merlin
Member
- Location
- Saint Petersburg Russia
.
I will start by saying we both loved the country, the people, the food, the trams and of course the beer, which is amazing, the dark especially is to die for.
Its a small country and we both thought ideal for a weekend or short break, but not really enough for a full 2 or more week holiday. We visited a few local towns by train and bus, and found them picturesque and interesting, but as soon as you roam outside the old town centres, you are in the usual Eastern European Soviet style concrete monoliths, which are depressing to say the least.
The people are friendly and helpful, though not much English is spoken it doesn't matter, they are a very religious people and the churches are packed to overflowing with standing room only, and all ages attend, some of the church interiors are stunning. There is no obesity, unlike our growing UK problem, and everywhere is tidy and completely free from litter, but for some reason there is a lot of low grade graffiti on a lot of the buildings, I don't mind some of the artistic stuff, but this is just tags etc.
The food is excellent and they have a gift for transforming old disused buildings, into amazing restaurants.
We dined in an old cinema, a synagogue and a 16th century ale house.
The public transport system is awe inspiring, all the trams and trains run to the minute and are clean air conditioned and comfortable. I managed to get a free travel card as I am over 70 and in the EU, its a lifetime card but I doubt I will return, because there are so many other countries to explore
We stayed in a rented room close to the old town, which was very convenient and peaceful considering its central location. There is a nearby tram stop where you can travel anywhere easily.
I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in historic architecture and wining and dining in a relaxed atmosphere, with good travel to anywhere really, as there is a 1/2 hourly service to Vienna and trains to most European countries such as France, Hungary, Italy and Germany etc.
A few photos taken on the first day:
The main square in the old town
The road where we stayed
More Trams
The road to the castle
And of course Tesco are there
I will start by saying we both loved the country, the people, the food, the trams and of course the beer, which is amazing, the dark especially is to die for.
Its a small country and we both thought ideal for a weekend or short break, but not really enough for a full 2 or more week holiday. We visited a few local towns by train and bus, and found them picturesque and interesting, but as soon as you roam outside the old town centres, you are in the usual Eastern European Soviet style concrete monoliths, which are depressing to say the least.
The people are friendly and helpful, though not much English is spoken it doesn't matter, they are a very religious people and the churches are packed to overflowing with standing room only, and all ages attend, some of the church interiors are stunning. There is no obesity, unlike our growing UK problem, and everywhere is tidy and completely free from litter, but for some reason there is a lot of low grade graffiti on a lot of the buildings, I don't mind some of the artistic stuff, but this is just tags etc.
The food is excellent and they have a gift for transforming old disused buildings, into amazing restaurants.
We dined in an old cinema, a synagogue and a 16th century ale house.
The public transport system is awe inspiring, all the trams and trains run to the minute and are clean air conditioned and comfortable. I managed to get a free travel card as I am over 70 and in the EU, its a lifetime card but I doubt I will return, because there are so many other countries to explore
We stayed in a rented room close to the old town, which was very convenient and peaceful considering its central location. There is a nearby tram stop where you can travel anywhere easily.
I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in historic architecture and wining and dining in a relaxed atmosphere, with good travel to anywhere really, as there is a 1/2 hourly service to Vienna and trains to most European countries such as France, Hungary, Italy and Germany etc.
A few photos taken on the first day:
The main square in the old town
The road where we stayed
More Trams
The road to the castle
And of course Tesco are there
