Reykjavík is believed to have been founded in 874, when a certain farmer-settler laid out a dwelling on the site. The area is rich in hot springs that burst forth columns of steam. This was very impressive to the Celtic and Norwegian settlers, who nicknamed it “Smoky Bay” – Icelandic for “Reykjavik”.

By 1262, all taxes and tribute levied across the country flowed into the city. International trade with the Hanseatic League, England, and Norway flourished here. The city reached its maximum economic and political importance after it was taken over by Denmark in 1395. In 1627, it fell into decline after being ravaged by Berber pirates.

Remembrances of Rijk’javik

After the informative walks through the museums, you’ll probably want to just walk around the city. And you won’t be disappointed if you do:

Blakitnae Lagoon
It takes about 40 minutes to get to it from the center of Reyk’javik, but it’s worth it. The water of the geothermal pool really has a blakitny color and merges with the incredible Icelandic sky. Due to its unique natural composition, disease-causing microbes die. So bring your swimsuit and a bathing gown and enjoy your bathing.

Cultural Center “Perlan”
The history of this building, which has become one of the symbols of Reyk’javik, began in 1991, when the current mayor decided to turn the boiler house into an art object. And he succeeded! Now there are regular exhibitions, concerts, performances under the glass dome of “Perlina”, and wild bohemians and tourists wander around. And the boiler house, which utilizes the energy of underground sources, is still in operation!

Hudlgrimskirkju
The building looks more like a set for a sci-fi movie than the Lutheran church it is. Moreover, it was built for 38 years, starting in 1945.

The Sun Voyager monument
It was erected in honor of the 200th anniversary of Reyk’javik on the waterfront of the city. It reminds of the frame of a Viking chovn, moreover, not only the view, but also decent dimensions: 4 meters long and 3 meters high. It seems that the most hilarious photos of the “Sleepy Mandrovnik” are taken at the end of the day, when the sun descends into the sea waters. Check it out!

“Imagine Peace Tower.”
Light Tower was designed by Yoko Ono herself – Lennon’s widow. Great lichthars, which operate on the energy of hot energy sources, pierce the evening sky of Rijek’javik. The pedestal itself is decorated with the words in different languages “Imagine Peace”, as an extension of the famous song “Imagine Peace” by the Beatles. The monument, as Yoko intended, symbolizes the desire for love, peace and harmony in all their manifestations.

And only a part of the beauty that awaits you in Rijk’javik.
And only in the middle of the XVIII century the town began to gradually revive, when a certain royal treasurer Skuli Magnusson opened here workshops for the production of wool. And by August 1786 the settlement received the official status of a town. In 1845 the administration of the country was already located here.

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Architecturally, Dubrovnik is divided into two unequal parts: the so-called Old and New Town. The historical core of the city, the Old Town, located within a massive defensive wall, formed its appearance in the XVII century. The Old Town is a well-preserved example of a medieval Mediterranean city and is included in the UNESCO World Treasures List.

In Dubrovnik, you can find many wonderful cultural and architectural monuments, such as the Church of St. Vlach, the Prince’s Palace, Dominican and Franciscan monasteries, fountains by Italian architect Onofrio de La Cavia, the oldest synagogue in Europe, an ethnographic museum and an art gallery.

In Dubrovnik, there are currently quite a few 4-5 hotels with good service. The beaches here alternate – there are platform beaches, pebble beaches, but, however, there is less vegetation here compared to Central Dalmatia. Dubrovnik is currently the most expensive resort in Croatia.

Dubrovnik’s Riviera includes several popular tourist towns such as Cavtat, Plat, Mljina, Slano and Stogn, and lovers of island vacations can go to Kolochep, Lopud, Korcula or Mljet, the latter of which is a national park.

What to do in Dubrovnik

Today, Dubrovnik is a fun and attractive resort city with a vibrant day and nightlife. Cruise ships from all over the world call at its port, its restaurants offer all the variety of the Adriatic’s gifts, and young people who speak all languages gather at the discos on its outskirts.

The cuisine in this region is rich in seafood and meat treats from lamb and mutton, with specialties including oysters and mussels from the bay near the town of Ston, as well as eels from the Neretva River. Southern Dalmatia is also known for its wines from the Pelješac Peninsula, especially such brands as Dingac, Postup, and Posip.

You can have a delicious meal almost everywhere, as Dubrovnik is famous for its restaurants, the most popular of which are Atlas club Nautika, Konavoski dvori, Vila Koruna, Orsan, Komin, Eden, Domino.

