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Central Europe City Guides Preview

Czech Repubic - Prague

Overview of Czech Country Profile & Prague City Guide Information:

The sightseeing and attractions in Prague are legendary. In the 'Lesser Town Prague' there is a road called Nerudova which contains a 1000 years of architecture in it. It links the famous Charles Bridge (Karlov Most) and Prague Castle the parts of which date back to the 9th century and The St Vitus Catherdral. Other attractions in the Lesser Town include the 16th century Golden Lane once the home of Frank Kafka. More.

The centre of Prague is the Wenceslas Square area. This vast square is the foreground of the National Museum, the Satute of Vaclev Myslbek on horseback. and the Statue of St Wencelas. There is also a Memorial To The Victims Of Communism on the spot where Jan Palach burnt himself to death in January 1969 as a protest against The Soviet led invasion of Czechslovakia in 1968. Republic five months earlier in August 1968. Jan Palach & site dedication.

Restaurants in Prague - Eating out in Prague one is spoilt for choice. The Cafe Lourve is a must!

The nightlife in Prague is famous and very well established whether you are clubbing or staying out all night in one of the city's numerous bars. Prague is also one of Europes leading destinations for Stag weekends.

Public transport in Prague is a model that London should examine. It operates efficiently whatever the weather and is dependable. It is easy to navigate, supported by an excellent website and is very cheap. Night services are excellent. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Prague is generally very fairly priced and some of the commercially managed apartments are among the best in Europe. Even in the prime tourist areas its possible to get a deal. The Prague Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Czech & Prague Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main Czech index. Information on the weather in Prague and average monthly temperatures is available in the Prague City Guide.

Romania - Bucharest

Overview of Romania Country Profile & Bucharest City Guide Information:

The history of Bucharest was first documentated in 1459 The document was signed by the ruler of Wallachia (the first Romanian State) Vlad Dracula, better known as 'Vlad the Impaler' More. Between the 16th and 19th centuries Bucharest was he battleground for the armies of the Austrians Ottomans and Russians. In 1862, it became the capital of the new united Romania. At the beginning of WW2 Romania was an ally of Nazi Germany but it later supported the allies. In 1944 Soviet Union Forces entered Romania and a pro-soviet communist goverment was installed. In 1965 Nicolae Ceausescu became Romanian President His regime became famous for oppression and totalitarianism. In 1989 a revolution against the regime ended the with the Xmas execution of Ceausescu. More.

Generally the sightseeing and attractions in Bucharest in architectural terms have a distinct 'French' influence. That said Bucharests leading attraction the Palace Of The Parliament was actually designed by Romanian architects and built using only Romanian materials. It was built by President Ceausescu as a palace to house himself and his wife. Lavishly decorated even by royal standards. More down to earth is the Village Museum an open air museum which features over 250 buildings and farm homes from all over Romania on a 10 hectacre site. More

Restaurants in Bucharest have a distinct European air about them he Bisto Atheneu aesthetically seems French but it has a fairly European menu and a number of Romanian dishes. The Silviu a is a good italian restaurant especially if you appreciate meat and pasta dishes. Traditional Romanian can be sampled at The Bradet - good food at fair prices. More

Nightlife in Bucharest in Bucharest is a flourishing industry. Since the fall of communism many of the former palaces have been converted into select night clubs and casinos. Clubbers who are into music as opposed to burning money should appreciate The Tunnel Club who play only serious dance music. Salsa 2 is a very popular techno dance club with locals and its seems to always be busy. Green Hours is a bar often offering live jazz and classical guitar sessions . More

Public transport in Bucharest is made of a small metro and numerous bus tram and trolley routes Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Bucharest is usually very cheap and cheap apartments can be be little basic. The Bucharest Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Romania & Bucharest Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on the weather in Bucharest and average monthly temperatures is available in the Bucharest City Guide

Consular & Visa, With Travel Advice For Austria Bulgaria Czech Republic Germany Hungary & Romania

Details of visa and consular information for these Central Europe countries plus useful travel advice can found on the Consuate page

National & International Coach Information for Austria Bulgaria Czech Republic Germany Hungary & Romania

Details of national rail networks and international railway services to these Central Europe countries can be accessed on the coach page

Bulgaria- Sofia

Overview of Bulgaria Country Profile & Sofia City Guide Information:

