ABC Europe – Austria, Berlin, Copenhagen
If you have a week off and want to cram in a few experiences, consider how many places you could visit in a short time frame. It’s easy to hit three key European cities which are all known for their nightlife, culture, fun and great tourist experiences. Getting from one city to another couldn’t be easier if you are prepared to travel light (handbaggage only) and like flying – flights are going to be the quickest way to travel between countries if you are on a tight time frame. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Austria – Home To The City Of Vienna
Vienna is famous for the music of Mozart and Beethoven, impressive architecture, the artist Gustav Klimt and last but not least, wonderful coffee and cake! Vienna has a rich cultural heritage, classical music, opera and unique attractions. Visit Schönbrunn Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its beautiful French Garden and the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the oldest zoo in the world. The facility has been updated and is now a state of the art zoo, so much so, that it was awarded Museum of the year in 2010!
Museumsquartier, one of the largest cultural areas you’ll see – it has approximately 60,000 square meters of Baroque-style buildings and modern architecture. Take a trip to the Leopold Museum – well worth the effort, since it houses over 5,000 exhibits including a major collection of Austrian art. In need of a pick me up? Head to Naschmarket, which is a great food and flea market – about 115 stalls are set out with the best of the local produce, so you can enjoy a very reasonably lunch here in a lively, bustling atmosphere.
Berlin – Germany
Berlin is an easy city to get around, with an efficient and affordable metro and bus system. If you are planning on cramming in the sights for short stay, it’s easy to navigate. So what’s to see? Start out with a trip to the revamped Reichstag Building that once housed the German Government. It’s glass dome top has 360 degree views. If you enjoy heights, take a trip to the rotating Fernsehturm Berlin in Alexanderplatz, also known as the Berlin Television Tower, at 368m it gives you great views of the city. Take a stroll in Tiergarten – the citys largerst garden with 210 hectares of grounds and lakes. See the Brandenburg Gate, and get an idea of it’s importance through a visit to Museum Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is a base for both old and new museums in Berlin. Nightlife in Berlin is non stop – cabarets, nightclubs, street theatre – it’s got everything, so two days here should leave your breathless!
Copenhagen – Denmark
With it’s cool, cutting edge architecture, this waterfront city is so pretty all year round. Explore it on foot or cycle – Denmark’s capital has 186 miles of bike paths. Right in the centre of the city is City Hall and The Main Square – see the gorgeous Crown Jewels in the Rosenborg Castle and amble along The Strøget, one of the longest shopping routes to be found in Europe. Stroll along the Nyhavn (“New Harbour”) and choose a canal trip – fantastic to see the city at a slow pace. Many of them also offer a traditional Danish brunch, so you can munch and sightsee, minus the indigestion!
There are plenty of tour operators to choose from including easyjet to help you plan a quick-whizz tour of top European cities – perfect for a short break!