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 !
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