Athens, Greece
Greece is considered to be the cradle of modern civilisation. The first historical mention of Athens originates from the 16th century BCE; it is hard to understand how many times numerous classical buildings have been built, destroyed, and rebuild between those days and today.
The most famous architectural monument of Athens is the Acropolis, which was the fortified part of the ancient city, and a safe haven during war. The Acropolis consists of numerous temples and other buildings. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is also historically significant, and it is the largest temple in Greece, built between the 8th and the 3rd centuries BCE. Those interested in the past should also visit the oldest area of Athens, Plaka, where eras entwine, and history meets the present.
Average price paid by travellers for accommodation in Athens in the first half of 2014: EUR 89.
Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city was first mentioned in history books in the 4th millennium BCE. The Jerusalem of today is a modern and evolving city, where you come across majestic, beautiful buildings, preserved since ancient times.
The best-known attraction is probably the Western Wall, which is important and sacred to the Jewish faith. The Wall represents the final remnants of the forts built by Herod the Great at the Temple Mount, and the outer wall of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. The Second Temple stood at the Temple Mount until it was destroyed in 70 CE.
One of the central shrines of Christianity, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built in 325, is also one of the most historically significant buildings in Jerusalem. A visit to the Tower of David is also well worth the effort; the Citadel, built in the 3rd century BCE, now hosts the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem.
Average price paid by travellers for accommodation in Jerusalem in the first half of 2014: EUR 132.
Prague, Czech Republic
For several years, Prague has been one of the great European tourist destinations. The attraction is understandable, as the Czech capital is full of things to see. Visitors should definitely visit the Old Town, which is one of the most popular attractions in Prague. That is where you will find the Old Town City Hall, which is known for the Astronomical Clock that depicts the movements of celestial bodies. The clock includes, for example, moving dolls, and a calendar. Made in 1410, the clock has been considered a symbol of Prague for a long time.
The Prague Castle is also more or less an obligatory attraction: the walls and towers are a gorgeous sight, and the Castle is the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.
Average price paid by travellers for accommodation in Prague in the first half of 2014: EUR 88.
Istanbul, Turkey
The largest city in Turkey is filled with spectacular historic sights. Sultanahmet is a good place to start the visit, as it is the most important square in Istanbul and the historic centre of the city. That is also where you find, for example, the most significant architectural wonders of Turkey, Hagia Sophia, and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a.k.a. the Blue Mosque.
Hagia Sophia is commonly considered the pearl of Byzantine architecture: it was built originally as an Orthodox church, but it was transformed to a mosque in the 15th century. At present, the cathedral is one of the most magnificent museums in the world, and definitely worth a visit. The Blue Mosque, near Hagia Sophia, is one of the best known symbols of Istanbul; it was built in 1616, and it has mesmerized visitors with its beauty and glory ever since.
Average price paid by travellers for accommodation in Istanbul in the first half of 2014: EUR 94.
You can read or download the entire Hotel Price Index at www.hotel-price-index.com
- The Hotels.com Hotel Price Index on hotel price development across the world is published twice a year.
- The example prices are per one double room per night.
- The prices are average prices paid by travellers between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2014, so changes are possible.
- All prices have been rounded to the nearest whole euro, and percentages to the nearest whole per cent.
Source: Hotels.com
