Top 5 cities Archives - Friends Traveller

March 26, 2023

Top 5 Cities to visit in Albania

Albania is a hidden gem in the Balkans that offers an abundance of natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture to those who choose to travel there. Top 5 cities to visit in Albania include the capital city Tirana, the historic cities of Berat and Gjirokastra. The coastal town of Saranda, and the picturesque city of Shkodra. From the stunning beaches of the Albanian Riviera to the rugged mountain ranges of the Accursed Mountains, Albania has something for everyone.

Destinations / Albania
updated March 2023

Albanian cuisine is also a highlight, with dishes such as byrek, fërgesë, and tavë kosi showcasing the country’s Mediterranean and Balkan influences. With friendly locals and affordable prices, Albania is a must-visit destination for any adventurous traveler.

Tirana

Tirana is the capital of Albania and the largest city in the country. It is a vibrant and lively city with a mix of Ottoman, Italian, and communist-era architecture. Some of the popular attractions in Tirana include Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, the Ethem Bey Mosque, and the colorful Blloku neighborhood.

Budget per day: for example, basic budget is around $30-$40 per day. Otherwise it costs about $50-$100 or more per day.

Berat

Berat is known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” due to its unique architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Additionally, the city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and has a charming old town with cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and historic mosques and churches.

Budget per day: For budget travelers it is $25-$35 per day, otherwise $45-$80 or more per day.

Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra is another UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture. The city is located in the south of Albania, It also has a beautiful castle that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Budget per day: For budget travellers it is around $20-$30 per day. Otherwise daily spending can be $40-$70 or more per day.

Saranda

Saranda is a coastal city located in the south of Albania, near the border with Greece. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively nightlife. Some of the popular attractions in Saranda include the Butrint Archaeological Site, the Blue Eye natural spring, as well as the Lekuresi Castle.

Budget per day: Around $50-$100 or more per day. But Budget travellers can travel in $35-$45 per day

Shkoder

Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in Albania and is known for its rich cultural heritage. The city is located in the north of Albania and has a beautiful historic center with narrow streets, traditional houses, and historic landmarks such as the Rozafa Castle and the Shkoder Cathedral. The city is also a great base for exploring the nearby Albanian Alps and Lake Skadar National Park.

Budget per day: Budget travelers can expect to spend around $25-$35 per day, Otherwise around $40-$80 or more per day for mid range to luxary.

February 20, 2023

Top 5 cities to visit in Spain

Spain is a mixture of everything, it is a wonderful place with wonderful people. With big and small cities all around here its always difficult to travel everywhere. Here we shortlisted top 5 cities to visit in Spain.

Destinations / Spain
updated February 2023

5. Bilbao

Bilbao is a northern Spanish industrial city on North Atlantic Ocean. It’s the capital of Basque county and it has rich architecture as well as its wonderful culture. Guggenheim museum by Frank Gehry is one of the highlights of the city.

Some places to see : For instance, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Iconic contemporary art museum, Casco Viejo: Old town with narrow streets and Basque architecture. Also, Zubizuri: Modern pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, Vizcaya Bridge: Industrial revolution-era transporter bridge. As well as, Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: Museum with a collection of Basque and Spanish art, Euskalduna Palace: Conference center and opera house with a striking design.
How to Reach: Connection from major cities, about 4 hours from Madrid, and about 6 hours from Barcelona.

4. Sevilla

Sevilla is a city in southern Spain, known for its rich history, architecture, and culture. It is the capital of the Andalusia region, It is also the forth largest city in the country. Sevilla is famous for its Arcitecture, such as Moorish-style Alcázar palace, Gothic cathedral, and lively flamenco music and dance. The city is also a hub for art, cuisine, and sport.

Some places to see : For example, Alcázar of Seville: Ornate royal palace with gardens, Seville Cathedral: Gothic cathedral with the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Also, Plaza de España: Iconic public square with a canal and bridges, Parque de María Luisa: Scenic park with tiled fountains and statues. Metropol Parasol: Wooden structure with panoramic views and a market. Triana: Vibrant neighborhood with traditional ceramics and flamenco.
How to Reach: fastest and most convenient way to get from Madrid to Seville is by taking the high-speed AVE train. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and trains run frequently throughout the day.
Also fastest way to travel from Barcelona to Sevilla is by taking a flight. it takes about 90 mins, high-speed train takes about 5 hours.

3. Valencia

Valencia is a vibrant city on the eastern coast of Spain, also known for its delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, and rich history. Furthermore, you can stroll through the charming old town, marvel at the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, or take a boat ride through the tranquil Albufera Natural Park. With a bustling port, lively nightlife, and welcoming locals, Valencia is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Spain.

Some places to see : for example, City of Arts and Sciences: Futuristic complex of museums, theaters, and attractions, Central Market: Beautiful modernist building with diverse food offerings. also La Lonja de la Seda: Gothic-style UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bioparc Valencia: Innovative zoo with natural habitats. as well as, Turia Gardens: Green park along a former riverbed, Valencia Cathedral: Gothic cathedral with the Holy Grail on display.
How to Reach: connected with major cities in Europe. It takes about an hour flight from Barcelona and about 3 hours by high speed train. Also from Madrid, it takes about an hour of flight or 2 hours of he high-speed AVE train.

