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ATHENS - Capital of Greece
Whilst the mainland and islands may be the body of Greece, Athens, is the very heart of Greece. This capital city was named after Athina, the Goddess of Wisdom and the Protectoress of Cities. The ancient Athenians chose the owl of wisdom as their symbol; it was imprinted on all their coins and featured on brooches and many other jewellery items. In fact this Athenian symbol is still very popular today and is often seen in modern pieces.
Athens’ rich historical pedigree stretches back over 3,000 years and the City has a worldwide reputation for being one of the top destinations for sightseeing. This powerful, vibrant city literally sucks you in to a maelstrom of noise, traffic, smart boutiques, buzzing restaurants, charming tavernas and chic café culture, all peppered with the most spectacular archaeological sights and monuments, creating a cultural blend that even the most committed philistine cannot help but admire.
Barcelona is a charming, cosmopolitan port on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This prosperous bilingual (Spanish and Catalan) city measures up to a city such as Madrid. Its museums, theatres, art galleries and nightlife are of an impressive high standard. Besides that, this art and design centre has a lot of interesting sights to offer to its visitors.
The best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax, is ’Las Ramblas’, a pedestrian street with dozens of outdoor cafes. You’ll also find an endlessly fascinating flowing receptacle of pageant-jugglers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, sidewalk artists, living statues and assorted oddballs on parade. Nearby is ’Plaça Real’, with plenty of bars and restaurants, and ’Palau Guell’, built by the Catalan architectural genius Antoni Gaudí in his undulating art-nouveau style.
BELGRADE - Capital of Serbia
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. The city lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. It has an urban population of 1.2 million, while the metropolitan area has more than 1.7 million people, making it one of the largest cities of South Eastern Europe. The countries located in the peninsula of the Balkans and its neighbours are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, and Montenegro. Its name translates to white city. Full details on Wikipedia
BERLIN - Capital of Germany
Berlin is Germany’s largest and most cosmopolitan city as well as the country’s historic capital. Berlin is one of the most influential centres in European politics, culture and science. The rapidly evolving metropolis enjoys an international reputation for its festivals, contemporary architecture, nightlife, and avant-garde arts. Being a major tourist centre and home to people from over 180 nations, Berlin is a focal point for individuals who are attracted by its liberal lifestyle, urban eclecticism, and artistic freedom. Furthermore, the city is also full of reminders of its place in Germany’s turbulent past.
BRUSSELS - Capital of Belgium
Brussels is the headquarters of the European and NATO and today is a bustling city of diplomats, followed closely by towering skyscrapers, museums and restaurants. You will see superb examples of art and architecture, both past and present Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art-Nouveau. The city is also famous for its well preserved chateaux, colourful fairs and festivals. Nature reserves as well as amusement parks all within easy reach.
Beer, waffles and festivals - if this is what you’re looking for you will find them in abundance when you visit the country’s capital city. Brussels is the major gateway for the country: it is on the main routes heading inland from the Channel ports via the Flemish art towns and it is as well a convenient stopover on the train between France and the Netherlands.
Brussels took its name from “Broekzele”, or “city of the marsh”, which grew up in the sixth century on the trade route between Cologne and Bruges / Gent. Under the Habsburgs the town flourished, eventually becoming capital of the Spanish Netherlands. In the 19th century it became the capital of the newly-independent Belgium.
BUCHAREST - Capital of Romania
In December 1989, Romania was reborn as a free nation. Now this multifaceted country is welcoming tourists to enjoy a wonderfully varied heritage of traditional culture, scenic splendour and leisure opportunities. A resurgence of endeavour and enthusiasm is reinvigorating the country’s tourist facilities to create a holiday destination unique in southern Europe.
Located in Eastern Europe, Romania is bordered by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia (Serbia), Hungary, Ukraine, and Moldova. The Carpathian Mountains comprise a third of its area, while the rest is covered by fertile plains and hills.
The capital Bucharest lies on the Wallachian plains, amidst the Carpathian foothills and beside the Danube. However, bombings during World War II and, later, bulldozing by Ceausescu’s men obliterated much of its beauty. The 12-storey House of the People, built by Ceausescu, is one of the largest buildings in the world. The George Enescu Museum houses the personal belongings and manuscripts of music maestros while the Old Court Church contains beautiful frescoes of the 16th century.
