The city of lights, love, and eventual lingering cannot really be described. However, it often is with superlatives on top of superlatives. Despite the clichés, Paris holds so many for a reason. Home to Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, it is difficult not to yearn for Paris. The capital of France may offend some with its snobbery, but Paris has every right to be a snob. It is the city of almost everything.

Probably the most recognized image to come out of Paris is the Eiffel Tower. Many dream of standing in the tower’s presence, watching it sparkle with lights in the night. Built for the 1889 World Fair by Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower looks out over Champ de Mars. Rising to 320 meters, travellers can take in a 360-degree view of Paris from its summit. At night, the Tower lights up to create the ultimate romantic picture for many.

From gargoyles to hunchbacks, the Cathédral de Notre Dame represents one of the city’s best gothic masterpieces. Construction began on the Cathedral in 1163. Today, it is admired for its stunning rose windows and views of the River Seine and the city centre from the top of its 75-meter tower. Of course, Notre Dame was made famous by Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The bell tower and gargoyles are enough to make imaginations run wild. Paris’ other religious marvel falls in the art district of Montmartre. La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur tops with it snow white appearance and domes. Constructed between 1870 and 1919, within visitors will find neo Byzantine mosaics.

Perhaps the museum to end all museums, the Musée National du Louvre contains come 35,000 works of art. As if that number isn’t overwhelming enough, French, Italian, Dutch, German, Flemish, and Spanish masterpieces cloud the walls, mystifying many. This is the only place to actually see Mona Lisa’s smile in person. Leonardo da Vinci’s famous work is among one of the most notable paintings within the Louvre.

The museum tour of Paris is a lengthy one. Visitors can also stop at the Musée d’Orsay. The museum contains marvels of Impressionist and Post Impressionist art. For more modern art, the Centre Pompidou provides modern and contemporary 20th century art. It is notorious for the design of its building, drawing complaints and puzzlement from most.

If you are feeling daring, hire a car in Paris and cruise around the world’s largest roundabout. The Arc De Triomphe rests in the midst of such chaos. The famed arch was commissioned by Napoleon. It leads up to the Champs-Elysées. The classic Parisian avenue lines in shops and cafes. The ultimate Paris activity involves parking yourself at a café with chairs facing toward the street. People-watching is a sport in this French capital. If your eyes tire of watching people, hop on a cruise of the River Seine running through Paris.

Home to many of the world’s most recognized monuments, museums, and people, Paris is not just a stop over in Europe. It is a destination in every right. Whether you are romantic or a cynic, Paris is right for you. It just may take some time for the city to open up, but once it does, get ready to fall in love.

Overlooking the Rio Tejo, Lisbon towers above most capital cities in height. The city sprawls out across the hillsides, covering in gothic cathedrals, monasteries, narrow streets, gardens, and museums. The capital of Portugal is cool, calm and collected. Despite being a cosmopolitan city, Lisbon reminds visitors to lighten up and appreciate all areas of life with charm. Even the city’s mode of transport is cutesy and bears a sunny disposition. Hop on one of the old yellow tramcars and get ready to relax in Lisbon.

As Lisbon settles into its hills, travellers would expect the city to contain sweeping and remarkable views. One of the best looks out from Castelo de Sao Jorge. The castle takes the high road, perching on the highest of Lisbon’s seven hills. Occupied by the Visigoths and Moors, the Castle does not only deserve a visit for its great views but also for its history. Visitors can explore its walls, towers and gardens while gazing out on Lisbon from the castle’s panoramic views. Another of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks, Torre de Belém boasts stunning views of the city. The white stone tower was constructed in the 16th century in order to defend the nearby river. Torre de Belém is known for its excellent and unparalleled architecture.

More of Lisbon’s architecture shows of through the Sé or the city’s Cathedral. The Cathedral glorifies in its Romanesque style. Portugal’s first king built the Sé in the 12th century. The cloisters in the back of the church stretch back in time to the 13th century. The Cathedral even holds the remains of St. Anthony, Lisbon’s patron saint. The religious sides to Lisbon continue through the Mosteiro dos Jeónimos. The 16th century monastery serves as one of the city’s UNESCO sites for its medieval Manueline architecture.

Aside from just sightseeing, visitors to Lisbon can tour several rich collections at the city’s museums. The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian contains around 6,000 pieces of art. The collection covers a wide range of civilization all around the world, from Western to Eastern art. Post museum visit, shopping commences at the Chiado district of Lisbon or at the Parque das Nacooes. The Parque das Nacooes shopping centre holds not just retail value but also concert halls, bars and restaurants. It features a walkway along the River.

