What is your favorite European Capital City?

Yes there is, mostly on the sidewalk, mostly from the local dogs, though I do not discount the contribution from the rather extensive homeless population.

My major problem in Paris wasn't stepping in the dog doo. It was trying to put up with the smoke everywhere. CA has spoiled me.

The worst was while sitting at Deux Magots next to a couple of women who were madly puffing away while sitting directly under the 'etablissement non fumeur' sign they had posted on the glass. Someone else on the other side of them complained to the waiter, but he just rolled out a classic Gallic shrug and kept moving.

I watched one guy who, in the course of a brief, light lunch (well, brief and light for Paris anyway) lit up seven cigarettes. At least for that one I was far enough away to avoid the toxic cloud.

But, hey, in that category, Lyon probably isn't any improvement. eh?

My major problem in Paris wasn't stepping in the dog doo. It was trying to put up with the smoke everywhere. CA has spoiled me.

The worst was while sitting at Deux Magots next to a couple of women who were madly puffing away while sitting directly under the 'etablissement non fumeur' sign they had posted on the glass. Someone else on the other side of them complained to the waiter, but he just rolled out a classic Gallic shrug and kept moving.

I watched one guy who, in the course of a brief, light lunch (well, brief and light for Paris anyway) lit up seven cigarettes. At least for that one I was far enough away to avoid the toxic cloud.

But, hey, in that category, Lyon probably isn't any improvement. eh?

Italy is now smoke free..... Praise baby Buddha!

Well, technically, so are some of those French restaurants I was sitting in, Paulo.

Believe me, though, while it was never nearly as much a problem in Italy, I'm glad that it has been made legal. Can't imagine anything worse than a wonderful Italian meal---and most of them are wonderful---arbitrarily spoiled by someone puffing away next to you.

Well, technically, so are some of those French restaurants I was sitting in, Paulo.

Believe me, though, while it was never nearly as much a problem in Italy, I'm glad that it has been made legal. Can't imagine anything worse than a wonderful Italian meal---and most of them are wonderful---arbitrarily spoiled by someone puffing away next to you.

I remember those days - very frustrating, especially in small trattorias. As someone who is the product of three cultures, I celebrate and enjoy all the good each culture has to offer, and try to ignore the bad.

Came to this late. Paris is an easy first for me but Madrid, London and Vienna vie for the next spot (as does Lisbon which was not on the list and wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen!) I guess I would give Madrid the nod for second and London or Copenhagen for third choice.