A much nicer place to spend time is the main square in Krakow, when I first came to Poland in 1992 the square was a dismal place there were no cafes or bars, no entertainment it was a very depressing gray centre. Today it is arguably the most improved place in Poland. There are street musicians, mime artists, street sellers complimenting the many café’s restaurants and quaint shops surrounding the square and streets leading from it. The building in the centre houses a market selling mainly very touristy items although some of them are good quality although many are imported from Russia or China however bargains can still be had. Krakow have several universities there are many young people in the square on a typical summers day, this turns sitting in one of the many cafes into an education, unlike Warsaw most of the people you will see will be Polish.

Wawel Hill, pronounced “Vavel” is on Kanonica street is a very authentic area which has not changed over many centuries. The Wawel caste houses many exhibitions of art and is a beautiful building with a nice courtyard and worth entering, the gates are open until late but I would suggest mid afternoon is the best time to visit.

One place I would recommend visiting whilst in Krakow is the restaurant Wierzynek, pronounced “Virznick”, this is purported to be the oldest continuous restaurant in Europe dating from 1364. Whilst the food is fine, although the menu is rather limited, the main reason for a visit is the history of the building. Authentic armor is everywhere with middle age articles and decoration throughout, particularly the upper level. It is a delightful ambiance in which to round of your holiday and I think you will get the idea that some of the waiters have been working there since the restaurants inception.

One of the joys of Krakow is just to walk the old streets, it is a much friendlier place than Warsaw and one can still see traditional Polish life in many areas. I would suggest allowing three or four days to look around the Krakow area.

Poland’s second largest city is filled to the brim with beauty and character. Largely undamaged during World War II it has retained all of it medieval charm. It is a great place to stroll around and explore the Old Town and soak up its long and rich history. Dominating the cities skyline is the Royal Castle, situated at the top of Wawel Hill which provides the best views of the city and the Vistula River.

 

Reykjavik

The Icelandic capital is known for its hot weekend nightlife as well as its hot pools. But for those who prefer a quieter time visit one of the interesting galleries, museums and bookshops or just hang out in one of the many coffee shops. With old-fashioned wooden buildings in amongst the modern architecture and breathtaking landscapes Reykjavik is a unique experience.

 

Bruges

This city in the Flemish region of Belgium had its entire town centre designated a World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. It is the home of some of Europe’s best preserved medieval buildings and is easily one of the prettiest cities in Europe with its canals and cobbled streets. Bruges is all about strolling through picturesque streets, sampling the good food and beer and admiring the gorgeous architecture and art.

 

Istanbul

The only city in the world to encompass two continents Istanbul is the gateway between Europe and Asia. This range of cultures is what makes Istanbul such a fascinating and beautiful place to visit. Whether it is admiring the centuries old Ottoman minarets or shopping in the ancient bazaars there is lots to do. And when the sun comes down there is great food and a vibrant nightlife to explore.

 

Budapest

The Capital of Hungary was formed by the joining of hilly Buda on the right bank of the Danube with bustling Pest on the left bank. Budapest’s fascinating history along with its mix of modern architecture and Eastern mystique makes it such an absorbing place to visit. There are over 100 museums, galleries and historic buildings to see but it is the off-beat cafes that are the soul of Budapest with lively music and great food.

 

Stockholm

Perched on 14 islands, the city offers up spectacular views of its quaint waterways and pastel coloured buildings. Despite being famously expensive there are lots of museums and galleries to visit for a fix of culture once you have run out of money shopping in the numerous excellent shopping districts. The beauty of Djurgarden is also not to be missed along with the impressive 18^th century Royal Palace.

 

Vienna

Grandiose Vienna is the world’s classical music capital and the adopted home of Mozart. With its other famous resident being Sigmund Freud this is a city bursting with culture and places of interest to visit. Vienna has plenty of other pleasures too whether it is enjoying a few drinks in one of the plentiful or renowned wine taverns, a walk in the woods or along the river or just bar-hopping till morning.

 

Prague

The “Paris of the East” sits on the banks of the Vltava River and practically defines the word ‘picturesque’. It is easy to lose yourself in a city that was left largely untouched by the Second World War. In both the castle district on the left bank of the river and the Old town on the right you can stroll down narrow medieval streets and courtyards, across cobbled squares and into the many stately buildings.

