Saturday, Feb 04th
Modern Dusseldorf is known worldwide for its role in international business, fashion, and commerce. Events make this a special place for travelers. Many trade conventions, fun fairs, and other attractions bring millions of visitors here each year. Make sure you have Dusseldorf on your list when you’re in Germany.
Covered in cohesive art and architecture, Florence, Italy may be one of the most idyllic cities in all of the country. Rusty red and creamy yellow cover every street in the city. With very few modern touches, Florence, for the most part, has remained just as it did when the Medici roamed its cobblestone streets during the Renaissance era.
Zurich is as tidy and efficient as, well, as Swiss watch. The city is straight out of a story-book, albeit quite a cutting-edge one. Behind the historic architecture and clipped public gardens are the hallowed halls of a political and financial power unsurpassed in precision and longevity.
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, one of the most peaceful and prosperous countries in the world. Although some may see the entire country as a little bit 'off the beaten path' Copenhagen is actually one of Europe's top tourist destinations, and the city is well-geared towards helping visitors get the most out of their trip.
Known as being one of the most beautiful baroque cities in Europe, Vienna is the capital and the largest city of Austria. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, the historical city is the cultural, political, and economical center of Austria and is visited by thousands of people each year.
Istanbul is one of the last outposts of European Turkey, before the mean and scary Asian side begins. At least, that is the picture that may have been painted for you but the truth is that Turkey is a country full of contrasts no matter which part you find yourself in. Istanbul simply happens to be a distilled version of all of them.
As the capital and largest city in The Netherlands, Amsterdam welcomes over 3.5 million tourists every year, even though her own population is just 1.5 million. The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, the red-light district and 'coffee shops' are the main drawcards, although the canals, cobblestones, and postcard-views around every corner are equally attractive.
Madrid has always been a hotbed of culture. Many are not aware that the name of the city has its roots in Moorish culture, or that its famous nighttime marchas are inspired by the gypsy and flamenco culture of Spain. Visiting the city, you will be surprised at just how many layers there really are to Madrid.
Oslo is the vibrant, historic capital of Norway. Although the city has pockets of the bohemian or avant garde, the Norwegians are by and large a rule-following folk, so entertainment tends to be fun, but very mainstream.
Barcelona is the capital of the nation-within-a-nation that is the Catalunya region, Spain. Unlike its more flamboyant and overt southern counterpart, Madrid, Barcelona has a distinctly understated and reserved charm. This quiet good taste is belied only by the surreal and breathtaking power of the Gaudi and Dali influences that pepper the city – oases of chaotic genius in a sea of delicate good manners.
Krakow has grown to become the second most important city in Poland, behind the capital Warsaw, largely thanks to the authorities' heavy investment in the tourism industry. While they have managed to shake the hordes of 'stag' groups, the attraction of low costs and a casual attitude to life is still drawing budget travelers.
If ever you have watched a movie that is set in the rolling hills, quaint villages and lush vineyards of Southern France and thought 'places like that don't really exist' then you have never been to Bordeaux. This is the capital city of the Girone department of France, in the region of Aquitaine, and is the perfect blend of authentic French living, English-speaking expatriates, modern conveniences and old-world tempo.