BUDAPEST - Capital of Hungary
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is a beautiful city with a lively nightlife. Known as the Paris of Eastern Europe because of its monuments, broad avenues and well-laid parks, the city is best explored on foot. The Castle District and the Royal Palace are frequented by travellers almost throughout the year, while the Óbuda area has some Roman ruins and the Kiscelli Museum. A cruise along the Danube is a great option while visiting the city.
The Balaton Lake, situated around 100 km from Budapest, is one of the largest in Europe and has several high-rise hotels and beaches along its shore. An important city lying between the Danube and the Dráva rivers is Pecs, known for the paradoxically named Mosque Church built by the Turks.
Located in central Europe, Hungary is bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. Apart from its quality wines and Baroque towns, its strategic location in the continent also attracts thousands of tourists to the country.
The capital city of Argentina is Buenos Aires and is at the centre of the country in all ways except its geographical location. On the Rio del Plata, is in the East of the country; it is actually the city that is closest to the Old Continent, and probably the most European city in South America. But Buenos Aires still has its own culture, favour and atmosphere. Some areas will remind you of London, some of Paris, others of Rome. This is probably due to the fact that all of the population consists of immigrants from Europe.
Buenos Aires is quite a stylish city with beautiful parks, gardens and colonial architecture. At the same time it the best hotels of the country, nightlife and restaurants
A first-time visitor to Buenos Aires should begin with an escorted city tour making sure it includes the main neighbourhoods and public buildings several museums and its extraordinary cemetery.
Cape Town has the most beautiful of settings, on the coast with the flat top Table Mountain behind the city, a World Heritage Site. Established as a European settlement in the 17th century, Cape Town has a rich history. The city is a sparkling mixture of old and new, high culture and popular entertainment, civilization and wilderness. A range of jagged mountains thrusting into the splendid desolation of the southern Atlantic, the Cape Peninsula is one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities on the Croatian coast. In the Middle Ages the Republic of Dubrovik was an important rival of Venice. Many buildings in the old city centre testify of this glorious past.
The walls of Dubrovnik girdle a perfectly preserved complex of public and private, sacral and secular buildings representing all periods of the city’s history, beginning with its founding in the 7th century. Particular mention should be made of the city’s main street, Stradun, the Prince’s Palace, the church of St Vlaho, the Cathedral, three large monasteries, the Custom’s Office and the City Hall. The Republic of Dubrovnik was the centre of a separate political and territorial entity, and was proud of its culture, its achievements in commerce and especially of its freedom, preserved down so many tempestuous centuries.
Today, Dubrovnik is also a very lively city, with many things to do, both at day and night times. The coast nearby offers all sorts of activities and the town has many restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Florence is the one city few visitors allow enough time to see. It lays in Tuscany a stunning province of hills and mountains, which has produced such famous sons as Leonardo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo. Ever since the 19th century revival of interest in the art of the Renaissance, Firenze has been a shrine to the cult of the beautiful.
The world famous Duomo with the Brunelleschi cupola and the marble clad baptistry are simply stupendous, but not all the monuments are like this. The streets of the historic town centre are often narrow and dark, the palaces robust and intimidating. But have a look at the squares - wonderful mediterranean places where you like to spend hours sitting at a cafe just watch people passing by.
However, Florence is a city of incomparable pleasure concerning churches, monasteries, museums, galleries and palaces. Among the things you can’t afford to miss are the Uffizi Galleries, one of the best art museums in the world, the cathedral with the baptistry, the Santo Spirito church and the Ponte Vecchio. To get a great overview of the city head for Piazza Michelangelo in Oltrarno (other side of river Arno).
Gdańsk is an ancient city on the Baltic coast in northern Poland, at the centre of the country’s fourth-largest metropolitan area. The city lies on the southern edge of Gdansk Bay, of the Baltic Sea nearby the city of Gdynia, spa town of Sopot, which together form an area called the Tricity. Gdańsk is the largest city in the Pomerania region of Northern Poland.
Gdańsk is Poland’s principal seaport as well as the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The city is close to the former late medieval/modern boundary between West Slavic and Germanic lands and has periods of Polish rule, periods of German rule, and extensive self-rule, with two spells as a free city. It has been part of modern Poland since 1945.
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country’s west central lowlands.
No trip to Glasgow would be complete without paying a visit to some of its priceless art collections which contain pieces from all over the world. Indeed the City’s Kelingrove is currently host to the world famous Dead Sea Scrolls and expects to receive over 2million visitors in the coming months. Glasgow is the only UK venue after it toured some of the major museums in the States, such as the Field Museum in Chicago.
