A great place to visit, Cluj-Napoca offers beautiful squares, hidden streets, out-of-the-ordinary cafés and vivid nightlife. The Romanian city was recognised as European Youth Capital 2015 and the first Eastern European city to make it to the final stage of the European Capital of Innovation Award 2020. The city has a network of 18 free WiFi hotspots that will be convenient to either look for some politeness translations or find your way in the city centre. While in Cluj, take some time to relax in a hammock of its Central Park, visit the Romulus Vuia Ethnographic Park to learn more about Transylvanian History, and mingle with local students in one of the Piezișă Street’s vivid bars.
Alba Iulia is Romania’s first smart city. Thanks to innovation, the city is becoming more sustainable. Alba Iulia already reduced its energy consumption thanks to public lighting management solutions. As a visitor of this historic city, you’ll be able to enjoy free WiFi having over 228 access points in the city and 15 on public transport. To get the best activity advice while you’re there, download the Visit Alba Iulia app! Don’t miss out on the change of the Guard at Alba Carolina Citadel, and while you stroll in the city, make friends with the statues. The Citadel is full of bronze statues of Alba Iulia’s inhabitants caught in different instances of their long lives. So, for lasting memories, snap away!
Craiova, in Romania, boasts a unique mix of art, architecture and ethnography. Already 3 good reasons to stop there! In this city rich in majestic buildings, you’ll find many erected in the unique Brâncovenesc architectural style. The Art Museum shows fine works of the sculptor Constantin Brâncuși. While in Craiova, make sure you don’t miss the Musical Fountain! And for a long walk in the city’s green oasis, check out the Nicolae Romanescu Park. Committed to becoming a greener city, Craiova is currently implementing a range of smart initiatives. The city already benefits from LED lighting systems and is due to expand them by 2025.
Have you ever heard of Vidin? This port town in North-Western Bulgaria and its many attractions are definitely worth a stop! While in Vidin, don't miss out on the medieval fortress and walls of Baba Vida. The Bulgars built this monument in the 10th to the 13th centuries, and it is one of the last remaining intact Bulgar fortresses. Today, the municipality keeps taking care of its buildings and is committed to the EU's MAKING-CITY Horizon 2020 project. This initiative aims to demonstrate how to effectively transform urban energy systems into smart and low carbon cities. It will involve the retrofitting of residential buildings while maximising the integration of renewable energy sources in Vidin.
Is yoghurt the only thing you know about Bulgaria? If so, take a spoon in your backpack and snap away to Sofia! The capital city of Bulgaria is full of exciting things to see, try and eat! While in Sofia, we recommend taking a free food tour with the Balkan bites company. As you will wander in this beautiful city, you’ll stop at 5 different stores and restaurants to teach you about the uniqueness of Bulgarian food. And if you prefer to discover the city on your own, download Sofia’s interactive map! The Bulgarian capital is on its way to becoming a smart city. Sofia participated in the initiative Digital Cities Challenge of the European Commission to create its new Big Data Centre of Excellence. The capital also installed 22 high-class wireless access points, providing free 100 Mbit/s Wi-Fi.
Previously named European Capital of Culture, Thessaloniki boasts a unique mix of historical landmarks, cultural traditions and tasty cuisine. You will reach 2 of the city’s must-see attractions from the waterfront area: the White Tower and the Concert Hall. This stroll along the coast will also make the perfect place to admire a stunning sunset. For rail lovers, we recommend visiting the Thessaloniki Train Cemetery. While in the city, you’ll access WiFi for free at 16 hotspots. The Municipality of Thessaloniki aims to become more innovative. It is committed to an ongoing initiative to digitise its public services. The Greek city has launched a civic platform for citizens to submit challenges faced by the local community.
Did you know Athens was the first capital city in Europe? The city has been continuously inhabited as of 3,000 B.C. Although history is significant in the Greek city, it’s not the only reason you should stop there. After visiting the unmissable Acropolis and its Parthenon, head to Plaka. The pedestrianised historic centre is the perfect place to stroll through and enjoy Greek food and drink delights. Despite its antic roots, Athens is a very modern city. It was named as European Capital of Innovation 2018. With the Bus System App and the Athens Metro App, you will digitally access all your urban routes. Athens runs various upskilling and reskilling digital initiatives designed to drive smart city innovations.
