I've traveled to 35 countries, and by far my favorite city is Istanbul.
It is a city that is at once ancient and superbly modern. Very vibrant, with a youthful energy turned towards the future. And at the same time, you stand in a city that has centuries of important history at the heart of the Western and Eastern worlds. Beautiful architecture, incredible food, a stellar nightlife and restaurant culture, super-friendly people... There's so much to love here.
In terms of absolute jaw-dropping beauty, Jerusalem wins for me, with Damascus (pre-War) a close second.
Berlin is easily one of my favorites with its nightlife - especially if you're into electronic music - architecture, and just the general feel. Also Prague is just incredibly beautiful.
Favorite city to visit: Frascati, Italy. It was so beautiful, right in the Alban Hills, and with lakes and villages nearby, a great place to hike around.
Favorite City in general: Richmond, VA. It's a fantastic place, big, underground music scene, large arts community, and a ton of bars and restaurants.
Kyoto, Japan, which feels much more relaxed and inviting than Tokyo.
Tokyo, Japan, which has anything and everything you could possibly imagine.
Pretty much anywhere in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Often my favorite places weren't necessarily in any particular city, so I'd have problems picking a specific town.
Florence, Italy, which is absolutely gorgeous.
Venice, Italy which despite being very tourist-y is a beautiful sight to see.
San Gimignano, Italy, which has the best gelato in the world!
Victoria, Canada, which feels very open and relaxed.
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I've traveled to 35 countries, and by far my favorite city is Istanbul.
It is a city that is at once ancient and superbly modern. Very vibrant, with a youthful energy turned towards the future. And at the same time, you stand in a city that has centuries of important history at the heart of the Western and Eastern worlds. Beautiful architecture, incredible food, a stellar nightlife and restaurant culture, super-friendly people... There's so much to love here.
In terms of absolute jaw-dropping beauty, Jerusalem wins for me, with Damascus (pre-War) a close second.
Berlin is easily one of my favorites with its nightlife - especially if you're into electronic music - architecture, and just the general feel. Also Prague is just incredibly beautiful.
Tokyo, I feel more at home in that city than I do in the town I was born and raised.
San Francisco. So much character and great food.
Favorite city to visit: Frascati, Italy. It was so beautiful, right in the Alban Hills, and with lakes and villages nearby, a great place to hike around.
Favorite City in general: Richmond, VA. It's a fantastic place, big, underground music scene, large arts community, and a ton of bars and restaurants.
New Orleans is an absolutely fantastic city with a great culture. It's changed a lot since Katrina but I'd still recommend it nonetheless.
I'm a little biased about Seattle and Portland but they're great spots with a wonderful and friendly community.
Chicago is a TON of fun. If you're looking for a big city that doesn't cater to tourists as much as NY or SF, I'd highly recommend it.
Kyoto, Japan, which feels much more relaxed and inviting than Tokyo.
Tokyo, Japan, which has anything and everything you could possibly imagine.
Pretty much anywhere in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Often my favorite places weren't necessarily in any particular city, so I'd have problems picking a specific town.
Florence, Italy, which is absolutely gorgeous.
Venice, Italy which despite being very tourist-y is a beautiful sight to see.
San Gimignano, Italy, which has the best gelato in the world!
Victoria, Canada, which feels very open and relaxed.