Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Bucket List: Top 50 Cities to See

Last week I checked off some major cities from my Bucket List (Brussels, Bruges, Rome, Paris, and Barcelona). While I was very satisfied and inspired with the trip, it also reminded me of how big of a world it is that we live in. There's still so much I want to see and explore before I die. I've always said that if I was a millionaire I would spend more money on traveling rather than possessions.

I believe that at the age of 32 I have already seen more cities than the average person of my age. Nonetheless I want to continue traveling to new places as much as I can. So here is my list of top 50 cities and places I hope to see before I die. (I should make note that I don't have much desire to visit Africa, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, or Eastern Europe. This could maybe change at some point but for now my personal preference is places of western Christian civilization)

Top 50 Places to See

50. Moscow, Russia- This is about the only place in the eastern hemisphere I would consider visiting since it such a historic site. I've always enjoyed Russian history and culture, however have often thought of eastern Europe as a bit on the gloomy side. There are some sites in Moscow I would enjoy to see such as the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil's Cathedral. If I were ever to make a trip to Russia I would also try to see St. Petersburg which is an hour flight from Moscow. 
49. Portland, Oregon - The first thing that comes to mind is the hipster show Portlandia, and the gothic/90's punk sub-culture. However this northwestern region of the United States is one of the few remaining places I have yet to visit and I hear it's very worth the visit. 
48. Taj Mahal (Agra India)- This trip would be primarily to see the monumental Taj Mahal which was built in 1632. The city itself is located inland, and perhaps would be a good chance to take in some Indian culture, especially the food which I've always enjoyed.  
47. Dubrovnik, Croatia- It is a beautiful seaport sitting along the Adriatic Sea, a hub of classic architecture and a beautiful view along the coastline. This Croatian city could perhaps be packaged with a trip to Italy. 
46. Turin, Italy-
It is the 4th largest city in Italy filled with great history and art. They were also the hosts of the 2006 Winter Olympics. They are home to one of the most successful Italian futbol clubs, Juventus FC. They are also known for the famous Shroud of Turin. 
45. Zurich, Switzerland- It is the largest city in Switzerland, the country known for it's cheese. It is also filled with great medieval history.
44. Copenhagen, Denmark- It is the capital of Denmark, a coastal town filled with classical architecture. It is also very close to the Swedish city of Malmo (which could almost be included on this trip). 
43. Seattle, Washington- When I think of Seattle I think of rain, coffee, and the Seattle Mariners baseball team. I hope I could include this trip with my stop in Portland, covering that northwestern region of America that I have never been to.
42. Oslo, Norway- The reason I would consider Norway is because of the Norweigen friends I made in Costa Rica. I would also like to see their famous fjord valleys, such as the Geriangerfjord.
41. Bogota, Colombia- It is the biggest city in Colombia, and being half Colombian myself I would see this as a personal trip. I'd imagine the culture is very similar to my experience in Maracaibo, Venezuela.
40. Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)- This is one of several destinations on this list that is more for the monumental site rather than the city as a whole. Mount Rushmore is one of the most famous American landmarks and I hope to see it with my own eyes sometime. If only I can find another good reason to make it out to boring South Dakota. 
39. Geneva, Switzerland- It is the headquarters of the United Nations and often is associated as a land of peace and happiness. It appears to be a beautiful city at the tip of Lake Leman, dosed with classical architecture.
38. Porto, Portugal- It is the 2nd largest city in Portugal, a nation I have always been fascinated with due to our family friend Rita and their international futbol team. This is a very old city that sits along the Atlantic coast filled with classical architecture.
37. Milan, Italy- It is the 2nd largest city in Italy, a booming metropolis area of ancient and modern culture. It is also home to two of the most successful clubs in Italian history, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
36. Caracas, Venezuela- I've been to Maracaibo on 3 different occasions throughout my life, yet still have yet to experience Venezuela's largest metropolis. The country is undergoing much political turmoil but perhaps someday I could make a heritage voyage back to the nation where my mother grew up in. I had an incredible time when we visited Maracaibo back in 1999. 
35. Edinburgh, Scotland- It is the 2nd largest city in Scotland yet arguably the more beautiful of the two. This is because it sits within a bay of the North Sea. It is surrounded by incredible old architecture, green landscape, and a beautiful coastal view of the sea.
34. Medellin, Colombia- This would be another personal trip perhaps grouped with Caracas and Bogota as heritage voyage. Medellin is the 2nd biggest city in Colombia, it's where my grandmother (mom's mom) was from, and also the infamous site of Pablo Escobar and his drug cartel. 
33. Panama City, Panama- This place has a personal pull to it, since it was where my parents lived for a couple years after getting married in Venezuela. My understanding is it is a very tropical area with heavy American influence.
 32. The Grand Canyon (Arizona)- Similar to Mount Rushmore, this geographical American landmark is somewhat secluded from a major urban area. Las Vegas is about 4 hours away and Phoenix is about 3 hours away. However I think it would be very worth the drive to see this magnificent gorge in the desert.
31. Lisbon, Portugal- This is the largest city in Portugal and perhaps the best place to start my experience of Portugese culture. It is also located on the Atlantic coastline, sitting in the bay of the Rio Tejo. It is a very beautiful city loaded with classical architecture. 



