Do you dare to go somewhere different? Why not try swapping tried and tested travel hotspots for these more under-the-radar hidden gems when planning your next trip?
When considering European city breaks, we all want to take advantage of everything a vibrant and beautiful city has to offer. However, sometimes these popular travel destinations can be very crowded, pricey and it feels like everyone is going there.
Luckily, there are lots of fantastic wildcard alternatives when it comes to finding some amazing European city breaks that offer top-notch attractions, incredible culture and delicious food. Why not consider some of these lesser-visited destinations as an alternative swerve to some of the more obvious choices for European city breaks.
Why not swap the crowds of Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and more for these alternative European city breaks?
Instead of Venice…. Go to Colmar
The fairytale town of Colmar hands down has to be one of France’s prettiest towns and a superb choice for European city breaks. The medieval old town within the city, known as ‘La Petite Venise’ – or little Venice if you please – is a great alternative to the ‘City of Masks’.
Like the Italian city, Colmar has a picturesque canal that runs through the historic centre of the city and cute cobbled streets with an astonishing array of pretty rainbow shades that make for great instagram shots.
It’s like something out of a picture postcard and you can even swap that overpriced gondola ride in Venice for a romantic boat ride along the peaceful and picturesque Lauch river.
Instead of Santorini… go to Naxos
Whilst Santorini is unequivocally one of the most beautiful Greek islands (and yes, it’s obviously not a city, but it’s too good to not include!), there’s also some pretty stellar alternatives to consider. Enter stage left – Naxos! The largest of the Cycladic Islands.
Naxos has an abundance of beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, delicious food and a plethora of fascinating ancient sites as well as the old town to explore.
Situated high on a hilltop and guarded by its Venetian castle stands the capital of Naxos which should definitely be a contender for your list of European city breaks to take.
Naxos has to be one of the most relaxed Greek islands around thanks to its low-key vibe, laid-back expansive sandy beaches and charming olive groves, but there’s also lots of fantastic architecture in the shape of Byzantine churches, ancient temple ruins and the stunning Venetian Castle.
Whether you prefer to relax at a luxury spa resort or go adventuring on or off the water. Naxos is an amazing place for water sports and you can surf, paddle board, jet ski, and more.
Instead of Barcelona… go to Valencia
Valencia is such an underrated city and makes for a great swerve from more-visited cities like Barcelona when considering European city breaks.
It is similar to the Catalonia capital and has so much to offer – incredible beaches, a diverse range of striking architecture and a delightful Old Town which is compact enough to walk around.
There’s also some pretty intriguing attractions to meander around too including the cathedral, the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda and the Palau de les Arts.
If you are a fan of architecture, you will be thoroughly spoiled in Valencia as there’s a real hotchpotch of architectural styles from Gothic to Rococo and Moorish.
There’s also something for lovers of design in the shape of the vibrant street art that can be found at various points in the city, but in particular nestled away throughout sits in contrast in between the charming cobbled streets and the colourful old buildings.
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Valencia is the fantastic food and of course, Valencia is the birthplace of paella which you simply can’t leave the Valencian region without trying this delectable dish.
Instead of Lisbon… go to Krakow
As one of the more cost-effective cities to visit in Europe, Krakow is one of the most up and coming destinations to visit for stellar European city breaks.
Similarly to Lisbon, it has truly beautiful architecture, a plethora of wonderfully cultural things to do and a lively nightlife scene.
From the medieval buildings which includes the iconic gothic-styled church that is St Mary’s Basilica to the fairytale castle with its sumptuous palaces, Krakow is visually stunning but also has a sad and storied history.
A visit to pay your respects at Auschwitz is a sobering and thought-provoking experience and serves as a poignant and stark reminder of the dire conditions Jews faced during the Holocaust.
Make sure you carve out time to enjoy a coffee in the Rynek Glówny which is the largest medieval market square in Europe where you will find a treasure trove of restaurants, café’s, clubs, bars and more.
Instead of Berlin… go to Sofia
For those in the know, the Bulgarian capital of Sofia is going to be one of the most desirable places to visit in 2023 for European city breaks and beyond.
Sofia has drawn many comparisons with Berlin and it’s easy to see why. Like Berlin, it has a real artistic vibe and Sofia has a real quirkiness to it – from random art installations to the hundred plus electricity boxes adorned with street art.
The nightlife of Sofia is almost on par with Berlin, particularly if you love hipster bars and nightclubs when it comes to European city breaks.
No matter what kind of music you like, Club Maze is a great all-rounder for a fantastic night out and is considered to be a bit of a legend in the local nightlife scene in Sofia.
If you love to combine a jaunt to the mountains with a scintillating city break, then Sofia definitely comes up trumps as the majestic Vitosha Mountain which is surrounded by the capitals surrounding forest is a mere 30 minute drive away.