2. Madrid

Madrid is a city of grand boulevards, world-class museums, and a vibrant nightlife. Visitors can explore the winding streets of the historic center, visit places such as, art at the Prado Museum, or catch a flamenco performance. With its lively atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, Madrid is a city that never fails to impress.

Some places to see : for example, Prado Museum: One of the world’s most significant art museums, Royal Palace of Madrid: Magnificent Baroque palace. Retiro Park: Stunning 125-hectare park. Plaza Mayor: Iconic public square. Puerta del Sol: Historic public square. Gran Vía: Lively shopping and entertainment district.
How to Reach: Madrid is connected by major cities in Europe and the World. From Barcelona is approximately 625 kilometers by road. It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes on the high-speed AVE train, Flight takes about an hour from Barcelona, 2.5 to 3 hours from London or Rome.

1. Barcelona

Barcelona is a city of endless charm, from the whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudi to the lively beach scene of Barceloneta. Visitors can explore the Gothic Quarter, savor delicious tapas, or take in the panoramic views from Park Guell. With its rich culture, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and Mediterranean climate, furthermore, Barcelona is a city that captivates the senses. It is our top pick in our list of Top 5 cities to visit in Spain.

Some places to see : Sagrada Familia: Gaudí’s iconic basilica. Park Güell: Gaudí-designed park with panoramic views. Gothic Quarter: Historic district with Gothic architecture. La Rambla: Iconic pedestrian street. Casa Batlló: Gaudí masterpiece with a surreal façade. Camp Nou: FC Barcelona’s stadium and museum.
How to Reach: Barcelona is connected to everywhere around the world by flight. It is an hour from Madrid.

These are the Top 5 cities to visit in Spain. now plan your vacation and let us know what did you find on your next holiday. cheers!

January 15, 2023

Top 5 cities to visit in Portugal

Portugal has always been in history with many reasons and it is one of the beautiful country of Europe. The country is on the Atlantic ocean and made a significant mark in navigating and sailing throughout. However, with all these treasures, there are some wonderful cities here and lets find top 5 cities to visit in Portugal.

Destinations / Portugal
updated January 2023

5. Braga

Braga is a city in the north of Portugal and has a population of about 180,000. With its location is inner side of the country but its only about 30 mins away from Atlantic Ocean beaches. It is a religious city with Bom Jesus do Monte is a popular attraction, is a neoclassical church on the hill.

Some places to see : for example, Bom Jesus do Monte, Guimarães Castle, Braga Cathedral, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, Arco da Porta Nova, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Jardim de Santa Barbara
How to Reach: Train and drive from Porto takes about 1 hour. Train and drive from Lisbon takes about 4 hour.

4. Coimbra

In central Portugal, Coimbra was the capital of the country from 1143 to 1255. It is a historical city and has plenty of things and places to see. Additionally, Coimbra is home of 13th century university, oldest in the country. It is a medieval city on the river Mondego, some 50 mins drive will take you to the Atlantic Ocean.

Some places to see : for instance, Universidade de Coimbra, Joanine Library, Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro, Sé Velha, Igreja de Santa Cruz, Convent of Christ
How to Reach: 90 mins drive or train from Porto and about little more than 2 hours drive or train from Lisbon

3. Aveiro

Aveiro is a costal city in Portugal, It is in the west coast of the country, 75 km south of Porto. A beautiful city with colorful boats and canals. Furthermore, this city is popular tourist destination, with a flavors of Nouveau architecture and saltwater Aveiro Lagoon.

Some places to see : Such as, Praia da Costa Nova Beach, Aveiro Museum, Farol de Aveiro, São Jacinto Beach, Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo e Aquário dos Bacalhaus.
How to Reach: about one hour drive or train south of Porto and about 2.5 hour drive or train north of Lisbon.

2. Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. Its a coastal city with hilly terrain, and beautiful suspension bridge Ponte 25 de Abril across Tagus. Lisbon is home to many museums and unique buildings, also some of the amazing beaches along the coast area.

Some places to see : for example, Castelo de S. Jorge, Belém Tower, Oceanário de Lisboa, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Jerónimos Monastery,
How to Reach: flight from all major cities in Europe and other countries, and about 3 hours from Porto.

1. Porto

Porto is a lovely city in the northern coast of Portugal. It is the second largest city in the country and popular for Port Wine. Porto has many historical highlights also for some reason it gives the vibe of the comfortable and colorful Portuguese city. It is one of the best cities in our list of Top 5 cities to visit in Portugal.

Some places to see : such as, Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello, Douro River, Porto Cathedral, Clerigos Church and Tower, Casa da Música,
How to Reach: about 3 hours drive or train ride from Lisbon, Porto is connected to major European cities.