3 Day Budapest Escape - The Pearl of the Danube

Bratislava is one of the most up-and-coming cities in central Europe. After years in the shadows of the Soviet bloc, and often drowned out by Prague, Bratislava has finally broken out. The Bratislavan region is now one of the richest per capita in the EU. This economic upswing has infused Bratislava with a newfound zeal. Trendy cafes and cool shopping centers are popping up everywhere, and the city’s already happening nightlife scene is only set to get better. Still less crowded than its central European neighbors Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, but just as intriguing, there’s really never been a better time for a visit to Bratislava. Ruled over by the Hungarians, Austrians, and most recently the Soviets, Bratislava is a city of strange contrasts. As soon as you arrive in Bratislava, you’ll see the pastel-hued churches, baroque houses, and the cobbled Old Town Square brush shoulders with modern brutalist buildings, retrofuturistic towers, and the clunky communist built UFO bridge. The city’s oldest building, its castle, is set atop the western edge of the Little Carpathian Hills like a trophy, the city’s hard-won main icon. For the first time in nearly a millennium, Bratislava has now seized control of its own destiny, and it shows.

Belgrade is one of Europe’s oldest cities and with age comes experience. Remnants of the city’s turbulent past can be seen easily during a stroll through the streets: socialist blocks sit beside art nouveau buildings, while fragments of the Habsburg monarchy contrast with Ottoman Turk relics. If you’re looking to take in a little history, you’ll have a lot to choose from between the city’s many museums, monuments, and of course, the fortress. What Belgrade lacks in traditional beauty it makes up for in personality. Belgrade is first and foremost known for its unrivaled nightlife scene. Appropriately named the city that never sleeps, after the sun goes down you can explore floating clubs on the river, hip bars around the center, and great parties everywhere you look. During the daylight hours, you’ll find busy locals bustling around the business centers, relaxing in elegant coffee houses, or wandering through the city’s many beautiful parks.

Lake Bled, cradled by the Julian Alps, feels almost improbably serene. At its edge, a small alpine town unfolds with gracious villas, lakeside paths, and cafés that look out toward the water, while a medieval castle rises dramatically from a cliff above. Just offshore, the tiny island crowned by its white church has anchored local legend and tradition for centuries. Life here moves at a gentler rhythm. You might glide across the lake in a traditional pletna boat, explore the castle’s terraces for sweeping views, wander forested trails, or simply linger over a slice of the famous kremšnita cream cake. As evening settles and the light fades over the mountains, Bled becomes noticeably quieter, taking on a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Situated at the heart of Europe, Budapest is the capital of Hungary, appropriately named 'The Pearl of the Danube,' for its fixating and almost haunting beauty. Formerly two separate cities, Buda and Pest were forged into one by time, occupation, and the eight bridges that anchor them together today. From the Romans to the Communists, each occupier left its flavor profile in Budapest, evident in the famous spicy Hungarian stew known as 'goulash.'  Budapest is a melting pot of history, culture, and taste, from the magnificent Baroque and neo-Gothic architecture to the Turkish thermal baths. After a long day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a glass of Tokaj, what King Louis XIV of France referred to as the "Wine of Kings, King of Wines". Budapest has a flavor to satisfy any taste.

Artistic and musical, historical and elegant, Vienna is the definition of class. The seat of the Habsburg monarchy for over six centuries, it's no wonder this city is still fit for royalty. Baroque buildings and imperial palaces dominate the cityscape, while locals stride gracefully through the streets, likely on their way to a classical music concert or art exhibition. Visitors from all over the world flock to Schonbrunn Palace, historical museums, and local eateries for authentic Viennese schnitzel.  Vienna is also home to world-class wining and dining. Famous dishes include Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef), and apfelstrudel (apple strudel), all of which pair well with a glass of fine Austrian wine. No matter how long you spend in Vienna, you'll leave with a new appreciation for the finer things in life.

Cesky Krumlov is a charming little town in South Bohemia. It might be small, but it’s full of whimsical character and mystery. Walking through the narrow streets and across the bridge, the views of the medieval Cesky Krumlov Castle will take your breath away. At night, street musicians serenade visitors on the bridge where you can dance beneath the stars and the watchful eye of the magnificent tower.  Dozens of unique local artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants are woven among the winding streets. In the summer, the city is lush with life and greenery. Rafters race down the river, stopping in the center along the way to enjoy a hearty meal before continuing their journey. In the winter, the main square transforms into a magnificent Christmas market and light blankets of snow cover the rooftops. This quaint little town will exceed your expectations and you may never want to leave.