Everywhere you turn you’ll find a gorgeous church, fascinating museum, quaint piazza, or charming restaurant. The city of Florence was first discovered by well-off travelers during the 1700’s and has been a hot spot for tourists and visitors ever since.

When to Visit Florence

There really isn’t a terribly bad time of year to visit Florence. The weather is similar to those in most other coastal towns in the Northern Hemisphere. If you’d like to avoid stifling hot weather or the freezing cold than you should stick to the Spring and Fall months. Otherwise, you will have no problems finding things to do in Florence year round.

Transportation throughout Florence

First of all, forget traveling throughout Florence by car. The city is full of one-way streets that only regular residents find easy to navigate. Even if you can find your way from place to place you will have a very difficult time finding a place to park. To make things even more confusing, many of the streets in the center of the city are off limits to non-residents without a special driving permit. There are traffic cameras throughout the city and they will catch your license plate and mail you a ticket. Imagine being home from Italy for three months and finding a traffic ticket in the mail!

The city of Florence isn’t astoundingly large so your best bet is to simply explore by foot. Once you find your way to the center of the city you’ll have no problem finding any other attraction you wish to visit.  Most of the main shopping districts, monuments, and museums are within blocks of each other.

In the evening, especially if you plan to go out to dine after dark, you may want to ask for a taxi or see if your hotel in Florence offers some sort of shuttle service.

The only time we recommend driving yourself is if you plan to venture out of Florence to see Tuscany. If this is the case, make sure your rental car has a great GPS system so that you don’t have to worry as much about reading signs, especially if you aren’t fluent in reading Italian.

Finding Florence Tourist Offices

The tourist offices in Florence are commonly referred to as APT. There are two main locations. The first is within the main train station next to the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi. The second is near the Basilica di Santa Croce. The tourist offices are open from 9am until 7pm and the staff will give you any directions you ask for. Maps, on the other hand, are not free – you’ll have to pay if you feel you need one.

Health and Safety in Florence

Florence is one of the safest cities in Italy, with very low instances of violent crime. Most people who visit the city feel safe traveling at any time of the day though that doesn’t mean you should let common sense fly out the window if you are traveling alone at night. Make sure you stick to well-lit, populated areas and you are very unlikely to have a problem.

Try to avoid the train stations, the Santa Maria Novella, and the Santa Croce areas at night. These are the areas in which you’re most likely to run into questionable individuals or rowdy youth groups. Places like the Piazza della Republica and Ponte Vecchio are great places to visit during the evening hours as they are often full of laughing dancing, singing, and music.

Tipping Etiquette & Payments in Florence

Most restaurants in Florence will include the coperto, or service fee, in your bill. The fee will usually range between 1 and 3 Euros depending on the restaurant you visit. You can add up to 10 Euros in addition to that if you feel as though the wait staff gave you exceptional service. Tipping cab drivers and hotel porters isn’t necessary but is always appreciated, especially if you were given great service or assistance.

Always take a receipt for your purchase from any shop you visit in Florence. A plain clothes police officer may stop you at any time and ask to see proof of payment. They do so to verify not only that you paid for the items at hand but to ensure that the store owner rang it up properly (for tax purposes).

Helpful Italian Phrases

While not necessarily mandatory, it is always helpful to learn at least a few phrases in the local dialect before visiting any foreign country. Here are a few to get you started on your path to Florence:

• Parla Inglese? (Do you speak English?)
• Grazie (Thank you)
• Per Favore or Per Piacere  (Please)
• Ciao (Hello or Goodbye)
• Arrivederci (Goodbye)
• Dov’e…? (Where is…?)
• Gabinetto/Bagno (Lavatory)

The city of Florence is overflowing with incredible artistic attractions and you shouldn’t visit expecting to see everything in one shot. Florence is a place you may find yourself adding to your travel itinerary year after year – and you’ll be just as excited to visit every time!

Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world amongst tourists and despite its exotic allure you don’t need to worry about your trip coming with a huge price tag. Here are a few things you consider if you want to plan a trip to Rome on a budget.

10. Choose the Right Time to Visit

Despite relatively hot weather, tourism in Rome is at its highest during the summer months. Your best options are to visit during the winter and spring months as prices will typically be a lot lower. The winter months will be cold but you most likely won’t encounter any ice or snow. If, however, you want to be in Rome for the Christmas Eve Mass at Vatican square you’ll want to book your hotel in Rome very early.

9. Plan to Walk

While Rome’s public transportation systems are easy to use, you’ll find that most of the attractions you want to see during the day are within walking distance of most hotels. Your best bet is to plan some walking tours and to save a few dollars for a taxi if you find yourself out and about during the evening hours.

8. Read about Rome’s History

As silly as it sounds you should read a book about the history of Rome before you embark on your journey. Knowing about the things you’re seeing in advance will make your trip far more valuable than spending a ton of money on souvenir books or guided tours and will give you a leg up when it comes to some of the free sites you may encounter from the outside alone.

7. Visit the Catacombs

Take a day to step outside of the main city and visit the Catacombs. They’re not the most talked about attraction but they’re definitely worth seeing. On the way you’ll get to see some of the old viaducts you learned about in grade school, too!

6. Appreciate Rome’s Style

Fashion and architecture are huge in Rome but you don’t need to spend a lot of money to appreciate either. Visit the Via del Corso to check out some of the hottest new styles, take a few pictures, and limit your spending to whatever you can conjure up during a window shopping session. Those high fashions are great to look at but you really don’t need to take anything home.

5. Visit a Tourist Office

Visit a tourist office for the most accurate and reliable information available when it comes to Rome’s attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The main office can be found at Piazza della Repubblica atVia Parigi5 and another can be found within the Fiumicino Airport near International Arrivals. There are others around the city as well. Can’t make it to a tourist office? Ask your hotel concierge for tips on what to do and see as well.

4. Look for Discounts

Some major cities sell tourist passes that allow you to get discounted admission to most of the area’s major museums. This type of program doesn’t really exist in Rome but if you ask in the tourist office they’ll be able to tell you about any available specials. Senior citizens should not expect to receive discounts, especially if they aren’t European citizens. Students with an International Student Identity Card can receive discounts at tons of different attractions, in restaurants, an even on transportation lines.

3. Look for Standing Room

If you’re headed into a bar or café for a simple snack or refreshing drink you should head towards the bar and just stand while you enjoy your break. The prices for food and drink will automatically be higher if you sit down at a table and allow a waiter to serve you. The same applies to small cafes during the lunch rush – you can save as much as $15 per meal standing instead of sitting down.

2. Eat at a Trattoria

If you don’t want to stand while eating, make sure you visit a local trattoria. Local trattorias aren’t designed as tourist traps. You won’t feel rushed or overcharged and the owner, who is probably the chef as well, will probably come out to say hello. Eating in a local restaurant is one of the best ways to experience a true Italian meal.

1. Visit Free Sites

There aren’t as many free sights to see in Rome as you might wish for but there are a few and you’ll be able to fit them into your itinerary if you plan carefully. The Vatican Museums, for example, are free in the morning on the last Sunday of the month. The Basilica, Bernini’s Colonnade, and the Papal Tombs are free as well. Head towards the tourist office near St. Peter’s and you may be able to catch a free tour offered by a local religious group.

Ready to embark on your journey throughout Rome? Pack some good walking shoes and hit the road. This is one trip you’ll always remember!

Yet for all of Hamburg’s achievements, one can’t help but feel that tourism levels are not where they should be for a German city of this stature. Sure, millions visit Hamburg every year, but where does that rank in comparison to Munich or small towns with a dense concentration of sights, such as Weimar, Bamberg, Calw and Quedlinburg? At the end of the day, perhaps all that matters is that Hamburg has these ten must-see attractions.

