Top5Charts http://top5charts.com The top 5 about anything - and everything. posterous.com Sun, 30 Oct 2011 08:56:00 -0700 Top 5 cities to visit http://top5charts.com/top-5-cities-to-visit-24971 http://top5charts.com/top-5-cities-to-visit-24971

Just like any other topic - top 5 cities is strongly subjective list, but none the less - a list that simply has to be written down. So here you can find my top 5 cities as of today. The list is bound to change as I travel and see the world.

5. Berlin - Germany
Lets start the list by a European hot spot - Berlin. It's been close to twenty years since the city was united - and it has taken a while for Berlin to start flourishing, but I think it is ready to be listed as one of the coolest places in Europe. Although Berlin is a big city - it still has the small town (or maybe medium size town) vibe to it. People are nice, polite and the streets are not over crowded. Berlin is still relatively affordable city if you take into account that is a big hotspot in Europe. In Berlin you get around easily with public transportation, by walking, by taxi or by bike. You can sense the history while walking around Berlin - and sure there are must-see places there as well - Checkpoint Charlie and of course Brandenburg gate - only short walk from Checkpoint Charlie. What I personally like about Berlin is the fact that you get by easily also with English. People know English and they are not shy to use it - an excellent quality in a city and the people if you are a tourist and don't speak German yourself.
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(Brandenburg gate - Picture from: portwallpaper.com)

4. Sydney - Australia
Sydney is as beautiful and nice as you have heard. I have never ever heard anyone say any bad things about Sydney - nor Australia for that matter. If Canada is laid back, then I don't know what would be the appropriate adjective to describe the easy going feeling of Sydney. Sydney has plenty of places to visit - but unfortunately I did no have a chance to visit too many of those. Of course I stopped by the amazing Opera house - which everyone traveling to Sydney simply have to go and see. The downtown was excellent for shopping and getting the feeling of Australian city life. If it wasn't that damn far away I am sure I'd visit Sydney again - and again.
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(Sydney opera house is a classic must-see hot spot in Sydney. Picture source: australia.fi)

3. Vancouver - Canada
I never though I could fall in love with a city - but it happened. I had the pleasure of visiting Vancouver for few days spring 2009. The city simply blew my mind away. The beauty of the bay area was breath taking. It is hard to describe the feeling you get sitting down in the waterfront - drinking a pitcher of good Canadian beer, eating some nachos - and watching the sunny Stanley park. Simply amazing. Definitely a place to visit. 
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(Vancouver waterfront - simply beautiful. Picture source: wikipedia)

2. Las Vegas - USA
Las Vegas is sure a city that you will either love or hate - there is no middle ground. Personally I simply fell in love with Las Vegas. For me, it is not the gambling, it is not the shows - it is the weather, atmosphere, prices and shopping opportunities. And in addition to excellent shopping opportunities Las Vegas does have a lot to offer in terms of night life. The shows, the music, the casinos, the food - just pick your favorite past time - and Las Vegas has it. Truth be told - in addition to the shopping and casino life, there may not be that many superb sightseeing. But proximity to Hoover dam and even Grand Canyon are opportunities you should not miss. You can reach amazing Hoover dam in just few hours by car - and if you want to see one the greatest wonders of the world - Grand Canyon - you can go there on a day trip, or stay over night at the canyon. And if you are busy you can always take a small sightseeing flight to and from the canyon. There is simply no excuse to miss these places.

1. Toronto - Canada
One could easily think I am a Canada fan, which I guess I am a bit. But I don't travel to Canada often. In fact, I have been there only twice but both cities I visited were amazing. I had a chance to stay a little bit longer in Toronto. Toronto turned out to be incredible place - and a perfect holiday destination. The downtown area was like any other big city, but it felt laid back and easy going. There was no shortage of places to visit in Toronto area. CN Tower, Hockey hall of fame are both "must visit" places. Few hours away is the simply amazing Niagara falls. Make sure you visit the Niagara falls from Canadian side. I guess the only problem with Toronto is the location - you need to visit the city during summer time - otherwise you won't be enjoying the city outdoors. 
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(Hockey hall of fame is one of Toronto's cool attractions. Picture Source: Google maps)

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