The world is full of amazing, beautiful, and deeply cultural cities. We have had the good fortune to visit a lot although most days I wish it were even more. Can you believe we haven't been to Hong Kong, Rio, or Buenos Aires yet? Me either!
Now to be honest, cities are not really our thing. My husband and I both grew up in a really small town in the North West hills of Connecticut and although I always enjoyed our NYC trips as a kid, the country has always held a lot more allure. That being said, as we have traveled around the world, we now see great value in cities and even though we will probably never live for an extended period in a city we have found that we absolutely adore many for a long visit.
Here are our favorite cities in the world, in no particular order, as that would just be far to difficult.
Sydney, Australia
We were fortunate enough to visit Sydney last year in April. Nearly everything about our stay was perfect. The weather, the people, the sights....everything! Sydney is a great city to explore. It feels very safe, has a great ocean vibe, and so many lovely green spaces that sometimes it didn't feel like a city at all.
Each neighborhood was vastly different than the next giving a really diverse feel even though I would not call it any type of melting pot. It is an expensive city so that factored into us not staying very long, but the time we did spend has us still itching to return nearly 2 years later.
New York City, USA
As I said before I spent a lot of time in NYC as a child since we lived so close. I also made a point of taking my children there as well at least 4 times a year from the time they were born. There is a vibrancy that you can just feel in the air a soon as you arrive and I find myself craving that every year.
In New York you will find green spaces, amazing graffiti, trendy expensive areas, artsy hip enclaves, and so much more. The sights are outstanding, the dining is world class, and don't even get me started on the bagels or the pizza...YUM! The iconic skyline and Broadway alone make it an excellent place to spend time.
But if you really want to experience the best that NYC has to offer do yourself a favor and plan a trip in December. Christmas is the time that NYC really comes alive, you can ice skate in Rockefeller center, shop at FAO Schwartz, browse the first class shops on 5th ave, enjoy a carriage ride through Central park, or attend midnight mass on Christmas eve at St. Patrick's cathedral. Do some or do them all and you'll be in the Christmas spirit in no time. Add a little snow and you truly cannot find a better Christmas spot!
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We had the pleasure of spending over a month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As a family traveling through Asia we found this to be an amazing city. It may be a more expensive city than places like Bangkok or Siem Reap but what you get is so worth it (and it's not nearly as expensive as Singapore, which did NOT make my list).
After travel through Asia for over a year it was great to be in a modern mall, eat at Chili's and enjoy playground after playground. We were busy every day with one fun thing after another, it is a great spot especially if you are traveling with children. See my top 10 post for families here.
London, UK
It has been years since I have been to London, but during my 3 month long European trip, London was by far my favorite city of the area. We stayed in London 2 different times and each trip was amazing. The London city suites we found were amazing and plopped us right in the heart of the city making exploration that much easier.
Of course there are many iconic tourist spots to visit, and you must do all of them, but it's the pulse of the city that really struck a chord with me. It is extremely diverse, perhaps even more so than NYC and that in turn leads to amazing culture, and numerous food options. The other part of London that I enjoyed was the outdoorsy vibe. The city is littered with lovely parks and the evening landscapes, particularly along the river Thames, is top notch.
Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland is a city that I have not spent a huge amount of time in but that speaks volumes to the fact that it made our list anyway. As we arrived through the beautiful forest I could tell the state itself was someplace I could easily call home. When we landed in Portland for a week we were amazed at how easy and green it was.
Transportation is clean and super easy, just about everything in the center of the city is trendy and/or just flat out adorable, the food is amazing and completely diverse, the people are really sweet, everything is unique and it just feels like everyone is making something or contributing in a refreshing and new way. All in, it is just the hippest city I think i've ever been in!
Now to be honest, cities are not really our thing. My husband and I both grew up in a really small town in the North West hills of Connecticut and although I always enjoyed our NYC trips as a kid, the country has always held a lot more allure. That being said, as we have traveled around the world, we now see great value in cities and even though we will probably never live for an extended period in a city we have found that we absolutely adore many for a long visit.
Here are our favorite cities in the world, in no particular order, as that would just be far to difficult.
Sydney, Australia
We were fortunate enough to visit Sydney last year in April. Nearly everything about our stay was perfect. The weather, the people, the sights....everything! Sydney is a great city to explore. It feels very safe, has a great ocean vibe, and so many lovely green spaces that sometimes it didn't feel like a city at all.
Each neighborhood was vastly different than the next giving a really diverse feel even though I would not call it any type of melting pot. It is an expensive city so that factored into us not staying very long, but the time we did spend has us still itching to return nearly 2 years later.
