Europe offers a plethora of different towns and cities to explore and enjoy, so how did I choose just the few you see here? The simple answer is that I chose my favourites. We all have different priorities and preferences. These are the things I love about these cities, which are not necessarily capital cities incidentally. Maybe you will agree with my choices, maybe not. Let me know!
Nice, France
The
perfect marriage of French and Italian influence is clear in Nice on the south
coast of France and Nice Old Town is charming. Exploring the narrow streets
lined with cafes and shops is the perfect way to spend an afternoon that has
not been dedicated to the beach. Nice is home to many galleries and museums
including the Chagall, Matisse, Fine, Asian Art and the Modern and Contemporary
Art Museum. Backed by the Alps, Nice is also blessed with a Mediterranean
climate. What more could you want?
London, UK |
| Old Town, Nice, France |
A
French friend once pointed out to me that London has a lot of green space, and
it is true. Summer in London is glorious as there is always a spare corner of
grass somewhere to enjoy the sunshine. London also has a wide variety of
markets (read more about London markets here), which are well worth exploring. If celebrity-spotting is your game of
choice then London is the place to be. Soho, West and North London are the best
areas, although it depends which celebrities you are hoping to see. Leicester
Square is frequently abuzz with movie premieres, so it is worth knowing your film
release dates if you want to catch some movie action.
 |
| St James Park, London, UK |
Barcelona, Spain
If
you want colour and quirkiness then Barcelona is the place. Gaudi’s influence
is evident in the many creations he left in the city. His most famous work, the
Sagrada Familia is fascinating. Parc Guell above the city offers fantastic
views down to the sea, if you can take your eyes off all the mosaiced features
of the park itself. Las Ramblas is the main avenue that runs through Barcelona.
It is lined with cafes and hotels and all sorts of things can be seen there
including street performers, artists at work, crafts and animals for sale.
 |
| Mosaic Lizard, Barcelona, Spain |
Istanbul, Turkey
The
city of Istanbul is unique for linking Europe and Asia by spanning the two
continents. Practise your haggling at the Grand Bazaar. The enormous labyrinth
of narrow twists and turns is packed with carpets, ceramics, jewellery, glassware,
books, toys, souvenirs and more. A more indulgent afternoon can be spent in the turkish bath, sweating, being scrubbed and massaged. For an authentic experience, get
to Ortakoy on a Sunday morning and wander around the market before enjoying
lunch in a restaurant on the shore of the Bosphorus. (For other ideas on things to do in Istanbul click here).
 |
| Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey |
Rome, Italy
The
opulence of Rome greets visitors at every turn. Marvel at the faded grandeur of
the Colloseum and enjoy the magic of throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain
(apparently it guarantees your return to Rome one day). On Wednesdays you can
have an audience with the Pope in St Peters Square. Otherwise enjoy the lavish surroundings of Rome hotels, restaurants and cafes.
 |
| Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy |
Do
you have a favourite European city, and if so, why is it your favourite?
Tweet
