What are your favourite cities around the world?
I’m a city girl so the list could have gone on and on but I wanted to restrict myself to five! This was harder than I thought it would be! The top three were easy and whilst these don’t change, the number one spot regularly does!
Paris
At the moment, Paris tops the list…well, maybe it shares top spot!
Paris is one city that I return to year after year. I love roaming around the the different arrondisements, returning to the stunning galleries, sitting in the cafes and watching the people, exploring local markets and of course the food! Trying new restaurants and returning to old favourites plays a big part in our stay.
For many years we stayed on the left bank but recently we have been trying different parts of the city. In 2011, we stayed in the 1st arrondissement, an area near the Palais Royal and the Opera. Last year we were nearby in the 2nd Arrodisement, just off the fabulous rue Montorgueil, one of best market streets in Paris. Staying in different area gives you a different persepective on the city. Wherever we stay, we walk everywhere… from the left bank to the right, to the Ile Saint-Louis and the Marais and, if we’re feeling like a longer walk, we head to Montmartre.
Paris is great for day trips. We’ve headed to Giverney, Champagne, Versailles and if we want a night or two away, you can head to the Loire Valley or Normandy.
New York
New York, New York. The love affair continues…..
Just walking the streets gives me a buzz. There’s so much happening and so much to see. Our twelve day stay here last year was not nearly long enough to visit all the uptown parks and museums, see the mid town sights or enjoy the atmosphere of Soho and the Villages. So much to do! New York’s food scene is exciting. From food carts, to specialised stores, farmers’ markets and stunning restaurants,eating can be a continual crawl from one exciting place to the other. Let’s not forget that American institution of brunch…any excuse for a bloody mary at eleven o’clock!
We’ll be back…very, very soon!
Istanbul
I love the mix of old and new that Istanbul offers. One day you will be exploring the historic Sultanahmet area, the markets and the mosques and the next you could be sitting on top of the world at one of Istanbul’s modern roof top bars or trendy cafes. On another day you can head to the Asian side and join the locals at the markets of Kadikoy.
Istanbul can also be the starting point for some fabulous holidays in Turkey. Nothing beats a relaxing gulet cruise in the turquoise waters of the south or a visit to the fairy land of Cappadoccia. Now that I have tried ballooning, I have to go back to take an early morning balloon ride over this amazing countryside.
My quick visit in early December has reignited the passion I have for the city… I need to go back and stay longer!
Rome
The countryside of Piemonte with it’s beautiful scenery, magical hill top towns and some of the best food in Italy is one of my favourite areas of Italy. Sicily also became a firm favourite after our time there. How could you not love the people, the towns and the fabulous food of this island! But when choosing a city it has to be Rome (Sorry Milan…you come next!)
Rome is a city where you can lose yourself for days and weeks! Immerse yourself in daily life by taking an early morning walk through the streets of what is the ultimate art gallery, stopping at a bar for an early morning coffee with the workers before heading off to the markets. Get out of the centre and into the suburbs to learn about another side of Rome, one where you will be the only tourist. Enjoy a long lunch followed by siesta. It will then be time for that fabulous Italian tradition of passeggiata, finishing at one of the many local bars. Dinner then awaits….a perfect day! What’s not to love about this wondrous city!
Barcelona
It’s all happening in Barcelona. Gaudi has marked the city with his own crazy form of eccentricity which sets the mood for some fabulous times. From the Eixample area north of the Plaça Catalunya to the Ramblas, into the trendy El Born area and down to the Barcoleneta area near the beach, life in Barcelona is one big party!
The old town of Barcelona, the Bari Gothic, area is a maze of small alleyways leading you round in circles until you emerge and continue on your way.If art is your thing, Picasso and Miro have their own fabulous galleries.
But it is the food of Barcelona that will bring me back to this wonderful city. From the fabulous selection of fresh produce at the Mercat de la Boqueria, to the myriad of tapas bars dotted throughout the city and the city’s exciting restaurants, the choices are unlimited. I can’t wait to return.
These five are followed very closely by Jaipur, Milan and Sydney.
My favourite countries is a different story….one I’m yet to write about! If you follow A Taste of Travel on Facebook or Pinterest, I’m sure you’ll already know the answer to this as photos from these beautiful countries often appear.
