London: The London Eye (Millenium Wheel)

In London, like most European cities, many of the key landmarks are within walking distance of each other. That said, there is a great deal to be said for getting high up for an over-view of the place.

I remember watching the London Eye being slowly put in place just before the turn of the millenium as part of London's celebrations for the year 2000. This grand ferris wheel (135 metre, 443 ft) was meant to be temporarily situated on the banks of the Thames just across from the Palace of Westminster, but here it remains to this day.

If in London I would recommend, if you have the time, to head to Westminster underground, see the British Parliament, cross Westminster Bridge and hitch a ride on the London Eye. It takes about half an hour for one revolution, and the views are simply great. You can do your sighstseeing in one panoramic visual feast. Go ride - enjoy!

http://www.londoneye.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Eye

Brussels: Manneken Pis celebrates the prostate

I have blogged about the Manneken Pis before (and shall no doubt do so again). This eccentric icon for the citizens of Brussels is to be found just of the magnificent architectural confection that is the Grande Place. This little statue of a peeing boy is regularly dressed up in some costume or other. When I was last in Brussels they were celebrating (and I'm not kidding) THE INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE PROSTATE.

The Manneken Pis was joining in the fun by being dressed up as a urologist. He may have looked rather cute in his little medical gowns but that was tempered by him holding some really mean looking probe. My eyes still water at the memory of it.

If you are in Brussels it is always worth seeking him out to see if he is dressed up or peeing au natural.

http://www.ilotsacre.be/images/virtualvisit/manneken_pis.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannequin_pis

Brussels: Grand Place

It's probably the law or something but everyone, and I mean everyone has to visit the Grand place (Grote Markt) when in Brussels.

Its origins go back about a thousand years but its current form took shape in the late 17th century when it was rebuilt after a visit from about 70,000 French soldiers. It's a wierd fusion of gothic and baroque but it really does "wow" you when you first step into it from the rather narrow side streets that lead into it.

It is of course THE tourist trap in Brussels, but is none the worse for that. The square itself has some rather pleasant bars to sit out in and enjoy the view. Just off the square are numerous little souviener shops and resturants. The manneken pis is also just a few minutes walks away. If you are on a flying visit to the political hub of the European Union it is a definite must see. As I am in Brussels a lot I frequently try and deviate my route in order to pass through it when heading back to Brussels Central Station which is only a few minutes walk away. Go see it, you will be impressed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Place

http://www.ilotsacre.be/site/en/curiosities/grand_place-brussels.htm

Vienna, St Stephan's Cathedral

Vienna, like most historic cities has most of its main architectural highlights within walking distance of each other. These are located in the Innere Stadt (Inner City).

During a meeting there I had the opportunity to stroll through the city centre which is bounded by the Ringstrasse (Ring Road). I guess they keep names fairly literal in Vienna.

St Stephan's Catherdral (Stephansdom) is a good starting point for a stroll around. The thing you notice straight away is the roof, which is covered in colourful tiles forming striking geometric patterns.

The seat of the Archbishop of Vienna, the church's origins go back to 1147 though what you see now was largely built in the 14th and 15th centuries. Definitely worth a look and good starting point for a general wander around what is one of the most stunning and impressive cities I have visited.

http://www.stephanskirche.at/index.jsp?langid=2&menuekeyvalue=2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephansdom

Warwick Castle, Warwick

Not far from Warwick Technology Park (home of UK's electricty and gas transporter, National Grid) lies the stunning Warwick Castle. The town of Warwick itself, lies in the centre of England and is part of the "Ye Olde England" tourist trail - the town of Statford-Upon-Avon (birth place of William Shakespeare) is only a few miles away.

If you find yourself in Warwick then a stroll near the centre of town will be rewarded with a truely cliched photo opportunity on the bridge that crosses the River Avon. Warwick Castle was started by William the Conqueror in 1068. It has continually been added to, fortified, prettified - generally reflecting the history of England itself. It might be somewhat telling of the state of England in that it has become an historic theme park owned by the Tussaud Group (as in "Madame Tussaud's" in London) - the castle displays some historic scenes with "relevant" waxworks throughout its buildings.

Very pretty and worth a photo if you are visiting the area.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warwick_Castle

http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/

Paris, The Eiffel Tower

If in Paris on business you may not have the time to climb this symbol of city, but do take the time to see it. You simply know your partner or collegues back home won't believe you if you said - nope didn't see it.

It is situated in the Champs de Mars park in central Paris, where it stands over a 1,000 ft tall (324m). It is one of those world icons that doesn't disappoint.

When I first saw it the one thing that struck me as odd was its colour. For some reason I imagined it was black, or dark grey - but in fact, it is painted a light brown. I was still awed by its shear engineering bravado, but things are not always quite how you imagine them. I took this photo on a very wet day when hurrying to a working dinner at the French Parliament (the weather in Paris is usually a lot nicer)

On a personal note, I proposed to my wife near the bottom of the tower so I suppose I always view it with a certain dewy eyed sentimentality. Do take a look if you have the time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower

Amsterdam: The Rijksmuseum Schiphol Airport

Oh those long hours that the frequent traveller must endure hanging around airports. Well, if flying out of Amsterdam's Shiphol Airport why not spend a pleasant hour visiting a small annex of the Rijsmuseum which is situated right inside the airport departure area.

This forms part of the Dutch National Museum (which is what Rijksmuseum actually means). The gallery shows a changing exhibition of classical and modern art. It housed a series of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age when I visited the place.

Once you have caught up on your emails and read your Dan Brown or John Grisham, why not wander up the stairs of the Rijksmuseum shop to the gallery above and contemplate some seriously good art.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schiphol_Airport

http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/collectie/schilderijen?lang=en

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rijksmuseum_Amsterdam