Tag Archives: colourful

Bryggen in Bergen, Norway

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Bergan (1)

Bryggen, Bergen, Norway

Founded in 1070, the Norwegian city of Bergen was largely settled by merchants who made their living from the sea. In 1360, the Hanseatic League established a trading post in Bryggen, the historic centre of Bergen, called a “kontor” – the only surviving kontor today. Bryggen remains the oldest part of this rainy city, as well as its most picturesque and beloved spot. Over the years as Bergen thrived, the town developed around Bryggen, improving the wharfs as well as the city itself. Bryggen became the claim of the Hanseatic merchants, who used the warehouses to store goods such as fish from northern Norway as well as grains from Europe. Today, Bryggen consists of roughly 30 brightly-painted wooden buildings, comprising a UNESCO site and Bergen’s trademark. With the rows of colourful wooden buildings and their narrow covered passageways always smelling a little bit like fish, it just seem so utterly…Scandinavian. It’s not hard to imagine Bryggen to be the scene of a Nordic fairytale, and a walk amongst these narrow alleys guarantees the feeling of teleporting to another era.

Tip: Enjoy the classic view of Bryggen from across Bergen Havn (Harbour) before crossing the bridge to wander the warren of historic buildings. Take care as this popular historic site can get busy. 

Explore the Region of Bergen

Brasov, Romania

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Brasov, Romania

This is undoubtably the town of Brasov. Can you figure out why? Spot the definitive (and quite cheesy) sign! Brasov is a very popular town in Romania, perhaps the most visited town of all Transylvania. The main attraction here is “Dracula’s Castle,” which unfortunately isn’t Dracula’s Castle (sorry, that is Poenari Citadel – it’s just that Poenari is isolated and well off the beaten path, while Brasov’s castle is easily accessible). But that doesn’t mean that Brasov doesn’t have other charms. Because it is popular, it has many amenities. It is an ideal welcome to travelling in Romania, as many other parts of Romania have fewer amenities western travellers are accustomed to. It’s busy, it’s accessible, it’s well sign-posted, and there are plenty of restaurants/bars etc. English is spoken throughout. And of course, Brasov is beautiful. It’s colourful, vibrant, and fun. That silly Hollywood-esque sign up there? There is actually a lovely forest hike that takes you up the sign and beyond, if you choose. There is even a wee tram that takes you up if you prefer that – but walking is far nicer. Plenty of very lovely Romanian churches abound and the wine is good – especially if you find a nice wine bar (there are several). There’s no shortages of things to do, as long as you don’t mind being around plenty of other European tourists.

Tip: Skip Brasov’s gimmicky castle and instead include an extra day to your itinerary to head out of your way to visit the mountainous Poenari Castle. Or visit the majestic hilltop Rupea Castle – you’ll likely have it much to yourself.

Why Else is Romania Cool?

Spoleto’s Albornoz Castle by Night, Italy

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Albornoz Castle in Spoleto at night, Italy

Come to the Italian town of Spoleto for its great medieval aqueduct, an amazing feat of engineering. Come to Spoleto for its Roman theatre and walls. Come to Spoleto for its massive fortification the Rocca Albornoz, or Albornoz Castle. Come to Spoleto for its food and wine, or for its great cathedral, stunning views, street after street of shops. This mid-sized Italian locale is the perfect size – not quite town, not quite city – full of everything you’d want in a place, and brimming with stunning sites. By day or night, Spoleto is a place of wonder. Even at the heart of winter with shorter days and chilly nights, Spoleto is an easy place to love. The powerful walls of Albornoz Castle looming overhead are often lit up at night, brightening up winter nights. Built in 1359 on Hill St. Elias and the highest point in Spoleto, Albornoz Castle has long been a presence in Spoleto. Flanked by six sturdy towers, the Rocca Albornoz has a history of resisting many sieges, and was later turned into a jail in 1800, used as such until the late 20th century. Today it houses a modest museum, home to the Courtyard of Honour, the Courtyard of Arms, the Hall of Honour and the Painted Room (Camera Pinta), as well as local art, sculptures and several lovely frescoes – ideal for a cold winter’s day.

Tip: Learn more about visiting the national museum on their website. Also, don’t miss Spoleto’s stunning Roman amphitheatre and its accompanying Roman archeology museum. (Want more indoor culture? See a list of Spoleto’s museums here).

