DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 European Cities

Clockwise from top: British Museum, London; bridge over the Singel, Amsterdam; view from Castelo de So Jorge, Lisbon; Spanish Steps, Rome; Sacr-Coeur, Paris; houses on Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Ten European cities. What could be more enticing? From the caf philosophers and couture of Paris to the cosmopolitan street life and royal pageantry of London. And from the ancient sun-drenched cobbles of Rome to the dazzling contemporary architecture of Berlin, Europe has it all. With Eyewitness Top 10 European Cities, it is yours to explore.

Paris: culture, charm, and je ne sais quoi. Does city life offer anything better than exploring the chic shops of the Champs-Elyses or the hip Marais district? Wandering Montmartre or sauntering in the footsteps of Pablo Picasso for an early-morning coffee or lazy Left Bank lunch? Seeing the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, the Impressionists at the Muse dOrsay, or the spectacle of a sunset over the city from the Sacr-Coeur?

Then theres London, an inimitable city of palaces and pubs. Hotbed of theater and mecca of shopping, its the most cosmopolitan city on earth. Sip a cocktail in a rooftop bar, eat food from every corner of the planet, stroll along the Thames, stand rapt among the crowds at the Globe Theatre, and feel your mind spin with the exuberance and energy of art at the two Tate galleries and the National Gallery. Its all there, packed into the worlds most energetic streetscape.

Little Amsterdam, with its olive-green canals, alternative vibe, enchanting Golden Age architecture, convivial bars and historic churches. Home to the worlds largest collection of artworks by Vincent Van Gogh, the Rijksmuseums magnificent collection of 17th-century Dutch art, and, of course, the heartbreakingly evocative Anne Frank House.

Barcelona: splendidly set on the shores of the Mediterranean. Stroll along lively La Rambla, wander the medieval stone labyrinth of the Barri Gtic quarter, marvel at extraordinary Modernista architecture and the Surrealist paintings of Joan Mir. Reignite your passion for cool by seeking out contemporary design throughout the city and party all night in buzzing clubs.

Lisbon, Europes most intimate capital, draped over seven hills. The hub of a maritime empire, its wealth is preserved in flamboyant Manueline buildings such as the Mosteiro dos Jernimos and the Torre de Belm. Ride quaint old trams, dawdle in vibrantly tiled street cafs and escape for a day to heavenly Sintra.

Rome, eternal city, exuberant feast for eyes, soul and stomach. Wander around the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum or gaze at the intricate paintings lining Michelangelos Sistine ceiling. Startling espresso, fabulous pasta and delectable gelato await the taste buds. Who could argue with visitors, artists, and pilgrims whove been flocking here seeking la dolce vita since antiquity?

Venice, the worlds most improbable city, with beautiful palaces of stone filigree rising from the water. Rise before dawn to glimpse dazzling Piazza San Marco without the crowds and local boats unloading fresh produce at the Rialto market. Then study the art of the Accademia and Guggenheim before losing yourself in the atmospheric narrow back-streets.

Copenhagen, the birthplace of hygge. A charming, compact maritime city of opulent palaces, brightly painted town houses and contemporary architecture. See the sights of its splendid harbour, marvel at the magnificent grounds of Frederiksberg, explore the alternative culture of Christiania and cosy up in cafs.

Berlin: hip, historic and bursting with youthful energy. From Prussian powerhouse and Nazi bastion to Cold War zombie and now the vibrant capital of a reunited Germany. Stroll along refined Unter den Linden, walk beneath the towering Brandenburger Tor and see the astonishing new centre of Potsdamer Platz. Venture to riverside Schloss Charlottenburg for manicured green lawns and indulgent Baroque architecture.

Prague, a city of 100 spires and a bewitching castle. Easily navigable on foot, explore the shadowy cobbled lanes of Josefov, stroll past the pastel buildings lining the streets of Mal Strana, and cross the famous Charles Bridge. The birthplace of Franz Kafka and Vclav Havel still throbs with culture, music and theatre, as well as decadent cafs and some very atmospheric beer cellars.

Whether youre staying for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best the continent has to offer, from London to Lisbon and Berlin to Barcelona. Add detailed maps and inspiring photography, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book and enjoy Europe.

Left to right then top to bottom: Burano, Venice; stained-glass dome at the Palau de la Msica Catalana, Barcelona; Berliner Dom, Berlin; Wallenstein Garden, Prague

Paris has an inexhaustible wealth of things to see and do. Here are some ideas for how to make the most of your time. The city is relatively compact, so you should be able to do most of your sightseeing on foot, and youre never far from a metro station.