The early history of Sofia can be traced to around 600BC when present day Sofia was called Sardica after the Serdi (Thracian) that lived there. It was renamed by the Romans as Ulpia Serdica in AD29 who developed the city in tradional Roman style. In 447 it was renamed Triaditsa after being rebuilt by the Byzantines before becoming part of the first Bulgarian Empire and given the Slavic name Sredets It was renamed Sofia in 137 and in 1382 it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. In 1878 it was conquered by the Russians until 1908 when it became the capital of the Kingdom of Bulgaria. At the end WW2 it was occupied by the Red Army who installed a pro-soviet government. More

Austria - Vienna

Overview of Austria Country Profile & Vienna City Guide Information:

The history of Vienna date backs to 500BC when Celts settled there. In 15BC It was renamed Vindobonna when it was taken over by the Romans. In the Middle Ages it became the home of the Hapsburg Dynasty and gradually became a centre for those who appreciated art music science and cuisine. In 1805 Vienna was designated the capital of the Austrian Empire and subsequently the Austrian Hungarian Empire. . After WW1 it became the capital of the Austrian Republic. This status was lost to Berlin when Germany occupied the country from 1938 until 1945. More

Sightseeing and Attractions in Vienna centre on the arts It has 'institutions' acclaimed for their productions of classical plays, opera and classical music. Vienna is often referred to as the Classical Musical Capital of the World as Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart Schubert and Strauss have all lived there. It has numerous concert halls, The Vienna State Opera House, The Vienna Volksoper and The Vienna Chamber Opera. Vienna the former throne the throne of the Hapsburg Empire, has many examples of Baroque architecture including The Belvedere Palace and The Schonbrunn Palace and the 500 year old St Stephens Catherdal. Another imperialistic attractions include the famous Spanish Riding School. More

A recent addition to Vienna is The Danube City (aesthetically is more like Canary Wharf London or Southgate in the financial area of Melbourne). This project due for completion in 2012 will appeal to those who enjoy looking at reflections of the sky in panes of glass.

Restaurants & In Vienna Given their abundance, you could be forgiven if your first impression of Vienna was that it was the birth place of Cake and Coffee houses. one to sample is The Schwarzenburg Cafe. The Danube Tower. is a movable feast as the restaurant revolves offering patrons an amazing view of Vienna.

Nightlife & Clubbing in Vienna is very cosmopolitian. The clubbing scene is varied WUK is a big player offering alternative rock & pop to hip-hop, reggae, dancehall, world and drum'n'bass house and electro Flex is famous for its 'fat' basses sound system often hosts international stars. Popular too is Jazz.

The public transport in Vienna is similiar in structure to Berlin. Services are excellent. Apartment & Hotel Accommodation In Vienna. Very high standards accompanied by some equally high prices - shop around! The Vienna Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals & departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Austria & Vienna Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main Austria index. For Information on the weather in Vienna and average monthly temperatures monthly see the Vienna City Guide.

Austria - Salzburg

Overview of Austria Country Profile & Salzburg City Guide Information:

The history of Salzburg is believed to date baxk to 15BC. In Roman times the area was known as Juvavum. In 1077 a fortress was built - The Festung Hohensalzburg - from where the city the present citys name originates. In the 14th century the city became independent of its Bavarian rulers. In 1805 it became part of Austria before in 1810 being returned to Bavaria. In 1810 it was returned to Austria and in 1850 under the Austrian Crown it became and independent terrority. In 1921 an official poll claimed that 99% of Salzburg citizens wanted the city to become part of Germany. More Information.

The sightseeing and attractions in Salzburg are dominated by the Honensalzburg Castle and the Salzburg Catherdral. Alongside the Catherdal there are two squares - the first Residenzplatz in the summer is home to open air concerts and the second Kapitelplatz often features live theatre as well as concerts. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart is a maze of small roads and alleys populated by squares. More Info.

Many of the citys sightseeing and attractions are suitable for children. The Museum of Modern Art on the Mönchsberg offers children's workshops and tours of the museum for various age groups. Or the kids can embark on a supervised children's tour of the Old City - other attractions include: the Marionette Theater, the Toy Museum,and Fürst Confectioners, where the famous Salzburg Mozartkugel was invented.

