10 places worth visiting
I've been fortunate to travel extensively throughout my life, and it’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. While much of my travel has been for business, there are several places I would gladly return to for personal enjoyment. I’ve always been drawn to vibrant, bustling cities, seeking out and immersing myself in local neighborhoods. For me, local cafes, and restaurants offer a far more authentic experience than simply ticking off tourist attractions or just museums. I also have a love for exploring local architecture—whether it’s grand boulevards, tree-lined streets with large windows, or stumbling upon a quiet green square or local park.
Sometimes, the most enjoyable moments are those spent sitting outside a bistro with a glass of wine or a Negroni, watching locals go about their daily routines. It’s in those moments that you truly feel the soul of a village, city, or town. Below are a few of my favorite cities, in no particular order, each of which left a lasting impression on me.
Paris: The first time I traveled to Europe, I flew from New York to Paris, on route to London. Once I landed at the airport, I took a train into Gard du Nord and waited for a train then ferry to England. My train was quite later in the day, so I decided to have a short walk around the station so that I could actually feel like I was in Paris. It was silly of me not to spend a few days in Paris. With that little wander around the train station, I really felt the city and it was as if I had been there before. Strange I know, but not sure how to explain it, but it felt like a part of me. Maybe it was France more than Gare du Nord. I have been to Paris several times since and it is still one of the most thrilling metropolis that I have been to. My favorite neighborhoods are St-Germain, Latin Quarter, Marais, and around Montmartre and the steps leading up to Sacré-Cœur. Maybe these are all popular hot spots, but I think each captures a romantic charm about Paris that inspires me. Like walking around St-Germain Des Prés and spotting L’Hotel (although, I have never stayed at the hotel, it is famous for the location that Oscar Wilde spent his remaining days). It is very close to Musée D’Orsay which has wonderful art and is an amazing building. It is a must to see if only from the outside. If you visit Paris, I suggest you take one day to just wonder and relax, no urgent agenda or boxes to tick, just find a neighborhood, find a cafe and absorb the Parisian vibe.
Rome: Before I moved back to the US, I decided to take a week and visit Italy. I lived in Europe for 7 years, but never really got to visit many of the beautiful countries. I had very little money back then, but decided to book a cheap flight to Pisa and spend a few days in Tuscany and a few days in Roma (pre-euro). Florence and Pisa were both very nice, but Rome was incredible. Wow, something else. Vespa’s, sirens, people everywhere…there was just this amazing energy…I ended up staying an extra day or so. I went to the smallest jazz club in the Trastevere neighborhood, which was like being in a Bohemian movie, think Fellini or La Dolce Vita. I walked everywhere. I saw women at 8am dressed in make up and heels…everyone knows how stylish Italians are, but you really see fashion the way it is intended in Italy. Like France, Italy has history, architecture, culture, food, fashion, wine, art, and music. Over the years, I have gone back and had amazing times.
Amsterdam: Another city that I got to visit early in my life and on a budget. My impression of The Netherlands were canals, tulips, windmills, Anne Frank, Von Gogh, weed, and the red light district. It’s very popular with tourist, and an easy and mainly safe city to navigate. But like Paris, you have to find neighbourhoods that the locals live in and explore what they enjoy. I also got a different perception of Amsterdam while listening to artist like Jacques Brel and Scott Walker. I understood a different dark but gentle side of the port of Amsterdam. Still, taking drizzly strolls in the early evening along the canals and seeing all the bridges and bicycles, it’s quite charming. It might seem cliche, but wandering in the dark skies through the Jordaan or Utrechtsestraat areas can bring a feeling of being alone, but never lonely. I think the most important point to most European cities is to not feel like you are in a rush, just make time for yourself.
Istanbul: I have been to Turkey probably about a dozen times…and Istanbul is an iconic and electrifying city. The energy of the people is amazing. They understand tourism, culture and tradition. A good mix of the future with so much from the old world. I was there when they had a big protest and you could hear the whole city come alive in unrest. It was incredible., hundreds of people living near my hotel had their windows open and banging on their pots and pans in protest and solidarity to the situation at the time. Several other visits were just as amazing with less unrest but great food and wonderful people. Again, I would do some research and find a few neighborhoods to explore and give in to the city.
Copenhagen: I am biased since I have ties to Denmark, but Copenhagen has an urban edgy vibe unlike Stockholm or Helsinki. It is Scandinavian, it is Nordic NOIR, it is also like some parts of lower Manhattan or Brooklyn. It has one of the most beautiful modern opera houses in Europe. It’s a foodie town, with music, art, and design. It’s an exciting city to visit and spend quality time, perhaps not in January. The Danes really have amazing style. They are known for high end furniture and everyday home items like tea pots, table wear, thermos, and even wooden birds (yes, there is a need for wooden birds). Oh and don’t forget the “hoptimist” (google it, you need one on those dark cold nights).
San Francisco: I was late to experience and embrace the “Bay Area”, but it still has so much charm and character. It is a big little city with the an amazing view of the ocean, bridges, skyscrapers, town houses, rolling streets, parks, and an abundance of nature in close proximity. In recent years, some parts of the downtown area are not recommended to casually walk thru, which is sad for such a highly visited cosmopolitan city. There is still a strong community vibe about San Francisco and hopefully that will come to prominence once again. There are still many of great neighbourhoods worth checking out.
