The most beautiful cities in the world

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It is often said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and this is true for many things. Each city have its own charm and uniqueness, giving the city its identity. To me, the below 5 cities are the most beautiful in the world, both in individuality, charm, atmosphere and beauty.

1. Sydney: the Australian metropolis has plenty of charm and character. Neatly situated in the south-eastern corner of the country in New South Wales, the Harbour City oozes atmosphere. With over 4 million residents, the city is thriving. When you arrive in Sydney, you will be greeted by one of the world’s most amazing skylines. The famous Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge will stand out from the skyscrapers, and the contrast between all the buildings is something else. Sydney is a lovely place to walk around in, make the most of it. Stroll around the harbour district and go exploring in the smaller cobbled-stoned streets in the area.

2. Prague: not many people go to the Czech Republic’s capital and come back disappointed. It is a stunning city, situated by the river Vltava. Often called the city of a hundred spires, its extensive historic centre is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. There is no lack of atmosphere in the city centre, and all the sites are close enough to enjoy on foot. The most popular attraction in Prague is its castle. The Prague Castle stands above the historic town on a hill, and just so happens to be the largest ancient castle in the world. In the courtyard stands St. Vitus Cathedral, the most amazing building with a fantastic painted glass window. Back down in the historic district, you will find the Old Town. In the Old Town square, the Church of Our Lady of Týn and the Town Hall are not to be missed. The Jewish quarters will give you a fascinating account of the history of the Jews in Prague and you will be able to visit numerous stunning synagogues.

3. Paris: the City of Lights, or love as many romantics prefer to call the capital of France, is an amazing place. Situated by the river Seine, Paris has an endless list of attractions for every visitor. The picture perfect white fairytale-like Sacre Coeur Basilica dominates the area of Montmartre, and from here you will get breathtaking views of the city. The iconic Eiffel tour gives the skyline an edge, and the pretty cathedral of Notre Dame will impress even the harshest critic. Take a walk along the Champs-Élysées or stroll along the river Seine. Paris also makes for an ideal place to have a picnic. There are plenty of green areas, gardens and parks to sit down and soak up the French ambiance.

4. San Francisco: although not at strikingly pretty as the European cities, San Francisco has its own charm. The historic trams that crosses the city gives San Francisco uniqueness and are a popular past-time for tourists. The Bay area is beautiful, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge really glimmers and glistens in the sun. The skyline of San Francisco is one of the most beautiful in the world, and a great way to get a good look is to take a river cruise or go out to Alcatraz on an evening tour. There are impressive buildings in the city but none as stunning as the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. Well worth a trip, even if it is just for a photo.

5. Helsingborg: the Swedish costal town, often referred to as “the Pearl of the Sound”, is a vibrant city in the very south of the country. It is seen as the gateway to the continent, and frequent ferry services runs between Helsingborg and Denmark. The two countries, although divided by the Sound, are close enough to be seen from one country to another. Helsingborg has a lot to offer with great beaches, lovely small cafés and restaurants along the seafront, interesting museums and parks. Towering over the city centre is the impressive Kärnan, a medieval 13^th century tower built by the Danes to protect the entrance to the Baltic Sea when they controlled this part of Sweden. From here you will get a lovely view of both Helsingborg and Denmark.

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Top 10 cities or towns to visit in Europe

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Europe is a continent with a lot of diversity, both when it comes to history, religion and culture, and that makes these countries all the more interesting to visit. There are so many different places that everyone will find a spot that they like and can relate to. Below is a list of 10 cities or towns well worth a visit.

1. London; the capital of Great Britain is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and has plenty to offer a tourist. It does not matter what your interests are, you can be sure that you will find something that suits you. With a wide variety of attractions, historic buildings, museums and outdoor entertainment there are many ways in which to spend your day. The city comes to light in the evening and some of the highlights are the opera, a musical or theatre in theWest End, a fancy dinner at one of the top-notch restaurants or just to stroll around Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

2. Paris; known as the city of lovers, the French capital has a lot to offer. Visit the famous Louvre, climb to the top of the Eiffel tower, enjoy the little French cafés or make your way to the area of Montmartre, famous for its artist and small shops. Some of the highlight of Paris includes the fantastic Notre Dame and the white, candy like church Sacre-Cur as well as the Luxemburg Gardens.