New York City, USA
As I said before I spent a lot of time in NYC as a child since we lived so close. I also made a point of taking my children there as well at least 4 times a year from the time they were born. There is a vibrancy that you can just feel in the air a soon as you arrive and I find myself craving that every year.
In New York you will find green spaces, amazing graffiti, trendy expensive areas, artsy hip enclaves, and so much more. The sights are outstanding, the dining is world class, and don't even get me started on the bagels or the pizza...YUM! The iconic skyline and Broadway alone make it an excellent place to spend time.
But if you really want to experience the best that NYC has to offer do yourself a favor and plan a trip in December. Christmas is the time that NYC really comes alive, you can ice skate in Rockefeller center, shop at FAO Schwartz, browse the first class shops on 5th ave, enjoy a carriage ride through Central park, or attend midnight mass on Christmas eve at St. Patrick's cathedral. Do some or do them all and you'll be in the Christmas spirit in no time. Add a little snow and you truly cannot find a better Christmas spot!
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We had the pleasure of spending over a month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As a family traveling through Asia we found this to be an amazing city. It may be a more expensive city than places like Bangkok or Siem Reap but what you get is so worth it (and it's not nearly as expensive as Singapore, which did NOT make my list).
After travel through Asia for over a year it was great to be in a modern mall, eat at Chili's and enjoy playground after playground. We were busy every day with one fun thing after another, it is a great spot especially if you are traveling with children. See my top 10 post for families here.
London, UK
It has been years since I have been to London, but during my 3 month long European trip, London was by far my favorite city of the area. We stayed in London 2 different times and each trip was amazing. The London city suites we found were amazing and plopped us right in the heart of the city making exploration that much easier.
Of course there are many iconic tourist spots to visit, and you must do all of them, but it's the pulse of the city that really struck a chord with me. It is extremely diverse, perhaps even more so than NYC and that in turn leads to amazing culture, and numerous food options. The other part of London that I enjoyed was the outdoorsy vibe. The city is littered with lovely parks and the evening landscapes, particularly along the river Thames, is top notch.
Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland is a city that I have not spent a huge amount of time in but that speaks volumes to the fact that it made our list anyway. As we arrived through the beautiful forest I could tell the state itself was someplace I could easily call home. When we landed in Portland for a week we were amazed at how easy and green it was.
Transportation is clean and super easy, just about everything in the center of the city is trendy and/or just flat out adorable, the food is amazing and completely diverse, the people are really sweet, everything is unique and it just feels like everyone is making something or contributing in a refreshing and new way. All in, it is just the hippest city I think i've ever been in!
You can't visit New York City without seeing a show on Broadway, plain and simple. There are dozens of plays and musicals out there, so deciding which one to see could be a bit of a challenge.
To help you out, here is a list of five of the best shows currently running. No matter which you choose, you're guaranteed to leave the theater smiling.
The Book of Mormon
From creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, of "South Park" fame, comes an outrageously hilarious musical all about Mormons. "The Book of Mormon" follows two Mormon boys on their journey to spread the Word to...Uganda, of all places. This isn't necessarily a family-friendly musical, but if you're interested in a good-natured poke at religion, don't miss "The Book of Mormon."
The Maids
Harmless fantasy turns to tragedy in this critically acclaimed play written by Jean Genet and starring Academy Award Winner Cate Blanchett. Blanchett and Isabelle Huppert are two French sisters who work as maids to a wealthy, cruel mistress. Their employer belittles and insults the sisters until, in her absence, the two begin taking turns fantasizing about the ways they would like to murder her. Eventually, the lines between play-acting and reality begin to blur. Based on a true story, "The Maids" is sure to thrill.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
In 2001, famed writer/director John Cameron Mitchell wrote and starred in the film, "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." Now, Mitchell has adapted his film into a musical starring Neil Patrick Harris. The story is one of love, betrayal, and rock 'n' roll. Hedwig is a transgendered rock goddess from East Berlin who came to America looking for a better life that should have included fame and fortune, if not for the betrayal of her former lover who stole her spotlight.
Kinky Boots
"Kinky Boots," written by Harvey Fierstein, with music by Cindi Lauper, snatched up six Tony's back in 2013, making it one of the most successful new musicals on Broadway. It's a true story about Charlie Price, a man who inherits his father's shoe factory, only to discover that well-made dress shoes aren't as fashionable as they used to be. As he faces the inevitable shutdown, a depressed Charlie meets the fabulous Lola, a spunky drag queen who has the perfect solution to Charlie's problem.
The Lion King
The beloved Disney classic comes alive on stage with characters and music in tune with the film's African roots. The story of Simba and friends is set to the familiar music penned by Elton John and Tim Rice, with a few new numbers that seem right at home on the Serengeti. Enjoy stunning scenery and theatrics as Simba strives to be a mighty king. It is a beautifully done and at times overwhelming play so be sure your children are ready for it. Young kids may feel a bit scared...you have been warned!
