Mercer score: 107.2 2007 rank: No. 6

By:Planetware.com

Capital of the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia

Düsseldorf, capital of the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia and administrative center of the industrial area of North Rhineland-Westphalia, lies on the Lower Rhine, here some 310m/340yd wide. It is a university town, a center of art and fashion, a city of

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congresses and trade fairs. This old electoral capital is a town of wide streets crowded with traffic and lined by elegant shops, with a ring of parks and gardens encircling the city center.

By: Frommers.com

40km (25 miles) N of Köln, 230km (143 miles) NW of Frankfurt

Düsseldorf is a wealthy city -- the richest in Germany. It's big and commercial, full of banks and industrial offices and skyscrapers, but it's also refreshingly clean. Düsseldorf got its start as a settlement on the right bank of the Rhine, but today it's spread out on both sides -- the older part on the right, and the modern, commercial, and industrial part on the left. Five bridges connect the two sections, the most impressive being the Oberkassel. Parks and esplanades line the riverbanks. After 85% of the right bank was destroyed in World War II, Düsseldorf followed a modern trend in reconstruction, and today it's the most elegant metropolis in the Rhine Valley.

By: essortment.com

Dussuldorf is located along the banks of the Rhine River in Western Germany. For over 700 years, Dusseldorf, has been one of Germany's most important cities, reinforcing the culture and lifestyle of the country. Today, Dusseldorf is one of Germany's most modern cities and boasts the largest Japanese population in Europe.

Alstadt

Alstadt, also known as Old Town, is the older section of the city. The area is home to a pedestrian mall. A traveler will delight in the numerous shops and restaurants located in this area. Alstadt is also home to over 250 pubs, clubs and taverns. This is why it is referred to as the world's longest bar.

While visiting Alstadt, a traveler may wish to visit Karlstadt and Burgplatz. Karlstadt, located just outside of Alstadt, is renowned for its exquisite antique shops. Burgplatz is the square located in the heart of Alstadt and is home to Schloßturm's tower.

Rehinufer Promenade

The Rehinufer Promenade runs from Schloßturm's tower, along the Rhine River, and ends at the historical Media Harbor. Because of increasing congestion throughout Dusseldorf, the promenade was constructed in 1995. A nature lover will especially be enthralled with the scenic beauty and open air as well as the over one mile stretch of pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths.

Media Harbor

Although Media Harbor is home to a number of historical monuments and architecture, its buildings were once unused and in disrepair. However, over the past several years, Media Harbor has received a more modern touch. A visitor to this part of Dusseldorf will see a flourishing sector with a number of modern buildings that house businesses and television studios. A traveler looking to experience Dusseldorf's nightlife should visit some of the clubs that are located in Media Harbor.

Hofgarten

This park in Dusseldorf was originally designed and built in 1769 by Prince Karl Theodor for the private use of the royal family. Hofgarten was destroyed during wartime in the early 1800's. However, upon learning of the park's destruction, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered it rebuilt. Today, the park is open and can be enjoyed by the public.

Konigsalle Promenade

The "Ko" as it is affectionately called is Dusseldorf's most popular destination. Built in 1804, the Konigsalle Promenade is known for its extended walkways and streets. Its shops offer locals and travelers alike an exceptional place to go window shopping.

Insel Hombroich

This museum, located in the heart of Dusseldorf, is renowned for its unique art displays and sculptures. A visitor touring Insel Hombroich will notice its subtle difference from any other museum he or she will visit. The Insel Hombroich displays no descriptions or information on the pieces of artwork.

Deutsche Oper am Rhein

The best place for a traveler to experience the culture of Germany is the Deutsche Oper am Rhein. Located near the Rhine River, this is one of Germany's most distinguished opera houses. Performances at the opera house are rich in German heritage and history.

Kaiserwerth

Just outside of Dusseldorf, a person can experience the natural beauty of Kaiserwerth. Kaiserwerth not only offers breathtaking views of Germany's countryside but showcases its historical elegance in the form of Barbarossa's castle. Built in medieval times, Barbarossa's castle is now in ruins. However, people traveling to Kaiserwerth can still view the site.

