We at Nicholas Frimond love a good
city break. When you get the chance to take a break away from your hectic life
and have a weekend away, where do you think of going. Most people, if asked
which cities they would choose to take their weekend breaks in would give the
stock answers such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam and in recent years
Prague. Whilst these cities certainly have a lot to offer, they hardly provide
anything new. Everyone knows about the Eiffel Tower, everybody knows about the
Coliseum etc. Why not go down a different route, why not be a real explorer and
explore pastures new.
Europe is the most historically and
culturally rich region in the world. There isn’t a city on the continent that
doesn’t have a history; a story to tell, and the more neglected cities are
great places to go if you want to find something new, something authentic that
has yet to be touched by the monster that is the mass tourism industry. Look at
Prague for instance. Before the fall of the communist regime it was practically
deserted by western tourism, however over the last two decades, Prague has
transformed itself into one of the most visited cities in Europe. All it took
was Prague’s own beauty as a city and that drew people to it. Here are a few
European Gems that are only just beginning to be discovered, that you just have
to explore for yourself.
Budapest, Hungary
Capital city of former Eastern Bloc
nation Hungary, Budapest stands smack bang on the banks of Europe’s second
largest River, the Danube. Culturally the centre of Hungary, even when it was
in a personal union with the crown of Austria (Austria-Hungary), Budapest is
actually made up of what were originally two separate towns, Buda and Pest,
sitting on opposite sides of the Danube. It’s rich Habsburg history has leant a
majestic presence that can only be rivalled by neighbouring Vienna, with a
whole host of churches, palaces and museums for you to visit. It’s situation on
the Danube ensures there are always plenty of river cruise opportunities to
boot.
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Anybody who knows their history knows why Sarajevo is one of the most historically
significant cities in Europe. In 1914 Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz
Ferdinand, heir to the Imperial throne, was assassinated by Serbian activist
Gavrillo Princip, this is the event that triggered World War One. This alone
makes Sarajevo a must see. However, aside from that the Bosnian city has
recovered from its past troubles and is becoming a booming centre of tourism, with
fine restaurants and a whole host of monuments. A particular highlight is the
old town.
Hamburg, Germany
Germany’s second largest city,
Hamburg, as far as tourism goes, has often stood in the shadow of the nation’s
capital, Berlin. Both historically and culturally rich, Hamburg is the city
that saw the infamous set by the Beatles that started them on their rise to
stardom; you can even take the Beatles Tour! Aside from that, Hamburg is a rich
port city with a whole host of restaurants, bars and clubs to while away the
hours in. With everything from traditional German food to modern cuisine on the
menu, it’s a city you’ll have no trouble getting lost in!
These are just three of the many up
and coming European cities that make fantastic tourist destinations. If you
want something new, something to bring a touch of excitement to your city
break, why not go off the beaten track?
