The Best Places I've Been This Year

This past year was been one of travel. I’ve been to eight European countries, seen thirteen cities, and lived in four countries. I’ve travelled in planes, trains, cars, subways and streetcars. I’ve met politicians, cheered on celebrities and made new friends. So what’s been the best? Like any parent knows, choosing among their children is impossible. Each is precious and special in their own way. Trier will stand out for its Roman landmarks while Madrid's opulence and culture is unparalleled. But, in the end, there are always favorites. The end of the year always comes with countdowns. In that spirit I bring you the best places I’ve been this past year:

1. Amsterdam is more than just prostitutes and drugs. This almost under water city easily takes the prize, by far and without question. It has everything you could want: gorgeous architecture, great museums (the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh), exciting nightlife (outside of the Red Light District) and fun things to see and places to explore. The outdoor markets are not to be missed. The Albert Cuyp market is worth a trip as is the Flower market. Museumplein is chock full of interesting museums and then there’s the Rembrandt and Anne Frank’s house; the sex museum is tacky but fun for the young at heart. But exploring this city where you find the hidden treasures like restaurants that serve pancakes all day, the coffeehouse from Ocean’s 12 or a giant outdoor chess game. Grab a bike and cycle down the canals or hope on a boat and take a canal tour. The only downside is the rain. But if you can get over the torrential downpour for two hours a day and then brilliant sunshine, the Dutch city will is well worth the visit.

2. Lisbon. There is no way I’d make a list like this without having a Portuguese city high in the ranking. I’d never seen the capital of my homeland until this year and what a place it is! The charming Chiado district is unparalleled. I recommend either taking the Santa Justa lift or skipping the cost of admission and going through the Carmo convent. Same view, much less Euros. Statues and monuments to Portuguese kings and queens adorn the many grand squares scattered throughout the centre. Then there’s old Alfama home to the Castle of São Jorge, the electric street car where you get the feeling you walked into Lisbon circa 1923. Finally, Baixa, the party district. Although I never had the opportunity to experience it firsthand, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about the street that is shut down to car traffic at night and brings the city to life.

3. Madrid made the list purely for its opulence and the fact that there is so much to see, you can easily spend days there. The Golden Triangle are the biggest reasons to go. You can easily spend days in Prado, I know I would have. And the modern art in the Reina Sophia could be a fun game to play. The huge plazos (Mayor, Puerto del Sol) are mesmerizing in their scope and the Royal Palace is worth a visit for history buffs or fans of tacky, opulent furnishings. But be warned: the lines are long and no pictures are allowed (and they're vigilant about it. There are guards in every room and signs everywhere). Walk through the huge gardens and spend a quiet afternoon wandering in El Retiro park or hope on a boat right in the pond if you're feeling romantic. Then at night take a stroll along Gran Via and take in a show. And please, go shopping in Madrid. You'll thank me later.

4. Bonn is very different from the first three on the list. It’s simply a charming German city. I think it ranks higher than the others for its historical significance. It’s the old capital of West Germany, which for some Cold War buffs is worth a trip in and of itself. But it is also Beethoven’s birthplace, a fact that the city now relies on heavily. Indeed, the Beethoven museum is not to be missed. A little pricey, it is worth it if only to see the instruments the great composer played and the ear trumpets he used. It’s not particularly cosmopolitan, with little or no nightlife that I’m aware of. But it’s charming and quaint, perfect for a quiet stroll along the Rhine.


5. Bruges is the kind of place that you visit and don’t realize it’s made an impression until you leave. No part of it is extraordinary alone but it’s the sum of its part that makes it worth the visit. There are the chocolate shops—hardly a novelty in Belgian towns—and the medieval buildings and horse and carriage that make you think you walked into A Knight’s Tale. Add to that the river (I’m a sucker for anything with the water) and you’ve got yourself a party.