The world’s top cities are bucket list toppers for Black travelers everywhere. Each city has its own unique vibe and charm. And each has many different sights and attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. When planning a trip to one of these dream destinations, the question of “how long” is often top of mind.
Sometimes, you only have a few days available and want to know if this time will be sufficient to thoroughly experience the city. To take some of the guesswork out of your planning, Travel Noire has compiled guides of some of the world’s most visited cities. Here, we will share how much time is needed to explore the top attractions and leave feeling satisfied and fulfilled.
Paris
The City of Love is renowned for architectural wonders such as the Notre Dame, Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower. It is a treasure trove of culture with museums like the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. We recommend a minimum of three days to truly enjoy the diversity and charm of the city. During this time, you can visit iconic landmarks, enjoy a Black Paris tour and spend time in vibrant Little Africa. Just keep in mind that some of the main attractions are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. So, plan accordingly, and if possible, stay closer to a week.
London
London truly has something for everyone. The city is a melting pot of cultures and you’ll find traces of its rich history everywhere you look. A minimum of two full days gives visitors a chance to capture some Insta-worthy shots at spots like the Tower of London, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Black travelers will also enjoy an authentic modern British feel and exciting culinary scenes in multicultural neighborhoods like Notting Hill and Brixton. However, five days would be more ideal, time permitting.
New York
Have you been dreaming of the Big Apple, with its towering skyscrapers? To explore the best of NYC, allocate a minimum of three days. This will give you enough time to check out popular sights like Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park. Six days would be even better, as it would give you a few more days to fully immerse yourself in the diverse city and explore neighborhoods like Harlem, SoHo and Greenwich Village.
When it comes to travel, we believe where there’s a will, there’s a way! There will no doubt be times when you have to work with the PTO you have. Sometimes, you simply aren’t able to stay away from home long due to other obligations. Whether it’s a day or a week, the key to maximizing your time lies in prioritizing the experiences that are most important to you, planning ahead and remaining flexible and positive.