Our Manly's Top 10 European Cities

The best of Europe! On a whole it's one place everyone should see at least once in your life, but with so much to choose from, some time you need someone to just give you the best of the best, the absolute must-sees; and here they are...

1. Florence, Italy
The very essence of European class and culture, Florence remains one of the most picturesque and pleasant cities on the continent. Stroll through Piazza della Signoria, a square teeming with people, shops, cafes, and statues. Another great square that is next to the Duomo, the imposing red dome that dominates the skyline. To escape the city bustle, head to the Medici Villas on the outskirts of Florence and enjoy a stroll through the countryside. This being Tuscany, you'll run into awesome food and wine wherever you turn, don't miss the Oltarno district, where university students converge for good times in the area's bars and clubs.

2. Rome, Italy
Rome is paradise for the glutton and ecstasy for the history buff. Of course you'll want to see its calling card, the Coliseum, and snake through the Forum. As you head to the Pantheon, you'll come across the monuments of great emperors. Take a breather at the Trevi Fountain, then chill out in Rome's most famous square (between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinita dei Monti), where the Spanish Steps are. If you want to gawk at the most exaggerated parade of wealth per square foot, check out the Vatican. Between every landmark you see, grab a slice of pizza, a cup of gelate, or a prosciutto panini from Rome's mobile food cars and street corners. It's a snacker's dream.

3. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul has always been marked by contrasts—old and new, east and west, secular and sacred. "Caught as the city is between traditional and Western culture, inhabited as it is by an ultra-rich minority and an impoverished majority, overrun as it is by wave after wave of immigrants, divided as it has always been along the lines of its many ethnic groups, Istanbul is a place where, for the past 150 years, no one has been able to feel completely at home," writes Orhan Pamuk, Turkey's famed literary genius, always touted as a front-runner for a Nobel Prize—in his memoir, Istanbul: Memories and the City.

4. Santorini, Greece
When you think of bright sunny Greece, white domes and blue domes - Santorini is where you're thinking about. The most famous Greek island is a romantic paradise, thanks to postcard-worthy white houses fastened to steep cliffs that dive into the sea. You may get lost in the maze of Santorini's serpentine streets, but you won't care. You'll know that you will eventually end up on one of the island's black sand beaches. The town square is a great spot for chilling out with a beer and some Greek pastries while watching the Mediterranean beauties pass by. After catching an amazing view of the sunset in Oia, head for a night of partying at Coo Club, which is swarming with singles.

5. Paris, France
Famed for its blend of art and romance, Paris has become one of Europe's most famous cities. Whether you choose to admire the art of Lourve, enjoy the nightlife offered by the French-Latin Quarter or scale the Eiffel tower to gain a breath taking view of Paris. With Euro Disney nearby, Paris is a perfect location for either family trips or a romantic weekend away.




6. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon and Portugal are beautiful and they offer extensive countryside to the south and beautiful beaches on all of its coasts. The Portuguese capital of Lisbon is a beautiful place to visit - you'll understand why once you arrive. The heart of Lisbon is known as 'the Baixa' and it is filled with many different shops and attractions. You can walk the hilly narrow streets of the old downtown area called 'Alfama' and stop for a coffee or a meal along the way. The bridge Vasco da Gama is a beautiful structure that stretches over 12,000 meters in length.


7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Get in touch with your Highland roots in this crazy mix-bag of a city that blends old and new in funky ways. In addition to the old castles and mansions, you'll find a roaring nightlife, thanks to the vibrant students at the University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle should be your first destination, as it dominates the city center. Walk down multi-colored Victoria Street and then catch a view of the city from Calton Hill, worthy of a whole film roll. At night, frolic with the city's young crowd at Grassmarket, which features a trendy collection of pubs, bars and restaurants.



8. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is pure escapism. People come here to walk through cobblestone streets lined by castles, churches and buildings taken right out of a Brothers Grimm book. Luckily, the main attractions are all in close proximity to each other, so it's a great city to appreciate by foot. The Old Town Square is the heart of Prague life. The Tyn Church dominates the skyline filled with pristine medieval buildings. It's crowded, but it's still amazing. Prague is particularly loved for its many sidewalk cafes and beer taverns. How much do locals love their Bohemian brew? Some bars offer the eleventh beer for free. No kidding. Cross the Vltava River on the Charles Bridge and climb up to Prague Castle. Even the areas surrounding the castle, like Hradcany and Mala Strana (Lesser Town), are full of little scenic treasures. Get into Prague's pulsating nightlife, easily found by taking the subway to Staromestsk station.

9. Barcelona, Spain
Ask any "Eurotripper" what his favorite city was, and you can bet he'll say Barcelona. This stylish and modern city is ablaze with parties 24/7, all year round. You can even walk through its historical development, starting at the Barri Gotic, the medieval city center sprawling with old cathedrals, cafes and bars. Be sure to check out some of Antoni Gaudi's architectural work. El Loco (The Crazy One), as they used to call him because of his odd creations, fashioned masterpieces like the Casa Batllo and La Pedrera (formerly known as Casa Mila). Then stroll down La Rambla, a maddening street full of buskers and salespeople who try to pry your attention away from the awesome buildings that line it. Take a hike to Montjuc, the hill that overlooks the city, and you'll see Catalan culture in its most pure form. Don't forget to take an evening siesta; you'll be partying from midnight until 6 a.m.

10. London, UK
It wouldn't be a Top 10 if we didn't mention London. The UK's biggest city is maddeningly huge; it can be considered a human ant farm, where personal space is a relic of the past. But despite the exhausting bustle, it remains one of the coolest cities in the world. You can feel the contrast between the overstated opulence of Buckingham Palace and the chaos of Camden Market, the top shopping spot. London is a city that revels in extremes. Covent Garden is ideal for the overpriced kitsch shopper, but if you want to sample real "punk" Britain, head to Kensington and get a tattoo and studded leather jacket at a discount. Give your nod to democracy at the Houses of Parliament ("Yo, Big Ben!"), cringe at medieval torture tools at the Tower of London, and finally treat yourself to mindless arcade and video game fun at the Trocadero. You must see Madame Tussauds' wax museum, which has replicas of celebrities that look too real to be fake.