5 Biggies

Ok so when I did my top ten favorite European cities I clearly didn't include 5 biggies: Barcelona, Paris, London, Dublin, and Berlin. All culturally important, all someone's favorite, so why not include them in my favs?

1. Barcelona- Ask anyone under the age of 30 and they will rave and rave about how awesome Barcelona is. Its so fun, such a good time, what a sick city, blah blah blah. Well I have to say, I just may be the only person in the world who wasn't that thrilled with it. Yea I get it, its a good night out, they party until dawn, and there is a ton of stuff to see during the day, but honestly I just didn't think it was that pretty (Ok the Magic fountain, and the La Sagrada Familia were pretty cool). But it was just a city to me. I'd rather go to NYC. Not to mention the fact that a hash dealing licked my friends neck on a main street. Unsolicited licking? I could get that back in Rochester. P.S. the beach was gross, I don't care if they did get the sand from Egypt.

2. Paris- There is absolutely nothing wrong with Paris. This is easily one of the nicest cities I've ever been to, and I can't wait to go again and again. That being said, I went to Paris with my family, AKA money. I did stay in a hostel one night and it cost me $40, so this wouldn't exactly be my choice of backpacker cities. It's glamorous, beautiful, and posh...do yourself a favor and go with a couple hundred in your pocket. I think you need it to get the full experience (wine, coffee, and fine french cuisine aren't cheap). If you are backpacking through then I would highly recommend checking out the Père-Lachaise cemetery. It's free, it's creepy, it's beautiful, and it's mecca if you are an Oscar Wilde or a Doors fan.

3. London- London, London, London. I am completely bias when it comes to London. I visited it once last year, again this year, and then I fucking moved here. I am obsessed with this city. The first time I saw Big Ben I started giggling. It is by far my favorite city, but I will say it's pretty much just a cooler, better dressed, better mannered version of New York. If you are looking for some culture shock go further east. If you do come to London, check out Hyde Park, Camden (go on Sunday when all the shops are open), and the River walk. They are my favorite.

4. Dublin- I spent a summer in Cork, Ireland and then I returned the next year to finally visit Dublin. Do yourself a favor, if your plane lands in Dublin, rent a car and get the hell out of the city. What makes Ireland such a magical place in the countryside, the people, and the small towns. As far as cities go, Dublin was far from impressive. If you want an Irish city, hit up Cork, and if you want the countryside, go west. If you visit Ireland, you are doing yourself a true disservice by staying in Dublin.

5. Berlin- Well shit, I still haven't made it to Berlin. Obviously something is wrong with me! I will hopefully hit it up in the next year so stay tuned. I have heard it is an amazing city, definitely worth a visit.