If she were a lady, Zagreb would be a young, supercool, educated, clever and upbeat girl. The kind that needn’t try hard to capture your imagination, the kind of girl you see on your way and instantly know you want to discover.  The secret charm of Zagreb makes it a city that doesn’t try to lure you into a visit by making promises, but it keeps you by making memories. Read more.

Give Into The Charm Of Zagreb, A Vibrant Capital

The Croatian capital is brimming with life. From the small and buzzing terrace cafes to the up-and-coming gastronomic scene of the place and the lively nightlife of Zagreb, this is a city made for fun. There are a number of music bars and live venues for fans of any kind of music, from pop and rock to dance – like KSET, Sirup, and Tvornica Kulture – so this youthful city literally never sleeps.

Museums Everywhere

But Zagreb is also cultured. In fact, it holds the record for being the city with the most museums per capita than any other city in the world. They cover such a vast variety of topics that you can go from the swanky “Museum of Contemporary Art”  to the “Tortureum” – Museum of Torture, and from the vast “Mimara” to the strangely appealing museum for love-affairs-gone-awry, the famous “Museum of Broken Relationships”.

An Architectural Mixtape

Zagreb can’t hide its past. And it doesn’t want to either. The city’s architecture is living testament to the important historic changes Croatia has undergone. The Austrian and Hungarian architectural styles, the communist structures and the minimalist, modern-day buildings are all there reminding the visitor of this city’s important past and promising present.

Getting Around In Zagreb

The one thing to know is that Zagreb is divided into three parts: the thousand-year-old Upper Town (Gornji Grad), where you can see the Presidential Palace, the St Mark’s Church – with the amazing roof where carefully-placed tiles form the coat of arms of Zagreb (a white castle on a red background) and the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia – the Croatian Parliament (Sabor), museums and galleries. Then, there’s the 19th century Lower Town (Donji Grad) with many shops, restaurants, cafes, theaters and parks. The third part of Zagreb is the more modern post-WW II area of New Zagreb (Novi Zagreb), where you will see much more modern high-rise buildings.

If you like walking, this city is ideal for you. Most of the things to see in Zagreb are within walking distance and a stroll in the romantic cobbled streets of the Upper Town under the light of gas lamps is highly recommended for couples. If you get tired, you can always hop on one of the iconic blue trams running across the city.

Outdoor Sports

Because of its geographical location, where east meets west, Zagreb offers outdoor activities throughout the year. In the warmer months you can visit the Jarun Lake for water activities like sailing and swimming,  and in the colder months skiing at Mt. Medvednica (which is very easy to reach) is the preferred activity for visitors and locals alike.

Let the understated charm of Zagreb guide you through its cobbled streets, markets, museums, cafes and restaurants and fall in love with this wonderful city’s cool personality.

If you enjoyed reading this, you can find more of our travel articles here. If you’d like to meet Eastern European ladies, visit our site AnastasiaDate. You can also watch this video about our dating app.

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There are some places in the world that let you down when you actually visit them. And then, there are others that totally live up to their hype. Prague, also known as the “City of a Thousand Spires”, is one of those fairytale cities that are steeped in history and culture and natural beauty. It oozes romance in every corner of every cobblestone street you walk. Read about the most wonderful places in Prague.

Absolutely Must-See Places In Prague 

It has been really hard to choose just some of this majestic city’s sights, but we have come up with the ones you should make it your business to see asap. Here they are.

The Prague Castle

Arguably the most popular among Prague sights is the Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad), which once housed Bohemia’s king. Today, it’s the official residence of the Czech Republic’s President. The Castle, the largest ancient one in the world, was originally built as a walled fortress around 970 AD but has undergone serious changes due to invasions, fires, and wars through the years. As a result, today the castle is an exhibition of the most important architectural styles of the past millennium.

When you are there, make sure you also spend some time in the Royal Garden, which is a beautiful sight in its own right. Make sure you leave ample time for your visit to the Castle and the surrounding area because there are so many interesting buildings around and things to see and do that time will fly by before you know it. Luckily, you won’t go starving as there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area.

Charles Bridge

This impressive 15th century bridge, which connects the ‘Lesser Town’ with the Old Town, is ideal for a romantic walk, as it is adorned with 30 statues (among them that of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and that of John of Nepomuk, the country’s most revered saint) and lined with atmospheric lanterns all the way. Be camera ready as the Charles Bridge offers some spectacular views over the River Vltava, and the structure’s Gothic gates are also of great architectural beauty, one of the prettiest places in Prague.

The Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock

Located in the historic center of Prague, the Old Town, one of the biggest city spaces in Europe, is where visitors get the chance to see some of the most popular sights in Prague, from the Tyn Church (a beautiful 15th century building) to the Old Town Hall – home to the splendid early 15th-century Astronomical Clock, and a place from which to marvel at the city’s view.

The Clock turns into quite a spectacle every hour, as the wooden doors at its top open and figures of the 12 Apostles appear and parade across the clock’s face. If you walk up the stairs to the top of the Town Hall, the panoramic views of the city will definitely reward your effort.

The National Theatre

For art lovers, the National Theatre is a real must-see. Just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town Square and on the banks of the River Vltava, this is one of the most stunning neo-Renaissance buildings. Dating from 1868-83, the National Theatre is easy to spot on a sunny day, as its golden roof gleams as the sun rays touch it.

It isn’t just the breathtaking outside that makes this such an important landmark, though. The Czech people regard their National Theatre as a very significant part of their history, as it was built to symbolize the Czech National Revival and aims to promote the country’s language and dramatic arts.

Another interesting fact about this building is that it was engulfed in flames just days before it was officially set to open (on the 12th August 1891), but within just 6 weeks the Czechs managed to raise enough money to rebuild it. It eventually opened in 1883 and has ever since housed a varied repertoire of opera, ballet, and Czech drama.

 The Hilltop Fortress: Vyšehrad

Last on our list of places to visit in Prague is the Vyšehrad fortress. High above the Vltava River, this beautiful fortress will make you feel like you are the protagonist of a fairy tale, with its unique beauty and magnificent scenery. Dating as far back as the 10th Century, the Fortress has been the subject of myths and legends. Today, it lends itself for beautiful, romantic strolls and picnics, and it offers visitors an amazing view of the city.

This is just a taste of the absolutely wonderful places in Prague. There are plenty more to discover, depending also on a person’s preferences and tastes. One thing is for sure: Prague is a city that commands attention and one that deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list.

Are you mesmerized by these places in Prague? You can actually learn even more about it if you ask some of the local Czech beauties on AnastasiaDate. For more travel tips, keep reading here. If you would like to learn more about us, find us on Crunchbase.

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When the strong feeling of wanderlust hits but your imagination is far richer than your bank account, there are always solutions. Thankfully there are some affordable Eastern European escapes that will more than satisfy your desire to explore new places and people without breaking the bank.

What Makes These Affordable Eastern European Escapes Worth Visiting?

The fact that these cities have not been major tourist destinations, combined with the fact they are developing economies, keep them budget-friendly. But the most important reason to visit them is because they have so much to offer their visitors. These 3 destinations are picturesque cities that will reward you with their natural beauty, distinctive architecture and lively atmosphere.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a very affordable destination with a lot to offer as regards art and architecture. The city boasts with over 40 theaters and more than 100 museums and galleries. It also hosts a number of music festivals, concerts and other types of cultural events throughout the year. Its famous Opera House is one of the best in the world.

In Budapest, one should not forget to see the country’s magnificent Parliament, also known as Az Országház (House of the Nation).  It is the third largest Parliament building in the world (with 691 rooms) and it is also where the country’s Crown Jewels are kept. The Fisherman’s Bastion in the Castle Quarter of Budapest is one of the most romantic sights, and one of the best places from which to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Also make it your business to visit the famous New York Café in the historic, luxurious Boscolo Hotel, even just for an espresso.

TALLINN, ESTONIA

In the northern coast of Estonia sits the beautiful city of Tallinn, its capital. Tallinn has an amazing history but is also one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world. When it comes to romance, Tallinn is an ideal city, due to its beautiful Old Town, which is ranked amongst the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.

For a romantic stroll, the Kissing Hill is an absolute must. Situated just before the entrance to the Viru Gates, the Hill is the perfect place to do what its name suggests among the trees and its sweet little benches. The whole city is ideal for walks, with cobbled streets and 11^th-century renovated homes painting a fairytale picture.

Last but not least, remember to visit the Flower Market just outside the city walls. It stays open day and night, and the selection of flowers on sale is just unbelievable. Buy your lady the flowers of her taste – but remember to only buy her an odd number of flowers, as even numbers are only given on sad occasions in Estonia. By night, don’t let its compact size fool you – Tallinn is packed with Bohemian-atmosphere bars.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Eastern Europe’s Vienna-style city (it’s only 50 minutes from actual Vienna anyway), Bratislava is packed with charm and natural beauty. It is one of the most romantic places in the world, with the Danube River literally winding through it and mesmerizing twisting streets letting you explore its magnificence.  Of course, its very own castle adds those extra romance points.

