With Vilnius’ dominant baroque architecture and Old World charm, UNESCO considers it Europe’s largest baroque town. However, it is not only Baroque that builds the city; there are also samples of Gothic and Renaissance art in the city. While the city has distinctive churches, both Orthodox and Catholic, it also boasts of the tallest Baltic skyscraper: the Europa Tower. They are all part of the overall eccentricity of Vilnius. Vilnius is also Lithuania’s largest and capital city. The city’s name is believed to have come from the Vilnia River. According to the latest measurement, Vilnius is home to 545 thousand people.
As mentioned earlier, Vilnius is eccentric. It exudes a bohemian I-don’t-care-what-you-think attitude that can be both intimidating and charming. Vilnius has always fought for freedom, not only from the Soviets, but also of thought and expression. Independent and odd, it offers many novelties that you will be tempted to sample. Still, even with the free spirit, Vilnius manages to move on with the times and continue to build to become a truly modern city – with added quirks, of course.
You can reach Vilnius by air through flights from nearby European cities, such as Tallinn and Riga. Arrange flights that will finally come to a stop at Vilnius Airport. Within the city, you can get around by bus or train. In fact, the bus station is very near the train station. It’s your call which transport to go for. Coming from the airport, you can take a taxi ride to anywhere else in the city. You can also choose to go around Vilnius using a taxi service. Summers in Vilnius can heat up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, however the city offers cool weather, which can turn to freezing even to the point of dipping to -13 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are traveling to Lithuania, you only need to get your valid passport ready. The good news here is that there is no need for you to apply for a visa if you are staying up to 90 days only. You also do not need to present your return ticket.
To be the only town of a tiny principality must be something special. Because of being the only town, Andorra la Vella is understandably the capital of Andorra. Andorra la Vella is nestled between France and Spain. Though only 11.6 square miles, this city earns money from tourism and from its local products, which are brandy and furniture. According to the latest measurement, the tiny city’s population is a mere 23 thousand.
Andorra la Vella is all about embracing the present, with its focus on business involving luxury items and electronics. This does not mean, however, that history is not taking a peek. Why not? The very name Andorra la Vella means “Andorra the Old”. If you walk the streets of the city, you will find old stone streets and historic buildings. This is quite the opposite of the central city, which is where the ultra-modern, shiny buildings are located. Having both worlds in a tiny city is part of the Andorra la Vella surprise.
Although Andorra la Vella is a capital city, it is three hours away from the nearest airport. So if you want to visit the place, you need to have your flights connected to a final stop at airports in Barcelona, Girona, Perpignan or Toulouse. From any of those stops, you can finally travel by land to Andorra la Vella. When in the city, prepare yourself for some crazy traffic. If you tend to get easily frustrated in such situations, you may need to ride a bus or hail a taxi instead of driving yourself. The average temperature in Andorra la Vella varies from a very cold 28 degrees Fahrenheit to a mild 73 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to visit the place during the summer months.
If you are an American seeking to enter Andorra, you will need a valid passport. You also need to present a return ticket from Andorra. If you are staying only up to three months, you wont need any visa. Within 10 minutes driving of Arinsal which is a popular travel destination for skiing in Andorra.
Berne is only the fifth most populous city of Switzerland but it commands an attention all its own. The city is actually the country’s capital, partly because of its charm and partly because of a compromise. Switzerland’s French and German speakers agree in proclaiming Berne the country’s center because it seems fair enough to choose one where both languages are spoken. It also helps that the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has considered Berne a World Heritage site and that Albert Einstein formulated his theory of relativity right in the city. According to the latest measurement, the capital city is home to only 130 thousand people.
It is thrilling to visit a place that has scientific ties while staying in touch with its Old World charms. Berne may be linked to UNESCO and Einstein but it retains a medieval flavor in some areas. That is a curious blend that tourists will not be able to resist. Berne is rich in festivals, as well. You can experience more of Berne by timing your visit to one of these festivals.
