When it comes to beauty and romance, Prague could give Paris a run for its money. This vibrant capital city at the centre of Europe boasts an idyllic riverside location (bisected by the Vltava River), lavish fairytale architecture, and an unforgettable skyline. Pack your itinerary with visits to the haunting Prague Castle, the spectacular Charles Bridge, and the fascinating Franz Kafka Museum. Save a bit of time to get lost in the maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards filled with baroque chapels, unexpected gardens, and quirky bars serving some of the world’s best beer. But it is not just exquisite architecture and tasty ale that make Prague one of the most popular destinations in Europe, it is the hedonistic, whimsical, and excessively quirky attitude of the locals that convinces visitors to return to the magnificent “City of a Hundred Spires” time and time again.
Resting over the banks of the Danube River in northeastern Austria, Vienna, the country’s capital city, is famous for its classical music heritage and reflects an enticing blend of old and new. The historical centre is skyscraper-free and dotted with immaculate, charming little parks. It is also pedestrian friendly and extremely compact, which is convenient as this area contains the bulk of the city’s major tourist highlights. Chief among these are the famous Burgtheater and Opera House and an array of opulent baroque palaces lining the warren of narrow, medieval alleyways which wind their way around the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral. Add to this a slew of grand coffee houses and a rich history of classical music (residents included Mozart and Beethoven) and it becomes difficult to imagine a more livable city than the sophisticated metropolis of Vienna.
Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital and largest city, is set on the magnificent Ljubljanica River that gently meanders through the Old Town, providing a picturesque backdrop to the quaint cafes and tempting restaurants that line the banks. This tranquil setting belies a dynamic and fast-growing capital packed with compelling sights and a lively nightlife bolstered by its vibrant student population. Ljubljana is known for its many fascinating museums. These include the National Museum of Slovenia, displaying historical exhibitions, and the Museum of Modern Art, home to 20th-century Slovene paintings and sculptures. While seminal Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik shaped the city’s overall appearance, Ljubljana has also been heavily influenced by the Hungarians, Austrians and Italians. These eclectic influences permeate many aspects of city life, including its food, drink and its myriad architectural styles.
At the foot of Mount Medvednica, on a plain overlooking the Sava River, lies Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital city. The city boasts a charming medieval old town with some impressive 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture and lovely cafe-lined cobbled streets. While the Upper Town is the site of the Gothic, twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral and the 13th-century St. Mark's Church, the Lower Town area contains the city's main square as well as some excellent shops, parks, galleries and more museums per square foot than any other city in the world. When it comes to drinking and dining, visitors are spoiled for choice with the area's ever-increasing amount of chic bars and top-class restaurants.
Fondly known as the “Pearl of the Danube”, the unique metropolis of Budapest straddles the banks of this mighty river, occupying perhaps the most dramatic setting of any European capital. Over a thousand years of turbulent history has resulted in an eclectic treasure trove of architectural gems. Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Bauhaus styles are blended together into an architectural goulash that is at once overwhelming and fascinating. Equally diverse are the choices of activities: take a relaxing soak in one of the many sumptuously decorated bathhouses; explore the incredible maze of caves that lie beneath the streets of this ancient city; or take a nostalgic joy ride on the number two tram which tours all the big sights. Throw in some world-class museums, a vibrant nightlife, and a sophisticated culinary tradition and it is easy to see why Budapest is one of Europe’s most underrated cities.
Resting on the banks of the Vistula River, near the border of the Czech Republic, Krakow is the second-largest city in Poland. Affectionately known as the 'Magical City', Krakow is best known for its impressive array of architectural styles exhibited in the Jewish quarter and the well-preserved medieval heart of the city. Krakow, which served as the former royal capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a harmonious blend of past and present. It is popular with tourists seeking old-world fairytale charm. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful day exploring the Rynek Glowny, the market square in the old town filled with countless restaurants, cafes and bars and home to the ancient St. Mary's Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church; and Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era trading outpost. Don't miss Wawel Castle, the crown jewel of Krakow's architectural treasures.
Known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Warsaw is one of Europe’s most dynamic metropolitan cities. The city serves as the capital and largest city of Poland. It rose like a phoenix from the ashes after World War Two, which destroyed 85 percent of its buildings. Today, it features a wide array of interesting architectural styles from Soviet-era blocks and modern skyscrapers to restored Gothic churches and Neoclassical palaces. Warsaw boasts a charming Old Town complete with cobblestoned streets fringed by pastel coloured buildings and open-air cafes. Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of activities and attractions including: strolling through the Old Town’s market square to view the Monument of the Warsaw Mermaid, visiting the medieval Barbican, one of the few original remaining relics and exploring the impressive Baroque Krasinski Palace.
As previously described
