In the IELTS Speaking test, being able to articulate your future aspirations and travel goals is a key skill that examiners look for. This post provides a comprehensive guide on how to describe a beautiful city you would like to visit in the future ielts speaking cue card, featuring a high-level Band 9 model answer and detailed strategies to help you succeed.

The Cue Card

A beautiful city you would like to visit in the future.
You should say:
• Where this city is and why you want to go there
• How you first heard about this city
• What you would like to do or see there
and explain why you consider this city to be particularly beautiful.

Band 9 Sample Answer

If I were to pinpoint one destination that has been perched at the very top of my bucket list for years, it would undoubtedly be Kyoto, Japan. Situated in the central part of the island of Honshu, Kyoto is often described as the cultural heart of the country, and I’ve been yearning to experience its unique blend of ancient tradition and natural splendor for as long as I can remember. I first stumbled upon the city’s ethereal beauty while leafing through a National Geographic magazine in my school library, where a double-page spread of the Fushimi Inari Shrine—with its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates snaking up the mountainside—absolutely captivated me. Since then, my fascination has only intensified through various travel documentaries and social media feeds. Should I ever have the opportunity to visit, my first order of business would be to immerse myself in the Gion district, hopefully catching a glimpse of a geiko or maiko in their exquisite traditional attire. I’m also incredibly keen to visit the Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, which is set against a backdrop of a tranquil pond that reflects the shimmering gold leaf of the temple. To me, Kyoto’s beauty isn’t just about the grand architectural marvels; it’s the meticulous attention to detail in the Zen rock gardens and the way the city transforms with the seasons, particularly during the cherry blossom period when the entire landscape is draped in soft pink hues. It represents a rare, harmonious balance where the urban environment doesn’t clash with nature but rather complements it. Unlike many modern metropolises that feel like concrete jungles, Kyoto seems to breathe with a sense of historical gravitas and serenity that I find profoundly appealing, making it the one place I am most determined to explore.

Band 7 Sample Answer

I would like to talk about Kyoto, which is a very famous and beautiful city in Japan. I have wanted to go there for a long time because I am interested in Japanese culture and history. I first heard about Kyoto from my cousin who went there on his honeymoon a few years ago. He showed me many photos of the old temples and beautiful parks, and I was really impressed by how peaceful everything looked. If I go there in the future, I want to visit the famous Golden Pavilion because I have seen it in many advertisements and it looks amazing. I also want to try the traditional food in the local markets and walk through the bamboo forest. I think Kyoto is beautiful because it has a lot of traditional wooden buildings instead of just tall skyscrapers. Also, the nature there is very special, especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are out. It seems like a very relaxing place compared to the busy city where I live now. It is definitely a place I want to visit when I have enough money and time for a long vacation.

How the Band 9 Answer Scores Top Marks

Fluency and Coherence

The Band 9 answer flows effortlessly from one point to the next without any noticeable effort or hesitation. The speaker uses sophisticated discourse markers and cohesive devices to link ideas, such as “undoubtedly,” “since then,” and “unlike many modern metropolises.” The narrative structure follows a logical progression, starting with the location and motivation, moving through the origin of the interest, and concluding with a deep dive into the specific aesthetic qualities of the city. This level of coherence is similar to what is expected when you describe a place where you would like to go to relax, where the atmosphere and the logical flow of the description are paramount.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary used is both precise and evocative. Instead of overusing the word “beautiful,” the speaker employs a range of synonyms and descriptive phrases like “ethereal beauty,” “vibrant vermilion,” “architectural marvels,” and “historical gravitas.” There is also a strong use of topic-specific collocations such as “bucket list,” “shimmering gold leaf,” and “harmonious balance.” This variety shows the examiner that the candidate has a high-level command of the English language and can express complex nuances of feeling and observation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The response showcases a wide array of complex structures. For instance, the use of the second conditional “If I were to pinpoint…” and the formal inversion “Should I ever have the opportunity…” demonstrates advanced grammatical control. The speaker also uses relative clauses (“which is set against a backdrop…”) and present perfect continuous (“I’ve been yearning to…”) to add depth to the sentences. All structures are used naturally within the context of a spoken response, which is a hallmark of a Band 9 performance as outlined in the IELTS Official Website guidelines.

Pronunciation

While the text cannot demonstrate pronunciation, a Band 9 speaker would use intonation to highlight key emotional points, such as the excitement of “absolutely captivated me.” The pacing would be natural, with appropriate pausing at the end of thoughts rather than in the middle of phrases. The pronunciation of specific Japanese terms like “Kinkaku-ji” would be clear, showing an ability to handle foreign loanwords within English speech patterns.

Vocabulary and Idioms to Use

Grammar Structures That Boost Your Band Score

• Second Conditional for Hypothetical Situations: “If I had the chance to visit Paris, I would spend all my time in the art galleries.”
• Present Perfect for Life Experiences: “I have always been fascinated by the history of the Ottoman Empire.”
• Inversion for Emphasis: “Not only is the city beautiful, but it also has a very rich culinary scene.”
• Relative Clauses for Detail: “I want to visit the Blue Mosque, which is famous for its intricate tile work.”
• Passive Voice for General Beliefs: “The city is often considered to be the most romantic place on Earth.”
• Future Perfect for Goals: “By the time I turn thirty, I hope I will have visited at least five different continents.”
• Participle Phrases: “Walking through the streets of Prague, you feel as if you have stepped back in time.”

