Discovering Europe In 1939
Traveling back in time to explore Europe in 1939 can be both fascinating and challenging. This was a time of great change, with the world on the brink of war and many countries still recovering from the effects of the Great Depression. Yet, despite the difficulties, there were still many incredible places to visit and experiences to be had. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a journey through some of the top attractions, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that Europe had to offer in 1939.
Top Attractions
Europe in 1939 was home to many iconic landmarks and attractions that are still popular today. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin were all open to visitors and provided stunning views of the surrounding cities. Other popular tourist destinations included Buckingham Palace in London, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.
Hidden Gems
For those looking to get off the beaten path, there were plenty of hidden gems to discover in 1939 Europe. The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, the Rila Monastery in Bulgaria, and the Alhambra in Spain were all lesser-known attractions that offered stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history. Visitors could also explore the picturesque canals of Bruges in Belgium, the medieval castle of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or the ancient ruins of Ephesus in Turkey.
Food Scene
Europe has always been known for its incredible food, and 1939 was no exception. Visitors could sample delicious French pastries in Paris, enjoy hearty German sausages in Berlin, or savor fresh seafood in coastal towns like Dubrovnik, Croatia. Traditional Italian pasta dishes, Spanish tapas, and Greek souvlaki were also popular choices.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget in 1939 wasn’t easy, but there were still ways to save money. Visitors could stay in affordable hostels or guesthouses instead of expensive hotels, and could try street food or local markets instead of dining in restaurants. Many museums and attractions also offered discounted admission on certain days of the week, and travelers could save money by using public transportation instead of taxis.
Outdoor Adventures
While some visitors preferred to stick to the cities, others were drawn to the outdoor adventures that Europe had to offer. The Swiss Alps provided a stunning backdrop for hiking and skiing, while the beaches of the French Riviera and the Greek islands offered opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Visitors could also explore the natural wonders of Iceland or the forests and lakes of Poland and Slovakia.
Historical Landmarks
Europe is home to some of the world’s most important historical landmarks, and 1939 was no exception. Visitors could explore ancient ruins like the Acropolis in Athens or the Roman Forum in Rome, or could learn about World War II history at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam or the Churchill War Rooms in London. Other important landmarks included the Palace of Versailles near Paris, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the Berlin Wall in Germany.
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with children in 1939 could be a challenge, but there were still plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Kids could explore the fairy-tale castles of Bavaria, Germany, or visit Disneyland in California, which opened in 1955. Animal lovers could visit the Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark or the London Zoo, while science enthusiasts could explore the Deutsches Museum in Munich.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those looking for unique experiences, 1939 Europe had plenty to offer. Visitors could attend a traditional flamenco dance performance in Seville, Spain, or could explore the canals of Venice by gondola. They could also visit the thermal baths of Budapest, Hungary, or explore the colorful street art of Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood.
Natural Wonders
Europe is home to many natural wonders, from the rugged coastlines of Ireland to the stunning fjords of Norway. In 1939, visitors could explore the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, which is home to a series of breathtaking waterfalls and lakes. They could also visit the Swiss Alps or the Dolomites in Italy for incredible mountain views, or could explore the caves and underground rivers of Slovenia’s Postojna Cave.
Vibrant Nightlife
Europe has always had a vibrant nightlife, and 1939 was no exception. Visitors could dance the night away at Parisian cabarets like the Moulin Rouge or the Lido, or could visit the jazz clubs of Harlem in New York City. In Berlin, the nightlife scene was thriving, with bars and nightclubs staying open until the early hours of the morning.
Local Markets
Visiting local markets is a great way to experience the culture and cuisine of a city or region. In 1939, visitors could explore the vibrant markets of Istanbul, Turkey, or could sample fresh produce and seafood at the Mercado Central in Valencia, Spain. They could also browse the artisanal crafts and local foods at London’s Covent Garden Market or the Naschmarkt in Vienna, Austria.
Beaches and Mountains
Whether visitors were looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a challenging mountain climb, Europe in 1939 had something for everyone. They could relax on the golden sands of the French Riviera or the Amalfi Coast in Italy, or could explore the rugged coastline of Ireland or Norway. For mountain enthusiasts, the Swiss Alps offered incredible views and challenging climbs, while the Pyrenees in France and Spain provided a more relaxed atmosphere.
Cultural Immersion
One of the best ways to experience a new country is to immerse yourself in its culture. In 1939, visitors could attend the annual Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany, or could witness the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. They could also explore the traditional music and dance of Ireland, or could attend a performance of the ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Art and Music Scene
Europe has always been a hub for art and music, and 1939 was no exception. Visitors could explore the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris or the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. They could also attend operas at the Vienna State Opera or the La Scala in Milan, or could listen to classical music concerts in the churches of Rome or Venice.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore a new city or neighborhood. In 1939, visitors could take a walking tour of the historic Old Town in Prague, Czech Republic, or could explore the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Spain. They could also follow in the footsteps of literary giants like James Joyce in Dublin or Ernest Hemingway in Paris.
Architectural Marvels
Europe is home to some of the most beautiful and iconic architecture in the world. In 1939, visitors could marvel at the Gothic architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Baroque buildings of Vienna, or the Art Nouveau designs of Barcelona. They could also visit the futuristic architecture of the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City, which featured the iconic Trylon and Perisphere.
Historical Sites
Europe is steeped in history, and visitors in 1939 could explore a wide range of historical sites. They could visit the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy, or explore the medieval castles of Scotland. They could also learn about the history of the Roman Empire at the Roman Forum in Rome or the Hadrian’s Wall in England, or could explore the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, France.
Biking Routes
Exploring Europe by bike is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise at the same time. In 1939, visitors could bike along the scenic Danube River in Austria or explore the wine regions of Bordeaux, France. They could also tackle the challenging climbs of the French Alps or the Pyrenees, or enjoy a leisurely ride through the Dutch countryside.
Wellness Retreats
For those looking to relax and rejuvenate, Europe in 1939 had plenty of wellness retreats to choose from. Visitors could soak in the thermal waters at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland or the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest. They could also practice yoga or meditation at a retreat in the Italian countryside or take a spa day in the Swiss Alps.
Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, Europe in 1939 offered plenty of adventure sports. Visitors could go bungee jumping or skydiving in Switzerland, or could tackle the rapids of the Soca River in Slovenia. They could also go paragliding in the French Alps or explore the underwater caves of the Greek islands.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a