What are your favourite cities?
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I love to travel! I love exploring the markets, trying new tastes and finding fabulous restaurants so this blog is also about food!
I'd love to think that by sharing my stories, you will be able to add new experiences to your dream trip or simply enjoy the escape with us
Happy travelling.
Great list, Jenny. I definitely agree with New York – but my other favourite city is Berlin. I’ve been having an ongoing love affair with Berlin since I was 14!
Thanks Amanda. I haven’t made it to Berlin yet but it’s certainly on the list!! I’ve been reading a lot about it and have a feeling I’d love it too!
Fantastic post Jenny. Beautiful collages that make me want to pack my bags this minute. I took the liberty of pinning them. It is hard to disagree with any of your choices. All I can say is that it is far too long since I have been to most of them (except Barcelona), and I have never been to Istanbul. Mind you I have collected so many photos of Turkey on pinterest that it is starting to feel very familiar – in a good way.
Thanks Jan. There’s so many fabulous cities around the world it’s hard to choose where to go next. You’ll love Istanbul and with all the research you’re doing, you won’t miss a thing! Thanks for the pins.
I love all the cities on your list…I would probably add Florence to my list. I love wandering aimlessly through the streets to discover something wonderful at every turn. While I am in Bagni di Lucca for the next few months I will go every week.
I lived in Florence for a month so I know what you mean about wandering aimlessly. I did this most afternoons and discovered so much. I’m very envious of you being able to go back every week.Enjoy!
…and I forgot Helsinki. I love this city. I was just there for the weekend and despite the freezing temperature, I had a wonderful time crunching through fresh snow as I walked around the city. The sunrise over the harbour was spectacular.
From your photos, Helsinki looks beautiful. I can see why you would have it on your list
Okay, so maybe I’d add Venice, and Madrid and Athens to your already spectacular list (you’ve nailed many of my favorites)!!!
I love reading what cities are everyone’s favourites. YOu’ve chosen very different cities…interesting! The hardest bit is keeping it to five!!
Great article
Thanks Lili. I wonder if Tokyo would be on your list!
Great city collection and I love the photo collages. I haven’t been to Istanbul and Barcelona yet but dying to go. Paris is also one of my favorites. I’m in love with Venice so I would have to go with that along with Sydney and Tokyo. I can keep going and I admire you for narrowing it down to 5
The more I read about Tokyo, the more I want to go. I was there 30 years ago but I don’t think this counts.The food would be sensational. I thought about Venice too…it’s a fun city and I always have a great time there but I don’t really like it in the summer so it didn’t make it! It is hard to narrow it down isn’t it!
Wow, Jenny some great cities there and fabulous photo collages. As sad as it seems I haven’t visited many of these cities, but they’re definitely on my list.
Thanks Jo. I wonder where you’ll choose to go first!
Fabulous Top 5! I definitely agree with you on New York, I’ve only been once and had very little money but still walked around in complete wonder at the place. And whilst there are many free attractions I would still love to go back with a little more money so I can splash out in some of those restaurants which you highlighted in your ‘definitive list’ a few months ago!
I went to Barcelona last May and just didn’t seem to gel with the city, but I think it’s because I wasn’t there long enough, and during one of the days all the museums were closed so the following day I was running around Picasso and Gaudi like a headless chicken trying to cram everything in and it completely took the enjoyment out of visiting – so I don’t blame Barcelona, but me! It’s difficult to choose, but I think my 5 favourite cities so far are London, Paris, Berlin, San Francisco and New York!
Great choices for your cities Shing. San Francisco is on my top 10 list but I only mentioned three others in the post. Berlin is certainly long overdue for a visit. I think you should give Barcelona another chance Shing, it really is a fun city!
Wonderful rundown. I loved Istanbul when I was there years ago and one can never get enough of Paris. Barcelona was a delightful surprise and NYC is always great fun though I couldn’t imagine living there. I could do a Broadway play every night for a week. The only one I’m not so sure about is Rome – but maybe I just need to return, After all it’s been over 30 years. In Canada – in the summer – it’s hard to beat Vancouver. I’d like to see Shanghai and more of Sydney.
