What do Prague, Budapest, Malta, St. Petersburg, and Lisbon all have in common?
For me, the common thread is that I’ve visited all of them and adored them all. Here are my quick thoughts on all of them.
1. Prague
Prague is not only Eastern Europe's best city but my third favorite city in Europe (Paris and Venice top it).
Indeed, it's in my top 5 cities in the world!
Although not as pedestrian friendly as Venice, it is better than Paris for giving a tourist and foot-friendly city. Everywhere you look is a work of art. Need a romantic getaway or a place to inspire you? Prague is it.
2. Budapest
Lonely Planet once picked it as the best destination in Eastern Europe. Although I’d give that award to nearby Prague, Budapest is a remarkable city separated by the Danube river. It’s romantic and a perfect headquarters for exploring the many surrounding cities!
3, Malta
St. Georges is an ex-British colony, and you feel it. Yet Malta manages to blend the Arabic culture with the European Mediterranean culture and with the British culture. It's a weird and fascinating place.
4. St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is definitely in my top 10 cities - and I've been to 123 countries, so I've been to hundreds of cities. It might even make my top 5. It is genuinely the Venice of Northern Europe. Much of Russia has kitschy stuff that lacks class. But St. Petersburg is all about class. You'll fall in love if you go during the White Nights in mid-June.
5. Lisbon
I'm from San Francisco, and when I got to Lisbon, I couldn't understand why its red bridge wasn't as famous as San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. From a distance and at night, they look quite similar. They're a similar color. But perhaps it's just better marketing by the Californians.
Whatever the reason, you must see Lisbon before you die. It has charming streets and water-filled views everywhere you look.
