Admire the Habsburg looking palaces that border the central walk of the West-most major city in the country. Settled in the middle ages, it changed hands between Hungary, the Ottomans and the Austro-Hungarian empire, before becoming, in 1884, the first city with electrified street lighting in Europe, and its 2021 capital of culture. Cross the nearby border into Hungary and continue to its capital, Budapest. One of the continents iconic cities allows the Danube to pass through its center, separating the old Buda quarters on the one side from St.Stephan’s Basilica and one of the most recognizable parliament buildings (both of whom, in spite of having surpassed a century since their completion, continue to tie for tallest building of the city) on the other side. This wonderful city hosts not one, but two Christmas Markets. One of them is right in front of the Basilica, which also proves to be an adequate screen for 3D light shows several times every evening, while the other, a mere 10 minute stroll towards the river, has its stalls brimming with local delicacies and seasonal handcrafts.