10. St. Nikolai’s Church

A Gothic Revival masterpiece, St. Nikolai’s Church stands out on the Hamburg skyline. Though mostly in ruins, the tallest structure in the world for a brief two year period from 1874 to 1876 is still majestic.

9. Kunsthalle Hamburg

The Kunsthalle Hamburg encompasses three connected buildings near the shores of Inner Alster Lake. With a vast collection that spans over seven hundred years of European art, the museum is world class.

8. Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg

A massive late 19th century brick warehouse is the ideal home for the Internationales Maritimes Museum. A vital landmark in the ambitious HafenCity quarter of Hamburg, the private museum has over 36,000 items on display in a space of 12,000 square km.

7. Hamburg State Opera

A vital opera company not just in Germany, but Europe, the Hamburg State Opera dates back to 1678. Because of World War Two air raids, the current facility was built relatively recently, in 1955, yet has won “Opera House of the Year” twice by the monthly magazine Opernwelt.

6. Alter Botanischer Garten Hamburg

Though signs for the botanical garden of Hamburg may read Schaugewächshaus or Tropengewächshäuser, the verdant confines of the park are easy to spot. The immense and completely free of charge facility is almost two hundred years old and features five distinct sections.

5. Helms-Museum

Metro Hamburg has been a boon to archaeologists over the decades, with countless cultural artifacts unearthed. If you want to see the best of them, head to the splendid Helms-Museum, where exhibits cover the Paleolithic to the Medieval Era.

4. Thalia Theater

Even if your German needs work, there’s no need to dismiss the Thalia Theater from your Hamburg itinerary. The fabulous state theater is one of the most important in the country and puts on a diverse line-up of plays every season.

3. Deutsches Schauspielhaus

More culture is on tap in Hamburg at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus. The lynchpin of the old St. Georg quarter of the city, the gorgeous theater provides Hamburg with yet another gem. Check out a performance if you can, as the ensemble is excellent. If not, the Schauspielhaus also has a fine restaurant and bar.

2. HSH Nordbank Arena

For top-flight Bundesliga action, head to HSH Nordbank Arena to catch Hamburger Sport-Verein. With a capacity in excess of 57,000 spectators, the UEFA Elite Stadium is a suitable home for one of the best and most consistent clubs in Germany.

1. Fischmarkt

The immense port of Hamburg is a tourist attraction for a variety of reasons. The St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, or landing bridges, draw a fair number of onlookers, as do several other features of the port that display obvious signs of superior civil engineering. One place you have to visit in Hamburg’s port however, is the fischmarkt. Get here early to catch all the frenetic fishmonger action.

Check out superb hotel rates in Hamburg.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

While Vilnius is the European Capital of Culture for 2009, Lithuania has many other fine destinations to explore. Check out what else the Baltic Sea state has to offer.

Kaunas

With over 350,000 people, Kaunas is second only to Vilnius in population. The city was the capital of Lithuania in the interwar period and sits at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers. Points of interest in Kaunas include Pazaislis monastery and church.

Perhaps the best example of Baroque architecture in the country, the monastery complex dates back to the late 17th century and hosts a popular classical music festival every summer.

Though Kaunas is full of historic monuments, one of the most prominent landmarks in the city was built relatively recently. Completed in 2005, Christ’s Resurrection Church is a magnificent representation of Functionalism architecture and offers supreme views of Kaunas.

Strategically located where the Neris and Nemunas meet, Gothic Kaunas Castle was built in the mid-14th century. Though more than two-thirds of the castle is in ruins today, it still forms a vital tourist attraction and hosts many events throughout the year. Thankfully, restoration plans are underway.

Discover great hotel deals in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Klaipeda

The only port city in Lithuania is a marvelous destination. As a gateway to resorts on the Baltic Sea, Kursiu Nerija National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Spit, Klaipeda is first-rate. While nearby towns like Nida, once home to Thomas Mann, offer wonderful escape, take the time to explore the city of 240,000 people.

