1.Barcelona-
Barcelona contains both the authentically historic and the wildly bizarre. From the tree-linedLas Ramblasto the narrow alleys ofBarri Gòtic; from the beachside nightclubs to the city's dozens of sacred churches and cathedrals, this city by the sea seems to attract all types: the family, the adventurer, the couple, the backpacker, the culture lover -- and more -- with an almost overwhelming variety of things to do. You could stay for a few days, but chances are you'll need a whole week to explore.
In Barcelona, even the beach is bustling, but it's really the cosmopolitan city that gets all the attention. Much of the activity revolves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys packed with restaurants, nightclubs and a vibrant pedestrian market. But you should also take an Antoni Gaudí tour -- he’s the Catalan responsible for sites like theParc Güell,Casa BatllóandSagrada Familia. And it would also be absurd to miss out on the eclectic shopping scene and the region’s exquisite food and wine.
2.Parice-The city of lights, the city of love -- Gay Paree is also a city of fashion, five-star dining and exquisite collections of art. But ambience is perhaps its main draw. The gentleRiver Seinerambles through the city, flanked by stately museums, centuries-old churches, and blocks of Rococo- and Neo-classic-design architecture, further enhanced by charming trees and glowing streetlamps. Peppering the Seine's cobbled walks and graceful bridges are impossibly chic Parisians, probably on their way to the market, café or cinema.
Containing world-class museums, fashion, cuisine and an atmosphere all its own, Paris is also a city of "many splendors," as Ernest Hemingway recalled in his memoirs,A Moveable Feast. Visit the Centre Pompidou, enjoy gourmet pastries, shop couture on the Champs Élysées or boutiques in Les Halles, take in the view atop theEiffel Tower, or even daytrip toVersailles Palace. But don't miss out on the simple pleasure of meandering the marvelousarrondissements(districts).
3.Lisbon-One of the biggest perks of Lisbon is its cost of vacationing. Yes, you might pay a hefty sum getting to this city in Portugal, but once you're here, you'll pay next to nothing (especially compared to other European destinations) for nice accommodations, meals and attractions. Plus, much of this city's allure is free and comes in meandering Lisbon's skinny streets and taking in the sights of gothic cathedrals, quaint shops, interesting museums likeGulbenkianand Chiado's shopping. Clubbing in Bairro Alto should be high on your list, and these too, are very affordable.
4.Berlin-The capital of Germany, Berlin can be likened to the other major cosmopolitan and cities of the world like London and New York. But in addition to all its urban charms -- buzzy nightlife, fine dining, seriouslyoriginalfashion, museums and cultural experiences -- Berlin also offers visitors a history lesson, albeit a very difficult one to swallow, with Holocaust memorials and remnants of the Cold War.
5.Budapest-Budapest, nicknamed "the Paris of the East" is an intriguing place to vacation -- and is even exotic with its thermal baths. Although it's not top-of-mind for many Americans traveling to Europe, travel aficionados say it should be for its beauty, cheap eats (and drinks for that matter) and its raging nightlife. And right now, even Budapest's nicer hotels are offering reasonable rates -- but this could change as more and more travelers "discover" this Hungarian city.
6.Prague-Although it might be fading as the "it" European city to visit, we still think that fairytale Prague is an excellent city for a vacation. Prague's charming architecture and quaint streets are added to the city's love of music, (from jazz to rock), local lagers, ambient trams and an awesome café culture, (many of the cafés sidle the picturesque Vltava River), giving Prague its place as one of the top ten European cities.
7.Amsterdam-There's so much more to this city than just theRed Light Districtand the weed; Amsterdam actually offers lots for families to do together (museums for kids, bike riding, pancake eating). It's also a great place for romantic getaways, (canals at dusk, fine restaurants, cute neighborhoods to explore, tulips), and several world-class attractions, including theAnne Frank Houseand theVan Gogh Museum. Although the accommodations tend to be short on space (converted canal homes), the views are picturesque.
8.London-Touring a world-class museum (Tate Modern,British Museum), seeing a West End musical in Leicester Square or a mime in Covent Garden, enjoying high tea at Claridge's, touringParliamentor theTower of London, gorging on fish 'n' chips at a local pub and partying at one of the city's top nightclubs are all things you can do here. Plus, there's no language roadblock, and there is a great public transportation system. While London might be one of the best cities in the world to visit, its high prices edge it out of our top three.
