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Top 5 cities I've visited

Paris, France

Paris seems to get a bad rap from travellers. "Rude Parisians!" they say. Locals aside, Paris is a fantastic city to visit.

From the museums like the Louvre, to the unmistakable sites like the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triumphe, Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysees, the list is endless. However, because the Metro train system is so easy to use, each site isn't hard to get to.

But I would recommend walking around the streets of suburbs like Paris St Germain or Montmartre - you get to soak up the local atmosphere, eat a lazy croissant or baguette, and it's also a good break away from all those tourist queues.

Prague, Czech Republic:

What makes Prague very appealing to visitors is that it is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe (where beer is sometimes cheaper than orange juice in restaurants!), and there is also plenty here to keep one interested.

Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square and Josefov are all tourist highlights, but the sheer grandiose architecture of the buildings around Prague gives you that neo-Gothic feel, where you feel you have been transported back in time walking down the old cobbled streets.

Try to catch an opera at one of the many theatres in Prague, it is relatively cheap and some of the theatres themselves are magnificent. 

Barcelona, Spain:

I could write an entire blog about Spain, but Barcelona is a fantastic city to visit. The main street La Ramblas is overpopulated at night with locals enjoying late night tapas and drinks, and this is the kind of vibe you get from the city and its inhabitants, very happy-go-lucky and joyous. Late nights, even later mornings, with a siesta in the afternoon!

However, Barcelona isn't all about good times, there's plenty to see such as Gaudi Park, the Picasso Museum, the unmissable Sagrada Familia cathedral, or visiting one of the several beaches scattered around the city.

For those sporting inclined, visiting Nou Camp Stadium (home of FC Barcelona) or trying to see a football game is well worth the effort.

St Petersburg, Russia:

This city is regarded as the most Western-like city in Russia, with canals reminiscent of Venice and its grandiose buildings similar to Paris.

St Petersburg houses many cathedrals, museums and palaces all built by various rulers and religious groups, and all are equally impressive in their detail and stature.

For those who like to get slightly off the beaten path, there is a little known museum (which takes some finding) called the Kunstkammer which houses some macabre findings that Peter the Great found/stole/borrowed during his travels, including a preserved head of a moko covered Maori!

Also interesting are the bargains found on the streets, with lots of war memorabilia on sale at affordable prices. One person I knew bought an authentic MIG fighter pilot suit with helmet for US $250.

New York City, USA:

Manhattan Island was where I spent the most time, and it is a city that captures your imagination from all the movies and TV shows.

Broadway shows, shopping on Park Avenue, hanging with the suits on Wall Street, proposing to your loved one on top of the Empire State Building (joking), the 9/11 site, hanging out in Central Park, it's all here.

I managed to bike around New York for a day, which involved a hair raising ride all the way down Broadway (and almost being run over by several yellow cabs), but it was a great way to get around New York City.

Late night bars and clubs, as well as fantastic authentic Italian and Chinese food (amongst others) all add up to a great experience. Word of warning however, accommodation isn?t cheap.

What's your favourite city to visit in the world?

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11 Comments Report Abuse
1. bgrierson@xtra.co.nz - Jul 14 03:41pm
Nice little summary of those cities Matthew. I enjoyed reading them. Thanks.
2. nikolieau - Jul 14 05:16pm
Nice one, Matthew!
3. susancnz - Jul 14 07:37pm
what about Dunedin....the world's finest pub crawls happen in Dunedin
4. emmabee_21 - Jul 14 08:00pm
Great blog! I would love to visit Prague and St Petersburg. And Paris, mainly for the food. What's good in Sth America? I am planning a trip to Peru!
5. scottcolesnz - Jul 15 04:56am
buenos aires...you have to do it!!!
6. m.wagteveld@xtra.co.nz - Jul 15 05:41am
Matthew. Just got back from Praque - AMAZING!! So agree with you but after visiting Paris would put Prague at top of list - A fantastic city with too much going for it to mention!
7. mclawrence@xtra.co.nz - Jul 15 06:12am
My pick of the bunch is Bareclona! the place is amazing, and the Gaudi architecture unique, of course don't miss La Sagrada Familia, and just so you get into the groove make sure you listen to the Gaudi album by Alan Parsons project
(ok, one confession - there is one place on your list I havent been to - St Petersburg, but out of the other four Barcelona is tops)
8. alphanewz - Jul 15 06:34am
You missed out one of the most beautiful cities in the world Vienna. As for Barcelona, please warn everybody to be careful, it must be the bag snatching capital of the world, women wear your handbag under your overcoat on La Rambla and men do not show your wallet, I got mugged on La Rambla had my man bag stolen alomg with over 50 other tourist that night alone
9. alphanewz - Jul 15 06:36am
You missed out one of the most beautiful cities in the world Vienna. As for Barcelona, please warn everybody to be careful, it must be the bag snatching capital of the world, women wear your handbag under your overcoat on La Rambla and men do not show your wallet, I got mugged on La Rambla had my man bag stolen alomg with over 50 other tourist that night alone
10. makimaka51 - Jul 15 07:07am
Mexico City, Mexico is also a fantastic city, full of rich history.
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