Eastern Europe is growing more and more as a popular vacation destination. This hotelbook.com podcast takes you through the intrigue, culture, art and history surrounding this part of the world.
Eastern Europe is growing more and more as a popular vacation destination. The intrigue, culture, art and history surrounding this part of the world attract many, especially those who wish to sightsee rather than sunbathe. Under the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe wasn’t exactly a premier vacation destination especially for Western tourists. Now, the area tells a completely different story.
It’s a great time to book travel in Eastern Europe, and hotelbook is going to show you why. Besides being comparatively affordable, there are many reasons why you should consider cities like Moscow, Prague, Budapest and Ljubljana for your next epic adventure.
Tourists, foreigners, and Russians themselves flock to Moscow as a starting point when exploring Eastern Europe. Moscow is an active and fast-paced city housing over 11 million people. The iconic city is steady and reliable with a prevailing air of mystery, cultural and historic relics. Moscow’s famed Red Square is home to the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral, as well as the changing of the guard at the Eternal Flame.
Once inside the Kremlin, you can visit Cathedral Square, whose historic cathedrals were worshipped in by the Tsars and their families. Also on display are the Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, two immobile monuments that portray the grandeur of Russia past. The viewing of Lenin’s tomb is a top free attraction and a great symbol of Soviet history. Let hotelbook provide you with a helpful tip…Many people treat the viewing of Lenin’s tomb as very somber and serious, so act appropriately or one of the guards may fine you for misbehaving! Don’t forget the Amory Museum as well, which holds precious relics of Imperial stature such as gold-gilt carriages and silver-threaded royal garments. After walking around Red Square, pick up some great souvenirs at the Izmaylovo Market or on Old Arbat Street.
What might one expect to eat in Moscow? Russian cuisine is hearty and involves ingredients like potatoes, beets, salted fish, dumplings and of course, caviar. Borshch, of course, is beet soup, and one of the most famous Russian traditional foods. Beets seem an odd soup ingredient to many people, but the delicious and hearty broth, full of meat and vegetables, is a famous Russian dish. Caviar or ikra, is definitely something to get excited about in Russia. Briny and sharp, it is often served on dark, crusty bread or with blini, which are like pancakes or crepes. And who could forget the influence of vodka?
Moscow can be an expensive city, so it’s great to stay somewhere with reasonable prices. The Milan Hotel is widely regarded as one of the most economically-friendly hotels in the city. Don’t let the price fool you, though, as the modern, spacious accommodations and central location close to Domodedovo Airport are great reasons to consider this as a quality property. Reviewers have hyped the plentiful daily breakfast, which includes various pastries, meats, fish and fruit.
The Czech Republic is a favorite vacation destination for people all over the world. From Kafka to Mozart, there are few cities that have inspired more artists, kings and musicians over the past several hundred years than Prague. This city offers a smorgasbord of stunning architecture, glitzy shopping venues, designer restaurants and cool cocktail bars. Art enthusiasts will enjoy a feast of film and music festivals as well as a varied programme of opera, ballet and drama. Smoky jazz cellars and rock basements compete with DJs and dance clubs into the small hours - no matter how late.
Looking for some great suggestions for a fabulous day in Prague? Walk over Charles Bridge and touch the St John Nepomuk statue plate. If you wish to snap the loveliest pictures, arrive at dawn. Take a walking tour of Prague Castle and stroll around the Imperial Gardens around back. If you enjoy Art Nouveau, have lunch at the Sarah Bernhardt restaurant in the Pariz Hotel or take a tour of the Municipal House. Opera enthusiasts may enjoy a Don Giovanni Matinee opera at the Estates Theatre. One tip: you generally don't have to reserve tickets for Matinee performances unless you want a specific seating area.
And where should you stay while in Prague? How about Chopin Hotel? This conveniently located hotelbook property is close to Wenceslas Square and all the most popular Prague attractions. Chopin Hotel offers comfortable and modern rooms with helpful extras like air conditioning, satellite television and direct-dial telephones.
As well as its cultural treasures, Prague offers another precious commodity - Bohemian beer. The Czechs have been brewing this beloved beverage since at least the 9th century and invented Pilsner, the world's first clear, golden lager in 1842. Today, Czech breweries still produce some of the world's finest beers.
Budapest was originally two cities built on either side of the Danube, namely Buda and Pest. Important landmarks such as the Royal Castle and Citadella Castle help visitors find their way around. So why is Budapest a great place to visit in Eastern Europe? How about a rich art and theater presence that is arguably one of the best in Europe? Visitors to Budapest are highly urged to experience an opera or ballet at Budapest’s State Opera House. Additionally, the Trafó House of Contemporary Arts is considered Budapest’s most important cultural arts center. Located within a renovated transformer building, the Trafó House presents Hungarian and international experimental dance, theatre and music performances. A disco hall in the cellar and a lively upstairs bar add to the fun.
Spa enthusiasts might be intrigued to learn that Budapest is famous for its Turkish-style baths. The baths are a throwback to when Budapest was occupied by the Turks and are all built around hot springs and thermal pools. The city boasts an impressive 123 registered thermal springs servicing 32 baths. Thermal pools are usually complimented by steam baths, saunas and massage services. A few popular locations include the Rudas Mineral Baths, Gellért Baths and Lukacs Thermal Baths. Russians tend to be the most frequent visitors to the Budapest bath houses, but there is a popular mix of other tourists and locals as well.
Last, but certainly not least, Ljubljana is one of the hidden charms of Eastern Europe. Located within Slovenia and featuring a population of just over 280,000, Ljubljana is a very affordable and fun town filled with art galleries and museums, buzzing nightlife and great restaurants. Yearly celebrations include a celebration of Slovenia’s greatest poet, France Preseren, and a summer festival with concerts and street performers. Ljubljana also has all the right ingredients for a romantic weekend escape, such as medieval, baroque and art nouveau architecture, intimate restaurants and café-lined cobbled avenues. The most remarkable feature of the skyline is the 12th-century Ljubljana Castle. Originally a fortress, then a prison and later home to medieval knights, the Castle is now an arts and culture hub. The Castle courtyard, often used for events in the summer months, is worth a visit if only for its sweeping city views.
People often liken the city of Lubljana to bohemian Paris in the 1920s. Perhaps this is because of the young, artsy atmosphere or the lively International music festivals. The three main museums in Ljubljana are located within the city centre, or Republic Square. The National Museum and National Gallery both showcase Slovenian art, and the National Gallery boasts the biggest collection in the country with pieces dating from medieval times. The Museum of Modern Art houses exhibits contemporary and international artwork dating from 1950. Also within the city centre is the luxurious Lev Hotel, a frequent hideaway for the rich and famous since 1964. Honored guests include Bob Dylan, Sting, Alanis Morisette and Kirk Douglas. Most everything is within quick walking distance, including fabulous shopping at Versace and Escada.
We have enjoyed the opportunity to share some fun stories about Eastern Europe vacations. At a time when everyone is watching their travel money, consider new destinations that might provide the excitement, culture and value-friendly escape you are looking for. Hotelbook offers tons of GreatRate discounts at hotels all over the world. Check us out the next time you are looking for just the right hotel in the perfect destination
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