3. Prague; situated in Eastern Europe and rich in historical areas and buildings. It is a city to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. It is relatively cheap and the beer is good. A must is Prague Castle with the amazing St. Vitu's Cathedral. The Jewish quarters with all their synagogues gives a testament to the impact of the Jews before the Second World War.

4. Vienna; this is a city rich in culture and historic buildings. This is a city that will give you everything you need and more. The most visited attraction is the Castle Schonbrunn. It is situated outside the city centre but well worth the visit. If you like amusement parks, the Prater is a place for you. It boosts with one of the oldest Ferris wheels of its kind.

5. Barcelona; soak up the sun in Spain on one of the out-door cafés in this bustling city. The famous shopping street, Las Ramblas, lies in the heart of the city and many events take place here during the day. One of the highlights has to be Gaudi's cathedral, Sagrada Familia.

6. Amsterdam; the nicest and most interesting of all the Dutch cities has a lot to offer. It is an easy city to visit as the public transport is frequent and brings you right to the heart of Amsterdam in no time. Once in the city centre, it is a fabulous place to walk around with all the old houses, the river and the bridges. A trip on one of the ferries is a must as is the Anne Frankhouse. Here one of the world's most famous diaries really comes alive. If you have an interest in diamonds, you can visit diamond factories and try a ring or two.

7. Berlin; the capital of Germany is another city that will welcome you with plenty of attractions. This is a place where east truly meets west, as this once divided city comes together as one. Alexander Platz and the TV tower in the former east, Checkpoint Charlie on the boarded between the two former countries and Brandenburger Tor in the west.

8. Copenhagen; a delightful city in the Nordic hemisphere. The amusement park Tivoli is one of the oldest in the world and has an outstanding Christmas market. The stories of H. C. Andersen come to live with the statue of the little mermaid by the sea. The shopping street Stroget is a bustling place and the castle is rather impressive.

9. Helsingborg; a stunning Swedish town situated in the very south of the country. The town stretches alongside the sea and boardwalks by the beach makes it easy to give for a stroll to feel the atmosphere. There are a few places of interest, the medieval tower from which you have a fabolous view, the heritage park and the Sofiero Castle. You can take also take one of the ferries across to Denmark.

10. Bamberg; this German town is so beautiful and old that it has made its way to the UNESCO world heritage list. The town is famous for its beer, the quarter called Little Venice and it has a lovely town hall situated in the middle of the river.

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Free things to do in Paris

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Paris is known as the city of romance but is a great place to go even if you are on your own. There is a certain charm in Paris which not many bigger places can brag about. It's not only that romance is in the air, but it's more that people are alive. You can stroll around in the small streets in some of the famous quarters and feel happy and peaceful.

There are a good few things to do if you don't want to pay, some more interesting than others:

1. Notre Dame - this impressive cathedral is free to visit. However, they will charge you if you want to go down to the chambers or up in the tower. The cathedral raises high above the street and creates a wonderful picture. Walk around the quarter to find the most beneficial angle.

2. The Eiffel Tower - as one of the top attractions of Paris it's expensive to go up but to see if from below is well worth the walk there. Take a bottle of wine and a baguette and enjoy the tower lying on your back in the grass after a fantastic lunch.

3. Sacre Coeur - this white marble church is absolutely amazing and can be viewed from the steps below it. There are often street entertainment and Parisienne painters around this area so you can easily stroll around for a good while.

4. Montmartre - a true Parisienne quarter with a red light district. To stroll around here takes you back decades and the atmosphere is unbelievable. There are small shops which you can go window shopping.

5. L`Arc the Triomphe - here you can visit the Unknown Soldier's grave and walk in top of the Arc without having to pay. The Arc the Triumph is in the middle of a roundabout but you get here through the walkway underground.

6. Champs-Elysee - stroll up and down this famous street of Paris. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to look at.

7. Seine - go for a walk along the river Seine and browse through the books at the various stands. It's known to have happened that people find true bargains in these stands.

8. Jardin des Tuileries - one of Paris` many gardens. Marie Antoinette is said to have wandered around here.

9. The fountain at Trocadero - a place most tourists visits. It won't cost you a penny unless you make a wish.

10. Bois de Boulogne - take a trip out to the massive forest outside of Paris and forget all about city life.

As in most cities there are free concerts, free museums and churches to visit. Take a look in one of the free papers they hand out to see what's going on.

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