Although money isn’t the most important thing in the world, we know that when it comes to picking stellar travel destinations, some of the best spots are cities that have the money. They tend to invest in attracting you there and making sure you have a good time.
To figure out which are the richest in the world, we looked at cities with the highest gross domestic product — basically, the strongest economies. Here’s a look at the cities that top the list.
London, England
GDP: $731.2 billion
Those bright red telephone booths that provide the perfect photo op on your visit can’t come cheap. Fortunately, London can afford it. If it’s good enough for the Queen of England’s home at Buckingham Palace, it’s good enough for us to visit. But even though the city has a reputation for being an expensive travel destination, there’s still plenty to do on a budget, from incredible food to free museums. We can’t recommend the Victoria and Albert Museum or the Tate Modern enough. Allow those generous donors in the fifth wealthiest city to bankroll your cultural education!
Seoul, South Korea
GDP: $779.3 billion
This massive metropolis is where modern meets tradition, and luxury meets low-fi. Thanks to amazing food from street vendors, an emphasis on technology and Buddhist influence, there are countless reasons to love the city — including these 50. Stay in a luxury, futuristic hotel or in a hostel close to universities and nightlife. You want this city on your list of places to travel to in 2019.
Los Angeles, U.S.A.
GDP: $789.7 billion
It makes sense that the city a bunch of movie stars call home would be one of the richest, right? It’s not all movie stars, of course, but Hollywood has no shortage of movie studios and glitz and glamour. Be sure to swing by luxurious Beverly Hills and shop (or at least window shop) on Rodeo Drive. And Venice Beach, on top of having the draw of the Pacific Ocean, boasts some of the most interesting people watching in the U.S. You definitely wouldn’t be bored in the City of Angels.
New York, U.S.A.
GDP: $1,210 billion
Home of Wall Street, New York City is the second wealthiest city in the world and the wealthiest in the U.S. We could tell you about all the things you can do there (from major attractions like Times Square and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to more subtle scenes like Brooklyn art galleries and hole-in-the-wall Manhattan restaurants), but odds are you already have a mental list of what you want to check out based on every movie and TV show you’ve ever seen. There’s no wrong way to do New York City.
Tokyo, Japan
GDP: $1,520 billion
The richest city in the world is also one of the most crowded, with a population of about 10 million. Japan’s capital combines the ancient and the brand new. You can do or see pretty much anything you could want to in the city. There are ancient temples and beautiful gardens. You can enjoy glittering nightlife and incredible technology. Stop in an exceptional, affordable restaurant or take in the quaint homes. The city is an international mecca. Don’t miss out on a chance to see what it has to offer.