10 Great European Cities to Visit
by Paul OBrien on 24/09/08 at 6:50 am
Europe is home to some of the best city destinations to visit. But there is so much to see beyond the big three of Paris, London and Rome. Here are some great places to visit you may not have thought of before.
Krakow
Poland’s second largest city is filled to the brim with beauty and character. Largely undamaged during World War II it has retained all of it medieval charm. It is a great place to stroll around and explore the Old Town and soak up its long and rich history. Dominating the cities skyline is the Royal Castle, situated at the top of Wawel Hill which provides the best views of the city and the Vistula River.

Reykjavik
The Icelandic capital is known for its hot weekend nightlife as well as its hot pools. But for those who prefer a quieter time visit one of the interesting galleries, museums and bookshops or just hang out in one of the many coffee shops. With old-fashioned wooden buildings in amongst the modern architecture and breathtaking landscapes Reykjavik is a unique experience.

Bruges
This city in the Flemish region of Belgium had its entire town centre designated a World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. It is the home of some of Europe’s best preserved medieval buildings and is easily one of the prettiest cities in Europe with its canals and cobbled streets. Bruges is all about strolling through picturesque streets, sampling the good food and beer and admiring the gorgeous architecture and art.

Istanbul
The only city in the world to encompass two continents Istanbul is the gateway between Europe and Asia. This range of cultures is what makes Istanbul such a fascinating and beautiful place to visit. Whether it is admiring the centuries old Ottoman minarets or shopping in the ancient bazaars there is lots to do. And when the sun comes down there is great food and a vibrant nightlife to explore.

Budapest
The Capital of Hungary was formed by the joining of hilly Buda on the right bank of the Danube with bustling Pest on the left bank. Budapest’s fascinating history along with its mix of modern architecture and Eastern mystique makes it such an absorbing place to visit. There are over 100 museums, galleries and historic buildings to see but it is the off-beat cafes that are the soul of Budapest with lively music and great food.

Stockholm
Perched on 14 islands, the city offers up spectacular views of its quaint waterways and pastel coloured buildings. Despite being famously expensive there are lots of museums and galleries to visit for a fix of culture once you have run out of money shopping in the numerous excellent shopping districts. The beauty of Djurgarden is also not to be missed along with the impressive 18th century Royal Palace.

Vienna
Grandiose Vienna is the world’s classical music capital and the adopted home of Mozart. With its other famous resident being Sigmund Freud this is a city bursting with culture and places of interest to visit. Vienna has plenty of other pleasures too whether it is enjoying a few drinks in one of the plentiful or renowned wine taverns, a walk in the woods or along the river or just bar-hopping till morning.

Prague
The “Paris of the East” sits on the banks of the Vltava River and practically defines the word ‘picturesque’. It is easy to lose yourself in a city that was left largely untouched by the Second World War. In both the castle district on the left bank of the river and the Old town on the right you can stroll down narrow medieval streets and courtyards, across cobbled squares and into the many stately buildings.

Edinburgh
Edinburgh is cosmopolitan, classy and cultured. You can admire the elegance of the 18th century New Town, stroll along the Royal Mile or gaze across the city from the parapets of the 16th century castle. But it is in the summer that Edinburgh truly comes to live when the festival takes place each year, with hundreds of theatre and comedy shows and street entertainers on every street.

Seville
The capital of the region of Andalusia has often been overshadowed by Barcelona and Madrid but won’t disappoint. There are enough sights and things to do to wear down the most ardent of travelers. A stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir river will give you a feel for the romance of historic Seville. And when you are worn out by all the sightseeing relax in one of the many riverside restaurants.

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One Comment
Rask Balavoine
Sep 24th, 2008
Good article
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