30. Cologne, Germany- It is the 4th biggest city in Germany, and home to one of my favorite cathedrals; the very gothic Cologne Cathedral completed in 1880 it was the tallest standing structure in the world for 4 years until it was surpassed by the Washington Monument.
29. Liverpool, England- The first thing that comes to mind is the home of the Beatles and their futbol club. I can only imagine this city located on the western English coast, by the River Mersey is an iconic center of British culture and architecture.
28. Naples. Italy- It is the 3rd biggest city in Italy, a booming metropolis along the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the coming together of ancient Roman history and modern Italian culture. It also served as an influential hub for the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. 
27. Havana, Cuba- This is a very colorful city, sitting on the northern bay of the tropical island of Cuba. It is loaded with culture, architecture, and especially history as it was home to Castro's Communist uprising. Just recently for the first time in over 50 years it has opened it's airports to American tourism.
26. Dublin, Ireland- This would also be a heritage voyage to see the ancestors of my other grandmother (dad's mom). I think of Ireland as rolling green pastures, good beer, and a beautiful view from the cliffs of the Irish Sea.
25. Munich, Germany- It is the 3rd biggest city in Germany, sitting high among the Bavarian Alps. It is loaded with historical sites, from the medieval age to it's dark age of WWII. The city is a booming metropolis today that hosted the Olympics in 1972 which oversaw the tragic Munich Massacre of Israelis by Palestine terrorists. The city is also home to one of the most successful clubs in Europe, Bayern Munich. 
24. Versailles, France- This royal city on the outskirts of Paris is most notably known for it's chateau and palace that served as the home of the French monarchy from 1682. It is loaded with incredible art, sculptures, architecture, and landscape. A true must see for any admirer of history and culture. This trip could certainly be included with a longer visit to the incredible city of Paris.
23. New Orleans, Louisiana- This is about one of the last major American cultural cities I have not been to. Located in the southern Gulf of Mexico this city is booming with iconic culture from it's Cajun/Creole food to it's flamboyant Mardi Gras celebrations. I think it would be a great place to party with friends.
22. Prague, Czech Republic- This old medieval city sits at the heart of mainland Europe and happens to be the capital of the Czech Republic. The reason I have this city so high on my list is because Gabriel has given it such high praise. It is home to incredible classic architecture such as the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square.  
21. Manchester, England- This city would certainly be included on my trip to England as it is home to my favorite futbol team Manchester United. It also happens to be the 3rd largest city in England and is certainly loaded with great British culture. Some other sites to see besides the classic Old Trafford stadium would be the town hall and it's cathedral.
20. Stockholm, Sweden- This would be a heritage voyage to visit the ancestors of my grandfather (dad's dad). The city sits in the northern Scandinavian nations along the Baltic Sea and would surely be different from mainland Europe. The city is a modern city that was host to the 1912 and 1956 Olympics.
19. Madrid, Spain- It is the largest city in Spain, a booming metropolis located at the heart of the nation. It also has historical significance as the home to the Spanish monarchy as well as many notable landmarks such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Royal Theater. Of personal interest to me it is home to one of the most successful clubs in Europe, Real Madrid. 
18. Normandy, France- This would be a historical visit to see the site of the most famous invasions in American history, D-Day. It was here that the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy to repel the Nazi occupation of France during WWII. There is also the monumental site of the Mont Saint-Michel island which has one of the most beautiful monasteries in the world. Both these sites located in the northern region of Normandy (a few hours from Paris) would make for an incredible visit of the French countryside.
17. Buenos Aires, Argentina- It is the largest city in Argentina and the 4th largest city in North, Central, and South America. Argentine culture is heavily influence by European culture and the city known for it's good air is perfectly located on the tropical coastline of the southern Atlantic Ocean. Known for their dancing, good meats, and futbol I think I would very much enjoy this visit to Latin America. 
16. Budapest, Hungary- To be fair I don't know too much about Hungarian culture, and don't have too much interst in visiting eastern Europe. However Budapest is an old medieval city I have heard mentioned many times as a center of incredible art and architecture. I think a visit to this mainland city could be include on a trip to central European sites such as Vienna, Prague, and Munich.
15. Casablanca, Morocco- There are only a few places in Africa and the Middle East I would consider visiting and Casablanca is definitely at the top of the list. This is because of it's Spanish and Portuguese influence. It is also the site of the famous 1942 Humphrey Bogart film and has ever since been associated as a romantic city.
14. Neuschwanstein Castle (Hohenschwangu, Germany)- Located in the southwest region of Bavaria, this incredible monument sits high on a mountaintop like a sight from a fairy tale movie. Built in 1886 as a retreat for King Ludwig II, it has brought tourists from all over the world to look upon the wonder. A trip to this site is only an hour from Munich, and would make for a good German countryside experience. 
