Natalie Portman shares her 5 favourite Holiday Destinations

Natalie Portman was born in Israel and is of Jewish origin. She holds dual citizenship with the United States and Israel. In Hollywood, she has achieved phenomenal success in her film career. In the widely anticipated prequel Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Natalie achieved worldwide renown as Queen Amidala (1999). In addition, she starred in two critically praised comic dramas, Anywhere But Here (1999) and Where the Heart Is (2000), followed by Closer (2004), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. In the final two episodes of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, she resumed her role as Padme Amidala: Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005). Black Swan earned her the Academy Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress (2010). Natalie is noted for portraying characters who are relatively intelligent, mature, and old for their age. She has also served as a Jury member at the Cannes Film Festival.

Natalie rates Paris as her top favourite when it comes to European cities. Paris is truly a remarkable city and a magnet for high fashion, lifestyle and modeling. A monument she admired the most was the Notre Dame Cathedral, a real masterpiece of French Gothic architecture which is amongst the most visited monuments in the World with over 20 Million visitors each year ! The Sacré Coeur Basilica (Sacred Heart) located on top of the Montmartre butte, the highest point in Paris, is another place Natalie highly recommends to all visitors to Paris. This ancient Roman catholic church is renowned for its intricate carvings, outstanding architecture and majestic views. While Paris is a city of all reasons with a fantastic nightlife and culture scene, the architecture side of Paris is equally fascinating and awe inspiring. The Louvre museum, one of the largest art museums in the World, is a testimony to the fact that France is truly the cultural capital of Europe. 

New York is Natalie's favourite American city and she loves visiting the Big Apple for socializing and partying with friends. New York is a city of all reasons and its wide range of bars, clubs and restaurants provide the ultimate escapade for having a wonderful time in this incredibly diverse metropolis. Natalie was mesmerized on the tour of Ellis Island where the Statue of Liberty is located, a symbolic figure that welcomes new immigrants to the 'Land of the Free' One can go cruising on the New York harbour to get a completely difference perspective of the city and enjoy its majestic skyline as it is illuminated post sunset. They also have a guided tour of Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial where one can pay homage at the space of the former World Trade Center towers that fell victim to a terrorist attack. New York is a remarkable city, a melting pot of different cultures from around the World, a major business & finance centre and a gateway to free America.

Natalie counts Berlin as one of her topmost travel experiences and has many fond memories of her travels to the German capital. With gorgeous monuments such as the Charlottenburg Palace, which also hosts various musical concerts & dinners, a plethora of museums, historical sites and art galleries, Berlin is a magnet for tourists from across the Europe. A visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial was an emotional moment for Natalie. A symbol of German unity, the Berlin wall has been in the backdrop of German history and has witnessed the German history closely, including Napoleonic invasions and Nazi parades. Berlin provides a glimpse into the history of Europe in a way that no other European city does, having seen some of the biggest tragedies & misfortunes that have inflicted the continent over the century. One can also take a Dinner cruise on the River Spree in Berlin, enjoy scrumptous German food and listening to local music & dance performances. 

Amsterdam remains a top favorite with Natalie on her visits to Europe. A city popular for its artistic heritage and rustic charm, narrow homes built around canals and an array of roadside joints serving cuisines from across Europe, Amsterdam has a charm of its own. Take a cruise on the Canals sipping incredible Dutch wines with a large assortment of cheese to choose from. A unique excursion in Amsterdam is a visit to a former Heineken brewery and understand the history of beer making and the process that goes behind it - a real treat for beer lovers ! An interesting excursion to explore the gorgeous countryside of Holland is a tour of the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans, where you can see the interiors of a windmill and learn the art of cheese making. Natalie finds the Dutch countryside as fascinating as the city of Amsterdam, though both have a charm of their own.

Montreal is a gorgeous city located in the French province of Quebec in Canada. Nicknamed the "Paris of North America", it is a magnet from tourists from the world over, given its European appeal, gorgeous monuments, an active culture and music scene and incredible outdoors. Montreal’s top attractions and historical sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, Chinatown, Mount Royal Park, Olympic Stadium, Saint Joseph's Oratory, Old Port, and Old Montreal draw millions of tourists each year. One can explore the french history and architecture on a tour of the Old Montreal town, which takes you back on a journey in time. Sailing in the Lawrence river is another favourite excursion that Natalie simply loved. It provides incredible views of the Montreal skyline as you sail in the crystal waters enjoying Montreal's popular wines and mouth watering cuisines. A unique destination in North America, visiting Montreal is almost like taking a trip to France without crossing the Atlantic.