Bratislava is all about art nouveau plazas and fairytale red-roofed houses. But it also caters to the modern art enthusiast, boasting many modern museums and galleries. For a night out, the city has a number of lovely bars serving a wide selection of local and international beers and drinks. Make sure to visit the famous Blue Church, an art nouveau church that is – as the name suggests, all blue; and the traditional open-air markets for low-budget purchases, from flowers and local farm products to clothes and souvenirs.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your loved one and go for one of these affordable Eastern European escapes. It is certain to reward you and make for an unforgettable experience.

If you haven’t found your ideal travel companion yet, why not try visiting our site AnastasiaDate? For more traveling suggestions like this one for affordable Eastern European escapes, keep reading here. If you are looking for dating and relationship advice, you can visit AnastasiaDateLadies.

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Think long sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters. Think sunny days under the Mediterranean sun. Small white and blue sun- drenched houses and amazing restaurants and tavernas. Think a refreshing sea breeze stroking your face as you enjoy a marvelous sunset with your lady. Think Greece. And then visit one of its countless islands, some of the most ideal places for romantic escapes in the world.

Pick Your Favorite Romantic Escapes in Greece

The Greek islands are like priceless gems in the Mediterranean Sea. Blessed by nature and mirroring the love of Greeks for beauty and tradition, they are perfect romantic destinations; each with its own unique character. Read our selection and pick your favorite.

MYKONOS

The most popular of the Greek islands, Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan destinations in the world. People from the international jet set can be seen sunbathing by day and sipping cocktails in one of the numerous bars by night. Take your girl for a stroll in the island’s narrow cobbled streets and brush shoulders with regular visitors, like Monica Bellucci, Lady Gaga, and Shakira. If you are after an endless fun with your girl, this island is for you.

SANTORINI

Number two in the popularity stakes is another gem of the Aegean Sea. Santorini takes your breath away from the moment you reach its port. The island is no less than a volcano embraced by the Aegean – a place of phenomenal beauty and history. Santorini boasts award-winning restaurants, luxury spas, and 5-star hotels that make romantic escapes there an amazing experience. But even those with a smaller budget can have the time of their lives. The sunsets in Oia are events in their own right. Picture-perfect and unforgettable, Santorini is the place for you if you are a true romantic.

CRETE

In the northernmost part of Greece, stands its biggest island: the mythical Crete. With its amazing natural beauty and thousands of years of history, you will fall in love with this place. In Chania, you will enjoy the best of everything. Elegant villas, pulsating bars and traditional restaurants, significant cultural sites – you will never run out of things to see and do. Or you can just spend your days soaking up the sun on one of the island’s beaches, such as the world-famous 3km-long white sand beach of Falasarna. There’s nothing wrong with that.

MILOS

The island of Aphrodite, the place where the Venus de Milo (Aphrodite of Milos) statue was found, is the most exotic of all Greek islands. It is called the Island of Lovers because it is so romantic. Yellow, orange, red and dazzling white rock formations make each one of its beaches unique. Milos’ turquoise waters will mesmerize you and form the perfect backdrop for your most romantic moments. Don’t forget to share a piece of a rich chocolate pie, one of the island’s specialities.

ZAKYNTHOS (ZANTE)

Zakynthos is for you if you like the combination of green nature and blue waters. The island has got an impressive nightlife, but also some of the longest beaches you can find. Take a small boat trip and visit the astonishing, secluded beach of Navagio. And if you like your wine, Zakynthos produces loads. Drink a glass or two in one of the island bars, enjoying the beautiful panorama of Zante town.

SPETSES

Last but not least, a destination that’s closer to Athens for those wishing to combine a visit to the capital with a romantic getaway. Spetses is only 2 hours away from the capital. This is one of the most aristocratic and romantic islands in Greece. Cars are forbidden here, amplifying the romance factor.  Take an evening ride in one of the horse and buggies that still exist on the island, passing the picturesque Old Port and marveling at the island’s traditional architecture. Can you think of anything more romantic?

These are just some of the Greek islands lending themselves to the most romantic escapes you can imagine. Choose the one closer to your tastes and live your own unforgettable myth with your loved one.

For more tips on places to visit in Eastern Europe, visit our blog. If you are looking for that special someone to share the experience of a romantic getaway with, visit AnastasiaDate. If you are looking for dating advice, click here.

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