Have you ever been to a cat museum? Looking for where to stay in Kotor? A great list of places to visit. Visit Bern, Lucerne and Interlaken and ride the Glacier Express on our exclusive trip. If you’re looking for somewhere to drink, then head to Neude Square. Looking for where to stay in Rotterdam? We stayed within the walls of Kotor. Explore Lyon on a river cruise with Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr. Often coupled with a journey on the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer train, a visit to Calgary is one to remember. For much of the year, a large student population fills its streets. The glorious snowy peaks that ring its lake? I’d go for the chic Hotel Oasia near the train station. I have some posts on it too. Glad to see you put Funchal as No1. The real gem – Antwerp – is often overlooked. This is pedestrianised, cobbled and lined with independent shops and cafes. Best unusual short breaks. With thanks to fellow travel blogger Stuart from Go Eat Do. Like, really close. I’d go for the stylish (and pink!) You can visit as part of an extended trip covering Vienna or Bratislava too. Aside from knocking back the best bubbly in the world, there are a cluster of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit, including the stunning Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims and a fabulous shopping district. The main road is Haga Nygata. One of them Rotterdam, a booming city with futuristic architecture and a lot of great restaurants, cafes and buzzing nightlife. On the way home, I declared it was my new favourite European capital city. City breaks 10 Valentine's weekend break deals from £126. It was very quiet when we were there because it was winter, so there were no huge cruise shops in port. Ideal for city explorers, Retrome Barcelona is situated on a street that leads straight to the sea in one direction, and mountains in the other - with stunning period buildings and fine Catalan architecture dotted along your way. I’d go for the modern Hotel New Star. So I asked around a load of fellow travel bloggers and they obliged me with loads of unusual European city break ideas. . Go to Ў Gallery, which has a library, souvenir shop and a bar. Its Medieval Old Town is inspiring, with narrow streets and alleyways contributing to an air of enchantment. It was even named joint European Capital of Culture in 2017 alongside Paphos Cyprus. Well, we hope you've enjoyed our truly Host Unusual selection of city break … If you come in June, enjoy the world-class animation festival or in August, you’ll be treated to Europe’s largest fireworks, glistening across the lake. We decided to visit this unique city to check out the famous church. Looking for where to stay in Gothenburg? It’s only £3 a go and takes you along the full length of the waterfront. Or choose a lesser-known place like the Glattalp. The Bavarian Forest lies just outside of the city, as does the Walhalla monument - a ‘wall of fame’ listing Germany’s most distinguished figures. If all this isn’t enough, you can easily take the two-hour ferry journey to Helsinki, meaning you get two countries for the price of one! Whether summer or winter, there’s more than enough to see and do even if you don’t ski, hike or do adventure sports. Now, it’s a bustling city filled with cool restaurants, trendy bars and interesting street art. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by a great variety of places to see and things to do in Antwerp. The city centre itself is typically Portuguese. Or would you recommend somewhere suitable for 2 fifty-somethings looking for a romantic and memorable destination? If you are looking for a beautiful city to visit in Europe that isn’t overrun with tourists, then book a trip to Bremen and I’m sure you won’t regret it. From France to South Korea, these unsung cities allow you to experience new places, whether you plan on continuing your trip by venturing into the mountains or countryside, or just flying in for a short break. You’ll have to cross a UN Buffer zone (take your passport!) I love to go to new places. The Danes really do love a bicycle! With thanks to fellow travel blogger Allison from Allison Fay. From the famous Golden Roof (a balcony roof adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles) from where Emperor Maximilian I watched his underlings to the row of colourful houses across the river from the market square – everything comes with a magnificent mountain backdrop. Known as Romania’s Monte Carlo, the casino is one of the most beautiful abandoned buildings in the world. The Museum of Broken Relationships and the Croatian Museum of Naive Art are both not to be missed. Thanks in advance ! I had a brilliant few days in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Due to its history, Gdansk has its own unique identity. Now, Blloku is the trendiest neighbourhood in Tirana. The latter is home to a fabulous palazzo, museums and other venues open for the public to visit. to see the northern half of the city on the side controlled by North Cyprus. Not at all. