Best Cities to Visit by Magonsdaughter

REAL WORLD EVENT DISCUSSIONS

Best Cities to Visit

POSTED BY: MAGONSDAUGHTER
UPDATED: Monday, August 13, 2012 00:07
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Tuesday, August 07, 2012 10:05 PM

Hmmm, only been to one of these

Forget what you know about these unusual choices for best city. Their standings on this Lonely Planet list don't go without merit.

New stadiums, global events, pop culture, festivals, and a little bit of fresh paint have all made these cities the next stand out stars of 2012.

1. London, England

London OlympicsThe Olympics are coming -- finally, an excuse to change Paddington Bear's outfit.“The Olympics are riding into town and a whole swath of the capital is being transformed in the process.” - Lonely Planet

This culturally saturated, yet sometimes dreary city revives itself with Olympic hype. The Games will give tourists more to look forward to than the standard tourist routine of Big Ben, Tate Modern and the London Eye.

The Royal Wedding in 2011 may have also given a little nudge to tourism in this England capital. Tour companies have been doing Will and Kate tours to add to the existing iconic Beatles, Harry Potter, and Jack the Ripper tours.

More on CNNGo: London taxis voted best in the world

2. Muscat, Oman

" I didn't know Satan's horns were that small.""Oman is firing on all fronts to attract international visitors, expanding everything from its museums to its resorts. Muscat is the focus for the revamp, with cultural events, luxury accommodation and aquatic activities taking center stage." - Lonely Planet.

This city historically hasn’t garnered much traveler attention but it has everything an active vacation calls for: markets, beaches, diving, turtle/dolphin watching, caving, kite surfing, trekking, desert safaris, rock climbing, all in one place.

It’s the perfect destination for families, couples, and thrill-seeking men facing a mid-life crisis.

Also, have you seen their completely post modern flag?

More on CNNGo: Oman's Jewel of Muscat: Re-creating a 8th century sea voyage

3. Bengaluru, India

Bangalore paintBangalore -- great for photo ops.“Perpetually drunk on the good life, this South Indian metropolis packs in the best brews, the scrummiest cuisines, and the liveliest arts and music scene, not to mention the hippest population you could hang out with.

This year, evenings in the ‘capital of cool’ are poised to get even more intoxicating.” - Lonely Planet.

Not your standard tourist destiination. This is for those who want to endure an entirely different culture. Despite its beautiful gardens, Bangalore's charms lay in the culture and people that emerge from the polluted chaos.

This modern city is a magnet for young urbanites who flock to the metropolis for work and play. Only downside? The bars and clubs close at 11:30 p.m.

More on CNNGo: Off season is on Season in these stunning cities

4. Cádiz, Spain

Carnival of CádizCarnival of Cádiz makes Halloween look like child's play. "Cádiz has found itself named Ibero-American Capital of Culture for 2012 – the first time a European city has held the honor.” - Lonely Planet

The annual Carnival of Cádiz shakes up this historic city's sleepy routine. People in Cádiz put on fancy dress and go wild for two weeks. It's a great opporitunity to interact with the locals -- who are known for their sarcastic wit.

Even if you don’t know Spanish, tourists are welcome to join the fun especially if they dress up and participate in all the activities. There are theater groups, choirs, poets and dancers.

More on CNNGo: Indian tourists flock to Spain

5. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm Stieg LarssonDon't expect the scary Stockholm Stieg Larsson pictured. “The film release of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo might have prompted a new wave of Stieg Larsson fans to look for the grimy side of Stockholm.

Unfortunately they’ll have to look quite hard, because Stockholm looks as perfect as it’s ever been." - Lonely Planet

If you fell in love with the romance of Venice, you'll love Stockholm. This metropolis is made up of 14 islands and over 50 bridges.

Highlights include the canals, medieval towns, cozy coffee shops, art galleries, and an insane amount of museums -- about a hundred to choose from.

More on CNNGo: 10 great cities, 100 fantastic free attractions

6. Guimaraes, Portugal

GuimaraesDespite Guimaraes' status in the Unesco World Heritage List, there aren't too many foreign visitors. Yet.“This northern Portugal city is breathtakingly beautiful, as recognized by its place on the Unesco World Heritage List, yet mysteriously it doesn’t figure on the radars of many foreign visitors ... Now is the moment to visit, as the city has been anointed the European Capital of Culture in 2012.” - Lonely Planet

So what does being anointed the European Capital of culture mean? It’s kind of like holding the mini burden of Olympics.

Over the course of next year, the historic city will be the official promoter of Europe’s cultural diversity, displaying all sorts of creations like music, cinema, photography, fine arts, architecture, literature, thought, theater, dance and street art.

More on CNNGo: 50 reasons Melbourne is the world's most livable city.

7. Santiago, Chile

sexy cafesBelieve it or not, these sexy cafés are only open in the day and serve no alcohol. “Culture and sports have come to the fore and new museums have opened to acclaim. Dining is now top-notch, nightlife exhilarating and this year also marks the inauguration of the tallest building on the continent, the 70-storey Torre Gran Costanera." - Lonely Planet

If you want the South American adventure without the tourist crowds of Buenos Aires, pay a visit to Santiago.

The first thing you should do in Santiago? Experience the very unique coffee culture.

