If you love listening to music, youre in good company.Charles Darwin once remarked, If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week. Albert Einstein declared, If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. Jimi Hendrix called music his religion.
Ive always been in awe ofpeople who can sing and play guitar. As a young girl, I secretly listened to singer-songwritermusic in my bedroom into the wee hours. As a rebellious teenager, I cranked rock n roll inthe house whenever I had to dochores. I alwaysfelt great afterwards now I know why.
Recent research showsthat listening to music improves our mental well-being and boosts our physical health in surprising and astonishing ways. If we take a music lesson or two, that musical trainingcan help raise our IQs and even keep us sharp in old age. Here are15 amazing scientifically-proven benefits ofbeing hooked on music.
1. Music Makes You Happier
I dont sing because Im happy; Im happy because I sing. William James
Research proves that when you listen to music you like, your brainreleases dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter. Valorie Salimpoor, a neuroscientist at McGill University, injected eight music-lovers with a radioactive substance that binds to dopamine receptors after they listened to their favorite music. A PET scan showed that large amounts of dopamine were released, which biologically caused the participants to feel emotions like happiness, excitement, and joy.[1]
So the next time you need an emotional boost, listen to your favorite tunes for 15 minutes.Thats all it takes to geta natural high!
2. Music Enhances Running Performance
If people take anything from my music, it should be motivation to know that anything is possible as long as you keep working at it and dont back down. Eminem
Marcelo Bigliassi and his colleagues found that runners who listened to fast or slow motivational music completed the first 800 meters of their run faster than runners who listened to calm music or ran without music.[2] If you want to take your running up a notch, listen to songs that inspire you.
3. Music Lowers Stress and ImprovesHealth
I think music in itself is healing. Its an explosive expression of humanity. Its something we are all touched by. No matter what culture were from. Billy Joel
Listening to music you enjoy decreases levels of thestress hormone cortisol in your body, which counteracts the effects of chronic stress.[3] This is an important finding since stress causes 60% of all our illnesses and disease.[4] One study showed that if people actively participated in making music by playing various percussion instruments and singing, their immune system was boosted even more than if they passively listened.[5]
To stay calm and healthy during a stressful day, turn on the radio. Be sure to sing along and tap your feet to the beat toget the maximum healing benefit.
4. Music Helps You Sleep Better
Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. Berthold Auerbach
Over 30% of Americans suffer from insomnia.[6] A study showed that students who listened to relaxing classical music for 45 minutes before turning in slept significantly better than students who listened to an audiobook or did nothing different from their normal routine.[7]
If youre having trouble sleeping, try listening to a little Bach or Mozart before bedtime to catch some Zs.
5. MusicReduces Depression
Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness. Maya Angelou
More than 350 million people suffer from depression around the world.[8] A whopping 90% of them also experience insomnia.[9] The sleep research above found that symptoms of depression decreased significantly in the group that listened to classical music before bedtime, but not in the other two groups.
Another studyby Hans Joachim Trappe in Germany also demonstrated that music can benefitpatients with depressive symptoms, dependingon the type of music. Meditative sounds and classical music lifted people up, but techno and heavy metal brought people down even more.[10]
The next timeyou feel low, put onsome classical or meditative music to lift your spirits.
6. Music HelpsYou Eat Less
Theres a friendly tie of some sort between music and eating. Thomas Hardy
Research at Georgia Tech University showed that softeningthe lighting and music while people ate led them to consume fewer caloriesand enjoy their meals more. If youre looking for waysto curb your appetite, try dimming the lights and listening to soft music the next time you sit down for a meal.[11]
7. Music ElevatesYour Mood While Driving
Thats what I love. Not being interrupted, sitting in the car by myself listening to music in the rain. There are so many great songs yet to sing. Alison Kraus
A studyin the Netherlands found that listening to music can positively impact your mood while driving,[12] which can lead to safer behavior than not listening to music. The next time you feel frustrated in traffic, turn up the tunes to improve your state of mind. It wont hurt your driving performance it may even help you drive more safely.
8. Music Strengthens Learning and Memory
Music is the language of memory. Jodi Picoult
Researchers discovered that music can help you learn and recall information better, but it depends on how much you like the music and whether or not youre a musician. Subjects memorized Japanese characters while listening to music that either seemed positive or neutral to them.[13] The results showed that participants who were musicians learned better with neutral music but tested better when pleasurable music was playing. Non-musicians, on the other hand, learned better with positive music but tested better with neutral music.