2008 EUFA CUP In Austria And Switzerland The 2008 European Cup football finals are being held in Austria & Switzerland. 7-29th June. Salzburg and Vienna will host three matches. More

Germany - Berlin

Overview of Germany Country Profile & Berlin City Guide Information:

The earliest documented history of Berlin is 1244AD. In 1451 the city gave up its 'free' status when it became the Royal Residence of the Brandenburg Electors. The outbreak of the Thirty Years War in 1618 severely damaged Berlin and by 1648 In 1701 it became the capital of Prussia. In 1740, King Frederick 11 came to power and began to develoe the city as an economic area.. In 1871 it was chosen by the government of the newly formed Germam Empire as the countrys capital. More In 1918 at the end of WW1 it was declared as part of the Weimar Republic. German History 1918-45. See also Auschwitz & Birkenau. & Responses To Holocaust and Post war German History.

The sightseeing and attractions in Berlin are often thought to be symbolic of the 'cold war' but its history is far more enduring. The Brandenburg Gate was, built between 1788 - 1791. This is the only remaining gate to the original Old Berlin with The Chariot of Quadriga added in 1794. The Gendarmen Markt, which many believe to be one of Europe's most bueatiful squares was built in 1688. It is home to The Deutscher Dom originally built in 1701. It's dome was added in 1780, destroyed in WW2 and restored in 1996. The home of the German Parliament - The Reichstag originally built in 1884 was partially destroyed in a fire in 1933 and its Dome was blown up in 1945. and reconstructed in 1994.

The symbol of the the division of Berlin was The Berlin Wall and the Death Strip. only a few parts remain near the The Berlin Wall Documentation Centre. Checkpoint Charlie is no more though there is a 'mock up' which is only worthy of a mention because of its apalling bad taste. A more constructive use of time can be spent at the Holocaust Memorial Centre adjacent to the Brandenburg Gate. More info.

Restaurants in Berlin - have a distinct international flavour especially in the Charlottenburg area. Worth noting are 'Alt Luxemburg' for good German food and offers exceptional lobster and rabbitt entree's. 'The Engelbecken' with fare often found in the Alpine and Bavarian regions and 'Grossbeerenkelle' for typical German food. More Information.

The nightlife in Berlin is lively and wide ranging -a good place for stag weekends

Public transport in Berlin is effecient - includes bus rail metro and rail services. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Berlin Good choice for all budgets but much cheaper in the (East) Alexanderplatz area. The Berlin Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the German & Berlin Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on the weather in Berlin and average monthly temperatures is in the Berlin City Guide.

Germany - Erfurt

Overview of Germany Country Profile & Erfurt City Guide Information:

The history of Erfurt was first documented in 742 when the city was called Erphesfurt.By the Middle Ages it was a well known market town It was an important trading town. It was one of five local towns along the Gera River in Thuringian who specialised in producing and selling flora and the seeds of flora. It was fairly affluent and in 1392 it opened its own university. In 1803 Erfurt became part of Prussia and the university closed 13 years later.

In 1945 Erfurt fell into the zone of Germany occupied by the Russians and became part of the German Democratic Republic. Durng this time it was designated the capital of the restablished Thuringia State.

Consequently the sightseeing and attractions in Erfurt reflect Erfurt's long history. One part of the city is named Kleinvenedig (Little Venice). as it has many of Erfurts 140 bridges. The oldest bridge - Kramerbrucke - dates back to the 14thcentury. There also is the The Prediger Church formerly the home to Martin Luther when he was a friar. The medieval Catherdral & Chuch Of St Severus is viewed as being so magnificent that it compares favourable with best in Rome.

Each year Erfurt stages several festivals and carnivals. The Kramerbruckenfest is the most popular of these and the largest such event in Thuringia. It is very child friendly offering a wide range a street entertainment including singing & juggling

Most of these buildings can be found in Altstadtit - the Old Townstill which is a maze of cobblestobe alleys ordained with historic houses, quite a few bridges and churches with high spires. Many of the buildings have very well preserved Baroque and Renaissance facades. It is very easy to spend several hours wandering aimlessly around appreciating this unspoiled quarter. More

For information on Restaurants in Erfurt please see the restaurant guide link in the Erfurt City Guide.

Nightlife in Erfurt is centred around bars rather than clubs - see the pub guide

Public transport in Erfurt involves 27 bus and tram and routes which provide a reliable and regular service. At night there are special hourly services. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Erfurt is fairly priced and of a good standard. Apartments are generally very well fitted. The Erfurt Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the German & Erfurt Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main German index. Information on the weather in Erfurt and average monthly temperatures is available in the Erfurt City Guide.

