Thanks to Eddie Schmid of WhereIveBeen.com (@whereivebeen on Twitter), FareCompare Deals Guest Blogger
This Friday (Oct. 2) marks an important date for future important dates: the world will be watching Copenhagen to find out which world-class city will have the wherewithal to host the godly specimens and the slightly ungodly droves of visitors that will come with the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
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There’s already been a whirlwind of hype and hearsay about the frontrunners, but regardless of who wins, each of the nominated cities has a distinct greatness and unique history that deserves the center stage. Let’s take a breather from the news and focus on the nitty gritty:
Why are these cities world-class? And why not visit them yourself? Keep reading, to find out…
Madrid – It lacks the coastal pizzazz of its heavily-trafficked neighbor Barcelona, but Madrid revels in its more refined appeal. Business bustles during the day, but Madrid doesn’t let that get in the way of their afternoon siesta or its weekend, wee-hours party scene. Despite the strong euro, it’s possible to enjoy Madrid’s finer points on a tight budget. Integral to this is the city’s expertly-organized public transit system, which stops at all of the city’s most storied districts including the Puerta del Sol and Gran Via; the city’s architecture, parks and general setup lends itself to pleasant strolling. Stop by the famed Museo del Prado in the early evening from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free to their massive collections of Goya and El Greco.
Chicago – It features the comfort of Midwestern hospitality melded with the diversity, towering architecture and seemingly unending possibilities of the American metropolis — not to mention the dark blue sparkle of Lake Michigan. Chicago, as a whole, is generally more affordable than the West- and East-coast giants; you’ll still pay a pretty penny to sleep, dine or drink in the Loop downtown, no doubt, but the true soul of the giant city lies outside the Loop. Neighborhoods like Pilsen, Chinatown, Ukrainian Village, Andersonville and Rogers Park brim with different cultures, which often allow the tourist a cheap way to widen their palate. Should you nab a cheap fare for the winter, though, make sure you’re bundled up or that lake wind will feel like a sucker-punch.
Tokyo – Media generally depicts Tokyo as a giant neon sign that never flickers, and that’s pretty much what you get; while the hustle and bright lights might intimidate some, Japan’s largest city is a marvel of modern achievement. It can barely even be considered one city — Tokyo is mostly defined by its very different districts, a mixture of the old Japan and hyperactive, high-tech younger generation. Its character certainly doesn’t lend itself to scrimping for the budget traveler, but hopping on its state-of-the-art metro lines and people-watching is probably the most fulfilling activity that an ex-pat will do while in town. If you’re interested in taking in as many historical sites as humanly possible, consider getting the Grutt Pass, which grants you access to 61 of the city’s most acclaimed museums.
Rio de Janeiro – All the nominated cities mentioned stand as massive hubs of business and culture. But of its three Olympic competitors, there’s really no contest as to who boasts the finest scenery (and weather). That’s Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which sits on the edge of Guanabara Bay in the South Atlantic, whose harbor is considered by many to be one of the natural wonders of the world. There’s a general vibrancy to Rio, sound-tracked by samba, that peaks with the colorful Carnival celebration in February, but it’s possible to soak in rays all year long — try “low” season, around April to November, and you’ll face less competition from fellow travelers and lower rates all around, which normally aren’t too pricey to begin with.
Want a head-start on visiting these Olympic candidate cities? Where I’ve Been is giving away round-trip airfare to the nominated city of your choice in their Twitter giveaway! Visit whereivebeen.com now for details.
