Every European city has a history and tradition of its own that attracts the tourists. This article takes a look at the top-ten European cities.
Top Ten European Cities
Europe is one of the most beautiful continents in the world. Many of the European countries are rich in tradition and culture. A traveler vacationing in any of the European cities would have a bewildering array of cultures and scenic beauty. Remember, many of the European countries are famous for their castles and palaces. Greece and Rome have a wide array of fascinating ancient historical ruins and legends that narrates the rituals and traditions of ancient times. Given below are the top-ten must-visit European cities.

Top Ten European Cities

1. Rome: Rome, the capital city of Italy is a city which has a rich culture and tradition. The city boasts of festivals such as White Night Festival that is worth seeing. Rome was the capital of the ancient Romans. There are many historical places of interest that would be a great experience to the visitors. Roman Coliseum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon and so on are a few historical places worth visiting. There are many museums and art galleries that would interest any art lover. Vatican city is another most sought out destination in Rome. One can enjoy the marvelous and mind-blowing artworks of Michelangelo at St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel.


2. Athens: Athens is one of the ancient cities of Europe. It is the capital of Greece. Acropolis of Athens is one of the places of tourist attraction. Athens is the longest city in Europe and it has been inhabited for over 3000 years. Tower of the Winds, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Arch of Hadrian and Prynx are the main centers of tourist attraction.
3. Paris: Paris is the capital of France and is known as the "fashion" capital of the world. It is one of the most romantic cities of world. A trip to Paris would not be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Scaling this wonderful tower would give a breathtaking view of the entire City of Paris. Paris has the largest art museum in the world, Louvre, that houses over 35,000 pieces of art. This museum is situated on the banks of River Seine. This city has a colorful nightlife. Disney Land, Arc de Triomphe, Opera Garnier, Jardin des Tuileries and Champs-Elysees are a few places that are worthy of a visit.
4. Vienna: Vienna is the capital of Austria and also one of the nine Austrian states. This city houses more than hundred theaters and museums that are famous for their music, opera, ballet and artifacts. Vienna is one of the European cities, which is rich in cultural history. This city was founded in 500 BC and was a part of the Roman Empire. Vienna is a blend of traditional and modern European culture. Anchor Clock, Belvedere Palace, Burgtheater, Danube Tower and Danube Island are some of the places that attracts tourists every year.
5. Salzburg: Salzburg is the fourth largest city of Austria. This city is situated on the banks of the river Salzach. Renowned for its beauty, the "Old Town" of Salzburg is listed as the World Heritage by UNESCO because of its world-famous baroque architecture. One of the notable landmarks of Salzburg is the setting of the musical film "The Sound of Music". Hohensalzburg Fortress, Residence of Mozart, St. Petersfriedhof, Helbrunn, Festival Hall and Rupertinum are some of the interesting and must-visit places.
6. Barcelona: Barcelona is quite a lively city of Spain. This Spanish city has a unique blend of traditional and modern art, traditional and culture. Summer music festivals and flamenco shows are the major attractions in Barcelona. There are many restaurants and cafeterias that cater traditional Catalan cuisine, which is relished by the tourists. There are museums and galleries that house the works of Picasso. Some of the main tourist attraction points are La Rambla, Port Vell, La Barceloneta and Port Olympic and Barri Gotic.
7. Berlin: Berlin is the capital of Germany. Berlin is the treasure trove of culture and ancient tradition, of art and architecture. It has many things to offer to travelers. Nightlife in Berlin is mind-blowing. Berlin has many malls and shops that cater to the needs of the shopaholics. One of the oldest and internationally reputed zoological gardens, Zoologischer Garten, is located in Berlin. The places of interest include Pergamon Museum, Reichstag, the Berlin Wall, and Tiergarten. Berlin city is an intriguing combination of ancient historical monuments and modern steel and glass buildings.
8. Helsinki: Helsinki, the capital of Finland was founded in 1550 by the King Gustav Vasa. Today, Helsinki is considered one of the fastest growing cities in Northern Europe. Recently, Helsinki was named as one of the nine European Cities of Culture. In the recent years, Helsinki has become one of the favorite tourist destinations. This city houses some of the popular international restaurants and caters various kinds of delicacies including Russian dishes. Helsinki Card, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and churches are a few place of interest. If you happen to be in Helsinki during the last week of August, make sure you don't miss any of the events of the famous Helsinki Festival.
9. Reykjavik: Reykjavik, the capital and the largest city of Iceland. Reykjavik means "steamy bay". This is one of the upcoming tourist destinations and the main attraction is the geothermal pools. Places of tourist attraction include Mt. Keilir, Glymur, Hengill and so on. Reykjavik is one of the most expensive European cities to visit. There are parks, cafes and museums here which attract the tourists. National Museum has many artifacts of the Icelandic and the Norse culture. Austurstraeti and Hafnarstraeti are the two shopping destinations to buy souvenirs and handicrafts.
10. Edinburgh: Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is also its second-largest city. Nightlife is lively in Edinburgh because it has number of trendy pubs, restaurants and bars. Edinburgh castle is the one of the major tourist attractions. Other places of visit include Royal Botanical Garden, Museum of Scotland, National Gallery of Scotland and Royal Yacht Britannia. If you are a first-time visitor or are short of time, then it is advisable to catch a bus that goes around the city.