The Burrel Collection on the South Side of the river features over 8,000 items from Chinese Ceramics to French Impressionist paintings, all housed within a purpose built gallery set in the scenic Pollok Country Park. The Hunterian Art Gallery in the West End is home to the James McNeill Whistler Collection. The Art Gallery and Museum at Kelvingrove Park houses one of Britain’s most priceless and best art collections. Other unique collections include the Museum of Transport in the West End and the once controversial St. Mungo Museum of Art and Religion. A new addition to the range of galleries and museums is the highly popular Museum of Modern Art situated in heart of the City Centre.
As the Christian Reconquista advanced, the Moors enclosed the city of Granada in layer upon layer of fortification. The citadel was bitterly contested until 1452 when Boabdil, its last Arab king, lost the city to the Catholic rulers Fernando and Isabel. Most of Granada’s mosques were destroyed, but the spectacular Alhambra still attracts visitors from all over the world. It is one of the most important monuments in Spain and a UNESCO national heritage site. The beautiful whitewashed houses and the colourful flowers in the courtyards and on balconies are some of the things worth looking out for, as are the many sights of historic interest. Granada has a very lively flair thanks to the many students of the local university.
The city is quite near the beach and in winter you can ski in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Istanbul is Turkey’s prime attraction, it has the most beautiful mosques and palaces of the country,Byzantine churches and Roman temples. Without fear of exaggeration one can say that Istanbul’s claim to the title of Eternal city is as justified as Rome’s
I have been travelling around a bit and have seen quite a few big cities with a long history in and around old Europe: Berlin, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Lisbon, Cairo and so many others. But there is one city that makes me come back again and again - for more than 10 years now: Istanbul, the city on the straits, the city connecting two continents.
KIEV - Ukraine
Kiev or Kyiv ; is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River.
Kyiv (Kiev) is one of the oldest Slavic cities and an ancient crossroads of trade. Now the political capital of Ukraine it is perhaps more important as a magnificent monument to the Russian Orthodox church. The city has seen many churches and monasteries built since AD 988 when the Byzantine wife of Kyiv’s ruler introduced Christianity to the region. The chief religious site in town is the golden-domed St. Sophia Cathedral. The 950-year-old structure is actually an enormous complex including a cathedral seminaries a bell tower and the Metropolitan’s residence (the Metropolitan is the Orthodox equivalent to a bishop).
All have beautiful Byzantine architecture (onion domes and mosaics). Along the right bank of the Dnipro River is the Pecherskaya Lavra Monastery (Monastery of the Caves) and its associated catacombs. Inside are two antiques shops a folk art museum and displays from the monastery’s treasury. Other notable holy places include the Cathedral of St. Volodymyr Vydubich Monastery and St. Andrew’s Church. St. Andrew’s was designed by Rastrelli builder of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg Russia.
Krakow - you can’t miss it when visiting Poland!
Krakow - Capital of European Culture for the year 2000 - is almost everybody’s favourite Polish city-this 1000-year-old former capital is the only large urban area in the nation that escaped World War II without serious damage. Coupled with Krakow’s physical beauty is its standing as the country’s cultural centre making it a truly must-see destination. You can take a fast train between Warsaw and Krakow-it makes the journey in just over two hours. If time permits drive there from Warsaw; while the journey can take as few as four hours allow the better part of a day so you can stop and soak in the beautiful farmland rivers and towns along the way. You can also get there by the plain to Balice Airport.
In the centre of Krakow is the largest medieval square in all of Europe Old Market Square called Rynek. It’s lined with historic buildings and in the centre of the square are two important structures: the 13th-century Cloth Hall now home to souvenir and crafts stalls and the Town Hall Tower which hosts a summertime tavern in the cellar (a vast improvement over its original use as a torture chamber). On the east side of Rynek you’ll see St. Mary’s Church - three-aisled basilica, completed in 14th century, with two towers of unequal height. Every one hour, from the telelr tower sounds the "mariacki" bugle-call. Its beautiful melody stops short suddenly as it did when a legendary guard playing this melody in order to warn the city was shot by a Tartar arrow. Inside the church is the famous altar - the work of Wit Stwosz (try to be there at noon when the altarpiece is opened)
Within walking distance and west of the square are the Gothic 14th-century buildings of Jagiellonian University (the second-oldest university in Eastern Europe-its Collegium Maius houses Copernicus’ instruments).
