paraguay, Angola and Kosovo – all new participants to the festival.
Stay at: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, situated on Giudecca Island, a thriving artistic hub. This beautifully converted former flour mill is just a short water taxi ride to the Grand Canal, Doge's Palace, Guggenheim and Saint Mark's Square. Dine canal-side at the hotel's signature restaurant Aromi.
5. Budapest
Keen on opera, but on a budget? Then Budapest is the place to be in June. The Wagner in Budapest Opera Festival (8-23 June) is an annual event featuring operas by the German composer held at the Palace of Arts. This year sees the comic opera Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg performed for the first time. Prices for tickets are £8-£50.
Stay at: Hilton Budapest, a baroque 16th-century facade greets you on arrival at this hotel in the Royal Castle district – a Unesco world heritage site on the Buda side of the city. Visit the nearby Chain Bridge, Fisherman's Bastion and Parliament Building. Alternatively, stay at the Hilton Budapest WestEnd on the other side of the river near the city centre.
6. Dubai
If thoughts of Dubai only conjure up high-rise office towers and seven-star hotels, then it's time to see a different side to the region at the Desert Conservation Reserve. Dedicated to conserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Arabian deserts, it's a different and very peaceful take on this extraordinary region. On-site activities include camel treks, falconry, horse riding and tours to admire the indigenous flora and fauna.
Stay at: Hilton Dubai Creek. Designed by Carlos Ott, this modern architectural landmark houses a slick rooftop pool and bar. Indulge in fine dining from resident chefs Scott Price and Nick Alvis at signature restaurant Table 9. Visit the souks of the old market place and Burj Khalifa. Alternatively, stay at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort & Residence.
7. Cape Town
For a glimpse into the African sartorial world, check out the designs at Cape Town Fashion Week (8-10 August). In its 11th year in the "mother city", and hosted at the CTICC building, this is a rich showcase of local fashion talent. With previous years counting South Africans Gavin Rajah, David Tlale and Habits by Jenny Le Roux among participants, it's likely to be the hot ticket in town.
Stay at: Hilton Cape Town City Centre, positioned super centrally between the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain and within easy reach of the Winelands. The modern rooms and suites have beautiful views across the city.
8. Abu Dhabi
The "Birth of a Museum" exhibition (22 April-20 July) offers a preview from the Louvre Abu Dhabi's permanent collection ahead of its 2015 opening. The 130 works of art, many of which have never been seen before, will be on show at the Manarat al Saadiyat, an arts and cultural centre on Saadiyat island. While you're there, stop by the Eco Future exhibition, a family-friendly affair where you can get hands-on with games and graphics to explore environmental issues (runs until 1 September).
Stay at: Hilton Abu Dhabi, home to more than 15 restaurants, an impressive white sand private beach and numerous facilities. At just a 3km walk to the Marina Mall and Heritage Village, it's bang at the heart of the cultural action.
9. Dubrovnik
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (10 July-25 August) is a long-standing celebration of the performing arts. It has broad appeal spanning classical music, circus theatre, art installation, opera, piano recitals and percussionists. The opening and closing ceremonies are worth attending for the sheer spectacle and tradition.
Stay at: Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. This historic hotel sits on the edge of Dukbrovnik Old Town, a Unesco world heritage site, and offers a relaxing haven featuring indoor pool and health club. It's just metres from Pile Gate, the entrance to the old town, where a guided tour is highly recommended.
10. Moscow
The Bolshoi Theatre, arguably the spiritual home of ballet, has been beautifully restored to its pre-Soviet glory over the last few years. An extensive selection of ballet and opera takes place throughout April, May and June this year. Highlights of the programme include Spartacus (25-28 April), Romeo and Juliet (1, 2, 10-12 May) and Swan Lake (16, 23, 24-25 May).
Stay at: Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya. Set in one of the city's famous Stalin towers, the grand and imposing building blends Stalinist grandiosity with Russian baroque and Orthodox architecture. Close to the Kremlin, Red Square and Bolshoi Theatre, you can easily walk to many of Moscow's main attractions.