These five shows are all worth your time, so if you have trouble choosing, there's no harm in returning for a matinee or two!
To help you out, here is a list of five of the best shows currently running. No matter which you choose, you're guaranteed to leave the theater smiling.
The Book of Mormon
 |
| Image via Flickr by David McKelvey |
The Maids
Harmless fantasy turns to tragedy in this critically acclaimed play written by Jean Genet and starring Academy Award Winner Cate Blanchett. Blanchett and Isabelle Huppert are two French sisters who work as maids to a wealthy, cruel mistress. Their employer belittles and insults the sisters until, in her absence, the two begin taking turns fantasizing about the ways they would like to murder her. Eventually, the lines between play-acting and reality begin to blur. Based on a true story, "The Maids" is sure to thrill.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
 |
| Image via Flickr by Chris Breikss |
Kinky Boots
 |
| Image via Flickr by BroadwayTour.net |
The Lion King
The beloved Disney classic comes alive on stage with characters and music in tune with the film's African roots. The story of Simba and friends is set to the familiar music penned by Elton John and Tim Rice, with a few new numbers that seem right at home on the Serengeti. Enjoy stunning scenery and theatrics as Simba strives to be a mighty king. It is a beautifully done and at times overwhelming play so be sure your children are ready for it. Young kids may feel a bit scared...you have been warned!
These five shows are all worth your time, so if you have trouble choosing, there's no harm in returning for a matinee or two!
When you tell people you’re planning a visit to New York one of the first things most people will mention is the expense of a visit to the Big Apple. Especially when people know you are traveling on a budget.
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But New York doesn’t have to be as expensive as everyone thinks. There are loads of ways to reduce your costs and still have a great time while you are there.
Here’s 5 ways to save your budget on your next visit to New York:
What other ways can visitors save money in New York?
But New York doesn’t have to be as expensive as everyone thinks. There are loads of ways to reduce your costs and still have a great time while you are there.
Here’s 5 ways to save your budget on your next visit to New York:
- Save on accommodation by searching for deals to New York. Every cent you save on your sleeping arrangements is cash you can spend exploring. Ask around for reasonably priced accommodation others have used and go by the rule of never paying full price!
- Don’t underestimate the amount of cheap food available. You can get 99c pizza slices if you keep an eye out. Or two slices and a soda for $2.99. New York pizza slices are huge so this will fill you up for ages. Subway is a great cheap meal when you go for the $5 special too – it’s nice to have a healthy option available. Bagels, muffins, hot dogs and all kinds of other snacks are sold on street corners – be sure to ask how much they are if there are no prices. I’ve heard of people paying $15 for a bagel with cream cheese just because they didn’t ask the price before purchasing! Be prepared to seek out the cheap stuff!
- Make the most of free attractions. You might not be aware how much free stuff there is to do in New York. A visit to FAO Schwarz toy store is super fun and will keep your kids entertained for ages. They even have that piano from the movie BIG that you can jump on! Central Park is a huge space with play equipment, room for a picnic and bikes available for hire. Be sure to barter the price of the bikes down – the price is always negotiable. A visit to the Natural History Museum is a great day out. Entry is a recommended amount. If you’re brave enough to be cheap you can get in without paying anything! And don’t forget the Staten Island Ferry. You can ride the ferry to Staten Island and take loads of photos as you pass the Statue of Liberty both ways. All for free!
- Along the same lines, think outside the box and you can enjoy things like churches, world famous parks, public libraries and all for free as well. They don't really count as tourist destinations but trust me they are as much a part of NYC as any zoo, museum, or tower.
- Walk a lot. The subway isn’t expensive in New York but you can save money by being aware of where things are. You might not realize that you are just a few blocks from where you want to be and can easily walk there. It’s easy to get a map and do a quick check before you cough up for a ticket.
What other ways can visitors save money in New York?
A trip to the Big Apple doesn’t have to have to come at a great expense. If you know NYC then you'll know that hotels are a fortune inside the city. Try apartment rentals which can often save loads on accommodation costs especially if you plan to be there longer than a week.
There are also a surprising amount of options out there for fun things to do that don’t cost a thing, from cultural excursions to museums and art galleries, to water sports and dancing lessons. Save yourself the terror of checking your bank statement back at home with cheap flights to New York and these ten great free attractions.
Staten Island Ferry
So you want to see the Statue of Liberty, but not at extortionate ferry tour prices. Amazingly, the Staten Island Ferry, which transports passengers between Staten Island and Manhattan, does not cost a penny. It’s intended for commuters but there’s no reason that visitors can’t hop on, and the 25 minute journey includes great views of the Statue, New York Harbour and Ellis Island.
