Come end of November and it is time to celebrate one of the most popular traditions in USA and Canada, Thanksgiving. An annual national holiday that is meant to reflect on the blessings of the year, Thanks giving is synonymous with a long weekend break, spending time with friends and family and of course lots of travel. And if you are looking to travel to Europe to make your Thanksgiving holiday special and memorable, here are some places that are definitely worth visiting.
Amsterdam
It is not an understatement to say that the capital city of Netherlands is quite like any other. Whether you choose to visit its world class museums, traverse through its fascinating canals or revel in its vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam has something for everyone. If art and history is on your list, do not miss the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank house. To experience the local vibe, enjoy the city’s famous pancakes while taking a canal tour under the city’s numerous bridges. The tulip museum is a small but insightful museum.
If architecture is your calling, the medieval tilting merchant houses spread across the city reveal interesting stories. Do not miss visiting the Jordaan neighbourhood which is a now a trendy locality with numerous boutique shops and cafes. Party animals can let their hair down in one of the four main nightlife districts all of which are home to numerous clubs and bars.
Prague
often compared to Paris in terms of its exquisite beauty, Prague which is the capital of the Czech Republic is also known as the city of a hundred spires. With castles, bridges and a plethora of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, Prague is a city steeped in history and heritage. From the magnificent Prague Castle to the iconic Charles bridge, there is never a dearth of engaging sights to see while in this European city.
The National Museum in the vibrant Wenceslas Square is a must visit if you are a history buff. The Museum of Decorative Arts with its vast collection of ceramic, glass, porcelain and art forms for a compelling visit. The Old town is an eclectic place filled with notable monuments like the renowned Astronomical clock, Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady of Tyn. The city’s Jewish quarter replete with museums and synagogues is one of the best preserved in Europe. Prague also has a happening café and bar scene, so do not miss hanging out in some of the best ones in the city’s old town.
Budapest
Perched on the banks of the river Danube, Budapest is actually the culmination of two cities Buda and Pest which united in 1873. While Buda is the part intrinsically connected to royalty and is the residential area, Pest is the commercial hub. From fascinating art nouveau architecture and thermal baths to quirky street art and ruin bars, Budapest offers a multitude of sights and experiences. While here you can take the funicular to Buda castle, admire the famous parliament building and visit the famous Basilica of St Stephen. If you are looking to experience the city like a local, take a break at one of the city’s thermal baths for a session of rejuvenation. You can also visit one of its many ruin bars that first emerged in the early 2000s. Street art fans can check out the city’s murals which reveal a lot about Budapest’s history and heritage.
Vienna
Intrinsically linked with Beethoven, Mozart and Sigmund Freud, the capital city of Austria is truly unique. Start your tour of this city by exploring its historic centre including the Ring Strasse which is a UNESCO World heritage site. There are several buildings and monuments that boast of exquisite Baroque architecture. These include the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Peter’s Catholic Church (Peterskirche) and St. Charles’s Church. From the Sigmund Freud Museum to the Leopold Museum, Austria is home to several engaging museums. Catch a show at the breathtakingly beautiful Vienna State Opera, stroll around the lively Naschmarkt for a meal and do not forget to sample the famous Austrian dessert Sachertorte while here. The latter is a delightful combination of chocolate sponge cake, apricot jam and dark chocolate glaze.
Frankfurt
A medieval trading hub that has turned into a busy metropolis, Frankfurt in Germany is a wonderful mix of the old and the new. It is a key business and financial centre where towering skyscrapers jostle space with vintage half-timbered buildings. Romerberg is the historic quarter filled with 15th century buildings and structures like the old town hall and Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice). The awe-inspiring Frankfurter Dom (which means Frankfurt Cathedral) built using red sandstone is a lesson in Gothic architecture. Enjoy some scenic views of the Main River from the Eiserner Steg Bridge which is a great place to walk on. Kleinmarkthalle is a wonderful option to pick up fresh local produce including fruits, vegetables, cheese meat, and flowers. Art and history lovers can visit the Stadel and History Museum respectively. Make sure to grab a meal at Alt-Sachsenhausen (Old Sachsenhausen) before calling it a day apart from sampling Frankfurt’s famous apfelwein which is essentially the German version of apple cider.
