Architecture
If architecture is your thing, here’s our top 10 list of the world’s best architectural cities. These really aren’t to be missed. . .
1. Florence, Italy
The architectural Renaissance capital of Europe. Things you must see are: Academy of fine arts (you’ll see Michelangelo’s David there), Art museum (“Uffizi”), the town hall (Palazzo Vecchio)… The churches are also admirable – Basilica di Santa Croce or the Santa Maria del Flore for example. One of the must see attractions is definitely a medieval bridge Ponte Vecchio.
2. Paris, France
Paris has it all. The Eiffel tower, the Moulin Rouge… The city itself is like a giant museum. The Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe… Take a longer vacation to see it all!
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s old home town (Das Rotes Rathaus) is a nice way to start the tour. Some others are Sony Center, the Reichstag (used to be a Nazi parliament), the Jewish museum… Since the Wall fell, Berlin transformed many of its buildings. Of course, there are also the remains of the Wall to be seen.
4. Brasilia, Brazil
The city is laid out as a cross abut when seen from the air it looks like a giant butterfly. It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Things worth seeing: Cathedral Basilica, Palacio de Alvarado (yes, the president lives here), the Cultural complex of the Republic…
5. Shanghai, China
You will find some of the greatest modern work of arts. The tallest building – the Jin Mao Tower – is definitely worth seeing. In the Oriental Pearl Tower not only you will admire the design of the building but you can go shopping (it is a mall) and check in (a hotel).
6. Athens, Greece
I’m sure Athens needs only a few words to be said about it: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Academy of Athens and one of the newest – the Athens Olympic stadium.
7. Barcelona, Spain
Take a longer vacation for this one also: Park Guell, Palau de la musica Catalana, Hospital de Sant Pau, Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, the Montjuic Communications Tower… Quite enough for starters i think.
8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
No limits here! They really build whatever they imagine over there. The whole city is an architectural wonder so I won’t be mentioning any buildings in particular. But I must say that not so long ago, it was only a desert and nothing else. Wow!
9. Rome, Italy
You won’t be seeing modern architecture in Rome but seeing the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Sistine chapel, the Pantheon really does it! You must also visit the Vatican. I suggest watching “The Roman holiday” – you’ll know what I’m talking about.
10. Chicago, Illinois
The word skyscraper was coined in this architecture wonder. Then you can assume why I recommend visiting it. The Sears Tower is the tallest building in the United States. Also worth seeing is Marina city, Millennium park and Wrigley building.