You can visit Berne by flying to the Berne-Belp Airport. However, if you are not coming from London, Dugan or other cities with direct flights to Berne, you will have to book interconnecting flights to finally reach Berne. While in Berne, you can get around by bus or train. You may also use a car or a motorcycle so that you can drive yourself around. The temperature in Berne is cool all year round. Its July temperature only reaches up to 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Wintry temperature can dip as low as 29 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visiting Berne from the United States? Then, you will no longer need a visa to enter Switzerland. Bring along your US passport, of course, and you get up to 90 days stay in Berne. Also make sure that you have all your travel documents and necessary visas because you may have to pass through other cities, such as London.
The City of San Marino is a small city in an already tiny country of the same name. The country, the Republic of San Marino, is located in the Italian peninsula. Its capital city, the City of San Marino, is actually only the third largest city in the republic and is not even the center of business. The city is smaller than Borgo Maggiore, a city which also acts as the capital of business. However, San Marino City is considered to be more attractive than cities larger than it. It is also located on a mountain top and is crowned with the same name as the country. San Marino City is home to only 4,5 thousand people according to the latest measurement.
There was a time when San Marino City was the only city of the republic it belongs to. This must be why the city is named after the country. The capital city of San Marino does have its share of tourists, being visited by about three million a year even though it is a very small city of about 1600 square miles. These few square miles are home to seven parishes, including Muntalbo and Casole.
The whole republic of San Marino has a gorgeous Mediterranean climate. It is rare to find yourself caught up in freezing temperature or in a sweltering hot one. This means that you do not have to worry too much on temperatures which are about subzero or over 195 degrees Celsius. If you still want to avoid its warm summers and cool winters, you can always visit during another season. If you do get to visit, know that you need to book a flight to a nearby city because the whole republic does not have an airport. Consider booking a flight to Rimini, Forli, Ancona or Bologna. Once inside the republic, you can get around by bus or car as there are no railways.
If you are a US passport holder, you do not really need a visa to stay in San Marino for 90 days or less. Just present your passport. You will also notice that the country does not have strict border controls so you can easily drive from a nearby country.
Hailed by many as one of the most breath-taking cities in the world, Budapest is Hungary’s capital city. It is also Hungary’s largest. Its beauty largely owes much to the fact that Budapest can offer both natural wonders and architectural gems in one sweeping panorama: the River Danube glitters from the sparkling city, especially by night. The city is east of the Buda Hills and is sometimes dubbed as the City of Spas because of its several thermal baths. According to the latest measurement, Budapest has recorded that about 1.7 million people regularly enjoy Budapest.
Budapest is a great place for both fun-loving tourist and the historian. The party-until-dawn vibe, combined with the intricately detailed buildings, creates a feast for the senses. You will not lack for cultural immersions in the City of Spas. There are theaters and operas to dress up for and folk music to dance to and be free with. If you look closer though, you will find some cracks on the city’s porcelain perfection. The city has endured and has tried to rise against past troubles with pollution and decaying infrastructure. Still, even through ghostly reminders of a not-so-pretty past, you will find both residents and tourists enjoying the romance provided by Budapest.
The fastest way to get there is to book a flight stopping at Budapest Ferihegy International Airport. From there, you have a vast choice of public transport, from buses and taxis to railways and trams. If you want to truly enjoy the city’s culture go for unique rides, such as chairlifts and trolleybuses. Keep away from unmarked taxis, however; they are unregistered and the drivers may ask you to pay ridiculously high fares. Before you visit, take note that the summers can get sweltering hot; the temperature can reach 86 Fahrenheit or even 105 Fahrenheit. The winters have freezing temperatures of as lows -23 Fahrenheit.
If you are going to visit Hungary as a tourist, you do not need a visa to stay for up to three months. However, you must show documents that prove that you will be leaving the country at a certain date. Your US passport must also be valid for at least three months more than your planned stay. You may be able to stay for more than three months but you have to bring additional documents, such as proof of financial capacity, tickets, hotel reservations and insurance policies.