Ideal for hiking and biking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the snowier months, this helps elevate Sofia to be so much more than just another place to take European city breaks.
Instead of Copenhagen… go to Bergen
For scandi-chic European city breaks with a difference where you don’t have to navigate your way through the heaving crowds, why not consider Bergen in Norway which is on the south west coast of the country.
A fantastic alternative to Copenhagen, here you can enjoy all the treasures of Scandinavia, but for a fraction of the price and with less crowds than the Danish capital.
Not only is Bergen the gateway to Norway’s spectacular fjords, the city of Bergen is 100% worth a trip in its own right for every kind of traveller, but especially foodies. But if you are more about activities and culture equally you won’t be disappointed.
From taking a cable car up the Fløyen mountain for the ultimate panoramic shot of the city to checking out the street art and record shops for a serious dose of hipster cool, Bergen is definitely worth putting on your European city breaks hit list.
Instead of Istanbul…. Go to Belgrade
The Serbian capital is certainly comparable to Istanbul, not only does it have some intriguing historical sites, but a great foodie scene and a fantastic nightlife too.
From partying at a floating nightclub down the river Sava to taking in the views from Gardoš in Zemun, there’s so many things to see and do in Belgrade, making it a must-visit for European city breaks for travellers who are seeking something different.
You can’t miss the Kalemegdan Fortress which sits on top of a cliff top perched over the Danube River and includes the Kalemegdan Park, which has an art pavilion where you will find leafy areas to relax in as well as various sculptures and works of art.
Head on over to the more bohemian neighbourhoods of Skadarlija which has some pretty impressive architecture to admire as well as some hipster cafes serving some of the best coffee in the city.
Instead of Paris.. Go to Ljubljana
The Slovenian capital Ljubljana is not only one of the world’s top green capitals, it’s also stunningly beautiful and its cuisine and culture are second to none.
Sounds a bit like Paris? There have been a number of comparisons to the two cities and it’s easy to see why.
The picture-perfect medieval streets are similar to what you would find in Prague as well as the gorgeous architecture and excellent beer.
What more could you want from a city when considering European city breaks that tick all the right boxes?!
Slovenia has a thriving microbrewery scene which is ideal if you are looking for some unique beers, but it is also a fantastic producer of some of the most delicious wines in this region which are produced from some of the oldest-producing vines in Europe.
Foodies will love Ljubljana, thanks to its remarkable cuisine which draws influence from not just Slovenia, but also Hungary, Italy and Austria too.
Make sure you check out the Open Kitchen in the capital on Fridays from mid March where you will find some incredible produce from some of the best artisan providers.
There’s also some fantastic live music and entertainment which makes for an enthralling backdrop to this top-notch foodie experience.
Instead of Amsterdam… go to Sarajevo
For European city breaks that offer incredible energy and a fantastic nightlife, Amsterdam nearly always tops the list of go-to cities, but have you considered Sarajevo?
It has all the buzz of its Dutch counterpart, but is altogether a more cost-effective option.
From the fantastic restaurants to the awe-inspiring scenery and the unique culture, Sarajevo is a treasure trove for every traveller.
A visit to the old bazaar of Baščaršija which is the historical and cultural centre of the city is an absolute must where you can shop, drink coffee and simply watch the world go by.
Outdoorsy types will love a sojourn to the mountains. The dynamic peaks of the Dinaric Alps loom majestically over the city making for both superb skiing in winter and wonderful for hiking in the warmer months.
Climb to the top of Trebević where you can attain the most mesmerising views of Sarajevo and beyond.
Instead of Stockholm… go to Helsinki
When weighing up whether to visit Stockholm or Helsinki for your next European city breaks, if you are a fan of contemporary design, Helsinki has to be a pretty stellar choice! But, both cities have picturesque waterfronts, vibrant design districts and an impressive range of cultural activities.
Architectural must-sees in Helsinki include the Cathedral, the ‘Rock Church’ and the UNESCO World Heritage sea fortress of Suomenlinna.
Helsinki is also home to a fantastic selection of incredible restaurants, interesting museums and amazing green spaces.
Head over to Suomenlinna’s King’s Gate and take a boat to Lonna Island where you can enjoy an invigorating sauna and a refreshing dip in the sea before sampling the restaurant’s modern take on traditional Finnish food.
It’s arguable that Helsinki has taken the crown as Scandinavia’s food capital, especially with the ‘New Nordic’ movement culinary scene and offers an astonishing range and quality of restaurants that you will most definitely want to take advantage of.
Instead of Prague… go to Gdansk
If you’re looking for European city breaks that are cost effective, Prague is always a stellar option.
However, if you are looking for intriguing European city breaks that won’t break the bank, then Gdansk must surely top your list in 2023.
One of the prettiest cities in Poland, Gdansk makes for an incredibly cheap yet a really enchanting getaway.