A person traveling throughout Germany should make it a point to visit the city of Dusseldorf. Located just north of Cologne, Dusseldorf offers travelers a unique blend of history and culture with a modern twist.

Mercer score: 107 2007 rank: No. 8

By: Planetware.com

Munich is the capital of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany. The city is located on the River Isar on the fringes of the Bavarian Alps. The climate consists of high percipitation with unexpected rainstorms and extreme temperatures from day to night or summer to winter.

The inner city of Munich is a large open square with the Old and

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New Town Hall. The Peterskirche is the oldest inner city church, built during the Romanesque period. The Cathedral of our Lady is the most famous building in Munich and Michealskirche is the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps.

There are 4 main avenues from the 19th century that lead from the city of Munich to the suburbs. Munich is also noted for the numerous parks including Englischer Garten, the world's largest urban public park.

The first documented mention of Munich is 1158 and in 1175 it was granted city status. Munich became the capital of the reunited Bavaria in 1506 as well as a centre for arts and politics. In 1634 and 1635 the bubonic plague broke out and that affected the population with a loss of one-third of its people. During the World Wars, Munich suffered greatly but after American occupation in 1945 the city was completely rebuilt.

Munich is home to several professional football teams, it hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics and was one of the host cities for the 2006 World Cup, which was held in the new soccer stadium, Allianz Arena.

Mercer score: 107 2007 rank: No. 7

By: Planetware.com

Munich is the capital of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany. The city is located on the River Isar on the fringes of the Bavarian Alps. The climate consists of high percipitation with unexpected rainstorms and extreme temperatures from day to night or summer to winter.

The inner city of Munich is a large open square with the Old and

... More

New Town Hall. The Peterskirche is the oldest inner city church, built during the Romanesque period. The Cathedral of our Lady is the most famous building in Munich and Michealskirche is the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps.

There are 4 main avenues from the 19th century that lead from the city of Munich to the suburbs. Munich is also noted for the numerous parks including Englischer Garten, the world's largest urban public park.

The first documented mention of Munich is 1158 and in 1175 it was granted city status. Munich became the capital of the reunited Bavaria in 1506 as well as a centre for arts and politics. In 1634 and 1635 the bubonic plague broke out and that affected the population with a loss of one-third of its people. During the World Wars, Munich suffered greatly but after American occupation in 1945 the city was completely rebuilt.

Munich is home to several professional football teams, it hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics and was one of the host cities for the 2006 World Cup, which was held in the new soccer stadium, Allianz Arena.

Mercer score: 106.5 2007 rank: No. 9

By:Switzerland.isyours.com

Of all Swiss cities, BERN (Berne in French) is perhaps the most immediately charming. Crammed onto a steep-sided peninsula in a crook of the fast-flowing River Aare, its quiet, cobbled lanes, lined with sandstone arcaded buildings straddling the pavement, have changed barely at all in over five hundred years but for the adornment of modern shop signs and the odd car or tram rattling past. The hills all around, and the steep banks of the river, are still liberally wooded. Views, both of the Old Town's clustered roofs and of the majestic Alps on the horizon, are breathtaking. Coming from Zürich or Geneva, it's hard to remember that Bern - once voted Europe's most floral city - is the nation's capital, home of the Swiss parliament and wielder of final federal authority.

For all its political status, Bern is a tiny city of barely 130,000 people and retains a small town's easy approach to life. The attraction of the place is its ambience; traffic is kept out of the Old Town and you could spend days just wandering the streets and alleys, café-hopping and - if it's warm - joining the locals for a plunge into the river. The perfectly preserved medieval street plan, with its arcades, street fountains and doughty towers persuaded UNESCO to deem Bern a World Heritage Site, placing it in the company of such legendary sites as Florence, Petra and the Taj Mahal. In a competition for the world's most beautiful and relaxing capital city, it's hard to think what could knock Bern into second place.