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

What are the benefits of traveling to new cities?

Traveling to new urban environments offers a plethora of benefits, primarily the broadening of one’s perspective. When we step out of our comfort zones and immerse ourselves in a different culture, we are forced to challenge our preconceived notions and biases. It’s an educational experience that no textbook can replicate. Furthermore, visiting cities with different architectural styles and social norms can spark creativity and provide a sense of inspiration. On a more personal level, navigating an unfamiliar city builds resilience and problem-solving skills, as one often has to deal with language barriers or logistical hurdles. Ultimately, it fosters a sense of global citizenship and empathy for people whose lives are vastly different from our own.

Why do some people prefer visiting historic cities over modern ones?

I believe the preference for historic cities stems from a desire for storytelling and a connection to the past. Historic cities often possess a unique character and “soul” that modern metropolises, with their glass skyscrapers and standardized infrastructure, sometimes lack. People are drawn to the tangible history found in cobblestone streets, ancient monuments, and traditional craftsmanship. There is a certain romanticism in imagining the generations of people who walked those same paths centuries ago. In contrast, modern cities can sometimes feel sterile or anonymous. Historic locations offer a sense of continuity and a reminder of human achievement over long periods, which many find more enriching than the fast-paced, consumer-driven atmosphere of a contemporary urban center.

How does over-tourism affect beautiful cities?

Over-tourism can be quite detrimental to the very beauty that attracts visitors in the first place. When a city is inundated with tourists, the local infrastructure—such as public transport and waste management—often struggles to cope, leading to degradation. Moreover, there’s the issue of “touristification,” where local shops and authentic residents are displaced by souvenir stalls and short-term rentals, stripping the city of its genuine cultural identity. We see this in places like Venice or Barcelona, where the sheer volume of people can make life difficult for locals and diminish the experience for travelers. It’s a double-edged sword, as while tourism brings economic benefits, it requires careful management to ensure the city’s heritage and livability are preserved for future generations.

Is it better to explore a city alone or with a group?

Both approaches have their distinct advantages, and it largely depends on an individual’s personality and goals for the trip. Exploring alone allows for complete autonomy; you can change your plans on a whim, spend hours in a single museum without feeling guilty, and are often more likely to interact with locals. It’s a journey of self-discovery. On the other hand, traveling with a group or a companion provides a shared experience and a sense of security. It allows you to discuss what you’re seeing in real-time and share the costs of accommodation or transport. For many, the joy of travel is amplified when shared with loved ones, creating memories that last a lifetime. Personally, I think a mix of both is ideal.

What makes a city “liveable” as well as “beautiful”?

A truly great city must strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. While grand monuments and parks make a city beautiful, liveability is determined by practical factors like efficient public transportation, access to green spaces, and high-quality healthcare and education. A liveable city is one where the air is clean, the streets are safe, and there is a strong sense of community. It’s about the “human scale” of urban planning—ensuring that the city is walkable and that residents aren’t just stuck in traffic for hours. When a city manages to integrate its natural beauty with sustainable and inclusive urban design, it becomes more than just a tourist destination; it becomes a place where people can truly thrive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being Too Vague: Avoid saying “The city is beautiful because it has many things to see.” Instead, specify what those things are, like “baroque architecture” or “winding canals.”
• Ignoring the “Future” Aspect: The prompt asks for a city you *would like* to visit. Make sure to use future tenses and conditional structures rather than describing a place you have already visited.
• Repetitive Vocabulary: Don’t use the word “beautiful” in every sentence. Use synonyms like “stunning,” “breathtaking,” “picturesque,” or “aesthetically pleasing.”
• Lack of Personal Connection: The examiner wants to hear why *you* want to go there. Avoid sounding like a travel brochure; include personal anecdotes or reasons why the city resonates with your interests.
• Focusing Only on Landmarks: While landmarks are important, mentioning the atmosphere, the people, or the local food adds more depth to your response and allows for more varied vocabulary.
• Short Answers: In Part 2, you are expected to speak for 1 to 2 minutes. If you only talk for 45 seconds, you are not demonstrating your full range of English. Use the bullet points to expand your answer.

Practice Tips for This Cue Card

• Visualize the City: Close your eyes and imagine yourself walking through the streets of your chosen city. What do you see, hear, and smell? This sensory detail will make your description much more vivid.
• Record and Listen: Use your phone to record yourself answering the prompt. Listen back and check if you used a variety of adjectives and if your transitions between points were smooth.
• Research Three Facts: Even if you haven’t been there, look up three specific things about the city (a park, a food, a tradition). This will give you concrete details to talk about, making your answer sound more authentic.
• Practice Conditional Sentences: Since this is a hypothetical future trip, practice saying “If I were to go there, I would…” or “I’ve always dreamed of…” to ensure these structures come naturally during the test.
• Check the Latest Topics: Stay updated with the Speaking Topics Jan–Apr 2026 list to see how this topic might be phrased in upcoming exams.

Mastering the ability to describe a beautiful city you would like to visit in the future ielts speaking cue card requires a combination of rich vocabulary, complex grammar, and a touch of personal passion. By practicing with the model answers provided and focusing on the specific criteria that examiners look for, you can significantly improve your band score. For more in-depth preparation and personalized feedback, consider enrolling in our IELTS English Speaking Course to take your skills to the next level.