The Big 3: New York, London, Paris

Start your tour of the hottest cities in the world in the Big Apple, New York City.  From a romantic ride in a horse drawn carriage through Central Park to shopping at the most exclusive stores on Fifth Avenue to the hottest shows on the Great White Way, there is something for everyone in the “city that never sleeps.”  Whatever time of year is the perfect time of year to visit New York City.  The spring time is lovely for seeing the city in bloom, where summer sees an influx of sailors for Fleet Week, and winter shows off the sparkle and glamour of the city, from skating at Rockefeller Center to the beautiful Christmas decorations in all the shop windows.

Spend a day at any of the city’s groundbreaking museums, from the essential Metropolitan Museum of Art to the uniquely designed Guggenheim Museum and the awe-inspiring MoMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art.  Other attractions completely unique to New York City including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Staten Island ferry, and the legendary Times Square in the heart of it all.

From New York, jet set across the pond to the city of London.  This historic city, located on the River Thames is the capital of the country and the home of the royal family.  Steeped in pomp and circumstance, London’s many time-tested traditions are fabulous to watch, from the hourly chiming of Big Ben to the elaborate changing of the guard ceremonies at Buckingham Palace.  The city’s fantastic West End district rivals that of Broadway, as any given night offers up dozens of musicals, dramas, and unique theatrical productions, so everyone is sure to find something they will enjoy. 

Most of the museums in London offer free admission, including the eerily stunning Imperial War Museum, the astoundingly large British Museum, and huge art collection of the National Gallery.  Other highlights include the Beefeater-lead tour at the Tower of London; Shakespeare’s recreated Globe Theatre, and must-see architectural sights like Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

Once you decide to leave London, head across the English Channel by either ferry or chunnel, enter into France, and keep going until you hit the City of Lights.  Paris is by far one of the most romantic cities in the world, from the beautiful architecture, wide boulevards, and tree lined streets, it is no wonder why lovers flock to the city.  Enjoy a cup of coffee at a corner table of a sidewalk café or zip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. 

Paris is an art lover’s dream, serving as home to the world famous Louvre, the largest art museum in the world housing such magnificent works of art as Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the ancient Greek sculpture, Venus de Milo.  Other museums include the Rodin Museum paying homage to the great sculptor and the Musee d’Orsay, a converted train station that now holds a stunning collection of impressionist artwork.