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, booking a tour in advance is essential. But don’t think it’s just eye candy. A mixture of futuristic bridges, medieval palaces and communist blocks, Bratislava is a grand modern capital. Close to train links, stay in Neustadt to take the opportunity to explore the city … Full of gorgeous old timber buildings, like most bohemian areas (the Northern Quarter in Manchester and Bold Street in Liverpool, for example), it was once a run-down part of the city and now it has become the cool ‘in’ place to be (surprised they let me in, ha). City breaks – 10 classic destinations vs. 10 unusual alternatives. And there are plenty of options. Go here instead of:Copenhagen It may have spent many years in the shadow of Denmark’s capital, but as the country’s second largest city, Aarhus is not to be ignored. Visit the Centre of Folklore for gorgeous rugs and Silk Road treasures, learn about Georgia’s Ottoman period at the ornate Sulfur Baths and feel the warmth of Georgian hospitality by eating soupy khinkali dumplings with your hands. Bremen is not a real hidden gem, but is still an underrated destination. A highlight of any visit to Yerevan is the Vernissage Market (pictured). See the best of Busan on a cruise to Japan and South Korea. The infamous Cafe Hursaren is home to super-sized cinnamon buns. I’d go for the central MonarC Hotel. Looking for where to stay in Funchal? From Paris to Berlin, New York to Cape Town, and everywhere in between, we have your next city break sorted. Hundreds of flower vendors hit the streets. I wanted to put together a post about alternative European city breaks because so often when people say ‘city break’, it’s just a byword for going off to the classic Paris/Rome/Barcelona/Berlin/Amsterdam options. But Tirana is so much more than just post-Communist oddities and memorials. Beat the crowds of Paris and Rome in these alternative city break destinations. Looking for where to stay in Sofia? With thanks to fellow travel blogger Kami from My Wanderlust: you can see her full post about the things to do in Sarajevo here. The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, is an unusual city break to take. Here in Tbilisi, you’ll find the Narikala Fortress from the 5th century. Set along a series of canals, Strasbourg boasts endless half-timber houses and pretty bridges, making it incredibly picturesque. Can you advise me on a month holiday next january. Here are some of my favourite spots not to be missed in Antwerp: the magnificent old town with some of the finest 16th century guild houses at the city’s main square; Grote Markt; the Cathedral; the 10th century castle; and the newest additions to the city’s skyline: MAS museum, the New Port House, and the futuristic pedestrian Park Bridge. With cobbled lanes and bicycle-only streets in the Old Town, it’s got a small town vibe that will charm the socks off you. You can also visit the Russian orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and get the most amazing photos from the viewpoints out over the old city. As well as an ancient Roman amphitheatre and a fortress dating back to the Bulgarian empire, Ohrid is the ideal location to enjoy the spectacular natural surroundings of the lake and nearby mountains. Gothenburg is also a city break that offers THE BEST DAY TRIP I HAVE EVER DONE. Or get your fix of history and Olympic glory by visiting the Bergisel ski jump and adjacent Tyrol Panorama museum. Thank you , Hi Danielle, oh I’m so glad you enjoyed it! A walk around the colourful culture village of Gamcheon is a great opportunity to sip organic coffee and lick brown rice ice creams in quirky cafes. From Debrecen, it’s also easy to visit the famous wine region of Tokaj, where you can try the sweet Tokaji Aszu wine. Denmark in general is known cycling. Wander the labyrinthine streets, pausing to admire the bright flower pots that adorn every wall. Now, certainly not a new thing, of course, but potentially one could argue in recent times city breaks … I’d go for the stunning Goyt House (love a bit of exposed brickwork) or the cheaper Hotel Number One. The city centre is a collection of steps, cobbled alleys and arched stairways surrounded by churches and beautiful architecture. Innsbruck, Austria is that city in the heart of Europe. It’s not as well-known as Seville or Granada, and that’s unfortunate, because Córdoba is every bit as magnificent. Looking for where to stay in Constanta? If you’re a fan of the city break … It’s pink. With thanks to fellow travel blogger Sarah from A Social Nomad: you can see her full post about a weekend in Tbilisi here. Sights include the imperial palace, court church and triumphal arch. Georgia also claims to be the birthplace of wine! A city break to Innsbruck is an escape to the mountains, even if you never leave the historic old town on the banks of the Inn River. If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall in love with the place. On the waterfront, local artist Nikola Basic created a solar-powered dancefloor for the public to enjoy, and a sea organ allows visitors to hear music created by the crashing waves. The longest siege in modern history happened here in 1992-96. I hate that word but it is. It is perfect for an alternative European city break! COVID UPDATE 5 Jan 2021: National Lockdown rules in England/Scotland - … I liked Praska 8 Apartments, which couldn’t get more central on a side road off the main square. I personally lived here for two years and I cannot recommend it enough. I adored Haga, the oldest district in Gothenburg. The capital of Belarus, Minsk, is a perfect place for an unusual, alternative city break. Grab a mini break to Riga with Lastminute.com. It’s a truly haunting experience and an incredible city to visit. And you don’t have to restrict yourself to the classic line-up of European city breaks… You can stay in the capital, Douglas, as a base to explore different towns, villages, beaches and countryside all over the island. Architecture buffs should not miss Villa Tugendhat, which was designed by the pioneering modern architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. 