When travelers visit the capital cities in central Europe, they’ll experience a tumultuous history and have ample time to celebrate the tapestry of their differences. The distinct diversity of central Europe is subtlety revealed in its art, cafes and cultures that span over centuries. Read about the capital cities of Berlin, Prague, and Vienna and how to appreciate their famous landmarks.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a breathtaking city- from its marvelous architecture, world class museums and musical heritages, there is a certain formality and grandeur that’s revealed to travelers at first glance. Nestled within the traditional culture of is Vienna’s Naschmarkt.
Naschmarkt in Vienna is a historic landmark and is the best place to find fresh food. The market serves a wide variety of different purposes, serving not only the local residents of the area who come here to do their daily food shopping, but also visitors from around the globe who come to enjoy the main sights and sounds of the market. Nowhere else in Austria will you find such a wide range of things to see, to eat, to drink and to enjoy as at the Naschmarkt.
On Saturday mornings, a huge flea market sets up next to the main food stalls. As you peruse more than 120 vendors and restaurants at the Naschmarkt, you’ll find flavors spanning the various cultural influences that shaped Vienna. From Turkish-inspired goodies, like olives, stuffed peppers, and baklava, to traditional Austrian delicacies of fermented cabbage and fruit vinegars, the Naschmarkt will overwhelm your senses.
Explore the unique charm and flair this cultural capital has to offer. Wander along narrow, medieval alleys, across imperial squares, and marvel at the majestic architecture. Be inspired by an atmosphere steeped in history, which also boasts the comforts and infrastructure of a modern city.
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Prague, Czech Republic
The centuries of history are framed by the well-preserved architecture, the poetic cobblestone streets, and the pastel-colored buildings. The style of the surroundings all run together to give travelers the feeling that Prague is a fairy tale city. Old Town is the heart a soul of this city because most of its majestic churches, cobbled alleyways, and colorful merchant homes remain intact.
Dating from the 14th century, you’ll find the Týn Church in the center of the Old Town. It resembles a Bohemian fairy tale, with its Magic Kingdom-like Gothic towers drawing focus on the main square. Alongside the nearby Old Town Hall stands a more than 600-year-old astronomical clock, the oldest operating of its kind in the world.
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To top off your Old Town experience, walk along any of the smaller cobblestone streets towards the Vltava River. When you cross the Charles Bridge, your eyes will be drawn to the right to Prague Castle, where the new features of the old city combined as one.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin has gradually evolved and earned its reputation as a leading European city with its high art scene and dynamic, cutting-edge performances. This major city bursting with ideas, inspiration, art, culture and creativity. Berlin attracts visitors who are impressed with the diversity of its numerous museums, palaces and historic structures.
Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s most famous and iconic landmark. Commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia in the late 18th century, the awe-inspiring Brandenburg Gate was originally intended as a symbol of peace. The design of the Brandenburg Gate was inspired by the Acropolis in Athens. In the earliest days of Berlin, the gate served as a customs boundary for goods entering the city.
Though heavily damaged during World War II, Brandenburg Gate remained one of the few structures standing at the war’s end. During the Cold War, the monument used to divide the city and country, both geographically and politically. When Germany was reunified in November 1989, the Brandenburg Gate quickly reinvented itself in to a symbol of unity.
The progressive spirit of optimism that engulfed the reunified city was – and still is – astounding. Hundreds of backyard art studios emerged and art soon began to take over streets, the walls of buildings and even entire districts. Travelers leave Berlin inspired and enchanted by the creative force that lies behind the city’s distinctive vibe.
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