Top Europe travel destinations for 2013 (part 4)
On our look at some of the top Europe travel destinations for 2013 today, we’ll look two very well-known countries, very popular tourist destinations, but the places that we’ll talk about are not that well-known.
Bern – Switzerland
Going to Switzerland, one mustn’t be blamed if one is distracted by the wonderful alpine panoramas that abound.
Bern is quite possibly the most underrated capital city on the entire continent of Europe, maybe because it offers something completely different than one might expect.
You might be expecting a stodgy seat of government, but Bern dashes that notion instantly thanks to a wonderful blend of old and genteel with the modern and edgy.
The Old Town is a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage site, stemming from the 15th century, it features many wonderful fountains as well as Albert Einstein’s former house. But as we mentioned earlier, the old blends with the new, with the Renzo Piano design Paul Klee Center being close to the Old Town – this is where you’ll find artsy boutiques, intellectual bars and cutting-edge locavore cuisine.
Do you love cheese? Really now, who doesn’t? This is the greatest place to try out a bunch of Emmental cheese varieties, there are actually mobile apps that will guide you from one cheese hot-spot to another.
In case you’re a budget-conscious music lover, then the Buskers Street Music Festival is for you, filling up the Old Town with music and performances for free.
Marseille – France
Marseille is a pretty well-known French destination, but it wasn’t long till the place was known for urban decay and crime in the country.
Marseille is the European Capital of Culture in 2013, and despite this and the obvious major makeover and investment that revitalized it, most travelers are not yet aware of its comeback, but we’re here to change that.
One must simply check out Le Penier quarter’s labyrinthine and souk-like streets which are lined with artisans’ shops marking the long history of the neighborhood as a local marketplace. There are several other places to check out such as the Basilique Nothre Dame de la Garde, and the recently-opened and brand-new Musee des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Mediterranee.
