Wednesday, October 20, 2010

10 Best European Cities

Europe's many and varied nations contain some of the greatest cities in the world. The best European cities cater to tourists, history buffs, sports fans and people seeking explore the nightlife options. Climate plays a role in selecting the best cities because some spots are frigid in winter while others sizzle in summer. After much research I can proudly unveil the 10 best European cities.

  1. London. Unlike many of the major cities in Europe, London boasts a Royal palace that is still occupied by the reigning regent. The Royal family no longer confine dissidents to the Tower of London, but it still attracts huge crowds eager to learn about its storied past. Big Ben and Tower Bridge have dominated the skyline for well over 100 years, but the in recent years the London Eye has given them a run for their money. 
  2. Rome.  The only city in Europe that contains a separate state, Rome is the ancient capital of the greatest empire in the history of the continent. Modern visitors marvel at the remnants of the Colosseum, while modern day athletes wearing the colours of Roma and Lazio entertain crowds at the Stadio Olympico. The Vatican city attracts both pilgrims and history buffs year round and on hot days, Rome offers visitors some respite with some of the best ice cream you will ever taste.
  3. Paris. Modern day visitors see little evidence of the French capitals violent past and the Chateau at Versailles came through the revolution in much better shape than its former inhabitants. The Eiffel Tower remains the most prominent monument in Europe and Paris also hosts the continents most famous portrait, the Mona Lisa.
  4. Prague. The Czech capital came through World War II relatively unscathed and retains its fairytale charm despite the best efforts of maruaders on stag weekends. Prague offer guests inexpensive beer and acres of medieval buildings to explore. The Charles Bridge and Prague castle are the most popular tourist spots, but people also flock to Wenceslas Sqaure to see the site where crowds gathered in 1989 to demand the end of communist rule.
  5. Budapest. The Hungarian capital is actually comprised of two cities: Buda and Pest. More grand than Prague and less cluttered with communist era buildings than Bucharest, Budapest sits either side of the blue Danube. The parliament building is the most famous site in the city and certainly the most picturesque. The city contains numerous nightclubs and visitors can expect to dance the night away with a cosmopolitan crowd.
  6. Venice. The sinking city continues to fascinate tourists and ironically the fear of large numbers of visitors hastening its demise has caused a surge tourism. Making your way through a city whilst being serenaded on a gondola beats sitting in motor traffic any day. If you are a fan of masked balls then this city is your dream come true.
  7. Dublin. The modern day Dublin is multicultural city where you can expect to meet as many Frenchmen as Irishmen. The city that produced so many literary giants also host the ancient Book of Kells that dates back to 800 A.D. Pubs are numerous in the city and the Guinness brewery enables visitors to get a behind the scenes look at how Irelands most famous export is made. 
  8. Bucharest. Before World War II, it was described as the Paris of the East. Few people would describe it in the same way today but the vast buildings built during the turbulent reign of Ceacescu are a sight to behold. Bucharest is a city of surprises and hidden away in the center, guests can explore a park that contains dozens of historic houses that were relocated to the city in the 1930's. 
  9. Dubrovnik. The Croatian city of Dubrovnik overlooks the Adriatic and it's historic heart shows little evidence of the damage inflicted upon it during centuries of war. Water sports enthusiasts explore the coastline by day and the restaurants and bars by night. The old city is a UNESCO world heritage site and with 13 centuries of history to be told it's a place that has many tales to tell. 
  10. Amsterdam. The Dutch capital has something for everyone and much of what is has is illegal almost everywhere else. People can easily navigate the city by boat or cycle and the lack of motor traffic gives it a sense of calm. The city contains a wide variety of museums that contain artifacts from both the modern and the old world. It is after dark though that the city really comes to life.