Every city in the world claims to have some characteristics that make it a great city. And usually they are right. Just about every city will have something about it that people will find appealing. Plus, some city officials go to great lengths to advertise their city’s charm and character. Travel agencies and local tourist groups also lend a hand in advertising. But there are some cities that are recognized as some of the best places to live according to many International Travel Organizations. These cities are ranked according to quality of life and the cities’ overall economic status. While the ranks of the cities change every year, here is a list of some of the cities that consistently make the list as the world’s best cities.
Florence, Italy
Florence is one of the most visited cities in Europe. It is the capital city in the Tuscany region and it is known for its arts, culture, and history. Florence is considered to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. It is also the historical founding city of modern Italian fashion.
The city has numerous museums with famous works of art and highly decorative architecture. Florence has attractions such as the Academia Gallery, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo Museum, Ponte Vecchio Bridge, and Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of David.
The economy in Florence is based on tourism and food and wine. The Tuscany region is one of the most important wine-growing areas in the world. During the peak tourist season, the tourists outnumber the city’s population.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The capital of Argentina is known for its night life, its cuisine, and it’s dancing. Situated on the southeastern coast of South America, many visitors have referred to the city as “The Paris of South America”. Buenos Aires is historically a mix of French architecture, Italian food, and Spanish partying.
Buenos Aires has many artistic attractions such as the famous Teatro Colon Opera House, a world class city zoo, botanical gardens, marketplaces, spas, and architectural works such as the Palace of Justice, the National Congress, and the Museo Hispanoamericano de Buenas Aires. Buenos Aires is also the birth city of the tango and there are numerous places to experience this Hispanic dance.
The economy of Buenos Aires is largely based on services sector for real estate and banking. Banking and finances make up almost 31% of the city’s economy.
Venice, Italy
Located in northern Italy, Venice is the city of romance. With its waterways full of boats and gondolas, the city is one of the major tourist sites in all of Europe.
The city is full of sites, arts, and culture. The architecture is some of the best in Italy (next to Rome). There is the Basilica di San Marco which is a centuries-old Roman Catholic church. It is located in St. Mark’s Square which has some of the best shopping in the city. The Doge’s Palace is next door to the Basilica and is where the former rulers of Venice lived. There is the Rialto Bridge which crosses the Grand Canal, the lagoon islands, Campanile di San Marco, Academy Gallery, and numerous other sites and attractions.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa and the countries legislative capital. Located on the shore of Table Bay, the city was originally a trading port for the Dutch East India Trading Company. It is now a thriving economic city with businesses in retail, mining, imports and exports, real estate, architecture, and construction.
Cape Town is also the largest tourist destination. The city includes attractions such as the Castle of Good Hope, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Two Oceans Aquarium, several museums, theatres, and historical sites dedicated to South Africa’s days as the center of slave trade.
South Africa is also world renown for their beaches, surfing, wine, and natural landscapes.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the country’s largest city. It has become known as a mix of historical Thailand along with modern cosmopolitan elements. It is a cultural center for business, arts, entertainment, and education.
The city’s population is mostly made up of Thai-Chinese but many people from Thailand’s northern country live and work there. The city is also a hub to other ethnic groups. There are large neighborhoods of Japanese, Indians, Arabs, Chinese, and Koreans.
Bangkok is a popular host to many international conferences and conventions. The city has three major conference centers: The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, and IMPACT Exhibition Center.
For places to see, there is the Royal Palace, the Ancient City, dozens of museums, Buddhist temples such as the famous Wat Arun (th eTemple of Dawn) and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) which is located in the Grand palace. The city also has several zoos, parks, and theatres.
Sydney, Australia
Located on the southeastern region of Australia, Sydney is the capital of the Australian state of New South Wales. Known as “The Harbour City” because of the number of habours and waterways in the port, Sydney is the most modern and cosmopolitan of all the cities in Australia. It is a natural hub for immigrants and is also one of the more expensive cities in the world in which to live.
Sydney is a huge cultural center. The city is host to some of Australia’s largest annual events such as the Sydney Festival which is an arts festival, The Big Day Out which is a traveling rock music show, the Sydney Film Festival, and the Biennale of Sydney.
Sydney is often recognized for its famous Opera House. It is the third most popular opera house in the world and is also home to the Sydney Symphony. Besides the opera house, Sydney also has beaches museums, gardens, and art galleries.
New York, USA
New York is one of the largest cities in the world and a cultural melting pot. There are districts with many different ethnic races whose own culture has mixed with living with other cultures in New York City. Known as “The City that Never Sleeps”, New York is one of the leading symbols of America.
New York City has many significant places of interests. There are many other museums and parks as well as historical sites from New York’s early days. Some of the most famous sites include the Statue of Liberty, The Metropolitan Museum, The New York Opera House, Central Park, The Empire State Building, and Broadway.
New York City is also a business and economic center for the U.S. It is home to most of the nation’s leading banks, insurance companies, and investment firms. Wall Street plays a big part in the city’s economy. Nations all over the world trade stocks at the New York Stock Exchange, making it a vital player in international business.