LIFESTYLE
Rome
After witnessing the magnificence of Rome, you can truly understand why it wasn’ t built in a day. Possibly the birthplace of western civilisation, Rome is a city for every traveller. The obvious history, architecture, food, and weather culminates into a very well rounded tourist destination. Rome is one of the only cities I’ ve been to where I became genuinely lost amongst the wonder. Rome is the perfect example of a modern metropolis intertwined with historic elegance. To this day much of its water supply is fed by aqueducts built during the Roman Empire period. What I found to be most interesting was the constant flow of water running out of communal street taps, fed by these very aqueducts. I’ m not even joking. These taps never turn off. Definitely hit up Rome on your next European travel.
Mostar
Little Istanbul is what I like to call Mostar. If you haven’ t noticed by now I really... like REALLY love culturally exciting cities and Mostar is no exception! A little known city located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it became the home of one of the most brutal armed bombardments of the Yugoslavian War. It’ s famed 16th Century‘ Stari Most’ Bridge, destroyed, then rebuilt after the war is the centrepiece of this majestic little city. It is home to interesting War museums that really capture the torment and devastation the city and its people went through. To this day the streets of Mostar are riddled with dilapidated buildings and bullet holes, yet these brutish images add a certain charm and character to the city. What is also interesting about Mostar is its noticeable religious divide between Christians and Muslims. On one side you have towering Minarets and Islamic graveyards, whilst the other brings you to many Christian graveyards overlooked by a dominating white cross on top of the near Hum Mountain. After being to Mostar twice in five years all I can say is the people are super friendly and accommodating and the food is amazing!
London
I nearly looked over London due to the fact it feels like a second home to me. However, taking a step back I’ ve come to realise this city is truly remarkable. The capital of the world, and rightly so, London offers it’ s travellers an abundance of culture and attractions fit for any personality. If I look at most cities throughout Europe, there’ s usually a defining feature that really pulls in the tourists, like Rome and the ancient architecture. However, with London there’ s not one thing I can pin point because it is such an expansive and exciting city. Anything you want as a backpacker can be found inside the walls of London. The Royal Family, the best Museums in the world, amazing nightlife, Big Ben, Cathedrals and the list goes on. Just watch out for the price tag! London offers you everything you can ask for and that is why its # 4 on my top 5 best cities in Europe.
Istanbul
For me, there’ s absolutely no debate when it comes to the best city in Europe. Istanbul is as captivating and immersive as it gets, and for good reason. The historical and geographical divide between Europe and Asia and the melting pot of Western and Islamic culture, it is truly the cultural capital of the world. Plagued with captivating structural masterpieces, Istanbul provides even an amateur Instagrammer with stunning photos worthy of a $ 3000 Kodak. Home to nearly 15 million residents and countless intricate Mosques and Churches, the streets provide a bustling and vibrant atmosphere full of street venders selling assortments of local foods and clothing. Home to perhaps the most famous and largest market in the world; the Grand Bazaar weaves its way through western Istanbul. You can buy literally anything here, however, compared to a Somalian market, maybe not so much. Think silks, pottery and the latest in $ 5 Ralph Loren‘ authentic’ polos. Although, on a serious note, Istanbul is pretty full on and if you are a solo female traveller perhaps lean a little more on the side of caution( Contiki is fine though, as long as you are in a group!). Turkey is becoming quite unstable at the moment with the recent failed coup d’ état and rise in terrorist attacks, so be careful. However, even with these cons in mind, Istanbul is still too good to pass up!
23