13. Vienna, Austria- City of Music is first thing that comes to mind, as it once was the epic center of classical Baroque music. Famed musicians such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach all resided in Vienna as frequent performers at the opera houses. The city is loaded with medieval architecture, castles, and gardens as a history of it's own apart from being a center of music. 
12. Pisa, Italy- Home to one of the most famous towers in the world, Pisa is an old historic city with many medieval churches and structures. The leaning tower of Pisa is a part of the Piazza dei Miracoli and is no doubt a must see iconic landmark of Italy.  
11. Berlin, Germany- It is the largest city in Germany and one of the largest cities in Europe. The city is a modern metropolis however also has significant historic sites such as the Reichstag Building and the Bradenburg Gate, which was built in 1791. My greatest fascination with Germany is it's dark history in WWI and WWII that almost saw it's complete ruin at the hands of Hitler and the Nazi party. In the aftermath of WWII the city was divided into an eastern and western portion by a wall. Today the city has reunited into a booming global economy, with a rich culture and a complicated history. 
10. Seville, Spain- The first thing that comes to mind is bullfighting, perhaps for it's iconic stadium the Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballerina de Sevilla. The city is extremely old and historic, home to some of Spain's most beautiful architecture including the Seville Cathedral and the Plaza de Espana.
9. Machu Pichu (Cuzco, Peru)- This breathtaking site in the Andes mountains is an iconic structure of the Inca civilizations of Latin America. It is considered the Lost City because there is no direct road from Cuzco. Instead it requires trains, buses, or hiking to reach the site above the Sacred Valley. A trip to Machu Pichu would make for the perfect hiking outdoor adventure.
8. London, England- The capital and largest city of the United Kingdom this is a place I would like to spend several days at. I have always been fascinated with British culture and history and would find great joy in touring the famous landmarks of London such as the Parliament building, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower Bridge. The Westminster Abbey would also be a must-see destination as the main coronation site of the English monarchy. 
7. Rio de Janiero, Brazil- It is the 2nd largest city in Brazil yet undoubtedly the most beautiful as it sits on the shoreline of the South Atlantic Ocean. It is a tropical metropolis bursting with colorful culture from it's food, samba dancing, to it's national pastime of futbol. The Christ the Redeemer statue is a modern wonder of the world as it overlooks the harbor in a fairy tale fashion. The city has also recently urbanized as it hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics.   
6. Florence, Italy- This city was home to the Italian Renaissance and houses many notable art and architecture from famous artists such as Leonardo de Vinci. The Florence Cathedral is an awesome sight to see as it was the largest domed structure of it's time. Florence has many art museums including the gallery of the Academy of Florence which houses the most famous sculpture, David by Leonardo de Vinci. 
5. Athens, Greece- So much ancient history and ruins to be seen in Athens, especially the Acropolis which overlooks the city high on top a mountain. I love Greek culture, their history, the mythology, and especially their food. The city has also urbanized since they hosted the 2004 Olympics.
4. Istanbul, Turkey- It is the largest city in Europe and the 7th largest city in the World. It is considered a very historic city that has always been a center for culture. It's most famous landmark is the Hagia Sophia mosque that was built in the year 537. It is located on a bay within the Sea of Marmara. The city is a fusion of European and Asian culture which makes it so unique and beautiful.
3. Cairo, Egypt- It is perhaps one of the most ancient cities still functioning today. It is the capital and largest city in Egypt, a booming center of Islamic art and architecture. Cairo's claim to fame is the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, which is the only remaining ancient wonder of the world. This historical site is located only 40 minutes away from Cairo's city center and should be on everyone's bucket list.
2. Jerusalem, Israel- This would be a pilgrimage for me to a holy land that saw the birth and death of our lord, Jesus Christ. The town of Bethlehem is about an hour north of the city, where Christ was born. The area of Nazareth is also north of Jerusalem where he grew up. There are also many sites in the northern district of Galilee where Jesus performed his ministry. There are also sites in the southern district of Judea, near Jerusalem where Jesus performed his ministry and was crucified outside the city outskirts on the hill of Golgotha. With proper planning and research I believe all these sites could be seen in a few days. 
1. Venice, Italy- To me this seems like the most beautiful city in the world, because it is essentially an island of riverways. It is a city floating on the water. It was once a booming center during the middle ages and the renaissance which is demonstrated in the city's art and architecture. Other famous sites within the city include the Piazza San Marco, the Grand Canal, and Saint Marc's Basilica. It seems like the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.   

No comments: