9. Tallinn, Estonia
Finland’s Helsinki gets its fair share of tourists, but most people skip over Estonia’s capital of Tallinn. Some mistakenly assume this old Soviet outpost is dullsville, but the city has a intriguing blend of Danish, German and Russian influences. It has both modern and medieval elements. The charming 11th century Old Town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The historic wall has a fairytale quality, and Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great, is now a must-see museum. Not far from these old world sites stand contemporary skyscrapers, hotels and shopping complexes hosting a surprisingly hip arts, culture and culinary scene. Tallinn has catapulted itself into the high-tech 21st century as the headquarters of Skype, and is becoming a Baltic Silicon Valley of sorts. A bustling port has put it on the cruise ship circuit, but you may find Tallinn worth more than a one day port-of-call look.
10.Cork, Ireland
Cork may be in the shadow of the charming capital of Dublin, but Ireland’s “second city” is a fun destination to explore, too – and not just for the nearby Blarney Stone. The main commercial thoroughfare, St. Patrick’s Street, is bustling with lively pubs, cafes, shops and music venues. All that traditional fiddling isn’t just put on for tourists. There are plenty of narrow streets, hidden alleys and funky walkways to explore in this compact pedestrian-friendly city. It has a blend of both contemporary and traditional culture, and an impressive foodie scene as well. Be sure to ring the bells at St. Anne’s Church in the Shandon area. With eight notes at your disposal, you can chime out a wide repertoire of tunes.
