When it comes to a city break in Europe, there are plenty of popular options that spring to mind.
From the famous architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona, the palaces and boulevards of Paris, the romance of Venice and the laid back vibes of Amsterdam are four of the most popular destinations for those wanting to enjoy a city experience but there are plenty of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered elsewhere.
With that in mind, we thought we’d take a look at five alternative options for a city break that you might not have considered beyond the ‘usual suspects’…
Dubrovnik:
Situated on the Adriatic coast, the Croatian city of Dubrovnik is one that is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the hit TV show Game of Thrones. Having been used as the backdrop for King’s Landing, Dubrovnik is now well visited by those who want to see where the show was filmed, with a range of tours available to see the various filming locations.
Dubrovnik is about way more than a TV show however, with the Old Town – situated within medieval walls – being well worth a visit. Named as a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks its historical importance, the Old Town is the beating heart of the city and features a range of popular tourist attractions alongside a myriad of restaurants and bars.
The fact that the old town is free from traffic, meaning you can explore at leisure without always having one eye on the driving skills of the local, is a major selling point whilst gazing out across the city, and taking in the stunning views out across the ocean, from the top of the walls is also an experience not to be missed.
Dubrovnik also acts as the perfect base for anyone wanting to explore the Croatian coastline.
Valletta:
The capital of Malta may be something of a hidden gem for those wanting to enjoy a city break but that could change pretty soon, with Valletta set to take up the role of European Capital of Culture in 2018.
With that in mind, you could be well advised to take the chance to explore this stunning city before it becomes too popular with visitors from overseas.
As with Dubrovnik, Valletta is a city famed for its history and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site – with a wide range of impressive buildings that date back to the 16th century. St John’s co-cathedral and Fort St Elmo are just two structures you could visit.
In preparation for 2018, you can expect to find plenty of bars and restaurants opening up across the city whilst there are plenty of accommodation options to cater for all tastes and budgets.
St Julian’s – home to many of the top nightspots – is just a short trip away.
Nessebar:
Bulgaria probably isn’t the first option that would spring to mind for a city break, but then again most people haven’t paid a visit to Nessebar; something of a jewel in the crown when it comes to the region around the Black Sea.
One of Europe’s oldest cities, it’s another to hold a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is rich in culture and heritage – particularly in the ancient part of the city that sits on a peninsula off the mainland.
Famous religious buildings like the Basilica of the Holy Mother, the Church of St Sophia and the Church of St John the Baptist are amongst the attractions, with seafood being a speciality in the local restaurants and eateries.
It’s not all about history however, with modern day Nessebar also being home to a popular waterpark and the seaside resort of Sunny Bay just a short trip away.
Sarajevo:
There is no way Sarajevo would have made this list 20 years ago as the Bosnian war drew towards its conclusion so it’s perhaps a mark of the way in which the city has recovered that it’s now seen as a real viable option for those who want something different from their time away from home.
Again, the opportunity to explore the history of the city is a major selling point, with a selection of old buildings that survived the conflict being located within the Stari Grad region, including the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Sporting facilities that hark back to the 1984 Winter Olympic games – where Torvill and Dean won gold – are also worth exploring whilst there are plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Booking a tour with a local guide is the best way to see what the city has to offer.
Reykjavik:
An alternative to the traditional city breaks in the sun, Reykjavik is one of those destinations that should take a place on your bucket list of places to visit.
The Icelandic capital is the gateway to the many natural wonders of the island, which include hot springs and geysers. Perhaps the most famous is the Blue Lagoon, which can be found less than an hour away from the city.
Reykjavik itself is packed with culture at every turn and visitors can expect to gain a real insight into Icelandic life, particularly when it comes to cuisine.
The night time scene in Reykjavik is also something to enjoy, particularly in the summer months when the sun doesn’t go down, whilst there are few better places to spot the famous Northern Lights.