Think pastel coloured houses in a range of varying architectural styles, picturesque streets, Gdansk has so many things to marvel at including gorgeous historical relics, beautiful beach fronts and more.
Gdańsk is a city steeped in history and brimming with exciting things to do which includes exploring the street art of the Zaspa neighbourhood, drinking in ‘beer street’ and a visit to the beautiful harbour front.
Instead of Venice…. Go to Colmar
The fairytale town of Colmar hands down has to be one of France’s prettiest towns and a superb choice for European city breaks.
The medieval old town within the city, known as ‘La Petite Venise’ – or little Venice if you please – is a great alternative to the ‘City of Masks’.
Like the Italian city, Colmar has a picturesque canal that runs through the historic centre of the city and cute cobbled streets with an astonishing array of pretty rainbow shades that make for great instagram shots.
It’s like something out of a picture postcard and you can even swap that overpriced gondola ride in Venice for a romantic boat ride along the peaceful and picturesque Lauch river.
Instead of Santorini… go to Naxos
Whilst Santorini is unequivocally one of the most beautiful Greek islands (and yes, it’s obviously not a city, but it’s too good to not include!), there’s also some pretty stellar alternatives to consider.
Enter stage left – Naxos! The largest of the Cycladic Islands. Naxos has an abundance of beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, delicious food and a plethora of fascinating ancient sites as well as the old town to explore.
Situated high on a hilltop and guarded by its Venetian castle stands the capital of Naxos which should definitely be a contender for your list of European city breaks to take.
Naxos has to be one of the most relaxed Greek islands around thanks to its low-key vibe, laid-back expansive sandy beaches and charming olive groves, but there’s also lots of fantastic architecture in the shape of Byzantine churches, ancient temple ruins and the stunning Venetian Castle.
Whether you prefer to relax at a luxury spa resort or go adventuring on or off the water. Naxos is an amazing place for watersports and you can surf, paddle board, jet ski, and more.
Instead of Barcelona… go to Valencia
Valencia is such an underrated city and makes for a great swerve from more-visited cities like Barcelona when considering European city breaks. It is similar to the Catalonia capital and has so much to offer – incredible beaches, a diverse range of striking architecture and a delightful Old Town which is compact enough to walk around.
There’s also some pretty intriguing attractions to meander around too including the cathedral, the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda and the Palau de les Arts.
If you are a fan of architecture, you will be thoroughly spoiled in Valencia as there’s a real hotchpotch of architectural styles from Gothic to Rococo and Moorish.
There’s also something new for the lover of design in the shape of the vibrant street art that can be found at various points in the city, but in particular nestled away throughout sits in contrast in between the charming cobbled streets and the colourful old buildings.
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Valencia is the fantastic food and of course, Valencia is the birthplace of paella which you simply can’t leave the Valencian region without trying this delectable dish.
Instead of Lisbon… go to Krakow
As one of the more cost-effective cities to visit in Europe, Krakow is one of the most up and coming destinations to visit for stellar European city breaks.
Similarly to Lisbon, it has truly beautiful architecture, a plethora of wonderfully cultural things to do and a lively nightlife scene.
From the medieval buildings which includes the iconic gothic-styled church that is St Mary’s Basilica to the fairytale castle with its sumptuous palaces, Krakow is visually stunning but also has a sad and storied history.
A visit to pay your respects at Auschwitz is a sobering and thought-provoking experience and serves as a poignant and stark reminder of the dire conditions Jews faced during the Holocaust.
Make sure you carve out time to enjoy a coffee in the Rynek Glówny which is the largest medieval market square in Europe where you will find a treasure trove of restaurants, café’s, clubs, bars and more.
Instead of Berlin… go to Sofia
For those in the know, the Bulgarian capital of Sofia is going to be one of the most desirable places to visit in 2023 for European city breaks and beyond. Sofia has drawn many comparisons with Berlin and it’s easy to see why.
Like Berlin, it has a real artistic vibe and Sofia has a real quirkiness to it – from random art installations to the hundred plus electricity boxes adorned with street art.
The nightlife of Sofia is almost on par with Berlin, particularly if you love hipster bars and nightclubs.
No matter what kind of music you like, Club Maze is a great all-rounder for a fantastic night out and is considered to be a bit of a legend in the local nightlife scene in Sofia.
If you love to combine a jaunt to the mountains with a scintillating city break, then Sofia definitely comes up trumps as the majestic Vitosha Mountain which is surrounded by the capitals surrounding forest is a mere 30 minute drive away.
Ideal for hiking and biking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the snowier months, this helps elevate Sofia to be so much more than just another place to take European city breaks.
Instead of Copenhagen… go to Bergen
For scandi-chic European city breaks with a difference where you don’t have to navigate your way through the heaving crowds, why not consider Bergen in Norway which is on the south west coast of the country.
