My Top Ten Cities in Europe

To me, Paris is the most interesting city in Europe. And, that's saying quite a lot because I think of Europe as one giant Disneyland for adults. Every time you turn around in Paris, you will see something breathtaking. Paris is easy to traverse by Metro (subway) and once you get the hang of it, you will be able to wander around to see whatever you want.

If you've always wanted to ascend the Eiffel Tower, do it. However, if you are on limited time, I suggest taking photos of the Eiffel Tower from wherever you happen to be and avoiding the lines. Instead, see d'Orsay Museum (start with impressionists and work your way down) and the museum with Monet's Lily Pads in l'Orangerie. After that adventure, wander around the Marais District to Place des Vosges park. It's within walking distance (or take the Metro) of the Louvre. Also, you must see Notre Dame and the church next door, which I think is Sainte-Chapelle. Take a ride on the Seine or just wander along the river. You will see angel statues on bridges and all kinds of great things.

For years, I avoided Venice because it sounded like a tourist trap, but when I ended up there after someone talked me into it, I fell in love with the city. It is a decadent, magical old city that should not exist in the middle of a former swamp, but has somehow defied gravity. (Well, it's sinking, but it still stands after centuries.)

The things I love:

• The waterways
• The fact that there are no cars
• The charm
• The decaying grandeur

I am a very jaded traveler and if I like something, there is a reason. Put Venice on your bucket list.

All of the cities I mention are fabulous, exotic, sexy, and wonderful. But, if you love art...Florence might be your number one city. It's just a great place to wander around and get lost. Cobblestones, great little churches that you might stumble across, beautiful museums, the history of the city...it's just what you expect romantic Italy to be.  Read about the di Medici family to learn about the city.

Yes, I'm sure you've seen the Trevi Fountain on TV, but it's different when you are standing in front of this beautiful scene, imagining what kind of person (and group of artisans) could actually create it. And, all of Rome is like that. On every stop, there is a little reminder of history. And, when you see the ancient ruins and the forum, your mind will have a hard time comprehending all of the people (slave or master) who walked those very paths thousands of years before you. Rome is layer upon layer of history. I've heard that they stopped digging subways because the government agencies had to stop too often after they would find, yet another, ancient artifact site. Rome is brilliant.

Vienna, Austria is a land of fairytales. You will feel royal while walking through this magnificent city of power and beauty. Unfortunately, even though I've been to Vienna a few times, I've never seen the Klimt paintings. I guess I'll have to go back for the museum, more strudel, and more coffee. If I were able, I would put Vienna on my list every year. It's like Paris, only more Germanic...in a good way.

Amsterdam is like Copenhagen with a pulse. As much as I would love to live in Copenhagen, Amsterdam offers more exotic sights than the city in Denmark. I've only been to Amsterdam in the daytime for a few hours and I want to see what it's like in the evening. I'll update if I get back there.  Oh, I almost forgot to tell you to see the train station.  They must have about 10,000 bicycles parked there.  Don't get run over in the bike lane.

Berlin is an odd mix of new and old. Whatever wasn't bombed out will give you a sense of Berlin's original greatness...not everything must be about Hitler. Evil comes and goes but art and soul live forever. Berlin feels like an extreme between the starving artists and the overindulged spoiled patrons.

While not technically part of Europe...it's not on the continent...London would rate higher on my list if it weren't so damn expensive. Read about Ann Boleyn and see where her head was chopped off under orders of Henry VIII. That man did need an heir, but chopping her head off was going a bit too far.  The more you read about English history (or watch movies about England), the more you will appreciate London.

Lisbon seemed charming and friendly. The city did not hate tourists and they appreciated our business, which is a big deal to me after living in Honolulu. I am always watching to see any sign of resentment or any signal of friendliness. And, the people of Lisbon seemed real. Lisbon was a refreshing change from the overly commercialized cities in Europe. I would love to see more of Lisbon and it's charming tiled everythings.

It was difficult to pick one last city. I was torn between Bruges, Munich, and this Catalan city. Also, I've never seen Zurich or Madrid so I must recuse myself of making judgement. Monaco is only inviting if you are throwing a lot of money around, so I left that off my list. St. Petersburg seemed sad, as only a Communist country can feel...so my last choice is the vibrant city of Barcelona. The Catalan city of Barcelona has some of the same vibe as Rome, but it's more eccentric. It's definitely worth seeing, just like every city on my list. But, don't try to see everything in one trip...you'll miss the whole point of going to Europe.