Tony Wheeler's Top 10 Favorite Cities: Lonely Planet Co-Founder's Expert Picks
Experienced travelers often struggle to name a single favorite destination amid countless journeys. Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler, with decades of global exploration, faced this challenge head-on. We simplified it by asking for his top 10 standout cities, featured in our book The Cities Book. Presented in alphabetical order, here are the metropolises that have most captivated him.
Berlin, Germany
I regret never visiting Berlin during the Iron Curtain era, when it was divided into East and West. In 1991, just two years after the Wall fell, friends from Berlin insisted I come from Frankfurt. 'You can still sense the East-West divide,' they said. 'Wait longer, and it'll blend; right now, it's two distinct worlds zwischen Ost und West.'
They were spot on—even the abundance of Trabants on the streets told the story. I also positioned myself for another pivotal moment: on U.S. election day in November 2016, I was on the front lines in San Francisco.
Dubai, UAE
This glittering UAE megacity polarizes opinions. Most visitors—who form the vast majority, as Gulf Arabs are a minority—adore it. Short-term tourists enjoy lavish vacations, shrugging off Vegas or Blackpool parallels. Long-term workers from developing nations endure harsh conditions but send substantial remittances home. A vocal minority despises its excesses. I remain ambivalent.
Two decades after my first visit, I've witnessed dramatic evolution—though not from its origins as a mud fort by Dubai Creek. Recently, I rode the cutting-edge Dubai Metro, marveled at the Palm Jumeirah reclamation, skied at Mall of the Emirates, and crossed the Creek on a traditional abra ferry. Thankfully, these wooden icons endure.
George Town, Malaysia
Often called Penang (the island name), George Town lies a scenic ferry ride (more romantic than the bridge) from mainland Malaysia. I first arrived in 1974, trekking north from Sumatra for Lonely Planet's inaugural Southeast Asia on a Shoestring. Remarkably, its vibrant spirit persists across visits.
A quintessentially Chinese heritage town, it's far better preserved than larger, more Chinese Singapore. Strolling streets with iconic 'five-foot ways' is enchanting, boosted by recent street art. Still a backpacker haven like my debut trip, it's now dotted with upscale boutique hotels.
Hobart, Australia
Australia's smallest state capital is also its second-oldest city after Sydney, packing rich history into a compact form. The harborside evokes a classic working port, especially during the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race finale over Christmas-New Year—an event I once sailed.
Beyond urban draws, Hobart gateways adventures: bushwalks in pristine wilderness or Antarctic expeditions. Don't miss MONA, David Walsh's provocative Museum of Old and New Art, now the city's premier attraction.
Hong Kong, China
The biggest shift in my travels? China's opening—unveiling nearly 20% of humanity—eclipses the internet or budget airlines. Hong Kong, a key gateway, was the original portal. In the 1980s, Kowloon's Chungking Mansions issued unofficial visas to intrepid travelers.
Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Among The Cities Book's 30 unvisited spots, Mecca tops my 'unlikely' list. I revere Sir Richard Burton's 1850s pilgrimage prep: mastering Islam, Arabic, and circumcision. I've neared via Medina Airport (outside sacred bounds), then drove to Madain Saleh. Directions warned: a sign read 'All Non-Believers Take Next Exit' to avert mishaps.
New York City, USA
My pre-10th-birthday visit blurred taxis, Empire State, and hotel TV magic. Now past 30 trips, it endlessly enchants. Recently, I walked Broadway end-to-end: from Statue of Liberty views to the Bronx (13 miles/22km). Cycling the perimeter next?
I've spoken at the Yacht Club, dined widely, explored by every mode—even Concorde to Idlewild (pre-JFK). A three-month stay beckons.
Panama City, Panama
With time and proximity, I transited the new Canal locks amid Dubai-like buzz as Central America's rising star. Canal cruise, Casco Viejo, vibrant scene, and birding hotspots exceeded hopes—straddling Rocky and Andean flyways.
Timing coincided with Panama Papers scandal; I snapped a selfie at Mossack Fonseca's office.
Pyongyang, North Korea
Not the prettiest or most fun, but Pyongyang wins 'wackiest.' One visit; returns unlikely. Why fake it in Hollywood when reality outshines? The 105-storey Ryugyong Hotel looms unfinished after 30 years—perfect for a tourist-scarce city.
Pre-2010 metro limits fueled 'fake station' theories; locals seemed like actors on Berlin-sourced trains.
Valletta, Malta
Malta's capital stunned me with its grandeur. Knights of Malta's spoils funded opulent cathedrals, palaces, forts, and walls—earning 'Superbissima' ('Most Proud') over its humble title. Beyond Baroque, explore megalithic temples revealing ancient Malta.
Read more on city travel: The urban evolution: how city travel is changing.
