You lose sight of things and when you travel everything balances out. To think of landing in a foreign country without a working cell phone, without any connection to the outside world, only a connection to the here and now. It’s an invigorating feeling. As I sit on the tile floor of Logan airport, I mentally prepare for all of the tile floors I will sit on, praying and hoping that the local bus will appear to bring me to my next destination. And, maybe it won’t appear. And unlike any other time, I don’t really care. Traveling, learning, seeing something for the first and possibly the last time. It’s the experience I am most excited for and what I appreciate most in this life.
(I really did write this as I waited for my flight to take off for my three week backpacking adventure in May 2014). You must agree that traveling IS the best thing we have in this life.
Now having gone to Europe 3 times now, visiting over 17 different countries, I am going to share my top 3 destinations to date and what you must check out when and if you make the trip to these cities.
Siena, Italy– Easily the most enchanting city I have ever visited. Located in Tuscany, there is so much history here like most European cities, but the medieval city scape of this city is one for the books. The Piazza del Campo is recognized as the center of Sienna and as one of the greatest medieval squares. The Palio, a horse race, has been held in the square since the early 1700’s and the event is still held today once in July and once in August. Crazy that this tradition is still going on, so freaking cool. The Siena Cathedral will take your breath away, you must take a tour. The black and white marble and mosaics that lie on the floor, tell religious stories as you walk over them. Inside you can find the Biblioteca Piccolomini as well. It is an old library with a fresco painted ceiling, covered in colorful, detailed artwork that tells a story of the Renaissance era, bringing you back in time the second you walk into it. It reminds me of the Sistine Chapel, but thankfully you can enjoy this gem with less crowds. Walk all around this city, down the small alleyways and side streets that are filled with cute café’s and top quality restaurants.
I had the best home-made pesto pasta dish of my life in Sienna at a restaurant called La Taverna di San Giuseppe. I still dream about it six years later. Every dish on the menu is home-made or locally grown. From the gnocchi, tagliatelle with truffle, and pici (a popular home-made pasta made in Siena and Tuscany) to the bistecca Fiorentina, a succulent beef fillet with a dough crust served with porcini mushrooms and drizzled in olive oil. The restaurant is a piece of history, dating back to 1100, it is situated in a cave-like cellar and candlelit to create a very romantic setting. I honestly hope someone proposes to me in this exact restaurant one day. They also have an unbelievable wine list where the cheapest of wines are divine and taste like they should cost $100 a glass but really cost $6 euro. You must get yourself here.
Add this city to your list.
Krakow, Poland, Not only is this one of the cheapest countries I have visited in Europe but it’s also one of the most unique locations I have had the pleasure of visiting. From the hotel (stunning and $15 USD a night), to the food, to the historical sites, Krakow and the country of Poland needs to be on your list. While in Krakow, you must stroll and visit Rynek Glowny, also known as the market square in old town. It is the biggest medieval square in all of Europe, and is always bustling with both travelers and locals and is home to many art festivals, shops, and pubs. While you are here, take a look inside Mary’s Basilica, it’s a beautifully unsymmetrical two towered gothic church that was constructed back in the 13th century. Also, tour the Wawel Cathedral to see and read about the burial chambers and tombs of famous historical figures in Polish History (only about $3 USD!). For the best pierogi of your life, you must get yourself to Pryzstanek Pierogarnia, it’s a small corner café, a true hidden gem, a few blocks outside of the main square. The cabbage and mushroom pierogi and strawberry pierogi do not disappoint!
As you may know, Poland is home to Auschwitz- Birkeneau, the German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp Memorial and State Museum. I highly recommend visiting Auschwitz- Birkeneau. It was hands-down the most emotional yet educational experience I have ever had. You learn how many people were affected by the Nazi regime. You get to read real stories, and see the actual extermination chambers and corridors of those killed. It’s very overwhelming but a once in a lifetime experience. Buses leave from the train station in Krakow, it’s about a 45 minute trip to the sites.
Interlaken, Switzerland, easily one of the most peaceful places I have visited thusfar in my 23 years of life. Come here to de-stress and unwind. After a day here, I bet you appreciate the world in all of its natural beauty a bit more. The first time I drove from Geneva to Interlaken, and approached the small town, I started to cry. I actually bawled out of pure amazement that this place actually exists. The surrounding Swiss Alps and Lake Thun literally take your breath away as you drive alongside them and no picture you take is going to do it justice (sorry!). While you are here, you must rent bikes. Pick up some beer and snacks from the Coop, what seems like Interlaken’s one and only convenience store chain, and make your way to Flying Wheels at the end of Hoheweg, the main street running through the town (the Coop is also on this street). Have an afternoon and bike the side of Lake Thun to take it all in. Breathe in the crisp, fresh air and marvel over the Swiss Alps. Make sure you pinch yourself because the scenery is real. Also, spend some time on the Hohematte, also found off Hoheweg. It’s a large meadow filled with flowers and another perfect spot to get some stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s THE spot for paragliders to land as well which is quite fun to watch.
To see the town of Interlaken from above, visit Harder Klum. Harder Klum is reachable by funicular railway (worthwhile experience in itself), and is a look out point with a fantastic view of the town, Brienz and Thun lakes, and the Jungfrau region. When you get to the top, you should go for a short hike too, there are a few different trails to choose from. Side note: The Panorama restaurant is nice but not worth the money, unless you are willing to throw down too many swizz francs for an average meal at best. If you want to sit and enjoy the view, just grab a beer here.
At the end of a long day of activities, head to the Metro “club” at the Balmer’s hostel. It is a good freaking time and its where travelers and locals alike head to when the sun goes down. (You will see the sign to the bar on the left side of the driveway as you walk onto the Balmer’s property). The Metro club has reasonably priced mixed drinks and beer (rare in Switzerland) and everyone, I mean everyone is here to have a good time. The DJ plays great music, so get ready to dance. Party on.
Additional Recommendations: Since Switzerland is quite expensive (very, very expensive), I recommend staying at Balmer’s Hostel or Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof and sharing a room with a few other travelers or splurging just a little with a stay at Hotel de la Paix. The hostels are the best bang for your buck in Switzerland and at Backpackers Villa you can sign up for a three course dinner at restaurant Des Alpes for 19 euro which is a GREAT deal for Interlaken. Look out for these add-on opportunities when you are checking out different hostels in the area. They are a good deal.