Travel is a very personal experience and different cities will appeal to different travellers. Some, though, are so important in today’s world that any traveller should try and visit them. They are iconic cities of our age and, love them or loathe them, our lives are enriched by experiencing them ourselves. Here is our list of the five world cities to see before you die. If the chance comes along to visit any of them, make sure you take it. Pack your bags, buy your travel insurance and get out and explore!
London
London is a mass of contradictions — at once intensely English and vibrantly cosmopolitan, steeped in history, yet dynamic and forward-looking. Historical and architectural icons such as the Tower of London sit alongside modern classics such as Norman Foster’s “Gherkin”. It is one of the world’s commercial and cultural centres, and is home to world class sporting events and competitions such as Wimbledon and the English Premier League. London’s West End is a Mecca for theatregoers and its legendary pubs are the perfect places to wile away a lazy afternoon (or boisterous evening). As Samuel Johnson famously said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” So arm yourself with an umbrella, hop on a red double-decker bus and start exploring one the world’s great cities.
New York
Visiting the Big Apple for the first time can be confusing. You’ll almost certainly experience a sense of déjà-vu. So ubiquitous is New York in movies, on television and in commercials that you will find familiar images wherever you go. And this is why it is so important to see it for yourself. New York is the cultural capital of the most important country on earth. Its influence is everywhere. Wouldn’t you rather see the real thing for yourself? It’s bold and it’s brash — and that’s just the people! Whether you want to go sightseeing, dining out, shopping, or to the theatre or a sporting event, you will find as much choice here as anywhere in the world. And round the clock too. They don’t call New York the city that never sleeps for nothing.
Shanghai
The USA may still be holding onto the title of global superpower, but there is no doubt that China’s inexorable rise will soon see it taking that crown. Nowhere is the development of this mighty country more apparent than in Shanghai. Shanghai is the economic heart of China and visiting the city you can feel that you are somewhere important. In Shanghai you will find a fascinating mixture of ancient Chinese culture and ultra modern developments. Most exciting of all though is the sheer scale of the city. Take a trip to the top of one of the numerous tall buildings in the city centre with viewing platforms. Look out over the city and as far as the eye can see in all directions are skyscrapers, many still under construction. You can almost feel the city growing in front of your eyes. It truly is a vision of the future.
Sydney
It may be smaller than the other cities on our list, but Sydney more than makes up for its relatively diminutive stature. The beautiful Sydney Harbour provides an unbeatable natural location. Throw in architectural icons such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and it is little wonder that Sydney has become one of the world’s favourite cities. And that is before we even mention its glorious beaches and fabulous nightlife. Sometimes you don’t have to go overseas to experience the best.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio is the most visited city in the southern hemisphere and it is easy to understand why. A spectacular natural setting and a justified reputation as a great place to party make this a wonderful city to visit. Watch the beautiful people go by or take on the local kids playing soccer on the beach (but don’t expect to beat them) during the day. When night falls order a caipirinha and then samba the night away. Be careful of your belongings though. Alongside the wealth and good living, there is real poverty in Rio and that can lead to crime. Make sure you are insured — there are plenty of cheap travel insurance deals available online — and keep your wits about you.