9.Istanbul-Istanbul has a split personality: Sliced in half by the Bosphorus Strait, there's an Asian/Anatolian side and a European side, which each offer tourists different experiences. Although most tourists tend to stay on the European side, (where most of the attractions are located), travel writers recommend taking a ferry over to the strait to view the Asian side. TheGrand Bazaar, theHagia Sophiaand theBlue Mosquemake for cool -- almost exotic -- cultural experiences, as does the idea that right in front of your eyes, two worlds are colliding.
10.Madrid-The capital of Spain is filled with marvelous examples of Spanish culture, including bull fights, flamenco, museums (Prado, among others), and delicious tapas and local wines. And because it's one of Western Europe's must-hit cities, travel to and from Madrid (by plane or train) is relatively pain-free (to your credit card). Once you're in the city, you can get around easily on Madrid's efficient public transportation system; and room rates won't break the bank either.
11.Rome-Roma is another 'duh' city. It's a huge, busy and cosmopolitan city, but like Madrid, it abounds with Italian culture. Authentic Italian cooking wafts from the city's many restaurants, locals stalk the street wearing Italian designs (Versace, Gucci, Prada) and gorgeous architecture lines Rome's streets, giving visitors a taste of Italian culture, which is also filled with more than a week of things to do. However, it gets bumped off the top 10 because its peak season fills with throngs of tourists (ever tried to manuever theVatican Museumsin the summer? not fun!) and sends hotel rates skyrocketing.
12.Florence-Because Firenze (Florence) fills with art and architectural masterpieces, not to mention its set in gorgeous Tuscany, this little city gives visitors a taste of a more authentic, small-town Italy. You'll not want to miss the art at the Uffizi, viewing the David or climbing to the top of the Duomo, but you'll also not want to miss losing yourself in the skinny, stone streets. Experts say Florence is an intimate place to spend three or four days, but you might grow bored if not before the end of the trip -- than definitely by its end.
Barcelona contains both the authentically historic and the wildly bizarre. From the tree-linedLas Ramblasto the narrow alleys ofBarri Gòtic; from the beachside nightclubs to the city's dozens of sacred churches and cathedrals, this city by the sea seems to attract all types: the family, the adventurer, the couple, the backpacker, the culture lover -- and more -- with an almost overwhelming variety of things to do. You could stay for a few days, but chances are you'll need a whole week to explore.
In Barcelona, even the beach is bustling, but it's really the cosmopolitan city that gets all the attention. Much of the activity revolves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys packed with restaurants, nightclubs and a vibrant pedestrian market. But you should also take an Antoni Gaudí tour -- he’s the Catalan responsible for sites like theParc Güell,Casa BatllóandSagrada Familia. And it would also be absurd to miss out on the eclectic shopping scene and the region’s exquisite food and wine.
2.Parice-The city of lights, the city of love -- Gay Paree is also a city of fashion, five-star dining and exquisite collections of art. But ambience is perhaps its main draw. The gentleRiver Seinerambles through the city, flanked by stately museums, centuries-old churches, and blocks of Rococo- and Neo-classic-design architecture, further enhanced by charming trees and glowing streetlamps. Peppering the Seine's cobbled walks and graceful bridges are impossibly chic Parisians, probably on their way to the market, café or cinema.
Containing world-class museums, fashion, cuisine and an atmosphere all its own, Paris is also a city of "many splendors," as Ernest Hemingway recalled in his memoirs,A Moveable Feast. Visit the Centre Pompidou, enjoy gourmet pastries, shop couture on the Champs Élysées or boutiques in Les Halles, take in the view atop theEiffel Tower, or even daytrip toVersailles Palace. But don't miss out on the simple pleasure of meandering the marvelousarrondissements(districts).
3.Lisbon-One of the biggest perks of Lisbon is its cost of vacationing. Yes, you might pay a hefty sum getting to this city in Portugal, but once you're here, you'll pay next to nothing (especially compared to other European destinations) for nice accommodations, meals and attractions. Plus, much of this city's allure is free and comes in meandering Lisbon's skinny streets and taking in the sights of gothic cathedrals, quaint shops, interesting museums likeGulbenkianand Chiado's shopping. Clubbing in Bairro Alto should be high on your list, and these too, are very affordable.
