The land of knights, gladiators, Vikings, Heracles, Thor, Harry Potter and the infamous Count of Dracul himself, Europe is the epitome of art and culture. Some of the oldest civilisations originated in Europe – the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons, the Greek and the Normans as well as others. Pop culture and historical references aside, the continent is home to some of the most beautiful countries in the world. In next few pages
Mehrin Chowdhury tells you about the significant places to visit as describes her travels through Europe
Rome, Italy
Every history enthusiast must visit Rome at least once in their lives. The entire city is basically a museum. Every tourist visiting Rome must visit the Colosseum first, the place where legendary gladiators entertained the spectators with their lives on stake. The Colosseum may be in ruins today but the opulence still holds. It’s amazing to see how complicated the structures are and how the architects and masons of yesteryears created such a grand construction with their bare hands. What’s more amazing is that Rome frequently suffered from serious massive earthquakes but the structures are so strong that they held up.
Beside the Colosseum is the Palantine Hill. History tells us that Romeulus and Remus founded Rome on these hills. Then there is the Roman Forum, a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city.
A visit to Rome means a visit to the Vatican City as well. It is better to go with a tour guide since they can tell the stories and history in details which makes it more interesting. If you are lucky enough you may get to see the Pope within the walled enclave.
There are many other tourist attractions like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, etc. It will take almost three days to visit all of these historical places. If you become too tired take a day off and visit the Island of Capri. It’s a four hour train ride from the city of Rome and you can also get back on the same day but it is advised that you stay for one night. The scenic blue waters and the amazing view of the city will definitely inspire you to fall in love once again.
A visit to Venice (Venezia) from Rome is also advised. It takes around six hours by Eurorail. The entire city of Venice is sited on a group of one hundred and eighteen small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. Lots of ballads and romantic stories have been contrived by famous writers keeping the beauty
of Venice in mind. A boat ride in the canals is a must for the visitors, the Waterfront palazzos, palaces, and churches make drifting down the Grand Canal feel like cruising through a painting.
Travel Tips:
- Try out the local food, Pizza, Pasta, Fritti, Carbonarra, Gelatto
- Always keep an eye on your belongings. Keep important documents like passports and tickets back at safety deposit boxes in the hotel.
Frankfurt, Germany
Germany is a country of fast cars and big dogs. There is a guaranteed chance that you’ll meet a huge German shepherd when walking down the roads. Germans are fun-loving people, they like to have a good time. The fast food culture in Germany is phenomenal with some of the best tasting hamburgers in the world. Fun fact – hamburgers got their name from the German city, Hamburg.
Frankfurt, also known as Frankfurt am Main, is the fifth-largest city in Germany and the largest financial centre in continental Europe, ranking among the world’s leading financial centers. It is home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, Frankfurt Stock Exchange and several large commercial banks. During the Global Financial Crisis all of Europe got affected badly, however, Germany is still putting up a fight and helping Europe as a whole to slowly recover. Frankfurt is a major air, rail and highway transport hub as well. There is not a place in Europe you cannot go to from the Eurorail Frankfurt Central Station. The Deutsche Bahn, the German National Railway with its three hundred and forty two ICE or Inter City Express trains travels to all European destinations daily. Moreover, Frankfurt Airport is one of the world’s busiest international airports, second to Heathrow in London. Messe Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest trade fair companies while the Frankfurt Motor Show is the world’s largest exhibition of motor vehicles. Germany also hosts the largest book fair in the world, Frankfurt Book Fair. Essentially if you want to check out the booming economy of Europe you need to visit this place. Furthermore, if you have any international conferences there is a high chance it will be stationed in Frankfurt.
Being the Financial Capital of Europe Frankfurt offers views of high rise buildings along the banks of the river main. Sometimes this area is called the “Main- Hattan” of Europe. Besides the skyscrapers, visitors can visit the churches, the museums and road side taverns.
