Following some general judgement about some cities we decided to explore what's the real truth and what's hiding beyond adjective "boring city". Three "black spot" cities and one "star" in this week tour around the world.
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Belgium Capital town of Belgium, Brussels, people mainly connect with the world of politic and business. That is probably the reason why TripAdvisor, respectable internet travel portal, proclaim it as the city which you will forget easiest. The fact that Brussels is world's famous city by Belgian beer and chocolates doesn't provide it better score in TripAdvisor's town popularity research. But, Brussels has places to show. Gothic church Notre-Dame au Sablon will certainly attract your attention.
Few people know that Belgium is birth place of comic strip and Brussels Comic Strip Centre is just one of the places worth to be seen.
Brussels has a lot of antique shops, coffee bars, lot of beautiful squares, noisy streets, quiet parks, aristocrat district Sablon and, of course, Atomium and Brussels mascot Manneken Pis. Impressive collection of Flaman artists like Rubens, Bouts and Memling in Museum of ancient arts maybe shake Brussels's "forget it the most easier" image. Of course, if you are willing to move your sweet behind little bit far from Brussels railway station.
Switzerland
Another town earned word "boring" by TripAdvisor research. This time winner is the largest Switzerland's city, Zürich. The town of fourth stock exchange in the world, the city of a banks, bankers and money, what is obviously boring, can offer you a lot just if you want to walk and explore. Settled on river Limmat in the middle of Switzerland, Zürich offers more than just smell of a money. For the start, Zürich is rich by variety of parks and gardens, known by the Fraumünster church with its stained-glass windows, many vantage points and by shopping.
You can find numerous trendy boutiques at the Bahnhofstrasse (must-see place), one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe.
The same story stands true for Niederdorf, the old town which offers beautiful alleys and luxurious shops. For beautiful view of the city visit Lindenhof, the hill in the heart of the old town, or enjoy the 360 degree view from a tall viewing tower. When you are in the city, explore Swiss food and aromas selection. About 500 bars, nightclubs and discotheques provide a wide range of entertainment opportunities after dusk. Add to that Grand Casino Baden with the highest winning sums in Europe and I will ask you: Who is boring now?
Poland
Warsaw is boring, also, wrote TripAdvisor according to its data. A few European cities have so tragic history like Warsaw during the World War II. Almost 85 percents of the city was destroyed and after the war Poland’s started to rebuilding the city. At that moment the most beautiful story of rising Phoenix started. By the old scripts Poland’s rebuilt its town piece by piece. Today with almost two million people Warsaw is the town of quick expansion. This brave city on Visla river is almost the birth city of famous Poland compositor Fryderyk Chopin (born fifty kilometres west of Warsaw in Želazowa Wola).
Known by his etudes, Fryderyk Chopin was considered by many to be a peak of the Romantic style. And if Chopin found inspiration in this city you will find some of this beauty, too. Romantic souls can visit Middle age city core Stare Miesto and Nowe Miesto, gothic cathedral from 14th century or 16th century fortress that forms the part of the medieval fortifications around the city. Many other cultural and history monument in Warsaw can occupy your attention and if you don't travel like a bag of potato you will see more than just shops.
Portugal
On the other side, Lisbon nobody proclaimed to be boring city. That is very colourful and lively destination and wishful target for most of travellers. Maor district Alfama with its tight, curved streets and snow white houses attract visitors attention. Take a time for harbour Belem, known as the place from where Vasco de Gama started his voyages to explore sea routes. Middle age castle Sao Jorge with 10 towers and Lisbon cathedral from 12th century you will visit inevitable.
That castle was completely abandoned until the beginning of 20th century when Portugal government proclaimed history building and started a great reconstruction.
Today it is the target of many tourists. To feel Lisbon’s heart beat, experience driving on the charming old Lisbon tram. Visit Oceanium or chose between many of museums. Pending bridge across river Tagus and unique view from Chapito lookout will melt your heart. Sandy beaches nearby, just like many bars and restaurants, will complete your unforgettable Lisbon tour. Finish the day by listening Portugal's characteristically fado performance. ■
