For those interested in seeing Europe without the constant, hectic bustle of tourism, relaxing cruises on the Rhine River have proven to be a hit. In addition to a never-ending opportunity to learn to speak German, here is a list of several fun activities to partake in during a Rhine River cruise: Allstate: This town includes a medieval castle, a parish church dating to 1794, a historical museum, and numerous delicious restaurants. Glattfelden: Situated on the River Glatt just above its junction with the Rhine, this town is the hometown of Swiss writer Gottfried Keller and is frequently referred to in his novel “Der grüne Heinrich.” Over an old stone bridge is the nearby old town of Eglisau. Rheinfelden: A little town of 7,000 inhabitants situated on the left bank of the river, Rheinfelden is home to a popular salt-water spa, ancient walls and towers, the Fricktaler Museum, and St. Martin’s Church, which dates back to the 15th century. German Beer: Germans produce the best beer in th
When asked about the best European cities, does your mind fill with images of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Ramblas in Barcelona or St. Paul's Cathedral in London? That seems to be the case for most of us, but I suspect this is just a kind of hangover of the imagination lingering from the years of the Cold War, when Eastern Europe was simply inaccessible to most of us.
Those days are happily behind us, now. And, though their virtues don't shine like they did back in the 90s, when suddenly the doors flew open, the cities of Eastern Europe remain remarkable opportunities. Combining architectural beauty, great cuisine, rich culture, low costs and people still not yet jaded by tourism, the best European cities of the east offer wonderful value and a great experience
Our top three on the list of must-see cities are offered for your consideration:
3. BUCHAREST
It may not jump to mind for most people, but that is no doubt part of its appeal. However, don't wait too long. This little gem is attracting more and more tourist attention all the time.
Dubbed little Paris as a result of its distinctive French influence, Bucharest is a great city that survived the bleakest of the bleak Iron Curtain totalitarians in far better shape than might have been anticipated. Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before the Communists got hold of it, Bucharest experienced a developmental flourishing.
These great achievements remain among the cities destination landmarks. Topping that list is Bucharest University, Grand Hotel du Boulevard, the Botanical Garden, the Atheneum, and Casa Capsa.
In general, the city's wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Epoque buildings and a reputation for high style, has provided it its well deserved little Paris moniker. A bustling metropolis, Romania's largest city and capital is an absolute must see if you're in search of the East's best European cities.
2. PRAGUE
True, our second on the list isn't quite the surprise as the #3 spot. Don't though make the mistake of letting its predictability put you off a truly remarkable experience. This may be among the best-known East European cities, but, make no mistake; it comes by its reputation honestly.
Replete with wondrous bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, this historic city is pure eye-candy. Somehow it manages to blend the old, medieval, with its cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires, with the modern, replete with contemporary fine dining, music, and art.
Of course, when visiting Prague one must see the iconic sights: the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle/St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Old Town Square, with its well-known Astronomical Clock. Don't stop there, though. The city has many other intriguing secrets.
For instance, while Prague is famed for its grand cafes, here's a tip, when seeking a relaxing coffee break on your journeys about town, look a little higher. The city's most refined and atmospheric downtown cafes will be found in fact up on the first floor.
These are amazingly overlooked by most tourists. But, trust me, you will be astounded by the remarkable period interiors. The coffee is a constant delight. And the venues come well appointed with a smart clientele exuding old European charm. Top choices include the Grand Cafe Orient above the Cubist Museum and Cafe Louvre, which, back in the day, enjoyed the regular patronage of Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein.
KRAKOW
If you thought our number 2 spot was predictable, maybe we can make up for it with our number 1 choice. Krakow holds some of the best kept secrets of Europe, with its beautiful architecture and old world charm. The restaurants of Krakow have a reputation for quaint atmospheres and excellent food, all on offer for very reasonable prices.
Don't, though, let its relative freshness on the tourist trail mislead you. Krakow is no longer undiscovered. Steven Spielberg's awarding film, Shindler's List, both shot and based on events that took place here, has changed all that. The tourism at this point, though, remains located in very specific parts of town. If you want to get away and see the real Krakow, it still can be done. The best tip we can offer is this: get over to Podgrze.
Podgrze is described as a working-class area. It is gradually gentrifying due to an influx of bohos looking to escape the increasingly touristy town center and Jewish district. The recently completed Laetus Bernatek footbridge offers up this intriguing part of the city to easy access. Most tourists don't venture across it, but you should. Like most such transitional areas, there are a wide range of bars and cafes to choose from. You have to determine what best suits your taste.
One place we would highly recommend, though, is Klub Drukarnia. It is a swinging jazz club and offers the bonus of being able to enjoy spectacular sunset vistas over the Wisla River. The club's basement is the setting for frequent concerts and DJ nights. Features include a saloon-style smoking room and a smarter side with velvet seats and a long bar with huge windows providing a glorious panorama over the river.
For our money, though, the real attraction on this side of the river is Liban Quarry. Without exaggeration, it is one of the most surreal places you'll ever see. Originally the quarry of a 19th century Jewish owned limestone company, during the Nazi occupation it was converted to a forced labor camp. As with such places, forced labor often meant worked to death.
After the war Liban Quarry was made a memorial to the victims of Nazi atrocities. Strange sense of memorial, though: the subsequent decades have seen the city essentially turn its back on the place. Consequently, it has been reclaimed by nature, transforming into a spontaneous wildlife sanctuary. It is now home to waterfowl, birds of prey, pheasants and various other animals - including the occasional apparently wild horse. Rusting refinery equipment and memorial gravestones have been swallowed up by intermittent ponds and increasingly dense vegetation, all solemnly overseen by the looming limestone cliffs that started it all. Interpretation of the rather pressing symbolism is left to you.