Travel Tips:
- Visit the Romerberg (Roman Mountain), the historic heart of Frankfurt and its City Hall to get an intimate feel of the city and its history.
- Visit the Shopping Street amongst a bustling pedestrian zone. The street offers everything from chic boutiques to international departmental chains.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Authors of old who wrote of heaven must have used Interlaken as a prime reference. There are crystal clear lakes everywhere that complement the blue sky with green mountains as the backdrop which turns white in the winter. Waterfalls can be seen from a distance, picturesque summer houses with horses in the backyard, flowers of almost all colors and shapes, mysterious birds flying at the base of the mountains. The only downside is that it is extremely expensive and may not be an ideal place for backpackers or anyone looking for a budget trip within Europe. It is only fair that paradise comes with a cost.
Interlaken is squeaky clean, with green almost everywhere. It is the best place to travel to with family. If anyone is looking for a place to party this is not their destination. However, for adrenaline junkies this is the right place to be. Interlaken, Switzerland provides the best paragliding experience with the most scenic places to see. There are facilities that provide services including bungee jumping, sky-diving, skiing in winter, kayaking, horse-riding, etc.
For the faint-hearted, who are not into jumping off cliffs, they can try to go up the Swiss Alps via the train, one of the safest modes of travel. This is a ‘must-do’ activity and highly recommended for all ages. At the top of the Jungfrau, the tallest peak of the mountain, also known as the Top of Europe, there are many activities for all kinds of tourists of all age. For those who are not so keen on doing activities they can simply relax and sit in one of the many restaurants at the peak of the mountain and sip a cup of tea, marveling at the view of the Alps. For those who love shopping, this is a nice place to spoil themselves with Swiss Watches, Knives and Chocolates.
Travel Tips:
- Shopping is cheaper at the base of the mountain compared to the peak.
- Must buy Lindt Chocolate bars or visit the chocolate factory in the city – Yummm
- If you go to Interlaken stay at Neuhaus since it is just besides the Lake and the view is exquisite. Pre-book at least two to three months ahead to get the best price.
Paris, France
When my Eurorail pass helped me reach the city of my dreams I was a bit surprised.. I was expecting glitz and glamour every step of the way. Instead Paris Gare-du-Nord seemed very grimy, smelled repulsive and signs of vomit were present almost everywhere. The nauseating atmosphere of the subways can break almost any tourist’s heart but it can be mended by a visit to the Eiffel Tower at night when the light shows are on.
I visited the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon and stood in a massive line in order to get to the top. When I reached the top it was already evening and the sun was setting. The view from the peak was exceedingly beautiful. The entire city of Paris was aglow and the structures of the Louvre and the Notre Dame Cathedral looked like perfect miniatures from above. There is also a spot on the second floor where friends and couples can buy champagne and make a toast to long life and love.
Louvre is an obvious visit for all tourists. The place may seem slightly eerie for Dan Brown fans and those who are at odds with the illuminati concept. The Mona Lisa is a very small painting that is covered by glass and very hard to see especially with the constant crowd gathered in front of it. The Islamic, the Ancient Greek and the Egyptian sections are worth a visit. Most of the statues there are stark naked so it may be slightly embarrassing if you have kids accompanying you.
The other must visit places in Paris are the Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, Norte Dame Cathedral, Champs Elysees, and Disneyland Paris.
Travel Tips:
- Try the local cuisine, it is delicious.
- Visit Eiffel Tower at Night
- Most taxi drivers do not understand English, so it is better if you are slightly conversant in French or have your destination address written on a piece of paper by a local citizen.
- Try to stay in the Disneyland resorts if you are visiting the place because it is impossible to cover in a single day
Brussels,Belgium
Brussels, the capital of Belgium is a dreamland full of waffles, chocolates and syrupy goodness.