Saint-Tropez: Strange maybe to be on my list, but I recently spent a week in September in the town and it was great. I have to suggest to go in the off season or when most of the tourist have started to leave. It was still warm and sunny in September, but you can have very cool temperatures in the evenings., which I prefer. We stayed in a small boutique hotel that we could walk into the old town and grab a coffee and croissant after the morning walk. Saint-Tropez is a small fishing village with some expensive shops and a famous destination for celebrities, but beyond all that, it is a really cosy part of the French Riviera. It is also very easy to just stay put in the village and explore on foot (besides traffic in and out is a nightmare). Like so many places on the Riviera, the locals are very friendly and kind people. Overall, Saint-Tropez is a destination that exudes luxury, charm, and the Mediterranean allure. Like most of the Riviera and Provence, you can experience a great mix of leisure, culture, and breathtaking coastal and mountain charm.
New Orleans: When someone says to me, “where are you from?” I usually don’t say the US or America, I say, “New Orleans”. Besides being the truth, as big as the US is, I prefer to be specific. It is also rare these days to meet anyone who does not know or have heard of New Orleans. It will always keep a special place in my heart, no matter where I currently call home, NOLA will always be a part of me. And it is a place that will always welcome you back. So much of my youth growing up in New Orleans helped me prepare for all of my travel adventures. Whenever I see a film, a photo, or hear a song, I get homesick for a few minutes. It has so much rich culture with food, music, architecture and a wink to the world. Beyond all the excess, I believe that it is the people that make NOLA so special. They welcome you with open arms but will also put you in check. “Who-dat.”
London: This city will always have a special place in my heart. So many of my firsts (and seconds) came from my time in London. It was part of my coming of age. It was my “life university”: especially when it came to dress, food, wine, spirits, design, and culture. New Orleans born me, London raised me. The US is so big and some people never leave their own state let alone go abroad internationally, so to spend any serious stints outside of your own country will almost always change you, I cannot say for what, but I believe that you will not be the same person when you go home (if you do). London in the 90’s was a strange and exciting place. It was pre-internet explosion and way before smart phones. We had to find out about art, fashion, music the old fashion way: tv and print media. London was very expensive back then, as it still is today and similar to New York or Paris, but back then I only needed the sheer energy of the city to keep me going. With the creation of the EU and then Brexit, London has been a bit dinged by it all, but it is still the global cultural Mecca it has always been. No matter what gets thrown at it, it still finds a way to shine. And I believe the world is better for it.
Los Angeles: A lot of press about this city, you either hate it or love it. There is a lot of traffic and you could spend hours in your car, but there is so much magic around the city that it makes it all worth it. I told people that California is the France of the US, now some French may be annoyed by me saying this, but they both have oceans and sea, mountains, small coastal villages, forest and nature, food and wine (lot’s of wine). Plus, they both beat to their own drum. I kinda stumbled on my love for LA. I was not intending to make it home, but went for a month visit and got caught in its allure. After having lived in cities like Brussels, Chicago, and London, it was nice to have a car and freedom. You can have an amazing outdoor lifestyle: 20min to the beach, 15min for a hike in the Hollywood hills, or 2hrs for lunch in the desert or up on a mountain to ski. I think at the heart of LA are mostly all transplants chasing dreams, baking in the sunshine, or just creating their own version of utopia. A part of me will always have a special spot for Los Angeles and the wonderful time I had there. It also taught me to breathe and not sweat the small stuff. It’s still not that far away for a regular visit.
I must also include special cities that could easily fit in the top ten list, but that I had to make tough decisions and give them an honorable mention. Top of the heap would be New York, everyone’s favourite metropolis. It was and still is a magical city. So much of my inspiration has come out of New York: punk, hip-hop, theatre, film, art, photography, design, food, etc, etc, etc It is a true cultural bouillabaisse. Everyone wants a slice of New York. I love the faux graduation speech by Mary Schmich, encouraging the class of ‘97 to “Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard.” Thank you New York.
A new favorite is Bordeaux, I have been a couple of times and once upon a time, almost moved there. From that last visit, it was really good, it has many really nice neighborhoods and a nice cultural mix. Bordeaux will be always be more famous for its wine and maybe one of the best in the world, but if you look beyond “vin rouge”, it’s an amazing city. Hell, even Parisians have started moving in and hiked up the prices…so it must be good.
Three cities that I really like for their style and elegance are: Vienna, Helsinki, and Stockholm. Architecture, design, and culture. I have probably spent more time in Stockholm and Helsinki, but I hope to one day attend the New Years Day concert in Vienna. I also cannot forget Florence and Torino, two more beautiful towns in Italy, and both worth visiting. Although a different vibe to Rome, they both have great food, wine and a tranquil style.
One of the best pieces of advice that I have received was to TRAVEL. It expands your intellect, empathy for other cultures, and opens you up to amazement and possibility. Home may be your root, but let travel flourish and wet that root.
Stay curious, Sx