While a new crop of skyscrapers have put Klaipeda on the map, the best attractions for tourists remain in the old city center. A former domain of the Teutonic Order, Memelburg Castle dates back to the 13th century. Iron Age hill forts still stand on the shores of the Smiltele River and the city has a notable and massive maritime and sea museum built into a former fortress.

Palanga

After Klaipeda, Palanga is a logical next stop on your Lithuania itinerary. The Baltic Sea resort town is the most popular summer holiday destination in the entire country, famous for swaths of idyllic coastline. While gorgeous summer weather and 18 km of sandy shores draw the interest of most, Palanga has other points of interest as well.

The awesome, Neo-Renaissance Tyszkiewicz Palace for one, is a marvel. Built in the very late 19th century for a prominent noble family, the palace complex is home to two of the best attractions in Lithuania: Palanga Amber Museum and Palanga Botanical Garden.

Seaside Regional Park protects over 12,300 acres of land and sea that spans from Old Palanga to Klaipeda. A haven of biodiversity, the park has vital cultural monuments to explore as well, via horseback, bicycle or on foot.

Of course, no visit to Palanga is complete without a walk on the pier. At close to 500 m, the Baltic Sea promenade is a phenomenal place to stroll and mingle with locals and visitors alike. A first-rate congregation spot in Palanga, if ever there was one.

Just outside of Palanga proper, the small resort town of Sventoji beckons. Smack on the border of Latvia, the community is a major base of archaeological excavation, with a treasure trove of artifacts that date back to 3,000 B.C. A hill in Sventoji is also a hub of Baltic Pagan worship, with eleven folk sculptures to represent various gods. A good place to visit come vernal equinox or summer solstice.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Though the friend in question took the opposite path and spent the relatively short trip in Venice, Tuscany and Cinque Terre, I still feel that when it comes to Italy, the less ambitious the itinerary the better. Take Sicily for example. So vast, so rich in history and culture and so distinct from the rest of Italy. A veritable country unto itself, one could spend weeks on the Mediterranean island and not see it all.

When in Sicily however, one should absolutely endeavor to visit the province of Agrigento. Home to almost half a million people and towns like Canicatti, Licata, Porto Empedocle, Favara, Sciacca and the capital city of the same name, the province is a gem. Read on for some Agrigento highlights.

Palma di Montechiaro

A comune of less than 25,000 people, Palma di Montechiaro has several important landmarks to discover. The best of the lot include Chiaromonte Castle, the Mother Church, ruins of Santa Maria della Luce Church and Zubbia archaeological park.

Sciacca

For splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea, Sciacca is worth the trip alone. The town of 40,000 people has a pristine medieval formation, with distinct quarters and ancient points of interest that include the Church of San Domenico, Church of San Michele and Palazzo Tagliavia. The best time to visit Sciacca? The week before Lent, for Carnevale.

Canicatti

With a typical small town Sicily look and feel, Canicatti is a beautiful little comune to hang out for a day or two. A mere 90 km from Palermo, the town offers a genuine slice of Agrigento life.

Licata

The south coast city of Licata is one of the most scenic in Agrigento province, with a slew of landmarks to explore, from the necropolis of Monte Petrulla to the Palazzo di Città

Church of Santa Maria dei Greci

The capital of Agrigento province is the city of the same name. Home to just under 60,000 people, Agrigento has a long history and many impressive landmarks and monuments. The 13th century Church of Santa Maria dei Greci is of particular interest.

Luigi Pirandello Casa Natale

Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1934, Luigi Pirandello was a prolific writer, whose works include novels, plays and poetry. The Agrigento native son left a fine legacy, much of which is on display at his Casa Natale.

Church of San Biagio

Built on top of a Greek temple in typical fashion, the Church of San Biagio is another fine church in Agrigento.

Church of San Nicola

Check out this cool fact about the Church of San Nicola, again in Agrigento. The 13th century church was built entirely of volcanic rock from the remains of the Temple of Zeus.