It is quite possible that your visit to Liban Quarry leaves you a tad spooked. If so, I'd suggest a warming evening nightcap. On the journey back across the bridge from Podgrze two delightful cafes options sit just on the city side of the bridge. Mostowy Art Cafe is the larger one: an elegant gallery cafe. For those preferring a more subdued option, right next door is Po Drodze: a cosy old kitchen cafe. Spicing up your coffee with a vodka shot may be just the thing.
Those days are happily behind us, now. And, though their virtues don't shine like they did back in the 90s, when suddenly the doors flew open, the cities of Eastern Europe remain remarkable opportunities. Combining architectural beauty, great cuisine, rich culture, low costs and people still not yet jaded by tourism, the best European cities of the east offer wonderful value and a great experience
Our top three on the list of must-see cities are offered for your consideration:
3. BUCHAREST
It may not jump to mind for most people, but that is no doubt part of its appeal. However, don't wait too long. This little gem is attracting more and more tourist attention all the time.
Dubbed little Paris as a result of its distinctive French influence, Bucharest is a great city that survived the bleakest of the bleak Iron Curtain totalitarians in far better shape than might have been anticipated. Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before the Communists got hold of it, Bucharest experienced a developmental flourishing.
These great achievements remain among the cities destination landmarks. Topping that list is Bucharest University, Grand Hotel du Boulevard, the Botanical Garden, the Atheneum, and Casa Capsa.
In general, the city's wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Epoque buildings and a reputation for high style, has provided it its well deserved little Paris moniker. A bustling metropolis, Romania's largest city and capital is an absolute must see if you're in search of the East's best European cities.
2. PRAGUE
True, our second on the list isn't quite the surprise as the #3 spot. Don't though make the mistake of letting its predictability put you off a truly remarkable experience. This may be among the best-known East European cities, but, make no mistake; it comes by its reputation honestly.
Replete with wondrous bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, this historic city is pure eye-candy. Somehow it manages to blend the old, medieval, with its cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires, with the modern, replete with contemporary fine dining, music, and art.
Of course, when visiting Prague one must see the iconic sights: the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle/St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Old Town Square, with its well-known Astronomical Clock. Don't stop there, though. The city has many other intriguing secrets.
For instance, while Prague is famed for its grand cafes, here's a tip, when seeking a relaxing coffee break on your journeys about town, look a little higher. The city's most refined and atmospheric downtown cafes will be found in fact up on the first floor.
These are amazingly overlooked by most tourists. But, trust me, you will be astounded by the remarkable period interiors. The coffee is a constant delight. And the venues come well appointed with a smart clientele exuding old European charm. Top choices include the Grand Cafe Orient above the Cubist Museum and Cafe Louvre, which, back in the day, enjoyed the regular patronage of Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein.
KRAKOW
If you thought our number 2 spot was predictable, maybe we can make up for it with our number 1 choice. Krakow holds some of the best kept secrets of Europe, with its beautiful architecture and old world charm. The restaurants of Krakow have a reputation for quaint atmospheres and excellent food, all on offer for very reasonable prices.
Don't, though, let its relative freshness on the tourist trail mislead you. Krakow is no longer undiscovered. Steven Spielberg's awarding film, Shindler's List, both shot and based on events that took place here, has changed all that. The tourism at this point, though, remains located in very specific parts of town. If you want to get away and see the real Krakow, it still can be done. The best tip we can offer is this: get over to Podgrze.
Podgrze is described as a working-class area. It is gradually gentrifying due to an influx of bohos looking to escape the increasingly touristy town center and Jewish district. The recently completed Laetus Bernatek footbridge offers up this intriguing part of the city to easy access. Most tourists don't venture across it, but you should. Like most such transitional areas, there are a wide range of bars and cafes to choose from. You have to determine what best suits your taste.
One place we would highly recommend, though, is Klub Drukarnia. It is a swinging jazz club and offers the bonus of being able to enjoy spectacular sunset vistas over the Wisla River. The club's basement is the setting for frequent concerts and DJ nights. Features include a saloon-style smoking room and a smarter side with velvet seats and a long bar with huge windows providing a glorious panorama over the river.
For our money, though, the real attraction on this side of the river is Liban Quarry. Without exaggeration, it is one of the most surreal places you'll ever see. Originally the quarry of a 19th century Jewish owned limestone company, during the Nazi occupation it was converted to a forced labor camp. As with such places, forced labor often meant worked to death.
After the war Liban Quarry was made a memorial to the victims of Nazi atrocities. Strange sense of memorial, though: the subsequent decades have seen the city essentially turn its back on the place. Consequently, it has been reclaimed by nature, transforming into a spontaneous wildlife sanctuary. It is now home to waterfowl, birds of prey, pheasants and various other animals - including the occasional apparently wild horse. Rusting refinery equipment and memorial gravestones have been swallowed up by intermittent ponds and increasingly dense vegetation, all solemnly overseen by the looming limestone cliffs that started it all. Interpretation of the rather pressing symbolism is left to you.
It is quite possible that your visit to Liban Quarry leaves you a tad spooked. If so, I'd suggest a warming evening nightcap. On the journey back across the bridge from Podgrze two delightful cafes options sit just on the city side of the bridge. Mostowy Art Cafe is the larger one: an elegant gallery cafe. For those preferring a more subdued option, right next door is Po Drodze: a cosy old kitchen cafe. Spicing up your coffee with a vodka shot may be just the thing.
About the Author:
Travel enthusiasts need to follow the hottest news on European travel opportunities at our Best European Cities blog. Mitchell Jones is a widely published travel writer, who provides the lowdown on the latest travel trends. See his fascinating article on the wellness travel industry in India.