While Lisbon has maintained its past and traditions a great deal, perhaps the most concentrated area resembling old Lisbon comes through the Alfama district. Covered in steep, narrow, cobble stoned streets, the Alfama area has been inhabited since the Visigoths in the 5th century. However it was the Moors that shaped the district into what many observe now. Being one of the oldest quarters in the city, travellers will experience the picture perfect images of old Lisbon without having to use imaginations.

Rounding out a day in Lisbon, head to the Bairro Alto. The area is famous for it buzzing nightlife. Music carries throughout the streets as bars and restaurants open their doors to those looking to taste the evening of Lisbon. If you have had enough of Portugal’s capital city, you can always hire a car in town and visit some of country’s most acclaimed areas. Magical Sintra, traditional fishing villages, and wondrous beaches all make for easy day trips from the city.

With twenty centuries of history, Lisbon has much to show you. The nice aspect to the city, despite containing so much, is that it seldom overwhelms. The pavement cafes, riverside restaurants and tiny backstreets so perfectly covered in cobblestone, remind visitors to just sit back and relax. This is how you lighten up while in Lisbon.

Beating at the heart of Spain some may think is Barcelona. Others contend Valencia could even be the country’s capital. Then again, only Madrid boasts that honor. Despite not winning the popularity contest over Barcelona, Madrid is still a great city to visit. So book that flight to Madrid and spend a few days. Then you can travel on to the other Spanish greats that get all that attention.

The capital of Spain is sprawling and modern. At its center, narrow alleys lead to restaurants, tapas bars and world famous museums. The financial and political of the country rests in Madrid, home to Spain’s Royal Family.

Three museums in Madrid tend to out shine the rest. The Prado Museum positions in the capital city with its 4,000-piece collection. Botticelli, Titian, Rembrandt, Goya and Velázquez decorate the walls. Mainly 16th to 19th century paintings make up the Prado Museum. Madrid’s second grand museum takes on a different time period of Spanish art. The Reina Sofia Art Center remains dedicated to Spanish 20th century art. While works by Dalí and Miró draw attention, it is Picasso’s Guernica that captivates those attentions for hours

Finishing out the museum trinity, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum contains 800 paintings, sculptures, carvings and tapestries to admire. The collection covers a wide range of time periods, from Flemish works to more contemporary pieces. The likes of Caravaggio, Rubens and Van Eyck find hot spots in this great of Madrid’s museums.

After all of the museum going, it may be time for a break in Plaza Mayor. Stereotypically yet beautifully cobbled, Plaza Mayor was built during Philip II’s time. At the center of it all, a statue to Phillip III rests. Plaza Mayor has become a popular market place and venue for public events. Anything from bullfights to pageants are held in Plaza Mayor. Covered arcades, cafes and shops intersperse in the mean time, providing a gathering place in Madrid.

The Philips in Madrid were busy, but perhaps Philip V was the most ambitious of them all. It was Philip V that commissioned the Royal Palace to be built. The 3,000-room extravaganza needs a better definition than ornate to describe its grandeur. While mainly only used for state functions, the white building opens up some of its opulence to visitors. 17th century sculptures, frescoes and the lavish private apartments of the Royal Palace may instill a bit of jealousy that your house doesn’t resemble such greatness.

Madrid will win you over, if it hasn’t already, with its green spaces. Parque de Buen Retiro dresses in marble monuments, elegant buildings and manicured lawns. The Parque boasts an artificial lake at the center, a rose garden and a statute to El Angel Caldo. The statue is said to be the first dedicated to the dark lord. Other spots in the city for peace, quiet, and greenery come through Jardin Botanico near the Prado and Plaza de Oriente.

On Sundays, there is only one place to be to observe Madrid in its truest form. The El Rastro Market sets up on the opening day of the week. It began as a meat market in the 17th and 18th centuries and today boats a hodgepodge of goods. While pickpockets delight in coming here to rob a few before they can barter, aware visitors will enjoy the Market for its local feel.

No, Madrid doesn’t have the architecture of Barcelona. Paella and oranges are not known to come out of the city like Valencia. Madrid is just what it wants to be, modern, historical, and fulfilling. Travelers may pass it by for Barcelona, but Spain’s capital warrants more than just a wave out of a window.

