I have been blessed with generous parents and a very privileged life. During my year abroad, I had the opportunity to travel for weeks on end in between trimesters. The cities are grand, the memories fond, and the pictures numerous. So if you're looking for some places to go next year, look no further. . .
21. Pisa, Italy
I bet you were expecting a picture of the tower, weren't you? While the tower is cool, the rest of the town is beautiful as well, even if the water isn't always crystal clear.
20. Brussels, Belgium
I would love to say this was my picture. It's not. I only have pictures of waffles from Brussels.
19. Berlin, Germany
I love this city much more for its history than its architecture, but it is a wonderful place nonetheless.
18. Geneva, Switzerland
Very beautiful, very expensive. That is all I have to say.
17. Hamburg / Lübeck, Germany
Because of the World War 2 bombings, lots of Hamburg is "recently" rebuilt (as opposed to buildings from 1200). If you go to Hamburg, you must go to Lübeck! There is nothing like a beautiful ocean view next to a quaint town.
16. Dresden, Germany
One of the most beautiful cities in Germany, if not the most beautiful.
15. Strasbourg / Colmar, France
Is it German? Is it French? Not even the citizens seem to know. The city is known for one of the three headquarters for the EU and their museum of cars, but don't underestimate their Christmas markets--they are the best.
14. Florence, Italy
Known especially for its "Duomo," Florence's obsession with art makes it a great place for anyone with an eye for beauty.
13. Vienna, Austria
If Mozart is willing to claim this place as his own, you know the city must be wonderful. Don't pack your schedule too full with tours, however; there are nightly concerts all around the city!
12. Gruyères, Switzerland
The city's name might sound familiar to you because this city is mostly known for its delicious cheese. Not only do you get to see a beautiful village and castle, but also eat and buy massive amounts of cheese. There is no losing in going here.
11. Budapest, Hungary
With magical baths to relax in and incredible river cruises, this city is absolutely magnificent.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
The castle, the Gothic architecture, the narrow, winding streets. Nothings seems quite as mysterious as Prague...until you get to my #1 city.
9. London, England
No matter what Michael Bublé's lyrics say, London's charm is not to be down-played.
8. Paris, France
Ah, c'est la vie. Consistently one of the top tourist locations in the world, Paris is full of beauty, culture, and most importantly, great croissants.
7. Annecy, France
A little town not far from Geneva, it is absolutely magical to explore. With the mountains and a beautiful lake on one side, and a quaint city with an obsession with pastels and gelato on the other, you can't go wrong.
6. Salzburg, Austria
I thought about making a "Sound of Music" joke, but honestly, I'm just (do re mi fa so) DONE with those jokes (Was that too much? Maybe).
5. Venice, Italy
The only city that I was very excited about getting completely lost in. That in and of itself should say something.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Quaint harbors and delicious coffee, this city hit close to home for me, like a Europeanized Portland, Oregon.
3. Rome, Italy
Holy smokes. The history, the art, the pizza. There will never be a time when I will refuse a trip back to this ancient city.
2. Dublin / Howth, Ireland
Never have I met such friendly people in such a fun city. If you're in the Dublin area and don't feel like taking a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, Howth's cliffs that look over the Dublin harbor are just as breath-taking.
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
It was a hard decision to come to, but in the end, my "homeland" (I'm approximately 0.003% Scottish) won first place. If you think Prague is full of mystery, come here. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde were written here, and JK Rowling's beginning of Harry Potter was inspired in Edinburgh's Elephant Cafe. There's a castle, an ocean, an almost-mountain, everything. Also, accents. Never downplay the importance of a Scottish accent.
