When compiling this list, we realised we could quite easily have called it 25 cities you must visit in your lifetime as the beauty, diversity, attractions, architectural extravagance and vibrancy on offer in the worlds cities is remarkable. We will maybe add to this list over time but as these cities are spread across the globe the opportunity to visit 25 may not be possible for even the most discerning of traveller.
Where do you start when picking a must visit city? Is it the people, the buildings, the restaurants, the attractions available in and around the city? Well for us it is a combination of these things and whole lot more besides. These cities are in no particular order as why should there be a number 1…they are all great places to visit. Remember this is a list of cities to visit and not the best cities to live or the most beautiful looking.
New York
New York is just an 8-hour flight from the UK which is not that much further than say Tenerife or Egypt yet many perceive it as a long way away. With a -5 hour time difference you will be landing in The Big Apple just three hours after taking off. Imagine having your breakfast in London then touching down in time for lunch some 3500 miles away. But why should New York be on a list of once in a lifetime places to visit? Quite simply, because it is awesome! The iconic skyline when you come in to land is worth the airfare alone. There is something for everyone is New York including over 70 attractions, a plethora of shopping opportunities with discounted designer clothes, jewellery, souvenirs and items from all over the world and of course a huge array of eateries with cuisines (and prices) for all tastes. Entertainment thrives in New York with up to 40 theatres to choose from on Broadway, a hub of activity against a backdrop of giant electronic billboards in Times Square and of course you can enjoy sporting events at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden. New York is the city that never sleeps but you can enjoy some relaxation whilst in the heart of the city by enjoying taking in Central Park which often has events and festivals to visit along with rowing, horse riding, cycling and many other pursuits for active visitors. Culture vultures will not be disappointed in New York with the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art the better known of a long list of museums and galleries to visit.
There are some places you have to see when you are in New York – The Statue of Liberty, taking in the views from the 86th floor observatory of the Empire State Building and the Grand Central Terminal a few of iconic landmarks that should be on the top of your shortlist of places to see.
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Dubai
Dubai is a dazzling city like no other on the planet. Home to the world’s tallest building (the Burg Khalifa), home to one of the world’s largest shopping centres (Dubai Mall), soon to be home to the world’s largest theme park (Dubailand) and is building a climate controlled city twice the size of Monaco…yes that’s right, a climate controlled city.  There are lots of attractions in Dubai including the Aquaventure Waterpark and Wild Wadi Waterpark both of which are brilliant family days out and a welcome relief from the heat. Going skiing in the desert is a bit of a conundrum but that is exactly what you can do at Ski Dubai which is located in Emirates Mall so you can make a day of it after a few hours skiing, the penguins always get a mention on Trip Advisor. The Dubai Fountains are perfect for something to do in the early evening, the dancing fountains and music are beautiful. Gold markets, Spice markets, desert tours & activities, camel safaris, cultural tours, museums and views from very tall buildings and much more can be enjoyed here. Dubai is a fun playground in the desert and is all about enjoying yourself but remember to be respectful of local culture – there are certain things you should refrain from such as drinking alcohol in public. Check before travelling, you will have a much better time if you understand a bit about the local culture and customs.
An immaculate city with virtually no crime, Dubai can be costly if you really want to splash out and enjoy luxury in this city that offers it on every corner. The Burj Al Arab, one of a few 7 star hotels in the world, will typically set you back £1200 for a 1-bedroom suite per night (and that is the basic accommodation). With that price tag comes a whole lot of luxury and that is what Dubai is all about…enjoying the best things money can buy in opulent surroundings. The police even have a Lamborghini, a Ferrari and a Bentley so hopefully you are starting to get the picture! All that being said you don’t have to break the bank when visiting Dubai – flights are relatively cheap and plentiful from the UK and there are a numerous reasonably priced hotel options to choose from. As with visiting other cities around the world it comes down to taste and budget.
Flight times to Dubai from London are approximately 7 hours and daily flights are available with Emirates, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas and others.
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Sydney
There are lots of reasons why Sydney is a must visit city. The iconic harbour bridge and Sydney Opera House are well known throughout the world and will feature heavily in the background of your photos but Sydney has a whole lot more to offer travellers. For one, the weather is great, particularly through our winter months and Sydney and the surrounding area is equipped with plenty of beaches to soak up the sun on golden sands. Bondi Beach and Manly Beach are well known but there are plenty of other lesser known gems like Clovelly Beach and Palm Beach which is a little over an hour from the centre.
