Budva is one of the oldest cities along the Adriatic Coast and the most popular destination in Montenegro. It’s not the history that draws in tourists primarily though - but its beach resorts and the accompanying beach resort economy. Here, you’ll find high-rise modern apartment complexes, nice hotels, plenty of restaurants, and bars to party. It felt to me like a tiny Miami.
Read MoreKotor is known for its medieval Old Town, which is aesthetically similar to Dubrovnik. What sets Kotor apart from the neighboring Old Towns along the Dalmatian Coast, though, is its cliff-side fort and its stunning bay views. Kotor also makes a quiet, comfortable base for day trips through Montenegro.
Read MoreI’m 6 months into my 16-month round the world trip, and I’ve found something to love everyplace I’ve been in 79 cities across 28 countries. Month six was about settling into a place of peace and equanimity with the outside world - of accepting surrendering control of things I can’t change. This summary covers where I’ve been, what I’ve learned, and how I’ve grown.
Read MorePodgorica is sometimes called the most boring capital in Europe; based on my sample, that seems like a fair assessment. Mostly destroyed during WW2, Podgorica was rebuilt largely during communist Yugoslavia. The result is a city of brutalist architecture that feels uninspired - livable but dull.
Read MoreSarajevo openly wears its history - a place you can understand by walking around without a tour guide. Experience its Ottoman era in its bazaar, its Austrian-Hungarian era in its city center, or see relics of the Bosnian War on the streets and the abandoned buildings. The coolest experience to me, though, is wandering its abandoned bobsled track - which is now overtaken by street art and nature.
Read MoreWhile Banja Luka struck me as quite livable, I think there’s little noteworthy as a tourist destination. You might find yourself there, though, as a convenient stopping point between destinations in the Balkans. My best advice would be to spend half a day hitting a few sights - and then live out your time like you would at home. Grab a dinner, go to a movie, go shopping, relax.
Read MoreBihac is a small city in the northwest of Bosnia that is largely unremarkable - save for being the most common starting location to see the waterfalls of Una National Park. While easiest to maneuver with a car or a bike, or in season paying to go river rafting or kayaking, exploring the park is doable on a small budget with public transit. The trip is worth it - but be prepared for a long hike.
Read MoreJajce was the capital of medieval Bosnia and held the convention that formed Yugoslavia. It’s also a charming small town with city walls, ruins of a hilltop fortress, a large waterfall, picturesque mountain views, and 3 mile walk to two spectacular lakes. Despite that, it doesn’t attract many tourists - leaving it quiet, a secret Bosnian gem.
Read MoreMostar is a delightful blend of Islamic culture and what you may expect from a trip to Europe. The Old Town, centered by a stunning stone bridge, is primed for social media pictures. Its bazaar is full of (kitschy) Ottoman style souvenir shops, Bosnian (Turkish style) cafes, and historic mosques that play prayers through their speakers several times a day. It’s a backpacker favorite for a reason.
Read MoreDubrovnik was always one of the most commonly visited places on the Adriatic Sea - and its popularity boomed further after Game of Thrones as it was the filming location for King’s Landing (in most seasons). A UNESCO world heritage site, Dubrovnik is probably most famous for its preserved city walls that wrap entirely around the Old Town - but the archtitecture and city plan are just as charming.
Read MoreThe core attraction of Split - the Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace - are small and can be seen in a day - but most travelers choose to stay longer. As Croatia’s second largest city, Split offers a vibrant local economy full of bars and restaurants - and can serve as a comfortable base for day trips. Head to more nearby ruins or a medieval island town, and retreat back for a fun night out.
Read MoreSibenik is unique among Croatian Coastal cities. It’s the only one originally founded by Croats, is almost entirely built of stone, and is built cliffside - so it offers cool skyline views. Beyond that, it’s close to Krka National Park - a preserved area of waterfalls, cascades and ponds that make for a delightful day trip. In Game of Thrones, it was the set for Braavos - and it feels like it.
Read MoreZadar is Croatia’s oldest continuously inhabited city. It may not serve Game of Thrones old town grandeur but it does deliver a damn good time. You can explore one of its many quiet islands during the day - and then return to its idyllic cobbled alleys by night. Don’t forget to listen to the sea breeze tunes of the Sea Organ while enjoying what Hitchcock called the world’s most beautiful sunset.
Read MoreZagreb, the capital and largest city of Croatia, is usually a gateway to more popular cities along the Adriatic Coast. The city is by no means a must-stop on a trip through Europe, or even through Croatia - but if you find yourself there, it’s quite easy to enjoy. It’s a quieter, less impressive city than most of the European capitals - but it has its own simple, relaxing charm.
Read MoreI’m 4 months into my 16-month round the world trip, and I’ve found something to love everyplace I’ve been in 54 cities across 21 countries. Month four for me was about tackling attraction to and compulsion for excess - and fostering a greater sense of compassion and wisdom that a life of moderation is self-kindness. This summary covers where I’ve been, what I’ve learned, and how I’ve grown.
Read MoreI find Budapest hard to describe. I can’t even tell you if I liked it. I enjoyed sections - brilliant architecture spread throughout the city, spots with stunning views, and plenty of delicious affordable food. But - there was just something incoherent about Budapest to me. It’s a place to be picky about what you do, take on one section at a time, and leave spaces you don’t like quickly.
Read MoreFor anyone who yearns to sit at an opulent cafe, eating a pastry, staring out at magnificent architecture while dreaming of what could be - Vienna is perfect for you. Especially if Paris is too big, too expensive, or otherwise not your cup of tea, Vienna provides a smaller, more affordable, and in my opinion cleaner alternative.
Read MoreKrakow is often cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - and its historical district is one of the first UNESCO world heritage sites. Both of these are well earned - as Old Town Krakow is deeply charming. But more than that, it’s affordable, delicious, spacious, and offers and easy base for a day trip to Auschwitz. Honestly, just buy your tickets now.
Read MorePrague was mostly spared during WW2, leaving it with one the best preserved and varied collections of architectures in the world and one of Europe’s most stunning old towns. The result is breathtaking. What I found most unique was the foraging is legal throughout the Czech Republic, and Prague is full of wild nuts, mushrooms and fruit if you know where to look.
Read MoreBerlin can be experienced many ways - its clubs, its counter culture scene, its history, its arts . . . I think that’s why I heard from several people that they didn’t like Berlin the first time they went - but fell in love with it the second or third time. For my first visit, I chose to focus on its recent history - the Holocaust and the Berlin Wall. It was moving, informative, and grim.
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