Let's Go Europe 2019. Harvard Student Agencies

at the ready. Hot Club isn’t meant for a party; the neighborhood quiet hours begin at 10pm, and guests are asked to be silent during the concerts. Grab your 1920s hat like the jazz cat you are and spend another night drinking—except this time, culturally.

       i Long drinks from €7, beers from €3; cash only; limited wheelchair accessibility; silence required during performances

      BELGIUM ESSENTIALS

       VISAS

      Belgium is a member of the EU, meaning that citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the US, and other European countries do not need a visa for a stay up to 90 days.

       MONEY

      Tipping: In Belgium, service charges are included in the bill at restaurants, so there is no need to leave a tip, as waiters are paid fully for their service. If you do receive excellent service though, leaving a 5-10% tip would be appreciated. Tips in bars are uncommon and cab drivers are typically tipped 10%.

      Taxes: The marked price of goods in Belgium includes a value-added tax (VAT). This tax on goods is generally levied at 21% in Belgium, although some good are subject to higher rates. Non-EU citizens who are taking these goods home unused may be refunded this tax. When making purchases, be sure to ask and fill out a VAT form and present it at a Tax-Free Shopping Office, found at most airports, borders, or ferry stations. Refunds must be claimed within six months.

       SAFETY AND HEALTH

      Drugs and Alcohol: Belgium has fairly liberal attitudes regarding alcohol with no legal drinking age. You must be 16 to buy your own alcohol (18 for spirits), but it’s perfect legal for someone else to buy alcohol for someone under 16. Public drunkenness, however, is frowned upon. Belgium’s attitude toward even soft drugs is traditional and conservative. Marijuana is illegal and not tolerated.

      CROATIA

      This is the country that gave the world both the necktie and the parachute, so unsurprisingly it’s a bit like James Bond—sexy, elegant, but not afraid to down rakija shots at 2am before going hiking, sailing, and cliff jumping the next morning. Plus, a location smack dab in the middle of Europe means that Croatia combines everything we like about the western and eastern halves of the continent, not to mention easy access to major European cities. It’s a place where you can go out with friends for pizza before belting out Croatian pop hits at a locals-only club or lounge on one of its many island like you’re ballin’ at St. Tropez, but instead on a Balkan budget.

      Don’t be fooled by the country’s communist past: while less than 30 years ago Croatia was a key part of Yugoslavia, the scars of communism and the subsequent wars of independence seem to be almost repaired. Traveling across Croatia you’ll see that the country’s L-shape creates two distinct sides: the coast and the hinterland. Zagreb falls in the latter category, showing strong influence from Austria in both its architecture and cuisine. Here you’ll see churches with onion domes and try gastronomic specialties such as štrukli, a savory version of baked strudel with cheese. The coast, however, historically had stronger connections with Italy, so brace yourself for Roman ruins, seafood, and risotto galore. And the best part: though Croatia is well-established as a tourist destination, its location in the Balkans translates to ideal prices. Oh, and did we mention the islands? Croatia’s got over 1000 of 'em. So take your pick: Hvar-ever you like it, there’s an island for that. Welcome to budget-traveler heaven. Cliff jump in Split, appreciate the art of Ivan Meštrović in galleries across the country, and sip ridiculously good coffee in one of Zagreb’s ubiquitous cafés. And remember, you can’t spell formerly part of Yugoslavia without U, so make sure you catch yourself along those Instagram jealousy inducing, pristine, and party-filled coastlines. Živjeli, my friends.

DUBROVNIK

      Coverage by Gavin Moulton

      Your grandma loves Dubrovnik. Your second cousin twice-removed won’t shut up about his trip here. Your ex-girlfriend’s uncle’s stepfather’s in-laws are still posting photos on Facebook from their time in the city. What’s with the all the hype? Dubrovnik is drop-dead gorgeous. After just one day, you’ll start looking up study-abroad options and figuring out how to get a work visa until you can become a citizen. There are beaches, bars, Baroque architecture, and those are the only b’s we need besides beautiful babes. Prices in the city are more expensive, but cheap supermarkets, ice cream shops, and bakeries make budget life bearable. Outside of the old town there are plenty of outdoor activities: climbing Mt. Srd is a definite favorite. But, let’s be real, you came here for the coast—so pack your suntan lotion, it’s Croatian Riviera time.

       ORIENTATION

      Dubrovnik is located on a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea. It’s surrounded by massive medieval walls, so the only entrances to the Old Town are through the city gates. The main ones are the Pile (west side) and Ploce (east side) gates. The bus station and port are located a 20-minute bus ride to the west of the city and the airport is 30 minutes to the south. The main street is the Stradun, but the rest of the city is dominated by narrow alleyways and stairs, punctuated with the occasional piazza. The city center is walkable, and public transit is only needed for daytrips or rides to the airport. The airport shuttle shop is next to the cable car station, and tickets are 30-40 kn.

       ESSENTIALS

      GETTING THERE

      Both international and domestic airlines land at Dubrovnik Airport. For budget prices, look at carriers such as Norwegian, Croatia Airlines, and Easyjet. You can also get to Dubrovnik by ferries from Bari, Italy or from neighboring Croatian islands.

      GETTING AROUND

      Dubrovnik’s Old Town is small and easily navigable by foot. You will most likely not be staying in the Old Town, but 99% of what’s interesting in Dubrovnik is located there. Buses regularly connect the various parts of Dubrovnik to the Old Town; if you exit the Pile Gate, you’ll find a major hub for buses. Pro tip: if you’re staying outside the city, walk to the Old Town and take a bus home (otherwise, you’ll likely be walking uphill).

      PRACTICAL INFORMATION

      Tourist Offices: Turisticka Zajedica Grada Dubrovnika (Brsalje ul. 5; 20 323 887)

      Banks/ATMs/Currency Exchange: Addiko Bank-Poslovnica Dubrovnik (Vukovarska ul. 15; 1 603 000)

      Post Offices: Hrvatska pošta (Široka ul. 8; 20 362 842; open daily 24hr).

      Internet: There are a lot of cafés, but few public spots, with Wi-Fi available in Dubrovnik.

      BGLTQ+ Resources: A good resource for members of the BGLTQ+ community is www.gaywelcome.com/gay-dubrovnik.php.

      EMERGENCY INFORMATION

      Emergency Number: 112

      Police: Dubrovnik Police Department (Ul. Dr. Ante Starčevića 13; 20 443 777).

      US Embassy: The US Embassy in Croatia is located in Zagreb (Ul. Thomasa Jeffersona 2; 1 661 2200; open M-F 8:30am-4:30pm)

      Hospitals: Opca bolnica Dubrovnik (Dr. Roka Mišetića 2; 20 431 777; open daily 24hr)

      Pharmacies: Ljekarn (Ul. Mata Vodopića 30)

       ACCOMMODATIONS

       HOSTEL AND ROOMS ANA ($)

      Kovacka Ul. 4; 098 674 188; reception open daily 8am-1am

      “Communal” can only begin to describe the vibe at Hostel and Rooms Ana. An inordinate