Your photos are superb. How do you do the thumbnail photos like that? Is it in Picasa? Please say no. I would love to do that on my site too.
It’s been a fun topic to think about and I love hearing everyones’ choices. I’ve been to Vancouver we were on our way to Whistler and didn’t spend long enough there. No to Picasa but yes to PicMonkey!
Well, the only city I’ve visited on your list is New York City and I loved it. Can’t wait to return and explore more.
I could keep going back to New York too Tonya. I don’t think I’d ever grow tied of it!
Paris is a very special place to visit. I too have been many times and love wandering the many Arrodisements! This is true Paris and there is always something new and exciting to see, eat and learn. I’d love to visit Isanbul and from what I know of it, can see why its in your top 3. NYC, of course, is always a wonderful energetic city to visit
You can never tire of Paris can you.I often think I’d love to spend a month there but I don’t think it would be nearly long enough! Infact the dame goes for New York and Istanbul! Hopeless!! I hope Istanbul is high on your wish list Debbie…it really is a lot of fun!
So hard to narrow it down to 5! I haven’t been to Barcelona but I love your other 4 – even though I have only spent a couple of days each in Rome and Istanbul. I also love Chicago, London and, of course, Toronto.
Five cities is hard isn’t it!! It took me a while to narrow down the last two! I haven’t been to Chicago for 20 years but I know why you have it on your list. I must go back. The same applies Toronto…we’ve had some fun trips there over the years!
Fantastic list. NYC is definitely in my top 5. I was in Paris in 1973, and really need to revisit. Enjoyed Rome back in 1995, but not enough time and my travel companion turned out to be a pain the butt
…another must return.
NYC, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Florence, Prague are all cities I could return to again and again.
Thanks Nancie.I love your list too..all great cities though I’m yet to go to Prague. I spent a month in Florence a while ago and really loved it too. It probably should have been on the second five list!
Great list. My top two are NYC and London. After that it gets a little bit tricky…Florence, Melbourne, Prague? Am I allowed to say my own city of Minneapolis/St. Paul? I love it here, snow and all!
Of course you can say your own city. It’s great that you still love it as much as the other places you have been. I love that you have chosen Melbourne. It’s been my second home for the last 18 months…it’s a great city!
I agree – those cities are among the most beautiful cities of the world. Thanks for reminding me. And for the great photo collages.
Thanks Mette. It’s been great hearing everyone’s favourites. I think we’re all very lucky that we love travelling and can get to see them!
I’ve been everywhere on your list except for Istanbul but only for a few days in each of the cities. Rome and Paris were both part of a package tour. I’d love to return to each of them and spend time strolling around exploring. I can’t pick a Top 5 for me on the spot.
Well, I haven’t been to Istanbul or Rome yet, but I’m sure they’ll end up on my favorite cities list when I do. Love Barcelona, NYC and Paris, of course. But how can I stop at that — Vienna, London, Chicago and ……..
Your beautiful images almost make me want to break out of my lifelong love affair with the Australian Outback!!! FAAAAABULOUS!
Right now the city I most long to go back to is Florence, Italy. But San Francisco would be second and third would be New York.
I am in the midst of planning a trip to France for September and would really like your help. I am featuring a giveaway once every month until I go. The winner is determined by the advice that I want to add to my itinerary. The contest is called #WTFrance2013.
I would love for you to participate!
I’d love to go back to Florence too. I spent a month there a long while ago and loved every minute of my time there. Happy to help you with your trip Murissa. You’ll have a fabulous time. If you look under destinations on the blog, you will find quite a few posts on Paris. Hope these help you but if you have any specific queries, just let me know!
Great list. I agree with NY, we love that city and can’t wait to return this year! Berlin is also a city that I could just keep visiting again and again
We’re heading to Europe next week and going to Berlin for the first time which I’m very excited about. Everyone who visits seems to really enjoy the city! Have a great time in New York. It’s one city I could easily live in! Thanks for stopping by Nat
I’d add Budapest, Hobart, Sarajevo and San Antonio
Interesting choices Rebecca. I’ve only been to Hobart and that was quite a while ago! I’d really love to go back and spend some time there. MONA is a big drawcard for me! I’m hoping to get to Mostar this year so maybe we should stop off in Sarajevo!