Via Atenea

The main thoroughfare in Agrigento is Via Atenea, where locals shop, stroll and gossip. By far the best place to be, not just for exquisite architecture but artisan wares as well.

Valle dei Templi

The most popular tourist attraction in Agrigento is the UNESCO World Heritage Valle dei Templi, or Valley of the Temples. A near peerless collection of ancient ruins, the Archaeological Area of Agrigento dates back to the 6th century B.C., when the city of Akragas was a powerful Greek colony. Be sure to visit the Provincial Archaeological Museum on the way back from the ruins.

Discover great hotel deals in Agrigento.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

10. Belém Tower

If Lisbon is the veritable heart of Portugal, the Belém Tower is the undisputed symbol of the capital city. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the late 16th century to honor the exploratory exploits of of Vasco da Gama.

9. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian was a famous businessman and philanthropist from Armenia with a ferocious appetite for art. Upon his death in 1955, a foundation was set up to disperse a large share of his fortune and vast art collection. One of the results was the world class Museu Calouste Gulbenkian.

8. Jerónimos Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery is the most successful interpretation of the Manueline, or Portuguese Late Gothic style. Construction of the magnificent monument took over half a century and today, the brilliant complex symbolizes the Age of Discovery in Portugal.

7. Castelo de Sao Jorge

For brilliant views of Lisbon and the Tejo River, the medieval citadel that overlooks the city is a must. Castelo Sao Jorge, in the historic heart of Lisbon, is a glorious relic of the Middle Ages.

6. Estadio da Luz

The Stadium of Light, or Estadio da Luz, is the ultimate theater of football in Portugal and one of the best in Europe. The UEFA Elite Stadium holds over 65,000 fans and is the home of legendary Benfica. Built for UEFA Euro 2004, the facility features a polycarbonate roof and superb pitch.

5. Chiado

Between the Lisbon neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina, Chiado is the name of a square and area of the city. A wonderful mix of old and new, Chiado has some notable landmarks to discover. The monument to national poet António Ribeiro for one, in addition to the A Brasileira café, Santa Justa Lift and Carmo Convent.

4. Alfama

The most historic neighborhood of Lisbon connects the Castelo of Sao Jorge with the shores of the Tejo River below. As such, Alfama has a lot to offer, with scores of nooks and narrow streets to explore. The area is popular today for restaurants, nightlife and Fado bars and teems with tourists and locals on warm summer nights. Great attractions in Alfama include the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora and spectacular Church of Santa Engrácia.

3. Baixa

Baixa, or Pombaline Lower Town, is a wonderful section of central Lisbon built for the most part, after the destructive earthquake of 1755. Look for the district to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the near future.

2. Sé de Lisboa

Though in Alfama, we have to single out the Lisbon Cathedral on our must-see list. Construction on the Sé began in 1147, with subsequent restorations in the wake of fires, earthquakes and general wear and tear. Despite a change in appearance since the medieval era, the cathedral is incredible to behold, with tons of interior gems to admire. The Gothic cloister is particularly cool.

1. Bairro Alto

Another fine area of central Lisbon is the Bairro Alto. Though historic, the neighborhood has undergone a period of epic transformation over the past two decades. Now completely pedestrian, the Bairro has become a pulse point for counterculture, live music and nightlife in Lisbon. Though problems with drugs, vandals, petty theft and graffiti persist, if you want to party in Lisbon, the Bairro is the place to be.

Check out some of the best hotel rates in Lisbon.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

While Tokyo and Osaka beat Moscow out in 2009, the city has a long way to go to compete with the likes of Buenos Aires and Montreal. Still, despite the prospect of high currency conversion rates for most, there is a way to make Moscow affordable. The city of more than 10 million people after all, is world class. So read this list of free or almost free attractions in order to enjoy Moscow on the cheap.