Visit More in the Region

Colourful Bristol, England

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Colourful Bristol, England 

Bristol might not be the first place you think of in England. A stone’s throw from the popular ancient spa town of Bath, Bristol is a quirky student’s city, a vibrant, exciting place that is full of cool buildings, lively bars and restaurants, great shopping and also some pretty interesting history too – not to mention some vividly-painted streets. Located at the edge of the upscale but cool Clifton village, this colourful patchwork quilt of painted facades adds a spice of colour to this brick-heavy city. Even a hanging grey sky can’t stamp out this parade of colour along the River Avon (the same one that runs through Bath). These brightly-painted houses trace upwards along the slopes on the north side of the river along places like Church Lane, Ambrose Street, Southernhay Crescent and Argyle Street but you can see the the panorama viewed here from the Marina, just past the Great Western Dockyard on Spike Island (western end of the city). Bristol is a serious university city with a working class past. Today it is a a quirky place where you can find great bookshops, hip new galleries, small but fascinating museums, some great Victorian/industrial revolution architecture, riverside promenades and exciting new restaurants across the city (even some in old storage containers!). Bristol is a city overlooked by most but well worth a visit.

Pro tip: Not too far away from the Marina is Whapping Wharf district (eastern side of Spike Island) where there are a number of quirky restaurants in old shipping containers, such as Gambas Tapas, Box-E and Salt and Malt, a Curry shack as well as our personal favourite, Cargo Cantina, which does organic artesian tacos, nachos and margaritas. Get a patio table if the weather is nice! 

Find Other Quirky European Corners

Chihuly Sculptures in Kew Gardens, England

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London Chilluly Kew

Chihuly Sculptures in Kew Gardens, London, England

You might think it a bit odd to go one of the world’s most famous gardens to look at art. You might think it even more bizarre to go to a massive garden to look at glass sculptures. But that’s exactly one of the things to love about London‘s famed Royal Kew Gardens. There’s lots of glass to love in this amazing park-meets-outdoor-art-museum. Roughly broken into two periods, we have relics of the Victorian era with the amazing glasshouses (like the Palm House and the Temperate House), as well as the modern era, characterised by treetop walks, towering temples…and of course American glassblower Dale Chihuly’s beautiful designs in this open air gallery. According to Chihuly, he “love[s] the juxtaposition between installations and the natural elements, and how the work can be both complementary and striking in natural environments.’ It is here, in Kew Gardens, where art meets nature, and both are on magnificent display celebrating our planet’s intense beauty in biodiversity. Wandering the gardens, you’ll marvel at the flowers and trees as much as you do at the glasshouses and Chihuly’s designs. Above, you’ll see some of Chihuly’s most abstract pieces overlooking the Georgian palace, a stately home preserved in its historic beauty. Another of the Chihuly’s isn’t far off – lovely blue glass flowers are hanging from the high ceiling of the Temperate House (which houses plants from the planet’s temperate zones ie non-Equator, including Chihuly’s native USA). But the talented artist has added hundreds of nature-inspired glass sculptures all over the park – enjoy this modern-age artistic scavenger hunt on your next trip to London’s Kew Gardens!

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the indoor museum dedicated to Chihuly to learn more about his work. If you have deep pockets, you can even purchase one of his designs. Kew entrance fees and opening hours found here (pre booking now required). Easily accessible via the London Overground trains, which connects to the Tube downtown. 

What Else to Do in London?

*Please note that all photos posted since the start of the Pandemic travel restrictions are from the archives, or taken locally within a short distance of our home. 

Streets of Sighisoara, Romania

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Sighisoara street

Streets of Sighisoara, Romania

Sighisoara is surely Romania‘s brightest jewel. This snug medieval city is tucked into the north of the Transylvania region. Colourful facades jostle for place on ancient streets paved with smooth cobblestones, made shiny by the footfall of thousands. Cafes and beer terraces stumble out into the main streets and squares, and a happy hubbub of chatter sounds in the air. Quieter alleys with own windows and miniature gardens ring with the sounds of cooking. A region that has seen many rulers, travellers from Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy and other nearby countries mingle together in this historic city. Sighisoara has a darker past, too. It was here that the infamous maybe-vampire Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler) was born. In fact, you can eat in a restaurant that occupies his former home. Though probably not a vampire, he was certainly unbelievably cruel. Vlad had a seemingly incurable bloodlust and a deep-seated hatred for the Ottomans – though in his defence, the Ottomans spent an inordinate amount of time trying conquer Vlad’s regions of Wallachia and Transylvania (modern day visitors prefer Transylvania due to its mountains and castles, but at the time Wallachia was worth more as its flat and featureless landscape was far better for profitable farming). Vlad’s nickname ‘the Impaler’ was unfortunately based on his obsession with impaling his enemies on spikes. (He is also one of the first to use biowarfare, sending fatally sick man dressed as Turks into their camps to infect as many people as possible). Despite this dark stain on Sighisoara’s history, there’s no doubt that this amazing walled city is a place of true beauty, lovely people and seriously good food.

