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Belfast Telegraph
10-07-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Captivating cities in Europe you must visit in your lifetime
Europe boasts many cities steeped in history, rich culture, and diverse landscapes that inspire travellers time and again. A city escape can be a brilliant introduction to a country you've never visited, giving you a taste of its culture, cuisine, and atmosphere in just a few days. Whether you're counting down to your next momentous holiday or have just returned from an epic trip, a short break is the perfect way to satisfy your wanderlust. Here are some of the most captivating European cities to add to your travel list. Prague, Czech Republic Prague is one of Europe's best-preserved mediaeval cities. Known for its Gothic spires, Baroque architecture, and vibrant culture, it offers visitors a rich historical experience alongside a thriving arts scene and a renowned beer tradition. Must-see sights: Explore Prague Castle with its magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, stroll across Charles Bridge early in the morning for breathtaking views, immerse yourself in Old Town Square with its famous Astronomical Clock, and admire the colourful John Lennon Wall. Top excursions: Take a short train journey to Kutná Hora to explore its UNESCO-listed mediaeval town centre and the Sedlec Ossuary, famously decorated with thousands of human bones in honour of the deceased. Krakow, Poland Krakow is widely regarded as Poland's cultural capital. It boasts a beautifully preserved mediaeval old town, Renaissance architecture, and a lively atmosphere filled with cafés and galleries. Must-see sights: Admire the regal Wawel Castle and Cathedral, wander through the vast Main Market Square with its historic Cloth Hall, and soak up the atmosphere in the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, known for its vibrant bars and synagogues. Top excursions: Visit the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, explore the extraordinary underground chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, or travel to Zakopane, a popular mountain resort in the Tatra Mountains famed for its wooden architecture and scenic views. Ljubljana, Slovenia Ljubljana is known for its compact size, leafy riverside walks, artistic public water fountains, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. The city is highly pedestrian-friendly, with cars restricted from entering the centre, making it a pleasant place to explore on foot. Must-see sights: Visit Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views, cross the iconic Triple Bridge near Preseren Square, see the famous dragon statues on Dragon Bridge, take a relaxing boat trip along the Ljubljanica River, and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Tivoli Park. Top excursions: Travel to nearby Lake Bled to see its island church and mediaeval castle overlooking the lake, surrounded by alpine scenery. You can also visit the Postojna Caves, one of Europe's largest cave systems, renowned for its impressive stalactites and rock formations. Istanbul, Turkey Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, offering a unique blend of cultures and history. The city combines Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage with impressive architecture, bustling markets, and a diverse food scene shaped by its position between continents. Must-see sights: Visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia and majestic Blue Mosque, explore the opulent chambers of Topkapi Palace, and wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar and fragrant Spice Market. Top excursions: Take a cruise along the Bosphorus to admire stunning views and experience the unique blend of sights on both the European and Asian sides. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon is renowned for its hills, pastel-coloured buildings, iconic trams, and scenic views over the Tagus River. The city combines a rich maritime history with a laid-back atmosphere and is known for its excellent food and vibrant neighbourhoods. Must-see sights: Discover the iconic Belém Tower and the grand Jerónimos Monastery, wander through Alfama's maze of narrow streets, and hop aboard Tram 28 for a scenic ride through the city's historic districts. Top excursions: Visit the enchanting town of Sintra with its colourful palaces, including the National Palace of Sintra where the Portuguese royal family once spent their summers, along with its lush gardens and forested hills. Rome, Italy Rome was the heart of the Roman Empire and remains a city where history truly comes alive. From awe-inspiring ruins to world-class masterpieces of art, it remains a city rich in heritage and significance. Must-see sights: Marvel at the grandeur of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, toss a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain, and admire the Pantheon's dome that has stood for nearly two thousand years. Top excursions: Cross into Vatican City, the world's smallest independent country, to gaze up at Michelangelo's masterpiece in St. Peter's Basilica and explore the vast treasures of the Vatican Museums. Reykjavík, Iceland Reykjavík, the northernmost capital, is known for its colourful houses, vibrant arts scene, and rich heritage, blending modern creativity with traditional Icelandic charm. Must-see sights: Visit Hallgrímskirkja church for panoramic views, explore the Harpa Concert Hall's modern architecture, and stroll through the Old Harbour area with its cafés and museums. Top excursions: Relax in the Blue Lagoon, take the Golden Circle tour to see Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area, experiencing Iceland's natural beauty within a day. A guided city break in Europe is an excellent way to experience the region's history, culture, and everyday life. Whether you choose a major capital or a smaller city, each destination offers something unique, from impressive architecture to vibrant local neighbourhoods. Adding these cities to your travel list will ensure memorable sights and enriching experiences that stay with you long after your trip. Belfast Telegraph Travel in association with Travel Department has been creating expertly guided holidays around the globe for nearly 30 years. With hundreds of destinations to choose from, every holiday includes flights, accommodation, transfers and guided tours led by a local guide. Book your next holiday with Travel Department, where fantastic deals and unforgettable experiences await.