The town of Nuuk, commonly referred to Godthab, is the largest and most developed town in Greenland. The term “Godthåb” is German for ”good hope” and the town serves as the capital of Greenland. With a population of just over 15 thousand according to the latest measurement. Godthab is one of the least populous capitals in the world. The town is situated along the southwestern coast of Greenland.
What makes Godthab interesting is the mix of the modern and the traditional. Nuuk is the oldest village in the country and has grown into a well-developed center for business, commerce, and tourism. Here, old architecture blends with the new and Greenland’s unique geography provides a beautiful backdrop for the town. Some of the interesting activities that tourists can enjoy in Godthab include cruises along the famed Nuuk Fjord, whale watching, safari trips, hiking, and hiking sledding. The National Museum of Greenland is also located in Nuuk, giving visitors a chance to get to know the Norse – Inuit culture. Tourists may even want to join some of the locals in one of their major past times: drinking.
It is important for tourists to know that once you get to Greenland, there are no roads that connect the towns. To get from one town to another, tourists will have to travel by sea or air. Traveling around Nuuk can be done by land travel, which normally consists of car, snowmobile or sled travel. Tourists who want to avoid the below-freezing climates of the wintertime should travel to Nuuk during the Summer, typically from June to September with July and August being the warmest months year round.
To travel to Godthab or any other destination in Greenland, tourists will have to follow the entry requirements of Denmark. Basically, this means that US citizens traveling to Nuuk do not have to have a visa if they only plan on staying for up to three months. Only a passport is necessary.
Prague, otherwise known as Golden Prague, the City of Many Spires and the Golden City, is one of the most visited cities in Europe. It is not a surprise that this city of many names can capture the hearts of tourists. The city is complete with wonders for both the old and the young; it is armed with natural charms, breath-taking art and architecture and modern offerings in the likes of bars, malls and festivals. You will not feel as if you are in just any country because the city is rife with cultural magic all its own. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to over a million people according to the latest measurement.
If you want to truly experience Prague at its deepest, do not be afraid to explore both its sunshiny, tourist-pleasing side and its darker, mystery-laden side. While it is fun to spend the time shopping or sipping coffee while watching other tourists walk the cobbled steps, you may decide to explore the remnants of communism in Prague’s alleyways. Then, you can revive your optimism by participating in music festivals and the opera. Be wary of taxi drivers; they will most likely cheat you on fares if you do not speak the local language. Take note of your taxi’s license number and your driver’s name, if possible. This is so you can report a suspected overcharging later.
Czech Republic’s biggest airport is located in Prague: the Ruzyne International Airport. It is actually the busiest in all of Central and Eastern Airport. Upon arriving there, you can get around the city by taxi, bus or train. Make sure you choose a regulated taxi or else you can end up in a mob-operated taxi, with a driver that will definitely overcharge you. If you want to visit Prague at its most pleasant weather, visit in May or September. Why? Summers can be rainy and warm at the same time, while winters can be cold and snowy.
If you are from the United States, you will not be required to have a visa to enter the Czech Republic, that is, if you are staying for 90 days or less. Still, if you are planning to exceed a 30 day stay, you have to register with the Alien and Border police. Make sure that you have your travel documents, including return tickets, hotel reservations and invitations coming from the country.
Nicosia is Cyprus’ capital and largest city. Locally, it is better known as Lefkosia. Though housing the seat of government and located right at the center of the island, Nicosia still keeps intact ages-old history in its crumbling but charming mansions and religious houses, such as mosques and churches. It is showing its true roots. Nicosia, after all, dates back 5000 years though it enjoys its capital city status since the 10th century. It is home to only about 300 thousand people according to the latest measurement. The population already includes people in the suburbs.
