• HOME

  • ABOUT

  • MY WALLET

  • TOP CREDIT CARD OFFERS

  • GLOSSARY

  • LOYALTY CONSULTING

  • TRAVEL CONSULTING

  • More

    © 2023 by Talking Business.  Proudly created with Wix.com

    ​

    • Grey Google+ Icon
    • Grey Twitter Icon
    • Grey LinkedIn Icon
    • Grey Facebook Icon

    MyTen: My Ten Favorite Cities in the World

    September 21, 2016

    I often get asked about my favorite city I've ever been to.  I wish it was an easier question to answer, but it's just not. 

     

    So many different variables go into that answer, but I decided to finally go ahead and put a list together.  

     

    If you're new to the travel world and are looking for a destination to cash in your points and miles, you can use this as a somewhat decent guide.

     

    Away we go:

     

    1.  Barcelona, Spain

    -I am extremely lucky that I got to spend a semester studying abroad in Barcelona and absolutely fell in the love with the city.  Not only does it have one of the best downtown city-centers I've ever been to filled with all the shopping and restaurants you could possibly want, it also has one of the coolest laid back beaches in the world.  If that isn't enough, Barca is home to the world famous works of Gaudi, from houses to Park Guell.  It's truly astounding.  The architecture, even if like me you don't care about architecture, is mind blowing.

     View of Barcelona from the top of Park Guell

     

    Go there for the:  Food, wine, beach, shopping, nightlife

    Avoid the: Pick pocketing-- it's a real thing. 

    Famous for: Croquettes, Sangria, Paella, Clubs, Open-air markets

    Stay at the: The W Barcelona, Hotel 987

    Visit:  Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, the beach, Placia de Gracia

     

    2.   Santorini, Greece

    -Santorini is the most unique place I have ever been, and easily one of the most unique places on the planet.  The town is perched at the top of a blown out volcanic caldera and is even more jaw-dropping than you think.  Every view makes you question whether or not you're on the same planet still.  Downtown Santorini is a really cool and quaint little town with some killer views and amazing food.

    Go there for the:  Views, food, white wine

    Avoid the:  Airport- it's horrific

    Famous for:  Views, squid, boat tours, hike from Fira to Oia

    Stay at the: Town of Oia

    Visit:  The red beach, downtown Oia

     

    3.  Positano, Italy

    -Positano is similar to Santorini in that it doesn't appear to be the same species as anywhere in the USA.  Built into the side of a cliff, Positano is a picturesque seaside village that has incredible food and scenery.  It is very quiet, so it's perfect for those looking to relax and unwind away from all the riff raff.  

    Go there for the: Tranquility, food, scenery

    Avoid the:  nothing to avoid.

    Famous for: Linen clothing, scenery, lemons

    Stay at the: Anywhere

    Visit: Ravello

     

    4.  Venice, Italy

    -You've obviously heard about Venice or seen it in The Italian Job (the best movie ever).  Its unique canal system makes this one of the coolest cities on Earth.  The food and art and architecture, like every city in Italy, is amazing.  You can take a boat from the airport to the city which is super badass.  Be careful though, it gets hot!

    Go there for the: Gondola rides through the canals, St. Mark's Square, 

    Avoid the:  Tourist traps and flooding season

    Famous for:  Canals, art, Harry's Bar

    Stay at the: Close to the market

    Visit: The waterside market, St. Mark's Square

     

    5.  Mykonos, Greece

    -I only put Mykonos below Santorini because Santorini is so crazy different.  Mykonos is a beautiful town in a more traditional way.  Right on the coast, its playful colors and inviting downtown area make this a much more vibrant and fun little town.  Mykonos was a great change-up and so much fun.  This is what you think of when you hear about the Greek islands.  

    Go there for the:  Squid, views, beach

    Avoid the:  Nothing to avoid in Mykonos!

    Famous For:  White buildings, beach bars, Little Venice

    Stay at the: Anywhere on the beach

    Visit:  Little Venice, downtown, Nammos 

     

    6.  Beverly Hills, California

    -Hey!  America!  Yep, you got it.  I absolutely love Beverly Hills.  Is it crazy expensive?  Yes.  But, like everything in my life, I'm fine with something being expensive as long as it feels expensive.  BevHills checks all my boxes for a destination:  great food, clean, fun.  It doesn't take much with me.  BH is just like its residents-- perfectly manicured and clean cut.  I love the energy and restaurant scene.  Sitting outside on a patio and watching everyone pass by is legitimately fun there. 

     My fiance Mary and I enjoying brunch along Rodeo Drive-- She rocks.

     

    Go there for the:  Shopping, food, stars

    Avoid the:  Annoying clubs, wannabes

    Famous For:  Celeb sightings, high-end shoping

    Stay at the:  Sirtaj Hotel

    Visit:  Spago for lunch, The Ivy, Rodeo Drive

     

    7.  Florence, Italy

    -Back to Europe we go!  Florence is actually the city I recommend most if you're going to Italy and don't want to bounce around.  It's not as touristy as Rome (Rome sucks btw) and has incredible art and architectural offerings.  It just has a nicer feel to it, and honestly it has a more Italian family feel to it.  You can avoid a lot of the tourist traps that you find in Rome while getting to experience more special sites.  