Memorize these results. You now have astrategy to study more effectively for your next test.
9. Music Relaxes Patients Before/After Surgery
He who sings scares away his woes. Miguel de Cervantes
Researchers foundthat listening torelaxing music before surgery decreases anxiety.[14] In fact its even more effective than being orally administered Midazolam, a medication often used to help pre-op patients feel sleepy that also has gnarly side effects such as coughing and vomiting. Other studies showed that listening to soothing music while resting in bed after open heart surgery increases relaxation.[14]
Globally,234 million major surgeries are performed each year.[15] If you or someone you know is going into surgery, be sure to bring some soothing tunes to ease anxiety. It may work better, and will certainly have fewer adverse side effects, than the meds they dispense.
10. Music Reduces Pain
One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. Bob Marely
Researchat Drexel University in Philadelphia found thatmusic therapy and pre-recorded music reduced painmore than standard treatments in cancer patients.Other research showed that music can decreasepain in intensive care patients and geriatric care patients, but the selection needed to be eitherclassical pieces, meditative music, or songsof the patients choosing.
Bob Marely was right about this one listen to music you love totake your pain away.
11. Music Helps Alzheimers Patients Remember
The past, which is not recoverable in any other way, is embedded, as if in amber, in the music, and people can regain a sense of identity. Oliver Sacks, M.D.
A non-profit organization called Music & Memory helps people withAlzheimers Disease and other age-related dementias remember who they areby havingthem listen to their dearest songs. The awakening is often dramatic. For example, after Henrylistens to music from his era, this wheelchair-bound dementia sufferer who can barely speak sings Cab Calloway songs and happily reminisces about his life .
Dr. Laura Mosqueda, Director of Geriatrics at the University ofCalifornia at the Irvine School of Medicine, explains that because music affects so many areas of the brain, it stimulates pathways that may still be healthy.[16]
One in three seniors die with Alzheimers Disease or another dementia,[17] so odds are you know someone who has it. To connect with loved ones who suffer from age-related dementia, try playing some of their best-loved music.
12. Music Improves Recoveryin Stroke Patients
I know why the caged bird sings. Maya Angelou
Research at the University of Helsinkishowed that stroke patients who listened to music they chose themselves for two hours a day had significantly improved recovery of cognitive function compared to those who listened to audio books or were given no listening material.[18] Most of the music contained lyrics, which suggests that its the combination of music and voice that bolstered the patients auditory and verbal memory.
Stroke is the number 5 cause of death in the United States.[19] If you know someone who has suffered a stroke, bring their favorite songs as soon as you can. Listening to them can significantly ramp up their recuperation.
13. Music Increases VerbalIntelligence
Music is to the soul what words are to the mind. Modest Mouse
After only one month of music lessons [in rhythm, pitch, melody and voice], a study at York University showed that 90% of children between the ages of 4 and 6 had a significant increase in verbal intelligence.[20] Researcher Sylvain Moreno suggests that the music training had a transfer effect[21]which enhanced the childrens ability to understand words and explain their meaning. Other research foundthat musically trained adult womenand musically trained children outperformed those without music training on verbal memory tests.
Nomatter whether youre an adult or a child, if you wantto boostyour verbal skills, try taking music lessons!
14. Music RaisesIQ and Academic Performance
Music can change the world because it can change people. Bono
Research shows that taking music lessons predicts higher academic performance and IQ in young children.[22] In one study, 6-year-olds who took keyboard or singing lessons in small groups for 36 weeks had significantly larger increases in IQ and standardized educational test results than children who took either drama lessons or no lessons. The singing group did the best.
To help your childrenachieveacademic excellence, encourage them tosing or learn to play an instrument.
15. Music KeepsYour Brain Healthyin Old Age
Music is the true breath of life. We eat so we wont starve to death. We sing so we can hear ourselves live. Yasmina Khadra
A study withhealthy older adults found that those withten or more years of musical experience scored higher on cognitive tests than musicians with one to nine years of musical study.[23] The non-musicians scored the lowest. Since studying an instrument requires years of practice and learning, it may create alternate connections in the brain that could compensate for cognitive declines as we get older, says lead researcher Brenda Hanna-Pladdy.