A fantastic alternative to Copenhagen, here you can enjoy all the treasures of Scandinavia, but for a fraction of the price and with less crowds than the Danish capital.
Not only is Bergen the gateway to Norway’s spectacular fjords, the city of Bergen is 100% worth a trip in its own right for every kind of traveller, but especially foodies. But if you are more about activities and culture equally you won’t be disappointed.
From taking a cable car up the Fløyen mountain for the ultimate panoramic shot of the city to checking out the street art and record shops for a serious dose of hipster cool, Bergen is definitely worth putting on your European city breaks hit list.
Instead of Istanbul…. Go to Belgrade
The Serbian capital is certainly comparable to Istanbul, not only does it have some intriguing historical sites, but a great foodie scene and a fantastic nightlife too.
From partying at a floating nightclub down the river Sava to taking in the views from Gardoš in Zemun, there’s so many things to see and do in Belgrade, making it a must-visit for European city breaks for travellers who are seeking something different.
You can’t miss the Kalemegdan Fortress which sits on top of a cliff top perched over the Danube River and includes the Kalemegdan Park, which has an art pavilion where you will find leafy areas to relax in as well as various sculptures and works of art.
Head on over to the more bohemian neighbourhoods of Skadarlija which has some pretty impressive architecture to admire as well as some hipster cafes serving some of the best coffee in the city.
Instead of Paris.. Go to Ljubljana
The Slovenian capital Ljubljana is not only one of the world’s top green capitals, it’s also stunningly beautiful and its cuisine and culture are second to none.
Sounds a bit like Paris? There have been a number of comparisons to the two cities and it’s easy to see why. The picture-perfect medieval streets are similar to what you would find in Prague as well as the gorgeous architecture and excellent beer. What more could you want from a city when considering European city breaks that tick all the right boxes?!
Slovenia has a thriving microbrewery scene which is ideal if you are looking for some unique beers, but it is also a fantastic producer of some of the most delicious wines in this region which are produced from some of the oldest-producing vines in Europe.
Foodies will love Ljubljana, thanks to its remarkable cuisine which draws influence from not just Slovenia, but also Hungary, Italy and Austria too.
Make sure you check out the Open Kitchen in the capital on Fridays from mid March where you will find some incredible produce from some of the best artisan providers.
There’s also some fantastic live music and entertainment which makes for an enthralling backdrop to this top-notch foodie experience.
Instead of Amsterdam… go to Sarajevo
For European city breaks that offer incredible energy and a fantastic nightlife, Amsterdam nearly always tops the list of go-to cities, but have you considered Sarajevo?
It has all the buzz of its Dutch counterpart, but is altogether a more cost-effective option. From the fantastic restaurants to the awe-inspiring scenery and the unique culture, Sarajevo is a treasure trove for every traveller.
A visit to the old bazaar of Baščaršija which is the historical and cultural centre of the city is an absolute must where you can shop, drink coffee and simply watch the world go by.
Outdoorsy types will love a sojourn to the mountains. The dynamic peaks of the Dinaric Alps loom majestically over the city making for both superb skiing in winter and wonderful for hiking in the warmer months. Climb to the top of Trebević where you can attain the most mesmerising views of Sarajevo and beyond.
Instead of Stockholm… go to Helsinki
When weighing up whether to visit Stockholm or Helsinki for your next European city breaks, if you are a fan of contemporary design, Helsinki has to be a pretty stellar choice! But, both cities have picturesque waterfronts, vibrant design districts and an impressive range of cultural activities.
Architectural must-sees in Helsinki include the Cathedral, the ‘Rock Church’ and the UNESCO World Heritage sea fortress of Suomenlinna.
Helsinki is also home to a fantastic selection of incredible restaurants, interesting museums and amazing green spaces.
Head over to Suomenlinna’s King’s Gate and take a boat to Lonna Island where you can enjoy an invigorating sauna and a refreshing dip in the sea before sampling the restaurant’s modern take on traditional Finnish food.
It’s arguable that Helsinki has taken the crown as Scandinavia’s food capital, especially with the ‘New Nordic’ movement culinary scene and offers an astonishing range and quality of restaurants that you will most definitely want to take advantage of.
Instead of Prague… go to Gdansk
If you’re looking for European city breaks that are cost effective, Prague is always a stellar option.
However, if you are looking for an intriguing city break that won’t break the bank, then Gdansk must surely top your list in 2023. One of the prettiest cities in Poland, Gdansk makes for an incredibly cheap yet a really enchanting getaway.
Think pastel coloured houses in a range of varying architectural styles, picturesque streets, Gdansk has so many things to marvel at including gorgeous historical relics, beautiful beach fronts and more.
Gdańsk is a city steeped in history and brimming with exciting things to do which includes exploring the street art of the Zaspa neighbourhood, drinking in ‘beer street’ and a visit to the beautiful harbour front.