Germany - Leipzig

Overview of Germany Country Profile & Leipzig City Guide Information:

The first record of the history of Leipzig is dated 1015. In 1165 it was first recognised as a 'city'. and its market given special dispensation to trade. The Leipzig Trade Fair was estabished in the Medieval Ages and its success influenced Saxony and German tradiing policy . In the 15th century the City opened its own University. In 1813 it was the centre of the Battle Of The Nations which stopped Napoleon's domination of Europe. In 1839 following the building of the the first inter city German railway (between Dresden and Leipzig) the city built the largest railway station in Europe. Leipzig became a center of the German and Saxon liberal movements.

In April 1945 the city was captured from the Nazis by US troops. In July the US withdrew and Leipzig was occupied by Soviet forces - becoming part of the German Democratic Republic. In 1989 it's Nikolai Church held 'prayers for peace' and started the biggest mass protest ever against communism. More.

The sightseeing and attractions in Leipzig include 'Nikolaichirche' this church built in 1165 has had various parts added over the last 800 years. It contains a rare mixture of Baroque, Gothic & Renaissance architecture. see also Mondays Revolution . The main square in Leipzig is The Markt. It is a very wide square and in summer is a popular venue for concerts and music festivals. The main feature of the square is Altes Rathaus which is the 16th century The Lepzig Council Town Hall which is free to walk around. It also contains the local history museum Stadgeschichtliches. It has a reputation for putting on specialist music and religious exhibitions. More.

There are so many Restaurants in Leipzig it is impossible not to eat out. Ehen you arrive there are numerous cafes and restaurants in the shopping centre where Leipzig rail station is. However the main restaurant area is around Fleischergrasse Their are numerous restaurants here but for each one there is a cafe. Cafe Zum Arabischen is one of the oldest coffee houses in Europe and it sells every type of coffee imaginable and it was often frequented by Liszt & Wagner. The Averbachs Keller restaurant serves excellent local food some as does Apels Garten at lesser prices. More

nightlife in Leipzig - feature not available

Public transport in Leipzig consists of 45 tram and bus routes that are well intergrated. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Leipzig can be expensive especially during trade fairs. The Leipzig Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Leipzig & German Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main German index. Information on the weather in Leipzig and average monthly temperatures is available in the Leipzig City Guide.

Hungary - Budapest

Overview of Hungary Country Profile & Budapest City Guide Information:

The history of Budapest indicates that it was founded as the Roman town of Aquincum in AD89 near an an old Celtic settlement in an area which for several centuries was known as Obuda. The word Pest (meaning sentry point) is believed to be Turkish and refers to another Roman settlement by some historans but not all. In the 9th century the Slavs settled in the area along with the Maygars from Central Asia. Many believe this migration is the basis of Hungarys culture and language. In 1241 Pest was briefly invaded and destroyed by Mongol invaders.The town was rebuilt but it was in Buda, six years later, that the Royal castle was built. In 1361 Buda became Hungary's capital Buda and Pest where both invaded by armies of the Ottoman Empire in 1541. The cities were recaptured in 1686 by the Austrian Habsburg rulers. More

At the end of WW1 Budapest remained Hungarys capital but two thirds of the country's land had been lost. . At the end of the WW2 the Red Army installed a communist government. In the following decade Budapest was rebuilt. In 1956 the people of Budapest tried to rid themselves of Communism but the October 'Hungarian Uprising' was brutally quoshed on Nov 4th. Recent History

There are many sightseeing and attractions in Budapest - The most thought provoking sight in Budapest is The Eternal Flame. lit on the 40th anniversary of the 1956 Uprising. Nearby are the statues of the then Hungarian President Imre Nagy and Hungarian poet Attila Josef. The Opera House (built in 1878) in Renaissance style is lavishly decorated. More. Budapests most endearing open space is St Margarets Island -see the best of Budapest.

Some Restaurants in Budapest apart from offering good food encourage live musicians to serenade unsuspecting diners. You have been warned! Places of interest foodwise include the enigmatic The Vista Travel Cafe with excitable staff and a haunt of backpackers & proffessionals and The Gundel with traditional Hungarian fare and The Baraka slightly unorthodox but a favourite of the discerning. More

The nightlife in Budapest is good and stag and hen weekends feature here. but beware of the advice of taxis drivers.

Public transport in Budapest is made up of buses tram trolley bus and three metros. All Reliable. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Budapest is of a good standard and not expensive . Short term rental apartments represent good value. The Budapest Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Hungary & Budapest Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main Hungary index. Information on the weather in Budapest and average monthly temperatures is in the Budapest City Guide.