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.
Time to catch up to reality! Times have changed. Yes, it's true, these eastern gems don't glimmer like back in the 90s, when the doors suddenly blew open. Nonetheless, the cities of Eastern Europe are still great opportunities and bargains. Stunning architecture, delicious food, delightful culture, economizing costs and people still not yet jaded by tourism: these remain the hallmarks of the best European cities of the east.
Here are our top three on the list of must-see cities:
3. BUCHAREST
If #3 takes you by surprised, we're not surprised. Its charms remain still widely unacknowledged in mainstream tourism. This fact likely contributes to its appeal. We offer fair warning, though, don't wait too long or this lovely gem could be swamped by the time you get there.
Known as little Paris, because of its French influence, this wonderful city has survived the bleakest of the bleak Iron Curtain totalitarians much better than one could have hoped. During the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, before the Communists got hold of it, Bucharest underwent a developmental flowering.
This included great achievements in architecture and culture. Noteworthy among these were construction of Bucharest University, Grand Hotel du Boulevard, the Botanical Garden, the Atheneum, and the iconic Casa Capsa.
The city's wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Epoque buildings and a reputation for the high style, makes the bustling metropolis that is Romania's largest city and capital a must see for those seeking the best European cities of the east. Oh, and Dracula himself lived here. So, really.
2. PRAGUE
Okay, so our number 2 spot is somewhat more predictable, but don't let that put you off. Prague may be the best-known city in Eastern Europe. It comes by the fame honestly, though.
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.
It goes without saying, when you're visiting Prague there are certain venues you simply have to experience. At the top of that list are the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle/St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Old Town Square, with its well-known Astronomical Clock. Goodness, though, don't stop there. There are too many other marvelous secrets to discover.
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.
It is amazingly that these are overlooked by most tourists. All the better for you. You'll be left speechless by the elegance and refinement of the period interiors. The coffee is dependably exquisite and the clientele always well appointed in the old European way. Top recommendations are the Grand Cafe Orient above the Cubist Museum and Cafe Louvre. The latter, I'm told, was once of haunt of both Kafka and Einstein.
1. Krakow
Anyone who thought Prague a bit too obvious might be more intrigued by our number one choice. Krakow has some of Europe's best kept secrets of Europe, in its elegant architecture and old world charm. The eateries of Krakow possess a well deserved reputation for their quaint ambiance and excellent cuisine, all offered at very reasonable prices.
However, as precious as Krakow remains, it is no longer undiscovered. Thanks to Steven Spielberg's awarding film, Shindler's List, both shot here and based on events that took place here, there is a tourist industry in the city. If though you want to see the real Krakow, the town without the Hollywood generated tourist trade, it's not hard to find. Here is our suggestion: get over to Podgrze.
A working-class area being slowly revitalized by Krakow's boho set, seeking refuge from the tourist influx into the town center and Jewish district, Podgrze is surprising easy to access. Simply cross the Laetus Bernatek footbridge. It's easy to do, but most tourists just don't venture across it. Once you're into Podgrze, you'll find a vibrant area with plenty of bars and cafes, for all tastes. You'll have to choose what the right flavor is for you.
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.
The coolest thing on this side of the river, though, and in fact, an experience so surreal, it was what tipped the balance to making Krakow our number one pick is Liban Quarry. You've got to check this out! It was a working quarry of a 19th century Jewish owned limestone company. Nazis made it into a forced labor camp. When serious about forced labor, as were the Nazis, it means worked-to-death.
After the war it was dedicated as a memorial to the victims of the atrocities. Over the decades, though, the city has turned its back on the place leaving it to be reclaimed by nature. It has become a kind of spontaneous wildlife sanctuary, now: home to waterfowl, birds of prey, pheasants and various other animals - including the occasional apparently wild horse. The rusting refinery equipment and memorial gravestones, with the looming limestone cliffs, have given way to ponds and dense vegetation. I'll leave you to speculate on the symbolism.
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.
