How about going a little beyond the obvious and enjoying some cities, famous or not, on your next trip to Europe? The Old Continent has fascinating destinations spread across its 50 countries. To help you choose some, the famous publication Time Out defined 18 destinations that are perfect for a 2-4 day getaway. So keep an eye out and prepare your wish list for your next trip to Europe.
Brighton – England
This English resort still retains the charm of an old Victorian village, but today celebrates the differences. It is known for being a party city, with pebble beaches, full of pubs, alternative restaurants and home to the biggest LGBT Pride celebration in the United Kingdom. A visit to the site can be a good complement to a trip to Londonas the distance between the cities is only 75 km.
Liverpool – England
There is no way to dissociate this city from its historical connection with one of the greatest bands of all time. Liverpool is the hometown of the Beatles, the quartet that won the world over and still attracts the attention of many people today. Fans can visit iconic locations such as the Cavern Club, where the Beatles used to play, and the Beatles Story Museum, which explores the band's history. But Liverpool goes far beyond this with fervent cultural activities, historical and architectural heritage, museums and lots of fun.
Hamburg – Germany
Hamburg is proud of its maritime connection, despite the sea being dozens of kilometers away. The city in the north of the country is home to Germany's main port thanks to its connection to the North Sea via the River Elbe. In addition, Hamburg is full of cultural activities and has a beautiful historic center. Since we are talking about the Beatles in the city listed above, it is worth highlighting that Hamburg hosted one of the English group's first international shows in August 1960.
Tblisi – Georgia
The capital of Georgia surprises everyone who visits it. A place where I was recently and I recommend it to any traveler looking for good food, history, a receptive population, beautiful architecture, medieval churches and a very low price! Tblisi today is a city that easily mixes old and modern and deserves to be on this Time Out list for a quick getaway.
Porto, Portugal
With its hills, striking architecture, delicious food, wine cellars, rich history, parks and views of the Douro River, the Harbor is a charming city in the north of Portugal. Every year it attracts tourists from all over the world and is a great destination for a getaway for a few (or many!) days. In addition to Porto, discover 30 places you need to see in Portugal.
Bihać – Bosnia and Herzegovina
This is a getaway for those who enjoy contact with nature. Bihać is located in the northwestern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to the border with Croatia. Its main attraction is linked to the beautiful and transparent Una River that meanders throughout the region. There are lakes, mountains and waterfalls to explore in this small town founded in the Middle Ages.
Marseille – France
Facing the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is the oldest city in France. Founded in 600 BC by Greek colonists, today the place is a melting pot of culture, mixing European, Arabic and African. Its charming old center, the beautiful marina and, of course, its beaches are the main attractions, as are the cultural and gastronomic activities.
Milan – Italy
Milan is one of those cities that needs no introduction. Dynamic, cosmopolitan, contemporary, historical, these are some adjectives that define the capital of Lombardy, one of the most important cities in the world. Italy in business terms and known worldwide as a fashion and design center. Milan It is perfect for a short trip, like a weekend getaway, but also to be explored calmly, enjoying every corner of this incredible city and its surroundings.
Valletta – Malta
The small walled city, from the 16th century, has a lot to offer and is the gateway for tourists arriving in Malta, one of the smallest countries in the world. This archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea is full of stunning beaches and lots of good food. Valletta is perfect as a spring destination in the northern hemisphere and one of those destinations in Europe where the winter is very mild.
Bilbao – Spain
A city that has recently transformed and attracts more visitors every year. Bilbao, in the Basque Country region in northern Spain, left aside the gloomy and gray atmosphere of an industrial city to revitalize itself and transform itself into an important European cultural, artistic and architectural center. Its most famous tourist spot is the Guggenheim Museum, but Bilbao offers so much more with a rich cultural scene, with a variety of museums, art galleries, theater, as well as delicious Basque cuisine.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona it's too much! According to our guide editor Monique Renne, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the city is a complete tourist destination. The capital of the Catalonia region is full of attractions with museums, beaches, charming squares and streets, vibrant culture, sport and a rich and world-famous architecture adorned by the traces of Antoni Gaudí.
Brno – Czech Republic
With its rich history, vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere, Brno is a city that offers a unique experience for visitors exploring the Czech Republic and wanting to go beyond Prague. The second largest city in the country has a vibe jovial atmosphere reinforced by its large university centers and lively cultural activity with several festivals, including the large International Film Festival.
The third largest city in Finland is located between lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, which are the main meeting points for those looking to swim, boat and enjoy a peaceful day in contact with nature. But Tampere
It is also known for its lively cultural scene, with a variety of theaters, art galleries and festivals throughout the year.
Turku – Finland
Turku is often referred to as the “Paris of Finland”, for its striking architecture, boat trips and vibrant cultural activities particularly in the area of music with several festivals throughout the year. Turku is the oldest city in Finland and was the country's capital until the 19th century. The city is easily accessible by train from Helsinki and by ferry from Stockholm and Tallinn.
Kaunas – Lithuania
In the interwar period, with Vilnius occupied first by the Russians and then by the Poles, this central city was named the temporary capital of Lithuania. For many years Kaunas was one of the hottest places in the country, with a buzzing culture and the unofficial home of modernist architecture. After years in the shadows of the Soviet Union, Kaunas was gradually reborn and is now worth a visit.
Galway – Ireland
Galway is an incredible getaway for those looking to rest and explore Ireland's rugged Atlantic coast. With a medieval feel, the great wealth of this resort lies in its surroundings with opportunities for walking, cycling and outdoor activities, including the Wild Atlantic Way coastal trail, which winds its way along the country's west coast.
Glasgow – Scotland
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and the fourth largest in the United Kingdom. Situated on the bank of the River Clyde, it is an important economic and cultural center. The place has one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world. Shawlands was highlighted by Time Out magazine for its great parks, art, cafe and restaurants.
Trikala – Greece
The centuries-old fortress at the top, the cobblestone streets, traditional buildings, green neighborhoods and picturesque squares today contrast with the modernity that already takes over Trikala, in the central region of Greece. Trikala is considered the first official “smart city” in Greece. Among the actions implemented are: use of driverless buses, bicycle sharing, waste management with sensors, public lighting systems that automatically adjust the brightness.
Did you like the Time Out list? Have you visited any of these cities listed? Leave your comment below.