Every European city of destination that you have chosen to visit would have a wide array of attractions, shopping centers, native cuisine and entertainment to cater for the tourists.


By Maya Pillai

It has been a while since I've enjoyed going to church so much.
The Cathedral of Saint Servatius is still a major attraction for pilgrims.

The Cathedral of Saint Servatius is still a major attraction for pilgrims.

As a lapsed Catholic I tend to keep my church attendances to Christmas and, if I'm feeling quite a lot of guilt, Easter.

However, I would happily go to "church" at Maastricht's Kruisherenhotel on a daily basis.

A former gothic church and monastery dating from the 15th century, the buildings have been beautifully renovated to welcome disciples of a new kind of religion -- luxury.

Boasting 60 rooms, dazzling but sympathetic light installations and a mezzanine restaurant and accompanying womb-like wine bar in the church's nave, it's easy to be quickly converted.

The food is also pretty good; my fish and scallops starter followed by venison the perfect communion for a late autumn evening.

The Kruisherenhotel, though, is only one of Maastricht's many gems.

The southern Netherlands city of 120,000 people does not feature prominently on many lists of must-visit places, but it should.

An easy train journey from Brussels and Amsterdam and a mid-distance journey from London, Paris and several German stations, Maastricht is laden with good restaurants (there are four Michelin-starred eateries), shopping, history, public art and surrounded by pretty villages with woodland walking paths.

The city center, like a miniature Paris, is split in two by the Maas river. Roman history and a Latin Quarter featuring boutiques and art galleries dominate the left bank, while on the right the Bonnefanten -- a contemporary art museum -- and hip retro design shops hold forth.

The religious theme continues on the left bank at Selexyz Dominicanen -- yet another church that has been converted, this time into a fabulous English- and Dutch-language book store.

Originally built in the 13th century by the Dominican order, its most recent use before 2007's spectacular renovation was as an indoor bike pound.

It now features a three-story black steel bookstack in the high nave, together with a noisy cafe in the choir. If it sounds like desecration, you couldn't be more wrong. It is a book and architecture lover's heaven on Earth.

As proud locals tell my wife and me, there are plenty of empty churches in the area that could do with a similar makeover.

Book browsing is hungry and thirsty work, but there are plenty of options for a prolonged stop: pull up a chair at one of the many cafes that surround the city's squares or head for the Mosae Gusto underground food hall.

Typically food halls give me the willies; bad food cooked hours earlier, reheated and served up for the masses.

The Mosae Gusto is the complete opposite. It gathers high-end outlets together, giving you the chance to take away delicious food or eat in and watch your meal being prepared in the open kitchens.

If it's more traditional French-influenced food with a tasty flourish you are after, then head for the welcoming La Courage on the Rechtstraat, one of the city's oldest streets.

Refueled and clearly with a blessed life to give thanks for, we stop off at a church that is still used for its original purpose.

The imposing Cathedral of Saint Servatius, originally founded in the 6th century, is the oldest church in The Netherlands, though it was substantially rebuilt and enlarged between the 11th and 15th centuries.

Saint Servatius, responsible for spreading Catholicism to the Low Countries and a diplomat in the fourth century, is buried in the crypt and his relics (i.e. bits of his bone fragment) spookily feature in the basilica's treasury.

In times of distress, his relics were carried around the town -- a procession which is now carried out every seven years.

