Fans of old movies are well familiar with one of Hollywood’s most beloved villains, Bela Lugosi, as the character Dracula, in the 1931 film of the same name. Having had a very successful Broadway run in the part, Lugosi was chosen by Universal Pictures to portray the part in one of the first talkies. Doomed as a type-cast villain for his whole career, Lugosi went on to make the films “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” “The Raven,” “Son of Frankenstein” and “White Zombie.”
Lugosi was Hungarian born and began his acting career in his homeland.
He was forced to flee during the Hungarian Revolution of 1919 due to his activism in the actor’s union. From there he went to Vienna and then to Berlin until deciding to come to America, working his way over on a freighter to the port of New Orleans in 1920. He applied for citizenship in 1928 and became naturalized in 1931 at the age of 49. Throughout his Hollywood career, he had two competitors for parts: Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre. In a number of films he was paired with Boris Karloff and since the studio preferred Karloff, and regardless of the size of their roles, Lugosi would always get the second billing. Vampire fans, however, preferred Lugosi, since afterall, he was actually from Transylvania.
Castle La Paloma was Bela Lugosi’s home in his Hollywood days. Located in Beachwood Canyon on approximately a quarter of an acre with marvelous views to Palos Verdes, Long Beach, Beachwood Canyon and the Hollywood Sign, the Tudor-style brick mansion has been fully restored but retains its original classic details. Measuring in at 5,000 square feet, the home has five bedrooms, six baths, ballroom-sized living room, family room, formal dining room with iron windows, large master suite, eat-in chef’s kitchen and service wing. Details include original tile work, inlaid floors, handmade ironwork, and finished beam ceilings, inlaid Italian slate floor entries and foyers, mahogany doors, gated motor entry and slate roof. For more information visit our friends at toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Home of stage and screen actor Bela Lugosi, one of Hollywood’s most important villains, totally restored, priced at $4.197 million usd/ $5.86 million cad (exchange rated at time of posting).
As searches for “European holidays” skyrocket by 6700%¹, a must-visit list of the best cities in Europe has been announced.
Our friends at Spin Genie analyzed the average price and the number of days it would take to view the tourist attractions of major European cities to create a list of the 11 best places to visit in Europe.
11 of the Best Places to Visit in Europe:
City
Country
Average Hotel Price (per night)
Recommended Length Of Stay
Rome
Italy
€70-€200
5-7 days
London
England
£100-£300
4-5 days
Paris
France
€100-€300
4-6 days
Amsterdam
Netherlands
€80-€200
3-5 days
Prague
Czech Republic
€60-€150
3-4 days
Barcelona
Spain
€80-€150
5-6 days
Santorini
Greece
€150-€300
3-5 days
Budapest
Hungary
€70-€150
4-5 days
Reykjavik
Iceland
€100-€200
3-4 days
Berlin
Germany
€70-€150
3-4 days
Vienna
Austria
€80-€150
3-4 days
Dom Aldworth, Head of Brand Marketing at Spin Genie says “As one of the most influential continents in the world, Europe is home to a vast range of diverse and culturally rich countries. From impressive historical architecture to quaint towns and delicious foods, every country offers travelers a unique and vibrant experience.
“Whether you want to indulge in fine French cuisine, relax in ancient baths or transport yourself back in time, Europe is the perfect place for bucket list adventures.”
Dom continued “Budget-conscious travelers will be pleased to discover that several affordable cities offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank.
“Budapest is often regarded as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. With its affordable accommodation options, reasonably priced dining choices, and inexpensive public transportation, visitors can explore the city’s stunning architecture, relax in its thermal baths, and indulge in its vibrant nightlife without straining their wallets.”
The team also named their top 5 un-missable tourist attractions.
Trevi Fountain, Rome
“One of Rome’s most famous landmarks, the Trevi Fountain is a bucket list attraction.” Dom at Spin Genie comments “Toss a coin into the stunning Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. Admire its Baroque design, intricate sculptures, and cascading waters, and make a wish for your return to the Eternal City.”
The London Eye and Tower Of London, London
London has a range of iconic landmarks, from historic buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Ascend to the top for panoramic city views or enjoy a leisurely picnic in its surrounding gardens.
Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam
The world’s only floating flower market, Bloemenmart is the perfect place for lovers of colour, beauty and flowers to visit. Admire colourful displays of flowers, bulbs and souvenirs and take home a piece of Amsterdam’s floral heritage.
Santorini Volcano, Santorini
Take a boat trip to Nea Kameni’s and Palea Kameni’s volcanic islets. Hike up to the active volcano’s crater, bathe in the hot springs, and learn about the volcanic geology that shaped the island.
FAQs
What are the most beautiful cities in Europe?
Beauty is subjective; however, there are a few European cities that are renowned for their beauty.
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, boasts a wealth of artistic and architectural treasures. The city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and attractions like the Florence Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio showcase its artistic grandeur.
Other beautiful cities include Paris, Prague, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Vienna, Santorini, and Rome.
What are the largest cities in Europe?
The largest cities in Europe by population include Moscow, London, Saint Petersburg, Berlin and Madrid.
Moscow, the capital of Russia, stands as the largest city in Europe, both in terms of population and geographical expanse. This thriving metropolis blends a rich history with modern cosmopolitanism. From the iconic Red Square and the majestic Kremlin to the opulent St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow showcases a fusion of grandeur, architectural marvels, and cultural treasures
What are the oldest cities in Europe?
Europe is a treasure trove of history, and it’s home to some of the oldest cities in the world. These cities have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth of civilizations, and the shaping of European culture.
Plovdiv, located in Bulgaria, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, with evidence of settlement dating back over 8,000 years. The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts well-preserved Roman ruins, including an ancient theatre that is still in use today.
Other cities include Athens, Rome, Cadiz, Argos, Larnaca, and Byblos.
Which are the cheapest cities in Europe to visit?
Budget-conscious travellers will be pleased to discover that several affordable cities offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank.
Budapest is often regarded as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. With its affordable accommodation options, reasonably priced dining choices, and inexpensive public transportation, visitors can explore the city’s stunning architecture, relax in its thermal baths, and indulge in its vibrant nightlife without straining their wallets.
Some of the most affordable cities in Europe to visit include Krakow, Lisbon, Warsaw, Athens and Bucharest.
What are the safest cities in Europe?
Europe is generally considered safe, but some cities have lower crime rates than others.
Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is often ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. With its efficient public transportation system, well-maintained streets, and low crime rates, Zurich offers a safe environment for travellers to explore its beautiful Old Town, enjoy the pristine Lake Zurich, and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Other safe cities include Copenhagen, Vienna, Helsinki, Stockholm, Munich, Amsterdam, Geneva and Oslo.
What are the most romantic cities in Europe?
When it comes to romantic cities in Europe, certain destinations evoke a sense of enchantment and timeless love. Paris, often called the “City of Love,” tops the list. With its charming cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, and stunning landmarks, Paris provides the perfect backdrop for romantic strolls, candlelit dinners, and unforgettable moments.
Other cities include Venice, known as the “Floating City,” which is a dreamlike destination that exudes romance; Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, captivates with its timeless beauty and artistic heritage; Santorini, a picturesque Greek island and Prague, with its fairytale-like architecture.
These cities have an irresistible charm that evokes romance and captivates the hearts of couples seeking a truly enchanting experience.
Many non-native plants can happily survive in other regions of the world, which has given gardeners more choice than ever before. However, native flowers and plants can summarize the landscape of a nation, while communicating the identity of a country.
For many countries the national flower is second only to the national flag as the most important national symbol, while communicating the identity of a country.
