If you’ve done it, been there with Paris, Barcelona and Rome, but you fancy a few days away before the summer – here are my five suggestions for lovely cities I've visited that are great destinations you may not have considered. I do love a good city break – because you cram quite a bit in, you feel as though you’ve been away much longer than you actually have. For me, any city break destinations needs to deliver on three fronts: interesting historic sights, great bars and restaurants and good shopping.
Toulouse, France. I spent a year in this lovely city on my year abroad as part of my French degree, and I highly recommend it for a short break. Called “La Ville Rose” (the pink city) it’s the capital of the Occitania region and 3 Unesco World Heritage Sites dot the terracotta streets: the Canal du Midi, the impressive Roman Basilica of St. Sernin, and former hospital, Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques. One of my favourite spots is the impressive medieval Couvent des Jacobins with its amazing interior and lovely cloisters. And there are numerous excellent restaurants and bars and some great boutiques when you get tired of sightseeing. A tango festival comes to Toulouse in July, and jazz bars and speakeasies by the Garonne River come alive for summer in a fusion of French nightlife that’s not to be missed.
Stockholm, Sweden. Stockholm is a beautiful city - I've visited in the heart of winter and in late summer and enjoyed both visits equally. Spread across 14 islands, all connected by bridges, the city really comes into its own in the spring and summer when the loveliest way to explore is by boat. Float from the historic old town, Gamla Stan, on Stadsholmen to artsy Södermalm (don’t miss the excellent Fotografiska gallery, housed in a former customs building on the waterfront), then on to the green oasis of Djurgården island, where you’ll also find the ABBA museum which is a lot of fun even if you’re not a fan. And the food is universally excellent here – albeit quite pricey.
Bologna, Italy. Bologna boasts medieval architecture, stylish boutiques and, more importantly, some of Italy’s very best food – not least, this is the birthplace of bolognese (though here they call it ragu). In fact the Italians call this city “La Grassa” (the Fat One)! As well as eating very well, there are plenty of sights to explore in the city's medieval heart and Bologna is also famous for its hundreds of porticoes or portici. There are 62km of them around the city, where you can literally stroll under through history. And they're particularly useful if it's wet! These were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
Ljubljana, Slovenia. This city is a hidden gem that boasts romantic bridges, lively squares, and an enchanting medieval old town. Wander through car-free streets lined with pastel-hued buildings, quaint cafes, and artisan shops, where a sense of tranquillity pervades. Admire the fairytale-like Ljubljana Castle perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city below. With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals, Ljubljana is a refreshing alternative to the crowds of other European cities, promising a truly unforgettable journey through the heart of Slovenia.
Cordoba, Spain. Often overlooked for neighbouring Seville, Cordoba is a Roman city that became a centre of Islam in the Middle Ages and it’s a fascinating meeting point of cultures. You can see this in the majestic architecture strewn around its cobbled streets, with a particular highlight being the Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba, a Unesco world heritage site that began life as a mosque before becoming a cathedral. Equally interesting is the food scene, which borrows from the Muslim, Jewish and Spanish heritage of the people who now call this city home. Home to a thriving flamenco scene, Cordoba is also the place where you can visit Centro Flamenco Fosforito, a museum charting the history of the dance with free performances.
Get in touch if you've got a city break in your sights for next year and you'd like to discuss interesting options.
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