Business magnateWarren Buffet stays sharp at age 84 by playing ukulele. Its never too late to play an instrument to keep you on top of your game.
Platohad it right when he said,Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul. No matter whether youre young or old, healthy or sick, happy or sad, music can improve the quality of your life in numerousways. It reduces stress and anxiety, lifts your mood, boosts your health, helps you sleep better, takes away your pain, and even makes you smarter.
New research shows that music can communicate basic human feelings regardless of the listeners cultural and ethnic background. Weve only just begun to understand all the ways thisuniversal language can profit the world.[24] Rather than cut funds for music and art programs in schools, why not invest in exploring all the secret places that music reaches so that we may continue to reap its amazing benefits?
More About Music
- 16 Amazing ClassicalMusicCompositions That Will Inspire You
- 30 Inspirational Songs that Keep You Motivated for Life
- 10 Reasons Why People Who Learn Music Are More Likely To Be Successful
Featured photo credit: Allef Vinicius via unsplash.com
Reference
| [1] | ^ | McGill: Investigations of the links between music, emotion and reward, Valorie Salimpoor |
| [2] | ^ | The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: How Does Music Aid 5 km of Running? |
| [3] | ^ | Psychology Today: Cortisol: Why the Stress Hormone Is Public Enemy No. 1 |
| [4] | ^ | The American Institute of Stress: Master Your Stress |
| [5] | ^ | J Music Ther.: The effects of active and passive participation in musical activity on the immune system as measured by salivary immunoglobulin A [SIgA]. |
| [6] | ^ | The Better Sleep Guide: The Insomnia Statistics |
| [7] | ^ | J Adv Nurs.: Music improves sleep quality in students. |
| [8] | ^ | World Health Organization: Depression |
| [9] | ^ | Dialogues Clin Neurosci.: Sleep disturbances and depression: risk relationships for subsequent depression and therapeutic implications |
| [10] | ^ | Dtsch Med Wochenschr.: [Music and healthwhat kind of music is helpful for whom? What music not?]. |
| [11] | ^ | Georgia Tech News Center: Helpful Hints for Healthy Holiday Eating |
| [12] | ^ | Ergonomics.: The influence of music on mood and performance while driving. |
| [13] | ^ | Front Psychol.: Pleasurable music affects reinforcement learning according to the listener |
| [14] | ^ | J Clin Nurs. : Soothing music can increase oxytocin levels during bed rest after open-heart surgery: a randomised control trial. |
| [15] | ^ | Wise Geek: How Many Surgeries Are Performed Each Year? |
| [16] | ^ | Alzheimers.net: Music Therapy For Dementia: Awakening Memories |
| [17] | ^ | Alzheimers Association: Facts & Figures |
| [18] | ^ | EurekAlert: Listening to music improves stroke patients recovery |
| [19] | ^ | Heart.org: Heart and Stroke Statistics |
| [20] | ^ | APS: Short-Term Music Training Enhances Verbal Intelligence and Executive Function |
| [21] | ^ | Pacific Standard: Music Training Enhances Childrens Verbal Intelligence |
| [22] | ^ | PLOS: Practicing a Musical Instrument in Childhood is Associated with Enhanced Verbal Ability and Nonverbal Reasoning |
| [23] | ^ | US News: Music Training May Help Keep Aging Brain Healthy |
| [24] | ^ | The Mind Unleashed: This is How Music Is Indeed a Universal Language |
A growing number of exotic destination seeking travelers are stealing away to Eastern Europe. Packed with all of the Allure of the UK, France or Italy Eastern Europe arguably offers cities rich in culture and medieval architecture with just as much grandeur as Western European destinations. Tourism is definitely starting to build in this corner of the world. Here are 25 amazing places you should visit in Eastern Europe.
1. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest, the capital of Romania is a dynamic modern city with a wildly sensational history. Nicknamed little Paris in the early 1900s Bucharest really plays the part with hip cafes, impressive tree lined boulevards and dramatic modern and historic architecture. Home to many attractions, the most remarkable landmark in this vibrant city is the monstrous Parliament Palace. Being equally enormous and ostentatious, it is a mind-blowing architectural feat trumped only in size by the Pentagon.