Lisbon is a fascinating blend of old-fashioned and funky art, architecture and traditions. It’s one of Europe’s most enjoyable capitals with its relaxed atmosphere, cultural diversity, reasonable prices and charming architecture. Lisbon is set on seven low hills next to the Rio Tejo. The city’s atmosphere is rich with wonderful old buildings, Europe’s longest suspension bridge, and fascinating museums and monuments. Despite the city’s muscle-aching hills, Lisbon is compact enough to explore on foot. If your legs get tired, Lisbon has very convenient, bus, trolley and subway lines as well as funiculars to take you up the steeper hills.
London is the largest city in England and Britain and is certainly one of the most significant cities in the world from the perspective of influence, culture, business, entertainment and history.
On the first day, you could enjoy the fine arts in some of the world’s finest galleries, such as the Tate Modern and the National Gallery. The second day is for fun and entertainment. There are streets filled with bars, pubs and theatres. And contrary to popular belief, not all pubs close at 11.00 PM (but most of them do).
On the third day you could visit the six museums in Kensington where you could spend one whole day just in the amazing Science museum alone. Then there is shopping for day four, and not just Harrods. London has the lot from trendy to traditional. Day five can be spent visiting historic buildings, such as the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. You might want to throw in a boat trip in between. Day six is for visiting the different Palaces of London, the most famous ones being Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace. The seventh day you can relax, there are many big parks, where you can linger around and sit on the grass, one of the most famous being Hyde Park, with the Speakers Corner.
MADRID - Spain
Spain’s capital is a lively city - nobody is exactly sure when the Madrilenos sleep. It may be the afternoon siesta that gives them the endurance to keep things going well into the night. Try it.
The city is by European standards relatively new -it became capital only in 1561- but today Madrid spreads out all over the place. Fortunately, much of interest lies within the area that can be seen on foot. Check out Calle and Plaza Mayor (medieval Madrid) which is lined by beautiful buildings and the city’s oldest church San Nicolas de los Servitas (plan several hours for this section). Then go shopping at Calle Serrano and the Gran Via. Visit the Victory Arch the Palacio Real (the royal palace with its own art treasures and crown jewels) the Rastro Flea Market and the Plaza de las Cibeles and Puerta del Sol (the last two are major intersections with fountains monuments and shops).
MILAN - Northern Italy
Founded as a Roman military camp Milan is the most “European” of Italian cities has a brisk pace and cosmopolitan air not unlike that of Paris or Frankfurt. It is considered Italy’s commercial, financial and economical capital but it is also a city of art, with many important and wonderful monuments. See the Castello Sforzesco the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (which displays Leonardo’s Last Supper) the Brera Museum (Madonna and Child and Pieta by Bellini) and many other museums monuments and churches.
Moreover, Milan is a lively city, with several pubs, discos and nightclubs. Being a fashion capital too, you might run into a top model or designer. The best chances are in the area around Brera (the artist zone) or the Navigli area. And if you have money to spend, just make a visit in via Montenapoleone and via della Spiga where you’ll find boutiques by Gucci, Ferragamo, Valentino, Armani, Ferre, Fendi and others. Look for other famous designer labels and items such as shoes, camelhair blankets and leather goods.
Minsk, the capital of Belarus, has a rich history. It has stood for over 900 years, however most of Minsk has been built since World War II. The centre of the city is where most of the action and attraction is. The main roads, Skoriny and Masherova are the cleanest and busiest in Minsk. The city is also much safer than one would imagine. Many people hear bad things about Minsk, and Belarus in general, but the streets are quite safe. This is probably due to the huge amount of police and soldiers that can be found throughout the city. Don’t be afraid to get out and meet the friendly people of Belarus.
Moscow is one of the oldest and one of the most beautiful Russian cities.
The Russian emperors, or tsars, made the city their base of rule until 1712, when the capital was moved to Saint Petersburg. Moscow was restored as Russia’s capital in 1918, and it served as the capital of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) from 1922 until 1991. Since then Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation.
Moscow has a long and full of drama history. Many times the city has been completely destroyed and rebuilt again. Its most ancient wooden buildings disappeared in fires. Each time the city resurrected from the ash to become more and more beautiful. Each time the most talented and famous architects were invited from around the world to restore Moscow.
