It is located in western Bulgaria at the foot of Mount Vitosha and the excavations show that the first settlements settled in the area before the 7th century BC, when the Thracians settled near the extraordinary sources of mineral water. In ancient times, Sofia was called ‘Serdian’, while in the medieval times it appeared that the name ‘Triaditza’ was used.

What to see in the city

1. The Temple of Alexander Nevsky

This Temple is one of the most important monuments of the city and is at the top of every traveler. It was built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of 200 thousand Russian soldiers killed in fighting for independence in the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78). It is the second largest temple in the Balkans, a new-Byzantine architecture and an area of ​​3,170 square meters. Add to all these, the golden dome that reaches 45 meters and a dozen bells and you will understand how impressive it is.

2. Vitosha Street

Here is where you will take your walk, you will see showcases, you will drink your coffee or your drink and you will take your lunch. Shortly, this is a road where you can do everything, since it is the most commercial of the city. From famous fashion labels, to the National Palace of Culture, home of the famous poet Peyo Yavorov and other famous buildings, Vitosha Boulevard will surely monopolize your interest for some hours.

3. Borisova Gradina

One of the most impressive parks in Sofia, southeast of the center, full of statues, flower beds and flowers, is the ideal, relaxing place for a walk. It is a vast area that hosts the Vasil Levski stadium and the CSKA stadium, and there are also cafes and playgrounds for children to play if you are traveling with your family. At the eastern end of the park there is a gigantic Communist monument built in 1956, consisting of a 42 meter obelisk and two Kalashnikov partisans.

4. Archaeological Museum

Housed in a former mosque built in 1496. In its exhibits you will find Thracian, Roman and medieval artifacts. Among the highlights is the mosaic floor of the Sveta Sofia Church, a golden, Thracian mask from the 4th century BC. and a stunning bronze head that is thought to represent a King.

You can also visit:

– Yuzhen Park, south of the center, full of trees and shady paths, with many bars and cafes

-Boyana Church, a small church of the 13th century, which is aUNESCO World Heritage Site, with hagiographies representing the best examples of Bulgarian medieval art.

-The Cathedral Sveta Nedelya, which was completed in 1863 and it is unique as it is popular in the city for the Byzantine hagiographies.

-The Zhenski Pazar Market, which is the largest market in the city, with fresh fruit, vegetables and food, as well as economic clothes and shoes.

-The Ivan Vazov National Theater

Where to live

One nice and relatively economical option is Light Hotel (http://hotellight.com/), which is not far from city centre. We would also recommend Diter Hotel (https://diterhotel.com/), near Rakovski street.

For something more luxurious the 5-star Grand Hotel Sofia (http://www.grandhotelsofia.bg/) and the Sense Hotel Sofia (http://www.sensehotel.com/) are definitely good choices.

Finally, Radisson Blu Grand Hotel Sofia, which is near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is worth visiting.

Where to eat

In Vitosha street, there are many cafes, bars that you can visit. You can have a nice cappuccino with French croissant in Samurai. You can also taste the best pizza in the city, at Pizza Palace, which is also at Vitosha Street.

The restaurant Caktus is also worth visiting. We would also recommend Happy Restaurant for a nice evening, enjoying beer and eating a nice meal.

Enjoy your time in Sofia!

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The city’s scenery complements with Roy Lichtenstein’s and Claes Oldenburg’s unique artworks at its streets, fabulous music festivals, stunning hotels, amazing restaurants and many cultural and sporting events.

All of these make Barcelona an ideal. tourist destination.

Must see in Barcelona:

• Gaudi’s architectural constructions, exceptional examples of Catalan Art Nouveau, resembling modern sculptures and still impressing every visitor.
• Sagrada Familia and the famous Casa Mila or La Pedrera (on Passeig de Gracia in the hip neighborhood of Eixample). In addition, you should definitely visit the eccentric Casa Batlló with its colorful mosaics, one of the most special buildings in Europe.

• The Parc Guell, the psychedelic park designed by Gaudí to the west of the city.

• Placa de Sant Felip Neri, one of the most romantic squares in the Gothic Quarter, as well as the Gothic temple of Santa Maria del Mar.
• Black Cat, a statue of Botero in the alternative neighborhood “El Raval”.
• The Columbus statue at Old Harbor with a height of 76 meters.