Where there are many examples of Bucharests cultural and architectural splendor the highlights include the Romanian Athenaeum, an elaborately domed circular building that is the cities main concert hall, Bucharest University and the National History Museum.
2. Sibiu, Romania
Sibiu is a city in Transylvania, Romania that has a cultural magic all its own. It will have you instantly spellbound with its striking medieval charm, breathtaking views of surrounding landscapes and delicious food.Its historical center was built into two very pedestrian levels filled with most of Sibius historical sites, colorful houses and cobble stone streets.
An artsy yet traditional vibe exists in the city that appealingly permeates the litany of cafes, festivals and exhibitions that thrive there. Some great things to experience in Sibiu are the Brukenthal Museum, andthe Crama Sibiu Vechi restaurant, a great place to enjoy authentic Romanian fare and the view of the historical center from the top of the Council Tower.
3. Bratislava, Slovakia
The truly charming city of Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. Its tiny old town is packed with medieval grandeur, all over looked by the cities majestic hilltop Castle. The narrow streets are lined with restaurants and bars beckoning for you to eat, drink and appreciate the culture.
Be sure to check out the Bratislava Castle and the Slavin Memorial for the best city views. Visit at Christmas and check out the traditional Market on the main square in the center of the city. It offers genuine local holiday specialties including delicious mulled wine that shouldnt be missed.
4. Nida, Lithuania
Exquisite Nida is the primary settlement on Lithuanias side of the Curonian Spit. This spit is a curved sand dune in between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Russia and Lithuania. Nida is the tourist destination on spit. The relics of yesteryear tell a story of a bygone fishing village. Colorful wooden cottages and bright boats in the harbor add to natural beauty that dominates here.
White sand beaches are a short hike through pine forest from Nida. Parnidis Dune, the massive and most impressive dune is just South of the village. It has steps up to its lofty summit where you can enjoy sweeping views of pristine, rippling dunes. Eat at Nidos Seklycia and take a tour to explore Curonian National Park. Both of these experiences will show you everything that draws visitors to this precious place.
5. Skopje, Macedonia
Skopje is amid Europes most diverse and compelling capital cities. It is an eclectic blend of Christian and Islamic cultures. This blend has given birth to a spirited and colorful society. A social vibe pervades the city, locals play chess in the parks and the city comes alive at night as people flock to cafes and bars to enjoy music and conversation. Visit the Carsija neibourhood to enjoy Skopjes best historic structures and museums. Complete with a Triumphal Arch, the Plostad Makedonija Square is dedicated to national heroes.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic, is the shining star of Croatia. With its awe inspiring old town highlighted by the sparkle of the sea, Dubrovnik is arguably one of the most beautiful towns in all of Eastern Europe. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, it is loaded with spectacular architecture, boasting brilliant churches, museums and sculptures.No visit to Dubrovnik would be complete without a walk along the city wall. The view over the city and the Adriatic is breath taking from this vantage point. For a more sweeping view take a cable car from town to the top of nearby Mt, Srd.
7. Split, Croatia
Split is the second largest city in Croatia. It lies on the Eastern shores of the Adriatic centering on Diocletians Palace, an impressive Roman monument that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Coastal mountains serve as Splits backdrop adding drama to the cities gorgeous cityscape. The palace is the heart of the city, It is a lively maze of streets filled with people, restaurants, bars and shops. A walking tour of the palace is the best way to see all of the highlights. Split has a flourishing beach scene in the summer. Visit the popular Bacvice Beach to enjoy the sea and games galore.
8. Mljet Island, Croatia
Considered one of the most beautiful Croatian Islands, Mljet is by far the greenest. The island, covered mostly in dense Mediterranean forest, sprinkled with vineyards, farms and tiny villages is the epitome of tranquility. The north half is Mljet National Park. With its pristine salt-water lakes and staggering density of vegetation, it is truly an unspoiled oasis. Visit Polace to check out the impressive Roman Palace that still remains dating from the first to the fifth century. Eat by the sea at Konoba Ankora, the best restaurants in Polace.