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, a diverse and beautiful city! Bern is a medieval city founded in 1191, on and around the River Aare. Bern has quite a few attractions and historic sites, as well as an active cultural life. It is here that Albert Einstein worked, the Toblerone chocolate bar is made, and Emmental cheese, known as Swiss Cheese, reached out to the world.

With its stately sandstone buildings, historical towers and 11 magnificent fountains, Bern is one the most impressive examples of medieval town architecture in Europe. Over the centuries, the townscape has been preserved virtually intact, and in 1983 the UNESCO inscribed Bern as a World Heritage Site. The noble dome of the House of Parliament presides above the city, just a few steps from the main station, and also from the Aare River, the Prison Tower and all the other places of interest in Bern. On most days, the doors of the House of Parliament are open to the public with visitors permitted to watch the live proceedings of the parliament.

Umbrellas made from stone...

One house after the other - shop after shop. Entire rows of houses merge into one integrated whole, all connected by long covered promenades - the arcades. Rain or shine, it is a pure delight to leisurely stroll along one of the longest shopping promenades in Europe.

The city of Bern was built with local sandstone in Gothic style with gables, bay windows, and more arcades than any of the city in Europe. Berne claims Switzerland's highest Gothic cathedral, the Münster-Cathedral, and the Heiliggeist-Kirche, a prime example of 18th century Protestant church architecture. Throughout the city are towers, arcades, and lots of old fountains. The Münster-Terrasse, a square in front of the Cathedral, has been a famous meeting place over the centuries.

The fantastic Clock Tower has puppets that pop out before the hour and perform a little skit. The Center Paul Klee exhibits the largest collection in the world of one of the greatest 20th century artists. The Swiss Alpine Museum displays a history of the Swiss Alps.

Bern's shimmering green river is named Aare. It twists and turns alongside the old town and offers countless restful havens. Only a few minutes' walk from the station will take you to tree-lined embankments surrounded by nature. The Aare attracts people of all ages. Especially in summer when the river's refreshing clean water invites you to jump in and cool off in the middle of town. Swimming then becomes the favorite pastime of the Bernese.

Bern is located in Central Switzerland, 122 km (76 miles) from Zurich, the nearest International Airport. Travel time from Zurich is 75 minutes by car and 60 minutes by train. Bern is 152 km (95 miles) from Geneva and 58 km (36 miles) from Interlaken. Bern also has its own regional airport in Belp with on international flight with Lufthansa flights from Munich.

By train, take international train connections to Bern.

Mercer score: 106.3 2007 rank: No. 9

Sydney has a population of around 4 000 000 people. It also have a fantastic in frastructure serviced by a large train, bus and ferry network. There are many attractions close to and within the city. The International and Domestic Airports are about 10 kilometres from the city and a rail link connects the terminals to the CBD.

The Rocks district is a great place to visit when in Sydney. It has many old heritage fantastic in frastructure serviced by a large train, bus and ferry network building and old style traditional pubs dating back to the turn of last century. Right next to The Rocks is Circular Quay, The Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. It is very easy to spend a full day around the Circular Quay area. Sydney Harbour stretches 25km in from the ocean and joins up with the Parramatta River. Harbour beaches and Parks dot the foreshore of the Sydney Harbour on both sides and River Cruises operate day and evening from the Circular Quay Dock.

Sydney Australia is a great place to visit anytime of the year. Summer is from June - August and is an ideal time to visit the beautiful beaches of Sydney. Close to the City these include Bondi Clovelly, Bronti and Coogee on the southside and the famous Manly beach on the northside.Winter can be a little cold for the beaches. Winter is from December - February and so more suited to sight seeing that the beaches. The other 9 months are quite comfortable down the beach.

Shopping centres are abundant in Sydney with 9 major shopping centres including Pitt Street Mall and the old age charm of the Queen Victoria Buidling at Town Hall. There are over 450 specialty shops in the 9 major complexes catering for all your shopping needs.