The Herald Scotland
26-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Four nights in Prague and Budapest including flights, train and tour
This isn't a fantasy: it's what awaits Scottish visitors who choose Orbis Travels' expertly curated Prague and Budapest package. With their impressive 4.7 TripAdvisor rating reflecting consistently excellent customer service, Orbis Travels has crafted a seamless four-night adventure that transforms the often daunting prospect of multi-city European travel into an effortless journey of discovery. The package includes flights from Scotland, accommodation, and crucially, train travel between the two cities, eliminating the stress of coordinating complex logistics. Prague's Old Town Square serves as the perfect introduction to this enchanting city. The Gothic spires of Týn Church pierce the sky like something from a Brothers Grimm tale, whilst the baroque splendour of St. Nicholas Church provides a stunning counterpoint. But Prague's magic extends far beyond its architectural treasures. No visit is complete without ascending Prague Castle, the world's largest ancient castle complex. Perched majestically above the city, it offers sweeping views across the red-tiled rooftops to the meandering Vltava River. Inside, St. Vitus Cathedral showcases some of Europe's finest Gothic architecture, whilst the Old Royal Palace whispers tales of Bohemian kings. For a quintessentially Prague experience, venture across the iconic Charles Bridge at dawn. As morning mist rises from the river, the 14th-century stone bridge, adorned with baroque statues, feels almost mystical. Later, explore the trendy Vinohrady district, where art nouveau buildings house contemporary galleries, craft beer bars, and innovative restaurants serving modern Czech cuisine that goes far beyond the hearty goulash stereotype. The train journey from Prague to Budapest becomes part of the adventure itself, with Orbis Travels arranging tickets in advance. (Image: Budapest is both bohemian and cultured) This scenic seven-hour journey winds through Moravian vineyards and Slovakian countryside, offering glimpses of rural Central Europe that remain unchanged for centuries. Budapest reveals itself in layers. The hilly Buda side, crowned by the majestic Royal Palace, surveys the flat Pest side across the mighty Danube. This geographical divide creates a city of stunning contrasts and perpetual visual drama. The Parliament building, an architectural masterpiece inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London, dominates the Pest skyline. Its Gothic Revival spires and dome create one of Europe's most photographed facades, particularly when illuminated at night. Inside, the crown jewels of Hungary rest in splendour, testament to the nation's royal heritage. As evening falls, Budapest transforms into one of Europe's most dynamic nightlife destinations. The famous ruin pubs, like Szimpla Kert, occupy crumbling buildings filled with mismatched furniture, bathtubs-turned-planters, and an atmosphere that's both bohemian and utterly magnetic. What sets this package apart is the thoughtful curation. Orbis Travels' excellent customer service reputation stems from their attention to detail and staff expertise, ensuring travellers experience these cities' highlights without the usual pitfalls of independent travel. From Scottish airports to Central European capitals, every element flows seamlessly. Call now on 0208 051 0956 TRAVEL NOTES Price from just £279 per person Return flights to Prague and out of Budapest from Scottish airports Train from Prague to Budapest 1-hour Prague Panoramic Vltava Sightseeing River Cruise Stay at two luxurious hotels in the cities ACCOMODATION HOTEL METROPOLITAN OLD TOWN, PRAGUE HOTEL Metropolitan Old Town is a four-star hotel located in the heart of Prague's Old Town. Set in a romantic area, it is perfect for scenic walks and exceptional dining with five restaurants and bars. There is also a rooftop observation terrace featuring the Metropol Bar with secure on-site parking also available for guests. The hotel also boats a luxurious wellness and sports centre for relaxation and fitness while on your break. LA PRIMA FASHION HOTEL, BUDAPEST THE four-star La Prima Fashion Hotel is set in one of the most picturesque parts of Budapest. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, it offers a relaxing retreat in the heart of the city centre, just steps from entertainment and vibrant city life. Each room is designed with a focus on elegance, comfort, and spaciousness. Located only about 100 meters from the Danube Promenade, it is absolutely perfect for a scenic walk or a morning jog. The fully air-conditioned property provides complimentary WiFi throughout, ensuring a seamless stay. Guests can also enjoy a generous buffet breakfast each morning, with options that include gluten- and lactose-free choices.
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
These Are The Most Affordable European Cities For Nightlife, According To New Study
Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral over Lesser town (Mala Strana) at sunset, Czech Republic There are dozens of European cities known for their incredibly colorful nightlife — but some of the most popular destinations will end up eating into your travel budget quickly if you're hoping to spend a large part of your itinerary enjoying cocktails and bar-hopping. New data from online gaming company Casino Nova shows the most affordable European cities that don't skimp on fun. The study looked at important factors like the average cost per drink, the number of bars and restaurants in each city, and the overall safety rating in order to determine the most affordable options in Europe. Here's where you'll want to plan your next trip if you're looking to indulge in Europe's famous nightlife without breaking the bank: bridges of Prague at Twilight, Czech Republic The capital and largest city of the Czech Republic earned top spot as the best European city for nightlife with a composite score of 83.34. It was by far the cheapest option on the list, with the average cost of a drink sitting at just $2.60. It's also very safe and boasts more than 266 bars and clubs in its 496 square-kilometer radius. Kapana district is an area with cocktail bars and a lively nightlife. Plovdiv, Bulgaria Plovdiv, Bulgaria earned second place with a score of 73.87. The city lists just 16 bars and clubs but it's an overall much smaller city than Prague which makes it feasible to have plenty of options while still on foot. The average cost of a drink remains low at an average of $2.90 per unit. Aerial view of Gran Via in Madrid at dusk from Circulo de Bellas artes. Spain The capital of Spain earned third place with a total composite score of 73.74. It's admittedly more expensive than Prague or Plovdiv but it boasts more than 357 bars and clubs, which outnumbers the other cities by quite a bit. It also has a safety index of 71.81. The Fisherman's Bastion from above with Hungarian Parliament building and River Danube during a golden sunrise in Budapest The next city on the list is Budapest, which boasts cheap drinks at around $2.69 per unit and more than 205 bars and clubs within its 525 square-kilometer radius. Street cafe in Zagreb Old Town,Croatia. Zagreb is the first Croatian city to place, coming in at fifth with a composite score of 73.23. It has the highest safety index rating out of all cities on the list (at 78.67) and drinks are still affordable at around $3.45 per drink. The next cities on the list included Warsaw, Poland; both Porto and Lisbon, Portugal, followed by Bucharest, Romania; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
