1) Zurich

The number one place to live in Europe is Zurich. Zurich has a tiny population and a wealth of bars and restaurants as well as stunning views of the Alps. Taxes are some of the lowest in Switzerland and its education and medical facilities are superb. It is however extremely expensive and property here comes with an equally big price tag.

Zürich and lake Zürich, Switzerland by MadGeographer

2) Vienna

Voted number two is Vienna in Austria. The whole of the city centre in this beautiful city has been designated a UN World Heritage Site, and the city boasts an excellent education system and superb infrastructure. It hosts around 200 balls a year, the Opera Ball being the most famous, and a regular feature of the Viennese Carnival season.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria by Gryffindor

3) Geneva

Next up and following very closely – if not jointly tied – is Geneva in Switzerland. One of the most attractive and cultured cities in the world, this really is a stunning city and offers a fantastic quality of life. More than 40% of the population here comes from outside of Switzerland which is a testament to its huge appeal.

Brundwick Monument in Geneva, Switzerland by Zeke

4) Dusseldorf

In fourth place is Düsseldorf in Germany with a great infrastructure and international transport system. Set on the banks of the Rhine, another stunning city in which to live – and especially work. This German bastion is known as a business and financial hub, as well as for its renowned artisanal beer, and an intense rivalry with the nearby city of Cologne.

Dusseldorf, Germany by Johann H. Addicks

5) Munich

Munich is very close behind. Possibly best known for Oktoberfest, a two week festival featuring the best in beers. The Munich Biennale is another draw for tourists, and a great example of the rich operatic culture in the city. Known for its publishing houses, Munich is a popular destination for emigrating editors and writers.

Munich, Germany by Diliff

6) Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the largest financial centre in Europe, with significant commercial interests. It is also the most expensive place to live in Germany, but is very family friendly, and is known as a ‘Green City’; with over half of the area within the city limits being protected outdoor space. It also boasts 8 festivals a year and two botanical gardens.

Saint Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Frankfurt, Germany by rupp.de

7) Bern

Number 7 in our list is Bern, again in Switzerland, the world’s second safest city and excellent medical facilities. Like Vienna, the town centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to 114 significant heritage sites, making it the perfect expatriate destination for history buffs.

Bern, Switzerland by Daniel Schwen

8) Copenhagen

Number eight in our list is Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, again, an expensive city but it does boast no less than eleven Michelin Starred restaurants, the best international schools and medical facilities. The city is also known for its exquisite promenades and waterfront structures, contributing to the cultural beauty of Denmark.

Amagertorv in Copenhagen, Denmark by Furya

9) Amsterdam

Number nine sees Amsterdam step up to the mark with its liberal attitudes, network of canals and a family friendly reputation. Reliance on cycling helps make the city a healthier place to live, and the gay friendly vibe contributes to the feel good atmosphere for residents. 55% of housing is government owned, with tenants heavily favoured by law – making Amsterdam a haven for renters.

Amsterdam, Netherlands by Swimmerguy269

10)Brussels

Finally Brussels in Belgium makes it into our top ten with great schools and a thriving ex pat community. It has a mainly bilingual population, speaking both Dutch and French (making the city more accessible). In addition, 25% of the population are of Muslim background, making it a great place for Islamic expatriates.

Brussels, Belgium by Wouter Hagens

Written by Helen Shepard from Movers International, a professional ex pat with a spirit of wanderlust.

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With the two countries Belgium and Spain, Spain is the most prominent country that features Flamenco dancing. In fact, there is a place in the country featuring different shows of it and it is Granada. This is a province in Spain with many clubs for flamenco dancing. If you would like to have idea about the places in the province that feature flamenco dancing, reading this up would be great.

Photo by Kathryn

Eshavira Club

The name of the club is just painted on plain white wall. It is actually an underground chamber with hazy vault. The place is the origin of some of the best flamenco dancers of the country itself. The pace is also a home for some great dancers and musicians. The shows in here are sometimes changeable.

Raiz y Duende at Sala Vimaambi

This is one of the best and lively flamenco dancing clubs. It actually offers great dancers and musicians uplifting the spirit of the crowd, making them fun to watch the dancers dancing their own dance. Aside from the great performers, this place also caters excellent food and cuisines.

Huerto Del Loro

This is not so much visited by tourist, since it is far from the city centre. The only thing is that, it is one of the most affordable Flamenco clubs in Granada. The domed theatre is grayish, but warmly lit yield having a simple lavender flamenco cover that serve as the backdrop. The place has regular artists who show flamenco dancing skills.

