Beautiful Cities Around the World

With so many beautiful cities around the world, I was excited to learn that the #FriFotos theme on Twitter this week is Urban. Here are a few of my favorite cities, in no particular order.

Vienna

Vienna, a city in Europe with a serious luxury factor, is bursting with attractions ranging from historical palaces, UNESCO sites, and the world’s oldest zoo.

Schönbrunn Palace

Paris

One of the first cities I visited in Europe and one I hope to return to for as long as I live. There is so much to love about Paris, including the iconic Eiffel Tower, cobbled Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Seine, and sweet treats at every turn.

A bug’s eye view of the Eiffel Tower Paris

Chicago

Chicago surprised me. In a good way. Although it is the third largest city in the United States, behind New York and Los Angeles, downtown Chicago retains a small-town feel.

Early morning downtown Chicago

Milano

I can’t get enough of the capital of Lombardy and as the current host of Expo 2015, the time to visit Milano is now!

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Zurich

This global financial center located on Lake Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. The beautiful lakeside location, shopping, excellent transportation networks and family activities make Zurich an easy choice for a summer vacation.

Prague

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is also known as the City of a Hundred Spires. The Vltava River bisects the city, and sight-seeing cruises offer a unique view of the city and the famous Charles Bridge.

Budapest

Hungary’s capital has two sides, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River. The Chain Bridge, completed in the 1840s, was the first permanent bridge between the two communities. Now there are multiple options for crossing from one side to the other.

Victoria

As my current home, it is impossible to omit the capital city of British Columbia. Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and with the mildest climate in Canada, it is a popular year-round destination.

Inner Harbour, Victoria, B.C.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is home to many of Antoni Gaudi’s creations. A favorite Gaudi masterpiece is the spectacular Sagrada Familia.

Sagrada Familia

Florence

Known as Firenze in Italian, Florence is considered to be the cradle of the Renaissance. One of my favorite views of the city is from Piazza Michelangelo, a spacious plaza offering magnificent views of the city and the Arno River

View of Florence and Arno Valley from Piazza Michelangelo.