Parks to visit in Barcelona

• The Parque Central de Poblenou opened for the public in 2008 and is the creation of the French architect Jean Nouvel. Combining modern design with nature, the 55,000 m². Are an oasis in the city center. The meeting point is Plaça de la Sardana in the center of the park, with benches and metal chairs where guests can relax.
• The Botanical Garden of Barcelona is located in the Montjuïc Hill park, while the gardens at Parc del Laberint and Parc de Cervantes are equally impressive. Information here.
• Diagonal Mar is a 35-acre urban park with paths, lakes, green spaces, sports facilities, children’s playgrounds, such as the “Magic Mountain”, and even a special sports venue for dogs.

Thing to do in Barcelona.

There are many happenings, street events that you will certainly love. Here is a website with information about the upcoming events in this spectacular city.

Tip: You certainly have to see a flamenco show in Palacio del Flamenco. You can also visit the Camp Nou, the popular sports arena and the home stadium of FC Barcelona.

Check information here.

Where to stay in Barcelona.

There are many hostels and hotels in Barcelona that offer the opportunity for every tourist to visit this city. If you want an economic solution you can check out the following hostels: Mambo Tango and Rocket Hostels Gracia.

Regarding the hotels: Sansi Pedralbes is a nice and relatively economic option. NH Barcelona La Maquinista and Hotel Ronda Lesseps are definitely good options.

Enjoy your time at this wonderful, vibrant city!

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According to popular tradition, three brothers were the founders of Kiev, who each built his own settlement on a different hill.

The small town that emerged over time and the union of the three settlements took the name of Kie, the older brother.

With rich history, lush parks and architectural masterpieces, Kiev fascinates the visitor with its cultural splendor.

It is also worth visiting the 11th-century Hagia Sophia, one of the UNESCO’s cultural heritage sites, and the Baroque Saint Andrew.

Starting your tour from the Upper Old Town, you will find yourself at the Golden Gate, one of the most important monuments of the city dating back to the 11th century.

In the Lower City you will wander through the picturesque alleys and beautiful parks and you will experience the Ukrainian cuisine in one of the many restaurants in the area.

The Independence Square is the most central and busiest square in the city, while on the paved Adriyinsky Uzviz street you will enjoy outdoor events and music and dancing performances.

Wander through the Park of Eternal Glory with the Flame of Memory, Kontraktova and Poshtova Squares and the Baroque Mariyinsky Palace and see the statue of the famous writer Michael Bugakov close by.

You can also visit the National Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War in the Pechersk region, a museum dedicated to the Ukrainian struggle against the Nazi atrocities of the Second World War.

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It is known for its university institutes that attract thousands of students each year. In the large natural harbor of the city one can enjoy water skiing.

It is worth visiting the Museum of Prehistory Mosgkarnt, an open-museum where visitors can turn back to 1800.

It houses artifacts from the Stone Age to Viking days and there is the most famous citizen of Aarhus, the Man of Gkraoumpale.

The excellently preserved old town and the De Gamle By museum which is a reconstruction of a historic village, are an inevitable stop for the visitor. With modern architecture, numerous festivals and museums, the city is an ideal destination for art lovers. The Aarhus Kunstmuseum Aros is one of the largest art museums in northern Europe.

Modern Troborg neighborhood in the north of the center and the pedestrian Vedestedet with shops, cafes and restaurants attract the interest of tourists. The imposing cathedral of Aarhus is built in Gothic style and the many glass buildings city eye catching architecture, creating an interesting contrast.

In Aarhus you can taste the famous Scandinavian cuisine and ride a bike to the beautiful neighborhoods that are filled with small shops.

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Beautiful canals, lush landscapes and vineyards, picturesque squares and medieval buildings make up a magical image and promise a unique travel experience.

The visitor can make boating in the canals running down the town and promenade in the streets with very old bunk with arches.

The tiny channel of Santa Maria dei Battuti is ideal for romantic walks.

The Treviso is surrounded by Venetian walls dating back to 1515 and the marble gate Porta San Tommaso is the northern entrance to the city and is decorated with a winged lion.

It is worth visiting the Cathedral Il Duomo, dedicated to Saint Peter and dates from 1520.

The church of St Francis once used by Napoleonic troops as stable and the church of St. Nicholas were built in Gothic style with Venetian elements of the 13th century.

In St. Leonardou square is the old market town and the central square of Lords hosts two magnificent palaces.

At Rinaldi Square, there are three palaces of  Rinaldi family, the first of which was built in the 12th century.