Whether you fly to Rome or drive, you’ll never escape it’s beauty! As Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck scootered around Rome in the film “Roman Holiday”, the two Hollywood stars couldn’t escape the outshining city in the backdrop. Located along the River Tiber between the Apennines and Tyrrhenian Sea, Rome overwhelms travellers with world-renowned images, architectural wonder, and its living masterpiece feel. A city so grand, the Pope himself calls Rome home. The multitude of history encased within Rome will certainly overwhelm, but it’s Rome. The capital of the world has to live up to its name.

Spanning 186 meters long, 153 meters wide and 24 meters high, it is hard to imagine the Coliseum of Rome could have been any bigger. However, the massive structure only stands as half of what it used to be. The Coliseum remains one of the city’s most famous sites. Construction began in 72 A.D. The arena functioned as a venue for entertainment, a place where gladiators battled men, lions and wild beasts all to a cheering and leering crowd. More nearby ancient ruins sprawl out across the old Roman forum on Palatine Hill. On these ground, the greatness of Rome and its empire to follow were founded.

More preserved that the Coliseum, many visitors continue their Rome sightseeing to the Pantheon. Considered the best preserved of the city’s ancient monuments, the Pantheon was supposedly constructed by Hadrian between 119 A.D. and 128 A.D. Formally a Roman temple, the Pantheon was later converted into a church. Today, it holds the tombs of the Kings of Italy, Vittorio Emmanuele II and Umberto I.

While not technically in Rome, Vatican City boasts some of the city’s most famed attractions. Saint Peter’s Basilica dominates St. Peter’s Square. Appropriately named, the Basilica is said to mark the burial ground of Saint Peter himself. Topped with a dome Michelangelo created, St. Peter’s Basilica serves as the seat of the Catholic Church. Its expansive and overwhelming design was intended to show the power of the church.

Also in Vatican City, probably one of the most famous ceilings in the world looks down on thousands of tourists a day. The Sistine Chapel may be small, but the grandeur of its ceiling is what draws in many. Michelangelo’s famous frescoes depicting The Creation can be found here along with Renaissance works by Ghirlandaio and Boticelli.

Rome is riddled with piazza on top of piazza. Two tend to get most of the attention, Piazza Navona and Piazza di Spagna. Piazza Navona dramatizes with its cafes and restaurants set amidst four fountains representing the four rivers. The area was once an oval shaped stadium in 86 A.D. While Piazza Navona has plenty of seating for people watching, Piazza di Spagna has an entire staircase to perch oneself on for the afternoon. The sweeping Spanish Steps were created in 1723. After working those leg muscles, visitors meet a spectacular view of Rome.

If you enjoyed Rome and want to return, there is only place to go to insure that visit back will occur. The Fontana di Trevi radiates in the evening as lights illuminate the baroque fountain. Featured in a number of films, the Trevi Fountain may lend that trip back to Rome. As legend goes, those that throw a coin in the fountain will in fact return to Rome someday. The fountain could be the most hopefully and romantic money pit in the world.

Once considered the capital of the world, Rome just may as well be. The sheer amount of historical importance oozing out of the city calls for a visit and recognition. If all roads lead to Rome, then at some point, you will probably find yourself en route to Rome. Just remember upon entering, Rome wasn’t built in a day so trying to see it in one won’t do the city justice.

A state that hosts an upstate and a downstate and no wiggle room in-between couldn’t be more diverse. From the many wilderness parks and natural attractions to a forest of skyscrapers and America’s busiest metropolis, New York takes in its diversity. Originally one of the 13 colonies established, New York was the 11th state to join the union.

Most images of New York rest in New York City. The crossroads to the world is America’s most well known metropolis easily accessable by flights from all major cities. Travellers can easily get a taste of all of New York City by frequenting its different neighbourhoods. From Manhattan to Brooklyn, New York City boasts a diversity of cultures unlike anywhere else. Many find themselves people watching while in New York City, specifically throughout Central Park. Created in 1856, Central Park remains the city’s most famous park. Others prefer to take in the bright lights of Times Square or see the entire city from the iconic Empire State Building.

New York State boasts one of the leading spa and horse racing centres since the 19th century. Found in Saratoga Springs, visitors will delight in streets lined with Victorian mansions while catching a thoroughbred horse race held every July. Visitors that want to take part in natural attractions while in the Saratoga Springs area can visit the Saratoga Spa State Park. Dressed in mineral bathhouses, travellers can explore 890 hectares of woods with the occasional piece of Georgian architecture noting civilization.

