Five lesser-known European cities that are ideal for cultural getaways

Major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin draw in tourists from around the globe for a good reason. However, it may also be beneficial to stray from the traditional city break plan.

Away from crowded landmarks, hectic backstreets and thronged downtowns, you could be strolling down boulevards without having to jostle for pavement space, gaily entering a museum without needing to book weeks in advance, or even just getting a seat in a restaurant or bar. Underrated bliss!

One can find destinations that have not been affected by overtourism to be more likely to maintain their original charm, making them even more attractive. Additionally, these destinations typically offer better value for money, opportunities for savings, more affordable attractions, and a less crowded atmosphere. This creates a mutually beneficial scenario.

Fortunately, these destinations are easily accessible by a brief flight or, more ideally, a train ride. Keep reading to discover our top picks for European city getaways that may not have crossed your mind.

Attention all fashion lovers! Antwerp, known for its diamond industry, is also renowned for the innovative designs of the Antwerp Six. This group of six fashion icons, such as Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester, emerged from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the 1980s. Their cutting-edge contributions to high fashion continue to influence the city, as seen in numerous pop-ups, boutiques, and concept stores. Those looking to indulge in some retail therapy should head to Nationalestraat and Kammenstraat for up-and-coming designers and designer labels, and to Meir and Schuttershofstraat for high-street and luxury brands.

Antwerp’s interest in creativity remains strong, as evidenced by the Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA) showcasing visual arts, sculptures, and video installations. The fashion industry is also well represented with the MoMu fashion museum, which reopened in 2022 after a four-year closure. The city’s largest museum, MAS, focuses on the interconnectedness of global cultures and is housed in a 60m high tower of galleries. Another notable museum, Rubenshuis, celebrates the life and work of renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens in his former family home. And finally, after extensive renovations, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts reopened in the fall of 2022, marking 11 years since its closure and a €100m investment.

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In addition to its impressive cultural offerings, Antwerp is known for its indulgent delights: beer and chocolate. While these two may not always be paired together, be sure to visit at least one of the city’s “brown cafes” – charming bars reminiscent of British pubs, featuring cozy atmospheres and a variety of Trappist beers to try. Cheers!

Check out our top picks for Belgium hotels based on customer reviews.

Located along the Ebro River, this ancient metropolis is the fifth most populous in Spain. It boasts two magnificent cathedrals, with the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar as the standout feature. The city also houses elegant palaces in Renaissance style, as well as the fortified Islamic Aljafería palace. Archaeological remnants of Caesar Augusta, the Roman settlement on which Zaragoza was built, can also be found here. Additionally, the city is home to masterful works by renowned 18th-century artist Francisco de Goya, who received his early education in Zaragoza.

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Apart from the stunning architecture and rich history, this city boasts a thriving tapas and bar scene. The El Tubo area, nestled within the old quarter, is highly acclaimed for its diverse and delicious offerings of regional cuisine. However, part of the charm of Zaragoza is walking through the streets and taking a chance on one of the numerous bars that make up the city. Be sure to indulge in the local delicacy of ternasco (baby lamb meat) and pair it with a glass of the region’s wine.

Take a look at our evaluations of the top hotels in Spain.

Avoid the crowded crowds in Dubrovnik, Croatia and instead visit the charming fortified city of Kotor on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro. This beautiful medieval town is nestled among the dramatic Dinaric Alps and is filled with museums, churches, and palaces.

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The Old Town, designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site, is filled with winding, cobblestone streets and Venetian buildings. It can be quite enjoyable to get lost in this area, but if you feel like getting some exercise and admiring stunning views, you can take a hike on the Ladder of Kotor. This former military trail offers excellent views of the coastline and the Bay of Kotor. You can also make a detour and visit San Giovanni Fortress, where you can explore the ruins of a castle from the 14th century. Other notable attractions include St Tryphon’s Cathedral, boat tours, and the town’s unofficial mascots, the cats, who are usually friendly enough to be petted.

Many travelers who visit the Netherlands are drawn to the bustling capital city of Amsterdam, the famous Keukenhof gardens for viewing tulips, or the Kinderdijk windmills recognized by Unesco for their historical significance. However, those seeking a vibrant and less crowded cultural experience should avoid these highly touted destinations and instead head straight to the country’s second-largest city.

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You can easily reach Rotterdam from London on the Eurostar train. It is a city worth a visit, especially for its impressive architecture. During WWII, much of the city was destroyed, but it was rebuilt with a diverse mix of styles. Today, there are various tours that focus on the unique buildings of Rotterdam. You can expect to see a range of structures, from traditional 17th century buildings with steeply pitched roofs, to modern 21st-century creations like Markthal, a food hall and apartment complex shaped like a horseshoe designed by the renowned architects MVRDV. In June, Rotterdam hosts its Architecture Month, shining an even brighter spotlight on the city’s distinct urban style. Last year’s theme was “Liquid City,” which featured a floating festival in the Maashaven area. The festival included three connected barges that serve as a park, sports area, and event space, all accessible through a footbridge.

There’s also Rotterdam’s Rooftop Days Festival in May and June, an annual event replete with rooftop concerts, camping, dining and dancing.For an art fix, Museumpark is home to Kunsthal Rotterdam, a contemporary space celebrating modern works. But best in show has to go to The Depot, the world’s first publicly accessible art depository, which houses the Boijmans Van Beuningen’s vast collection of Dutch works while the water-logged museum is being remodelled.

For those seeking to wander and discover, the vicinity of Blaak station and the riverside near Hotel New York have a charming atmosphere during the day. In contrast, the streets surrounding Witte de Withstraat come to life in the late afternoon and continue into the early morning.

Explore our recommendations for top-rated hotels in the Netherlands.

It’s possible that you’re not familiar with Timisoara, a historic city located in the western part of Romania, but you should be. In 2023, it was designated as one of three European Capitals of Culture. As part of this title, the city organized a busy schedule of cultural activities with the theme “Shine your light! Light up your city!” These activities included art exhibitions, book and vintage fairs, installations, and classical music performances (some of which have continued into early 2024 with current funding in place for expanded events in other parts of the cultural program).

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Aside from its artistic attractions, Timisoara boasts a rich collection of baroque buildings and elegant Secessionist architecture that decorate the historic squares waiting to be explored. Additionally, during the warmer seasons of spring and summer, there are renowned music festivals such as Timisoara Muzicala Festival (featuring classical concerts and opera), JazzTM (showcasing jazz music), and the Plai (celebrating world music), that draw large audiences.

Source: independent.co.uk