Category: Destinations

Vienna coffee houses

| April 21, 2012 | 6 Comments
Vienna coffee houses

Legend has it that coffee beans were left behind by the fleeing Turks in 1693 and by 1685 the first coffeehouse opened in the city. But it wasn’t until the late 19th century when coffee houses became most influential upon Viennese society. Many writers, artists, and politicians claimed to have been influenced by coffee houses and the surrounding [...]

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Central Market Hall

| April 16, 2012 | 6 Comments
Central Market Hall

Designed by leading architect Samu Pecz in 1896, the Central Market Hall (Nagycsarnok) is Budapest’s largest and most popular indoor market situated on the Pest side of Liberty Bridge. During World War II the building suffered extensive damage and was only recently restored in the 1990’s along with the completion of its Zsolnay tiled roof. [...]

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Highlights of Zagreb

| April 10, 2012 | 2 Comments
Highlights of Zagreb

Most visitors often pass this city in favor of Croatia’s sunny coastlines but Zagreb is well worth a visit too. Since becoming the official capital of Croatia in 1991, this city is quickly evolving  into its own with an appealing blend of old and new elements. The city is divided by two main sections, Gornji Grad (Upper [...]

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Hungary for outdoor adventures

| April 9, 2012 | 0 Comments
Hungary for outdoor adventures

Hungary is more than just a place for those seeking to discover great history and high art. Equally impressive is Hungary’s undulating landscape and terrain that is comprised of beautiful lakes, rolling hills, thick forests, and flat open plains, all of which set the scene for enjoying a variety of activities. In particular, those with [...]

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Thermal baths in Budapest

| March 19, 2012 | 0 Comments
Thermal baths in Budapest

The thermal baths of Budapest have a long and proud history. The first thermal springs were discovered some 2,000 years ago in the Roman town of Aquincum (meaning “abundant water”) in north Budapest. Excavated remains of bathhouses, frescoes and mosaics demonstrated how they worshipped these waters. They were later favored by the Turks who popularized bathing culture in [...]

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Hollókö Easter festival

| March 14, 2012 | 0 Comments
Hollókö Easter festival

Each year a special Easter festival takes place in a small village located in northeastern Hungary. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Hollókö and its surrounding area is an ethnographic village comprising of beautiful and vibrant historical houses and dwellings. During the two-day celebration, the townspeople wear richly decorated folk costumes while participating in traditional Easter [...]

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Dolac market

| March 13, 2012 | 1 Comment
Dolac market

Dolac, is Zagreb’s biggest and most popular market. Established in 1930, the daily market has been a central focus for farmers and traders from surrounding villages to sell their goods. Today, the market consists of a raised open square lined with colorful stalls of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and eggs. At street level is an indoor market for meat, cheese, spices, breads, [...]

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Best authentic souvenirs from Hungary

| January 31, 2012 | 4 Comments
Best authentic souvenirs from Hungary

The best souvenirs are those that are specific to the place you visited and, ideally, made by local people. You’ll not only be buying something special but you’ll also be supporting the local economy. If you’re traveling to Hungary and are hoping to bring back a memorable gift, here is a list of ideas for [...]

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Busójárás carnival in Mohács

| January 18, 2012 | 1 Comment
Busójárás carnival in Mohács

Exactly seven weeks before Easter, the streets of Mohács come alive with the annual Busójárás Carnival. The pre-Lent festival features locals wearing sheepskin costumes while parading and dancing in the streets. Busójárás lasts six days, starting on Thursday and ending the day before Ash Wednesday. The carnival ends with a symbolic ritual called ‘The Burial [...]

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Romantic things to do in Vienna

| January 17, 2012 | 0 Comments
Romantic things to do in Vienna

From imperial palaces, trotting white horses, lush gardens to chandelier-lit coffeehouses and fine wines, Vienna doesn’t disappoint when it comes to romance. So, if you’re looking to do something special to spark a little love in your life, here are just a few of the best things on offer in this historical city. Admire “The [...]

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