With several museums to catch your attention and take hold of your time, Nicosia is a history lover’s paradise. You do not even need to visit the museum to feel history because just walking through its labyrinthine streets is enough. However, modernization is not really too far away. There is something for the ultra-hip. You can also sample Nicosia’s dishes while enjoying the company of locals at taverns that showcase the dancing and musical talents of local families.
Visit Nicosia or tour Cyprus as a whole by taking a flight stopping at Larnaka airport in the south. Take note that Nicosia International Airport has not been in used since the 1970s. Having the particular airport as a destination is truly suspicious, indeed. You can get around the city mostly by bus. You can also rent or bring along a motorcycle or car if you want to drive yourself around. Do not worry, though: there are plenty of taxis to hail in Nicosia in case you want to be a bit more comfortable. You won’t get around by train or metro, however; the government has no plans to build and implement the transportation means. Nicosia has a generally mild climate that makes for great visiting all year round.
If you are from the United States, rest assured that you will not need an entry visa to Cyprus. However, if you are planning to stay for longer than three months, you have to apply for a long-stay visa. People under this category include those who plan to work, live or study in the country.
It is city that is strongly associated to images of war and destruction. It was even witness to the assassination that sparked the First World War. The former Ottoman territory, the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina, may have a bloody past but its present is that of recovery and of Old World village charm. Some tourists even regard the place as a romantic destination and not just a place for curiosity-driven adventure. The city’s population, according to the latest measurement, is estimated at a little over 300 thousand.
If you love historical places, Sarajevo is a must-visit. The city boasts several churches, mosques and cathedrals that represent various beliefs that have made their mark. While skyscrapers and other modern buildings mark the city’s being rebuilt, ancient haunts and war-brought ruins remain juxtaposed with modern Sarajevo. If tension used to rule the city, it has now been replaced with a very relaxed atmosphere. Though the people of Sarajevo are multi-ethnic and practicing various faiths, they no longer have to endure the uncertainties and dangers of war.
To reach Sarajevo, you may book a flight that will land you on Sarajevo International Airport. If you are passing from a nearby city, such as Montenegro or Serbia, you may reach the Bosnian city through bus. When within the city, you can go around by bus or train. On the other hand, you can also immerse yourself into the city’s culture by just walking; the city is easily explored on foot. Once the site for the Winter Olympics, the city can have below freezing temperature; the thermometer can take a dip to -15 degree Fahrenheit. It did experience a burning 104 degree Fahrenheit in 1942.
If you are visiting from the United States, you need to have a passport valid for at least a little longer than your planned stay in Sarajevo. The good news is that you do not really need a visa to go with your passport. Make sure, however, that you have your other travel documents handy for emergencies.
Sofia, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is the capital of Bulgaria and sits on the southern part of the Sofia Valley, resting at the foot of the Vitosha Mountains and Lyulin. Formerly called Serdica by the Romans, the city was renamed Sofia in the 14th century. It is now home to 1.4 million people.
Sofia is drenched in history, from its buildings built in every form of European architecture styles, to the cultures and traditions of its people. Experience the architectural movements of past times in the structures that dot the city, from the renovated Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the public theater, St. George Church, St. Sofia Church, and the Palace of Justice. An immersion in Bulgarian culture that is unique to the city can be further experienced with a visit to the city’s many museums, libraries, and theaters which house the city’s cultural attractions such as performances by the National Opera Ballet. Sofia is also a city of leisure, as seen in its many cafes, restaurants, and shopping boutiques.
Getting around Sofia is best done by buses, trams, and subways. Traveling by car is more difficult since most important highways in the city are still undergoing construction and renovations. Traveling by car exposes you to the risk of car thefts. Also, exercise care when driving around with non-Bulgarian license plates, as this apparently is something that Bulgarian police frown upon. Walking may be more dangerous, as Bulgarian drivers are not known for their kindness to pedestrians. Avoid train and bus stations at night, as well as areas noted for prostitutes and junkies such as the Maria Luiza Boulevard.
US tourists do not require a visa to visit Bulgaria or any of its cities, just a valid passport is needed. The stay is valid for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
