Fremantle (Perth), Australia

Despite being one of the most isolated capital cities in the world, Perth keeps up with the times and trends, but it often paves its own way when it comes to food, fashion and art. Perth and its port, Fremantle, were first settled in 1829 by the Swan River colonists as free colonies, in contrast to the country's penal colonies. Historical relics abound, from the Fremantle Prison and the Round House to the Fremantle Market Hall, where shoppers once arrived by horse and carriage. These sights now share the spotlight with art galleries, breweries and designer boutiques. In the city center, the modern towers of mining and financial firms also contain inventive restaurants such as Greenhouse and rooftop bars like the Mechanics Institute. Nearby are Perth institutions like the Art Gallery of Western Australia and Kings Park and Botanic Garden, as well as the creative neighborhoods of Subiaco, Leederville and Mount Lawley. And with the Swan River at its heart and kilometers of Indian Ocean shoreline at its edge, Perth is an ideal city for a stroll, a bike ride or a sundowner on the water.