Palazzo di Podesta dating from the late 15th century and houses the Town Hall and the Palazzo dei Tretsento built in 13th-14th century.

The impressive garden «Giardino Fenologico Alessandro Marcello» and the Botanic Gardens «Orto Botanico Conservativo Carlo Spegazzini» fill colors and aromas of the visitor.

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This place is amazing just to stand in the middle and take a look of the view. Even if you go at day or at night, whether it is full of people or almost empty, it always creates a different way and feeling.  There are a lot of restaurants around a bit expensive, if you want something cheaper, you can find amazing places around the city with better gastronomic offers.

2. Roman Bridge (Puente Romano)

The Roman bridge of Córdoba is a bridge in the Historic centre of Córdoba, Andalusia, southern Spain, originally built in the early 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir river, though it has been reconstructed at various times since.For me this is one of the most amazing mental postcards that you will keep while visiting Cordoba.

3. Mezquita Catedral de Cordoba

The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is the most important monument of all the Western Islamic world, and one of the most amazing in the world. The evolution of the “Omeya” style in Spain is resumed in the history of the Mosque of Cordoba, as well as other styles such as the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque of the Christian architecture. It’s important to check the time you want to visit and go 30 minutes in advance, because normally they are sold out.

4. Alcazar de los reyes cristinanos

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Spanish for “Castle of the Christian Monarchs”), also known as the Alcázar of Córdoba, is a medieval Alcázar located in the historic centre of Córdoba, Spain, next to the Guadalquivir River and near the Grand Mosque. This is one of the most incredible places you will visit in Cordoba, the beauty of the big gardens, the architecture of the buildings takes you to amazing places only to look all the beautiful view, take a note if you go before 8:45 AM you have free entrance.

5. Flower Street in Cordoba

Calleja de las Flores, or the Little Street of Flowers, is a street that no Cordoba visitor will want to miss, making it one of the top attractions in this Spanish city. More of an alleyway than a street actually, but in General Cordoba’s streets are so colourful and full of charming, that you will find more than 1 street where you will fall in love.

6. I Heart Salmorejo

This is one of the most delicious dishes you will taste in your life!! (honestly). Salmorejo is a purée consisting of tomato and bread, originating from Cordoba in Andalucia, south Spain. It is made from tomatoes, bread, oil, garlic.The purée is served cold and may be garnished with diced Spanish serrano ham and diced hard-boiled eggs. You will try “differents” Salmorejos,depending on the restaurant or bar you choose, but beleive me ALWAYS is amazing!

7. Plaza de las Tendillas

The best you can do is to stay 2- 3 days in Cordoba, because the environment, the people and the city feeling is amazing everyday. One of the places that I really recommend to enjoy a nice coffee is: La Plaza de las Tendillas, one of the Central Squares of the city. Around you can find stores, restaurants and a considerable number of streets that you can explore.

Article by: Audrina Espinosa

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It has beautiful buildings, old architecture and historic churches and famous for its parks and the Old Town. Few know this city, although locals visitors are many.

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Lycabettus Hill, is the second highest hill in Athens, after Tourkovounia. Its highest point rises to 277 meters above sea level. On the top of the hill there are: an open theater (operating during the summer season), the chapel of St. George and the church of St. Isidore (on the Western side).
According to Greek Mythology, Goddess Athena was carrying a rock from Pallini as a fortification of the Acropolis. While she was carrying that great rock, she was informed about the birth of Erechthiona from Cecrops’ daughter. That was the shock, that caused the Goddess to leave the rock fall from her hands. That rock is considered to be the Lycabettus Hill.

In Lycabettus, you have the opportunity to:

• Gaze the beautiful view of Athens.
• Capture the majestic sunset over the city.
• Visit the chapel of St. George.
• Enjoy your coffee or a meal in the cafeteria/restaurant of the hill.

How to get there:

• By foot (If you are a nature lover, we suggest this option. There is a path that leads to the top of the hill. You begin your climb from the modulated steps located in Ploutarchou Street in Kolonaki).
• By car (you can go from the north side and in particular from the Neapolis area. In front of the theater there is a big space to park).
• By Lycabettus Cable Car (The Cable Car operates from 9 to 14:30. The frequency of the routes is every half an hour, but in rush hours it’s every 10 minutes. The ticket price is 7€ (with return) and offers a discount in the restaurant on the top of the hill. It is a 3-minute ride and you can see more details about the location of the cable car here).

When to get there:

From early in the morning until late at night.

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