Pilsen, Czech Republic, Capital of Culture 2015

The Czech city’s appeal – earned for its Pilsener lager – will be broadened by a year as joint Capital of Culture, with visitors able to enjoy an array of concerts, street theatre, art and architecture, says Chris Allsop

Mons, Belgium, Capital of Culture 2015

Mons’ year of celebrations to mark its status as joint Capital of Culture involves 300 events, ranging from a major Van Gogh exhibition to a maze of 8,000 sunflowers. We look at the highlights, plus the best lunch in town, the quirkiest hotel and a bar with 170 brews on the menu

Where to celebrate Bob Marley’s 70th birthday – and other 2015 anniversaries

Vegas for Sinatra’s 100th, Jamaica for Marley’s 70th, 50 years of The Sound of Music … the year ahead will be packed with landmark moments, and chances to get away

Let’s go to … Lancaster

It’s often overlooked by tourists on the heritage trail but this little city has lots to offer – historically, culturally and gastronomically, says Rachel Dixon

Oakland: the city stepping out of San Francisco’s shadow

There’s a cultural buzz around San Francisco’s lesser-known Californian sibling, with great restaurants and shops popping up all over the city, writes Chaney Kwak

Mary Angela Schroth on Rome’s Capo di Bove

This villa on the Appian Way gives an idea of what ancient Rome was like – and a feeling of calm away from the city’s bustle

Kolkata: a walking and culture tour of India’s city of joy

Kolkata may be known for culture and crowds but on a city walking tour it’s the air of religious diversity and tolerance that triumphs. Where else would Santa ride a rickshaw?

Cedar Lewisohn on the Jan van Eyck Academie, Maastricht, the Netherlands

The artist feels right at home at this utopian art and design institute, which also welcomes visitors for events and the best coffee in town

Vienna city guide: what to do, plus the best cafes, restaurants and hotels

It’s home to great art and music, but the city of spies and Sigmund Freud also has an edgy vibe – and a new buzz, discovers Kevin Rushby

Welcome to Montevideo: Uruguay’s capital moves to its own beat

With its sleepy old town, unshowy bars and unique music scene, Montevideo is a capital city like no other. And that’s just how Vicky Baker likes it

The UK’s best city: in praise of Newcastle upon Tyne

That Newcastle was voted best UK city by Guardian readers was no surprise to Geordies. Tynesider Harry Pearson looks afresh at ancient institutions and new restaurants and galleries in the friendly, fun-loving ‘toon’

Top 10 galleries, art studios and design shops in Singapore

Singapore is more than a city of gleaming shopping malls - it also has a vibrant contemporary arts scene. Archiwalks founder Fabian Lua picks out great galleries and design-led sights

Ahmed Dickinson Cárdenas on Fábrica de Arte Cubano, Havana

The London-based guitarist is very impressed with FAC, a new arts space in a converted factory, offering cutting-edge art, music, dance and cinema

Istanbul city guide: essential sights, and where to eat, drink and stay

Beyond the mosques and palaces, Turkey’s cultural capital has lots to fill a city break, from neighbourhood tours and art galleries to a chic ‘hole in the wall’ cafe. Lydia Bell has the inside track

Major restoration projects to showcase Landmark Trust’s 50th anniversary

A trio of redevelopments by the Landmark Trust will help the charity celebrate its 50th birthday in 2015