 

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is cosmopolitan, classy and cultured. You can admire the elegance of the 18^th century New Town, stroll along the Royal Mile or gaze across the city from the parapets of the 16^th century castle. But it is in the summer that Edinburgh truly comes to live when the festival takes place each year, with hundreds of theatre and comedy shows and street entertainers on every street.

 

Seville

The capital of the region of Andalusia has often been overshadowed by Barcelona and Madrid but won’t disappoint. There are enough sights and things to do to wear down the most ardent of travelers. A stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir river will give you a feel for the romance of historic Seville. And when you are worn out by all the sightseeing relax in one of the many riverside restaurants.

 

Without further ado, here is the list:

1. Krakow, Poland

   Situated in south eastern Poland (a geographic area known as Galacia), Krakow is not subjected to the harsh weather most of Poland receives. The capital of the Polish Kingdom from 1038 until 1596, Krakow contains some of Europe's most majestic churches and an impressive castle. Spared the destruction of World War II and largely spared communist development during the rule of the USSR, Krakow maintains an old world Europe feel similar to Prague or Budapest. Krakow is also an hour by train or minibus from Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp from World War II. Poland is a member of the European Union and is quite safe. Despite being a member of the EU, Poland has yet to join the Euro and is still quite affordable.

2. Budapest, Hungary

   Just three hours by train or car from the Austrian capital of Vienna, Budapest is a thriving center of culture in its own right. Budapest is well known for serving as a second and equal capital of the Austrian Empire following the Dual Compromise of 1867, but truthfully it spent equal time in the Austrian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. As a result, the influence of both cultures, though vastly different, is quite apparent. Many buildings reflect Viennese type architecture, while surrounded by Turkish baths (which are quite famous!). Having spent so much time under the rule of others Hungarians, or Magyars, are a proud people with a troubled history. Hungary is also part of the EU and not on the Euro. It, too, is relatively affordable.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

   A well known city in Europe, Copenhagen is not as full of tourists as one might think. In fact, few enough tourists visit this city that many who do consider it “overlooked.” The established capital of a thriving, if small, western European country, Copenhagen is definitely worth a visit. Danish bread is particularly well regarded throughout Europe and there is no shortage of it here in the capital. The city is also Europe's most cyclist friendly, with cycle lanes that parallel main roads for maximum access. Copenhagen is also conveniently located to northern Germany (also beautiful) and Malmö, Sweden is just across the bridge. For its beauty, as well as its proximity to other great spots in Europe, Copenhagen is a must. Copenhagen is in the EU and has voted by referendum not to adopt the Euro. Despite this, prices in Denmark are quite high (as is true of all of Scandinavia). Copenhagen is less expensive than Stockholm and Oslo.

4. Istanbul, Turkey

   While it is true half the city lies in Asia, the old town, or Sultan Ahmet as it is called, is located entirely on the European side. Located in the political hotbed Middle East, Turkey is a surprisingly safe and out-of-this-world friendly country. Though it borders countries such as Iraq and Iran, Turkey is astonishingly democratic and very western. Turkey is the only secular Muslim country in the world. Furthermore, Turks, proud of their history and eager to tell their part of the story, have done a fantastic job preserving Ottoman palaces and relics. From the Hagia Sophia to Topkapi Palace, Istanbul is sure to please and educate. Though not a member of the EU, customs is a simple process and visas are available at all entry points (by train, car, or plane) for a fee of $20 U.S.

5. Istria, Croatia

   Located on a peninsula to the north of its more famous relative, the Dalmatian Coast, the Istrian Peninsula is equally beautiful and less touristy. Begin your stay in Poreč, located only an hour south from Trieste, Italy. This town of 9,000 is easily accessible by car or bus and customs through Slovenia into Croatia are a breeze. Visit Vrsar and Rovinj on day trips, but be sure to be back in Poreč for every dinner, as Croatian and Italian cuisine are on display each night in some of Europe's finest restaurants. Fresh fish and other seafood are available in small markets around town and they sell only the current day's catch. Don't forget a boat cruise around the Adriatic like only Croatian tour guides can provide! In short, Istria provides all the beauty of the Mediterranean without being overrun by unappreciative visitors. But hurry, Europe's best kept secret is about to get out! Like Turkey, Croatia is not a member of the EU, but it is a candidate and should be admitted by 2009. No visa is required for U.S. citizens.

One final note: I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and have visited each of the aforementioned destinations. All of this advice is first hand information and comments will be quickly answered.