Just a short trip from the bustling capital of Lisbon and you’ve entered the fairytale city of Sintra, Portugal. A varied history of conquests has led this region to collect a motley assortment of reminders from the past, offering an intriguing blend of eras everywhere you turn; Renaissance, North African, Gothic, Roman…the list goes on. A quick look around and it’s no…
Category: City
Zurich: Rich in
History, Funds, & Fondue
When planning a visit to Zurich, one might ask: what can be sexier, glitzier than the Finance capital of the world?! And then one might answer…welp, many things out-dazzle the seemingly straight-laced world of fiscal affairs. Well, let’s kill this stereotype because Zurich does sport a rebellious side. Yes, you will pass more UBS branches than you…
Venice:
A Guide to Italia’s
Historical Disneyland
Venice is a labyrinth of narrow streets and unique bridges that flow through a tight-knit family of 118 mini islands. This unparallelled scene is a magical place for one to wander; through secret passageways and bustling piazzas that are oftentimes perched on the edge of the winding and shimmering canals that pour through the city. Strict conservation regulations have freed the architecture to…
Ljubljana: Clean Charm with a Side of Dragon
Countries within Communist Europe and the war-torn Balkan area all seemed to have climbed out of their respective despair with very distinct scars. But not Ljubljana…she is different. Seemingly unscathed by the cold side of history, the past is conveyed with grace—through a charming cobblestoned Old Town awash with seriously splendid architecture. Heritage abound, this…
Budapest’s Hidden Treasure Chest
The dazzling Danube River cuts right through the middle of Budapest, creating two distinct and equally essential parts of the city; Buda and Pest. The Buda side is calm–offering a majestic castle reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire, rolling green hills, and a classic, cobblestoned Old Town. Meanwhile, the Pest side is lively–packed with tree-lined avenues, architecture that crumbles with charm, and an…
Prague: $1 Beers in an Architectural Eden
At every turn, Prague is brimming with history — unearthed by simply looking up. One can gape at the gorgeous mix of architecture here for an entire day. Not a fan of building structure? How about royalty? From a distance and up close, Prague’s Castle District dates back a millennium and guarantees a stunningly opulent visit. Multi-tasking is…
Krakow: Polish Roots, Pierogies, & One Massive Square
Krakow easily earns the title of cultural capital in Poland. Throughout history, this historic city has won over most everyone who crossed (or took over) it’s path; Austrians, Prussians, etc. Affirming the idea that beauty doesn’t discriminate, rumor has it that Adolf Hitler found Krakow too visually stunning to demolish. This essentially saved it from…
Vilnius: KGB Scars, Baltic Pride, & Countless Courtyards
Lithuania’s past stories a tumultuous battle for independence. From Nazi Occupation to Stalinist Communism, enemies have desperately tried to dismantle their prized culture…but to no avail. Vilnius’ experience with oppression birthed a generation and culture of artists and intellectuals who are painting this compact city into a lively and creative urbana. This city is stocked with coffee shops and cocktail bars, set against a backdrop of historic antique ruins and graffitied KGB buildings.
Stockholm: Green Space, Neighborhood Islands, & Dragon Tattoos
Stockholm is actually an archipelago, connected not only by bridges and waterways, but by a distinct Scandinavian culture. While the four most popular neighborhoods share a common theme, each island also exudes a unique personality of its own. One possesses a charming historic center that is intertwined with cobblestone streets and a royal past, while another is a Parisian twin that luxuriates with ornate apartments and upscale boutiques. The bustling young one is filled to the edges with energy, art, and up-and-coming “fill-in-the-blanks”, while the island of green conserves Swedish nature, culture, and recreation.
Copenhagen: Bike Lanes, Canals, & Mary Jane Farmer’s Markets
A maze of canals run through the picturesque and spirited Copenhagen. Although it’s the largest of the Scandinavian cities, one’s two feet quickly recognize the compact nature of this historic metropolis. If the cobblestone streets don’t hint enough that cars don’t own Copenhagen, then the impressive labyrinth of bike lanes certainly do.