BUDAPEST
The Hungarian capital is split by the River Danube over which the famed, 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. Perhaps not for the faint-hearted, a funicular train runs up the steep Castle Hill to Buda Castle and the Old Town. Here the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times. Buda Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is also home to the Fishermen’s Bastion – a picturesque updated lookout platform – and Matthias Church, which dates back to the 13th century.
See the city via a hop-on-hop-off bus, which gives the option to explore those areas that catch your interest. ‘Don’t miss’ spots include the Szechenyi Spa, Europe’s largest bath and pool complex in a city that is known for them, and Andrássy Avenue. This World Heritage Site thoroughfare was built to connect the city centre to City Park with eclectic Neo-Renaissance palaces and a shopping area that’s attracted many world-famous designers.
Take a trip to Buda Castle and explore the Hungarian National Gallery which is housed there.
A visit to the Szechenyi Thermal Spa is an absolute must.
The Shoes on the Danube Bank installation is a poignant memorial to those lined up on the riverbank and shot by fascist militia during the Second World War, their shoes were left behind as their bodies were carried away by the flowing water. And the House of Terror houses exhibits related to the fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century Hungary and is also a memorial to the victims of these regimes, including those detained, interrogated, tortured or killed in the building.
The city has four Michelin-starred restaurants – Costes, Costes Downtown, Onyx, and Borkonyha – also check out Karavan street food court, Paneer for various fried cheeses at Kiraly Street in the VI District, and Tomi Langos – langos being the ultimate Hungarian street food of deep friend flat bread, add cheese or sour cream, or both!
BERLIN
From a city divided by the infamous Berlin Wall, the German capital was reunited 29 years ago and wasted no time in vying for the unofficial Capital of Cool title. There is so much history here, it’s hard to know where to start but the preserved sections of the wall are as good a place as any. Daubed with graffiti and standing in stark contrast to the liberal freedom of today’s Berlin, they give a glimpse towards a much darker time; as does the notorious Checkpoint Charlie, one of the crossing points between east and west, now preserved both for posterity and for the ubiquitous selfie generation.
No trip to Berlin would be complete without a visit to the Holocaust Memorial, a haunting series of concrete slabs which remains eerily quiet despite its central location. This deference to the Nazis’ victims comes in stark contrast to the site of Hitler’s Führerbunker – which is now a car park outside an unassuming block of flats!
The best way to see the city is on a walking tour, which depart regularly from the opposite the Hotel Adlon – where Michael Jackson famously dangled his infant son, Blanket, from a balcony! This is right next to one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate which, in turn, opens onto the Unter den Linden, a name that will be familiar to any reader of Cold War spy stories.
Despite its long history, Berlin has a youthful, buzzing vibe with the feeling that a party is never far away. All you have to do is find it.
AMSTERDAM
Another of Europe’s most cool capitals, when one thinks of Amsterdam the things that automatically come to mind are tulips, canals, bicycles and, ahem, the infamous red-light district. Leaving the latter aside, the city has plenty to offer, whether for a short break or a longer holiday.
The centre of Amsterdam is infinitely walkable and, in fact, there are several good walking tours. There are also bikes for rent, cheaply, all over the city – plus cycle lanes everywhere and very bike-friendly motorists. Head down to the banks of the Amstel River, where you’ll find both the flea market and a gorgeous flower market offering every kind of tulip imaginable, including fakes so good you can hardly tell the difference.
If your feet get tired, take a canal boat cruise where you’ll learn about the city’s history and pass many of its notable buildings, including the house in which the teen Anne Frank penned her diary whilst in hiding from the Nazis. The house itself is now a museum which is well worth a visit, but don’t forget your tissues.
Take a trip out into the surrounding countryside to see the windmills for which Holland is famous and then head back into the city to partake of the nightlife, for which Amsterdam is equally well-known. Round your evening off with a serving of fries accompanied by Ketchup and mayo, a typical Amsterdam treat,
