Exactly 2 months into a 6+ month stretch in Europe and W. Asia. Here are my thoughts on each city visited so far. My criteria might be a little different from conventional wisdom. I rate pleasing architecture and high walkability/public transport extremely highly. I don’t drink all that much and not too much of a foody, although I appreciate when I can find some low/mid range restaurants with solid food, so nightlife is a non-factor. I also like larger cities with a very active vibe that have tons of different areas to go to and things to do.
Madrid (7 days) - 9/10
I had never been before and was pleasantly surprised. The opinion on here seems to be generally low, but Madrid to me is a great city. Great architecture, many walkable and pleasing neighborhoods, and the city feels lively and chaotic. I’m more of a night person and Madrid is packed w/people even at like 11:30 on a Wednesday night and just feels alive.
Sevilla (7 days) - 8/10
Another really solid city. It scores lower than Madrid b/c the city just feels way smaller, and I think I’d get bored with a longer stay. The city was also fairly dead at night mid-week. But very walkable and gorgeous, with a few really cool areas. Andalucia in general is great, Granada is just epic for a smaller city and Alhambra is a must see. Córdoba also great and Málaga is pleasing/walkable although a bit small in scope and not much variety.
Paris (1 month) - 9.5/10
Previously, I’d been to 9 Euro countries I think, having heavily explored France, but only seen 1-3 cities in the other countries. Paris and Barcelona were my 1A and 1B then, and still are now. As a big fan of history and architecture, there are few better places. Every corner seems like it has some cool historical anecdote. I docked slightly b/c the city can be a bit samesy due to Haussmann. Some see it as a plus, but I kinda prefer a bit of variety.
Lyon (1 week) - 7.5/10
I’d previously lived here and loved it, but I think some of the magic has worn off. Still a great place to visit, and the setting is excellent with the 2 rivers coming together, hills overlooking the city, and a decent taste of Paris, at a discount, but I think now I’d slightly favor Sevilla for cities in this size category.
Barcelona (1 month) - 9.55/10
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I prefer Barcelona to Paris. I’ve been getting more into architecture lately and the Barcelona modernisme (art nouveau) stuff for me is the nuts. I love the imagination and creativity and whereas Paris is loaded with great architecture, the modernisme stuff is truly one of a kind. On top of that, Barcelona has so much on offer with coastline, beaches, and great weather. It also has the most active vibe, you’ll see people working out, running, biking in groups, more than I’ve seen in the other cities combined.
I did several day trips, but probably not fair to rate cities based on such a short time: Toledo, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga (3 days) Versailles, and Rouen were the other cities.
That’s it so far. I’ll update as I go along. I’d already seen the latter 3 cities, but from here on out, it will be all brand new cities to me.
Athens (1 week)
Istanbul (1 month)
Tbilisi (1 month)
From there I probably decide if I want to do an extended stay (6-12 months) in either Tbilisi or Istanbul, assuming one of them catches my girlfriend and I’s eye. From there we’ll do some hopping around nearby cities.
I’m super intrigued to see Istanbul. Based on my love of history, architecture, and waterfront settings, I think it could be a contender for my favorite city, we’ll see.