Authentic Europe | Architecture, Art & More
Europe is the perfect holiday destination, especially for those interested in culture, art, and history. With plenty of heritage sites and authentic establishments to visit, Europe is full of opportunities that will inspire and educate! If you would like to see some of the best spots to learn about centuries-old art, architecture, and entertainment, check out our list and choose what works best!
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
As Germany’s signature mark and one of the most significant monuments, Brandenburg Gate is the perfect spot to start your European journey. Mainly, the gate used to serve as a reminder and a symbol of the city’s Cold War division into East and West. However, since the fall of the great wall, Brandenburg has been considered a face of reunification.
Not to mention, it is an excellent piece of architecture! Completed in the 18th century, Brandenburg Gate is the perfect display of Neoclassicism and is deemed Berlin’s first Greek revival building!
The similarities are quite clear at first glance, so you will definitely recognize the inspiration behind the gate. Its main structure reminds of the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, and the Doric columns are another tell-tale sign.
By the Second World War, most of the buildings around Brandenburg Gate were in ruins, but it has been reconstructed, so you can admire a new wave of German architecture!
Prague’s Architecture
Carry on with your journey and take the short train from Berlin to Prague! This way, you will get an insight into the broadest range of genius architecture and the most beautiful buildings.
The capital city of the Czech Republic is like a map of various architectural styles and the most attractive design choices. Most of the gems from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras are still standing and well-preserved since, unlike other European countries, the Czech Republic did not need rebuilding in the 18th century.
You can hardly narrow it down to a couple of the most beautiful or significant ones, so we suggest making a short list.
Make sure to visit the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the mixture of Baroque and Rococo at the St. Nicholas Church, and, essentially, a clear display of Romanticism and Neo-Renaissance at the Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock.
Hungarian Restaurants
Food is an inseparable part of a country’s identity, but we daresay, the same goes for a continent!. And Europe has more than a few impeccable cuisines with expansive menus and the most delicious food. If you wish to try something authentic and distinctly European, we suggest visiting Budapest and trying out the top restaurants here!
If you could ask anyone, Hungary is mainly known for a wide variety of comfort food. We are talking about these kinds of dishes that fill you up, warm the insides, and make you comfy and even a bit sleepy, all while tasting delicious. Many European cuisines are known for that, but Hungarian food takes the lead.
Try out their famous Goulash, a warm beef stew with vegetables and bread. Also, make sure you order Langos, a deep-fried street food that is often called Hungarian pizza! Wherever your journey takes you, remember to stop for a bite!
Vienna’s Culture
Famous for Gustav Klimt, Franz Schubert, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and many others, Austria is like a beating heart of cultural Europe. To find out more about it, choose comfortable train travel from Budapest to Vienna!
Basically, Vienna is full of all kinds of spots and monuments commemorating these great names and their heritage. However, if you would like to see something more put-together, we suggest visiting the Belvedere Palace and Museum, Vienna’s Museum of Art History, Mozarthaus, and, of course, you can never go wrong with the Vienna State Opera House!
The latter is a must if you first want to look at authentic Austrian culture and its excellence in the music world. Both opera and ballet here are of the top quality, so catching a show is a priority!
Florence’s Art
Europe’s capital city of art, Florence is one of the most impressive destinations on our list. Truly, even a day out there feels otherworldly, so make sure you book a few!
With remarkably well-preserved Renaissance buildings and the most important artworks in the world, this Italian city is probably one of the top places to acknowledge the significance that history has had on the genius European mind and how well it was managed.
Definitely visit the Uffizi Gallery for such impressive pieces like “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli, “Coronation of the Virgin” by Fra Angelico, “Laocoon and His Sons” by Baccio Bandinelli, and many more!
Did you know that approximately 60% of the world’s most important artworks are located in Italy? Well, half of them have found their place in Florence. So, wait no more and book those tickets!
There you go! Five great destinations for the most authentic European features. Take as much as you can, and always keep your eyes wide open - sometimes, the best touring is done by simply looking around. Have a great time discovering Europe, and good luck!