Find a Cafe con piernas (coffee with legs) -- cafés where women dressed as strippers serve morning coffee (they’re only open in the morning and serve no alcohol).

More on CNNGo: Another 15 unsual places to spend the night

8. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong viewAs Hong Kong protesters demand more democracy, enjoy the view from the harbor. “Rallies are infused with theatrics and eruptions of song, dance and poetry, reflecting the city’s vibrant indie music and literary scenes. Enjoy views of skyscrapers marching up hills from the Star Ferry, before challenging your senses at a wet market or divining your future at a temple.” - Lonely Planet

The recent protests and rallies in Hong Kong has garnered the smoggy city some international attention, but that’s not why we would recommend you visit this city.

The hiking, boating culture, nightlife, food and efficient transportation system are world-class. And If you don’t get on with the locals, there are plenty of fun-loving commonwealth expats looking for new friends.

More on CNNG: Hong Kong protests become a tourist attraction

9. Orlando, United States

Orlando tripOrlando will have the highest concentration of slam dunks in February 2012.“This should be a great year for Orlando as it’s hosting the 61st NBA All-Star Weekend (25 and 26 February, 2012).

The hippest sporting event in the USA , it brings much of the basketball and music worlds together for slam-dunk contests, after-hours parties and concerts, as well as the all-star game itself.” - Lonely Planet

At first we thought the same thing. Orlando? Really? The world-famous theme parks are great but they won’t be the main attraction next year.

By hosting of one of the most hyped up sports competitions in America, Orlando locals will be in a party mood -- a great time to catch the nightlife action with parties, wineries, pubs and dance clubs.

More on CNNGo: The world's best city

10. Darwin, Australia

Darwin 2012"Eh, now I know how those fish feel at Chinese restaurants."“It was once easy to dismiss Darwin as a frontier town full of brawling fishermen, dreamy hippies and redneck truckers.

"But with a pumping nocturnal scene, magical markets and restaurants, and world-class wilderness areas just down the road, today Darwin is the triumph of Australia’s Top End." - Lonely Planet

Forget the kangaroos of Sydney and Melbourne, Darwin is the “real” Australia. Sitting on the very tip of the country, it’s a gateway to the outback with its abundance of beaches and wild life, especially crocodiles.

Despite its deadly creatures this outback city is still a lively destination with plenty of wharf-front restaurants and markets best enjoyed during one of their killer sunsets.

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Wednesday, August 08, 2012 1:51 AM

FREMDFIRMA

Add to that: nearly nameless, nowhereville podunk towns in Michigan.

I love this state, flaws and all, even with the festering scourge that is Detroit, and the complete crackbrained lunacy of Ann Arbor, it was "home" before I even knew it existed, for a fact I never cared for Maryland, and I *hated* Texas. But from the moment I set eyes on it, spoke with the people, there's just something here in the countryside which touches the heart, makes you wanna stop and stay a while.

-F

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Wednesday, August 08, 2012 10:38 AM

GEEZER

Madame Geezer and I had a good week in London a couple of years ago. Aside from the usual tourist stuff, we really enjoyed the Museum of Garden History near Lambeth Palace, and the St. John Restaurant just north of Smithfield Market. We're planning to go back sometime after the Olympic rush ends.

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Wednesday, August 08, 2012 12:38 PM

WHOZIT

Fresno

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Wednesday, August 08, 2012 3:57 PM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)

Would love to go to Stockholm, but not likely to happen.

"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero

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Wednesday, August 08, 2012 8:03 PM

MAGONSDAUGHTER

Actually been to 2, London was.....big, dirty, lots to see, loved the underground, did I say big? More like a couple of cities and number of towns and a few villages all connected...which is what it is.

Hong Kong...long time ago, crowded, 24 hour city, great food, stanley market images seared into my brain.

I really love Paris cliched as it may be, and plan to visit New York to celebrate a certain milestone.

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Sunday, August 12, 2012 7:16 PM

RIONAEIRE

Beir bua agus beannacht

Where's that second one, never heard of that country.

I have Kathy Bates on speed dial, mwa ha ha ha (in exaggeratedly evil voice)

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya.

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Sunday, August 12, 2012 7:23 PM

1KIKI

Toronto is my favorite Canadian city - everything you might want to do downtown is very walkable, the city is humane (public places to sit and drink water and take a break). There's night life, the Market section, sightseeing, shopping (even just window-shopping) and of course parks and the lake. I find it cosmopolitan and engaging, but not overwhelming. And compared to US cities it is, and feels, very, very safe.

But Orlando???? Really? You'd have to really, really like basketball to put up with the synthetic, expensive, cheap plastic and traSSShy experience that is Orlando. IMHO.

SignyM: I swear, if we really knew what was being decided about us in our absence, and how hosed the government is prepared to let us be, we would string them up.

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Sunday, August 12, 2012 8:49 PM

REDREAD

The poster formerly known as yinyang.

Quote:
Originally posted by RionaEire: Where's that second one, never heard of that country.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Muscat%2C+Oman

:biggrin:

||| Blog post explaining my name change: http://www.fireflyfans.net/blog.aspx?bid=9414 |||

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Monday, August 13, 2012 12:07 AM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

Contrary to what some may think, I actually liked my visit to Chicago. The Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium were great, and Navy Pier was fun too.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen " We're all just folk. " - Mal

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

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