Ryabushinsky Mansion

The Ryabushinsky Mansion has a phenomenal legacy, first as a notable creation of Fyodor Osipovich Schechtel. The architect was the most influential master of Art Nouveau and late Russian Revival in the early 20th century. The mansion may not be on the map for most tourists however, were it not for the fact that it was home to author and activist Maxim Gorky between 1931 and 1936.

Mayakovsky Museum

A great poet of the revolution deserves a standout museum for all to enjoy. That is exactly what the Vladimir Mayakovsky Museum offers, in the confines of the poet, playwright and noted Futurist’s former home, across from KGB headquarters.

Kolomenskoye

The former royal estate of Kolomenskoye has a singular UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Church of the Ascension. The 16th century white stone church is a marvel and the crown jewel of a complex that includes several other historic landmarks.

Novodevichy Convent

Though the official UNESCO inscription reads Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent, Novodevichy will suffice. The 16th and 17th century complex is the archetype of the Moscow Baroque style and has indelible links with the social, religious and political evolution of Russia. The convent cemetery contains the grave sites of Chekhov, Gogol and Prokofiev.

Sergiyev Posad

Though a city within the Moscow Oblast, Sergiyev Posad is easily accessible from Moscow proper and is well worth the 90 km journey. The main reason? The spiritual home of the Russian Orthodox church is here, in the form of the UNESCO World Heritage Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra. The mere tip of the iceberg in the area northeast of Moscow known as The Golden Ring, Trinity Sergius Lavra is brilliant.

Vorobyovy Gory

Vorobyovy Gory, or Sparrow Hills, is a prominent hill on the right bank of the Moskva River and one of the premier landmarks in Moscow. If for no other reason, visit the summit for peerless panoramas of the city, in addition to Trinity Church and Moscow State University.

State Tretyakov Gallery

For fine art from Russia, there is no better place in Moscow than the State Tretyakov Gallery. The original museum facade is unusual and quite notable on the cityscape, with recent expansions into other landmarks, such as the 17th century church of St. Nicholas. All in all, the gallery offers more than 130,000 works of art.

Kuskovo

As a former summer country estate, Kuskovo is spectacular. Just east of downtown Moscow, the 17th century mansion and gardens of the noble Sheremetev family is a wonderful escape in the city. Check out the Grotto and State Museum of Ceramics.

Hermitage Garden

First-rate recreation and relaxation is on hand anytime at the Hermitage Garden in Moscow. The superb park in the central part of the city hosts many festivals, concerts and events.

Red Square

The most obvious attraction in Moscow is also free and best of all, without peer. Take a walk in UNESCO World Heritage Red Square and admire the Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Kazan Cathedral, not to mention pace of daily life. It’s here, more than anywhere else in Moscow, that you’ll know exactly where you are in the world.

Check out superb deals on hotels in Moscow.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

The restaurant scene in Copenhagen is all the rage with the culinary press as well. The Christianshavn ‘hood gem of Noma is a Michelin and media sensation and favorite with star chefs from across the globe. If you head to North Atlantic House, the #6 must-see attraction on our list, try to score a table at this phenomenal restaurant, run by chef René Redzepi. But we digress. Check out our favorite attractions in Copenhagen.

10. Frederik’s Church

Copenhagen’s famous Marble Church was built in the mid-18th century with the construction of Frederiksstaden, a royal district built in tribute to Frederick V. Nicolai Eigtved, a master of Rococo, was the designer of Frederik’s and many other vital landmarks in the capital.

9. Amalienborg Palace

Like Amalienborg Palace for instance. Another Nicolai Eigtved Rococo masterpiece, the winter home of the Danish royal family has been in active use since 1760. More a brilliant complex of four palaces than one intact unit, Amalienborg is adjacent to Frederik’s Cathedral and well worth a tour.

8. Christiansborg Palace

The crown jewel of Slotsholmen islet in central Copenhagen has gone through many restorations since it was the medieval castle of Bishop Absalon in 1167. The current incarnation of Christiansborg Palace is a marvelous complex that features pavilions, Royal Reception Rooms, the Queen’s Library and most notably, the Folketinget (Danish Parliament) and Prime Minister’s Office. Best of all, the castle ruins underneath the palace square have been open to the public since 1924.

