A Week in Eastern Europe: Kraków , Prague & Budapest

About the destination: Krakow is stunning, a gem among European cities. Since the 9th century, people have been residing and constructing here. The Old Town historic district at the heart of Krakow is actually the medieval city established in 1257. Krakow continues to be the unrivaled architectural capital of Poland and houses one of the oldest universities in Europe. The numerous parks and the Planty, the green belt encircling the city center, make Krakow a fantastic city to visit. The entire old town of Krakow, known as stare miasto, is charming, with every street worth a leisurely walk. At its core is the Rynek Glowny, one of the most stunning market squares in Europe. The Kosciol Mariacki, located in its northeast corner, is a lavishly decorated cathedral, boasting a 500-year-old carved altarpiece. Diagonally across the square stands the solitary town hall tower, which was spared when the rest of the building was demolished in 1820. Positioned on the Wista River is the Wawel Castle, the finest surviving example of Renaissance architecture in Poland. The castle was the royal seat of Poland and is the city's main tourist attraction. The grounds include the palace, a massive Cathedral, and a large garden. The Royal Cathedral, which dominates the Wawel complex, was the coronation site and burial place for nearly all of Poland's monarchs. Constructed in the early 11th century in Romanesque style, its tower provides a magnificent view of Krakow. The beauty of its ancient architecture, the atmosphere of rich culture, art, and literature, and the allure of its numerous cafes, bars, and pubs, always bustling with locals and tourists, make this city one of the world's top tourist destinations.

About the destination: Budapest is recognized as one of the most breathtaking cities in Europe. This could be attributed to its remarkable surroundings, such as the Danube River that bisects the city, the Buda hills to the west, and the Great Plain to the east, or perhaps its diverse and stunning architecture: Renaissance, Byzantine, Neo-Classical, and Art-Nouveau structures coexist in perfect harmony. Its extensive World Heritage Site encompasses: the banks of the Danube, Buda Castle Quarter, Andrassy Avenue, Hero’s Square, and the Millennium Underground Railway. Additionally, the city boasts 80 geothermal springs and the world's largest water cave system, where visitors can enjoy a soothing bath. Budapest was unified as a single city in 1873, straddling both banks of the Danube River, with Buda to the west and Pest to the east. Each side of the city has its own distinct character. Buda is the more tranquil part of the city. As visitors wander around Buda, they can explore the Castle Quarter and the narrow cobblestone streets leading to the Fishermen’s Bastion with its enchanting towers, symbolizing the 7 tribes that inhabited the city in the 9th century. This ornamental fortification, situated atop Buda Castle Hill, offers the most spectacular panoramic view in Budapest. On the other hand, Pest is where the city's hustle and bustle is concentrated. This part of the city exudes a fin-de-siècle vibe, and almost every building has some intriguing or unique detail. Visitors are encouraged to take leisurely walks on its broad boulevards brimming with a variety of shops or to unwind with a cup of coffee in its grand coffee houses. Pest is home to the parliament building and the Dohari street synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe. The remnants of WWII are still evident in the city, with bullet holes and shrapnel damage from the Second World War and the 1956 Uprising still visible on some facades, serving as somber reminders of this dark period in history. There are several memorials honoring the Hungarian Jews who perished, such as the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial and the Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park. This side of the river is also considered the city's cultural hub, with numerous art galleries and more opera, concerts, and ballet performances than there are days in the week. The city's finest restaurants are located in Pest, and it's also where the nightlife thrives until the wee hours. For a unique drinking experience, try a Ruin Pub, part of Budapest's network of bars in repurposed buildings, including former tenement houses, factory buildings, and community centers. Budapest has successfully integrated all its influences and navigated its complex history to forge its own identity, and it has certainly done so with aplomb.

About the destination: Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. It is situated on the Vltava River in the heart of Bohemia. Prague is considered one of the most stunning cities in Europe. It is a must-visit for those interested in art, history, classical music, and architecture. Every corner of the city is adorned with beautiful buildings and architecture. The Vltava River flows through the center of Prague. Numerous bridges cross the river, but the pedestrianized Charles Bridge, with its blend of Gothic construction and Baroque statues, is a major attraction for visitors. Street vendors sell a variety of items here, and the Castle, considered the historical heart of the city, can be seen on a hill in the distance. The Old Town Square, one of two main squares in Prague, is home to some of the city's main attractions, including the Old Town Hall Tower, the Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, and St. Nicholas Church. Since 1992, Prague's historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prague's city center is a 900-year-old architectural museum. It features Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, 19th-century revivals of all these styles, and Art Nouveau architecture, all remarkably untouched by the 20th century. Prague is truly an architectural gem.