Trifter

3. Paris, France:

Despite it being the ‘city of love’, Paris has a surprising amount to offer the lone traveller or a group of friends. Yes it is romantic if you go with a loved one. However, if you stay away from the more overtly amorè-filled spots then it can be an exciting and interesting place to spend time in. Obviously, the Eiffel Tower is a must, because of the views if nothing else! You can literally see the whole of Paris from all directions of the compass, and it’s an attractive city. Other attractions include, any backstreet bar/cafe, or preferably several, street art and/or art galleries, the brilliant Moulin Rouge, many churches and the Notre Dame cathedral, a walk along the Seine and the houses and museums of the many prolific people who lived in Paris including Hemingway, Benjamin Franklin and Oscar Wilde to name a few. This city is jammed packed with little cultural gems that are ignored by most of the loved-crazed tourists, go see!

 http://www.paris.org/

2. Copenhagen, Denmark:

One thing that is striking about Copenhagen is its size, it’s so spacious, and it has to be because, the main problem with Copenhagen is there is too much to do! There are museums on everything from pottery to bog bodies, art galleries, cannels, fairs, teddy bear workshops, Hans Anderson’s house, ships, etc. There is no shortage of interests or activities. A personal favourite of mine was the large, permanent outdoor fair, complete with a huge Ferris wheel. The harbour is lovely filled with old, wooden ships and lined with ice cream stands and bars. The famous ‘Little Mermaid’ statue is, I feel, contrary to popular opinion very beautiful and charming. There is, to use a cliché, something for everyone.

http://www.copenhagen.com/

1. Helsinki, Finland:

This is a wonderful city, but it is so often ignored by the tourist guides. Helsinki was a seaside, fishing town originally and that can still be seen at the harbour front where there is an extensive market that sells good quality goods. There are also many extensive parks, bookshops and a huge cathedral. However, for me the real treat is the islands. There are three main ones, the first is Seurasaari, where old and even ancient buildings have been brought from around Finland and re-built, also home to Aleksis Kevi’s house. It is a wooded island, with great mossy boulders, truly beautiful and atmospheric. Korokeasaari is a zoo, the largest in the country and well worth a visit. Finally, Suomenlinna is a fortress island with old battlements from WW2, it’s a fun and interesting place to spend a day. Helsinki is a brilliant city full of new and different experiences to try.

 http://www.hel.fi/wps/portal/Helsinki_en/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/Helsinki/en/Etusivu