World's Best Tourist Cities 2008

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

Travel and Leisure Magazine recently released the annual list of their  favorite cities.  The ranking process is based on a survey of their readers.  This year’s list included a few surprises and few cities that always seem to find their way onto “best of…” lists.  Here are the best cities according          to T&L:

1. Bangkok.  This exotic, sultry city has been compared to the world’s great metropolises.  “The Paris of Asia” or “The L.A. of the East.”  Bangkok is the prefect blend of modern and aged.  And, perhaps because its history was different from its neighbors (Thailand was never colonized), it has a completely unique vibe.  Riots and    political problems aside, the trademark hospitality and strong     sense of   history (temples, the over-the-top love for their king)     put Bangkok on top of the list.
2. Buenos Aires.  The capital of Argentina is one of South America’s great cities.  In many ways it is more European than neighboring cities like Sao Paulo.  And in many ways it is completely unique (tango, gaucho-culture).  All this blends together to make a heady and unforgettable cocktail.  Just visit soon, because the Argentine economy is once again in danger of collapse. 
3. Cape Town.  South Africa is coming into its own.  Cape Town, which owns one of the world’s most picturesque skylines, is at the center of the renaissance.  The city has a budding shopping and restaurant scene and an established beach scene.  Add to that the fact that South Africa’s wine country and famous nature preserves are not far away.   
4. Sydney.  Australia’s major metropolis boasts fabulous infrastructure and unbeatable attractions.  Sydney is known for its opera house and harbor, but it also boasts a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene and is one of the best places to get a taste of cutting edge culture in the East.

The rest of the top 10: Florence, Cuzco (Peru), Rome, Istanbul, New York and San Francisco. 

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