Picture twinkling lights reflected on the Danube River as you sail into port, steps away from the merriment of a festive Christmas market. European Christmas markets have been a tradition since the Middle Ages. Market stalls decked in garland and ornaments beckon visitors with a cozy atmosphere and delicious food and drink. There are thousands of … Read more
If you’re bored of Christmas markets in the UK, there’s one European city which truly puts the UK to shame (Image: Getty) The festive period is officially upon us, whether we like it or not, but year after year I find myself disappointed with the Christmas markets which pop up in every city and town … Read more
Europe’s two closest capital cities are both beautiful and just 31 miles apart. Vienna, the capital of Austria, and Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia are a stone’s throw from one another. Highlights in the Austrian capital include Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Hapsburg rulers; the gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral; and the Hofburg, … Read more
Graz, in Austria is well known for its culture, activities, its impressive old town, and its unique Baroque architecture. The city is smaller than Vienna and attracts much fewer tourists. In 2023, 17.3 million people visited Vienna, whereas only 1.3 million people visited Graz. Still, Graz oozes Austrian charms and it’s many landmarks make it … Read more
“It is a gorgeous country with some of the best beach cities we’ve been to, and is similar to Greece,” says Costa. Although they would never recommend picking one country above the other, “We encourage people to also check out Albania for a more affordable and less touristy experience.” For Niki Costa (right) and Tiffany … Read more
Long reviled as a manifesto of hate, Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf has become the raw ingredient for an art project reconstituting the toxic text into something more savoury: a cookbook. In a cafe in the late Nazi leader’s native Austria, an artist is cutting up the book that laid the ideological foundations for Nazism – … Read more
Located just a few metres away from the Austrian capital’s Naschmarkt, a market that has been in operation since the 16th century, the cafe is renowned for its cakes and traditional Viennese recipes. The cafe’s interior is full of knick-knacks including porcelain animal figurines. Photo: Shoaib Shafi From Mohntorte (poppy seed cake) to Vanillekipferl (vanilla-flavoured, … Read more
Instead of visiting the famous opera house, get a private lesson with a professional Viennese musician. Instead of a bus tour through the Austrian capital, wander around an exhibition with the museum director. Instead of taking a Viennese cafe selfie, spend an evening preparing food with a local traditional business. With a more nuanced approach … Read more
