Neha Puntambekar, Author at Europe Up Close

Croatia Tourist Information

Published/Revised June 11, 2014 By Neha Puntambekar This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Croatia is situated in the South-eastern part of Europe along the Adriatic Sea. It shares land borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and a maritime border with Italy. The country was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I, and then became a part of Yugoslavia. In 1991, Croatia declared its independence. What followed was the long and brutal ... Read Full Article

Choosing Croatian Souvenirs

I have a confession to make – I love shopping for souvenirs. But, I prefer them to be unique, and not just cheap trinkets. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard finding authentic souvenirs. It’s so much easier to just give in and settle for a postcard or a magnet, but with a little research, you’ll be able to tell the tourist traps from the authentic articles. Here’s to making your Croatian ... Read Full Article

A Foodie’s Guide to Croatian Cuisine

Published/Revised June 20, 2016 By Neha Puntambekar This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Planning a trip to Croatia? This foodie guide might just prove handy in deciphering Croatian cuisine. As is the case in many European countries, Croatian cuisine differs by region and is influenced by surrounding cultures. Depending on the region and its proximity to the coast, Croatian culinary specialties will have been greatly influenced by the Hungarians, Austrians, and Turks. And in addition ... Read Full Article

Exploring Zagreb, Crotia’s Old Town

Visitors to the Croatian capital are often steered in the direction of Zagreb’s historic core. Locally known as Gornji Grad (Upper Town), the old town combines the twin settlements of Gradec and Kaptol and is located just a few minutes from the city’s main street, Illica. It is a throwback to another era, one marked by architectural brilliance and immortal legends. Here's my Must-do list while ... Read Full Article

Shopping at London’s Borough Market

Published/Revised June 13, 2014 By Neha Puntambekar This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Given the number of perfectly manicured parks across London, indulging in a picnic lunch (weather permitting) is a great way to spend the day. Not only does it allow for a relaxing break, but it also warrants a visit to the city’s bustling Borough Market. The Borough market combines London’s two most appealing aspects - historical landmarks and shopping opportunities – to form one gigantic, ... Read Full Article

Exploring the Castle Hill in Graz, Austria

Published/Revised June 14, 2014 By Neha Puntambekar This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

I found myself in Graz quite by accident. What was supposed to be a drive-through was transformed into a day trip of sorts. Not being one to pass an opportunity to visit a new city, and given that I was prepared - camera in hand, I decided to see what was on offer. Since I had limited time, I took the easiest option on offer – walking around the Old Town of Graz, a compilation of historic ... Read Full Article

Ten Reasons to Visit the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna

Even in a city of architectural splendour, Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace manages to stand out without much effort. Not a surprising fact considering the property, a Habsburg summer palace, was designed to rival Versailles. It was created with the lavish arrogance of a successful empire; designed as a statement, a trophy. It was little wonder that the royal family was partial to the ... Read Full Article

Rastoke, Croatia: An Old Mill Town

On bright Saturdays, or on a lazy Sunday, I like to leave Zagreb behind and explore the countryside beyond the city limits. The surroundings offer a varied selection from natural getaways, small towns and villages, - to castles and historic sites. Depending on my mood, I pick a destination and hit the road. More often than not, and especially after a tough week, I find myself at the little mill ... Read Full Article

Trakoscan: Croatia’s Castle with a View

As we drive past a winding road flanked by dark green forests, a dark brown sign board announces - Trakoscan Castle – 2km. It’s a bright, warm Sunday, and we’ve braved several summer traffic jams to make our way to one of Croatia’s most well preserved castles. Trakoscan Castle is about an hour’s drive from Zagreb, the Croatian capital. It was built in the 13th century as part of the Zagorje ... Read Full Article

Bryggen – Bergen, Norway’s Medieval District

Published/Revised May 13, 2016 By Neha Puntambekar This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

It was on an icy, bright June evening that I reached Bergen, Norway’s second largest city. As I got off the ferry, pulling my suitcase behind me, the midnight sun greeted me, as did a row of intriguing colourful old buildings on the other side of the Bergen harbour. I had spent enough time pouring through guidebooks to know that this was Bryggen, a medieval district, ancient and full of character. ... Read Full Article