For fear of causing an international diplomatic incident, here’s five more of my favourite cities.
In Northern Europe although, in truth, they stand comparison with any in the world.
So let’s get started with some of that rock’n’roll music… and…
Hamburger city
Hamburg (https://www.hamburg.com/visitors/): The Rieperbahn obviously but also the Elbphilormonie, or Elbe https://www.elbphilharmonie.de/en/… it’s not just for the stuffed shirts.
Then there’s Stefanie Hempell’s Early Beatles-Tour, her infectious smile, Der Fab Four anecdotes and songs on her ukulele… http://www.hempels-musictour.de
And, of course, eating hamburgers like a local in Dulf’s Burger https://m.facebook.com/dulfsburger/. Hamburgers and ships.
And a model railway museum which could seriously turn me… Why German trains always run on time.
I Amsterdam
Amsterdam: Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Breughel, the tulip museum and the story of the world’s best flower… and cheese, and a cheese not a cheesy museum.
The Ann Frank Museum and a stirring reminder of how we need to remain vigilant against racism.
Canals, narrow bars and Middle Eastern food… who even needs to visit the Red Light District.
Visit www.iamsterdam.com and read Pictures of Amsterdam and George Clooney and Amal’s Amsterdam hotel.
Prague springs
Prague: Lennon’s wall and the Astronomical Church, obviously, but also the Castle which is really a district.
The Charles Bridge with its sculptures and jazz musicians.
The world’s second ugliest attraction, from Communist days, and they’re very proud of it. And one of my favourite statues ‘Piss’.
Visit https://discover-prague.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuJH_8KCz5wIVRrTtCh0ofAEHEAAYAyAAEgKhOvD_BwE and https://www.czechtourism.com/home/. And read Holiday Snaps – Prague for under €100.
Bergen’s charms
A lager is how much?
Bergen: The old wharf and traditional Norwegian buildings of Bryggen where you can always find a wooden (or real) troll.
The Floyen mountain with funicular and breathtaking views of the fjord and your ship.
And the Kode museum http://www.kodebergen.no with its Munch and Dahl (the landscape artist whose paintings drew the first 19th century cruises) exhibitions.
Visit https://en.visitbergen.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiM-726Wz5wIVSrDtCh3vLQROEAAYASAAEgJIZvD_BwE and The call of the fjords.
