IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Places
Describe a city you have visited that you liked
Describe a city you have visited that you liked
You should say:
- where this city is
- when you visited it
- what you did there
and explain why you liked visiting this city.
How to plan your answer
Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.
- 1
where this city is
Where: Coastal city situated in the southern province of a nearby country.
- 2
when you visited it
When: Spent a week there two years ago during a summer holiday.
- 3
what you did there
What: Wandered historic old town, sampled local food, visited a maritime museum.
- 4
and explain why you liked visiting this city.
Closing/Why: Loved its vibrant energy, warm locals, and seamless historic charm.
Sample answer
about 240 words · 2 minutesI would like to talk about a stunning coastal city located in the southern part of a neighboring country, just a short flight away from my hometown. It is well known for its picturesque harbor and rich cultural heritage. I had the opportunity to visit this city about two years ago, right after finishing my university exams. A couple of close friends and I decided we needed a relaxing getaway, so we booked a week-long trip during the summer break. While we were there, we kept ourselves quite busy without feeling rushed. On our first couple of days, we spent hours wandering around the historic old town, admiring the incredible architecture and cobblestone streets. We also spent a lot of time by the waterfront, sampling fresh local seafood at small family-run eateries and taking in panoramic views of the sea. One highlight was visiting a renowned maritime museum, which gave us deep insights into the region's fascinating history. What I loved most about visiting this city was its incredible atmosphere. There was a unique blend of historical charm and modern energy that instantly made me feel at ease. The local people were exceptionally warm and welcoming, always willing to offer directions or recommend their favorite hidden spots. Unlike some major tourist hubs that feel overly commercialized, this place retained its authentic local character. Overall, it was a truly unforgettable trip, and I would love to return there in the future.
A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.
Useful phrases
picturesque harbor
We sat by the picturesque harbor and watched the small fishing boats return.
relaxing getaway
After a stressful month at work, I really needed a relaxing getaway.
keep ourselves quite busy
During the holidays, we managed to keep ourselves quite busy with outdoor activities.
deep insights into
The guided tour provided deep insights into the architectural heritage of the region.
blend of historical charm and modern energy
The capital offers a fascinating blend of historical charm and modern energy.
Common mistakes
I have visited there two years ago.
I visited it two years ago.
Use simple past instead of present perfect when specifying a finished time in the past.
The city has many funs to do.
The city has many fun things to do.
The word fun is uncountable or an adjective, not a plural count noun.
I like this city because it is very beautiful city.
I like this city because it is a very beautiful place.
Avoid repeating the noun city twice in the same clause; use a synonym instead.
Tips for a higher band
- Use descriptive adjectives and topic-specific vocabulary related to urban spaces, such as cobblestone streets or waterfront.
- Connect your ideas smoothly with temporal phrases like 'While we were there' and evaluative phrases like 'What I loved most was'.
- Vary your sentence structures by mixing short clear statements with complex sentences containing relative clauses.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.
- What factors make a city a good place to live compared to just a good tourist destination?
- How can local governments preserve historic architecture while developing modern urban infrastructure?
- Do you think over-tourism poses a significant threat to popular historical cities around the world?
Now try this cue card
1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.
Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.