The Grand Place and the Mannekin Pis, in Brussels city centre, are prominent tourist attractions. The Grand Place is an old market square that sits at the very heart of the old city. Ringed by a series of guildhalls and an impressive town hall, it represents the Brussels that is printed on postcards and travel adverts. The Grand Place market square houses famous designer brands and innumerous chocolate shops. The options are endless for the visitors walking down the market square and the simple task of choosing becomes difficult. One quick suggestion is to go for a famous brand like Godiva or Lindt. Nonetheless, if one feels adventurous enough then they have a wide variety of flavors to pick from like chocolates dipped in coconut milk or the mango essence chocolate truffle.
Belgium is also famous for beer. For every German who claims that beer is their “thing”, there is a Belgian who will disagree and win with pride and proof.Just a short distance away is the iconic fountain Mannekin Pis. Legend has it that there was a time when Brussels was under siege, and enemy troops had planted dynamite to blow an opening in the city wall. A clever little boy saw this and proceeded to urinate on the fuse, thus saving the city from capture. The people of Brussels erected a statue in his memory. Tourists can buy miniatures of the fountain made of chocolate from souvenir shops near the Grand Place.
Travel Tips:
- Try the delicious chocolate biscuits; these can also be good gifts to take back for family and friends at home.
- Visit Tintin Street and the Tintin museum. If you’re a collector this is your chance to indulge!
- Best place to shop in Brussels is the Rue Nueve.
- Bruges or ‘Mini Venice’ is a must visit and takes up to forty minutes to travel from Brussels.
- Pamper yourself with Belgium Waffles at the Haagen-Dazs cafes.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
If anyone asks young travellers what their favourite spot in Europe is, eight out of ten would reply Amsterdam. Where else would it be?
Truth is most young people have an unexplainable connection with Amsterdam. The people are liberal-minded and progressive. They love eating out and riding their bikes even in the chilly autumn weather. Everyone rides a bike including people wearing three piece suits, probably to burn off all the extra calories gained from devouring delicious pancakes.
Amsterdam is well known for its tolerance regarding marijuana. It is a misconception though, that pot is legal – it technically isn’t. Marijuana, however, is allowed for individual uses and sold at coffee shops in modest amounts.
Besides letting visitors get high ‘legally’, Amsterdam sports scenic canals that flow throughout the city ideal for young couples looking for a romantic getaway. For the ones looking for loud music to dance to, Amsterdam is party paradise, second only to Bangkok and sometimes, because of its reputation, it has been dubbed as the ‘Sin City’. Anyone who has been there on a Saturday night will most definately vouch for the nickname!
Travel Tips:
- Try local coffee, pancakes, and fries with spicy mayo at the numerous hangout joints on the streets.
- If you decide to party all night, try to be with close friends or associates rather than with strangers.
- Enjoy a boat ride with your better half.
- Have expert hands draw a portrait of you at the Square or visit the Van Gogh Museum.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is the capital of the ancestral land of the Vikings. The best thing to do in Stockholm is to visit the old town and walk past the old roads giving way to many local shops. Reindeer skin and crystals are the most popular purchases by the tourists.
Close to Sweden are Norway and Finland, while Norway can be travelled to by bus or train, reaching Finland will require a ship. The cruise offered at Stockholm to go to Helsinki include a twenty-four hour option, a twelve hour option and a two days stay-at-the-destination option. The cruises are all first class with great facilities on board, separate supervised playrooms for infants, toddlers, pre-teens, teenagers, etc. There are casinos, conference halls, swimming pools, amphitheatres, shopping malls, innumerous restaurants of different themes.
The King’s Palace is a beautiful place with a maze of shrubs in the front yard and stately king’s guards. Taking selfies with these guards are allowed, although one must not expect them to grin with you! Another amazing experience in Stockholm besides the green, the cruise, and visit to the City Hall or the King’s Palace would be to get a ride on the hot air balloons and see the entire city at once. You can even pack a lunch and have a date with your partner on one of these beautiful rides.
Travel Tips:
- Buy some Asterisk and Obelisk / Viking comic books
- Get a tour guided tour within the City Hall to know all the details about the Noble Prize