IELTS Speaking, parties 2 et 3 : Describe your favorite city that you have visited

I think urban life is generally more suitable for young people because cities usually offer more jobs, education and social activities like bars and clubs. Young people often want career chances and a busy social life, which cities provide. For older people, rural life or small towns are often better because they are quieter, cheaper and people know each other, which can feel safer. But some older people prefer cities for good hospitals and cultural events, so it depends on the person.

Broadly speaking, cities tend to suit younger people because they combine career opportunities, higher education, public transport and a lively cultural scene — all the building blocks for starting a life. Young adults often value variety and the chance to network, which urban centres offer. Older people frequently prefer rural or small-town settings for a slower pace, cleaner air and closer community ties, which can reduce stress and loneliness. That said, it’s not hard-and-fast: many retirees choose cities for easy access to healthcare and arts, while some young people favour quieter towns for family reasons. Ultimately, suitability depends on health needs, finances and personal priorities.

People usually choose a city to travel to based on popular attractions and how easy it is to get there. They look at price, flights or trains, and whether there are famous sights. Friends’ recommendations and social media photos also influence choices. Sometimes people pick a city because they want a certain weather or a festival is happening.

People pick a city for a mix of practical and personal reasons. Practical factors include cost, flight connections, visa rules and safety; personal factors are what they want to experience — history, shopping, food, nightlife or nature nearby. Many travellers are led by recommendations from friends, blog posts or social media, though some deliberately choose lesser-known cities for a more authentic experience. Seasonality and events — festivals, concerts or exhibitions — also play a big part, as do time constraints and whether the city fits the traveller’s interests and budget.

A tourist city can be a good place to live in some ways because it usually has good facilities, entertainment and public transport. But it can also be crowded, noisy and expensive, especially in the centre. If you live there, you might avoid touristy parts and find quieter neighbourhoods, but overall it depends on whether you value convenience or peace.

A city that attracts tourists can certainly be liveable — it often offers excellent infrastructure, cultural amenities and a lively food scene, which many residents enjoy. However, heavy tourism can bring downsides: higher housing costs, crowded streets, noise and a loss of local character if shops turn into souvenir stores. For some people the trade-off is worth it, especially if they work in those industries or enjoy the buzz. Others find they need to live in less touristy districts, or move to suburbs, to preserve quality of life. Successful examples usually involve good planning to manage tourism sustainably.

I think people are divided. Many tourists like historical cities because of culture and old buildings. Others prefer modern cities with shopping and new attractions. It depends on what someone likes, their age and how much time they have. Young people might like modern cities for nightlife, while older visitors might enjoy history.

There isn’t a clear majority — preferences often reflect the traveller’s aims. History lovers and culture seekers naturally gravitate to historical cities for museums, architecture and atmosphere. Others, especially those seeking convenience, shopping or a cutting-edge food and arts scene, prefer modern cities. That said, a lot of people actually want a bit of both: cities that combine historical quarters with contemporary districts tend to be most appealing because they offer variety. Demographics matter too — older visitors often favour the quiet charms of history, while younger travellers may prioritise modern amenities and nightlife, though social media has increased interest in picturesque historic spots across all ages.