Time to catch up to reality! Times have changed. Yes, it's true, these eastern gems don't glimmer like back in the 90s, when the doors suddenly blew open. Nonetheless, the cities of Eastern Europe are still great opportunities and bargains. Stunning architecture, delicious food, delightful culture, economizing costs and people still not yet jaded by tourism: these remain the hallmarks of the best European cities of the east.
Here are our top three on the list of must-see cities:
3. BUCHAREST
If #3 takes you by surprised, we're not surprised. Its charms remain still widely unacknowledged in mainstream tourism. This fact likely contributes to its appeal. We offer fair warning, though, don't wait too long or this lovely gem could be swamped by the time you get there.
Known as little Paris, because of its French influence, this wonderful city has survived the bleakest of the bleak Iron Curtain totalitarians much better than one could have hoped. During the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, before the Communists got hold of it, Bucharest underwent a developmental flowering.
This included great achievements in architecture and culture. Noteworthy among these were construction of Bucharest University, Grand Hotel du Boulevard, the Botanical Garden, the Atheneum, and the iconic Casa Capsa.
The city's wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Epoque buildings and a reputation for the high style, makes the bustling metropolis that is Romania's largest city and capital a must see for those seeking the best European cities of the east. Oh, and Dracula himself lived here. So, really.
2. PRAGUE
Okay, so our number 2 spot is somewhat more predictable, but don't let that put you off. Prague may be the best-known city in Eastern Europe. It comes by the fame honestly, though.
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.
It goes without saying, when you're visiting Prague there are certain venues you simply have to experience. At the top of that list are the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle/St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Old Town Square, with its well-known Astronomical Clock. Goodness, though, don't stop there. There are too many other marvelous secrets to discover.
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.
It is amazingly that these are overlooked by most tourists. All the better for you. You'll be left speechless by the elegance and refinement of the period interiors. The coffee is dependably exquisite and the clientele always well appointed in the old European way. Top recommendations are the Grand Cafe Orient above the Cubist Museum and Cafe Louvre. The latter, I'm told, was once of haunt of both Kafka and Einstein.
1. Krakow
Anyone who thought Prague a bit too obvious might be more intrigued by our number one choice. Krakow has some of Europe's best kept secrets of Europe, in its elegant architecture and old world charm. The eateries of Krakow possess a well deserved reputation for their quaint ambiance and excellent cuisine, all offered at very reasonable prices.
However, as precious as Krakow remains, it is no longer undiscovered. Thanks to Steven Spielberg's awarding film, Shindler's List, both shot here and based on events that took place here, there is a tourist industry in the city. If though you want to see the real Krakow, the town without the Hollywood generated tourist trade, it's not hard to find. Here is our suggestion: get over to Podgrze.
A working-class area being slowly revitalized by Krakow's boho set, seeking refuge from the tourist influx into the town center and Jewish district, Podgrze is surprising easy to access. Simply cross the Laetus Bernatek footbridge. It's easy to do, but most tourists just don't venture across it. Once you're into Podgrze, you'll find a vibrant area with plenty of bars and cafes, for all tastes. You'll have to choose what the right flavor is for you.
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.
The coolest thing on this side of the river, though, and in fact, an experience so surreal, it was what tipped the balance to making Krakow our number one pick is Liban Quarry. You've got to check this out! It was a working quarry of a 19th century Jewish owned limestone company. Nazis made it into a forced labor camp. When serious about forced labor, as were the Nazis, it means worked-to-death.
After the war it was dedicated as a memorial to the victims of the atrocities. Over the decades, though, the city has turned its back on the place leaving it to be reclaimed by nature. It has become a kind of spontaneous wildlife sanctuary, now: home to waterfowl, birds of prey, pheasants and various other animals - including the occasional apparently wild horse. The rusting refinery equipment and memorial gravestones, with the looming limestone cliffs, have given way to ponds and dense vegetation. I'll leave you to speculate on the symbolism.
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 fans and aficionados need to follow the breaking news on European travel ideas at our Best European Cities site. 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.
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