Also in the Saratoga region of New York lays the state capital. While many see New York City as the capital of New York, Albany actually has that role. Just north of the Hudson Valley, Albany rests, presenting the state’s main political, social and cultural activities. After paying a visit to the state’s capital, visitors can dive into the Hudson River Valley. The area boasts a rich history, as Native Americans originally inhabited it. It was later settled by the Dutch and quickly developed as a retreat for the wealthy in the 19th  century.

Travellers may be drenched after visiting the Greater Niagara region in New York. The state’s second largest city of Buffalo finds a home in this area, but the big cheese is without question Niagara Falls. The 56 meter falls cascade tons of water for visitors to either marvel on foot, by boat or even by helicopter.

Niagara Falls is not New York’s only claim to water fame. The Finer Lakes region in the state is home to 11 lakes. Resorts, campsites, and woodlands cover the area. Even New York’s premiere wine producing region can be found here. The natural appeals to New York continue throughout the Adirondack Park, the largest wilderness reserve outside of Alaska. The park alone boasts 2.4 million hectares of land.

From wilderness trails and backcountry camping to Times Square and the glamour of the Hamptons, it is hard to imagine so much difference can find common ground in New York State. Arriving in New York City, travellers may find they could make a life here or anywhere throughout the state. New York welcomes all kinds.

Situated in British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver some might say has it all. Engulfed by ocean, mountains and city, easily accessible through cheap flights, Vancouver fulfils any type of taste. Outdoorsy travellers keep active with rafting, biking, camping and skiing all from the city centre. More cosmopolitan visitors find Vancouver’s shopping and museum scene to be extensive and pleasing. After hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver has had its time in the spotlight. Now, visitors have no excuse not to visit with thousands of Vancouver flights available. There is something within the city for all sorts.

To see the reconstructed old centre of Vancouver, travellers head to the Gastown District. Covered in cobblestone streets, cafes, and shops, Gastown hosts the unique steam clock. Many come here to get their fill of souvenirs from native Pacific Northwest artists. Even Vancouver’s industrial district has much to offer. Granville Island holds the regenerated former industrial centre of the city. Today, the area hosts a wealth of entertainment, eating spots, shops and an expansive public market. Visitors can marvel at local artists, potters, weavers and even glass blowers while in this part of town. You will have to work to get there. Granville Island is only accessible by a tiny ferryboat that proves part of the adventure is how you get there.

Unexpectedly for some, the Chinatown and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden remain some of the most popular areas in the city. The large Chinatown district of Vancouver brightens with a kaleidoscope of colours and scents. Many come here for the night markets. Also in the Chinatown district, visitors will uncover the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden. The gardens serve as the first full-sized classical Chinese gardens to be built outside of China.

Vancouver is home to a number of notable museums for perusing. The Museum of Anthropology hosts a comprehensive collection of British Columbia’s heritage. Heading on over to the Museum of Vancouver, visitors receive a greater insight into the city specifically, with 100,000 artefacts all-pertaining to Vancouver. The Vancouver Art Gallery offers an afternoon for art lovers with paintings by Emily Car and other Canadian and international artists.

Vancouver shows off its beauty in Stanley Park. Nine kilometres of seawall encase the park. Stanley Park hosts ocean views as strollers, joggers and cyclists take it all in. The park holds an impressive 400 hectares of rainforest and parkland.

Travellers to Vancouver that rent a car can make their way to Grouse Mountain. Just 20 minutes north of the city, visitors will be able to take advantage of skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and zipline courses. Seekers of a good view will find it on the Skyride Gondola. The gondola ride ascends 1,100 meters, boasting dramatic views of the city, mountains and ocean.

One of the world’s longest suspended footbridges dangles in Vancouver. The Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 140-meter long. Visitors come here to take in the view of the gorge, gazing down to 70 meters below.

With a Pacific pizzazz, Vancouver fulfils on all accounts. Need some time with the ocean? The city will allow for water sports and activities. Want to climb a mountain? In just 20 minutes, Vancouver puts you on top of British Columbia. Craving a night at the museum or dinner at a highbrow eatery? Vancouver doesn’t disappoint on the cosmopolitan level either. Vancouver just may be the city that can truly boast having it all.