A study by MasterCard lists the top tourist cities across the world in the year 2011. Here you go:
10. Rome, Italy
The
city of endless art, churches and monumental museums has something to
offer everyone. Check into The Hassler Roma, located at the top of the
Spanish Steps, right in the heart of the city, and shop till you drop at
Via Condotti. Rome's a treat for the eyes as well with historic
landmarks, like the Pantheon, St Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, the
gardens of Villa Borghese and of course, the Trevi Fountain.
9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The
flashy desert city of Dubai has lots to engage the traveler with. Check
in to the world's fist Armani hotel at the Burj Khalifa, or this year's
'Leading Hotel' winner, the Burj Al Arab. At night, head to Buddha Bar,
at the Dubai Grosvenor.
8. Frankfurt, Germany
One
of Germany's most stylish cities, Frankfurt's beauty lies in the
seamless balance between old and new. The skyline moves effortlessly
from the neo-gothic to the modern and is dotted with great hotels like
the Schloss Reinhartshausen and the recently opened Villa Kennedy, an
early 1900s mansion with modern accents like metal chandeliers. Shop at
Zeil, Frankfurt's famed shopping street, which has outlets of all haute
designer labels and luxury stores.
7. Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey's
capital city has enough ancient monuments, bijou boutiques, theatres
and art Galleries - like the modernist Istanbul Modern Gallery. Istanbul
offers amenities befitting a king, from private cruises across the
Bosphorus Sea to self-indulgent luxury spas in a genuine Ottoman
mansion. We recommend staying at the Ajia - a modern, minimalist
boutique hotel by the sea. The hotel, with 16 rooms, including three
suites that come with Philippe Starck baths next to the beds, is
reachable after a 35 minute boat ride.
6. Madrid, Spain
Madrid
is a party city. But the city has enough for the culture vultures too.
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (see pic) with its
Picassos and the Museo del Prado which has a fabulous collection of
Velázquezs, Goyas, Rubens, Rafaels and Botticell are worth a visit.
5. Hong Kong
The
city is home to the Hong Kong Ritz Carlton, tallest hotel in the world.
So it's worth it to head to the hotel's Ozone bar for drinks and the
view, or even the a stylish Italian restaurant Tosca, whose highlight is
the Chocolate Library - a cacao-themed lounge, which apparently serves
up some real divine chocolate high tea. And with the Spectrum Wine
Auctions also coming up, wine connoisseurs have all the more reason to
fly. Destination Hong Kong.
4. Singapore
The
island city, with its annual shopping festival and world class hotels
is already a hot travel destination. The awe-inspiring Marina Bay Sands,
with its indoor canals, vast casino and roof-top infinity pool is one
of the newest (hotel) landmarks on Singapore's horizon. Also look out
for quirky, one-off experiences like the luxury one-room Merlion Suite.
3. Bangkok, Thailand
The
Thai city, also on MasterCard's list of top tourist cities, is a top
party place. Bangkok is not short of stylish restaurants and bars, like
the SkyBar at the Sirocco Lebua Hotel. This stunning rooftop bar, on the
63rd floor of one of Bangkok's best hotels, boasts 360 degree views of
the city.
2. Paris, France
The
City of Love has granted some of its top hotels the prestigious right
to call themselves palaces. Among them are the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome
and the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat which are worth checking into, or at
least checking out.
1. London, United Kingdom
At
the top of MasterCard's best tourist cities, London, home to the
British Queen, has enough to keep the well-travelled visitor busy. Check
into London's newest design hotel, W hotel, in Leicester Square. Watch
War Horse, which just won a prestigious Tony Award, at the National
Theatre or shop at Selfridges' summer sale.