Peña Flamenca La Plateria

This is one of the oldest flamenco dancing clubs in the Spain. It was built in the year 1949. This is a place run and operated by flamenco enthusiasts having an objective of nurturing and supporting the craft instead of making money. The establishment is only open during Thursday nights. The performers for the show are thoroughly chosen from the best flamenco dancers of the city and other countries. The show in this place is serious and well rehearsed.

Upsetter

This is located in the city center that is why, there are some days that the place is too busy and gathered a number of tourists watching the show. The place has the best local performers of flamenco dancing. The best day to visit the country is during Monday nights, as it has local artists showing and performing.

These are only some of the places that offer flamenco dancing in Granada. There are still other places to visit in the place itself. If you like flamenco dancing, visiting Granada is a great way to be inspired more to continue the craft and perform it perfectly. Aside from flamenco dancing, Granada is also one of the places in Spain that offer great views, scenery and adventures.

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Walibi Belgium was opened on 26th July 1975. It is a medium sized park where all the people from children to older one can find fun. In total there are 50 different attractions. Walibi Belgium is not divided into thematic parts, but into categories according to severity – children, family, for teens and The Big 7 (this is for the bravest ones). There are the roller coasters, free fall, water rides, 4D cinema, and many more. The biggest attraction of the park is the roller coaster “Vampire” and free fall from the 77 meters “Dalton Terror”. The Walibi Belgium has also a plenty of food stalls and souvenir shops. Accommodation right in the park is not possible, but in the vicinity there are lots of accommodation opportunities. There is also the campsite. Otherwise it is a good idea to book tickets over the interent, it will cost you less.

Walibi Belgium is open from late April to early November 10 to 18 hours. Outside the main season is open only on weekends. It should prefer to see the opening hours at the park site. Tickets prices start at 25Eur/person/entrance or you can buy the whole year ticket for 55Eur.

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The Mini Europe park is located just few steps from Atomium and is the most popular tourist destination in Brussels. With 300,000 visitors per year and a turnover of 3 million euro, Mini Europe Park is one of Brussels’ leading attractions.

In the area of the park you can enjoy e.g. the animation of the earthquake during the eruption of Vesuvius.

The basic admission fee in 2010 is €13.10
Openning hours

• From 20/03/2010 to 30/06/2010 from 9:30 to 18:00 (cash desk untill 17:00)
• From 01/07/2010 to 31/08/2010 from 9:30 to 20:00 (cash desk untill 19:00)
• From 01/09/2010 to 30/09/2010 from 9:30 to 18:00 (cash desk untill 17:00)
• From 01/10/2010 to 09/01/2011 from 10:00 to 18:00 (cash desk untill 17:00)
• 24, 31/12 – from 10:00 to 17:00 (cash desk untill 16:00)

During summer months you can visit the Park also during the night.

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The City of Tournai has a rich history, the Celts settled here already in 1st century BC. The first Christian church was built here by the Franks in 431. In the 6th century it was the seat of a bishop, later incorporated into the West-Frankish kingdom. In the 13th century the city belonged to the French kings, and just in the 16th century it became the part of the Netherlands. Only in 1830 the city became a part for Belgium.

Tournai is one of the most important cultural sites in Belgium and it is the 2nd oldest city in Belgium – after Tongeren. The city is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

What to see in Tournai?
You can start at the heart of city – in Grand Place, which consists of Renaissance and Baroque houses with 72-meter high watch tower – Beffroi – built in the 1200. If you look from the tower across the square, you can see the Romanesque church from the late 12th century Cathédrale St. Quentin. In the middle of the square stands the memorial to Christine de Lalaing d Epinoy – heroine who defended the city during the Spanish siege. Not far from the square there are five huge towers of Cathedral of Notre Dame (Cathedral of the Virgin Mary) that you can see from all parts of the city. Cathédrale Notre Dame is one of the finest Romanesque buildings in Belgium.

Another place of interest is the 13th-century Scheldt bridge (Pont-des-Trous). You can also visit the numerous museums such as museum of tapestries, or ethnographic museum documenting life in the 17th century.

Interesting tourist destinations near Tournai are Brussels or Bokrijk – Museum in the nature

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It is a cosmopolitan city where many different cultures live together – this international flair is directly related to its role as a crossroads for all of Europe.

There are two official languages

Most tourist sites are within walking distance of the Grand Place. Victor Hugo, a city resident for several years, called the Grand Place and its 17th-century Flemish Renaissance buildings “the most beautiful square in Europe.”

One of the most interesting events in Brussels is bi-annual event featuring the creation of a detailed carpet design using more than 700.000 cut begonias.

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