Kayaking
At the Downtown Boathouse, Pier 96, you can hire kayaks to explore the harbour completely free. Hardworking local volunteers make this experience possible, and it works on a first-come, first-served basis so early morning is the best time to get there.
Central Park
The iconic Central Park is often a hub of activity in the city, and is a great place to go for free events and performances. You can enjoy hiking, playgrounds, monuments, and more all for free!
Public Library
Definitely one of the city’s best free attractions, the New York Public Library is so fancy it’s difficult to stay focused on your book. Almost 53 million items are housed in the enormous marble building, including an exhibition featuring a Gutenberg Bible and original copy of the Declaration of Independence. There’s also a fantastic collection of maps, dating back as far as the 1500s.
Salsa Lessons
Come along to the Latin club SOB’S in west SoHo on Friday before 7pm, and get your groove on for a free salsa lesson. One proviso: you have to be female (men are charged $10).
African Burial Ground
From the late seventeenth to the late eighteenth century, African slaves were buried in Lower Manhattan. The burial ground, containing the remains of over 400 people, was discovered in 1991 during construction work. Today the site is a national monument, and the visitor centre, built in 2010, explores the history of Africans in New York.
Movie Screening
Head to Bryant Park during the summer, where films have been shown for free since 1992. Bring a picnic along and make sure you get there early to get a good spot.
Subway Performances
Some great performers can be found in New York’s subway stations. The best will be at the busiest stops, as there’s a committee which keeps a close eye on the standard. Gathering crowds usually means a performance will be starting within a few minutes.
Food Sampling
Foodie heaven: on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays farmers at the Union Square greenmarket give out free samples of their produce.
Free Fridays
Lots of New York’s museums and galleries are free on Friday evenings, including the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of the Moving Image and New York Historical Society.
Katherine likes to a get a feel for the history of the places she visits, and seeks out the bits which reveal something about the culture in different areas of the globe. She has travelled in four different continents and is looking forward to exploring the rest.
Images Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
There are also a surprising amount of options out there for fun things to do that don’t cost a thing, from cultural excursions to museums and art galleries, to water sports and dancing lessons. Save yourself the terror of checking your bank statement back at home with cheap flights to New York and these ten great free attractions.
Staten Island Ferry
So you want to see the Statue of Liberty, but not at extortionate ferry tour prices. Amazingly, the Staten Island Ferry, which transports passengers between Staten Island and Manhattan, does not cost a penny. It’s intended for commuters but there’s no reason that visitors can’t hop on, and the 25 minute journey includes great views of the Statue, New York Harbour and Ellis Island.
Kayaking
At the Downtown Boathouse, Pier 96, you can hire kayaks to explore the harbour completely free. Hardworking local volunteers make this experience possible, and it works on a first-come, first-served basis so early morning is the best time to get there.
Central Park
The iconic Central Park is often a hub of activity in the city, and is a great place to go for free events and performances. You can enjoy hiking, playgrounds, monuments, and more all for free!
Public Library
Definitely one of the city’s best free attractions, the New York Public Library is so fancy it’s difficult to stay focused on your book. Almost 53 million items are housed in the enormous marble building, including an exhibition featuring a Gutenberg Bible and original copy of the Declaration of Independence. There’s also a fantastic collection of maps, dating back as far as the 1500s.
Salsa Lessons
Come along to the Latin club SOB’S in west SoHo on Friday before 7pm, and get your groove on for a free salsa lesson. One proviso: you have to be female (men are charged $10).
African Burial Ground
From the late seventeenth to the late eighteenth century, African slaves were buried in Lower Manhattan. The burial ground, containing the remains of over 400 people, was discovered in 1991 during construction work. Today the site is a national monument, and the visitor centre, built in 2010, explores the history of Africans in New York.
Movie Screening
 |
| Bryant Park NYC |
Head to Bryant Park during the summer, where films have been shown for free since 1992. Bring a picnic along and make sure you get there early to get a good spot.
Subway Performances
Some great performers can be found in New York’s subway stations. The best will be at the busiest stops, as there’s a committee which keeps a close eye on the standard. Gathering crowds usually means a performance will be starting within a few minutes.
Food Sampling
 |
| Union Square Greenmarket |
Foodie heaven: on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays farmers at the Union Square greenmarket give out free samples of their produce.
Free Fridays
Lots of New York’s museums and galleries are free on Friday evenings, including the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of the Moving Image and New York Historical Society.
Katherine likes to a get a feel for the history of the places she visits, and seeks out the bits which reveal something about the culture in different areas of the globe. She has travelled in four different continents and is looking forward to exploring the rest.
Images Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons