TAKE A BREAK IN THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE CITIES
By Sheila Hendrick
The debate on the title-holder of the Greatest City in the World has suddenly been settled. A survey of 18,000 people by market-researchers Ipsos has led to a clear winner: New York is the world’s favourite city.
And the world’s favourite city to visit? Paris tops the survey’s polls.
There’s nothing like a city break in these world-class cities. The locations seem to double your energy and triple your normal tolerance of walking long distances. The number of things you see and experience during a few days in New York or Paris, you wouldn’t manage in six months at home.
Here are our favourite ways to eat like a king, soak up culture, and shop ‘til you drop in the world’s favourite cities
NEW YORK
New York City is everything to everyone. You want cool bars, or fine dining? Incredible shopping, or museums with untold treasures? Whatever your pleasure, you will LOVE New York City.
See: For a classic NYC evening, go for dinner and a show. The Metropolitan Opera House is worth it for the architecture alone. However, it is the performances here that make for an unforgettable night.
Eat: You want a side of celeb-spotting with your steak? This is the city for you. Try The Spotted Pig or Da Silvano.
Shop: Century 21 in lower Manhattan is like Clery’s meets TK Maxx; designer and high street bargains galore. If you can dedicate a whole day to retail therapy then get the bus out to the pinnacle of outlet shopping; Jersey Gardens.
PARIS
They say New York is the place to make money, but Paris is the place to spend it. The city’s reputation for romance is based on the fact that it is so beautiful. So if you can’t bring someone beautiful, immerse yourself in the city’s beauty instead.
See: Avoid the crowds at the Eiffel Tower and Le Louvre, and head instead to the bohemian quarter of Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur for a better view and charming atmosphere.
Eat: If you’re going for the once-in-a-lifetime meal, the grandeur and three Michelin stars of Le Meurice can’t be topped. For good value and a great wine list, try the Bistro Paul Bert.
Shop: A walk down Avenue des Champs Elysées will meet all your luxury needs. For a more affordable piece of Paris culture, pop into the Shakespeare & Co. bookshop. James Joyce and Ernest Hemmingway hung out here, and you’ll recognise it from movies Midnight in Paris and Before Sunset.
They might not have topped the polls, but Berlin and Prague still have the culture, history, and great nights out for amazing city breaks – and are among our favourites when it comes to city breaks.
CITY BREAKS FROM IRELAND
Here at Abbey Travel, we have some unbeatable City Break deals to suit every taste.
Check out our full range of great city break deals European City Break deals or USA City Break deals
If you are thinking of booking a city break, why not call Joanna, our city breaks expert on 01 8047108.