10 budget city breaks you’d never have thought of Everyone goes to Rome and Barcelona. Or further afield? Looking for where to stay in Yerevan? The main road is Haga Nygata. In recent years, prices have increased in Budapest, but Debrecen offers cheaper accommodation and lower prices at the restaurants. If you are heading to the Czech republic I would recommend a short stay in České Budějovice. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! In recent years, more and more tourists realise that there are more cool towns and cities in this small country that are worth a visit. With thanks to fellow travel blogger Jeanne from Pure Wander: you can see her full post about Constanta, Romania here. Looking for where to stay in Brno? Some of today's best cities to visit include off-the-radar locations you may have never heard of. Whether you’re pushed for time or just don’t fancy a whole week away, short breaks are a great way to recharge your batteries. Sofia is truly underrated for some reason, but is a brilliant, affordable and interesting first experience of Eastern Europe. Scandinavia is full of quirky I-want-to-live-there cities. Bolsward’s is De Vleermuis, meaning ‘The Bat’, by the artist Johan Creten. Look no further than these unusual city breaks that make for perfect alternatives to overcrowded Paris and Amsterdam. If you’re looking for an unusual city break in Europe, I highly recommend charming and relaxed Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. The city is compact, but bustling with things to do and breathtaking places to see. Europe latest 19 Jan 2021, 6:30am Explore it on a Danube cruise with Strictly Come Dancing's Darcey Bussell. With thanks to fellow travel bloggers Maria and Rui from Two Find a Way. Both are well located. Zadar is a much calmer alternative to Dubrovnik, with space to explore away from the crowds. It stands outside the shell of the Broerekerk, a Gothic style church. With thanks to fellow travel blogger Kirstin from The Tinberry Travels: you can see her full post about things to do in Ohrid here. Please note: a room-mate called Bruno is not included in your stay. Onto the alternative European city break suggestions from other travel bloggers…. Maybe you’ve always wanted to test your drawing skills with a help of professional painters? Kutna Hora is an old … Why should you consider a city break in Lucerne? It’s no question that Aarhus is a great city break that is not mainstream. It’s very close to both Rome and Florence, too. And by drink, I mean do your insides some damage from the local tipple, rakia. Tbilisi offers great food, incredible wine and an easily walkable city for a low price. There are just some places that you instantly take a liking to. The waterfront is gorgeous against the mountainous backdrop and it was one of the prettiest places we’ve ever explored. Yet it has so much to offer. With thanks to fellow travel blogger Sarah from TripGourmets: you can see her full post about a city break in Tallinn here. After all, it’s in the heart of the Czech Republic’s wine-growing region, so tours to vineyards are easy to arrange. Put the kettle on. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s owner is strictly prohibited. With culture, sightseeing and shopping in abundance, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable city break holiday with us. East meets West and cultures and religions collide. So everything feels completely authentic – like it should. As the legend goes, it once had so many churches that there was one for every day of the year! And once you’ve had your fill of fjord-based fun, the city is really good to explore and eat your way round. You can read my posts about: Yes, I’ve written absolutely loads about this city, and I bloody love it. It’s all SO well done. I added another few of my own. It is small, so you can easily walk around the historic town hall square, along the city walls and between the fortified towers to learn how they got their humorous names like Fat Margaret and Kiek in de Koek (not as rude as it sounds!). Constanta dates back over 2,000 years, with a rich culture and history to discover. Hello! Dear Readers, In the spirit of keeping things diverse, we are now going to discuss the Travel Trend of city breaks. With thanks to fellow travel blogger Nicholas from Rambling Feet. It took nearly three hours but the views were simply stunning. Synonymous with beach vacations, Cyprus has earned a reputation as a place for tranquility and seaside cocktails. With Douglas being the capital, it’s where most of the island’s best places to eat and drink are. During the 1500s, a half-blind monk was hired to exhume the bones and stack them within the church. Here are a few things to do in the central pedestrian area: see Martinstor and Schwabentor, two old city gates; climb the Münster cathedral tower; visit the historic university; go shopping at the daily outdoor market in Münsterplatz; enjoy kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) in a cute little cafe; or tour the local Ganter brewery. But surely no one goes to Madeira for a city break, I (pretend to) hear you cry. That’s Lub-liana, by the way. The scenery rivals that of the Lake District and Highlands but it doesn’t have the volume of tourists. The Abanotubani area was once home to more than 60 bathhouses. If we talk about Denmark, everyone will surely say ‘Copenhagen!’, but Denmark has so much more than Copenhagen.