| Budget Guide to the Baltic |
The three ex-Soviet Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have become fashionable tourist hostspots in recent years. This is mainly because, with their well-preserved architecture, friendly locals and cheap prices, the nations' three capital cities provide a uniquely attractive environment for the hostel booker.
Talinn
Estonia's capital, Talinn, lies on the country's north coast - directly on the Baltic Sea. Established in 1219, the city developed as a seaport over the centuries - and was famed for its beauty. However, along with its Baltic neighbours, all foreign travel was shut off with the coming of the Soviet era - a ban which was only lifted after the fall of the USSR in 1991.
Home to around 400,000 people, Talinn's main tourist areas are its two old towns - Lower Town and Toompea. City chiefs have placed a priority on welcoming visitors - and have developed the 'Talinn card' as a result. Sold by the local tourist offices, the card gives visitors the right to free public transport and free entry to some attractions - excellent news for people on a budget.
See a selection of Talinn hostels http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/estonia/tallinn/
Riga
Talinn's charms are, however, matched (and some would say bettered) by those of Riga, capital of Latvia. Home to the largest church in the Baltic states - the spectacular Doma Cathedral - the city boasts a host of tourist attractions and trendy restaurants, as well as a vibrant bar scene.
Visitors can soak up the sights of the old town, visit the city's castle, or go to the famous Powder Tower - a well-preserved relic of Riga's original medieval city walls. Architecture fans should also be sure to check out the Art Nouveau buildings on Alberta and Elizabetes streets.
Families staying in Riga hostels can also go to the zoo and Forest Park - where they can take a ride on the ferris wheel - or visit the acclaimed Riga circus.
Vilnius
Not to be outdone, the city of Vilnius also offers a host of attractions for the tourist. Lithuania's medieval capital, with a population of just over half a million, contains over 40 churches lining its characteristically narrow, courtyard-studded streets. The two major tourist attractions of the city are Gediminas Castle and the neighbouring Cathedral Square.
More incongruously, a statue of Frank Zappa adorns a historic street near the centre of town - which, the government proudly boasts, is the first bronze cast of the rock star anywhere in the world.
Article Source: UnArchived Articles
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