4.Berlin-The capital of Germany, Berlin can be likened to the other major cosmopolitan and cities of the world like London and New York. But in addition to all its urban charms -- buzzy nightlife, fine dining, seriouslyoriginalfashion, museums and cultural experiences -- Berlin also offers visitors a history lesson, albeit a very difficult one to swallow, with Holocaust memorials and remnants of the Cold War.
5.Budapest-Budapest, nicknamed "the Paris of the East" is an intriguing place to vacation -- and is even exotic with its thermal baths. Although it's not top-of-mind for many Americans traveling to Europe, travel aficionados say it should be for its beauty, cheap eats (and drinks for that matter) and its raging nightlife. And right now, even Budapest's nicer hotels are offering reasonable rates -- but this could change as more and more travelers "discover" this Hungarian city.
6.Prague-Although it might be fading as the "it" European city to visit, we still think that fairytale Prague is an excellent city for a vacation. Prague's charming architecture and quaint streets are added to the city's love of music, (from jazz to rock), local lagers, ambient trams and an awesome café culture, (many of the cafés sidle the picturesque Vltava River), giving Prague its place as one of the top ten European cities.
7.Amsterdam-There's so much more to this city than just theRed Light Districtand the weed; Amsterdam actually offers lots for families to do together (museums for kids, bike riding, pancake eating). It's also a great place for romantic getaways, (canals at dusk, fine restaurants, cute neighborhoods to explore, tulips), and several world-class attractions, including theAnne Frank Houseand theVan Gogh Museum. Although the accommodations tend to be short on space (converted canal homes), the views are picturesque.
8.London-Touring a world-class museum (Tate Modern,British Museum), seeing a West End musical in Leicester Square or a mime in Covent Garden, enjoying high tea at Claridge's, touringParliamentor theTower of London, gorging on fish 'n' chips at a local pub and partying at one of the city's top nightclubs are all things you can do here. Plus, there's no language roadblock, and there is a great public transportation system. While London might be one of the best cities in the world to visit, its high prices edge it out of our top three.
9.Istanbul-Istanbul has a split personality: Sliced in half by the Bosphorus Strait, there's an Asian/Anatolian side and a European side, which each offer tourists different experiences. Although most tourists tend to stay on the European side, (where most of the attractions are located), travel writers recommend taking a ferry over to the strait to view the Asian side. TheGrand Bazaar, theHagia Sophiaand theBlue Mosquemake for cool -- almost exotic -- cultural experiences, as does the idea that right in front of your eyes, two worlds are colliding.
10.Madrid-The capital of Spain is filled with marvelous examples of Spanish culture, including bull fights, flamenco, museums (Prado, among others), and delicious tapas and local wines. And because it's one of Western Europe's must-hit cities, travel to and from Madrid (by plane or train) is relatively pain-free (to your credit card). Once you're in the city, you can get around easily on Madrid's efficient public transportation system; and room rates won't break the bank either.
11.Rome-Roma is another 'duh' city. It's a huge, busy and cosmopolitan city, but like Madrid, it abounds with Italian culture. Authentic Italian cooking wafts from the city's many restaurants, locals stalk the street wearing Italian designs (Versace, Gucci, Prada) and gorgeous architecture lines Rome's streets, giving visitors a taste of Italian culture, which is also filled with more than a week of things to do. However, it gets bumped off the top 10 because its peak season fills with throngs of tourists (ever tried to manuever theVatican Museumsin the summer? not fun!) and sends hotel rates skyrocketing.
12.Florence-Because Firenze (Florence) fills with art and architectural masterpieces, not to mention its set in gorgeous Tuscany, this little city gives visitors a taste of a more authentic, small-town Italy. You'll not want to miss the art at the Uffizi, viewing the David or climbing to the top of the Duomo, but you'll also not want to miss losing yourself in the skinny, stone streets. Experts say Florence is an intimate place to spend three or four days, but you might grow bored if not before the end of the trip -- than definitely by its end.
