Most tourists want to see the major capitals when they visit Europe. The places on their must-see list usually include Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, and Madrid. However, to experience the true ambience of a country, visit a lesser-known city, dare to go off the beatentrack away from the most popular tourist destinations, and venture into the quieter parts of the city to discover its heart and soul.
Take Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Budapest is cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city is divided into two parts by the Danube River, with the left bank being hilly (Buda) and the right bank being plain (Pest). Budapest has around 125 springs that produce millions of litres of thermal water a day, waters that are full of medicinal benefits due to their mineral content, and there is a remarkable cave system under some of the hills in Buda. Tourists flock to Budapest every year, and it may feel like a real challenge if you want to see the real Budapest. However, consider visiting the Farmer’s Produce Market in SzimplaKert instead of the more well-known Budapest Market Hall, go and see the church in the cave under Gellért Hill, and pay a visit to the lesser-known VeliBej thermal bath.
To get a taste of local life and enhance your experience even more, consider staying in an apartment rather than a hotel. World Escape offers vacation apartments in Budapest with real home comforts. Accommodation can be rented for a night, a week, or even longer, whether it’s a room or an entire house that you are looking for. This accommodation is a great alternative to expensive hotel rooms that lack personality. Immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of the area; indulge in a drink in a ruined pub– these are located in abandoned buildings in the city and can feature entertainment and accommodation.
Slovakia, Poland and Slovenia
The tiny city of Bojnice in Slovakia has one of the country’s oldest spas, which dates back to the 1500s, and a 12th-century castle, which combines Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles to dramatic effect. Kazimierz Dolny in Poland is a piece of heaven for art lovers, and there are galleries in almost every street. Artists from all over the world travel there to paint, take in the ruins of the ancient castle and find inspiration. Bled, in northern Slovenia, is a beautiful alpine resort known for its mild climate, beautiful mountains, lake and thermal lake water.
Germany, France and the Czech Republic
You could visit Burg Satzvey, a fairytale castle near Bonn in Germany.In Amiens, France, you will find a cathedral twice the size of the Notre Dame. The local delicacy is macaron d’Amiens.Olomouc in Moravia is one of the Czech Republic’s most beautiful towns and boasts a rich history and wonderful surroundings.
Research the smaller, hidden areas of well-known places, pay a visit to the local tourist information,conduct a little research, and talk to the locals if you are brave enough. Make it your aim on this trip to discover a hidden gem of Eastern Europe.
