Author Profile: Elena Bostănică

Imagine spending a day in a city that mixes history, whimsy, and waffles. Yes, Brussels in a day is doable and it is calling your name! It’s alive with sights so stunning, you’ll want to take a selfie with every building. As the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels boasts a rich tapestry of culture. From grand architecture to quirky statues, every corner has a story. And don’t even get me started on the food – it’s a culinary dream come...   view more

Iasi is one of the biggest cities in Romania, situated in the North-East part of the country. Built on 7 hills, just like Rome, it is a picturesque city, with nice architecture and dreamy, green landscapes. Throughout history, Iasi has been the spiritual and cultural core of Moldavia (in Romanian: Moldova), one of the historical regions of...   view more

Located in the middle of the Transylvania region in Romania, Sibiu is a medieval city that has so much to offer on a cultural level. Sibiu has a large German population, which is why the city also has a second German name – Hermannstadt. Although it has been a popular destination for a long time now, it really rose to fame after it held the title of European Cultural Capital in 2007, along with Luxembourg, another city that I’m in love...   view more

Warsaw is pretty much the Phoenix bird of Europe. Vastly destroyed during World War II, it was reconstructed almost entirely from the ground up afterwards. Therefore, don’t expect medieval vibes (like in Wroclaw, for example), but rather a modern, vibrant city that still manages to keep the remains of its...   view more

Bucharest has been my home for more than a decade and the best way to describe it is… diverse. To help you discover the layers of this city once called “Little Paris”, I compiled a list of activities that will take you on a lovely tour around the city. Buckle up for discovering different architectural styles, fascinating museums, romantic parks, Instagrammable spots, places to eat and drink and...   view more

The Vatican City is a tiny sovereign state located in the heart of Rome. It is the world’s smallest state by area, but it holds some of the most precious treasures of art and architecture in the world. The Vatican is not just a religious destination but also a cultural one. The art and architecture found within its walls are breathtaking and awe-inspiring. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the art and architecture of the Vatican and provide a guide for exploring...   view more

Potsdam is like a breath of fresh air in the northern part of Germany. Its closeness to Berlin makes it a perfect destination for a day trip. Why choose this city over other so many other options to spend your time? Because it is different. Totally different from the spirit of Berlin and this shift is what it made me love it so...   view more

Berlin is a city with many well-kept secrets. While planning my visit there, I tried to research its history and landmarks as much as possible, and it still surprised me in many ways. You can miss so much if you don’t know what to look for and where. It might be why I initially felt I didn’t like Berlin much – it had too many hidden stories and I felt I only unearthed some of them by...   view more

Welcome to Hollywood! Oh wait… I meant Brasov! Easy mistake to make, right? Both have those iconic white-letter signs on a hill, but while Hollywood has palm trees and celebrity mansions, Brasov greets you with towering pine trees and medieval charm… and probably a bear of two wandering around (but hey, that’s just part of the Brasov experience!). And instead of Hollywood Hills, you get the majestic Carpathian Mountains. Honestly, I think we got the better...   view more

Gothenburg isn’t always the first city that pops up on a Scandinavian bucket list—but spend a day here, and you’ll probably start wondering why that is. It’s got canals, cozy cafés, sea views, weirdly good cinnamon buns, and just enough personality to keep you on your toes (in the best way). Although Stockholm was always more appealing to me (thanks to its much higher notoriety), Gothenburg was the first Swedish city I ever visited because it was way more affordable for everything –...   view more

Vienna, a city where emperors waltz through your daydreams and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingers in the air, is a place that seamlessly blends majestic history with modern charm. Known for its imperial palaces and iconic architecture, Vienna is also a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveler. I’ve been there a few times already, but I discover new layers every time, as the city promises an enchanting journey through its cobblestone streets and...   view more

Luxembourg City may be small, but it packs an impressive amount of history, viewpoints, and UNESCO-listed landmarks into a compact, walkable center. The best way to experience it all, without rushing or relying on guided groups, is by following a Luxembourg self-guided walking tour that connects the Old Town, the city’s dramatic fortifications, and the lower districts at your own...   view more

Terrasini, a charming Sicilian seaside town, is more than just a vacation spot for me—it’s a place where unforgettable moments have etched themselves into my heart. My journey to Terrasini was initially for a wedding, a celebration of love that brought together friends and family from Ireland and beyond. The couple, who had fallen head over heels for this idyllic destination, chose Terrasini for their vows, and after spending time here, I completely understood...   view more