Pro tip: We recommend climbing the covered awning to the church and graveyard at the top. For some of the best food in the city, head to the wine cellars of Gasthaus restaurant, just outside the walls. We recommend the stew Ciulama de pui for mains and a papanasi as dessert. Or eat in Dracula’s birthplace – a tourist-popular place, but less of a ‘trap’ than in other major European hotspots. 

More of Magical Romania

*Please note that all photos posted since the start of the Pandemic travel restrictions are from the archives, or taken locally within a short distance of our home. 

Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia

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dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia

Dubrovnik is one of those places that somehow just doesn’t seem quite real. Is it a fairy tale? A place in Game of Thrones (which used it as a filming location) or Lord of the Rings? But no, Dubrovnik is the thriving southmost city of Croatia, an orange-tiled marbled marvel clinging to the shores of the very turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Vibrant, busy and loud, the narrow streets of this small but beloved city vibrate with life. But from here, beyond the ancient streets, beyond the beaches, up above the peninsula of dusty hills framed with of lush greenery, we have the very best view of this beautiful place. Croatia is a place of rapid change, a place where time most certainly does not stand still. As the EU’s most recent member, it is a place where past meets future.

Pro Tip: Unless you’re looking for a typical beach holiday, visit Croatia in the off season to avoid the busiest of tourists. 

More Nearby

 

Autumn Foliage in Parc Tete d’Or, France

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Autumn Foliage in Parc de la Tete d’Or, Lyon, France

Though far from its only park, le Parc de al Tete d’Or is certainly Lyon‘s premier public park. Though lovely all year round, Parc de la Tete d’Or holds a particular charm during the transitional seasons. Spring is full of blooming flowers while autumn bursts into fall  flame of foliage. During autumn, the whole park erupts into a patchwork quilt of golds, oranges, reds and yellows, making it a lovely place for a romantic stroll, a quiet picnic, a lovely jog or even a nice place to walk the dog. Translating as “the Park of the Golden Head,” it is supposedly named for a legend claiming that a golden Christ’s head is buried here. Founded in 1845 after much call for an urban park, the Parc de la Tete d’Or encompasses 117 hectares (almost 300 acres). Within these acres, find an outdoor zoo, botanical gardens and a great glasshouse, a rose garden, a lake with several island, sports facilities, children’s playgrounds, and kilometres of trails lined with trees, gardens, sculptures and cafes (bonus – everything in the park is free!). There are paddleboats on the lake (better to look at then to actually use), and even a little train (also best avoided). Running groups use this as a place to swap urban scenes with beautiful landscapes – if you’re looking for a longer run, follow the Rhone river north of Tete d’Or to connect with the Parc de la Feyssine. No matter when you visit, the Parc Tete d’Or is sure to impress!

Pro tip: Don’t miss Boulevard des Belges, a grand avenue running parallel to the park’s southern side. Lined with grand and beautiful hotels or mansions dating from the last two centuries, Boulevard des Belges has long held a reputation as the most expensive street to live on in Lyon – rent upwards of €2,500/month! Crane your head upwards to view all of the architecural detail. On the northern side is Interpol HQ. Housed in a modern complex near the Musée d’art Contemporain, it may not be much to look at, but it’s a pretty cool place behind the scenes… 

Find other urban parks

 

St Peter’s Church in Riga, Latvia

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Steeple of St Peter’s Church in Riga, Latvia