The cathedral draws many pilgrims, with Pope John Paul II once a visitor in 1984.

Having given our praise we make a quick stop at Maastricht's ceramic museum, where the brilliant World Press photo exhibition is in residence.

The museum, a stone's throw from the river, is surrounded by tasteful inner-city apartments and close to the striking Bonnefanten, where art works by modern and old masters find a comfortable home together.

Unfortunately, it's a bit too early for us to be eating again, so we return to our hotel and the countryside around the village of Houthem-St.Gerlach -- a 10-minute train ride outside Maastricht.

Local residents are out running and cycling, while others walk their dogs to the nearest pub; everyone says hello.

The area is dotted with caves, some of which were once inhabited and a few can be toured.

Across the road from our hotel, Vue de Montagne, is the entrance to La Caverne de Geulhem -- a series of caves it uses as a restaurant and to host functions for as many as 400 people.

In a way, the caves are a metaphor for Maastricht; its delights may have been a secret for some time, but it's a pilgrimage well worth making.

www.cnn.com

The naked body confounds and amazes most of us. Seen as a source of visual evil by puritans, the human form has inspired artists, writers, and ne'er-do-wells everywhere. Europeans are less likely than Americans to view the human body as evil--at least if the ire of the Super Bowl halftime viewers close to a phone line is any indication.

You'll see nudity at most any beach along the Mediterranean--or at least toplessness. But Christina Valhouli of Forbes pointed you toward the best beaches--and now we'll show you how to get there and get around.

Plage de Tahiti - Tahiti Beach in Saint Tropez, France

Gawk at topless Jet Setters on this French Riviera beach

Saint Tropez is known for its beaches, and there are plenty of options for folks with families who wish to keep their modesty intact. The Côte d'Azur town is packed in summer. Avoid arriving on weekends, especially if you don't have hotel reservations.

Brigitte Bardot and Ursula Andress started the craze in itty bitty bikinis that shocked even the Europeans in the 50s. By the 60s, the trend toward toplessness became a steamroller, and now just about any beach along the Riviera is topless tolerant.

Plage de Tahiti is noted for its clothing-optional policy and risqué atmosphere, its name a tip of the hat to laid back (French) Polynesian culture. Go in Summer to see celebrity tanners.

Want to bank in the nude? Eat naked? Well, according to Kelby Carr, Cap d'Adge is the French naked city for you.

Paradise Beach - Mykonos Greece

Party Hardy in Paradise

Mykonos is the most popular island destination in Greece. In the summer it's crowded and a bit expensive. You reach it by plane or ferry from Athens (Pireaus). Mykonos is also the name of the port city, where you'll want to stay if you're a partying beach-goer.

Paradise Beach can be reached from Mykonos town by bus, taxi, water taxi, or rented car or moto. Buses run every half hour until 4:30 in the morning, water taxis every hour.

Tripadvisor readers rate Paradise Beach a solid 5 out of 5, one observant and math-savvy reader pointing out that it's "50% topless and 30% nude. All ages...teen to 70." This isn't your star gazing, relaxing bit of sandy shore, especially after 4pm when the beer and music turn Paradise Beach into the ultimate party beach. There are two bars at the beach, the Sunrise Bar and the Tropicana.Once a month in the summer they hold a full moon party at Paradise beach, so check your moon calendar if you like to party.


Playa d’en Bossa - Ibiza, Spain

Where beautiful people go to watch or be watched

Nudism is part of your rights in Spain, according to this document (PDF) put out by the Spanish Naturist Federation.

Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands. Spanish company Trasmediterranea has a regular ferry service between Ibiza and the ports of Barcelona, Palma de Majorca and Valencia. Ibiza has a long history -it was founded by the Carthaginians in 654 bce. Its walls were built in the 16th century.

Playa d'en Bossa (Platja d’en Bossa) is the longest beach on Ibiza, a place know for hedonism and beaches, 3 km outside of the capital. Its popularity has caused it growing pains recently, but that means there's plenty of bars and cafes on the beach, which is very popular with partygoers heading over to the Bora Bora beach bar as well as families.