    Piazza del Duomo--How bout that flow?

     

    Go there for the:  Food, Wine Tastings, Churches, Statues

    Avoid the: Peak tour times

    Famous for: Michelangelo's Statue of David, Arno River, Chianti Wine

    Stay at the:  Any hotel on the river

    Visit: The Piazzas, Statue of David, Tuscany's wineries

     

    8.  New York City, New York

    -Hard to have a "favorite cities" list and not include NYC if you love food, walking and nice hotels.  I've gone to NYC more times than any other city on this list, and always love it.  You'll never find yourself bored thanks to its plethora of restaurants/cafes, nightlife, theaters, museums, etc...  NYC is a foodies' dream.  Sure there are plenty of things to not like (traffic, speed, price) but you have to take the good with the bad.

    Go there for the: Restaurants, Theaters

    Avoid the: Summers, Times Square (seriously)

    Famous for: Times Square (don't go), Skyscrapers, culture, food, Horse and Buggy Rides

    Stay at the:  There are so many different options it's hard to pick one.  Just avoid staying near Times Square.

    Visit:  Central Park, Broadway, the Village

     

    9.  Lisbon, Portugal

    -I stand by my assertion that Lisbon is the most underrated city in the world.  When I went I stayed outside the city in a beach town called Estoril which was only about a 30 minute bus ride from the city.  I wish I had spent more time in Lisbon, but you don't need to stay there long to feel how special it is.  The unique topography of the city makes for a very interesting feel and the energy is palpable.  Its quick access to the beach allows the best of both worlds when you're looking for a city to visit.  While Portuguese isn't exactly the easiest language to decipher, it's in my opinion the most beautiful language I've heard.  

    Go there for the:  Museums, nightlife, beaches

    Avoid the:  Tourist times

    Famous for:  Museums, beaches, monasteries 

    Stay at the: Either stay at the beach and go into the city or vice versa

    Visit: The beaches!

     

    10.  Austin, Texas

    -I have a soft spot in my heart for Austin.  It's becoming more and more popular, but it's relatively cheap while also packing in a disproportionately high number of things to do.  From the rivers to the restaurants to the live music to the nightlife, Austin has a hell of a lot of stuff to do.  It's a great all around city that has a little bit of everything so no matter what you enjoy you can find it in Austin.  

    Go there for the:  Culture, food, nightlife

    Avoid the:  Dead of summer, "Dirty 6th Street" if you don't like drunk people

    Famous for:  6th Street, South Congress, Floating the River

    Stay at the: JW Marriott right in the nice part of the 6th street area

    Visit:  South Congress for shopping and live music, Food trucks

     

     

     

     

    I am hoping that this is an ever changing list as I visit more and more places.  I love going places outside of the country, but our domestic cities are still pretty damn fun.  Remember, a city is what you make of it.

     

    Now go explore!

     

    Tags:

    Travel Blog

    Ten Best

    Best Cities

    Barcelona

    Santorini

    Spain

    Greece

    italy

    New York

    Austin

    Lisbon

    Mykonos

    Florence

    Venice

    Beverly Hills

    Positano

    Share on Facebook
    Share on Twitter
    Please reload

    RECENT POST

    What's the Point of all these Points?

    November 8, 2017

    My 2017 Credit Card Update

    September 20, 2017

    Don't Cancel That Card: Alternatives to Getting Around Annual Fees

    May 24, 2017

    Which Chase Sapphire Card is Better?

    April 4, 2017

    Breaking Down the Alaska/Virgin Changes

    March 23, 2017

    Breaking Down the New American Airlines Boarding Process

    March 1, 2017

    Going to Europe? Here's The Best Way

    February 1, 2017

    Airport Lounges and Why You Need Access to Them

    January 17, 2017

    New Year's Points and Miles Resolutions!

    January 13, 2017

    2017 MileageMayhem Preview

    December 26, 2016

    My 2016 Year-End Mileage Summary

    December 22, 2016

    New Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red Card Is Here!

    December 15, 2016

    2016 Loyalty Program Year In Review

    December 15, 2016

    Hotel Check-In Do's and Don'ts

    December 14, 2016

    Your Credit Card Year-End Checklist

    November 30, 2016

    Christmas Shopping Checklist

    November 28, 2016

    Lounge Review: Centurion Lounge DFW

    November 18, 2016

    Hotel Review: Sixty Beverly Hills

    November 17, 2016

    Using Amex Offers to Earn Free Money!

    November 14, 2016

    BREAKING: Major Updates to American Airlines Advantage Program Announced!

    November 7, 2016

    Breaking: Delta Announces Premium Economy Offering

    November 3, 2016

    Beginner's Guide to Airplanes

    November 2, 2016

    How To Max Your Miles: Dining Programs

    October 26, 2016

    How To Max Your Miles: Shopping Portals

    October 20, 2016

    HOT DEAL! SPG 2x Points at Marriott/Ritz Hotels

    October 18, 2016

    Please reload

    • Google+ Social Icon
    • Twitter Social Icon
    • LinkedIn Social Icon
    • Facebook Social Icon