Huddled on the banks of River Daugava, Riga is a town recognised for its architectural beauty and rich culture. As the capital of Latvia, and one of the three main cultural centres in the Baltics region of northeast Europe (the others being Tallinn and Vilnius), Riga is a blend of old world charm and cosmopolitan busyness. Architecturally, it is composed of a medieval city Old Town, unique art nouveau facades and gothic and baroque spires,  such as this one here. Perched atop St Peter’s Church at the heart of Riga, the 130-metre-high baroque steeple is the city’s tallest spire. This steeple dates back to WWII when the church was rebuilt after the city was torn apart during the war. This new structure was based on a former tower erected in the 1720s, replacing a previous structure that was struck by lighting in 1721 which in turn replaced one that collapsed in 1666. In fact, at one point in the late 1690s, St Peter’s Church was the highest wood building in the world! The oldest version of this spire dates all the way back to the end of the 15th century, while St Peter’s Church itself was consecrated in 1209 (though little remains of that original construction). The basilica we see today is from the 15th century in all of its baroque and gothic fashion. In 1997, Riga’s Old Town was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites – among the sites called out for their particular beauty, heritage and culture was of course St Peter’s Church.

Pro tips: A stone’s throw away is the famed House of Blackheads, a unique baroque guildhall. Pick up one of the Like A Local maps which shows streets and iconic sights but also less-known sights recommended by local citizens as well as food recommendations. One such recommendation is a lovely teacup-sized family-run restaurant, Varzoba, located very close to both St Peter’s Church and the House of Blackheads. Not sure what to get? Let them choose! You won’t regret it. 

St Léger, Chambéry, France

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Chambery France town centre French Alps

Place Saint Léger, Chambéry, France

From farmer’s markets to flea markets, ice cream stands to crêperies, from sunshine to rainy days, Place Saint Léger, tucked within the bright, colourful streets of Chambéry, has seen it all. Chambéry is a small but beautiful French town not far from the Italian border and comfortably snuggled in the foothills of the French Alps. In fact, on a clear day, the Alps are clearly visible; on a rainy day, you may just make out their massive silhouettes in the fog. Chambéry’s air is much cooler and crisper than the air of larger nearby cities like Lyon or Torino. It’s surprisingly colourful here, as if Poland‘s vibrant market squares have been transported to Western Europe and imposed upon a French city. Despite its small size and vaguely-remote location, Chambéry is a bustling mini-metropolis. Street after street exudes colours from their painted facades. Neighbours stop to chat, tourists wander the streets in small groups, cafes fill with patrons. Everywhere, there is an air of tranquility. This is a place where one eats heartily, walks slowly, breathes clearly, and relaxes entirely.

Pro tip: Looking for something unique? Head to Place des Éléphants to see Chambery’s strange centrepiece: the Elephant Fountain! It is exactly what it sounds like, a fountain made of 4 elephant sculptures. For hikers and outdoor lovers, Chambéry is a good base to explore the western fringes of the Alps and still enjoy the charms of a sizeable city. 

Other colourful towns in Europe:

This post originally appeared in June 2014. It has since been revised and rewritten. 

Facades in Copenhagen, Denmark

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colourful Copenhagen Denmark

Colourful Facades in Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is not a city that is afraid to be colourful. The Danes regularly rate themselves as one of the happiest populations across the globe, and though you’d have a hard time believing that from a window into Danish daily life or accidentally falling upon a Nordic Noir TV series or film (like The Bridge, The Killing or Borgen), a walk through the bright, clean and colourful streets of Copenhagen should change your mind. Copenhagen is one of Europe’s cleanest cities (an actual fact), and though the Danish capital’s inhabitants may seem somewhat dispassionate at times, their city shows their true colours – literally. Street upon street of vibrant facades traverse the capital, from the imperial King’s Garden to the hippie Christiana to the chic Nyhavn; the city ekes colour and vivacity. The secret to life in Denmark is simplicity – without making a ruckus, the Danes quietly make the most of everything in life. YOLO stands for ‘you only live once’ – but is that true? To quote a line from the novel, the Secret Diary of Hendrick Groen, 83 Years Old: “You only die once but you live everyday.” Instead of going about life with the too-vivid enthusiasm of the Spanish, the fast-paced lifestyle of the Italians or the pompous culinary pride of the French, the Danish prefer to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and daily joys with a subtle but unwavering and unquestioning contentedness – a feat that they do remarkably well. And a feat we could all learn from.

More Colourful Places in Europe
  1. Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark
  2. The Berlin Wall, Germany
  3. Gdansk, Poland
  4. Poznan, Poland 
  5. Hundretwasser House, Vienna, Austria