By James Martin

Reasons to fly to United Kingdom

The Union Jack, the Queen and lively pubs are among some of the quintessential images that portray the UK. But beyond these clichés is a country with great history and some of the most wonderfully diverse landscapes on the planet. Made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland travellers thinking of booking a flight to the UK could find it hard to choose just one place to visit. The obvious choice might be England and its thriving capital London or the seaside town of Brighton and the picturesque villages of Cornwall. Those in search of a little more adventure or an active holiday should head to Wales where its mountainous terrain and hiking trails will keep even the most jaded adventurer agape.
The cities of Scotland, particularly Edinburgh and Glasgow, are always popular with travellers booking flights to the UK. But venture further north to Perthshire and the Grampian hills of Angus to get a taste of the rich Scottish countryside. The counties of Northern Ireland offer visitors travelling to the UK a range of activities including fishing, and rock climbing in Down or strolling through acres of apple orchards in Armagh.


United Kingdom Climate
The UK has a temperate climate. The weather is generally mild, but it varies according to region. The west (Wales) gets more rain than the east (rain that hasn't fallen on Ireland); Scotland and the north of England get the snow in wintertime; and the south east enjoys the lion’s share of the sun and mild, dry weather. The weather is changeable. Carry an umbrella.

When to Fly to United Kingdom
Peak Season:
The UK is a year-round destination and flights to the UK are always packed with travellers eager to explore the country's main attractions. Peak summer months are busiest, especially in London, and the major tourist centres. Summer (June to August) temperatures range between 14 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Shoulder Season:
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) can be great times to visit. The tourist season is just gearing up (or gearing down) and the weather can be sunny and warm. May and September, in particular, can enjoy very good weather.
Off Season:
Winter months (December to early March) can be cold (average temperatures about one-two degrees Celsius), but in general, the further north you go, the colder the weather. This is the time to visit for winter sports. Scotland has five main areas for winter sports: Nevis Range, Glencoe, Glenshee, Cairngorm and the Lecht.



Getting Around United Kingdom

Several airlines connect cities around the UK including BA, easyJet, bmi, bmibaby and Flybe. Air Southwest operates services to the south west of England. ScotAirways connects Scottish cities and Eastern Airways links the east of the UK with Scotland.
Train service is decent, if expensive. In London, the underground rail is punctual and comprehensive. Buy an Oyster card at any Tube station to get around more cheaply. Buying a ticket at the station is much more expensive than using the card - £1.50 for a zone 1 ticket as opposed to £4 at the station. There are trams in several cities including Manchester and Sheffield. Croydon has a Tramlink and Blackpool, the resort town in Lancashire, has the UK’s only remaining “traditional” tramway.
The National Express bus service is an economical way to get around the UK and it offers a very good service. London buses are fast and regular, linking up the capital day and night. There are good bus services in other cities around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Postbus is a nationwide service of more than 200 routes, mostly in remote areas.
Car hire is easy. All the major companies are represented at airports and in cities around the UK.

United Kingdom Insider Information
• The UK has a proud theatre tradition. London’s West End is the largest theatre district in the world. The reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe on London's Bankside has exhibits, educational programmes, and, of course, an annual season that runs from May to October. In Shakespeare’s Day, the cheap areas of the theatre were filled by “groundlings”, theatre-goers who had paid one penny to watch the performance. These tickets now cost £5. Outside London, the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre in Cornwall is celebrating its 75th anniversary season with a performance of The Tempest, the play for which the theatre was created.
• Follow the Ridgeway National Trail from Avebury, a stone circle about 5,000 years older than Stonehenge. Unlike Stonehenge, you can wander among the stones. Close to Avebury are the white horses – five large white horses - cut into the chalk downs. The Cerne Giant, in Dorset, is another giant chalk figure. Beside the sea in Cornwall is Tintagel Castle, said to be King Arthur’s birthplace.
• Get a glimpse of the Royal Family (maybe) by visiting Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, two of the Queen’s official residences. You may spy them at Balmoral in Scotland during the summer months, going to service at Crathie Parish Church on Sunday morning or at the Highland Games in Braemar every September.
• London is an expensive city, but culture vultures can enjoy museums and galleries free of charge. These include the National Gallery, Royal Academy, Tate Britain and Tate Modern, the Imperial War Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Outside London there are The National Football Museum in Preston; The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead and the national museums of Scotland and Wales to name just a few.
• Among the top seaside resorts are Whitby, Yorkshire; Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk; Frinton-on-Sea, Essex; Swanage, Dorset; and Sidmouth, Devon.


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