Our quick glance through cities which would make cool trip destinations in autumn and winter continues. In Part 1 we had Brugges, Budapest and Madrid. And today we add other four gems in our collection.
Prague, Czech Republic
When I visited Prague, it was the second part of November, when the Czech people were commemorating the Velvet Revolution of 1989. The weather was very cold and cloudy, which may have given the city a gloomy atmosphere. In fact, it made the atmosphere quite stern, but it certainly did not conceal Prague's beauty. The Vltava river with its bridges, the Old Town (Stare Mesto), Charles's Bridge (Karluv Most), and the Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, all have a charm of their own, a mix of magic and sobriety, which is hard to encounter in other cities. A very clean and civilized city, with a very organized public transport system. Don't forget to taste the national Prague ham (sunka), and, for beer lovers, there is the national brand Staropramen.
Riga, Latvia
In this moment I realize that I hardly had any reason to complain about the weather in Prague in November, but what should I tell you about Riga in February? - 20 degrees maximum, but definitely worth it. Despite Latvia being a former Soviet Union country, you must know that the Baltic states have a culture and an atmosphere of their own, in my opinion also influenced by the Finnish proximity. In winter, the most spectacular view is the frozen Baltic Sea, which you can even take a walk upon. Plus, do not forget to buy souvenirs made of amber, which are part of the country's tradition.
Sibiu, Romania
As the big patriot that I am, you can imagine that I could not skip a Romanian city. And I chose the Transylvanian city of Sibiu. With a medieval atmosphere, combined with an artistic identity, Sibiu is also at a crossroads between Romanian and German cultures. The city's Central Square (Piata Mare) with the Town Hall Tower (Turnul Sfatului), the elegant Bruckenthal Museum or the Rustic Astra Museum give the feeling of being in another era. Plus, watch out what you say when you're on Liars' Bridge (Podul Minciunilor). ;) Restaurants, caffes, bookshops and even some hotels have their own themes and are decorated in special ways. After all, it was the first European Capital of Culture in Romania, in 2007, and we take pride in it.
Vienna, Austria
Last but definitely not least, with the notes of the "Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss or, for the most modern of us, Falco's "Vienna Calling"... here we are. History, architecture, very clean streets and disciplined traffic, memories of the love story between Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Sissi, Vienna is definitely one of the most romantic winter destinations. And it's even better if you get there between Christmas, in order to see the Christmas markets (which, unfortunately, I didn't). What can you visit? Hofburg Palace, Stephansplatz and Stephansdom, and the spectacular Schonbrunn Palace. Besides, there is also a variety of activities that you can enjoy: enjoying a musical evening at the State Opera, carriage rides, waltz lessons, liquor tasting at the Schnapps Museum, or skating in front of the Town Hall. Besides, I must warn you that Vienna is the home to the some of the most exquisite cakes and chocolates I have ever eaten.
Prague, Czech Republic
When I visited Prague, it was the second part of November, when the Czech people were commemorating the Velvet Revolution of 1989. The weather was very cold and cloudy, which may have given the city a gloomy atmosphere. In fact, it made the atmosphere quite stern, but it certainly did not conceal Prague's beauty. The Vltava river with its bridges, the Old Town (Stare Mesto), Charles's Bridge (Karluv Most), and the Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, all have a charm of their own, a mix of magic and sobriety, which is hard to encounter in other cities. A very clean and civilized city, with a very organized public transport system. Don't forget to taste the national Prague ham (sunka), and, for beer lovers, there is the national brand Staropramen.
Riga, Latvia
In this moment I realize that I hardly had any reason to complain about the weather in Prague in November, but what should I tell you about Riga in February? - 20 degrees maximum, but definitely worth it. Despite Latvia being a former Soviet Union country, you must know that the Baltic states have a culture and an atmosphere of their own, in my opinion also influenced by the Finnish proximity. In winter, the most spectacular view is the frozen Baltic Sea, which you can even take a walk upon. Plus, do not forget to buy souvenirs made of amber, which are part of the country's tradition.
Sibiu, Romania
As the big patriot that I am, you can imagine that I could not skip a Romanian city. And I chose the Transylvanian city of Sibiu. With a medieval atmosphere, combined with an artistic identity, Sibiu is also at a crossroads between Romanian and German cultures. The city's Central Square (Piata Mare) with the Town Hall Tower (Turnul Sfatului), the elegant Bruckenthal Museum or the Rustic Astra Museum give the feeling of being in another era. Plus, watch out what you say when you're on Liars' Bridge (Podul Minciunilor). ;) Restaurants, caffes, bookshops and even some hotels have their own themes and are decorated in special ways. After all, it was the first European Capital of Culture in Romania, in 2007, and we take pride in it.
Vienna, Austria
Last but definitely not least, with the notes of the "Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss or, for the most modern of us, Falco's "Vienna Calling"... here we are. History, architecture, very clean streets and disciplined traffic, memories of the love story between Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Sissi, Vienna is definitely one of the most romantic winter destinations. And it's even better if you get there between Christmas, in order to see the Christmas markets (which, unfortunately, I didn't). What can you visit? Hofburg Palace, Stephansplatz and Stephansdom, and the spectacular Schonbrunn Palace. Besides, there is also a variety of activities that you can enjoy: enjoying a musical evening at the State Opera, carriage rides, waltz lessons, liquor tasting at the Schnapps Museum, or skating in front of the Town Hall. Besides, I must warn you that Vienna is the home to the some of the most exquisite cakes and chocolates I have ever eaten.
You cannot imagine how much I enjoyed writing these two posts, as well as flicking through my photo albums. If in the following months we have the chance to travel for real, or just with our minds, we may not know yet. But let's remember that there is beauty everywhere, and in all seasons! :)
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