In high summer, a city break chock full of cultural tours and high-energy activities might not be what you’re after. But European city breaks don’t have to mean nonstop sightseeing and packed schedules. Laidback lounging is what continental cities do best.
Clement climates mean pleasant public parks, wide piazzas for people-watching and ample roof terraces for a sneaky siesta. So sit back with a little sangria or a small aperitif and plan your next stimulating but meditative city break.
Rome
This is one of those sparkling cities where anything can happen. With fascinating architectural ruins on every corner and shrines to Catholic saints adorning every back street, wandering aimlessly with no destination in mind will reap you many rewards.
Of course The Vatican, the Coliseum and the Pantheon, all within a short bus or taxi ride of each other are must-sees. Don’t visit in scorching July and August. Rome hotels will have many vacancies, but once the locals make their mass summer exodus to the seaside the city is unusually quiet.
Berlin
Berlin is a wild and wonderful city for sampling elegant museums, contemporary galleries and surprisingly good cuisine: if spicy sausages are your thing, you won’t be disappointed. Berlin is a malleable melting point of Turkish, Vietnamese and Italian cultures which means fresh kebabs, notoriously good noodle soup, excellent coffee and creamy handmade ice-cream are widely available throughout the city. The upmarket Mitte district teems with young professionals, tech hipsters and Japanese sushi joints.
Barcelona
Spain holidaysare usually filled with Miro, margaritas and moonlit magic. The tapas everywhere is excellent, especially grilled seafood on Las Ramblas, but it isn’t cheap. To get more for your money, consider renting a cheap villa. A shared self-catering apartment with a pool in a beautiful location offers excellent value for money especially if you’re holidaying in a big group.
San Sebastian
If you’re facing a city versus beach holiday dilemma, this might be just the ticket. The northern part of Spain might offer an alternative beach experience. Cities in the gourmet Basque country, like San Sebastian, are great options for a fun-filled break by the sea with a more rural feel.
Lisbon
With some of the best seafood in Europe on every street corner, Lisbon is one of the most popular destinations. Turn up in November and you’ll be in for one of the warmest winters in Europe. Nautical museums and seaside motifs abound, especially in Portugal hotels which are charmingly rustic. Aim for one with a view of the 16th Century Jerónimos Monastery.
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From Zoë Dawes:
There are so many more really interesting and unusual places apart from these obvious ones (tho I wouldn’t have thought of San Sebastian.) A few I’d recommend include Malmo in Sweden, Reykjavik in Iceland, Jerez in southern Spain, Mahon in Menorca, Bergen in Norway, Prague in Czech Republic, Interlaken in Switzerland, Cork in Ireland and a place I’ve not been to yet but heard so much about – St Petersberg in Russia. So many places to choose from – only one lifetime to experience them…
From Ron:
Prague and Barcelona tie for first place of the ones I’ve visited, although the UK has several great ones too. Vienna is also wonderful but the people are not as friendly as the Czechs or laid-back as the Catalans. Then there are the smaller cities like Ljubljana, Sienna, Bruges or Dublin, all walkable in a day. Rome and Paris are magnificent, of course, but so ubiquitous as to need no mention. I often prefer the secret gems like Bamberg and Regensburg in Bavaria or Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic or many in the south of France [Pezenas, for example.
I could go on for so long!
From Zoë Dawes:
Some great gems here Ron – not heard of Bamberg or Regensberg. Thanks for the ideas
From Ron Creer:
I have friends living in those two Bavarian cities, Zoe, and went there a couple of years ago. Beautiful places and it helps that the beer is superb too, especially in Bamberg!