The harbour area is home to some superb restaurants and a good place to take a cruise (maybe for lunch or dinner). Just by the harbour are the Royal Botanical Gardens which are beautifully tranquil and afford great views of the city and harbour bridge. There are plenty of shops if you are after a bit of retail therapy but don’t forget to check out Paddington Markets which is on every Saturday – you will find local craftspeople selling an array of pictures, candles, soaps, clothing, accessories, food and much more.
You may be staying in Sydney for a short time before heading to Melbourne or elsewhere in Australia so take in what you can because you are sure to be left wanting more of this sensational city when you leave!
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Vancouver
We can’t say it better;
“You’re gorgeous, baby, you’re sophisticated, you live well…Vancouver is Manhattan with mountains. It’s a liquid city, a tomorrow city, equal parts India, China, England, France and the Pacific Northwest. It’s the cool North American sibling.” – The New York Times
The diverse and welcoming city of Vancouver is a beautiful place where the mountains meat the ocean in British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver is 4700 miles from the UK and can be reached in just over 9 hours from London non-stop with British Airways.
Canadians are well known for their friendliness and hospitality and Vancouver is no different – you will feel at home here and no matter what time of year you visit you are in for a treat as it offers incredible views wherever you look. It is definitely a place for outdoors people, Vancouver is a gateway to a world of adventure in the Pacific North-West with Vancouver Island, The Canadian Rockies, Victoria and Alaskan Cruises all accessible from the city. In and around the city, Stanley Park often ranks highest amongst visitors, offering stunning views of the mountains and ocean and it is dotted with hand carved totem poles which are great. Hire some bikes and take a ride along the seawall – it is a fabulous experience. If you don’t mind heights a walk on the Capilano Suspension Bridge which stretches across the Capilano River some 230ft up and 450ft across is a thrilling experience.
Wildlife and scenery are to the fore in Vancouver and a whale watching tour (there are lots available) may give you the opportunity to see some magnificent Orcas, Humpback whales, grey whales or Minke whales. There is plenty to see do and admire in Vancouver but the one thing that really stands out is the warmth and friendliness of the people who welcome visitors to Vancouver.
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Las Vegas
Viva Las Vegas indeed! What a place and truly unique. Las Vegas will not be to everyone’s tastes and many will be thinking there are much better cities to visit in the World but hang on a minute before you get on your high horses.  Here is the case for Las Vegas.
The jaw dropping Grand Canyon is here (well not that far away anyway), so is the monumental Hoover Dam, 14 of the world’s 25 largest hotels are on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Luxury holidays are not expensive – 5-star accommodation is cheaper in Las Vegas than virtually any comparable city in the world. The beautiful Bellagio Fountains are in Vegas (and they are free). There are 40 casinos on The Strip if slot machines or tables are your thing.
There are fabulously talented entertainers, singers, dancers and mesmerising shows every night. Some of the biggest boxing bouts are hosted in Las Vegas. Shoppers are well catered for with malls, discount stores and designer boutiques. Helicopter rides, rafting, diving off tall buildings, rollercoasters, a pirate ship, the Eiffel tower, the Venetian Grand Canal, an Egyptian pyramid, you name it and you can probably see it or do it in Las Vegas. If you are looking for an assault on your senses, there are no better cities in the world.
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Ok we will add a little bit about a 6th city often forgotten city when we think of places to visit as you don’t have to fly or travel a long distance to get here.
London
Often overlooked by UK travellers, our nation’s capital is a fantastic city and those living in other areas of the UK may seldom consider it as a place to spend a week or more. But consider this! London is home to Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, Wembley, The London Eye, Tower of London, National History Museum, Hyde Park, St Pauls Cathedral and that is just some of the landmarks. Pubs, Clubs, Bars, Restaurants abound throughout the city where you can eat virtually anything you want. You may even get lucky and get some good weather when you visit…it does happen occasionally!
We hoped you liked this list and sorry if there is a city that you think ought to be on there. We only had 5 spots to fill and it was tough. Other cities that were in the mix and could easily have made it on the top 5 list included Vienna, Singapore, Florence, Cape Town, San Francisco, Venice and St Petersburg.
Visit www.thesavvyflyer.co.uk for the very best economy, premium economy, business class and first class flights from the UK.