Alice's Adventure

I've been working on this post for a while now, so enjoy it!
My friend Alice has been planning a big backpacking trip for Europe this summer. Since she reads this blog pretty often she's agreed to let me post her travel destination agenda. And I am going to list my top two suggestions of Must Dos in each city. This is a big trip, so it's going to be over the course of 3 blog posts! I mean the girl is going to 25 cities. It takes a lot of planning to utilize all her time wisely.

Amsterdam-Take a walk and grab a bite! Now you can take the free walking tour, of course but I highly suggest paying the 12Euros for the red light district tour. The cafe is Kriterion, a canteen for & completely run by students… a kind of co-op social program commune. I'm not normally into hippies, but the food was great!

Brussels- what first comes to mind? BEER!!!! Of course! But there's more to this lovely city than a good pint. Ascend to the top if the Atomium, a beautiful sculpture that reaches into the sky. Take a stroll through Old Town, especially the Grand Place.

Paris- I really don't care for this city... it's dirty and over-run with tourists, but it's a must-see for any traveler. I suggest paying the well-spent 12euros and touring the montmartre district, better known as the Hill. The tour takes you from the Red light, all the way to the Basilica Sacré Coeur and back. The 2nd is visiting Notre Dame. I regret not climbing to the top... I'll go back some day.

The true main character of Victor Hugo's book was the Cathedral.

Nice- The Nice pedestrian zone, or "zone pietonne," is a hub of activity. This is the place if you need to load up on souvenirs. Street entertainers frequent this area. There are gourmet shops, clothing shops, news stands, bookstores and more. Nice Archaeology Museum and Roman Ruins is an amazing place as well. 

Lisbon- The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a sight to see.  Treasures from the East and the West collected by one man is now one of the world's finest private art collections. It includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and René Lalique. St. George's Castle- From the millennium-old battlements of this castle you have a bird's-eye view of the city in the company of roaming peacocks. Inside is a small archaeological museum and down the hill are a couple of terraces with perfect postcard views over Alfama, the city's medieval village-like neighborhood.

Barcelona- Stroll on La Rambla, but watch your pockets! If you are in great shape, take a bike tour- the hills are a killer, but you get to see so much!
Madrid