It’s said that travel broadens the mind, and one way to get to grips with a city is by understanding its architecture. Whether it’s a top tourist attraction or riverside villa rental, a city’s buildings can tell a story about its past, present and future. From the big and brash buildings of Dubai, to the sleek lines of Miami and crisp air of Aspen, here’s some of the best destinations for appreciating iconic architecture.

A visit to Palm Beach offers more than just white beaches and mall shopping. The city is home to great architecture, heavily inspired by Revival and Spanish Colonial influences. Lest we forget, that the area is also defined by Mar-a-Lago Club – a $10 million property owned by Donald Trump. There’s also Trump International Towers, although a Palm Beach villa rental is better for enjoying all the city delights in your own private quarters.

If you’re into architecture, then Miami is a feast for the eyes. Fusing old (Art Deco) with new (downtown skyscrapers), its unique style takes you on a journey of the city’s rich history. With renowned architects such as Henry M Flager and Morris Lapidus left their indelible mark on the city that can still be enjoyed. Most notably, the Art Deco district near to Miami Beach is a wonderful place to start. With pastel colour buildings, sleek geometric designs and ornate floral motifs, it’s a nod to a bygone era. Epicentre of this is the former residence of Versace – a gaudy building that lives up to all your expectations. Modern Miami, however, offers a very different view. Sleek lines, floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist chic design is often fused with a touch of colonial inspiration for good measure. If you’re staying in one of the many luxury Miami villas, you’ll experience first-hand just how high the standard is. Offering a glimpse into the future, the skyscrapers and rooftop villa rentals of Brickell bring a new dimension to the skyline.

When you think of world-class buildings, Dubai often springs to mind, least of all because it’s home to the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa towering 828m high. It’s one of several sky scrapping buildings that dominates the Dubai skyline. Others such as Burj Al Arab bring a sense of joy, with its stunning sailing boat design. And then of course you have The Atlantis - a glimmering jewel in the heart of the Palm – a wonderful must-see piece of modern design with unmistakable Arabic influence. Dubai villas are known for their stunning architecture and ornate detail, with no expense spared. Most recently, properties on The Palm have skyrocketed in value by 40% over the past four years, making this a must-visit place on your travel bucket-list.

With its impossibly white walls finished with blue trims and windmills blowing in the distance, who could blame you for falling in love with the romance of Mykonos. This Greek island isn’t about any one building in particular, but in fact the whole vibe of the island. Whether you stay in a top hotel, or luxury rental Mykonos, you’ll find the same chic Cyclades charm. Rustic stone walls dating years back matched with marble finished floors and homemade wooden tables perched next to infinity swimming pools. Much like the local food ‘mezze’ it’s a pick and mix of great architecture and insta-worthy selfies at every turn. For your next globe-trotting visit to Mykonos, Miami or Palm Beach visit Global Luxury Villas for luxury villa rentals at their best.

Global Luxury Villas offers luxurious properties in some of the world’s most revered destinations.