Dubrovnik has many bars and several discos. Those who like to walk will find a suitable place to choose from: Burbon Street – a street completely lined with bars; Hamingway – a Cuban-style cocktail bar; Otok; Jazz bar; Gradska kavana – for those who like a relaxed atmosphere; Rock Cafe – well, it’s obvious; discos: “Divinae Follie” – Italian and very loud; “Esperanza” – local and simple; “Latino club” – located near the Old Town and suitable for all ages.

In addition to organized excursions from Dubrovnik, you can visit several interesting places on your own: the picturesque and romantic island of Lokrum; the aquarium, which is located in the old town; the market in the port of Gruc, where you can always buy fresh fruit and homemade wine; a panoramic platform on the top of Mount Srđ, which offers a magnificent view of the city and the islands; the city park; the port of the old town, from which tourist boats go to Cavtat, Platja and Mlina.

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Stay in the historic part

If you are thinking of saving money by settling on the mainland, this idea will definitely cost you disappointment. After all, mainland Venice is not the city you dreamed of seeing: to get to the historic center, you will have to overcome more than one kilometer.
There are many hotels in Venice, literally for every budget. On average, a double room in a four-star hotel costs from 100 euros per night. Renting an apartment will cost a little less – 80-90 euros per day. But be prepared for the fact that Venetian hospitality does not always leave a pleasant impression.

Wander the narrow streets

Never buy a tourist card in Venice! It’s better not to even use a navigator for a while. The fact is that by denying yourself the privilege of knowing your location every minute, you will begin to enjoy your walk and fully experience the atmosphere of this beautiful, romantic city. Don’t be afraid to get lost in its labyrinths or get into a dead end – it’s quite easy to get out of there. Just relax and allow yourself to wander leisurely through the narrow streets, crossing small canals on miniature bridges.
Tip: if a large hotel or hostel is not difficult to find, then an apartment in a small corner is easy to overlook. After checking in, mark your home address on a Google map so that you don’t spend a lot of time looking for it later.

Dine in a real trattoria

Do you want to feel the charm of “little Italy”? Avoid visiting large, let alone chain restaurants on the main streets, near the Grand Canal. There you will find nothing but exorbitant prices, crowded tourists, and arrogant waiters.
Move away from the center, inland, as far away from the tourist trails and luxurious sights as possible. After all, it is there that the “soul of Venice” lives, with its charisma, perky laughter, heartfelt conversations of locals and incredibly delicious home cooking. Remember: the less solemn pomp, the more hospitable the place and the tastier the food.

Walk around the city at night

Do you want to see the real Venice? Without the crowds of tourists, the din of souvenir sellers, and garbage dumps on every corner? Go for a walk in the evening, no earlier than ten o’clock. You will be surprised when closer to midnight, you won’t see a single soul on the streets of this noisy, crowded city. All the central sights, small courtyards and even the squares themselves – you will find all of them empty, but more alive and free than ever. It is at night that you can see and truly feel how beautiful the Doge’s Palace is, how majestic and inspiring Piazza San Marco is, and the incredible views from the Bridge of the Constitution.

Listen to a concert in La Fenice

La Fenice (translated from Italian as “the phoenix”) is the spiritual center of Italian opera and one of the world’s most beloved opera houses, which has risen like a phoenix from the ashes twice – the first time after a fire in 1774 and the second time after court battles. It was last revived in 2004 to once again inspire audiences with symphony concerts, opera and ballet.
Take care of your tickets in advance (preferably before your trip), because they will no longer be available on the day of the next premiere. And remember that no trip to the romantic Venetian lagoon can be called complete without the magnificent music of Vivaldi in a luxurious baroque atmosphere.

See San Marco at dawn

Do not be lazy to get up a little earlier than usual for such a miracle! Take a coffee with you and slowly walk through the empty city to the square: at this time there will be no tourists, only midnight photographers and sleepy locals.
You can watch the sunrise in Venice from 5 am. Choose a place on the waterfront or on one of the benches near the Doge’s Palace and get ready to enjoy the beauty of the most delicate sky colors. Smell the fresh aroma of the sea and seaweed, hear the muffled chimes, and watch the deep matte marsh-blue color of the water turn into golden-red tints.

Get to the bell tower of an ancient Catholic church

There are many incredibly beautiful old churches in Venice, but very few of them have been preserved in their original form. Most of them have been restored or rebuilt, but they have not become less attractive.
If you are curious and prefer to seek adventure anywhere in the world, take a walk along the Grand Canal at noon and enter one of the Catholic churches. Sometimes museum curators (depending on the number of visitors and their attitude to local cultural monuments) can show tourists not only publicly accessible sights, but also places that are closed to the public.

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