9. Orheiul Vechi, Moldova
Moldovas most extraordinary and scenic vista is the Oreil Vechi Monastery. It is a cave monastery sculpted into an imposing limestone cliff making it arguably Moldovas most haunting place. Supporting attractions include an ethnographic museum in nearby Butuncei, newly opened caves just across the valley and chilling views from the monasteries headquarters.
10. Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is the red hot, happening capital of Serbia. Its passionate resurgence toward a better future has resulted in a chaotic mix of nouveau masterpieces and old world relics.The Kalemegden Citadel is an excellent example of this. The formidable and impressive citadel has a bloody history that is still recognizable today despite the cheerful cafes and funfairs that inhabit it. To experience more of Belgrades intrigue take an underground tour and explore more of the cities tumultuous past.
11. Ljubljana, Slovenia
The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana is a culturally rich city filled with some of the best museums, restaurants and hotels in the country. The centerpiece of this arguably beautiful city is Presernov Trg, a lovely square that is the citys favorite place to meet. Car traffic is restricted in this area making the banks of the Ljubljana River, which runs right through the center, free for a stroll or a bike ride. Cafes set up terraces along the river creating an endless street party kind of vibe. To appreciate the baroque beauty of the city visit the Ljubljana Castle and the National and University Library. Both are examples of stunning architecture.
12. Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw is a city of complex character and gritty appeal. The capital was obliterated in WWII and has fought tirelessly to rebuild and replace what was lost ever since. Today the city hums with electric energy and fierce optimism. That remarkable tenacity extends to the citysedgy art openings and booming club and music industries.
To experience some of the past in Warsaw tour the Old Town, filled with the loveliest historical buildings in the city or visit the epic Warsaw Rising Museum. For a taste of the present check out Warszawa Powisle Station Bar. Described as a kiosk of culture this hip spot is a cultural institution featuring an eclectic variety of food, drink and great music among other things.
13. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland. Legend says it was founded on a conquest of a dragon. A former Royal capital, Krakow is steeped in a long and dramatic history. The Historic Center of Krakow is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boasting Europes largest market square, the Old Town is comprised of historic homes, palaces and spectacular churches. A walking tour of this area is a great way to see and learn about the area. The best of Krakow includes Wawel Royal Castle and the stone Adalbert Church. The new Schindlers Museum tells an emotional story about the Nazi occupation in Krakow. It is located in the former factory of Oscar Schindler and is an experience that shouldnt be missed.
14. Moscow, Russia
The city of Moscow, the center of Soviet mystique, is a stunning representation of Russia of yesterday and Russia of today. A truly inspiring city, Moscow is home to important Museum of Russian art and some of the best performing arts in the world. To appreciate the best of Moscow you must visit the Kremlin and Red Square, St. Basils Cathedral is the true icon of Russia and the Tretyakov Museum holds the worlds most important collection of Russian art. The world renowned Gorky Park and Bolshoi Theater are two more reasons to visit the most majestic city in Eastern Europe.
15. Riga, Latvia
Riga, the capital of Latvia is the cosmopolitan cornerstone of the Baltic. It has the biggest and most magnificent showing of Art Nouveau architecture in all of Europe. The Old Town is like something straight out of a fairy tale complete with gingerbread trim houses and nightmarish gargoyles. Highlights in Riga are the very old and equally huge Central Market, The Riga Art Nouveau Center to explain the imagination that lies beyond the stunning facades, and the imposing Riga Castle.
16. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sophia is the capital of Bulgaria. Distinguished by its special combination of European and Communist style architecture Sophia is home to many ornate Orthodox churches and Soviet looking stone civic buildings. The city boasts vast manicured parks and with such closes proximity to mighty Mt. Vitosh for skiing or a hike, it is easy to enjoy a break from the busy city streets. Some of the best things to see and experience in Sophia are The Nevski Church, the most beautiful park in Sophia, Park Borisova Gradina and Manastirska Manernitsa restaurant to sample delicious Bulgarian cuisine
17. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinns two-tiered historic center is one of Europes most bewitching walled cities. Right out of a fairy tale with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture historic Tallinn is astonishingly well preserved. Visit the oldest Gothic town hall in North Eastern Europe, and Tallinns chief landmark, the Oleviste Church. The best view of Old Town is from this churchs observation deck. Check out the Gloria Wine Cellar to add to the fairy tale allure. With its flickering candles and subterranean nooks and crannies this place is way more than a wine store.
18. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is the beguiling Baroque beauty of Lithuania. A chaotic mix of Baroque and Gothic architecture, Vilnius is both strange and stunning at the same time. The Gate of Dawn, the cities resounding landmark is a testament to the city forging a new identity. In Vilnius, the past and present combine to offer you worldly cuisine, lively nightlife and warmth so welcoming it will captivate you. Take a walking tour of historic Vilnius to see all of the highlights. Vilnius, steeped in a tumultuous history, has endured much tragedy; visit the Museum of Genocide to appreciate the marvel that Vilnius is today.
19. Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor Bay boasts the deepest bay depths [bordering on fjord proportions] in the Mediterranean Sea. The surrounding landscape includes staggeringly steep mountains that plunge right to the waters edge. The scene is truly spectacular. Adventure and intrigue pervade old Kotor. The old city is a maze built for protection that is so effective, even locals get lost navigating the narrow streets. Take a citytour to get your bearings and see all of the beauty that is Kotor. Highlights include St.Tryphones Cathedral and Konoba Catovic Mlini restaurant.
20. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Sarajevo has transformed from the ruin in the 1990 conflicts to become one of Eastern Europes sparkling jewels. Rich in cultural and religious diversity both influences bolster Sarajevos appeal. To appreciate Sarajevos culture visit Biban and enjoy epic city views and delicious local specialties. Not to be missed, The Tunnel Museum offers a look back on the hope and horrors that the hand dug tunnel inspired during the conflict
21. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a vast labyrinth of cobble stone streets, historic architecture and secret courtyards that ignites the wanderlust in everyone who visits this magical city. The citys skyline is spectacular, boasting almost a thousand spires, domes and towers. With magnificent parks and gardens, a cosmopolitan café culture and excellent theaters and museums there is about as many reasons to make Prague your next vacation destination.Some of the best places to visit in Prague are The Prague Castle, Veletrzni Palac Museum and the Letna Beer Garden. With so much to see and do in this great city taking a tour will help you hit all of the highlights.
22. Olomouc, Czech Republic
Olomouc is the undiscovered gem of the Czech Republic. Legend has it the city was founded by Julius Cesar and the Roman influence is prolific in its culture and historic architecture. Olomouc quietly combines rich historical beauty with youthful verve to create an exciting destination that rivals Prague for allure but undoubtedly wins top prize for best value. Some of the best things to see and experience in Olomouc are Horni Namesti, Olomoucs main square boasts two of the cities six ornate Baroque fountains, Premysl Palace and the Archdiocesan Museum.
23. Berat, Albania
Berat, The city of a thousand windows, is one of Albanias most beautiful highlights. Ottoman houses stack like stairs up Mt. Tomorri to the castle. The unique mountain town exudes a friendly, laid-back vibe. Nowhere is this more evident than the towns sunset stroll. Every night, before sunset, hundreds of locals take to the main street to walk and talk or grab a drink at a cafe. Visit the Kalasa neighborhood, beyond the castle walls. The views from the castle are the best. To learn more about art and culture in the area visit Onufri Museum or take an expert guided tour of the city.
24. Ionian Coast, Albania
Along the Ionian Coast, rugged mountains plunge into the clear blue sea. This stretch of coast in Albania is truly spectacular. Many historic sites exist in towns and cities in this area. The ancient ruins of Butrint and the Castle of Lekuresit are two of the highlights in this area. Visit Vlora to enjoy historic buildings and museums. If you long for the beach hold out for smaller villages further south. Outdoor adventures abound in this breath taking setting. Take a sea kayaking tour to appreciate the grandeur of this coastline.
25. Budapest, Hungary
Beautiful Budapest. Divided by the long, meandering Danube River it is an alluring tale of two distinctly different cities. Buda on the west bank is hills and historical sites. Pest on the East bank is flat plains pulsating with modern cafes and clubs.The list of things to see in Budapest is long. Highlights are The Great Synagogue, Memento Park and The Royal Palace. Take a night river cruise to appreciate the impressive Parliament Building and the Szechenyi Chain Bridge. Both are breathtaking lit at night.
Featured photo credit: Vasco Estermann via unsplash.com