posted by Travel Cat on Jun 24
Best Cities in Europe?
This is based on the places I have been in Europe (or are intending to go to in the near future after recommendations from friends!). It is only a brief description of the feel of the place, just to tease you to investigate further…….
This guide moves from north to south, and hopefully getting warmer with each hop…….. but seeing as we are starting with Iceland - still take your hat and gloves!!!!
1) Reykjavik, Iceland
If you want to see new pieces of Planet Earth growing out of the ice, then you cannot afford to miss this place. The land of Fire and Ice.
I have never made it here myself yet, as I am waiting for the great ‘northern lights’ display - but every year something gets in my way! But I will make it to this amazing and unique country while it is still that way. The history on this island is immense and the fact that most of the population of this country live in this one city has got to make it a busy but fascinating place!
2) Edinburgh, Scotland
Expect to be cold here, and in-fact, it’s probably better to go in the winter, as you will be almost guaranteed some snow to set this historic city off as it should be seen.
An ancient city, with it’s castle perched on top of a craggy volcanic outcrop, heavily defended by huge rising walls will silence any traveller who arrives here in daylight. The surrounding old town is full of old buildings, alleyways and vaults and some impressive buildings - it also houses a tiny pub, built into the hill underneath another pub!
You can’t escape the history of the place, and of all Scotland really, as well as a few ghost stories to keep you occupied. If you want to step back from it all for a while to give the city some thought of your own, then the best place is a short walk up to Arthur’s Seat and watch over the streets from this lofty natural peak.
3) Copenhagen, Denmark
This place was like a very clean little England. The style of the houses is different as they have the high facades with roofs running front to back with great colour and designs, but it just feels so normal.
The pedestrianised harbour side with it’s huge variety of little restaurants in buildings that seem to go on and on away from the streets is the place to be, and the bright colours and numbers of people just sitting around enjoying the place gives it a homely feel. There is a small amusement park right in the centre of town with some big rides, as well as some interesting museums and historical buildings.
Added to this, Sweden is only a few minutes away on the fast train, so make a day trip out there and feast on culinary delights in their huge heated ‘restaurant’ squares. Be prepared to spend some money in either location - prices are not cheap!
4) Dublin, Ireland
This beautiful city is a labyrinth of street and shops, with one shop leading into another street, or another shop even! And the shops themselves are not always what they seem - one hardware shop I went int, had a bar down the left side with sports on TV, and a bike hire shop out the back……
The huge thundering river runs through the town, and is worth an hour of so on it’s own, just watching it and the world go by. There are bars just about everywhere, but also some gems of restaurants dotted all over as well - many al fresco in the summer.
This is a very busy area for stag and hen nights, so watch out for your weekends being overwhelmed by groups of women wearing fairy wings!
5) London, England
Only come here in the height of summer, otherwise you could be in for a miserable time! Sitting on an open-topped bus in the wind and drizzle really is as bad as it sounds!
In the sunshine though, this city will dazzle you. It has buildings that will fill you with awe at their sheer brute size and appearance; it has large open spaces right in the centre that will carry away your worries and relax your soul; and has a busy nightlife around the theatre district where people spill out of the shows into the cafes and bars to finish off the night!
There’s plenty of history for you here, with the London Dungeons and the Tower of London will certainly evoke past times, along with unbelievably modern additions almost next door, with the London Eye and the Gherkin (a giant curved glass building) dominating the ancient skyline that used to be all towers and cathedrals.
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