MUNICH - Bavaria Germany
Sometimes called the "Village of One Million" Munich is a southern city located near the Alps. This wonderfully charming 800-year-old city is the capital of Bavaria and the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest. Despite its name, Oktoberfest starts in late September and spills into the first week of October — dancing oompah bands and food dominate. Be prepared not only to drink but also to eat: You’ll have your fill of sausages that is for sure but experiment a bit — whole oxen for instance are cooked on giant spits. While the food is good, fest goers never let it distract from the main focus of the festival: beer. The city is filled with thousands of casual and committed beer drinkers guzzling foamy brew for days on end. If this sounds like heaven by all means go and enjoy it but if it doesn’t avoid Munich at all costs during this time. Book your Munich apartment or hotel space well in advance for Oktoberfest. But don’t think Oktoberfest is the only time Munich celebrates. The pre-Lenten celebration of Fasching is equally popular. It goes on for days with all sorts of costumed parties and festivities.
Although it’s a pretty chaotic city Naples has always impressed travelers with its beautiful bay and setting. Nearby Mount Vesuvius, which can be visited by chairlift or road, forms the backdrop to the city and the bay. In the shadow of the volcano, the fertile crescent of Campania cradles the Bay of Naples and the larger Gulf of Salerno. Some say, this is Italy’s most spectacular natural setting. Sunny climate, a wealth of historic sights, and hospitable populance make the area around Naples a well-touristed domain. Naples itself is home to 1.2 million inhabitants, amonst them Pulcinella (the ancestor of Punch and Judy), the Great Caruso and - of course - pizza.
The city’s commercial and cultural history has always been strictly connected with the importance of its port. Strategically located Naples has been coveted ever since it was established as a Greek colony around 600 BC, named "Neapolis" (New City). Conquered by the Romans in 327 BC, it became a favorite residence of emperors and literary personages, including Virgil and Nero. A Byzantine dukedom in the 7th century and later sunject to Norman Sicily, Naples reached the zenith of its medieval prosperity when Charles I of Anjou made it his capital in 1266. Along with his Angevin and Aragonese successors, Charles enlarged the city and embellished it with palaces and churches. The Spanish Habsburgs (1502 - 1704) were followed by the Bourbons, Bonapartes and finally the Savoys, when Campania became part of the unified Italian nation in 1860.
Whether your vacation in New York City includes tourist activities or not, every visitor must see The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These two locations are important pieces of American History and immigration. Also while in the city, stop and see the Empire State Building, one of New York’s tallest buildings. You can shop down the street from there at Bloomingdale’s, a world-famous department store, or take a visit to the United Nations building, the site of world-wide facilitating of positive relations politically, socially, and for humanity.
While you are in New York, you should take a visit to the upstate areas. To get from New York City upstate you just need to take I87 aka. the Thruway North. As you travel north you will reach the capital of New York around exits 23 and 24. To take a look at the New York capital, state buildings, state university, and state museum you just need to get off of exit 23. This picture is just one of the many common areas where you can enjoy your day at the University at Albany. Albany is not only the capital of the state, but a wealthy resource of fun activities for you to enjoy while you are in New York.
Paris is known as The City of Light and absolutely deserves this name. But it is much more than just the City of Light. Paris is one of the best travel destinations. It has everything a traveller could possibly wish for: good Paris restaurants (both expensive and cheap), good accommodation at moderate prices, some of the best museums in the world, as well as a couple of landmarks you must have seen at least once in your life.
A stay in Paris should at least include a visit to the Louvre, one of the best galleries in the world, a climb of the Eiffel Tower, a day of shopping frenzy, a night out on the town and time to relax to sit in a park or visit one of the squares.
PRAGUE -Czech Republic
We think Prague is one of the prettiest cities in the world. Built on seven hills and divided by the pretty Vltava (Moldau) River this capital city is unique among Eastern European capitals: It survived World War II nearly intact. As a result it has beautiful architecture ranging from Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance and baroque. For younger travelers Prague is very much the place to be in Europe and many foreigners have moved in attracted by the city’s beauty and commercial opportunities.
Most of the city’s attractions are in the center known as Stare Mesto or Old Town and can easily be seen on foot. There is also a trolley service and a clean efficient subway.
East of the Old Town Square is the glittering art-nouveau Obecni Dum or Municipal House Prague’s most ornate building. Its exterior has been likened to a Victorian Easter egg and the cafe and restaurant flanking the main entrance are among the highlights of the city with art-nouveau flourishes down to the doorknobs. The Dum also houses Smetana Hall the city’s largest concert space (although beautiful to look at the acoustics are not outstanding).
Some of the best shopping in the Old Town is on Celetna Ulice—where you’ll also see the House of the Black Madonna the country’s best example of Cubist architecture.
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