7. Copenhagen Opera House

It took half a billion dollars to build but the Copenhagen Opera House is a brilliant example of native architect Henning Larsen’s immense talent. The man behind the Roland Levinsky Building in Plymouth and Malmo City Library extension across the Oresund from Copenhagen had virtual carte blanche on the overall conception of the Opera House. The result and inherent details are spectacular.

6. North Atlantic House

A cultural center par excellence with a singular objective to preserve, protect and promote North Atlantic art and culture, the North Atlantic House is a superb point of interest. The joint venture between Denmark, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands has a full calendar of events and wonderful permanent exhibitions.

5. Church of Our Saviour

A Baroque masterpiece with iconic corkscrew spire is one of the most familiar landmarks on the Copenhagen skyline. The Church of Our Saviour dates back to the late 17th century while the spire was built some fifty years later, in 1752.

4. Freetown Christiania

What began as a counterculture commune and embodiment of collectivism, anarchism and general dissatisfaction with authority some four decades ago has now become a Copenhagen tourist hotspot. Ironic. The allure? “Open” cannabis trade on “Pusher Street”, yoga and meditation seminars, jazz and experimental music clubs and ridiculous graffiti and street art.

3. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

A short ride from Copenhagen on the shore of Oresund Sound, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a world class facility that seamlessly unites landscape, architecture and contemporary art as one.

2. Kronborg Castle

A gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kronborg Castle dominates the narrow strip of Oresund Sound where Denmark and Sweden almost meet. Geography is precisely why the immense fortress and castle was built here in the 15th century. Most famous as “Elsinore” in the William Shakespeare tragedy Hamlet, Kronborg survives in pristine fashion today and is a mere 40 km from Copenhagen proper.

1. Frederiksborg Palace

Another attraction, another palace. Perhaps but believe us when we proclaim Frederiksborg Palace as perhaps the best must-see attraction in Denmark, let alone the capital region of Copenhagen. The grand Renaissance palace of Nordic Europe, the palace is home to the excellent Museum of National History.

Check out some great hotel deals in the capital of Denmark.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Rich with history and heritage, natural beauty and superb landmarks, the host of the 1984 Winter Olympics rewards those enlightened enough to set aside news reel footage of the 1990s long enough to discover a new Sarajevo. A Sarajevo in vibrant recovery mode, well over a decade after the most destructive siege in the history of modern warfare.

Not that the horror of the Bosnian War has been swept under the rug. Tangible evidence lurks in the Martyrs’ Memorial Cemetery, skyline in flux and most notably, in pure demographic terms. Once home to a population of more than half a million, Sarajevo now contains just over 300,000 people. The cost of war was indeed high in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nonetheless, Sarajevo is on the verge of a comeback. It would be optimistic to claim the recovery complete but until tourism nears post-Olympic levels, such a premature outburst would be neither realistic nor fair. Truth be told, the city will always have a tremendous legacy to fall back on.

Indeed, metro Sarajevo sits on a treasure trove of culture with roots in the Neolithic Age no less. The pretty suburb of Ilidza and district of Butmir for example, contain archaeological artifacts that rank as some of the most important finds on the continent over the last century. Collections of Butmir Culture pottery, most of which date back over 4500 years ago, are on hand at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.

Thankfully, the destruction of war did not rob the city entirely of the cultural institutions it had become famous for a decade earlier. Sarajevo still teems with superb museums that belie the capital city’s size. Although 1990s demolitions did raze several key institutions to the ground, national and city governments have become reliably defiant and proactive in post-war efforts to preserve, protect and build up cultural monuments.

