May is a month for the glamorous. It has us jet-setting to enchanting and magical events around the world, whether it’s The Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix or London Motor Show. From the shores of Southern Europe to London and Shanghai, explore a few of the world’s chicest cities.
Paris, France
Paris has long served as a European mecca of fashion and art. Romantic cobblestone streets give way to quaint bistros and boutiques. Find a sense of history at the Eiffel Tower or in a stroll down one of the most fashionable streets in the world: The Avenue des Champs-Elysées (home of luxurious shopping and the Arc de Triomphe). No matter the reason for your visit, it’s no surprise that Paris and glamour are synonymous.
Madrid, Spain
Stylish boulevards. Handsome manicured parks. Vast collections of European Art. A selection of glamorous cities simply cannot exist without a look to the capital of Spain. A few of our favorite Spanish destinations include The Prado (among the globe’s premier art museums), Gran Vía (a center for entertainment, shopping and culture), and King Philip V’s Royal Palace (the largest in western Europe and an impeccable fusion of baroque and neoclassical architecture). Need we say more?
Milan, Italy
The Quadrilatero della moda—Milan’s fashion district—is a testament to the city’s position as the world capital of fashion and design. Milano Today ranked Via Montenapoleone the most expensive street in Europe, which comes as no surprise given its fashion houses, high-end boutiques and exclusive Italian shoemakers. Milan is also a culinary hub with award-winning restaurants, and has long been a center for the arts, serving as the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper mural.
London, UK
As the largest city in the United Kingdom, London has been—and remains—one of the world’s most influential cities. From the history of Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to the modernity of the London Eye and The Gherkin, “The Old Smoke” is the embodiment of both old and new glamour, with a set of annual events to match including Wimbledon, the London Motor Show, The Proms, and Fashion Week, among others.
Monaco
Perched upon the French Mediterranean coast, Monaco is famous for its lavish casinos, harbor adorned with the world’s most impressive yachts, and, of course, the annual Grand Prix motor race, which comes to the city each May. A walk through the Monte-Carlo—the city’s most prominent district—puts boutiques, nightclubs, luxe hotels, and restaurants all at one’s fingertips.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai has long been recognized as a playground for the wealthy and it isn’t hard to understand why: nearly every street evokes a sense of glitz and luxury, with brand-name boutiques, private event venues, and top-rated restaurants that serve far more than simply delectable faire. Our must-see Shanghai experiences include a stroll down the Bund, an exploration of colonial architecture in the old French Concession, and a visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower observatories.
Cannes, France
A resort town situated upon the French Riviera, Cannes is the ultimate vacation haven, complete with grand villas, luxury hotels and renowned restaurants. A beloved holiday destination for the aristocrats of yesteryear and the celebrities of today, Cannes emerged into the global spotlight with the rise in popularity of its invitation-only film festival, inaugurated in 1946. What is more glamorous than an afternoon on the Boulevard de la Croisette in springtime?