Although many people travel for relaxation and a desire to take a break from the demands of a hectic day-to-day life, most tourists are looking for more than just a beatific vista and a soft pillow when they shell out the money for a major vacation. The entertainment options offered by a locale can definitely impact the average tourist's desire to take a trip. And if you're looking for a city that can provide you with myriad forms of amusements when you travel, here are a few of the top contenders.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands. For adults seeking forms of entertainment that may not be available in other parts of the world due to common laws regarding gambling, drug use, and other amusements, Amsterdam is most accommodating. Even if you're not terribly keen on these forms of debauchery, there's plenty to do in this floating city. You can visit several fine museums, including those devoted to Rembrandt and Van Gogh, beer connoisseurs will enjoy the many pubs, like the famous Café Gollem with its vast array of brews, and those who like to listen to music or dance the night away at clubs will find more options than they can shake a stick at.

2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Dubai Mall. Need I say more? Known as a shopping mecca, this city has one of the biggest draws in the world when it comes to reasons to spend, and tourists looking for a lavish vacation will find a lot to love in the way of resort accommodations, elite amusements, and world-class shopping opportunities. Aside from the incredible 1,200 mall shops that create a virtual orgy of consumerism, travelers that visit during the month of February will get to enjoy this emirate's annual Shopping Festival, a month-long celebration
of sales that attracts millions of vendors and visitors from around the world.

3. Sydney, Australia. The Sydney Opera House is not only one of the most recognized architectural structures in the world, but it also houses some truly spectacular forms of entertainment, mainly in the way of performing arts. Of course, the city itself has a lot to offer, from mainstays like pubs and nightclubs to events like music and film festivals. And visitors to the Harbor City at the turning of the year will enjoy one of the biggest New Year's Eve bashes on the planet.

4. New York City, USA. The city that never sleeps is so named because residents and visitors can seek out entertainment at any hour of day or night. Plus, you can find just about every accepted form of amusement in this urban center, such as concerts, sporting events, theater, comedy, and virtually any type of performance art. And when it comes to dining and bars, it could be argued that New York City is second to none in terms of culinary variety and top-notch cuisine.

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Las Vegas may be the adult playground of the U.S., but Rio claims this distinction on a global scale. Any city where you can find acrobats and fire eaters for hire, not to mention an annual, city-wide masquerade ball that prides itself on the absolute abandon of revelers (that would be Carnival), is bound to offer you nearly unlimited options for fun. A slew of nightclubs, an incredible local music scene (Bossa Nova, jazz, and more), and some of the world's most gorgeous beaches (complete with water sports and other activities) round out the roster of attractions for the seasoned traveler in search of entertainment.