As such, points of interest like the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Center for Sarajevo Culture, Museum of Sarajevo, Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sarajevo City Library rate highly on the must-see scale. Others, like the Bosniak Institute and Ars Aevi Museum of Contemporary Art sprang forth after and perhaps more importantly, because of the war. As a result, both museums deserve a special visit to appreciate the flourish of creative expression that arose in Sarajevo in the wake of the war.

Creative expression of another kind is on tap at the National Theatre of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sarajevo Youth Theatre. From opera to ballet, contemporary dance to classical and modern drama, both offer a full calendar of events to visitors.

Sarajevo is a notable festival city as well. The National Theatre hosts perhaps the most famous annual event in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the form of the Sarajevo Film Festival. The premier film festival in the Balkans began in 1995, at the height of the siege of Sarajevo.

Other worthwhile festivals for visitors to the city include the Sarajevo Jazz Festival, held every November, as well as the giant Bascarsija Nights festival. Held every July, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s de facto national celebration of culture features a wide array of artists and performers, with events held outside in the Old Town district and Bascarsija quarter.

Thus, from archaeology to music, art to culture, Sarajevo is a veritable jewel and fabulous gateway to not only Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the Balkans as well.

Discover the best rates on hotels in Sarajevo.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

A pity because Zagreb, with over one million people, is a great city with a lot of inherent charm. As the capital, Zagreb has many vital landmarks but aside from that, the global city is a lively hive of activity, with arts, culture and festivals galore. Here are ten must-see attractions to consider in the premier city in Croatia.

10. Croatian National Theatre

With perhaps the most conspicuous facade in all of Zagreb, the National Theatre grabs the attention of visitors instantly. The historic 1840 facility is gorgeous for one and has seen the likes of Franz Liszt, Sir Laurence Olivier and José Carreras perform on stage.

9. Zagreb Cathedral

Construction on Zagreb’s monumental cathedral began in the 11th century, with many additions and restorations since. The interior is as impressive as the exterior, with many fine adornments to admire.

8. Medvednica

With a summit that is 1,033 meters tall, Medvednica is a notable physical landmark, to say the least, just north of Zagreb and near the historic hinterland region known as Zagorje. For World Cup slalom races, recreation or idyllic scenery and tranquil escape, the mountain is a superb destination.

7. Gornji Grad Hill

A hill that is home to the historic Gradec neighborhood, Gornji Grad provides stellar views of Zagreb and affords easy access to some of the best attractions in the city.

6. St. Mark’s Church

Romanesque and late Gothic St. Mark’s Church dates back to at least the 13th century and stands as one of the most remarkable landmarks in Zagreb. From the famous city coat of arms on the roof to the priceless south portal sculpture work, the church is a marvel.

5. Dolac

The best farmers’ market in Zagreb is in the Gornji Grad ‘hood, which is quite convenient for most tourists. Extremely popular and ever hectic, the market is well worth the effort, with myriad stalls, produce and traditional wares on display. The ideal place to stock up on picnic edibles.

4. Ban Jelacic Square

The central square of Zagreb has it all, in typical European fashion. A vibrant aura, many locals, great sights and best of all, no cars. A city staple since the 17th century, Ban Jelacic Square is by far the most popular congregation spot in the city. Take your time here to soak up the atmosphere and get a feel for local life.

3. Gradec Stone Gate

The only original medieval fortification to survive in Zagreb to the present day, Gradec Stone Gate is a landmark tourists inevitably happen upon on the way to other parts of the old city. Still, take your time to admire the view.

2. Museum of Contemporary Art

Perhaps the most progressive and modern piece of architecture in Croatia’s capital, the Zagreb Museum of Contemporary Art is a relative newcomer on the scene (the current facility has been open since 2007) but has already won international praise, both for overall design and collection scope.

1. Muzej Mimara

For many, the Mimara Museum, or Muzej Mimara, is the crown jewel attraction in Zagreb. The art museum, a notable 19th century edifice, has works from the likes of Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, Renoir, Degas and Delacroix. The Mimara’s permanent collection covers art from the prehistoric era up to the 20th century.

Check out great hotel rates in Croatia.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10